3rd November 1856

Sergeant James Johnston
Artillery School of Instruction
Meerut

My Dear Mother,

I received your kind letter by mere chance (as) the letter was directed perfectly correct but I had never rejoined my Company. I was struck off on the Staff in the beginning of 1855.
I was sorry to hear by its contents that poor Agnes was no more, and that grandmother and Ebenezer were also gone.
Dear mother, I have no doubt my going away hurt poor Agnes and yourself very much, but when I went, I never expected I should be a soldier, although I have never regretted being one; your son to be uniform-if only you saw me. I have been very fortunate since I joined the service in fact I am better off in many respects than if I was at home.
You mentioned that you sent a letter to me by a gentleman coming out to India, but I never received it; I really wondered when I got your letter how you found me out. I know it was wrong of me in never writing to you, but dear mother I put it off and put it off until I actually got ashamed of myself; but dear mother I often thought of you, Agnes and Alexander, and of  the many good advices that you all gave me and often think of them now, although far away from you.

St John's Garrison Church, Meerut

St John’s Garrison Church, Meerut

Dear mother, I daresay you will be surprised to learn by this, that I am a married man. I was married on Thursday the 7th of August last at St Johns Garrison Church, Meerut, to a Miss Rebecca KIRKHAM, an English girl. Her brother is Staff Sergeant of the 1st Troop, 1st Brigade Bengal Horse Artillery lying at this station. She only came from England last February with Lieutenant DOUGLAS (belonging to the Artillery) and Mrs DOUGLAS, who were home on furlough and were returning to India. Her brother wrote for her to come out with them, Mr DOUGLAS being his father in law. I knew her brother long before she arrived; I saw her first at a Ball in our Sergts Mess two or three days after she came to the Station and on the tenth of July I popped the question, was accepted, was married on 7th August at 10 o’clock in the morning by license.
Our wedding went off very well, it was held in the bungalow of Mr Conductor HOLMAN who is the same department as myself, his bungalow being away from the barracks. Just as we were going to the Church, my Commanding Officer, Colonel HOGGE sent his gardener with a large basket of flowers out of his own garden for the occasion and as we were leaving Church, the ground was all strewed with flowers by the natives. We had a nice quadrille party at night and by the kind permission of Colonel Hogge, who is also in charge of the Artillery band, we had the band for the occasion; a thing never had been granted before. We are much the same age, she is about 3 months older than I am, but she is such a pleasant little lady I am sure you would like her if you saw her, and we are very happy together; she often wished me to write to you, although I never done it.
We have a very nice home, three large rooms and a bathing place outside and everything very comfortable.
I am in a nice situation in the Artillery Regimental School of Instruction. A Sergeant on the Staff of the Headquarters of the Regiment, and neither belong to a Troop or Company. My Regimentals are superfine blue cloth, broad red stripe down the pantaloons, gold laced shoulder knots and cap. I never require to wear them except on the 1st of every month and on Sundays to go Church. I do not require to go the same as the other men, but I have always gone every Sunday, and sometimes at night. Dear mother, you should think it very strange to go to Church the same time as we go. In the summer we go about 4 in the morning and we are going at 7 just now; but there is great difference from what it is at home.
The cholera has been raging dreadful throughout this country; it was very severe in this station, Agra, Lahore and Umballa, but it has gone away just as sudden as it came. We are very busy just now (this being the commencement of the cold weather) getting ready for the annual practice and we expect the Commander-in Chief here in a few days more, so we shall be very busy this year. I will let you know all the particulars in my next letter, for you may expect one every mail.
The Mail leaves here tomorrow, so I have no time to say more at present; there are only 2 every month and they are very uncertain.
I trust this will find you enjoying good health-health likewise Alexander, and the children George, Ann and Agnes-(they) must have all grown very much by this time. Give them my fond love and kiss them for me, and tell them their uncle is not a soldier the same as they see at home, but they would scarcely know him from a n Officer. Give my kind love to Ann IMRIE, her mother and my cousin Alexander; also uncle ADIE, James and Kate and let Aunt Agnes know that I am doing well.
Dear mother, since I have been in the Service, I have never found it a hard life as some have, for I have always acted honest and straightforward in everything that my duty called me to do, and have the respect, confidence and esteem of any Officer for it.
Dear mother, I can say no more at present, but remember me to all inquiring friends and old acquaintances. Beccy sends her kind love to you and will write to you in my next letter. She often talks to me about you and says she would so much like to see you.

