CHAPTER XIX.

ARRIVAL OF BISHOP WILSON.--BAPTISM OF

NATIVES.--ORDINATIONS.--VISITATION OF THE UPPER PROVINCES.

The Rev. Daniel Wilson had been consecrated to the See of Culcutta

early in this year, and was now approaching the shores of India. It

appears that on his appointment to the See, Dr. Wilson had written to

Archdeacon Corrie to inform him of that circumstance, and had kindly

taken occasion to express a desire that the Archdeacon would for

the present continue his services in India. With reference to this

estimable prelate the Archdeacon writes

TO HIS BROTHER.

“Dr. Wilson has not yet arrived, but is daily expected. I

know no one more suitable to have been sent among us, but

our expectation must be from God alone. It would cost me a

severe pang were I told I should not be allowed to visit

England again, yet the prospect of remaining here is not

painful to me; and it is chiefly on our children’s account

that I have thought of retiring.... You are not likely to

know, unless I tell you, that Mr. Charles Grant has written

me a very kind letter, stating why I was not called home to

be made Bishop.... I am more than satisfied, for I desire

not the office. I have felt a measure of the responsibility

attached to it; experienced what it is to be set on an high

place ‘as a mark for envy to shoot at;’ and above all, I

know to a demonstration how much more such men as the last,

or the present Bishop can effect, beyond my utmost ability.”

That it might meet his lordship as soon as he should arrive in India,

the Archdeacon addressed the following letter

TO THE BISHOP OF CALCUTTA.

“Oct. 2, 1832.

“The news of your appointment to India, reached this

country at the latter end of July, and caused thanksgivings

to ascend from many hearts. Your two kind letters did not

reach me till September 21, so that the time had passed for

addressing a letter to the Cape. This will, we hope, meet

you before the end of this month, on the Sibbald’s entering

the River, and in good health, and without disaster on the

voyage. Our hearty congratulations are offered, and prayers

that your entrance in among us, may be ‘in the fulness of

the blessing of the Gospel!’

“From what you are reported to have said at the Church

Missionary Society’s anniversary meeting, it would appear

that you had been led to expect that arrears of business

await you, to be arranged: I am happy to say that not

a case, that I am aware of, is in arrear; that though

much interesting business connected with our public

institutions, will claim your attention, nothing in the

way of official arrangement remains for your decision. I

am most happy to observe your intention of endeavouring

to preserve health. Our former Bishops no doubt had the

same purpose, but they did not take advice from those

more used to the climate. I shall, please God we meet,

explain to you how both Bishops Heber and Turner brought

on, inadvertently, their own end. There is nothing in

the climate to prevent most constitutions continuing,

with care, to enjoy good health. At the same time, it has

appeared to me that no particular age is more favorable

than another; or that there is any such thing as becoming

inured to the climate, so as to bear exposure at certain

times. Experience teaches us to avoid certain situations

and not to expose ourselves [to the climate] at certain

times, if we can avoid it; and this is all, in my opinion,

that any one gains by long residence here. All this will

soon become familiar to you; and I have no doubt, under

usual circumstances, you will be able to go through all

your duties with comfort....

“I shall say nothing of my own affairs, except that I was

not intending to leave the country this year; and that it

will be my delight, as well as duty, to be assisting in

every way I can.”

On the report reaching Calcutta that the “Sibbald” had arrived in the

river, the Archdeacon, as on like former occasions, obtained the use

of one of the government vessels, met the Bishop, and conveyed him to

Calcutta. His lordship arrived there on the 4th of November, and was

installed on the next day.

The Archdeacon was thus relieved from some of those anxieties which

were connected with official duties, but he was not without trials

of a domestic nature. The ship in which his wife had embarked for

England in the middle of December, was wrecked off Coringa, on her

passage to Madras, and the passengers only saved by taking to the

long-boat. They ultimately landed at Masulipatam, and the fatigue

and exposure to the cold which Mrs. Corrie and the other passengers

underwent, proved of no lasting detriment to them; but all their

luggage was lost.

A letter addressed to his wife soon after her departure from India

will give some idea of the nature of the Archdeacon’s occupations at

this time:--

“January 6, 1833.

“The last few days have furnished increasing occupation. On

Wednesday I breakfasted with the Bishop, and arranged with

him for the examination of the candidates for Ordination.

