182 MAJOR W. HODSON. 



prevent his most successfully carrying out the object 

 in view. ... It is impossible to do otherwise than 

 believe that this officer's numerous qualifications are 

 virtually lost to the State by his being employed 

 as a regimental subaltern, as he is fitted for, and 

 capable of doing great justice to, any staff situation ; 

 and I am convinced that, should his Excellency 

 receive with approval this solicitation to confer on 

 him some appointment suited to the high ability, 

 energy, and zeal which I fear I have but imperfectly 

 brought to notice, it would be as highly advan- 

 tageous to the service as gratifying to myself. An 

 officer whose superior mental acquirements are fully 

 acknowledged by all who know him ; who has ably 

 performed the duties of a civil magistrate in a 

 disturbed district ; whose knowledge of engineering 

 has been practically brought into play in the con- 

 struction of a fort on the north-western frontier ; 

 whose gallant conduct in command of a regiment 

 in many a smart engagement has been so highly 

 commended, and by such competent authorities, — is 

 one whom I have confidence in recommending for 

 advancement : and in earnestly, yet most respect- 

 fully, pressing the recommendation, I plead this 

 officer's high qualifications as my best apology. . . . 

 — I have, &c., J. Welchman, Lieut. -Col. 



Commanding \st Bengal Fusiliers^ 



The 1st Fusiliers had gone down to Ambala to 

 take part in the winter camp of exercise under 

 Brigadier-General Johnstone, commanding the Sir- 

 hind Division. In appending his counter-signature 

 to Welchman's appeal, the Brigadier-General begged 

 " to accompany Colonel Welchman's letter with a 



