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THE
_EAST INDIA_
VADE-MECUM
OR
=COMPLETE GUIDE=
TO
GENTLEMEN INTENDED FOR THE
_CIVIL, MILITARY, OR NAVAL SERVICE_
OF THE
Hon. East India Company.
[Illustration]
BY
CAPTAIN THOMAS WILLIAMSON
_Author of ‘The Wild Sports of the East.’_
[Illustration]
IN TWO VOLUMES
-------
_VOL. I._
----------------------------
London:
PRINTED FOR BLACK, PARRY, and KINGSBURY,
Booksellers to the Honorable East India Company,
7,
LEADENHALL-STREET
-------
1810.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Printed by Turner and Harwood, St. John’s Square,
London.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO THE
_HON. COURT OF DIRECTORS,_
OF THE
=East India Company=
----------
HONORABLE SIRS,
_A work professedly undertaken with the view to promote the
welfare, and to facilitate the progress, of those young gentlemen who
may, from time to time, be appointed to situations under your several
Presidencies, will, I flatter myself, receive from your_ HONORABLE COURT
_that encouragement the importance of the subject solicits, and to which
my own good intentions may justly offer a claim. Under your auspices, my
labors cannot fail to prove of public utility, as well as to reward that
zeal, and that assiduity, with which they have proceeded, under the
alluring hope of meriting the approbation of your_ HONORABLE COURT.
_I have the honor to be,_
HONORABLE SIRS,
_Your most obedient Servant,_
_THOMAS WILLIAMSON_
London, January 1, 1810.
PREFACE
----------
In the volumes now offered to the public, it has been my zealous
endeavour to supply those minutiæ and details, which have not, in any
distinct manner, been heretofore tendered to its consideration. A
residence of more than twenty years in Bengal, during which period I had
every opportunity of visiting the several districts under that
presidency, has enabled me to afford considerable insight into a variety
of topics, which, whether to the statesman, the merchant, the military,
or the civil character, should prove highly important, and guide, not
only to a just conception of the characters of the natives, and of the
European society, in India, but to the removal of that host of doubts,
prejudices, and national opinions, which, if suffered to prevail, must
occasion every object to be seen through a false medium.
With the view to render my labors more acceptable to my juvenile
readers, whose welfare is attended to in every page, it appeared to me
expedient to adopt rather a familiar, than a didactic, style; so as to
lead towards the goal of instruction, in that easy manner which is
generally found best suited to that intention. The same principle
induced me to avoid any arrangement under abstract heads, or chapters;
as well as to render the contents at large philosophically diffuse.
The mode adopted in my former publication, ‘THE WILD SPORTS OF THE
EAST’, namely, of spelling the Hindostanee words according to English
pronunciation, having been highly approved, is continued on this
occasion. This plan appears particularly necessary in a work intended
chiefly for the use of persons proceeding to India; since nothing could
be more unpleasant than a deficiency in respect to intonation; which,
being once established in error, must prove extremely difficult of
correction.
While studying to supply the several desiderata left unnoticed by those
gentlemen who have written on subjects relating to India, I felt it
incumbent on me, both from a sense of delicacy, and from the conviction
that they had already passed through more able hands, to avoid whatever
topics had been abstractedly considered. Therefore, such of my readers
as may seek for particular information regarding the religious tenets of
the several sects, the languages of the East, the literature, &c., &c.,
should consult those eminent authors to whom the world is so much
indebted. The whole of their works may be obtained by application to
Messrs. BLACK, PARRY, and KINGSBURY, of Leadenhall Street, London, from
whose ample catalogue I beg leave to cull the following, as being
particularly applicable to the use of students laudably intent on
obtaining the most valuable sources of oriental learning.