I then went to Da Costa, who has been too ill to leave

home, and corrected two proof sheets of Isaiah, in Persian,

and two of the New Testament in Hindoostanee. I returned

home at two o’clock, when the Natives, who read the

Scriptures with me, occupied me till four. On Thursday I

was occupied nearly the whole of the day in writing to G.

on his offence; and in the evening the Bishop dined with

your mother and I, and we talked over Church affairs. On

Friday, there was a meeting of the High School managers, to

appoint Lambrick _pro-tem_, head, and young Thompson second

master. I then went to the examination, of Native Schools

at Mirzapore, the best by far we have had: Dunsmore their

superintendent. This kept me till 2 o’clock. I came home

and found the candidates’ papers for my inspection, which

by close application I got through by dusk. I then went to

A. S. to dinner at six, and from thence to the town-hall,

to the Bible Association general meeting, at half past

7 o’clock, and home at ten. The Bishop took the chair,

Bannerjee spoke well, but too long. Yesterday I wrote two

public letters, and prepared notes of an address which the

Bishop wished me to make to the candidates for Ordination,

and their duties as they related to this country. At four

I went to the Molwee’s, and conversed awhile with about a

dozen natives on John iii., and then came home to dinner.

Now for some fragments. A Moonshee is to be baptised on

Wednesday, who many years ago received a New Testament

at Dacca. He cannot remember the date, but it was from

the Chaplain who was there before S. He has been reading

this, and enquiring at different places; till at length,

convinced of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, he

wishes to take up his Cross. He appears more spiritual than

the Molwee; but you know we must not too readily trust

appearances. He has a wife, who, he says, is persuaded

also, and they have two children.

“Past 2 o’clock--We have been detained at the Cathedral

till now, and have had a most instructive discourse from

the Bishop, Acts xxii. The Ordination of two deacons

and seven priests altogether, is indeed a new sight in

Calcutta. The Cathedral was crowded, and the service full

of interest. At the Communion afterwards, one hundred and

fifteen attended. Many appeared deeply affected.”

Mrs. Corrie having proceeded from Masulipatam to Madras, the

Archdeacon obtained leave to join her there, with a view to arrange

for her passage to England by another ship. He was consequently

absent from Calcutta until the beginning of March. On the 9th of that

month he writes:--

TO HIS WIFE.

“I found things here of a mixed nature; some pleasing, some

painful. Of the pleasing was the baptism of twenty-five

Hindoos in Mirzapore chapel, on the evening I arrived. The

Hindoostanee congregation much increased. A fine youth of

about eighteen, the son of an Englishman, but abandoned

by the father, has with his Mother, sought instruction.

He is dressed as a Mahommedan. Another youth of the same

description, was confirmed, but I have not yet seen him.”

Some particulars of the then state of society, which the Archdeacon

communicated in a letter to Mr. Sherer, may not be omitted:--

“March 30, 1833.

“You will learn from other sources the great distress which

prevails through the failure of the great houses here.

One point of retribution I cannot but think is observable

in the recoil of the Free-trade system. They were the

men who maintained the Hurkcaru and India Gazette, to

vilify the Company and to run down the Government; and

just in proportion as they injured the interests of the

Company, their own were injured.... Of public matters you

will, also, hear. We have now a newspaper at Cawnpore, at

Meerut, Agra, and Delhi. The Delhi paper has an article

on the misconceptions of the Natives, shewing how easily

they are led away by rumours, &c.; which seems to point

out the impolicy of these very newspapers. The subject

of Missions is daily gaining ground; yet opposition is

at work underhand. Paine’s ‘Age of Reason’ has been

circulated to a large extent among the educated Hindoos;

and a very plausible work written here, but printed in

England, entitled ‘Christianity of human origin,’ has got

considerable currency.”

It was during the March of this year that the Archdeacon, among

others, resigned his office of governor of the Free-School in

Calcutta. For a considerable period the affairs of the school had

been a source of contention at the Presidency, in consequence of

a difference of opinion between the governors and the committee

of that Institution, respecting the management of the charity. It

was therefore at length agreed that the points at issue should be

submitted to the arbitration of the Bishop, it being at the same time

understood that his lordship’s award should be final. One portion of

the award was that the governors and secretary of the school should

resign their office, in order thus to allow of such a reconstruction

of the government of the School as might seem calculated to compose

the existing differences. The Bishop himself led the way, by

resigning his office of Patron; and the Archdeacon readily followed

so disinterested an example.

Soon after this, the Bishop of Calcutta decided that the Archdeacon

should make a visitation of the Upper Provinces. An application

was accordingly made to government for the purpose of obtaining

travelling allowances for the occasion; and early in May an Order

to that effect passed the Council. Before leaving Calcutta the

Archdeacon relates

TO HIS WIFE.

