Simla, 7th Sept. 1842.
The great Lord arrived yesterday. The Staff and Commander-in-Chief were ordered to his Lordship’s own house to receive him. I was the only person introduced. He came up in a most ready manner, shook hands, and said, “I am delighted to make your acquaintance, General Smith. I have heard a great deal about you indeed.” I was very near laughing and saying, “I hope no harm,” but as Great Moghul he is our king. He is a wild fellow, depend on it. His A.D.C.’s are all great friends of mine. I hear his Lordship prides himself on his military ability. It is more than my note and its continuation[269] are inclined to do. Oh, the grievous procedure since November last!
Simla, 15th Oct. 1842.
You will rejoice to learn that Lord E. has taken a great fancy to me and treats me quite as an old friend. Upon the receipt of any news of importance he will run down to my house to tell me or write a note. I have had frequent long conversations with his Lordship. He has a perfect knowledge of the affairs and state of India and the mode to preserve it, and, although he jumps to very rapid conclusions, they are usually just and accurate, therefore cease to be classed as errors.
I have done two or three military things for him with which he was highly satisfied, and in the military shows and spectacles he proposes for our camp at Ferozepore upon the return of the army at the Indus and the reception of the monarch of Lahore, Shere Singh, his Lordship tells me I must be prepared to assist him.
... Once more adieu, dear sister. How I long once more to visit my native land! What a period of banishment has mine been! Out of thirty-seven years’ service, I have only been six in Great Britain, five of that in Scotland.
Ferozepore, 15th December, 1842.
My Dear Alice,
It is not often I complain of a want of time, but I may venture this mail to do so, such humbug, as well as serious matters, am I engaged in. Our Moghul is non-compos, as sure as eggs are the produce of fowls, with all his pomp and trash, to meet an army of imaginary victors.
Loodhiana, 17th Jan. 1843.