George Turnbull (1809-1889): Autobiography: Chapter 16

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Chapter 16. 1863. (pages 199-219). East Indian Railway. List of engineers and staff numbers. Return to UK.

1863. January 1st. Parisnauth Mountain. Ascended Parisnauth from the north or Tope Chauncee side. It is 4,483 feet high ; a grand mountain, view is magnificent; see account of Parisnauth in Dr. Hooker’s “Himalayan Journals,” vol. i, pp. 18, 19. See also my note book. We ascended in little more than three hours, and descended in about the same time on the north side, and slept at the foot of the mountain in the palkas, which Mr. Cockburn had kindly sent forward to meet us.

Coal Field. We then went on to Kurkurbalee and spent three days there inspecting the coalfield and workings. The whole field is about four miles long and two miles wide, of an oval shape. The area in the Railway Company’s possession is about 2,300 beegahs in the west part and 1,700 beegahs in the east part, say 4,000 beegahs. The beegah here is 40,000 square feet, thus 4,000 X 40,000 = 160,000,000 square feet area. There are two beds of coal, the upper of about 8 feet thick, the lower about 14. feet thick, say on a low average 20 feet of good workable coal. Thus 160,000,000x20 feet = 3,200,000,000 cubic feet of coal. Allowing 30 feet of coal to a ton we have 106,000,000 tons of coal. This would yield a supply of 500,000 tons per annum for 200 years.

Proposed Knighthood. At Calcutta again on the 8th, and very busy making arrangements. Conferring with Col. Strachey, he said that Lord Elgin wished that I should be knighted on the opening of the railway to Benares, Col. Baker also was desirous that this should be done. I thanked him (Lord Elgin) and said I would prefer to give no decision until I went home, as I wished to consult my wife, and as I was not particularly desirous of it myself, the matter stood over.

Death of Hector Turnbull. On the 14th I heard of the death of my old friend and first cousin Hector Turnbull, who died in very distressing circumstances, leaving his wife and daughter Theresa totally unprovided for.

John Bourne. On the 23rd dined with a small dinner party at the Calcutta Club, with Walter Bourne and Dr. Bourne; the party was given to introduce me to John Bourne, the engineer. I was mightily pleased with him and thought him a charming man. That, however, was not the proper epithet, as he is pleasant, sensible, good- humoured, and could speak well on many subjects.

Official trip to Benares to be on 7th February.

26th. Long talk with Palmer and finally settled that the proposed trip of the Governor-General and officials to Benares should take place on the 7th February next.

I had a sharp attack of bronchitis, my old enemy again, and Dr. Webb took me in hand and kept me in the house. This answered well enough as I had, at Lord Elgin's request, to write out some statistics and data for his coming speech at Benares. Also the same thing for Sir Cecil Beadon. Col. Beadle called on the 3) st and I gave him a formal statement about the railway to give to the Governor-General.

February. Official trip to Benares. On the 5 th a special train started from Howrah with the Governor-General, Lord Elgin, the Government Secretaries and a large party ; we had tiffin at Rampore Haut, and arrived at Jumalpore at 8.30 p.m. All went well.

Next day we went on to Benares arriving at 5 p.ni. Lord Elgin and the Lieut.-Governor, Sir Cecil Beadon and others got out at the Soane and inspected the Bridge. It was much admired.

On the 7th February a grand festival at Benares - a grand durbar - a splendid sight, impossible to describe here (about thirty Rajahs, and other native dignitaries); followed by a grand dinner at the theatre, given to Lord Elgin by the Company, Edward Palmer in the chair. Speeches were delivered by the Governor-General, the Lieut.-Governor, Gen. Campbell, Starkey, Sibley, and myself. I was happy that I did not break down in my speech, and happy when it was all over; and thankful to Almighty God for all His undeserved mercies and blessings.

Soon after this I went by train to Calcutta, and was soon on board the “Nemesis ” for home. I was unwell, and made up my mind to escape at once; so was on board and sailing down the Hooghly on the loth.

I may as well insert here the Government of Bengal’s recognition of my services, which came about the end of January in the following terms:—

“No. 193. The Officiating Joint-Secretary to Government of Bengal, to Agent, East Indian Railway Company, Fort William, 19th January, 1863:

“ SIR,—I am directed to forward, for communication to Mr. Turnbull, copy of a letter addressed to the Government of India, recording the sense entertained by the Lieut.-Governor of the value of the services rendered by that officer.

“ 2. I am to request that a copy of the letter may also be transmitted to the Board of Directors.

“ F. S. TAYLOR, Capt. R.E., Officiating Secretary, Government of Bengal.”

Here is the letter :—

“No. 798. From the Officiating Joint-Secretary to Government of Bengal, in the P. W. Department Railway Branch, to the Secretary to the Government of India, Public Works Department.

“ Fort William, 22nd Dec., 1862.

