The popularity of a Viceroy rests in a great measure in the hands of his Military Secretary, hence the importance of having a man who understands, and is in touch, with the native princes and people, who has the table of precedence at his finger-ends, and is pleasing and courteous to all. Lord William excelled in all this, and one of the reasons why he was from first to last such a phenomenal success, was because he left nothing to chance, everything was carefully thought out, no hurried word of mouth orders, but everything written or printed and placed in the hands of those it concerned, some time before the orders and work had to be carried out. Lord William was one of the old school who saw nothing amusing in being rude, nothing clever in hurting people’s feelings, and he would not tolerate anything of the kind amongst his A.D.C.’s. It is not altogether unknown for young A.D.C.’s attached to the staff of Government houses to get swelled heads, treating everybody not in immediate connection with their household as canaille, unless of course they happened to be globe trotters with handles to their names, but anything of this kind was quickly suppressed by Lord William, who was kindly and courteous to all, be they princes, princesses, subalterns, Bohemians or what nots. Perhaps a little extra pleasant to a pretty face, and who will blame him? Speaking of bad manners occasionally witnessed at Government houses in different countries, I have observed it is a way satellites have at times; while their superiors, like our Royal Family for instance, are unsurpassed for graciousness of manner, those in attendance on them are at times sadly lacking in those amiable qualities. In fact not only have swelled heads, but have grown too big for their shoes. One might think such an uncomfortable combination would lead them to see the error of their ways. But to return to the Military Secretary and his many duties, which are enough to make the stoutest heart quake. The Viceroy not being a soldier, naturally depends a good deal on him for advice as to military points of view, military law, and so forth. A really sound man can, and often does, influence the ultimate decisions of His Excellency, imperceptibly, of course, or his value would be gone. The work of the Indian Office also filters more or less through his hands, in fact everything requiring the Viceroy’s attention, while should there be any difference of opinion between departments, and any of them thought the Military Secretary was taking any part, or interfering, there would be fierce indignation and heart-burnings. So while all these delicate matters are being brought to the Viceroy’s notice by the Military Secretary, yet he must appear to know nothing about them, though quite possibly his advice has been asked.