The works of DOCTOR GILCHRIST stand pre-eminent, and, while they do
honor to himself, are highly creditable to the discrimination and
liberality of the EAST INDIA COMPANY, under whom he held a
Professorship. In the purchase of the few volumes necessary towards the
equipment of a gentleman proceeding to India, the whole of Doctor
Gilchrist’s philological publications ought to be included. DR. WILKIN’S
edition of RICHARDSON’S PERSIAN DICTIONARY is equally indispensable to
writers, who may be desirous to attain a proficiency in the Persian
language, by which they become eligible for officers of the highest
rank: but, to cadets, who do not wish to go to the expence of two
volumes, quarto, the ABRIDGEMENT, by MR. HOPKINS, in one volume, royal
octavo, is particularly recommended. DR. WILKINS’S SANSKRITA GRAMMAR
will also be found eminently serviceable; while his translation of the
HEETOPADES will afford much insight into the narratory idiom of the
Hindus. RICHARDSON’S ARABIC GRAMMAR, as also SIR W. JONES’S PERSIAN
GRAMMAR, or GLADWIN’S PERSIAN MOONSHEE, and his GULISTAN OF SADY, should
not be omitted. SIR WM. OUSELEY’S ESSAY TOWARDS FACILITATING THE READING
OF PERSIAN MANUSCRIPTS, will prove a substantial aid. BALFOUR’S FORMS OF
HERKERN, in Arabic and English, should be provided; together with
ROUSSEAU’S DICTIONARY OF MAHOMEDAN LAW TERMS. MR. COLEBROOKE’S DIGEST OF
HINDU LAW, is indispensable; and I strongly recommend his TREATISE ON
THE HUSBANDRY AND INTERNAL COMMERCE OF BENGAL. SALE’S KORAN will supply
the fullest information regarding the fundamental principles of the
Mahomedan religion; and REYNELL’S MEMOIRS, united with his ATLAS, and
MAP, or ARROWSMITH’S MAP OF INDIA, on a larger scale, will prove the
best guides in acquiring the geography, together with many local matters
extremely interesting to persons travelling in any part of our
territory, but especially in Bengal. The AYEEN AKBEKRY will shew what
Hindostan was under the government of AKBAR; and the ASIATIC RESEARCHES,
and ASIATIC ANNUAL REGISTER, will be found to display an immense variety
of subjects connected with natural history, &c. The Tour made, under the
auspices of Marquis Wellesley, by DOCTOR FRANCIS BUCHANAN, through the
MYSORE, CANARA, and MALABAR Districts, may be considered one of the most
valuable productions of the age; inasmuch as it details, with
philosophic consideration, and, in most instances, with alchemic
precision, a variety of matters relating to the climate, the soil, and
those various articles of produce, as well as the mode of manufacture,
which cannot fail to prove highly interesting to those either engaged in
mercantile speculations, or who thirst after useful knowledge. This work
is published by Messrs. BLACK, PARRY, and KINGSBURY.
With respect to those regulations published for the control, or
guidance, of persons proceeding to, or residing in, India, fluctuations
must at times take place. MESSRS. BLACK, PARRY, and KINGSBURY, publish
yearly a DIRECTORY, under the immediate authority of the COURT OF
DIRECTORS, the latest edition of which ought to be purchased in the
first instance.
Soliciting my readers’ indulgence regarding any typographical errors,
which may, notwithstanding the greatest attention in correcting for the
press, occasionally appear, and anxiously hoping that he may at least be
amused, if not instructed, by the perusal of my pages, I consign them to
the consideration of a discriminating, just, and liberal public;
trusting that my motives, at least, will be rewarded by its approbation.
THOMAS WILLIAMSON.
LONDON, JANUARY 1, 1810.
CONTENTS
OF
VOL. I.
--------------
PAGES
_Instructions to Persons proceeding to India 1 to 30
regarding articles to be provided, and
precautions to be adopted_
_Matters relating to embarking, and the usual 31 . 60
customs on board-ship, sea-sickness, fishing at
sea_
_Foreign settlements, Brazils, crossing the Line_ 61 . 68
_Religious character of sailors, funerals at sea, 69 . 88
Cape of Good Hope_
_Of St. Helena_ 89 . 109
_Island of Johanna, and the Comoro Cluster_ 110 . 119
_Whale-fishery in the Mozambique Channel_ 120 . 123
_White-squalls, passage round Ceylon, and up the 124 . 126
Coromandel coast_
_Madras, masoolah-boats, debashes, bad meats, 127 . 138
localities_
_General track up the Bay, cautions necessary to 139 . 141
be adopted by pilot-schooners at the Sand-heads_
_General appearance of the coast, modes of getting 142 . 154
up from the ship to Calcutta_
_Coins and weights in use, land measure_ 155 . 160
_Taverns to be avoided, instructions and cautions 161 . 172
regarding servants, women, &c._
_Estimate of primary and current expences_ 173 . 175
_Acquirement of the language, with advice 176 . 178
regarding conduct in general_
_Reasons for retaining a number of servants, 179 . 185
religious scruples_
_Classification of servants_ 186 . 188
_The Banian, and Darogah_ 188 . 192
_The Moonshy, the Jemmadar, the Chobe-dar, the 191 . 212
Soontah-burdar, the Kansamah, the Sircar, the
Cranny, specimen of style_
_The Khedmutgar, The Mosaulchy, the Hookah-burdar, 212 . 228
the Hookah, the Kaleaun, the Goorgoory, and the
Neriaul_
_Modes of carrying water, the Bheesty, Tatties_ 229 . 236
_The Babachy, the Durzy, the Doby, the Mohout, the 236 . 253
Mate, and the Surwan_
_The Syce, the Grass-cutter, the Mauly, mode of 254 . 266
drawing water_
_The Aub-dar, the Compadore, the Hirkarah, the 267 . 280
Duftoree, the Fraush, the Mater, the Dooreah,
mode of keeping and feeding dogs_
_The Kalashy, the Manjy, the Goleeah, and the 281 . 287
Dandy_
_The Berrairah, description of sheep, and mode of 288 . 293
fattening_
_The Chokey-dar, curious system of vigilance in 294 . 298
the upper provinces, expert thieves_
_The Durwan, the Cahar, insolence of the Ooreah 298 . 310
bearers_
_Hints regarding the lading of cattle_ 310 . 311
