FROM DELHI TO UMBALA. 285 



On the next day Hodson received "a very nice 

 and welcome letter from Grant, dated Calcutta, 5th 

 September. He had had a long talk about me 

 with Mr Talbot, who told him that General Anson's 

 representations had done much good, and that it 

 was admitted on all hands that my exculpation 

 in re the Guides was complete, and that no higher 

 or more flattering testimonials were ever seen ; so 

 that, please God, I shall be righted at last, — and 

 justice is all I want." 



At Karnaud the column halted for several days. 

 Hodson himself was not sorry for the rest. " My 

 men and horses were beginning to sufi'er. I had 

 this morning thirty - eight men and forty - three 

 horses sick ! My ankle gives me so much pain 

 that I have been forced to take to a small pony 

 to ride even about camp, so as to avoid walking 

 even for fifty yards. I believe it will be good for 

 a sick certificate." 



During the halt at Karnaud a certain Khuda 

 Baksh brought into Hodson "untold money and 

 bullion which he digs up, and is very indignant 

 because I insist on its being handed over as prize- 

 money. 



" The detached state of this regiment is enough 

 to ruin it. Three troops are at Agra, or there- 

 abouts, under Hugh Gough ; the sick and depot 

 at Delhi, and portions of five troops here ; but it 

 seriously increases the difficulty of managing a 

 totally new regiment, and it is hardly fair either 

 to the men or to the commanding officer. I have 

 remonstrated, but I suppose with very little effect, 

 as I have had no answer. I trust, indeed, I may 

 get all together and go towards Oudh." 



