Page:Narrative of a journey through the upper provinces of India etc. (Volume III.).djvu/409

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correspondence.
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year, were asking leave to send their property into the citadel, and packing off their wives and children across the river, will hardly again look forward to seeing their war-boats on the salt-water lake, or the golden umbrellas of their chiefs erected on the top of St. John’s Cathedral. I was then thought little better than a madman for venturing to Dacca. Now the members of government are called all manner of names, because their troops have found unexpected difficulty in marching to Ummerapoora.

For me there are very many ingredients of happiness; much to be seen, much to be learned, and much, I almost fear too much, to be done or attempted. I have been hitherto so fortunate as to be on the best possible terms with the Government, and on very friendly terms with nine out of ten of my few clergy; and in my present journey I have, I hope, been the means of doing some good, both to them and their congregations. Indeed my journey has been perfectly professional; and, though I certainly did not shut my eyes or ears by the way, I have been at no place which was not either a scene of duty, or in the direct and natural way to one. And every where I am bound to say I have met with great kindness and attention from the local magistrates, down to the European soldiers, and from the Rajas and Kings down to the poor native Christians.

Reginald Calcutta.