about two feet long.

[Illustration: EUROPEAN CAVALRY OF SHIPP'S DAY.

From a Sketch taken at the time.]

CHAPTER X.

The day before we arrived at Cawnpore, Colonel Wade sent for me, and
gave me a strong and handsome letter of recommendation. In the evening
of the next day we marched to tents which had been previously pitched
for our reception. Here we found two officers of our own regiment, ready
to receive us, with one of whom I had often dined when an officer in the
same camp. He received me kindly, and promised me his friendship.
Nothing of moment occurred during the short time I was at this station.

Having refitted, we started on route to Meerut, about three hundred
miles by land, under the command of two officers, whose sole study was
to promote our happiness and welfare. I do not know that I ever spent a
happier time. Our march was always over by nine o'clock, and we encamped
under the salubrious scent and pleasant shade of the lofty mango. After
journeying in this pleasant manner, we reached Meerut on the 9th day of
November, 1809, having been eleven months and a day from England. Here I
was welcomed by all my old comrades, and found myself full sergeant in
Captain Beattie's troop.

On the evening of our arrival we were inspected by the commanding
officer, now Major-General Need. I was well received by all the
officers, and indeed by all the corps, save two or three corporals whom
I had supplanted in their long-cherished hopes of promotion. This
naturally placed me in no very enviable situation with these men, and
several attempts were made to try my courage; but I was too well versed
with the rank I held, to permit myself to be imposed on or annoyed. When
they found this, their ire passed away and their grievances were
forgotten. After the inspection, my commanding officer called me on one
side, and said, "I am much grieved to see you in your present situation,
after the many laurels you have gained in India, but I feel pleasure in
having it in my power to promote you to the rank of sergeant; and, if
you conduct yourself well, be assured I shall not lose sight of your
further promotion." I was obliged once more to go through a regular and
systematic course of drills, both on horseback and on foot; but, as I
was already well acquainted with both, I was soon dismissed.

I had not been in the regiment above one year, when a colonel,
commanding a corps of the Company's native cavalry, who had known