“ SIR,—The date for throwing open for public traffic the entire running line of the East Indian Railway in Bengal is felt by the Lieut,-Governor to be a fitting time for bringing specially to the notice of the Governor-General in Council the eminent public services rendered by Mr. George Turnbull, the Chief Engineer of the Company.

“ The magnificent series of works forming this important railroad have been planned and carried out by Mr. Turnbull from the very outset to the period of completion, under circumstances of extraordinary difficulty, and the highest credit is due to him for the successful issue to which he has conducted his operations.

“ His Honour considers that Mr. Turnbull fully deserves some marked acknowledgment of his services and exertions, on the part of the Government of India, and of the Home authorities.

“ Signed, F. S. TAYLOR, Capt. R.E., “ Officiating Joint Secretary,” «&c. This Capt. Taylor was the man who, poor fellow, was killed by the extraordinary landslip at Nyneetall many years afterwards.

The following is a list of the engineers, as they stood on the 21st September, 1861, furnished to the agent on that date;

Geo. Turnbull, Chief Engineer. Samuel Power, at Soane Bridge.

DISTRICT ENGINEERS.

• Walter Bourne, Thomas M. Vigors, James Perry, R. V. Boyle,
• Robert Heenan, W. Purcell, B. Schmidt, W. T. Palin

RESIDENT ENGINEERS.

• Charles H. Denham, W. D. Latimers, I. F. Cockburn, C. C. Adley, E. B. Harris, W. C. Lavinge, J. R. Shirvinton
• F. Burr, A. H. Vaux, H. Lambert, G. Glyn, A. C. Bell, F. R. Browning, J. Galwey

ASSISTANT ENGINEERS.

• J. Wyalt, J. H. Sieveking, W. D. Orr, George Smith, Jun, C. Chambers, E. Morgan, W. L. Perry, G. R. Long, F. Aitchison, F. G. Brooks
• E. Allen, W. D. Anley, R. Longlands, R. A. Williams, W. F. Bernard, C. Hampton, G. Thomas, R. Palin, W. G. L. Good, W. Wilson.

SUB-ASSISTANTS.

• A. Inman, J. W. Inglis, J. F. Williamson, R. L. Roberts, Architectural Draughtsman.

This, with Mr. Power and myself, made a total of 44.

EAST INDIAN RAILWAY.—BENGAL DIVISION.

Statement of daily average of number of workpeople employed on the construction of the several divisions of the line of railway for the 12 months, from 31st May, 1859, to 31st May, i860 :—

(See pdf for table of districts and totals of various types of employees)

GEO. TURNBULL, 24th October, 1860.

The following notification appeared in the “Calcutta Gazette,” in February :—

“ CALCUTTA GAZETTE,”

No. 3. Railway Head Quarters, Benares, 6th Feb., 1863.

NOTIFICATION. “ His Excellency, the Viceroy, on his arrival in ? this city desires to congratulate the officers of the East India Railway Company and the public, on the completion of the additional sections of the Grand Trunk line of railway, from Calcutta to the North-Western Provinces, that has been recently opened to Benares, and on the prospects of the early opening of the whole line for traffic up to Allahabad and Delhi.

2. “The distance from Calcutta by rail to Benares, is 541 miles, was begun in 1851. The line to Burdwan was opened in to the Adjai in October, 1858; to Rajmahal in October, to Bhaugulpore in 1861 ; to Monghyr in February, 1862; and to Benares in December 1862. In ten years therefore have been opened (including branches) a continuous length of 601 miles, being at the rate of 60 miles a year. This is exclusive of the portion of the line already finished between Allahabad and Agra in the North-West Provinces; and of the section from Agra to Allyghur, which it is expected will be ready in a few weeks. Including this length, the progress of the East Indian Railway has not been short of 90 miles a year; a rate which, if it has not come up to the expectations first entertained, is, under all the circumstances of the case, satisfactory as regards the past, encouraging as regards the future.

3. “On his journey from Calcutta to Benares, His Excellency observed with much interest the numerous striking works that have been so successfully constructed on this railway by the company’s engineers, and viewed with particular admiration the great girder bridge over the Soane, which, it is believed, is exceeded in magnitude by only one bridge in the world. The smaller girder bridges over the Keeul and Hullohur, the heavy flood arching in the vicinity of these rivers ; the masonry bridges over the Adjai and More, and the Monghyr Tunnel also attracted the attention of His Excellency the Viceroy, as works of more than ordinary difficulty designed and carried out with signal ability.

