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 novelty; the healths always are such flat businesses. There will be ‘God Save the Queen’ by all the professional singers, and then we are to have Prince Albert separately. The Rajah of Burdwan has come down to Calcutta on purpose for this ball.

Wednesday, 27th. There never was so successful a ball. Dancing, supper, healths, songs, everything went off well; there was scarcely an excuse except from two or three sick people, and Captain had  made a good selection of Armenians, natives, and Portuguese, so that their odd dresses only added to the thing. Above 500 sat down to supper—all Europeans, of course—and St. Cloud covered himself with glory. I am sure Ude could not have turned out better plats than he did for all these tables. The Queen’s health was received with great enthusiasm, and, though it was by far the hottest night we have had this year, they set to work after supper dancing harder than ever. In short, the whole thing gave great satisfaction, which is lucky; and, if we can but have a fine night next week for the fireworks for the wedding, the population,