Letters from India Volume II/To the Countess of Buckinghamshire 4
My dearest Sister,— and Lord Jocelyn, after sundry delays from gales and want of steamers, sailed in the ‘Conway’ this morning. There is still such a high south wind that I have no idea they will get beyond Kedgeree for two or three days.
You cannot think how well we are getting through the hot season; it is quite different. from any we have seen before, though they say it was the same last year; but there is a storm every other day, and about four o’clock it is quite cool, and the evening drive, instead of a trouble, is an absolute pleasure. I suppose this cannot last, but we have arrived at the 5th of May without any suffering to speak of since the first fortnight we came, and the real rains begin in June. This is another reason for going home without fail next year—that the country may leave a favourable impression, or at least its most favourable impression.
I have taken a much wiser line this time—never walk, nor ride, nor move about at all, but just read and write and keep cool; and then all the sleep that was due to me for three years’ marching I am paying up now. It is so pleasant to have a good night. I shall always respect marching for making me like Calcutta, and making me feel the advantage of a quiet room, with books and tables and chairs all clean and in the same place every day.
God bless you, dearest sister!