4. “ His Excellency, the Governor-General, gladly accepts this opportunity of acknowledging the services rendered by the officers of the railway company, in the prosecution of this great work, and of expressing more especially the strong sense he entertains of the high engineering skill, and the steady devotion to his duties exhibited by Mr. George Turnbull, the chief engineer of the company in Bengal, who in a few days will give up the direction of the works which he has now seen completed. Although not in the immediate employment of the Government, Mr. Turnbull has, in the opinion of His Excellency, well earned the thanks of the Governor-General, for his professional services, which have been rendered as much to the Public as to the Railway Company. In all Mr. Turnbull’s dealings with the officers of the Government, he has invariably shown that moderation and desire to conciliate which were essential for the harmonious and successful carrying out of the railway "works, under the peculiar conditions imposed by the terms of the Government guarantee ; and the Governor-General has much satisfaction in signifying on behalf of the Government of India, his high estimation of the manner in which all Mr. Turnbull’s relations with the Government have been conducted.

5. “ His Excellency, the Viceroy, will not fail to bring to the favourable notice of Her Majesty’s Government, the long and excellent services of Mr. Turnbull, who, having been the first railway engineer employed in India, has now happily seen the portion of this great work on which he was more particularly engaged, brought to a close after many years of arduous and persevering labour, under circumstances of unusual difficulty, with the most complete satisfaction to his employers, and to the Government, and with the highest credit to himself.

“ R. STRACHEY, Lieut.-Col. R.E., Secretary to the Government of India, With the Governor-General.”

Knighthood. In connection with the above subject, I insert a copy of a letter I received some time afterwards from Sir William Baker, asking whether I would accept a knighthood, as follows :—

“ India Office, 21st April, 1863.

“MY DEAR MR. TURNBULL, A communication has been received from India bringing your excellent services to the notice of Her Majesty’s Government. I shall be very glad if we can obtain some public recognition of them, and write to ask you whether a Knighthood would be acceptable. I am not authorised by Sir Charles Wood to write to you on the subject, but I am anxious to do what I can for an earnest fellow-labourer in the early stages of Indian Railway progress, and if the thing would be acceptable to you, I would freely use such influence as I possess in bringing it about.

“ Believe me, yours very truly, W. E. BAKER.”

Sir W. Baker was then on the Indian Council, and I saw and conferred with him several times about it; he said, although his letter was unofficial, yet if I agreed to the proposal the Council would address H. M.’s Government, and no doubt I should receive a formal offer and the thing would be done. I took time to consider and chiefly did so to consult the feelings and wishes of my wife. In the end, I wrote to Sir W. Baker and declined the honour with many thanks. My reasons for doing so, it would be of no use to insert here.

The following from Sir Wm. Baker is dated :— (Private.) “India Office, 1st May, 1863.

“ MY DEAR MR. TURNBULL,—I was sorry to miss seeing you the last time when you were good enough to call, and I have deferred replying to your letter in the hope of seeing you some day.

“ Shortly after receipt of that letter I was consulted by Sir C. Wood, with regard to the recommendatory notice of your services lately received from India, and I thought it proper to mention to him your modest views regarding knighthood, and though I cannot say what he might have done had you wished for that honour, I am quite sure that he is anxious in some other form to testify the appreciation of your services by Her Majesty’s Government.

“ I have no doubt that some official communication will be made to you.

“ I do not think the Government is likely to undertake the construction, on its own account, of any line of railway in India; but should the Secretary of State be in want of sound engineering advice on subjects of that nature, you may rely upon my bringing to his recollection your qualifications and claims.

“ Believe me, yours very truly, W. E. BAKER.”

After copying the above letter from Sir W. Baker, I found a copy of my letter to him in answer to his of 21st April, which I here insert, although the interest in it has long passed away;—

“26, Palace Garden Terrace, Kensington,

“ 23rd April, 1863.

“ MY DEAR COLONEL BAKER,—Many thanks for your letter of yesterday. I received from India a copy of the Governor-General’s Notification, recommending my services to the favourable consideration of Her Majesty’s Government, and I need not assure you that I was very much gratified by it.

“ With respect to a knighthood, there is no disgrace in owning that I am not rich enough to sustain the title in the way that it should be sustained, as I think; and I am not even sure that I would be very ambitious of it even if I had money enough.

“ It is very gratifying to me, however, that such an honour should be thought of at all, and I shall be most thankful for a recognition of my services in India by Her Majesty’s Government, in any way that may be deemed suitable or proper. I am so little acquainted with official arrangements that I cannot suggest how this may be done, whether in the form of a letter from Government or otherwise ; of this, of course, I must not be the chooser.

“ I have said that I am not rich enough to support the honours of knighthood; that means that I have not saved a great deal of money in India. My professional salary was my only source of supply, and having devoted all my time, and thoughts, to my daily work on the railway, I have nothing to live on now but the interest of the savings out of my pay; my railway salary having ceased on the 9th of February, last. I am therefore obliged to live in a quiet, economical way, and would willingly increase my income by some professional work. I mention all this because I know from your old friendship, you would aid me if it lay in your power to do so, and to mention that I am open to professional employment in London, and anything in that way from Government, would be a recognition of my services, in a satisfactory way, to one who has a wife and family to provide for in these expensive times. For example, if the Indian Government were to carry out a railway, or railways, without the intervention of a private company, I have no doubt I could, from my long practical experience, do good service as a consulting engineer, or agent, in this country.