“June 9, 1833.

“The subject of Infant-Schools is to be taken up by the

Bishop. Yesterday most of our friends among the Chaplains

breakfasted with him, and a meeting was resolved on, to

be called next Monday at the Bishop’s. Lord and Lady W.

are full, also, of the subject, and are to give largely,

&c. A central school is to be built, and a Master and

Mistress to be sent for from England; so that the little

one on which you bestowed so much care, and which Mr. U.

let die a kind of natural death, is to be succeeded by

a magnificent offspring (shall I call it?); and Bishop

Turner will yet speak to the place in this way, though

his name be forgotten. A meeting, also, is called to

forward steam-communication, which has been taken up anew

at Bombay; and Lord W. is, also, aiding individually; and

we are to have answers to our Letters in four or five

months, if not to have leave of absence for six months,

with permission to visit Clapham, without loss of pay or

_batta_. Such are the topics of the day.”

In the same letter the Archdeacon mentions an occurrence which will

not be read without interest:--

“One of the youths who was to have been baptized on

Whit-sunday, was seized in the street, by his relatives,

and carried home to Bunhoogly. He had been there confined

in a room for fifteen days, threatened, and was to have had

a maddening potion administered to him, but for the cries

and entreaties of his mother, whose love for the fruit

of her womb prevailed over her superstition. The youth

bribed a servant to carry a letter to Bannerjee,[162] and

he with young Henry R. went in a palanquin carriage on

the Berhampore road, on Sunday Evening the 2nd, when the

lad escaped; fled to the appointed place of meeting, and,

getting into the carriage, was brought to Mirzapore. A

rich uncle, one of the Dutts, came on Friday last with a

Brahmin, and tried to coax the lad away again; promising

him all sorts of liberty, and every thing, but leave to

become a christian. The youth stedfastly refused. On

this a complaint was lodged at the Police office against

Bannerjee, charging him with violently carrying off the

lad, but they could not sustain the charge, and the case

was dismissed: and here the matter rests at present. He is

a very intelligent lad of sixteen, but short of his age. I

had an interesting conversation with him on Sunday evening,

too long to write to you, but the substance of it was as

follows: ‘A full conviction of the truth of Christianity.

Its suitableness to mankind as revealing a Saviour, and the

lad’s own individual need of pardon of sin, and of grace

and strength to bear his trials, and to obey God.’ The poor

fellow was very feverish from the agitation he had gone

through. Mr. S. was preparing tea for him, and he slept in

one of S’s room for security. How little we know of such

difficulties in the way of salvation! Our ease and levity

are equal impediments, and perhaps sources of greater

danger.”

The youth mentioned in the foregoing letter was named Brijonaut

Ghose, and had been educated at the Hindoo College, but afterwards

became a pupil at the Mirzapore school, under Krishna Mohun

Bannerjee. There, it appears, he was in the habit of conversing

freely with his companions respecting the follies of Hindooism, and

this having reached the ears of his parents, they became apprehensive

that their son would embrace Christianity, and so forbade his

attendance at the school. His absence was not particularly noticed

at the time; but on his returning again after some time had elapsed,

he stated the reason for his absence, and shewed a greater desire

for instruction in the great truths of revelation. The opposition

to his attending at Mirzapore, now became more decided on the part

of this youth’s parents: they took him to their home, confined him

to the house, and had him carefully watched for several days. The

youth, however, contrived to escape, and instantly went to Mirzapore;

but as the friends of that Institution were, for every reason,

anxious not to make converts by stratagem, it was decided that a

temporary residence should be provided for the youth, and a Brahmin

provided to dress his food, that he might not lose caste. But before

a residence could be obtained, the youth was again captured by his

relations, and subjected to the treatment which the Archdeacon’s

letter relates. So soon, therefore, as ever the youth found himself

rescued from the unnatural violence of his parents, he earnestly

desired to be baptized. And as there was no doubt respecting his

fitness for baptism, so far as concerned his knowledge of the Gospel,

and the sincerity of his faith in its promises, there seemed, at

first, to be no reason for disappointing his desire; especially as

baptism would effect a complete separation of the youth from his

relatives, and thus prove a certain protection against their future

persecution. To prevent, however, any suspicion that so solemn a rite

had been hastily administered, or that the Missionaries had acted

from unworthy motives, it was considered better that the baptism of

the youth should be deferred. But in the meanwhile the father of

the youth obtained a writ of _Habeas Corpus_ from the Supreme Court

in Calcutta, calling upon Bannerjee to produce Brijonaut Ghose,

and to shew cause why he was detained at Mirzapore or elsewhere.

