Messrs. King, King, & Co. have kindly undertaken to have sola topees waiting your arrival, as requested by telegram, and also to deliver letters on board.
I am asking King, King, & Co. to wire to me whenever the steamer is sighted, and again so soon as they ascertain how many of the corps are with you—officers and men—on board. This is necessary and desired, as there is some inconsistency between the military telegraphic information and that received by me from you with regard to your numbers.
Let me know the date and hour when you will leave Bombay, and the date and hour when you will reach Howrah; also where, and on what dates, telegrams will reach you when crossing India.
I shall not ascertain the programme and details of your reception until after the 27th, and I shall have to wire all this.
Bombay may wish to entertain you, and in accepting their hospitality be sure that their arrangements will bring you to Calcutta in time to take part in the Proclamation Parade on the Maidan on the morning of January 1.
It is doubtful if we can mount you. That remains to be seen. If we cannot do so, the corps must march past, and will probably be formed into a guard of honour to His Excellency thereafter.
Have you got your arms with you?
Is there anything in the matter of furnishing that the members of the corps require on arrival?
I shall be very glad to see you, old fellow, and join in the hurrahs that are waiting for you.
Please remember me to all your officers and to the members of the corps.