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The 88th was again inspected on October 16th, this time by Major-General Haly, who announced his decision to this effect: "He is much pleased with the regiment and will have the satisfaction of making a favourable report."
On November 8th a detachment of two companies (C and E), under command of Captain Whitla, marched to [[Attock Fort Attock ]] on the Indus, relieving a similar detachment of the 36th. Head-quarters and the remaining companies moved from [[Peshawar]] to [[Nowshera]], their next station, on December 74th.
'''1869'''
Colonel G.V. Maxwell, C.B., who had been employed on the Staff of the Army in India since January 23rd 1864, resumed command of the 88th on February 3rd, on completion of his five years' tenure of the Staff appointment. He left for England however on fifteen months' leave almost immediately and the command again devolved on Colonel E.H. Maxwell.
At [[Attock Fort Attock ]] C and E Companies were relieved by H and K Companies early in February and rejoined Head-quarters on the 5th.
On March 3rd 1869, Shere Ali, Ameer of Afghanistan, entered British territory on a State visit to the Viceroy. He was received with due ceremony at Peshawar on the 4th, thence proceeding after a few days to meet the Viceroy, the Earl of Mayo, at [[Umballa]]. The 88th marched to [[Peshawar]] on March 1st to take part at the reception of the [[Ameer]], returning to [[Nowshera]] on the 9th.
The effective strength on January 1st 1870, was 36 officers, 43 sergeants and 700 of other ranks; a total of 779.
The Connaught Rangers left Nowshera on January 31st to proceed by route-march to Colaba, Bombay, appointed for their last station in India. They picked up the two companies which had been on detachment at [[Attock Fort Attock ]] on February 1st. The destination of the regiment was however suddenly changed by a telegram, received on March 5th, which directed it to proceed to Agra in relief of the 77th, unexpectedly ordered home. Diverging from the Grand Trunk Road at Meean Meer and proceeding by way of Ferozepore the regiment reached Loodiana (370 miles from Nowshera) on March 10th. Thence the regiment travelled by rail to Agra, arriving in two detachments on the 12th and 13th. They were inspected by Major-General Troup on the 26th and his report was considered by the Home Authorities "most creditable and satisfactory."
Brevet-Colonel G.V. Maxwell, C.B., was placed on half-pay from April 1st 1870, thus ceasing to be borne on the rolls of the regiment. He was at the same time, being in command of a brigade, appointed a temporary Brigadier-General. At Agra, the Brigadier-General in local command having been sent home on sick leave, Colonel E.H. Maxwell took his place, as from May 4th. He continued to hold the command until he left Agra with the 88th in the November following. Colonel E.H. Maxwell for two months of this time also held command of the [[Meerut]] Division, during the absence of Major-General Travers on leave. In the interim the acting regimental command devolved on Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel Mauleverer.