This leaves Beccy and I enjoying perfect health, hoping it will find you the same.

With fond love my dear mother.

Believe me to remain your affectionate but erring son

James Johnston

Editors Note : Both James and Rebecca were about 17yrs of age when they were married. Rebecca was born in June 1839 and James September 1839 making Rebecca three months older than James.

(date unsure) circa Sept 1857

Meerut, India

My Dear Mother,
I received your kind and welcome letter, and am truly happy to hear you are in the enjoyment of good health as, thank God, this leaves ourselves with our dear little boy, quite well. Of course you must have got the news of his birth long before this, although by your last (letter), I see you had not received the news.
Dear mother, I am much pleased with the lock of hair you sent me, also the engraving of Auld Reekie ( Editors note: an affectionate name for Edinburgh).
Beccy is going to have a ring made for the hair; she is so taken with it. She wishes she could only get alongside the head that it came off and wouldn’t there be a kirlin match (Editors note: Scots for ‘a commotion’). But, dear mother, keep up your spirits, we must all look forward to better days; do not think you are forgotten although far away from you.

Dear Mother, the country about here is very quiet; they (Indian sepoy mutineers) have got more than they bargained for I guess, for there is scarcely a village standing round about this part of the country. There are very few depredations committed now, although there is a night or morning but there are a few hung. I was down that way a few nights ago at a funeral, and I saw six of them hanging up drying. We think nothing of it, but rather glory in it. They have the likeness of men, but their actions have made them worse than the wild beasts of the forest.
We have just received the news here, about Major General WILSON, the hero of Delhi, being knighted-no man deserves it better than he did, for he is an Officer and a Gentleman in every sense of the word; he is Commandant of Artillery.
If he had had command on the night of the 10th of May, very few of the mutineers would ever have seen Delhi. But in one sense it was a good job our troops did not leave the Station that night (as) it was thought there were about 50,000 Gaugers (Editors note: Gurjars-an ethnic group found in northern India,particularly the Gujarat, which is named after them) round the station, but the brutes will not stand like men; they do not like the Top-Khana-Wallahs (Artillerymen)-they do not like Long Bowling. They are a tribe I think that never were heard of before. All the country between Cawnpore and someway above this (Meerut) is infested with them; they are a people that will not work, they mostly live by plunder. There are another tribe, named Ghants-they are mostly the tillers of the the soil; the two are always at enmity with one another. We used to get the Ghants to bring us information about those fellows, and we would go and burn their villages; the order was to spare women and children.
Dear Mother, I have received another letter since I commenced this. I see you have got the news about little Jamie. Dear mother, he is such a dear little chap; Bec and I are so fond of him, he almost drags the whiskers off me every day. When he laughs, I very often see a great resemblance in little Georgy (PATERSON)-poor chap, he must be growing a fine fellow now. I suppose he almost forgets his uncle by this time.

Dear Mother you mention about the dreadful things that have occurred, but you only see the best side of it (the worst is hidden from public knowledge). I will mention a thing that occurred here on the night of the 10th May. You would see the name of a Mrs Captain CHAMBERS , mentioned among those that were murdered, she was very near confinement. At the time they opened her womb, took out the child, placed it on her breast and put her hands in it’s place. Her murderer was the first that was hung here, and I thought he would  have been torn to pieces before they got him strung up. He was a Mussalman (Muslim), and the butcher of the Regiment that Captain CHAMBERS belonged to. Before hanging him, they shaved all his head and face and rubbed him over with pigs fat- which is worse than taking his life they think, and then strung him up to a tree, there being no gallows at the time. There are many others that I cannot mention, it is too horrible.
Bye the bye, try and see Robert PATON, my old chum Mrs (?)  BURNESS; give him my best respects and tell him to tell John MACKENZIE (pressman), that his nephew Alexander MACPHEE was murdered on the night of the 10th of May. There were six murdered in the same bungalow. He was a Sapper (engineer) and was stationed in Meerut. At the time there were two other sappers passing through the Station and they all went to bid a person, the name of BROOKES, good-bye, when they were pounced upon by the innocent peaceful and harmless Sepoyand murdered; six in all, 4 males and 2 females. Mrs BROOKES expected to be confined that night, or the next day;  they cut her breasts off and nailed them on the doors and then set fire to the bungalow. It will only hurt your feelings to hear those things enumerated dear mother. My heart sickened at some of the sights I saw. My dear mother, you say you want some news. I always see more news in the home papers than we hear out here. The road is open to Calcutta (but) everything is very dear here for all the winter supplies were destroyed on the road. Dear Mother, you must not be angry at me not writing sooner; I am very busy just now. I am scarcely evr at home before gun-fire 8 o’clock, and then I am tired out. Beccy has her hands full, so you must look over our past neglect in writing to you before now. Beccy is busy getting little Jamie’s short clothes made.
My Dear Mother, give my best respects to Aunt Agness in Auchterarder, and Uncle James in Drummond, and Alexander and the little ones. Remember me kindly to all enquiring friends and let them know I am well. Tell some of them to write; you don’t know what it is to get a letter or a newspaper from home. Little Jamie and Beccy joins in kind love to your own dear self. Beccy will send an epistle soon with a bit each of our hair.