“ I hope you will excuse all this detail into which I have slided, and believe me,

“ Yours very sincerely, GEO. TURNBULL.”

After this came the following letter from the office of the secretary for India (H. M. Government), which closed the correspondence, and was the finale :—

“India Office, S.W., 15th May, 1863.

“ SIR,—In a despatch recently received by Sir Charles Wood from the Governor-General of India, the attention of Her Majesty’s Government is drawn to the excellent services rendered by you in connection with the East Indian Railway.

“ In a Notification issued shortly before the date of the despatch, the Governor-General had, as you are aware, borne public testimony to the great professional ability and steady devotion to duty displayed by you during many years of arduous and persevering labour in the superintendence of the portion of the railway more immediately under your charge.

“I am now directed to inform you that in the sentiments thus expressed by the Governor-General, Her Majesty’s Government entirely concur, and I am to add Sir Charles Wood’s assurance that he has much gratification in conveying to you, on their behalf, this recognition of your merits.

“ I am, Sir, your obedient servant, J. G. BARING.”

In answer to the above I wrote as follows :

“26, Palace Gardens Terrace, Kensington, 21st May, 1863.

“SIR, I had the honour to receive your letter of the 15th instant, stating that the attention of Her Majesty’s Government had been drawn by the Governor-General to the services rendered by me in connection with the East Indian Railway.

“You also state that Her Majesty’s Government entirely concur in the public testimony given by the Governor-General to my professional services and ability as an engineer, and my devotion to duty during many years in India.

“ I duly appreciate the honour done to me by this recognition of my services by Her Majesty’s Government, and beg that you will convey to Sir Charles Wood my acknowledgements for the same.

“ I have the honour to be your most obedient servant, GEORGE TURNBULL.

“To the Under Secretary of State for India.”

Here ended my connection with the East Indian Railway, never to be renewed.

All the fine words of the Government of India and officials at home ended, as they begun, in “fine words,” and nothing more. I would have gladly undertaken some engineering work from the Indian or Home Government, as I was able and willing to work, and my long absence in India had fairly broken up my engineering connections in this country; so it was only in Indian works that I could look for employment, but in this respect I was disappointed.

On looking back after the lapse of a good many years, I think, on the whole, I was to blame in not pushing my claims to recognition more than I did at the time ; and after a few years spent in relaxation, and in recruiting my health, which had suffered a good deal in the latter years of my stay in India, it was too late, the opportunity was lost. I admit also that I was lazy and diffident in the matter of pushing myself forward into notice, which I ought to have done, if not for my own sake, at any rate, for the sake of my family. These reflections are useless now, and so I will say not a word more on the subject. (6th September, 1883.)

I have said that I left Calcutta in the “Nemesis” on the 10th. Among the passengers were Capt. Tronson, of the “Feroze,” a brother of Capt. Tronson of the P. and O. service; Sir Hope and Lady Grant, Gen. Garstin, Miss Schmidt, Mrs. Heenan, Mrs. David Cowie, Mr. Osler, &c.

On the 17th we were sailing along the coast of Ceylon when about half-past 10 p.m., the ship struck heavily on the Bellawsrock, not far from the entrance to Galle harbour, the weather fine and clear, and the sea smooth. The fore compartment filled, and there was a hole, it was said, amidships; she was got off again, and arrived in Galle harbour at about 10 a.m. next day. The lady passengers behaved remarkably well, and indeed all the passengers; there was no excitement of any kind. Our ship was much down by the head when she entered Galle harbour, showing that the fore-compartment was full of water. The passengers were transferred to the “Bombay,” Capt. Methuen, and so we went on our way to Aden. Reached Aden on the Z5th, where I went ashore with Geo. Smith and Mr. Osler, and bought some ostrich feathers for Fanny, and other curios. Run from Point de Galle, seven days thirteen hours, which was considered quick. Passed the Daedalus Light on 2nd March, about 8 p.m.; Red Sea, thermom. 73°.

March. On the 4th March at Suez, and on by train on the same,. day to Cairo. Heenan and Mr. and Mrs. George Smith went to \\ see Omar’s mosque, and the bazaars. Thermom. at Suez, 67°. We left Cairo on the 5th at 8.30 a.m,, and arrived at Alexandria about 4. p.m. Hotel de l’ Europe. Heenan, the Smiths, and I, made the rounds, visiting the Pasha’s palace, the harbour, catacombs, Pompey’s pillar, Coptic Church, Cleopatra’s needle, and the bazaars. Heavy showers of rain; temp. 62°. Here I found a letter from Fanny, dated 26th January.