_Umbrellas, punkahs, liveries_ 312 . 313
_The mahanah-palanquin, the boçhah, the 313 . 324
taum-jaung, the bangy_
_The r’hunt, the g’horry-waun, fine bullocks, the 325 . 333
g’horry, the hackery_
_Cautions against engaging European servants, 333 . 336
either male or female_
_The Portugueze Ayah, ridiculously vain of their 337 . 339
genealogies_
_The Hindostanee Ayah_ 340 . 341
_The Dhye, domestic secrets_ 341 . 346
_Domestic manners and customs of the natives, with 347 . 408
details of the state of society among them_
_Flying kites, great dexterity, natives peculiarly 408 . 411
tenacious of privacy in their dwellings_
_European polygamy, characters of women generally 412 . 416
domiciliated by Europeans, ordinary expences_
_Dress and ornaments of a Hindostanee lady_ 417 . 431
_Scented oils, mode of extracting the attar of 431 . 441
roses, with calculation of expences_
_Unctions in general use, bathing, alligators_ 442 . 448
_Invitations, visiting, female nomenclature, loud 449 . 451
music_
_Reasons for Europeans retaining native women, and 451 . 458
impediments in the way of marriage_
_Orphan Institution_ 459 . 468
_Vaccination in Bengal, mode of inoculating in use 469 . 475
among the Brahmans, and among the Pahariahs,
making capons_
_The Native Hospital at Calcutta_ 479 . 482
_Style of building among the natives, mode of 483 . 498
thatching, domestic furniture, the beetle-leaf
and plant_
_Cheroots, women smokers, imitations of native 499 . 502
manners, dress, &c., and vice versâ_
_Mirza Alu Taaleb Khan, his ingratitude and 503 . 509
vanity, comparison of his poetry with that of
Hafiz and Yuqueen_
_Precautions against fire, heavy rains, protection 509 . 514
against them_
_Bungalows, bricklayers, carpenter and smith, 514 . 520
houses smeared with cow-dung, mindy applied to
hands and feet_
THE
_EAST INDIA_
VADE-MECUM.
[Illustration]
The consideration, that great numbers of young gentlemen proceed to
India without the smallest idea of the customs, &c. peculiar to that
country whither they are adventuring; and, that the want of some
previous instruction has often proved of the greatest inconvenience;
first induced me to assume the pen, for the purpose of submitting, to
those under such circumstances, the result of a long residence in
Bengal. When it is understood, that, merely owing to the absence of any
experienced friend, or to the impossibility of obtaining some
publication suited to guide under a case of no small difficulty, not
only many a guinea, which could perhaps be ill spared, is thrown away,
but many a lasting injury entailed, little apology need be offered for
that earnestness with which I recommend my volumes to the attention, not
only of those who are about to proceed to the East, but of such as have
relatives, or friends, in that remote quarter.
The first point offering itself to notice, is, whether an appointment is
to be obtained in the Company’s service, either in a civil, a military,
or a naval capacity; or, whether the party is about to adventure as a
merchant, or free-mariner. If the Company’s service be in question, it
will be necessary to follow implicitly those regulations the Court of
Directors, from whom alone any appointment can be obtained, have, from
time to time, judged it expedient to promulgate for the better
management of their affairs, and for obviating misconception on the part
of every candidate, as well as to shield him from imposition. As these
regulations are subject to much fluctuation, and as it would be
burthening this work too much were they to be embodied therein, besides
that it would be, to a certain degree, infringing on the rights of
others, to whose assiduity the public are considerably indebted, I have
excluded them altogether; confining myself to pointing out, that the
‘EAST INDIA DIRECTORY,’ published annually by Messrs. Black, Parry, and
Kingsbury, but edited by gentlemen holding offices at the India-House,
will be found the best guide in all such matters, as it contains the
code in force at the time of publication.
Formerly, a great number of persons received commissions in the army,
and in the medical departments in India, from the governor-general, for
which necessity was the plea; but that practice was severely censured,
and has been for full twenty-six years completely exploded. The hope of
obtaining an appointment in India, as a Company’s servant, should never
be entertained; none being bestowed but by the Court of Directors;
though, it is true, the recommendations of their government abroad, in
behalf of meritorious individuals, have, in very numerous instances,
been attended to.
Little argument need be used to demonstrate the superior policy, or
rather the imperious necessity, of sending young men from England in
such a state of improvement as may enable them to become useful
immediately on their arrival at the presidencies to which they may be
respectively nominated. This is effected by the institution of a
college, and of a military academy, under the auspices of the Court of
Directors: at the former, those intended for the civil service are duly
grounded in the languages, &c. of the East; while, at the latter, young
gentlemen are instructed in whatever may be essential towards their
military career. By these means, the natives are induced to entertain
more respect for the junior servants, than could possibly be expected
while a want of every local requisite, and even of the very rudiments of
professional science, were too conspicuously apparent. The ‘DIRECTORY’,
already spoken of, will be found to contain whatever relates to the
proper qualifications of young men aiming at employ under the Company;
but I may be permitted to state, that whenever any undue influence may
be exerted, by pecuniary means, to obtain any appointment, in whatever
branch, expulsion and disgrace, or eventually, fine, &c. will be the
result.
