Page:Viscount Hardinge and the Advance of the British Dominions into the Punjab.djvu/179

Rh previously. Now, passing through the line of troops, the slim figure and handsome countenance of India's 'new Ruler' was narrowly scanned by the crowd that surrounded the steps of Government House. The short period that intervened between the arrival of the new Governor-General and the departure of his predecessor afforded an opportunity for an interchange of views on those questions which pressed for consideration. Their discussions led to a satisfactory concurrence of opinion, and the two statesmen parted with that confidence in each other which their antecedents inspired.

On the 18th of January, 1848, Lord Hardinge, with Henry Lawrence and his personal staff, embarked on the 'Mozuffer,' a war steamer of the East India Company. Crowds witnessed his departure. There were interesting passengers — a tiger and Himalayan pheasants for the Queen; Chinese dogs, and the old charger Miáni, who came home to end his days in England. Once beyond the Sandheads a prosperous run was made to Aden, where Lord Hardinge landed, revisiting the works and making his final report on the defences of the rock.

In view of the contingency of military operations in Egypt at any future time, Lord Hardinge had been directed by the Home Government to report on the character of the route between Kosseir, on the Red Sea, and the Nile. Mehemet Ali, then absent from Egypt on account of his health, afforded us every facility. On our landing, tents and all the apparatus