On the 6th we embarked in the “Euxine,” and left Alexandria. The 7th being Sunday, Bishop Perry gave us a very good sermon, endeavouring to expound the first chapter of Genesis. Touching on the physical condition of light, he quoted from Hugh Miller about the earth being in a state, or condition of great heat, and a dense vapour being over the surface of sea and land ; and that the sun’s rays did not penetrate the vapour until the earth had cooled and the vapours condensed. When God said, “ Let there be light,” it might be that the sun’s rays then penetrated the vapour.

On the 9th we were at Malta, and sailed again on the same day. On the 10th, the wind being strong from the south-west, with a heavy sea, the captain made his course to the east side of Sardinia, keeping close in shore, which was very pleasant, as we could see the towns, and the people occasionally, with a good glass.

On arriving in London, I heard the news that Duncan was born on this loth day of March, 1863. This was the marriage day of the Prince of Wales to the Princess Alexandra of Denmark. This was one of the reasons why he was christened Alexander.

On the 11th we sailed through the Straits of Bonifacio, between Sardinia and the Island of Corsica, a very strong gale blowing from the W. and N. W. and a heavy sea. The seas washed over the ship now and then and carried away hencoops, spars, the cow, and did great damage to crockery. As she was a small vessel formerly on the China local line and low amidships, the rough seas tossed her about a good deal; we, however, arrived safely in Marseilles on the 13th.

Paris. We arrived at 7 a.m. on the 14th, and reached London at n.38 p.m. on Sunday, the 15th March., London. Duncan born loth March. I found my dear Fanny very well after her confinement. Both of us rejoiced in the birth of a fine boy, now five days old, and were thankful to meet again with our family of three around us, and all well.

I have it in my diary that Mary Cleverly was most kind and affectionate all through Fanny’s illness; she had a kind, and a loving heart.

They were living in a convenient furnished house. No. 26, Palace Gardens Terrace, Kensington.

I went to see Dr. Hensley without delay and got a good account from him about the “family” during my absence.

17th. This being Geordie’s birthday, who was three years old, I took him and Nelly and Mary Cleverly to Madam Tussaud’s Exhibition, and called at Great George Street.

Made a good many calls on friends; the Marshmans, Popes, Ellen Cubitt, Tileys, Mrs. Theobald, Mr. Thackery, Captain Denham, Noad, Hugh Sandeman, and others.

Mr. Cotter came occasionally to call, we knew him at Darjeeling, a very good fellow and, I think, kind-hearted, usually in difficulties about money, of an old Irish family. I know not what has become of him. (He died in 1864.—F. T.)

Called on Mr. Rendel, Great George Street, but he was in the country; met Tom Watson and John Wright. Called on Col. Baker, and met Col. Yule; called on Mr. Noad, and conferred with him about Indian Railway affairs, and he asked for a half-yearly ?report, as usual, especially in regard to the Kurkurballee Colliery. Also about the direct line from the Barakur to Luckserai with branch to Kurkurballee.

27th. Registered Alexander Duncan Turnbull’s name in the Kensington Parish Registry; born loth March, 1863.

A batch of Calcutta newspapers came to me with reports of the Benares festivities, dinner, and speeches; I sent a copy to Jonas Hall Pope, Capt. Denham, W. S. Turnbull, John Lindsay, George Turnbull (Perth Bank), Gen. R. Sandeman, Sibella Turnbull, Charles Cleverley, Joseph Cubitt, Thomas Leahy, David Murray and some others.

April 8th. I went to see Mr. Noad, Secretary East Indian Railway, and handed him my half-yearly report up to 31st December, 1862. This was the last one.

On the loth Duncan was christened in Kensington Old Church. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cubitt, Grace and Alice Cubitt, Mary Cleverly, Miss Denham and Mr. Cotter, Charley Cleverly, Nellie and Geordie, at ii a.m., he was named Alexander Duncan Turnbull. Joseph Cubitt and Cotter were godfathers, Miss Denham godmother. We had a dinner party afterwards of fourteen. Capt. Denham, and Mrs. Denham, J. Cubitt, Ellen, Grace, Alice, David Murray, Cotter, Miss Denham.

Mr. Adley came at this time wanting me to take up the subject of docks at Howrah, but I thought they should be on the Calcutta side of the river and graving docks only on the Howrah side.

Present of £2,000. On the 29th was the half-yearly meeting of the Shareholders of the East Indian Railway Company, at which it was proposed by Mr. A. R. Adams, a shareholder, seconded by the chairman, Mr. Crawford, and carried unanimously, that a purse of £2,000 should be presented to me as a recognition of my services on the railway, with a vote of thanks. This honourably concluded my services with the East Indian Railway Company.

EAST INDIAN.

“ The half-yearly meeting of this company was held yesterday, at the ‘ London Tavern ; ’ Mr. R. W. CRAWFORD, M.P., the Chairman, presided.

