Starting from near Intwa on the 4th of January, we marched incessantly (with the exception of one day’s halt) to Alahabad. We arrived there on the 15th, so that with the exception of one day’s rest (on a Sunday) we had a consecutive ten days’ marching; doing 26 miles on one day and 18 on another. What was the reason for this hurry I could never understand. I suppose we were in fine condition, and not hampered with much baggage. We left our tent-stores and ammunition behind, and our guns were left with Sir Hope Grant. Lord Canning, I was pleased to find, was at Alahabad. He kindly allowed me to visit him, and I dined with him one evening during our stay. On the morning of the day of our departure His Excellency caused the following general orders to be read out to the Brigade:-- ALAHABAD, _the 17th January 1859_. His Excellency the Viceroy and Governor-General cannot allow the officers and men forming the Naval Brigade of Her Majesty’s ship _Pearl_ to pass through Alahabad on their return to their ship without expressing his acknowledgments of the excellent service they have rendered to the State. Disembarked on the 12th of September 1857, they have for fifteen months formed a main part of the small force to which the security of the wide district of Gorruckpore, and of the country adjoining it, has been entrusted, and which has held during that time important advanced posts exposed to constant attack from the strongholds of the rebels. The duty has been arduous and harassing; but it has been cheerfully and thoroughly performed, and the discipline of the _Pearl’s_ brigade has been admirable. The _Gazettes_ of the 9th and 23rd March, 27th April, 11th May, 22nd June, 6th and 13th July, 13th August, 12th and 19th October, 23rd and 26th November 1858, and 11th January 1859, have shown that when the Gorruckpore field force has been engaged the Brigade has signally distinguished itself. The Governor-General cordially thanks Captain Sotheby, C.B., and his brave officers and men for the valuable assistance they have given to the army in Bengal, and he is glad to think that they do not quit the scene of their services without the satisfaction of seeing peace restored to the rich districts which they have protected. R. J. H. BIRCH, _Major General_, _Secretary to the Government of India_ _with the Governor-General_.