[Footnote 7:  The 72nd Highlanders and 5th Gurkhas were brigaded together throughout the campaign, and at their return to India the latter regiment presented the former with a shield bearing the following inscription: 

FROM THE

MEN OF THE 5TH GURKHAS

TO THE

MEN OF THE 72ND (DUKE OF ALBANY’S OWN) HIGHLANDERS,

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

THE AFGHAN CAMPAIGN, 1878 TO 1880.

The gift was entirely spontaneous, and was subscribed for by the Native officers, non-commissioned officers, and men.

In return, the non-commissioned officers and men of the 72nd gave the 5th Gurkhas a very handsome ebony, silver-mounted Drum-Major’s staff.]

* * * * *

CHAPTER LXIII. 1880-1884

Reception in England—­A fruitless journey—­Andaman Isles and Burma —­The Madras Army—­Measures for improving the Madras Army —­Memories of Madras—­An allegory

On the 15th October I handed over my command to Major-General Phayre, and started for England, making, by the desire of the Viceroy, a diversion to Simla, where Lord Ripon received me most kindly, and, to my great pride and pleasure, delivered to me a letter from the Queen-Empress, written by Her Majesty’s own hand, which conveyed in the most gracious terms the Queen’s satisfaction at the manner in which the service entrusted to me had been performed, thanks to ’the brave officers and men under my command,’ sorrow ’for those of her gallant soldiers who fell for Queen and country,’ and anxiety for the wounded.  Her Majesty also wrote of ‘the thrill of horror’ with which the news of the fate of Lieutenant Maclaine had been received, and concluded with words of hope that my own health and that of the troops would remain good, and that success might attend us ’till the blessings of peace are restored.’

A gracious letter, truly!  And to me a deeply appreciated reward for what I had been able to do.

I landed at Dover on the 17th November.  The reception I met with from my countrymen was as enthusiastic as it was unexpected and gratifying.  After an absence of twelve years there must almost always be more or less of sadness mingled with the pleasure of the home-coming, and two vacant places in my family circle—­those of my father and sister—­cast a deep shadow upon what would otherwise have been a most joyous return, for my mother was alive to welcome me, and I found my children flourishing and my wife well, notwithstanding all the anxiety she had undergone.