“Mr. Noad, the secretary, having read the notice convening the meeting, the report, an abstract of which has appeared in “ The Times,” was taken as read.

“ The CHAIRMAN said he had much satisfaction in asking them, on behalf of the directors, to receive and adopt the report. They had made great progress with the works during the past year, in the course of which they had opened 336 miles, of which 196 miles were in the lower division, and the remainder in the upper division. They had by the last accounts from Calcutta been informed that a further length of 97 miles from Benares to Allahabad was in a forward state, and that 40 miles of it would be opened in June next, and the remaining 57 miles soon after, including the bridges over the Touse and Jumna, near Allahabad. They would then have a continuous line of railway open for traffic from Calcutta to Allyghur, in the North-West Provinces, within 80 miles of Delhi. That being the case, he could fairly congratulate the shareholders on the satisfactory progress that had been made with the works during the past year. He anticipated that there would be no difficulty or delay in bringing those works to a conclusion, and he hoped that by the next half-yearly meeting in October that he should be in a position to tell them the time a train would occupy in running the whole distance from Calcutta to Delhi. (Hear, hear.)

“ Their system would then be completed, with the exception of the Jubbulpore line. They would also be in a position to receive their reward for the great outlay they had incurred in constructing the railway. He had told them on former occasions that they could not expect much traffic while they were working detached and fragmental portions of the line, and that they could not expect to get a large traffic until the line was opened throughout.

“ Since the line had been opened to Benares the soundness of that view was apparent, although the accounts of the traffic on opening to Benares was not so satisfactory as they could wish ; but the more recent accounts gave them returns of substantial progress. They had a receipt of £26 per mile per week, which must be considered at present as very satisfactory and very encouraging. When the 40 miles he had mentioned were opened to Mirzapore the line would be brought into communication with one of the largest commercial marts of India.

“ With regard to the working of the railway, it was at present at a greater cost than was satisfactory to them. Every effort, however, was being made by the officers of the company to reduce the expense of working the traffic. In the North-West Provinces the use of -wood for fuel had caused a large expense; but the Board had been in communication with the Secretary of State for India in respect of obtaining fuel from certain deposits of coal, which they had used largely for making bricks.

“ The coal at those collieries was found to be 13 per cent, better for fuel than that to be got in the neighbourhood of Calcutta. If the company could have easy and convenient access through that part of the country to those deposits of coal, he had no doubt they would find themselves in command of a sufficient supply of fuel, at a moderate cost; and they would be saved from all fear of obtaining plenty of coal for fuel in future.

“ The next subject was the steam flotilla, which, having accomplished the objects for which it was designed, the directors had determined no longer to retain on their hands, but to dispose of it, and charge the difference between what it might realize and its cost to construction account; but at present they had no advice as to any of the vessels being sold. The ist of May had been fixed upon as the last day for receiving tenders for the disposal of the vessels in Calcutta, and, therefore, the time had not yet arrived for information on that subject.

“ He then explained a proposition of the directors for obtaining a complete and independent audit of the company's accounts in India. Railway companies in England were enabled to have their accounts made up and audited in six weeks or two months after the end of each half-year, showing the exact position of their affairs. It would not be the accounts audited in the could be made effective in check on the expenditure, accounts furnished in sufficient detail for audit in England. They proposed to establish the audit of the company’s accounts in India by employing a gentleman of undoubted ability and integrity to superintend it, having three or four assistants to examine the accounts in the various departments, and also a travelling auditor to visit the stations. The proposition had been submitted for the consideration and approval of the Secretary of State for India, and, although no official intimation had been received, he had no doubt the proposition would be accepted. Mr. Roberts, who had been the company’s accountant from the commencement of the undertaking, had been selected for superintending the audit. He would carry on a concurrent audit of all expenditure in the various departments, and the result would be transmitted to this country, so as to enable the directors to proceed with the business of the company, and at the half-yearly meetings to declare dividends in the usual manner from a correct statement of accounts. This audit department was to form no part of the establishment of the company, but to be independent of it; and the auditor would have to transmit the audited accounts through the company’s agent in Calcutta to the directors of the company in London. The proposition for the establishment of an effective audit was made with a view to protect the interests of the shareholders.

“ Upon the question of capital he had nothing to say ; they had funds enough to go on with, and when their officers had ascertained the full amount of expenditure that would be necessary to complete the works, the directors would be in a position to state what further sum would be required for that purpose ; but they had no reason to apprehend they should want authority from Parliament to increase the capital. They had called up the whole of the capital authorised, with the exception of 300,000.

“ He then called attention to the valuable and successful services of Mr. G. Turnbull, the company’s chief engineer. He had served the company faithfully and efficiently for thirteen years, and had ably and successfully accomplished the great works confided to his charge before his health failed him. The Government authorities had expressed the greatest satisfaction at the manner in which Mr. Turnbull had performed his duties in India, and had suggested that some acknowledgment of those valuable services should be made by the company. He could only say that any reasonable proposition from the proprietors for that purpose would receive the cordial assent of the directors.

