326 MAJOR W. HODSON. 



between tlie two camps, and to make arrangements 

 for ensuring the safety of the roads and protecting 

 the convoys, on which the existence of the army 

 depends. The worst part of it is I cannot ride, 

 and have had for the first time in my life to do 

 outpost duty in a dog-cart ! driving across country 

 to post vedettes and pickets, &c." 



On the 8th he is over again in the chief's camp, 

 looking for letters and hoping to see Napier. Fail- 

 ing in both quests, he goes on to breakfast and 

 "a long chat with that pleasantest of persons. Sir 

 Edward Lugard." While there he had a letter from 

 Norman, then adjutant -general, to say that his 

 stepson, Eeginald Mitford, had been appointed to 

 do duty with Hodson's Horse. "I can but think 

 he is too young; but if he must see hard service 

 so early, better with me than elsewhere. God 

 grant it may be for his good.^ I am looking for 

 the end with an eager longing for rest which I 

 cannot control" 



On March 9th he seeks to allay his wife's fears 

 on his behalf by reminding her that " our force 

 extends now round three sides nearly of Lucknow — 

 the extreme right of our position, or rather camps, 

 being at least nine miles from the left ; so that 

 engagements occur at one part which those at the 

 other never perhaps hear of till next day ! Indeed 

 I have not been on horseback since the 25th, as 

 I am forced to save myself for emergencies. If 

 anything important occurs, be sure I will send 



1 " I never saw him again," writes General Mitford, " as the tele- 

 gram from the adjutant-general appointing me to Hodson's Horse 

 was followed next day by one from Mansfield (by order of Sir Colin) 

 telling me of his deatli." 



