APPENDIX A. 381 



proof of the honesty of the record, though sad evidence of 

 its not having been carefully checked. 



7. In forwarding the papers to the military secretary to 

 the Chief Commissioner, I have noted all the items which 

 are, I consider, irrecoverable or doubtful : they include those 

 you allude to. The amount under both heads, however, 

 will not exceed 250 rupees, and the bulk of the balance 

 ought to be realised without difficulty. 



8. Now I am going to say what you must know full well 

 — namely, that the task that has employed me more or less 

 during the whole time that I have been with the regiment 

 has been a most uncomfortable one, as it has placed me to 

 a certain extent in the position of a scrutiniser, and in a 

 slight measure condemner, of the acts of men whose services 

 to Government have been greater than my own. I hope I 

 need not say that the duty would never have been entered 

 into as fully as it has but for the hope of assisting a man 

 whose case had been submitted to me, and whom I believe 

 to be to a great extent a victim of circumstances, while 

 I considered his honour clear in all that came under my 

 notice. 



9. The whole papers in Lieutenant Hodson's case go in 

 to-day, and a copy of this letter accompanies them. — I have 

 the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 



Eeynell G. Taylor, Major, 

 late officiating Commandant Guide Corps. 



True copy. 



Eeynell G. Taylor, Major, 

 Deputy Commissioner. 