The opportunity which offers for the selection of civil servants duly
qualified to fill offices of considerable importance, to which either
large salaries, or handsome fees, &c. are attached, affords the ready
means of rewarding the labors of meritorious individuals in that branch;
and, with few exceptions, of enabling them, after a fair term of
servitude, to return to Europe with competent fortunes. Hence, the
Company have not found it necessary to stipulate for their granting any
pensions to civil servants; but, whenever the pressure of infirmity, or
of misfortune, has exhibited to the Court of Directors an object justly
entitled to their consideration, such civil servants, and, on many
occasions, their widows and children also, have experienced that
attention to their distresses which might elevate them beyond the reach
of adversity.
In the military branch, where a marked level prescribes the rise of
every individual, beyond which, except in a few instances of
staff-appointments, the utmost merit may unhappily remain unrewarded;
and where, in so destructive a climate, the discharge even of ordinary
duties is frequently attended with most injurious results to the
constitution; it has been adjudged necessary to make some provision for
those who may either be compelled to seek the re-establishment of health
in their native country, under the indulgence of a furlough, or who,
having passed the prime of their days in that quarter, may choose to
withdraw from the effective strength of the army, passing their latter
years in retirement, and making way for the more active, to supply their
places in the performance of the more arduous duties.
In consideration of the important services rendered to the Company by
their military and naval officers and surgeons, as also by their
chaplains, the Company have established certain rates of income, under
the general terms of full-pay, half-pay, and pension, for such of them
as may retire from their service: those rates, together with all the
regulations in force, will be found in the ‘EAST INDIA DIRECTORY’,
before referred to.
No British subject, not born in India, can claim the right of residing
within the Company’s jurisdiction; which extends from the Cape of Good
Hope, easterly, towards Cape Horn; including all the Indian Seas, and
the great Peninsula of Asia, so far as the British flag is displayed,
with the exception, however, of the Island of Ceylon, on which the whole
establishment appertains to the Crown, though generally some of the
Madras troops, or even a portion of the Bengal army, may be seen doing
duty there, as auxiliaries.
Necessity has imposed very arbitrary rules on the conduct of government
abroad; none but persons whose political conduct and opinions are
decidedly unexceptionable being permitted to reside within the Company’s
territories. Every European inhabitant is registered, and furnished with
a licence, renewable at times, or subject to be cancelled by the Supreme
Council. Such is the determination supported against whatever may tend,
however obliquely, towards colonization, that, in Calcutta, though
purchases may be made of landed property, secured by _pottahs_, that
correspond generally with our title-deeds, yet there does not appear to
be any actual claim to the soil. This does not create any diffidence on
the part of the purchaser, who, provided there be no latent mortgage,
&c. always holds the property as a fee-simple. This rule does not,
indeed, properly extend beyond the Maharrattah Ditch, which formerly
circumscribed the town on the land side, making nearly a semi-circle,
whose radius might be more than a mile and a half: beyond that ancient
barrier; which in old times was found a considerable protection against
the incursions of the Maharrattah horse: though pottahs may perhaps
exist, their validity would not bear the test of litigation. The
Company, it is true, have in various instances made grants of lands, but
always under such terms as precluded any claim to property in the soil,
as a permanent, independent, and paramount tenure.
The free-merchant, or, (as some designate him,) the free-mariner, who
may proceed to India with the view of purchasing landed property, or of
becoming a renter in his own name, will find himself in a very awkward,
or even a very hazardous, situation, should he lay out his money in
supposed purchases, or in buildings, _et cetera_, beyond the ascertained
limits of the town of Calcutta. My readers will therefore correct, in
due time, any erroneous impressions arising from misrepresentation, or
from misconception: they must, in fact, alienate their British opinions,
and conform to local considerations; divesting themselves of every
prepossession, and viewing our Indian possessions, not as colonies, but
as conquests, of a peculiar description, to which our laws and
privileges are every way either unsuitable, or unwelcome.
I shall now proceed to the display of some minutiæ regarding the out-fit
of a gentleman about to embark in a chartered ship; observing, that no
passenger can be received on board without an express order in writing,
directed to the captain, and signed by the secretary. Should an impostor
succeed, of which, I believe, no instance has ever come to light, in
obtaining a passage to India, by means of fictitious documents, he would
indisputably be detected on arrival there, and be subjected to all the
rigors of the law. The several commanders of the Company’s ships are so
bound by agreement, as well as by regulations, not to receive
unauthorized passengers, as to leave no opening for malpractices of the
above description.
The out-fit of a military passenger will necessarily differ, in a few
points, from that of a person proceeding in a civil capacity: whichever
may be the case, it will be found least expensive to lay in the whole of
the supplies of clothing, so far as may be practicable, from the stock
on hand; obtaining any additional articles from those tradesmen by whom
the family may have been usually furnished. I cannot too forcibly
deprecate the common practice of burthening young folks with a variety
of useless apparel, &c.; the greater part of which becomes the
perquisite of servants, or, being found rather a burthen than a
convenience, is generally thrown about in the most negligent manner. The
grand object should be to provide what may be efficient after arrival in
India.
The first point for consideration is the quantity and the quality of the
shirts, of which not less than four dozen should be provided. They ought
to be of very fine, stout calico, such as may be used in a hot climate,
where linen is particularly prejudicial to health, owing to its feeling
cold when moist with perspiration. About a dozen of the shirts may be of
rather a superior quality, and have frills.
