may perhaps prove gratifying to him. I intend writing to him myself. He also congratulated me on obtaining my lieutenancy, though up to this moment the confirmation of it has not reached this country. I hope no expressions in any of my letters has given rise in your mind to the idea that I have ceased-to maintain the same friendship for Major Douglas which formerly existed; so far from such being the case, that I can assure you it has more and more increased, and if sentiments and actions are proofs of sincerity, I think I have every right to affirm that no circumstance is ever likely to occur, sufficiently powerful, to break off or even diminish it. You may recollect that he brought young H to a Court-martial, by which the latter was found guilty, though leniently treated. Can you believe this fact: Major Douglas has had in his house for the last six months the daughter of Major H. The sister of this very officer. A man whom he does not and would not speak to; his conduct has been so unnatural. The one has shown a trait, which, as it is rare, is therefore the more to be admired; the other has proved himself bereft of that quality which even the brute creation acknowledges and respects-I mean natural affection. I instance this to show that my partiality has not been produced from mere mutual likeness of opinions, which often change by time and circumstances. I think that a person possessing solid qualities as above, have not only a claim to respect and esteem, but that it must be inherent in his nature to cherish those feelings towards another, which have not been the offsprings of whim or caprice. A calm pervades the fortunes of this country-the object of our operations having been gained; how long this is to last is doubtful. With a handful of men we have accomplished our enterpise; which, had there been a resolute skilful enemy to oppose us, would have proved a task of no little danger and difficulty. It is consoling to know that there is a fair prospect of providing for William and Robert. It will be a great lightening of the load. Hoping that affairs will continue prosperous, and consequently conduce more to happiness and ease of mind, I am, my dear Father, With love and affectionate remembrance to you all, Your affectionate and ever dutiful Son, J. S. CUMMING. P.S.-I hope William and Robert will each write me a long letter. July 3rd, Wednesday, 1839.-Nothing of interest to occupy the attention. Overland expected daily; ought to have arrived a week ago. Weather is pleasant; neither cold nor hot, though more inclined towards the latter. The rains are very backward this season; it generally rains a little towards evening. Going to dine chez D—— this Devening. T.'s to be there. Anticipate a treat; they are such droll people. Rather lazy, so must leave off. July 6th, Saturday.-Nothing of consequence. Overland daily expected. Delightful weather; have begun to take morning rides—generally a large party of us— -four or five gentlemen and three or four ladies. Not paid for my house, but intend doing so soon. Confirmation of my lieutenancy not yet come from England. No letter from sisters since last October, 1838; very vexatious. Friday, July 12th, 1839.-Overland arrived, but no news. Got a letter from Mr. B- of Gloucester Place, recommending a soldier of the regiment to my notice. Must see about it. No letter from home; very vexatious. Rains have just set in-very late. Nothing to interest one-all dulness and monotony; however, I do not feel it, having plenty of books to read. Here ends my writing. Friday, July 19th, 1839.-A second Overland came on the 17th, two months from England, bringing important news. Ministry out. Peel would take office only on his own terms, which were just and proper. The Queen obstinate he refused. Melbourne and colleagues are in again. This is the full extent of the news. However, Melbourne cannot remain in, having lost the confidence of parliament and people. Received a letter from Harriet, dated October 10th, 1838, but not dispatched until January, 1839. She has been very ill, but now well, that is a consolation; how deeply I have been taught to sympathise with her. William and Robert in college while awaiting their commissions. William noted in February, 1839, by Lord Hill. Robert has some expectation of a cadetship to this country. I congratulate him, while I feel more than regret at the prospect of his coming out here. It is then that I anticipate the commencement of his miseries and sufferings. My congratulation arises from the fact, that he will then be no longer a burden to his family, and his departure will thus tend to increase the comforts of those whom he has left behind. No news-nothing stirring to rouse or amuse one. Hazerabagh, August 5th, 1839. My dear Harriet-I received yours dated October 10th, 1838, and January 19th, 1839, on the 22nd of July, which gave me the greatest pleasure from the knowledge that you have at last recovered the principal blessing here, health; I thought ould Ireland would still respect one of her daughters. I think since I left England there must have been existing between us a kind of what the mesmerist calls Rapport, by which the sensibilities of one person are affected sympathetically by those of another, at whatever time and distance. We have each suffered from illness at the same period, each are now again tasting the returning pleasures of health; the fever with which you had been seized, seems to have done more good than otherwise, as is often the case, at least in this country-you can now once more participate in the enjoyment of the drive, and even take your daily walk, with an ardour increased by the feelings of recovered strength and vigour. I am delighted to know that you are so well, and I have only one wish, that of actual not ideal presence; the latter is a poor substitution, though it even proves some consolation. I can fancy you roaming over your domain, or perhaps looking around from one of the hills that encircle Magheracloone, fancying yourself the queen of all you survey. I might do the same here, but I would give the whole that comes within the compass of my glance, for the sight of one solitary acre there. However, this place approaches more to England than any other station in India, and when the time arrives for moving from it, will be a period of regret to us all. I will be exchanging an airy room for a raging furnace; here ten months of enjoyable life, there ten months of a mere existence-this is not exaggerating it, one can form no proper idea of the mode of life in India, without coming to participate in it. I am always up in the morning at five o'clock, either to perform my regimental duties, or to take a long ride in the country, which I never neglect. The hour of retiring to rest is generally ten o'clock, so that you see the active day here is much longer than in England, but many sleep three or four hours in the middle of the day; this habit I have not yet contracted, I do not indeed approve of it; books are my resources in passing the day, and having been some time accustomed to the confinement of the house, I can now never induce myself to go out during the day except in necessity. The letter dated February 1839, which came from the governor, reached me prior to yours dated above. The subpoena business proved a mere fright, but you know I should have been awkwardly situated with regard to them had it taken effect. Many rumours are floating about of a Burmese war, and of one also with the Nepaulese; look over the map, and you will see how peculiarly we are situated with regard to them a war with both those powers is ultimately certain, at present very doubtful, notwithstanding reports abroad. John Company has quite enough in the North West to occupy him, however, when that business is off his hands, he will then turn and crush these foes in the opposite quarters, their fate is merely postponed two or three years. I have not given up the hope that you will send the pictures; I am most anxious for them, but I suppose I must not press you at present, as you are engaged upon an interesting subject. Pray do you intend preserving the copy in remembrance of the original; you have raised, not satisfied my curiosity, so much so, that it is very troublesome; first one idea arises, then another, thoughts after thoughts suggest themselves, but in vain, I am just where I began: you at last know how to teach patience, but I am afraid I am a bad scholar, for I assure you I am on the rack for the next letter. I am glad to hear you have joined an amusement so congenial to your taste, the harp,-you have then discarded the piano; the latter would be to me a novelty-I never hear it. However, one of our ladies plays and sings delightfully on the guitar, she is the wife of Major and as I am frequently chez-lui, I have an opportunity of listening; she is a peculiar person, with uncommon talents, though not cultivated: she is a Dutch lady, and when he married her she could not speak, read or write the English language; but now she wonders that she has totally forgotten her own tongue, and is as perfect in that one which was before so strange to her, as if she had been taught it from childhood. You tell me nothing of friends either in Dublin or London; I like to know how the distant world are getting on; I received a letter Overland from Mr. B- but he gives |