COPIES FROM HIS DURY. 185 CHAPTER V. COPIES FROM HIS DIARY. Calcutta 28th December 1839. The year is now drawing to a close, and I am purporting to re- view the journal which I have kept during the greater part pf the present year. I find that it is pretty regularly kept up from 1st April 1839. On . the 1st January 1839, the Social meeting of some " my nearest and dearest friends took place at my house, and after -dinner we got up and made speeches. I recollect, Hury, and Ram Tonoo Lahiry spoke on the occasion. This speechifying propensity infeoted me, and I knew, one thing that I urged in my speech was the importance of keeping a journal. I have subsequently been con- firmed in this opinion by observing this Bystem of watching time produoing on the character of two of England's best men, I allude to William Roscoe of Liverpool, and William Wilberforce, the eman- cipator of West Indian slaves, whose life is written by their respective sons, I have lately being reading. May God enable me to profit by the example of these two illustrious individuals ! January 26fft.— Rose at half-past seven. Read newspaper, refusing Sowgad from a Durwan and Jamadar who expected employment February 3rd.— Talked with Mohesh with whom, I had a plea- sant drive. Grish, Hury, Raj Krishna, Sham, Ram tonoo, Gobind, Doorgadas, Mohesh came. It was a pleasant party tiirmtd-night. Read Chatham's celebrated speech about the American war. April 3rd. — I read some correspondence between Dr. Robertson Hums, and Gibbon the illustrious Triumvirate of contemporaneous historians. The former seems to be held in the highest admiration. I felt strong response to Gibbon's love of retired life. 27th April 1839.— The establishment of a Patshalla near the Hiodoo College upon European principles. Mr. Hare shewed us a plan, and a list of subscription to which I had made up my mind to put down Rs. 50 which Mr. Hare did not seem to like. 24
