January

Jany. 3.
The 77th. Regiment was Reviewed in Battalion by Major Genl. Medows who was pleased to express very great approbation at our appearance.

Jany. 13.
The Prince William Henry East Indiaman commanded by Capt. Ralph Dundas sailed this day for England – I sent home letters on board of her to all my Friends of date 4. Jany. 89; vizt. Lochbuy, Genl. Maclean, Torloisk, Capt. Lundin of Auchtermerny, Scallastle, Lt. Col. Small, Macquarie, Cousin D. Mc.Laine and Brother Charles. — I contrived to manage matters in such a way, (altho' I had not saved near so much, if any at all, since my arrival at Bombay) as to be able to send home a Bill upon London for Fifty Pounds Sterling, to my good Uncle and friend Lochbuy in payment of Part of the Debt I owe him.

The late Governor of Bombay Mr. Ramsey and several other Gentlemen from Bombay went home in the Prince Wm. Henry. —

Jany. 14.
The European Brigade commanded by Colonel Abercromby, was Reviewed today by Genl. Medows. —

I wrote of this date to Capt. Jas. Campbell Aid de Camp to His Uncle Sir Archd. in answer to one received lately from him; informing "that notwithstanding Sir Archd. would be very happy top oblige and serve me, he could not properly, interfere with regard to my Promotion, not wishing to meddle with the Patronage of Genl. Medows's Army." — Consequently I can hope for no interest being made for me in this Quarter. —

Jany. 19.
The whole Troops in Bombay, Europeans and Sepoys, were this day Reviewed in line by General Medows; – a sham Battle was fought betwixt the European and Native Brigades – the latter Retreating in alternate Lines and the former advancing and forcing the others to retire, from Fort George, on the Right of the Esplanade, to the Apollo Gate on the left. — After Beating off the Sepoys, the European Brigade were drawn up, in Square, near the Apollo Gate, and in honor of Her Majesty's Birth Day, 18th. Jany., (the day before being Sunday) fired three vollies in Presence of the General; after which, the Brigade was dismissed, with the General's thanks at the same time announced to Officers and soldiers – each Battalion marching home to their Barracks.

In the Evening there was a very Elegant Ball and Supper Given at the Theatre by the Governor to all the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Settlement.

Jany. 30.
Lieut. Trotter of the 75th. Regt. having obtained Permission to return to Europe for the recovery of his Health, sailed this day on board a Danish East Indiaman. — I wrote by him to my Uncle Lochbuy inclosing [sic] the 2d. Sett [sic] of my Bill &c. —

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal No. 1: 15 December 1787 – 24 March 1792.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A768 pp.147–150. [Microfilm Reel CY299 Frames #79–81].