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Rh and the Private Secretary take amazing interest. The latter finds time to make long extracts in his diaries from all manner of authors, writing on every variety of subject. His modest balance at his bankers, he finds, is increasing. So, in more noticeable proportions, is his family. But he may look forward to many years of employment. On May 29, 1837, he records the completion of his thirtieth year. The future is on the knees of the gods.

In June, 1837, Lord Auckland wrote to Sir James Carnac, at that time Chairman of the Court of Directors: —

'The hot season has this year been a trying one, and we have felt it more than we did last year. My appetite for going up the country, so as to pass one summer in the hills, is growing upon me. ... It would be useful to me personally to know the men upon whom I have most to depend; to compare modes of administration, and to see public works; and I should not defer such experience until the period of my residence here shall be drawing to a close. I think, too, that my presence may have a useful effect upon our relations on the North-West Frontier, and, possibly, upon the affairs of Oudh. It will be of advantage for me, too, that for the discussion of many subjects I shall find the Commander-in-Chief in the north.'

On June 19 a Minute was signed, embodying the arrangements to be made for carrying on the work of the Government in Calcutta, and for administering Bengal, during the Governor-General's absence from that city. The Commander-in-Chief had preceded the head of the Government, and would rejoin him