In reply to questions from Mr. Wilde and Mr. Goez,

“ The Chairman stated that the Jubbulpore line would be completed in four years from October last, and if it should not be carried on as stipulated, the penalties would certainly be enforced against the contractors.

“ The Kurkurballee Colliery was about 80 miles from their main line, and when the extension of the Barrakur branch was made, the colliery would be only 45 miles west of that point. All they wanted was permission to survey a line to the colliery, and then to devise a cheap and efficient means of conveyance from the colliery to the railway. The collieries belonged to private persons, and the company leased part of them for a long term.

“ The call on the E shares would be made as fast as the money was required for the works. The amount to be called up represented ;^i8 a share for the Jubbulpore line. The constitution of the company did not admit of two boards of directors, but merely a board of directors in London and an agent in India. He did not think, they could get a sufficient number of commercial men in Calcutta to form a board there and give the whole of their time to the business of the company. It would not do to have a mere “guinea pig” direction in India to conduct their affairs.

“ The report was then unanimously adopted ; Mr. Morgan was elected an auditor, and the retiring directors, Mr. J. Beaumont, Mr. J. De Vitre, and Mr. A. Nairn, were re-elected.

“ Mr. Adams proposed a formal resolution, expressing the cordial thanks of the company to Mr. G. Turnbull for the able and judicious manner in which he had carried out the great works intrusted to him ; and, in token of those services, appropriating out of the interest account the sum of ;^2,ooo, as might be most agreeable to Mr. Turnbull.

“ The Chairman said he had great pleasure in seconding the motion.

“ Sir M. Stephenson said he could not permit the occasion to pass without expressing his cordial and hearty concurrence in all that had been so well and justly said of the professional qualifications and personal worth of their able engineer, Mr. George Turnbull. No one had had better opportunities than he had of estimating Mr. Turnbull’s value and good services in India, where they had worked together for many years without a single interruption to their friendly intercourse. The success of that great undertaking would be chiefly due to putting the right man in the right place.

“ The resolution was then carried unanimously, and the proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman and directors.”

May 16. I went to see Sir Hercules Robinson, and made interest with him to send out Wilberforce Wilson to take Charles Cleverly’s place at Hong Kong. I was impressed very favourably with Sir Hercules; he seemed a most sensible, business-like man, quiet and unassuming. The interview ended with his promising to recommend him to the Duke of Newcastle, the Colonial Secretary. He was sent out some short time afterwards. Salary, £700 a year.

On the 26th I paid £21 for Fanny, making her for life a Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society, giving her free admission at all times, and privileges besides, such as admitting a friend to the gardens and shows.

On the 29th I finally settled with Mr. Mullett that I would take the house, No. 38, Craven Hill Gardens, at a yearly rent of taking some of the furniture left by Hodding at a valuation.

June. On the 1st June went with Joseph Cubitt and Henry Carr to see the works of the new Blackfriars Bridge, stand on iron cylinders i8j-feet in diameter. One cylinder was down 55 feet below high water level T. D., about 20 feet into the clay; we saw the first concrete put in at ii o’clock.

I was very unwell towards end of June with indigestion and nausea. Sir Ronald Martin was then the great Indian doctor and to him I went. He prescribed of course, and said there was not much the matter but I was suffering from a sluggish liver, and that it was quite common with people who come home from India to have a liver affection. I was not long in getting into my usual state of health.

On the 29th we went to Rochester on a visit to the Wrights, who were hospitable and kind. We saw the Thames Yacht Club race, and had excursions in John Wright’s boat with Emma Wright, who was very clever in managing the boat.

July 6th. There was a meeting with Edwin Clark, Wellington, Purdon, Henfrey, Adley and others at Mr. Brassey’s office, to arrange about the Calcutta Dock, but it eventually fell through and came to nothing.

On the 13th John Lindsay came to dinner and we had along talk about Perth and family affairs, he was Geordie’s godfather. A few days after he called and gave Geordie a present of a gilt aluminium tankard, and a gold medal of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

On the 28th we got into our new house. No. 38, Craven Hill Gardens, and were busy some time furnishing ; Mr. Rough supplied most of the things we wanted. But we bought a fine chandelier from Mr. Osler, the price of which was £28 10s., it is now at No. 24, Collingham Place.

About this time began my acquaintance with Capt. Andrew Henderson, a naval man and, I believe, the first who took a steamer from Calcutta to Hong Kong, he was then a director of the Assam, and used to bore them with his inventions, especially a reversing rudder which he wanted them to adopt and to build some steamers for navigating the Burhampoota, but his schemes met with no favour.