So good bye at present from
Your affectionate son and daughter

James and Rebecca Johnston

P.S: I send a sketch of Delhi. It is the same as was sent to the Illustrated London News by a person the name of Sergt CROYDON. Belonging to the school, they gave him a great fuss, but he only copied it. He has cheek enough to take the credit of doing it! This is a later one, it has the advanced batteries that breached the walls before storming. Since commencing this, the invalids of the 60th Rifles left Delhi for home. Two or three strayed away from the remainder and were found murdered at a place called Subzee Mundee (all Mussalma’s graves). It caused a search and they found about 600 Mussalmans concealed. They have been hanging them so many every day until they finish them.

Editors Note: James Charles Johnston was born 14th September 1857

21st November 1857

My Dear Mother

I received your welcome and wished for letter today. I have been looking out every mail for one, and was wondering if it if it had been lost, for there a(re) strange times here at present although, thank God, they are getting better.

My Dear Mother, I am happy to announce to you the birth of a son. Beccy was taken ill on Sunday night, the 13th inst, about half-past eleven, and gave birth to a beautiful boy at twenty minutes past two on Monday afternoon the 14th; the very day on which our troops entered Delhi. Dear mother, I was very near losing dear Beccy through it, if she had not a skilful doctor and a good nurse she would never been spared to me; poor lass, she had a sore trial but with the help of God she got over it.

We cannot be too thankful for all his mercies towards us, for, dear mother, it has been a fearful time in this country since the Mutiny commenced. It would make your blood run cold if you heard of the atrocities that have been committed from one end of the country to the other. They seem to have picked upon the poor helpless women and children to vent their spite upon. They are cowardly scoundrels, but they showed themselves to be blood-thirsty villains and not as they used to be termed (honest Jack Sepoy).

I am happy to inform you dear mother, that the news came today that the whole of Delhi is in our hands; the king is hid in a large tomb where we expect soon to find him if he does not give himself up. What remains of the Sepoys have bolted in different directions. Our loss has been very severe, but there’s have been immense. They fought like madmen, for of course they knew there was no chance for them; there are fifty rupees for every Sepoy bearing arms and thirty rupees for everyone without arms.

When they are caught, it is a rope round their neck, or blown away from a gun, whatever is handiest; and how would you like to see a dozen of fellows tied together and placed in front of a gun and blown to atoms? You, I have no doubt, think it cruel, but if you were here, you would go yourself and see them. It is a mild death to what some poor Europeans have got from them. There is scarcely a day but one is brought in. I just saw by the last Lahore Extra’s, of 325 of the Sialkot and Jhelum mutineers being brought into Lahore. They were no sooner in, than they were blown away from the guns, so there is not much time lost with them (so much for  Jack Sepoy).