Under-shirts, made of chequered calico, of a moderate fineness, will be
found extremely pleasant, and preserve the upper-shirts from being
soiled by contact with the body: of such, an equal number should be
made; if with sleeves, and reaching to the hips, they will serve for
sleeping in: there should be no ties, nor any opening, except for about
eight inches down, on one side, from the neck, but not in front; a
button will suffice to keep the parts together, after the head has been
passed through.
For wear on board-ship, nothing can equal pantaloons, of which two
pairs of thick, and two of thin, should be provided; together with as
many pairs of wove cotton long-drawers, to wear under them. The thick
kinds may be milled broad cloth, or wove worsted; the thin ones of
light corderoy, aleppine, &c. Half-stockings of worsted, and of
cotton, will be requisite; a dozen pairs of the former, and three
dozen of the latter: they will all be found useful in India. Two or
three black velvet stocks, made to tie with ribbon, will be
serviceable; and, as articles in great request abroad, about four
dozen of neck-handkerchiefs, of very fine linen, not calico, should be
made up: an equal quantity of a coarser kind may be laid in for under
wear.
Cotton handkerchiefs, of a small size, such as may be put into a
waistcoat pocket, will be found preferable: of these, full four dozen;
they should be white, with very neat, narrow borders. Two good warm
waistcoats of woollen must be provided, and about two dozen of white
waistcoats, made of fine Irish linen. Breeches in the same proportion,
and of the same qualities. To wear with the latter, two dozen pairs of
long cotton stockings, and half a dozen pairs of short, wove, cotton
drawers, should be provided. The stockings ought to be of the best
quality. A dozen pairs of silk stockings will also be useful on arrival
in India, where they are extremely scarce, generally damaged, and bear
an enormous price.
A substantial great-coat will, on many occasions, be acceptable during
the voyage; as will two pairs of boots, and as many of shoes; one stout,
the other light, for ship wear.
I cannot too forcibly recommend that measures be left with the tailor,
the shoe and boot-maker, the hatter, &c. in order that regular supplies
may be sent yearly, or half-yearly, through the medium of some friend in
London; who could get all articles of such a description shipped in the
privileges of some of the officers of the Indiamen; the freight payable
on delivery at Calcutta, Madras, or Bombay, respectively.
It will be proper to have two or three coats to wear on board-ship: two
should be of broad cloth, and one of camlet, or some other light stuff:
a warm dressing gown of flannel, with two lighter, of printed linen,
will be essentially serviceable.
Hats are so very subject to be injured on board-ship, and, indeed, to be
blown overboard, that I should recommend but little attention to
appearance in that article. In this, as well as in most of the
foregoing, a large portion may be supplied from the stock in use
previous to embarkation. The old saying, of ‘going to sea to wear out
one’s old clothes,’ has so far sense on its side, that whatever can be
decently worn will be found full good enough for that purpose. Persons
who are growing, should observe the precaution of having every article
of apparel made full large; else, by the time they may have been some
months at sea, they will be put to serious inconvenience. It is true,
that few ships sail without a tailor on board, but he is not always to
be had; being generally employed by the purser; or he may be in the sick
list, &c.
With respect to leather-breeches, two pairs may be taken by those
accustomed to hard riding; though nankeen are in general use for the
greater part of the year. In the cold season, the former are extremely
comfortable. Three, or even four, pairs of boots, as many of shoes, and
two round hats, of the best quality; together with two best coats, of
the lightest cloth, or kerseymere, two waistcoats, and two pair of
breeches, of fine white kerseymere, should be packed, with the intention
of being reserved for use in India.
It may be said, that tailors, shoe-makers, &c. abound in India; and,
that every article above-mentioned may be made up, or be obtained there.
The truth is, that all artizans in that quarter expect exorbitant
profits, to enable their amassing sums wherewith to return to Europe.
The materials are likewise much dearer; and many, if not all, of a very
inferior quality. Articles of European manufacture, except when the
market is absolutely glutted, bear full £80. and occasionally £200. per
cent. advance on the prime cost: add to this, that sometimes gentlemen
are so far removed from their trades-people, who are by no means
expeditious in their work, and, if at all expert, have ever more on hand
than they can execute, as to render it next to impracticable for them to
be supplied as they would wish.
With respect to woollens, boots, shoes, &c. Europe is the great source;
no cloths being
manufactured in India, except a kind somewhat resembling serge; and the
leather in general use among the native cordwainers being so ill tanned,
that, after being once wet through, which is effected by the slightest
exposure to moisture, it stretches, losing its shape and pliancy, so as
to be both uncomfortable and unsightly. The native shoe-makers are
certainly very neat in their work, but, owing to the badness of their
materials, cannot, in this case, be recommended.
Blankets of a good quality are scarce, and bear an unconscionable price.
I should recommend to every passenger, that he take three of the largest
double milled, and one smaller under blanket. He will find them useful
on board-ship; and, in the cold season, will not be displeased to find
such in his possession. Their value in the hottest time of the year,
when the wind is dry, and clouds of dust every where passing, is
extreme. If a bed be covered with two or three blankets, at that season,
it will always remain cool and pleasant.
