Now for your gratification. Poor dear Juana, who was on an elephant under the fire of cannon, is to be “Lady.” Poor dear old wife, she has been very far from well for some time. The Commander-in-Chief, who is a very warm-hearted fellow, says he insures me the K.C.B., which will please you more than me.... We are also to have a brass star for every officer and soldier made out of the captured cannon, and as Juana is again a heroine, I want a gold star to be made at the jeweller’s who makes mine, according to the sketch enclosed, which she would wear as a brooch, the enamel part representing the ribbon.
May God bless you all is the fervent prayer of all us stars of Gwalior!
Faithfully your brother,
Harry.
As you have fancy in such things, make me out some sort of arms for approval; but I like my present crest of all things, as it resembles a game-cock; and remember I am Sir Harry Smith—none of your Henries.—H. G. S.
Camp Umbala, 18 March, 1844.
My dearest Alice,
You must forgive me this post, but what with marching, my report going home, etc., I have a mass of papers and business on my table, which must be cleared to-day. For I never have one thing any one day that I do not finish; and my table every evening is as clear as an Indian sky. God bless you all!
Harry.
Simla, 1 July, 1844.