ay, or were
introduced to me before the Meeting, was the successor to Chunder
Singh and the two most prominent teachers of the Brahmo Samaj, and
a number of other leading people. On the platform was the Judge of
the Supreme Court and Vice-Chancellor of the University, and one of
the few Hindus who are strict observers of every principle and
usage of their sect. Near to me was the Nawal Abdool Luteef
(Mohammedan), and just behind me was a boy of about fourteen, a son
and heir of a Maharajah whose father had intended to have been at
the Meeting, but was prevented, and so sent his son, a bright-eyed
youth who paid every attention to what was said.

"General Merrill had consented to preside at the last moment, being
induced to do so very largely from the fact that every one of the
English of any note had refused.

"Bombay, _January 16th_.

"I broke off at the beginning of my Calcutta Campaign as above, not
having had a moment's space to resume. Never had I such a crush of
engagements before, and it was really all I could possibly do to
keep pace with them, and that I only did to some extent in a
poorish way.

"The detail of them I must leave to another day.

"I may say, however, that Calcutta in interest exceeded anything I
have seen since I left England. From the rush of welcome at the
railway station at six in the morning, to the pack who came to say
farewell (in which the papers say there were 3,000 people), it was
one series of surprises. Although the Town Hall Meeting was stiff,
and the Europeans were conspicuous by their absence, still there
was sufficient indication of the high esteem in which The Army was
held in general, and myself in particular, to make it a matter of
great interest and encouragement.

"Of the welcomes that followed from individuals of note, such as
Mr. Bannerjee and Mr. Bhose (representing the Brahmo Samaj); and
the Successor of Chunderssing, Mr. Chuckervetty, the lay reader of
the Yogal Samaj, His Highness the Maharajah Sir Joteendro Mohun, of
Tanjore, one of the most princely men of the city; the Nawab
Abdool Luteef, the most distinguished leader of the Mohammedans,
etc.; and of the several missionaries who came up, all was really
complimentary and respectful--nay affectionate.

"Then there were th