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Rh oak forests and rhododendrons, with a look-out on the snowy range. He might have ascended the hill over the Dehra Dún valley or sojourned on the plateau of Kumáun, both of which places were in his jurisdiction, and are equal to Simla in climate. To his tired eye the Himálayan scenery is restful. He describes to his young daughter in England the view from his study window; there is an opening in the clouds which enshroud the mountains; through that he gazes on the distant plains 8000 feet below him; they are basking in the sunshine which lights up the Sutlej and its feeders like golden streaks. He visited the Mission station of Kotgarh on the upper Sutlej and ascended the lofty mountain of Hattu. But he acknowledged in private letters that he could not shake off the sad associations of Simla in reference to his domestic bereavement. He rightly resorted thither in order to be with the Governor-General. Certainly it was thus that he acquired a just influence over the mind of Lord Dalhousie.

In the spring of 1849, after arranging the transfer of his best officers to the Punjab, he proceeds to Simla. His health at this time is far from strong, weaker indeed than he ever allowed the public to suppose. He alludes to the arduous work of pacification then proceeding in the Punjab, and says that excitement such as that would crush the strength he then had. At times he feels as if he could meet his end 'without regret.' He writes, 'the longer one lives, the less reason one has to shrink from the aspect of death'