Bannerjee, of course, appeared in Court with the youth, and stated,

through the Advocate General, all the circumstances connected with

the youth’s history. The Court, however, decided that the parents

were the natural guardians of their children, and the youth was

therefore ordered to be delivered up to his father. It was in vain

that the youth personally expressed his unwillingness to return

home, and alleged his dread of the repetition of the violence which

he had already experienced: the Court did not feel called upon to

interfere until the dreaded violence had been actually offered; and

consequently reiterated the order for the boy to be given up to the

father. The poor fellow was then seized hold of by his father; but

it required considerable exertion to get him out of court. He wept

most bitterly, repeated his appeals to the judges, seized hold of the

table at which the barristers were seated, and was only dragged away

inch by inch.

This unusual scene gave rise, as it will be concluded, to much

discussion, and in its probable consequences was of no ordinary

importance: it occurred on the day on which the Archdeacon left

Calcutta; who in announcing his intended journey to his brother,

observes:--

“My visitation out and home, will embrace a circle of

between 2000 and 3000 miles. I have no fear as to health;

and for the rest, I have the word of truth, ‘I will be with

thee in all places whithersoever I shall lead thee.’”

Full particulars of the Archdeacon’s proceedings are contained in his

letters to the present Bishop of Calcutta, and in his correspondence

with Mrs. Corrie: it is from both these sources that the following

information is derived;--

“On the 13th July, 1833, I went to Chinsurah, and found

dear B. on the steps of the Church to receive me. Passed

a peaceful day on the 14th with him. Having been less at

ease for want of repose, I enjoyed Saturday as much bodily

as mentally. On Sunday morning I preached to the soldiers:

and in the evening B.; there was a collection made both

times for the Church Missionary Society of about 100 Rs.

The church in the evening was nearly as full as in the

morning. Captain J. came up to see a friend, and passed an

hour on Sunday with me; he breakfasted with us on Monday

morning; and he and B. came on with me to Bandel. I thought

much of the many partings we have had in these places.

Beloved Mr. Brown came up with Martyn and Parsons and me

to Forsyth’s here in 1806;[163] and again with Parsons and

me in November of that year. M. and Miss C. and I paid F.

a visit here in 1812. Now where are most of these? Their

place others fill. Yet the work of the Lord goes forward!

“I consider my journey now commenced. The weather is

favourable; the wind fair and steady till toward evening,

but not strong; and very cloudy.

“Reached Santipore, July 16th, and expected to be at Culna

by breakfast time. Arrived at Culna by nine. Mr. A. came

down to the boat, and we afterward went up to the Mission

bungalow and staid till evening. Their mode of life is just

what people at home fancy of Missionary life in India; the

house was clean and airy; the children are kept in such

order as Christian children should be, playful yet obedient.

“I was nearly a day sooner than was expected; only two of

the four schools were sent for to be examined, and of them

only the first classes, and a few of the second. There were

forty-one boys: they read with great correctness the 6th of

St. Matthew: and generally gave correct explanations from

notes supplied to each school by Mr. A., explanatory of

what they read. They read with equal correctness Ellerton’s

Dialogues, 5th Ch:, and are expert in their explanations;

the whole of this book the boys had read; it is a great

favourite among the scholars; and a few days since four

youths, who had been educated in these schools, came to Mr.

A. and requested a copy of each of the Dialogues for their

private use.

“Mr. A. has a school of sixteen girls in one of the rooms

of the bungalow; one of them a few months since was, with

her mother’s consent, baptized. There is also an English

class of about thirty; their proficiency was not so

manifest. The teacher is a Mahomedan, who learned English

at some school in the Chitpore road. Mr. A. speaks of a

great and favourable change in the respectable natives

towards him. This appears among other things, in some

wealthy people, who had set up a school in opposition to

one of the mission schools, having, after some conversation

with him on Christianity, given up their school, and sent

the boys to his. Culna is a great mart for grain, so that

tracts are carried from this to many distant parts of the

country, and Mr. A. speaks of strangers, who come to the

market, as desirous of obtaining tracts to carry away with

them. In the evening twenty-one of the native Christians

attended for worship. Mr. A. leads the psalmody with his

violin, just loud enough to keep them in tune; the effect

was very pleasing.