August i6th. Richard Lambert Jones died this day, aged eighty-one. I knew him well. He was the Marquis of Bute’s adviser about his coal property in Glamorganshire and also about Cardiff Docks. He was for many years a prominent public character in London, a surveyor by profession, that is not a land surveyor, but part architect and valuator; chairman of various companies, chairman of committee for rebuilding the Royal Exchange. A pompous man but kind- hearted and always a good friend to me. “ Requiescat in pace.”

August 22nd. The funeral of Lord Clyde took place to-day in Westminster Abbey. His death was caused by the stumbling of his horse at a review, and giving him a heavy fall from which he never rallied. After, being in so many perilous situations in many parts of the world, it was sad that Colin Campbell should meet his death in this way.

September 5th. Weymouth. The following entry occurs in my diary:— “ Left Paddington 11.45 a.m. with Fanny, Nellie, Geordie, Duncan, nurse ; reached Weymouth at 6 p.m.; 168.5- miles, nearly 7 hours, i.e., 24 miles an hour.

There is a sulphurous spa near Weymouth, at a place called Radipole, said to be like Harrogate water; one tumbler full was enough for me.

David Hogarth was then vicar of Portland ; he, and his wife, and eldest son, Frank, came over and dined with us ; he was very little altered since I last saw him in 1847, except his hair being white, his face and voice being much the same.

Portland breakwater. I was greatly interested in going over the Portland Harbour works with the resident engineer, John Coode (he is now Sir John Coode); they were approaching completion at that time, but the great breakwater was in progress, and I saw the divers setting heavy stones 15 feet under low water, using the diving dresses, no diving bells were used here; the water is so clear that the position and progress of the workmen can be seen at considerable depths. Mr. Coode said that the breakwater had cost about ;^75 a foot forward, on the average. The stone came from the Portland quarries, which was worked by convict labour.

Curious enough, this price of per foot forward, is also the cost of the Soane Bridge, as it was when I left it.

On the 15th of this month, my dear friend, Dr. Allan Webb, died - we had a great regard for him - I had looked forward (and so had he, and he often talked about it) that when he came home we might have habitations near each other, and see each other often ; but it was not to be so. He was a good man and a true Christian. His death was unexpected. It was said to be caused by a violent inflammation of the liver.

From Weymouth we went to Bournemouth, where I recorded that the new St. Peter’s Church is beautiful inside, and that it is “ high church class,” two candlesticks on the communion table, which the clergymen took care to call the altar. In my apprehension an altar is a structure on which a sacrifice is made, as the sacrifice is already made in the death of Christ, the Son of God, and as we are told in scripture, that there is no more any sacrifice for sin, it is a pity to call it an altar. But perhaps it may be as well to let the matter alone, and allow it to be as it is, a small remnant of Romish superstition ; not of much consequence anyway, to those who hold the faith.

Next, to Christchurch. The old Priory there is a great curiosity. Early Norman. Part as old as William Rufus, 1158. Two beautiful monuments, one by Flaxman, to a Countess of Malmsbury; the other by Weeks, to the memory of Percy Bysse Shelley. Muddiford, near it, is a poor place ; near the the outfall of the rivers Avon and Stour, low and swampy.

October 6th. Went to Edinboro’ on a visit to my friend, W. R. Thomson, and to attend the Social Science meeting. He had a fine house. No. 3, Moray Place. On the 7th, was a grand meeting, the inaugural address was given by Lord Brougham.

Mr. Thomson was very hospitable, his large house well filled. Wm. Fairbairn, the celebrated mechanical engineer, was there, afterwards Sir Wm. Fairbairn, a most agreeable man.

I took this opportunity of going over to Perth, and Huntingtower, and Tulloch, and Woodend, and returned to London on the 15th October.

November. We had various dinner parties in these months. I record the names at one of them as a specimen : 13th November, Mr. and Mrs. Chambers, General Sandeman, John James Sandeman and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. John Wright, Miss Allen, Mr. Allen, Adley and his wife, R. Henan, Dr. Roberts, Emma Wright, Mr. Wyatt, Fanny and I, eighteen in all.

A new company was started in this month by Mr. Morewood, called the Indian Rolling Stock Company, in imitation of the various companies in existence in England, for building railway rolling stock, and a good deal of time and trouble was wasted about it. Morewood wanted me to be chairman, but I declined, not having much confidence in the scheme, and none at all in him! Not that I disbelieved in his integrity, nor in his energy and perseverance, but he was deficient in common sense, and made a complete mess of the scheme in the end, which was a total failure. Sir John Peter Grant, formerly Lieut. Gov. of Bengal, became chairman, Col. Money and others of good position became directors, Wm. Pole also took interest in it, but it came to nought.

December. A scheme for making a floating dock at Calcutta, also came to the front at this time, but it “ fell through ” as did the other. Adley was the chief promoter thereof, also Edwin Clark. It was not a bad scheme, but it was premature, the public did not believe in it, and, although plans and prospects came out, it collapsed.

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