As I mentioned, that Beccy had a good doctor and a good nurse in her confinement. I must let you know that it was through the kindness of Mrs HOGGE, my Commanding Officer’s lady, and Commissioner WILLIAMS lady, who had taken quite a fancy to Beccy, and had been very kind indeed. I had no right to have a doctor a few days before Beccy was confined, Mrs HOGGE sent a note to Beccy inquiring if she was prepared for her approaching confinement, (or) if she was not, she was to say what she wanted, (for dear mother, it is different here to what it is at home; you cant go to shop here and get what you want). She would get it for her at the same time asking if she was going to stay at home. She advised her to stay at home, what Beccy had made up her mind to do previous. So Beccy answered her note and she got Dr CANNON to promise to attend her, and also send her own nurse.
I may mention that Beccy had engaged a black midwife, who I believe is very skilful, but neither Mrs HOGGE or Mrs WILLIAMS would tell of it and Beccy was very thankful to have a European nurse-such a nice old body-something like your dear self! Mrs HOGGE made Beccy a present of a beautiful woollen cap of her own working, and some little shoes, also of her own working. Mrs WILLIAMS has been very kind too; she has given Beccy some small clothes of every description and is going to make her a present of the christening robe, likewise a goat for to give her good milk. She kindly came to see Beccy on Saturday afternoon and I happened to be at home. She is such a kind lady, so dear mother, we have not wanted for friends. Beccy will write you herself when she gets well she ill give you all the particulars herself.

Dear mother, let me know how all Alexander’s (1) children are-Ann, George and Agnes; wouldn’t I like to see them. They must be grown a good deal since I saw them and little Jamie; I hope he will be a better boy than his uncle; and little Ellen?-I hope will be spared to her father. Be sure to remember me to Uncle ADIE and all the people about there; also to Aunt IMRIE and Ann IMRIE; where is she? You mentioned she was married, but I could not make out who to; give her my best respects. Remember me kindly to Aunt Agnes; let her know all the news. Remember me kindly to Mrs BOYD, Mrs BRUCE, Rev JOHNSTON and all enquiring friends.
You mentioned that you sent a newspaper; I have not received one; the letter was registered; I should like to hear the news at home. Now dear mother, I hope this will find you enjoying good health as it leaves me at present do write soon and believe me, to remain

Your affectionate son

Jas Johnston

NB I will send another copy next letter. I forgot to mention what I am going to call my little chap. It is going to be JAMES CHARLES JOHNSTON, after her father and me.

Goodbye for the present

Mussoorie_and_Landour_1860s

12th September 1860

Landour
12th September 1860

My Dearest Mother,
You will be thinking we have quite forgotten you – not so my dear. Dear James has been so unsettled we could not write both; you and my friends in England have been sadly neglected. I have been seriously ill since the end of last February; I was on my bed three months and never lifted or turn either one side or the other. At last I was carried like a child before I could put my feet on the ground. I was not allowed to be dressed for another fortnight but laid on the couch on the veranda and after carried out in a Dooley on the Plain at 5 in the morning before sunrise. Very soon I was able to walk and I went to stay with Mrs Captain WALLACE where I and my little boy have been treated like their own. Dear James (was) coming now and then, and dining and sometimes liked my teas since I was getting better. Dear little Jamie has been suffering with his back teeth; many, many have died the same age, in teething. The reason (it) has been so trying and so very hot. I have just left Mrs Captain WALLACE and am now in the Landour Hills with my little boy where the climate is as cold as England and considered much more healthy.
If please God all is well, we shall stay here until November when I hope to be quite strong and well; and little Jamie quite rosy. Mrs Captain (?)and Mrs Captain WALLACE are so anxious for me (that) they paid all my expenses to date and dear James came to dine there, the day I left before we parted. I am here close to Mrs FLEETWOOD WILLIAMS, the Commissioners of Meerut come here every hot season. Dear James is doing their silver dishes; they are so kind and often send me nice things and I often spend the day there. This is the lady who gave your dear little grandson his handsome christening robe and Mrs Captain WALLACE his cloak, and Mrs Colonel HOGGE his beautiful hood and many things very nice; their own could not have had better. Dear little Jamie is two years old on the fourteenth of this month, today is the 12th and he has just come in with a fine bunch of flowers which grow wild here like in the gardens of England.
My  dearest mother, you must excuse this hurried letter; I will write again soon. I know James is up to his eyes in business to get the dishes done as Mrs Williams goes down to Meerut next month. I trust you have been well all this time and the dear children and all dear friends. I am looking down upon the clouds here-such beautiful views, I never beheld (before); every house is on a hill, some above, some below and you see hundreds of miles. Sometimes the river is overspread with beautiful clouds as though you could walk on them.

God bless you my dearest mother until I can get a line from you with our fondest love and kisses from dear James, little Jamie and my self.

I am my dearest mother your affectionate daughter

Rebecca Johnston.