It may be supposed that calico sheets are not adapted to the torrid
zone; and such is strictly the case. Accordingly, we find the greater
portion of Europeans provided with hemp sheeting: many go to the expence
of coarse Irish linen for that purpose, and make their pillow cases of
fine Holland, or of a fabric, called _grass-cloth_, imported from China,
and said to be made from the smaller fibres of what is usually called
_India-gut_, or _weed_. Whatever the material may be, its smooth, glossy
surface, and its disposition to resist absorption, more than any other
cloth in use, qualify it pre-eminently for that purpose to which we
apply it.
I should recommend that twelve sheets were taken; each formed of one
breadth of very fine Russia, or other hempen cloth, and full eleven feet
in length. During the passage, they may be used in that form; which, if
they are full ell-wide, will be found broad enough. On arrival in India
they should be joined two and two, so as to form three, instead of six
pairs. In regard to pillow cases, one for every pair of sheets in their
original state, will suffice: they should be of Irish linen.
A good mattress made of horse-hair, is, in the East, a valuable article.
I should recommend one made to fit the cot, or bed-place, on board-ship;
which will generally be from 6 ft. to 6 ft. 2 in. in length, and from 22
to 28 in. in width. This mattress should be filled to the thickness of
near five inches, and enclosed in a double case of the strongest
ticking: by this means, on arrival, the mattress may be extended to
double its size, with the choicest materials; the hair being spread
thinner, and the ticking reduced from double to single.
A pillow filled with feathers is scarcely to be seen in India! I would,
however, recommend, that, in lieu of a bolster, a pillow stuffed with
horsehair should be taken, with one feather pillow. On board-ship, the
former would be found acceptable in hot weather, while the latter may be
resorted to in stormy latitudes. Their alternate application, as
uppermost, would prove refreshing and comfortable, at least, if not
conducive to salubrity.
Table cloths can be had better, and cheaper, in India than in Europe; as
can towels, or napkins, also: it will, however, be necessary to take
about three or four dozen of rather large towels, of a thick strong
texture. Combs of sorts, tooth, nail, clothes, and shoe brushes, with
their respective et ceteras, should not be forgotten. Soap, for washing
hands and for shaving, must be taken; and if about twenty or thirty
pounds of the patent soap, which will wash with salt water, be laid in,
it may be useful in case a few articles should, from necessity, be
washed on board, and will, at all events, be an invaluable present to
any persons who may do little jobs, such as making the bed, cleaning
boots, &c.: to all such, soap and pig-tail tobacco are more acceptable
than either money or liquor.—Cut tobacco is not considered so valuable;
smoking being next to prohibited in every ship.
A wash-hand bason, ewer, and chamber utensil, will be required: these,
at least the first and last, should be of pewter: the ewer should be in
the form of a bottle, both on account of the convenience it offers in
handling it, and because water is less liable to be spilled from its
mouth; a common quart bottle is no bad substitute. About a pound of good
tea, and five or six pounds of double-refined sugar, may be provided: in
case of indisposition they may be resorted to, without troubling the
captain’s servants beyond the requisition of some hot water.
Persons fond of shooting, would do well to take with them one or more
good double-barrelled guns, with spare locks, a good supply of flints,
and all the necessary implements for cleaning, &c. in a very solid
wainscot case, firmly clamped with brass at the corners, lid, and
bottom. Shot is to be had in Calcutta, as is gun-powder, of the first
quality. A good pointer dog will be found highly valuable; preferable to
a bitch, which rarely lives in that climate after her first, or, at
most, her second litter; besides, it is common for the captain and
officers to expect whatever pups are born on board: on the other hand, a
male pointer, of established breed and reputation, must be eagerly
sought by all sportsmen, who will cheerfully give a portion of its
progeny to the owner.
With respect to military persons, whose apparel and accoutrements cannot
be ascertained previous to quitting England, they should confine their
attention to laying in those materials which cannot fail of becoming
useful on their arrival: thus, an officer of infantry ought to purchase
a few yards of the best _super-superfine_ scarlet broad cloth, or
kerseymere, for making up his regimentals; an officer of artillery or of
engineers, blue, &c. The whole establishment not being exactly uniform
in particular points, such as the colors of the facings, the patterns of
the swords, &c. nothing can be done, with propriety, in those instances:
this, however, is the less important, because every cadet is, on
arriving in the country, sent to join a corps composed of gentlemen
under similar circumstances, about sixteen miles from Calcutta, in which
he must serve for two years, or until judged qualified to do duty with
the regiment to which he may stand appointed as an ensign.
Every thing in the cutlery line should be taken from England; the most
essential are as follow. Two good razors, in a case, with a small strop,
a small looking glass, two or three pairs of scissors, of sorts; two or
three good penknives, a riding knife, with fleam and picker, a pair of
good carvers, a dozen of table knives and forks, ditto of dessert, all
plain bone or ivory handles; a pocket case of apparatus for scaling the
teeth; mathematical instruments may be included under this article, as
may black-lead pencils of the first quality, with colors, hair pencils,
and drawing and writing papers; all of which are extremely dear in
India, and, according to the usual modes of shipping, rarely arrive in
good condition.
