The state of unrest with reference to affairs in the Punjab continued to increase, the likelihood of war next cold season appearing the greater from the facts that military stores were ordered to be collected at Umballah and Ferozepore, means of transport arranged for, and troops of various arms warned to proceed towards the frontier. Meanwhile, Lord Ellenborough was recalled, and Lord Hardinge reigned as Governor-General in his stead.
At the end of April, in obedience to orders, I started away to rejoin the Buffs, who had returned to Allahabad. The first part of the journey thither was performed by horse transit, then recently introduced--the palanquin placed upon a four-wheeled truck or cart, drawn by a single horse at the rate of seven miles per hour; for as yet railways had not been introduced into India. The latter part of the journey was by ordinary “palkee dâk”; and so, in due course, I was again with the happy regiment to which properly I belonged.
In charge--Routine--Orders for England--Volunteering--Getting ready--Departure--Chunar--Benares--Sarnath--Ramdeela--29th Regiment--Ghazepore--Buxar--Dinapore--Patna--Granary--62nd Regiment--Cholera--Monghyr--Hospitality--Bhaugulpore--Rajmahal--A reckless soldier--Corporal punishment--Berhampore--A Gwalior hostage--Plassee--Transport--Party of 10th Regiment--“Rejected”-- Chandernagore--Calcutta--Preparations--The bronze star--The “Monarch”--St. Helena--Garrison--Slave ships--Longwood--Napoleon’s grave--Courage at sea--England.
Routine of duty, and responsibilities connected with what was called “full charge” of the regiment, now devolved upon me. Much had to be learnt in respect to official matters relating to my new position, nor could it be so except from so-called “subordinates” attached in those days to hospitals pertaining to British troops; to them I had, therefore, to refer, and from them gain needed information.
The aspect of cantonments during the next few months much resembled that of the previous hot season: pleasure and gaiety at suitable times, but not to interfere with duty. Among the soldiers unhappily there occurred, as before, great sickness and mortality, the line of new-made graves in the cemetery filled the previous year, and then numbering sixty, being duplicated and exceeded by one on this occasion.