“July 18th.--We crossed the river, after leaving the

mission house, for freer air. Mr. A. came with me. It

reminded me of our visit with the late Bishop, when he had

in like manner crossed the river with us. We spoke of him

with much affection, and especially of the good judgment

displayed in his remarks on Missionary operations. In the

night there was much rain; but yesterday the wind was

fair, and steady without rain, as far as Nuddea. I staid

at the mouth of the Jellinghee an hour, expecting that Mr.

R. might have come from Krishnaghur to the neighbouring

factory to meet me, as I had written to him about my plans

from Chinsurah. He was not come, nor is it of consequence,

as I could not have gone at that time to see the Nuddea

school. We proceeded very slowly, yet reached a point

near the factory with the upper-roomed house. There was

a fine plain covered with growing rice. A clever-looking

young brahmin, in part owner of the field, came up to

make salaam. I engaged him in conversation by setting

the young baboo to ask him questions; no good seemed to

follow; but on the passage “_Come unto me, all ye that

labour and are heavy laden_,” &c. being read, I observed,

that if the brahmin would admit, that sin is a burden,

it would make him uneasy; so that I feared he would put

away the invitation. He became thoughtful, and left us a

little seriously. The 18th passed rather uncomfortably. I

had called the moonshee, and had just commenced reading

the 1st of Acts with him, when we began to move round and

round! The river had made on both sides a deep indent into

the bank; and the water was boiling like a whirlpool.

After some time the dandies made the side; but the river

ran a perfect sluice. I got on shore, and after two or

three trials the pinnace was dragged with much difficulty

out of this situation. But for a mile, the river ran

with like violence; and I had to walk all that way; the

day was clear and the heat great; I had a chattah, and

walked no faster than the dandies, who were bending to

the earth almost in their endeavour to drag the pinnace

on. I abstained from water though exceedingly thirsty;

and only moistened my mouth with a wet towel, and after

an hour’s repose felt no inconvenience. The river still

ran very strong, and has been very tortuous since passing

the Jellinghee. About twelve a heavy fall of rain came on;

the men fastened the pinnace slightly to the bank; and

all came on board for shelter. This continued till three,

when we set off again, and a strong wind springing up, we

made head against the torrent. The rush through the water

was by no means pleasant; but we were mercifully brought

to a quiet resting-place about half-past-six, P. M.; the

wind died away and we had a cool refreshing night. During

the day at intervals, I had much conversation with the

moonshee on points of religion in which he is interested.

We read also two chapters of the Acts, and conversed much

on the contents. There is little expectation left of our

reaching Berhampore on the 20th, which I much regret. It

is His pleasure, however, who is the God of Providence, as

well as of Grace. The river is now rising rapidly; and as

it has not yet overflowed its banks, we have to contend

against the whole strength of the stream, especially at

every turning. On the 19th our progress was small. About

eight A. M. heavy rain came on, so as quite to obscure the

horizon: this detained us till near noon. We tracked when

the wind lulled; small rain fell till near four P. M., when

the wind rose, but not fair for us. At length at Dewan

Gunge the course became fair, when we fell again upon a

whirlpool; but the wind carried us slowly through, and with

some exertion we reached a point near Cutwa.

“I was here strongly reminded of my first visit in 1806,

when I walked through the sun from Dewan Gunge to visit

Chamberlain.[164] The matted bungalow, his first wife’s

tomb, visible as we sat at table, and the delicate little

girl, the daughter of that wife, sitting by him, and his

mourning for the recent loss of his second wife, and

the melancholy all these circumstances cast upon our

conversation, were vividly called to my mind. Then his

primitive mode of living, vegetable curry, and spring

water, gave me a feeling of veneration for his character.

I well remember too how in the evening Parson’s lively

conversation cheered him and he came on the next day with

us to Plassey. At parting we sang Chamberlain’s much used

hymn, “O’er the gloomy hills of darkness, &c.” I well

remember the energy with which he used to sing. He is now

singing the ‘new song’ in livelier strains, and his work

has not fallen to the ground. The moonshee could not come

on, on account of the rain. It is subject of much regret

to find myself on the evening of the 20th ten coss from

Berhampore by land, and not less than fifteen distant by

water. But I am not conscious of having lost an hour since

I left Chinsurah. If I could have foreseen the obstacles,

which have arisen from the winding course and strength

of the stream and failure of wind, I might have passed

without visiting Culna, but these reflections are now in

vain. May I but have wisdom and strength to improve such

opportunities as may present themselves at Berhampore!

“I arrived at Berhampore in the forenoon of the 22nd July,

and called on the chief military person and made known my

purpose of remaining over the following Sunday.