A good gold watch, with light chain and seals, together with some spare
glasses fitted, will be indispensable. A small telescope, that may be
easily carried in the pocket, will prove amusing on many occasions, and,
to a military man, must ever be ranked among absolute necessaries. In
regard to plate, very little is wanted for a single gentleman. Six table
spoons, twelve tea spoons, a soup spoon, a marrow spoon, and four salt
spoons, will be found as much as usually can be required; as will be
better understood when I come to describe the manner of living among
Europeans.
The very limited space allowed for the baggage of each passenger,
renders it indispensably necessary that every article should be packed
close. Many consider a large sea-chest to be useful; but, in my opinion,
it is the worst receptacle that could be devised; especially as it
becomes useless on arrival in India. I should strongly recommend four
boxes, well covered with leather, and clamped with brass, measuring
about 26 or 28 inches in length, 18 in breadth, and 18 in depth. Each
should have within a lifter, so that half its contents may be taken out
at pleasure, the lower tier remaining undisturbed. The contents of each
part to be noted on a piece of stiff paper, which should be pasted
within the lid: a copy to be written in a memorandum book, so that the
contents of the several boxes (which should be numbered and lettered
with the proprietor’s initials, thus, A.B./1 A.B./2 A.B./3 A.B./4) may
be known without opening them. Only one of these need ever be in use at
a time; the rest being sent down into the after-hold; which usually is
opened once or twice weekly, on stated days, for the convenience of
those who may wish to have access to their packages.
I have derived very considerable convenience from sorting all my linen
into sets: for instance, a shirt, an undershirt, (commonly called a
_banian_,) a pair of stockings, two neck handkerchiefs, and a pocket
ditto: these I rolled up as tight as could be effected by manual force,
and surrounded with a towel, which, being pinned, kept all fast and
clean. In this form my linen could be packed in a very small space. Foul
linen should always be put up in the same manner. One box, containing
articles in reserve, should be exempted from such as might be
occasionally wanted: it should be allotted to hats, silk stockings, best
coats, linen, waistcoats, &c. Each will occupy about five cubic feet;
therefore, the whole may be comprised in half a ton measurement.
I should observe, that blankets, &c. not in use, may be put under the
mattress; and, that, if a standing bed-place is in question, about four
yards of coarse woollen, such as serge, perpet, shalloon, or baize, may
be taken on board, wherewith to make a set of curtains; which, in some
situations, such as the steerage, will be found not only comfortable,
but absolutely necessary. Those who have been on board any coasting
vessel, fitted up for the accommodation of passengers, will instantly
accord with this piece of advice, and comprehend how desirable it is
that every box, &c. beyond that in immediate use, should be consigned to
the after-hold. If more than four trunks should be deemed necessary,
they may generally be had ready made at most of the manufacturers. The
size described ought not to be exceeded, on account of the facility with
which such may be suspended in slings made of canvas, and be carried on
bullocks, one trunk on each side. Too much cannot be said on this point;
since the degree of compactness an officer is able to attain, will
generally determine the quantity he may be able to carry, and insure its
early, as well as its safe, arrival.
Those who are not in the Company’s service, are left to make the best
bargain they can with the commanders of the Indiamen, and to select such
ships for their conveyance as may best suit their views in regard to
destination and time of sailing. The Company, some years ago, issued
their orders, that only certain stated sums were to be taken by the
commanders of ships in their employ, according to the rank of passengers
respectively.—A reference to the DIRECTORY will shew what were
prescribed, any trespass on which was declared tantamount to an _ipso
facto_ dismissal from the service. The regulations formerly included
only as far as majors, under the supposition that all above that rank
would indulge in the hire of cabins; for which they must, of course, pay
extra. The specified sums were what the Company paid on all occasions
where the passage-money was receivable from their own treasury.
However just and benevolent the intention of the Company evidently was;
since it served to protect their servants from impositions which had, on
many occasions, been ruinous to individuals in low circumstances, and,
in some instances, caused them to apply to the Court of Directors for
loans, to enable their returning to India; still, it cannot be denied,
that the stipulated rates are by no means adequate compensation for the
very heavy expence a commander incurs, when laying in stock for a voyage
generally estimated at six months duration. Whatever may be paid by
individuals of the several classes respectively, each invariably expects
to be received with the same cordiality, and to partake, without
distinction, of whatever the stores may afford.
It needs no argument to prove, that a ship containing a great number of
cadets, under the limited rates, would by no means be a gaining concern
to the commander. Hence, the outward voyage is not the object of a
commander, who, even under the most favorable circumstances, could not
make any great profit by his passengers; but, by his liberal treatment
of them, he obtains that character which insures him a choice of rich
persons returning to Europe, who, in the aggregate, rarely fail to make
up to him for his former trouble, and deficiency of pecuniary benefit.
It is usual to enquire among the commanders as to their probable number
of passengers, and to ascertain the dates at which their ships are,
according to the arrangements made at the India House, to be despatched.