14th Jan 1861

Meerut,

14th January 1861

My Dear Mother,

I have no doubt you think me a very ungrateful son in never writing to you for so long, and that you think “out of sight is out of mind” with me; but dear mother, I often wonder how you are and if you are well. Becky is always at me for not writing, but somehow or other, the time always slips by; although I am always upbraiding myself with being so negligent. But, dear mother, you just only give me a chance; answer this and tell us how you have been and how you are, and see if I don’t give you one regular for the future; bye the bye-did you receive a letter from Becky while she was in the Hills, as we didn’t get an answer.

My dear Mother-about myself. I am jolly and as big as the side of a house. I am still in the same place but expect to leave it soon as I have got another appointment at Roorkee as Head Printer of the Roorkee College press, and I am just waiting till my name appears in the governor Generals Orders before I leave. Colonel Hogge, my Commanding Officer, gave me a very good recommendation for the situation. I will have more pay and (be) my own master. I will be struck off the strength of the regiment and will be placed on what is called the “Unattached List”. Roorkee , I believe, is a very pretty place; it is about half way between the Landour Hills and here. Captain MacLagan of the Engineers, a brother of Dr Maclagan of Edinburgh, was Principal of the College when I applied for the situation, but he has got a better appointment and left last month, so every day I expect the Order to be off.

Now dear mother, about Becky; poor lass. She has had a good deal of trouble one way and another, what with mishaps and fever. They have completely pulled her down, but I trust she will have better health when she gets to Roorkee. She is going to write to you but will delay it till we get settled. Now- about Master James Johnston. He is getting on first rate and it would make you laugh to hear him talking Hindoostanee; he is 3 years and 4 months today.

And now, dear mother, what do you think? I have been the Precentor in the Scotch Church here since it was formed, and have just given it up and am leaving the Station. This is the first Scotch Kirk in Upper India, and it is so different to the English Service, that it required all the cheek I could muster to carry it out. But I got used to it and I have often thought of an expression that old Cromby, the Precentor in ‘Frenches’(?) used to say when he wanted any one to sing for the first time, “to think that you were in a kale yard; that they were all cabbages”. Mr Thomson, the Minister is a very nice man; he is from Alloa, I think.

There are a great number of the natives dying from starvation here; there is quite a famine in this part of the country for want of rain. Everything is frightfully dear. There was one native woman found on the plain one morning, dead and when she was opened, her intestines were full of grass. But although they are so dreadfully pushed, they will not eat anything from our table as it breaks their caste, (which in my opinion is all humbug). The authorities are doing everything they can for them; they are building a poor-house for them, and those able to work are sent to the works above Roorkee, but hundreds of them refuse to work; they would sooner beg.

The weather is very cold at present, but we will soon be looking forward for another grilling match when the hot winds commence. The Commander in Chief is expected here this week so I expect we will have plenty to do.

Dear Mother, let us know how little George, Ann and Agnes and two more (but I forget their names) are. My little chap is very like what Georgie used to be when I last saw him. Let me know how Alexander is if you can see him. How is uncle Adie and the family getting on; and Aunt Agnes-let them know I am getting on and doing well. I will send you 3 likenesses of Becky and myself, one for your dear old self and one for uncle Adie and one for Aunt Agness at Durham; ask her to drop me a line. You can tell her where to write and how to address it. i.e:-

Sergt James Johnston
Artillery School of Instruction
Meerut

And I will let you know my other address in my next.

Let us know how everybody is getting on. Is Dr Johnston still in Nicholson Street (Edinburgh), and how does he look now.

My Dear Mother, we often wish you were not so far away, that you might be with us. Talk of your son being a soldier; you would not think so if you could drop in and take a peep, for nobady would ever dream of my being such. I am never in Regimentals, except on Sunday when I go to church, and then it is optional. And I know there are many that would turn up their nose at a soldier. Who would just like to be as well off? My pay now comes to £8 – 2s – 2d a month; about £100 a year, and a free house (and there is not much coals wanted here) so that’s not bad for a “soldier”, so don’t look down on a fellow. I only wish you could join us. Wouldn’t we make it you jolly, and give you rooms to yourself, and a servant to attend on you. I have had one or two offers to leave the service, but declined them as I would rather be under Governments as I am, as before long I intend to look out for another step in promotion. I am in my 6th year, a Sergeant on the Staff of the Regiment-so that’s not bad out of eight years service; and bye the bye-we got 2 years service given us for remaining when so many of the chaps went home at the time when Jack Company was done up. So that makes me an old soldier now, as the saying is; but as hearty and jolly as ever. Don’t know what ill is and that is a blessing, so if I get the next step-a Warrant Officer-it will give me a pretty good pension- about £80 a year; but you shall hear from me before then.

