These extended right across India, from city to city, for a
thousand miles. To Roberts was assigned the important task of arranging
all the details of the tour, and he did it with characteristic
thoroughness. It was like moving a mammoth circus, what with elephants,
tents, supplies of all kinds, and gorgeous trappings to be handled.
These Durbars lasted for six months, and the Viceroy not only
complimented Roberts for his work, but gazetted him for the rank of
Brevet Major.
The next few years were much of a piece--a routine of office and field
work which, if it brought nothing sensational to the conscientious young
officer, still kept his feet in the path of glory. It was not until the
year 1875, that he reached the goal for which he had long
striven--Quartermaster-General of the Army in India, which carried with
it the rank of Major General.
With this title his larger work in India may be said to have fairly
begun. For nearly twenty years longer his military career was to be
continued there, and in the neighboring country of Afghanistan. It is
all recounted in his "Forty-One Years in India"--a recital of constant
adventure and interest. For his services, he was made a peer of England,
receiving the title of Baron Roberts of Kandahar. An address presented
to him by the native and English residents, on his leaving India, is
worth repeating.
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