TOWN MAJOR’S OFFICE
FORT WILLIAM

6th October 1814

To Frederick Cavendish, Esq.,
and the Ladies and Gentlemen of his party,
expected per the country ship Shah Alam.

Sir,

I am directed to acquaint you that, upon the application of the Office of the Magistrate of the Twenty-Four Pergunnahs, and agreeably to the usual practice of this Presidency in the case of Persons of Condition arriving from Europe, an Escort has been appointed for the convenience and security of yourself and your party during your residence in Calcutta.

The Non-Commissioned Officer selected for this duty is HAVILDAR PRATAP SINGH, of the 67th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry, a man of eight years’ service in that Corps, of unblemished character, and possessed of the English language in a degree unusual in his rank. He is instructed to attend upon you at such hours as you shall appoint, to procure palanquins, bearers and boats as you may require, to conduct you within the Town and its environs, and to render you every proper assistance.

It is right that I should add that his attendance is offered as a courtesy and not as a restriction, and that you are at perfect liberty to decline it. Should you do so I am to request that you will signify the same in writing to this Office, in order that the man may be returned to his Regiment without prejudice to his record.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your most obedient humble Servant,

H. Crawshay

Major,
Town Major, Fort William.

Vernacular languages: Bengalee, Hindoostanee, Punjabee. Recommended by the Adjutant of his Corps. No objection.