Now my dear mother, you must drop me a line as soon as you can and give us all the news. What you think of the likenesses? They are not first rate, but I could not get them done at the time any better. It was just after Becky’s last illness. Dear Mother, I must say good-bye for the present.
Trusting this will find you enjoying good health as it leaves us here. Give my regards to all enquiring friends and Becky joins me in best love to your old dear self and remain

Your affectionate son

James Johnston

NB-Not forgetting best love and kisses from little Jamie

My dear Mother direct to me:-

Mr J. Johnston
Headprinter
Thomason College Press
Roorkee
East Indies

I have just received the order to go and am up to eyes packing.

J.J

1st Febuary 1861

Roorkee
My Dear Mother.
Since I wrote to you I have changed my place of abode from Meerut to Roorkee, and the very day my letter left for England. On the 19th of January I arrived in this station and a very nice little place; it is more like home than anything I have seen in India. We are quite close to the Himalaya Mountains, the lowest range (the Sewaliks) is only 14 miles from here, and it is such a sight to see the snowy range. We can see the highest peak fine from our door and the place where the Ganges leaves the hills close to Hurdwar.

I belong to Roorkee College now. I am Head Printer of the college press and have 41 men under me. My pay is better than it was; it is 120 rupees (£12) a month and free quarters. I expect to have a rise of 30 rupees a month more (£3) shortly; so what do you think of that? I am just the same as a civilian for I never put on regimentals. I have dropped the Sergt and am only “Mr J”; now we are very aristocratic! There are very large workshops here, just the same as home of course. Native workmen, but European overseers; they (the workshops) stand on the banks of the canal. The canal itself is a fine sight; it is more like a river, both as regards its breadth and its strong current. Just at the end of the workshops there is an aqua duct where the canal crosses a river- a splendid piece of workmanship, and a little further up there is a river (which) flows over it. The canal leaves the Ganges up at Hurdwar and joins it again at Cawnpore. It is used both for traffic and irrigation. This place is not so large as Meerut, but I like it a great deal better; it is a very healthy station and not so hot as Meerut. It is very cold in the morning here just now.
Now my dear mother, I have said enough about myself and Roorkee. How is your own dear self? I trust well, and don’t I expect a jolly blowing up when I receive your letter for being so negligent. But give us a chance and you won’t have to blow me up any more. Becky is well and quite delighted about the change. Little Jamie is well and has lots of room to run about her. Bye the bye, there is a large garden in front of my door on a slope with three terraces across it, with steps leading down from them for the use of us benighted individuals-so aint that first rate?
There are a great number of natives dying with starvation just now; it would make your blood run cold to see the objects that are moving about; more skin and bone. And yet, those are the wretches that would have murdered man, woman and child of us if they could, that are now going around begging. It is something like a judgement on them for it is only in the districts that the mutiny was worst in, that the famine is so bad. In Rohilcuree (?) there is no cultivation and last year no rain all over the Meerut district, and it is a very large one. Gram ( a kind of pea that is given to horses) is only 8 seers (a seer is 2 pounds) for 1 rupee (2 shillings), and before you would get 60 seers for 1 rupee- that will let you know how prices have rose.
My dear mother, I send you a drawing of Roorkee College that is the front of it, and the building at the back is the printing office, in my charge. I will send you as many copies as you like. I will send one every mail.

Now my dear mother-goodbye!
I have just come out of church and the mail closes today, so I am anxious to get it posted in time.