The pursers are commonly employed to adjust the rates of passage, and to
dispose of such cabins as may be intended for the accommodation of
passengers. Matters being settled, it is necessary to apply to the
secretary for an order to be received on board the vessel in question;
which order is delivered to the commander, or to his purser, so soon as
obtained. The secretary likewise furnishes every Company’s servant with
a certificate of his appointment; and to each free-mariner, &c. he gives
a licence to proceed to India. These papers must be carefully preserved,
for delivery into the office of the secretary under that presidency to
which the party may be destined. It is always best to consign them to
the keeping of the purser. In cases of certificates having been lost,
much difficulty has arisen, and all the parties have been obliged to
depose to that effect on oath.
I should advise those who are about to embark, to cultivate an
acquaintance with the respective commanders. Experience fully
establishes, that civility rarely fails to produce good consequences. It
is reasonable to conclude, that some previous acquaintance must engender
some good will. The captains navigating under the auspices of the India
Company, are men who have seen much of the world, and who rarely fail
justly to appreciate those marks of attention, and respect, which flow
voluntarily from persons with whom they have dealings. On the other
hand, it must be rather uncomfortable to go on board a ship where all
are total strangers; or, at the best, where, perhaps, the purser alone,
and that with some hesitation and difficulty, acknowledges ever to have
seen your face! Common sense points out that such is both impolitic, and
uncomfortable.
Having made a voyage in a foreign ship from Bengal to the Cape, it may
be serviceable to some of my readers to receive a hint or two regarding
the usage he is likely to experience, should he entertain a disposition
to avail himself of that channel of conveyance. The detail need not be
prolix; for it may justly be asserted, in few words, that foreign
vessels are rarely sea-worthy; they are badly equipped, and worse
manned; their decks are low; their accommodations dark, dismal, and
offensive; their water execrable; their provisions scarce and bad; their
commanders ignorant, avaricious, mean, proud, tyrannical, and deceitful!
That some exceptions may exist, cannot be denied; but I never heard of
one who did not, more or less, merit the above stigma.
Look to the Company’s ships, and see the reverse! The truth is, that in
them we find most of those good points that are established in the Royal
navy, added to much desire in their commanders to be on a friendly
footing with the passengers; while, I believe, there is no doubt that,
in the end, their terms are more moderate than those of any foreigners.
If the circumstances of a passenger should enable him to hire a cabin,
his comfort will be increased inconceivably, even though he should have
barely room enough to swing a cot, or to put up a standing bed. But,
that he may not deceive himself in respect to the accommodation he is to
derive from such a retirement, it would be proper for him to pay a visit
to the vessel while lying in the river, probably at Gravesend, or the
Hope, and there to ascertain the exact dimensions he is to occupy. It is
an object, if he uses a swinging cot, that the breadth of the cabin
should be such as to allow of its being triced up between the beams
during the daytime; thereby to have it out of the way, and to give more
space in the cabin. When suspended, it should be lengthwise; so that, as
the ship rolls, or lays down on either side, the cot should swing even.
When hung athwart-ships, unless the cabin be very broad, it would be
perpetually knocking against the bulk-head (or partition), and the
ship’s side. Hence it is advisable, wherever the space may admit, to
make a standing bed-place fore and aft, furnishing it with rails, to
keep the occupant from rolling out; for, if it be made athwart-ships,
and the vessel be working against an adverse wind, he must, whenever the
ship goes about, change the position of his pillow, from head to foot
alternately.
In peaceable times, cabins are ordinarily constructed of wooden
partitions, and have a door, with lock, &c. very complete; but, during
war time, it is usual to make them of canvass, fixed to the beams above,
and rolling up thereto, whenever the vessel may be cleared for action.
Some cabins include a port-hole, which, in large ships, is peculiarly
comfortable; especially under the Line, when a current of air is
invaluable; but, in bad weather, when the port is shut, those cabins
that have only skuttles, about one-fourth the size of a port-hole,
become preferable; especially when they are provided with glass
shutters; which can be at any time made by the ship’s carpenter, if not
previously attached. The skuttles being higher up in the side of the
vessel, and nearer to the deck above the cabin, are well calculated for
allowing rarefied air, which would float above the level of a port-hole,
to escape. They are usually placed at intervals between the ports. When
a cabin is built so as to include a port, the gun appertaining thereto
is commonly sent forward, and lashed up to the ship’s side, the muzzle
pointing forward; but, on emergency, the cabin is knocked down, and the
gun is run into its place. Hence, each kind of cabin has its advantages,
and disadvantages.
The right side of the ship, from stem to stern is called the
_starboard_; the left side is called the _larboard_: the line on which
the mast stands, _i.e._ straight over the keel, divides them. The
starboard, in most modes of applying the term, implies superiority over
the larboard. Thus the chief mate has his cabin, which is usually 12 or
14 feet long, by 10 or 12 in breadth, next to the great cabin, on the
starboard side of the gun-deck. The second mate has one rather smaller,
on the opposite, or larboard side. Then, again, the third mate on the
starboard side, immediately before the chief mate’s; next before him the
fourth mate; while the surgeon and purser usually have their cabins on
the larboard side, next before the second mate’s.