Page:James Thomason (Temple).djvu/200

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192
JAMES THOMASON

canals, popular education, and Christian missions. In 1845 he was in his camp, and I accompanied him in his march through the Cis-Sutlej States. As at Agra, so in camp, I was deeply impressed with his mild wisdom and interesting conversation. On my return from England in 1852 I was placed at his disposal, and I went up to Agra to stay with him. I had gained in knowledge and experience since 1844, an d could more fully appreciate his administrative wisdom and sweet character.

'Among the many great Indian Statesmen, with whom during my twenty-five years in India I came into contact, I place him very high indeed. He was devoid of personal ambition. He had no special gift of eloquence, and never published any literary work. But he systematized the Revenue system of the North-West Provinces, and improved every branch of the administration. He also set the example to the newly conquered province of the Punjab, which was managed from the first by his favourite subalterns, Lawrence, Montgomery, Macleod, Barnes, Edward Thornton, who were in their full maturity, and by a succession of younger men, who had learnt their lesson from him, had been the recipients of his friendly notice, and made his holy life their great example. In 1888 I dedicated to his memory a volume of my notes on Missionary Subjects, as one "who taught me my lesson."

The following description was written very shortly after his death by William Muir. afterwards Sir William, who had intimate acquaintance with him, official and private, had been his principal Secretary since 1851, and who himself became subsequently Lieutenant-Governor, and is now Principal of the University of Edinburgh[1].

  1. See Calcutta Review, December, 1853.