“On Tuesday forenoon I inspected with Col. T. the place

newly appropriated for divine service. It is fitted up with

pews for seventy or eighty of the upper classes, and with

benches for the private soldiers. It is supplied also with

two chandeliers of eighteen lights each, and abundance of

wall shades for evening service.

“On Wednesday I examined all the classes in the regiment

school, consisting of sixty boys and forty-two girls.

The upper classes read their scripture lesson with

distinctness and propriety, and were pretty ready in

Crossman’s Catechism: this was their chief attainment.

In the regimental library there are between 300 and 400

volumes of a miscellaneous kind; few treating of religious

subjects. To keep up the library, sergeants subscribe four

annas a month, corporals and privates one. There are 213

subscribers. The Christian Knowledge Society’s library is

confined chiefly to the hospital. On Thursday forenoon I

called on some of the Civil servants, and on Friday visited

the hospital, and read to and exhorted the more dangerously

sick. Mr. M. arrived to-day; but went at once, being very

poorly, to Mr. P’s house, which is about two miles from the

barracks. On Saturday morning I made some preparation for

the following day. At half-past-six A. M. on Sunday, (the

28th of July) the regiment was marched to church. There are

in the whole 700 men, of whom about half are Protestants,

and some of these being on duty, those who attend are very

sufficiently accommodated, which was by no means the case

in the place formerly used for their assembling. Mr. M. was

too unwell to assist, so that I had the morning service

on my hands, and the sacrament, of which notice had been

circulated: twenty persons attended. At half-past-three

P. M. about thirty convalescent out of the forty-two sick

assembled in the ward of the hospital. In the evening Mr.

M. read prayers. There were about 150 soldiers present; and

all the pews were occupied as in the morning.

“These are the principal events in the way of duty which

occupied me at Berhampore. A station school would be very

desirable for the many poor Christian children, unconnected

with the army; but in the absence of a chaplain, and from

my own inability to endure the exertion, and indeed from

want of time, nothing was done towards such an object. I

had much pleasure in renewing acquaintance with several I

had known up the country; but could benefit them little,

being always made unwell by the morning’s exertion. The

wind has almost quite failed these two days, which renders

the heat more oppressive.

“There is a mission here of the London Society. Mr. H. has

been at Berhampore several years, and is much respected.

The success among the natives has been very limited; but

he is very diligent in endeavouring to make the truth

known, preaching once or twice a day in their bazaars and

villages.”

In a letter to Mrs. Corrie dated “on the Ganges,” August 1st. the

Archdeacon, after having given a detailed account of his equipments,

&c. adds:--

“Now for my companion. He is a baptized Hindoo, of

respectable, though not wealthy connections; was educated

at Mr. Hare’s school; attended first Mr. Derosario, and

afterwards Mr. Duff: became a teacher in Mr. Duff’s school,

and was finally baptized in the Scotch congregation. He is

now on the way to Futtyghur; R. is Judge, and a pious young

doctor M. with him have established a school, and wish for

a native christian teacher. Well: this youth, by name,

Gopy Nath Mundee, was recommended as a schoolmaster; and

to go with me, was thought by pious friends in Calcutta,

a favorable opportunity. A place in the baggage-boat was

assigned him, together with a learned Mahommedan enquirer,

who will thus, I conclude, get a free passage to the upper

provinces. He is reputed wealthy, and asks nothing but a

passage from me. The other youth finds the pinnace more

comfortable than the baggage-boat, (i. e. the boat laden

with scriptures and tracts, for I have no baggage) and the

second night he coolly proposed sleeping on my couch in

the outer cabin. This I told him would be inconvenient to

me, but that he might sleep in my _palkee_,[165] on the

top; and there ever since has been his domicile. He is up

as soon as I am, and at first his want of acquaintance

with the peculiarities of our habits was trying to me,

but I had to deal with a christian, and must not offend

him. By degrees we became intimate, and I begin to explain

to him our ideas of propriety. He _is_, I have reason to

believe, a christian; has taken my observations in good

part, and now I find little to interrupt my comfort,

beside what the constant presence of any except my beloved

family would occasion. I find him especially deficient in

scripture knowledge, and in doctrinal divinity. Hence, of

late, every morning exercise is a lecture on some point of

scripture. We, to-day, commence for morning-worship the

Psalms.... About ten the Molwee comes when he can; and he

has also found out the comfort of the Pinnace; so that he

now comes daily. He reads the scripture in Hindoostanee,

with me first, then he and the Baboo mutually instruct each

other. The Baboo learns Hindoostanee from the Molwee, and

the latter English from the former: but here I am often

appealed to by both. I must add that the Baboo (his age is

twenty) has begun in consequence of previous conversations,

to read the scriptures in Bengalee to the dandies. He

offered to instruct Ameer,[166] but he said tauntingly, ‘O

no: I failed once, and I’ll have no more to do with it.’

