"Colonel de Salis, three other officers and four men had travelled overland to India to purchase horses in advance, this had been without result. Only 100 horses were secured at Bombay and on the 3rd of January 1858 a sailing transport carrying these and some of the officer's horses left in tow of a steamer carrying the men and baggage, bound for Deesa. "
"In company with Captain Edward Phillips, Veterinary Surgeon Edward Simpson Grey, Riding Master John Reilly, three N.C.O.s and a Private he travelled overland to India for the Mutiny campaign in advance of the Regiment (arriving on the 23rd of November) in order to purchase horses, but without result."
PB: His entry doesn't mention going overland to India. CHECK & ADD.
[PB: Hmm, his entry says he departed for India on board SS Great Britain 8 October 1857.]
"He went overland to India as Sergeant in charge of four rough-riders, embarking on the 10th of October 1857 and landing at Bombay on the 24th of November 1857."
"Travelled overland to India with officers of the regiment in 1857."
"Travelled overland to India as servant to Colonel Benson, the rest of the party consisting of a Duty Captain, the Riding-master, Veterinary Surgeon, a Sergeant and four rough-riders. Leaving on the 10th of October 1857 they arrived at Bombay on the 24th of November." [24? 23?]