Becky and Jamie’s love and the same from your

Affectionate son

James Johnston

2nd May 1861

Roorkee
My dearest Mother
I received your kind and welcome letter yesterday the 1st of May and glad was I to see it and hear you were well and in good health; I have missed a couple of mails but quite unintentional I assure you. I was not aware of the date of the departure of the mails till it was too late: this will leave here tomorrow for Bombay. I was glad you were pleased with the likeness I sent, they are not first rate but it was only a amateur that done them; the first chance I get of having a good one done I will send you a copy.
Becky I am happy to say is keeping well and little Jamie is quite jolly, they have both been much better since we came to Roorkee; it is a nice healthy station, and where I am living now is such a fine position in having a fine view, and of getting all the wind that is going which is great thing to look at this time of year, this being the time we get grilled and almost ready for eating:- it is pretty hot here just now but I dont feel the heat here as bad as I did at Meerut; the evenings are beautiful even now, and through the day we have what we call Tatties placed at the door, the side that the wind is blowing. They are made of Bamboo frame work covered with a kind of reed that grows on the bank of rivers, and I have a native always throwing water on them; you would be astonished the good they do; outside the wind is as hot as if you were standing at a furnace  with the doors open, still inside the is lovely and cool. I have also what we call punkahs, that is a framework of wood covered with cloth suspended from the roof and pulled backwards and forwards by a native, which causes a circulation of air through the room: but I can’t say I like them although you can’t do without them at this time.
There is a great deal here about the Amalgamation at present, I really don’t know what to do for the best. If I volunteer for general service I will get 2 Pounds bounty which I am sorry to let slip if possible, and if I don’t I will be placed in some local corps; the thing is I don’t know how it will affect me in my situation. I have only 1 year and 9 months to serve to complete my time and I would almost as soon leave the Service as lose  my present billet, but whatever I do I will do for the best;  as for the soldiering part of the business I will leave that to those that likes it better, everything smells too much of pipeclay and red tape since the Royals came in the country.
I was sorry to hear about Bob HUTCHISON, I saw him in Dinapore in 1854 when I was marching up country; he did not know me until I told him who I was. I have always thought it was poor Bob that told you where I was as I never could find out how you got my address or even knew that I had enlisted. You remember Zack, the Elder in the church? I wonder if he knew his son John was here, poor fellow he is dead too; he tried hard to get into the Artillery along with me, but it was not allowed; we were going to go as cousins, he belonged to the infantry. I was Corporal on the gate in Warby depot when he marched in (as) a recruit; wasn’t I astonished to see him and he me, but he told me not to mention it in case it might get to his fathers ears.
I am glad that Aunt Agnes was pleased with my likeness. I should like very much to hear from her. How is poor Uncle ADIE?, he must be getting very frail now; and Jamie and Kate?, but I suppose they are married by this time. I should like to hear from them and I wuld give them all the news that is going in this part of the world. What is Alexander doing now? I am glad to hear the children are well; and little Georgie, how old is he now? My little Jamie often puts me in mind of him before I left home; he often talks of his grandma.
My old wifie is trying to scribble a line to you and is grunting and groaning all the while. I suppose you know what with.  I have no news to send you this time but I have been thinking of getting you to ask Mr BOYD about a book on printing, like Savage’s but a late edition. I would also like to know what books are requisite to be in a printing office as the style here is very bad and I would like to better it if possible.
Now my dear Mother for the present good-bye. Give us all the news you can as it is quite cheering to hear from home so bye bye till next mail. Becky sends her best love to you and little Jamie ditto. He is singing away just now so pretty. Expecting to hear from you soon.
I remain your affectionate
Son
Jamie Johnston

16th May 1861

My dear Mother,
It is with pleasure I sit down to write you a few lines as the mail leaves here today for England. News I have none as there is nothing fresh stirring in this part of the world with the exception of small pox. It don’t seem to very fatal, although a good number have had it.

I told you in my last letter about the ‘volunteering’. I did not volunteer, but stayed as I was, but on second thoughts I was aware that when my 12 years were up, if I took on again I would have to take on for ‘General Service’, so my case has been referred to the Commander in Chief by the Principal of the College and as yet no answer has arrived, and of course cannot say how it has been decided. I do not want to leave where I am and do not care much which service I am in, so long as they let me stay (where I am), but if not, I will take my discharge, although I should like to stay for the sake of my pension, for in a short time I intend to apply for promotion to a Warrant Officer. I have broached the subject to the Principal and he says he will forward my application, but I must wait a little first. It will be a first rate thing for me as it would give me a pension of about £60 a year, more than a pound a week, so there is something to look out for. I was promised the rank if I would only stay in my last place, but I would have had a great deal of knocking about and that would not have answered for Becky; besides my pay is better here £12 a month (120 rupees) and my hours are from 6 in the morning ’till 1pm, with an hour for breakfast.
Becky has been complaining for sometime back with face ache and has got her head tied up now and is not able to write to you. Little Jamie is singing away like a lintie; he has such an ear for music. I can’t hum a tune but he’ll have it off by heart in no time. I am happy to say he is keeping first rate since he came here and also Becky.
We had an awful day yesterday of wind and dust. It was awful, you could do nothing; everything was smothered in dust, a good inch thick. It would amuse you to see the sand storms we have occasionally.
Now my dear mother, I will try and get some news before I write to you again, but everything is very dull here, but I like it all the better for that, so goodbye for the present.
To all enquiring friends, give my best respects and when you write to Aunt Agnes or Uncle ADIE, give my best love to them and tell them I often think of them. Be sure and write as I am always anxious and glad to hear from you, and believe me still