To-day we entered the troublous Ganges. A squall came on

soon after we entered; then a lull, which left us on a

sand-bank in the middle of the river.”

In a letter to the same, dated Aug. 7th, he writes:

“Yesterday being very anxious respecting the objects of my

journey, I looked into Bishop Heber’s journal; and I see

more clearly what I have to do. His being a Bishop, his

lively conversations, and especially his coming to confirm,

raised an interest wherever he went, which I can have no

pretension to expect. But at Berhampore, notwithstanding

my inability to go amongst the people privately, all the

station attended Divine service, and instead of ten or

twelve as usual at the Lord’s Supper, twenty attended. For

this encouragement I feel thankful, and trust, as health

returns, I may at the station before me be the means

of quickening attention to the things which belong to

salvation. 8th. Stationary in a jungle, the weather cool,

the night again stormy, the wind still contrary. I had an

interesting conversation after breakfast with the Baboo,

explaining to him the subject of the annual Atonement and

year of Jubilee of the Israelites. We read the xvith and

xxvth of Leviticus, and the corresponding passages in the

Hebrews. It is gratifying to observe the pleasure these

discourses give him, and truly,

Israel in ancient days

Not only had a view

Of Sinai in a blaze,

But saw the gospel too.

I have these few days been studying the Levitical Institutions

with renewed interest and benefit.

“August 9. Yesterday evening, about ten of the dandies were

led to sit down by us on the top of the Pinnace; and by

keeping the Baboo to interpret what I said to them, they

were detained for an hour, conversing on the subject of a

mediator. By degrees they were led to see that Jesus was

more worthy than their prophet, and they appeared very

serious in their manner.

“I have been engaged with the Molwee and Baboo in new

arranging the words in the Persian Litany, which is nearly

accomplished. In the evening, four of the dandies again

seated themselves near to us on the poop, and by degrees

they were led again to the subject of a mediator, who

could pay our debt of sin, and procure for us pardon and

acceptance with God.”

“Reached Monghir on the 17th, in time to give notice for

divine service the next day. Mr. W., the Commissioner,

had returned home only the evening before. His return was

favorable, as he opened his house as on former occasions,

and at half past ten, all the Christians at the station

assembled. At Boglipore, there are not above twenty

Christian residents; at Monghir there are seventy or

eighty, it being a favorite station for invalids to take

up their abode. In reference to the country and climate,

the station would be one of the most desirable on this side

of India, the opportunities of doing good are many. On the

opposite side of the river, is the district of Purneah,

where many Indigo Planters are settled, and visits to that

district at suitable seasons might be made very profitable

to the residents. Mr. W. told me that those invalids who

have families are gradually leaving Monghir, in order to

settle where their children can have gratuitous, or cheap

education. A Baptist Mission has been established here many

years. Their Hindoostanee congregation consists of about

sixty of all ages; only fifteen of these adults have given

up caste for christianity; the remainder are of mixed race.

Mr. L. who principally officiates in Hindoostanee, has

a chapel also near the large bazaar, and, though he had

no regard to the court-house when the chapel was built,

the suitors in the court attend in great numbers. He has

sometimes 400 hearers; on Sunday last about 150 were

present. Mr. M. the other Missionary, in conjunction with

his brother-in-law, receives pupils, both boys and girls.

At this time they have twenty-one boys, and eleven girls.

These are most of the particulars which will I think be

interesting to you. On Monday morning early, a wind from

a favourable quarter sprang up, and carried us round the

fort, and we are proceeding not rapidly, but on the whole

favorably. This sudden change of wind prevented me from

writing from Monghir. I hope to send this from Patna by the

end of the week. I have looked over the route I have to

take, with the respective distances of stations. I shall

send a sketch of the journey by land soon.

“Mr. L. mentioned that he some time ago met at Boglipore,

with one of the hill-men who understands Hindoostanee; and

wishing to know something of the hill language, he engaged

this man to teach him. After a time, he began to attend

seriously to the New Testament, which they read together;

and he seems to have experienced a decided conversion. This

man is very anxious to impart the knowledge of Christianity

to the hill-men, and is preparing to return as a missionary

among them. He has been once, accompanied by a native

Christian; and on giving his people an account of the new

life on which he is entered, was not rejected, but invited

to return and tell them more of this way.

