Delhi to Calcutta which I think is about £2.10.. per man. The fare to Bombay would be a few rupees less per-man than the above and the journey probably would not take more than fourteen days. It might however extend to double that time, as the precarious navigation of the Indus at this time of the year renders it impossible to make certain of catching the Bombay Mail.
I have no idea what the fare to Hongkong is, from either Bombay or Calcutta, but this is a point which can doubtless be ascertained from the Company's Agents in your colony. You would oblige me by giving full instructions regarding the time for which the men should serve and whether I can agree to guarantee them a free passage back to Calcutta or Delhi, points which would affect the chance of my getting good men.
Also if there are any vacancies for Native Officers, as one or two good educated men would be of great assistance in recruiting and on the march. As a rule I should not pay the men more than Rs... per month up to date of embarkation. Then an increase to the best behaved during the passage. Full instructions regarding the route I should take and whether by ...
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