your affectionate Son

James Johnston

18th June 1861

Roorkee
June 18th 1861

My dear Mother,

Tomorrow is the last safe date for the English Mail. James has just returned from the College and is busy with his books-so I have the pleasure of writing a few lines to you this time, instead of your dear Son, trusting you (are) enjoying good health, as I am happy to say, we are all well.

I am wondering if you are down by the beautiful seaside. I do not forget the lovely breezes, we have had very warm weather here for some time….but not nearly so warm as Meerut but we are so refreshed this past day or two we have had some beautiful rain and we expect about the end of this month the rains will let in for about two months and then this Climate here is beautiful-we shall be very thankful for the heat is very trying-

I hope dear Mother, you have heard again from us long time before this, as three letters have been posted to you since you got our likenesses. Family are all well and the little babe thriving.

Give us all the news when you write about our little Niece and Nephews, and all relations. James will endeavour to write next Mail, he is at present up to his Eyes in buisiness(sic).

Little Jemmie (sic) is sleeping or else he would want to be writing to his Grandma. He is a great boy for pen and ink and full of buisiness (sic), just like his father up to all things. We are trying to make him speak English, he knows everything we say but he speaks all Hindostanee (sic) and questions every native that comes near the place, and he will give any message and he will just let them see he wishes them to understand him-he very often puzzles us in the language.

At this time dear Jame’s (sic) has early hours in the College and little Jemmie (sic) generally takes himself over before breakfast and brings his papa home as he calls him. All the children just like the native in their tongue.

Now dear Mother I have no news to tell you this time, but hope to hear from you soon and to hear that all’s well.
Dear James and little Jemmie (sic) join me in fond love and kisses to you and believe me

My dear Mother

Your Ever Affectionate Daughter

Rebecca Johnston

Thomason College, Roorkee

4th August 1861

Roorkee
4th August 1861

My dear Mother,

I trust this will find you as it leaves us enjoying the best of health.

Thank God, both Becky and I are rather anxious about you as we have received no letter from you for about four months before now. There is nothing new in this part of the world only lots of rain. You ought to see it raining here. It comes down pell-mell and has no respect of persons. There has been a fall of rain about 25 inches in Roorkee, and in the hills at Landour up to last Thursday fortnight, there had been 61 inches. I suppose that rather astonishes you, upwards of 5 feet of rain, but you would think sometimes that heaven and earth were coming together.
Cholera is very bad in some stations. In Meerut it is bad among the Europeans, a great number of whom have died. The clergyman of the English Church was visiting a Hospital the other day and as he was leaving the Bungalow to get into his buggy, he dropped down and died there. That is only one instance. We have no cases here with one or two exceptions among the natives, but it is to be hoped it will soon leave. The Station at Roorkee is a most healthy one. We have beautiful weather here just now.

My Dear Mother, I trust soon to get a letter from you before I write you again.

I expect there will be an addition to the clan of “Johnston” and hope everything will go well. Becky sends you her best love to you and hopes to hear from you soon. She will give you an account of the whole affair after it is over. Little Jamie is getting such a chatter-box and up to all sorts of Mischief.

Now I have nothing more to say –the Mail goes to-day so I must wind up my scroll and wait patiently till I hear from you which I trust will not be long. To all enquiring friends my best regards, and to your dear self, my fond love.
From your Affectionate Son

Jamie Johnston

EDITOR’S NOTE: Rebecca Johnston (nee Kirkham) died on the 16th August 1861 at Roorkee and also buried there the following day. The cause of death was not recorded but possibly as a result of either giving birth or cholera. The intimation of her death was by Rev J.B.D’Aquilan, Chaplain at Roorkee.
(Ref: India Office – N/190 Vol.100 Folio 158)