“On Thursday the 22nd August, we arrived at Patna about

half past one P. M. As my stay would be short, I thought it

better to remain in the boat. At that station I found much

to gratify, and to lead to expectation of good, if proper

means are devised. The Chaplain came to see me on arriving,

and I dined with him in the evening; the conversation was

on subjects connected with our work. He spoke of Wolff’s

visit here, and the impression it had made on several; his

own mind was much stirred up to the consideration of the

spread of the Gospel.

“There is no appropriate place of worship at Patna. Divine

service once in the forenoon, in the court-house, is all

the public duty performed, there being no place fitted for

evening service. A gentleman who has an appointment in the

opium department maintains a boys’ school of about thirty

scholars near his house, in which the Gospels are read by

the more forward boys. He entertains also a pious Christian

youth, educated by Mr. Wilkinson, who assembles his

servants and others for worship on Sundays. The collector’s

lady has two boys’ schools of about thirty each, and a

girl’s school in which about the same number are taught.

I examined the girl’s school; and besides the junior

classes, who are instructed in catechism, and elementary

reading, there were five who read fluently in any part of

the four gospels (Nagree character):--they repeated the

ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer, and

gave as good an account of the fall of man, the promise of

a Saviour, the life and sufferings of the Son of God, and

the purpose of his death, as most children in a Christian

school might be expected to do. These instructions are

given in a great measure by the collector’s lady herself.

“When leaving Patna on Saturday morning the Church

missionary teacher brought a petition signed by about

thirty householders, Mahommedans, praying for a school.

If an efficient teacher could be supplied by any of the

church societies, here is a fine opening. The population

is immense, and several of the English residents at Patna

would willingly countenance the undertaking. I trust

the matter will not rest till a school be established.

I was told by more than one, that since Mr. Wolff’s

conference with the Mahommedans here, much attention

has been manifested by many of them to the subject of

Christianity. Wolff’s chief disputant is very desirous

of obtaining a work in Persian or Hindoostanee on the

evidences of Christianity, to meet the enquiry excited

among the natives. He frequently comes to a friend in

the opium department, and converses on the subject. This

gentleman obtained subscriptions, and sent to Calcutta for

copies of the Persian Pentateuch, which have been read

by the learned natives, and many copies in Hindoostanee

have been taken from the catechist. He speaks of several

respectable Mahomedans, who occasionally attended the

Sunday morning worship conducted by the native Christian;

and the attention he meets with generally, when he goes

out to speak to the people and distribute tracts, is very

encouraging. Some of the families here meet on Thursday

evenings, at each others’ houses to read a chapter, a

sermon, and prayer.

“A scheme was on foot lately to commence a native college;

but funds are not forthcoming.

“On the 24th I came from Patna to Dinapore. On arriving

I received a very civil note from General O’H, and soon

after called upon him; he kindly invited me to take up my

abode with him; but I am engaged to Mr. R. At Dinapore

the chaplain labors almost beyond his strength. On Sunday

morning I preached to a large congregation from the text

Matt. xxv. 13. In the evening also the attendance was good,

and I preached again. Next day I was very weary and staid

at home, consulting with R. on some alterations in the

church, and on forming a Church Missionary Association.

On Tuesday morning I examined the regimental schools,

consisting of forty two boys, and nearly as many girls: and

afterwards the station school of forty one boys and girls

of all ages and descriptions, as you may judge from there

being five sepoys among them, one Irishman also belonging

to the artillery. We did not get home till near ten, having

commenced soon after six, both a good deal fagged. Mr. S.

from Patna, and Mr. L. the Commissioner, had come up to see

us. Wilkinson too was come from Goruckpore for change of

air. He has had a severe illness, and the doctors say he

must visit England in order to complete recovery. I fear

the change recommended is quite necessary. His congregation

amounts to 130, and he speaks of his assistant as quite

competent to the charge of them, and worthy of confidence.

If a new missionary should arrive, he might go there to

learn the language; and he could attend to the one English

service on Saturday. I trust some arrangement of the kind

may be accomplished should Mr. Wilkinson’s departure be

unavoidable.

“They lately lost a little boy of seven months who seems

to have been a very precious child: he was carried off in

twenty-four hours: there was no doctor in the station.

“On Wednesday at half past 6 A. M. we assembled in the

Baptistry, and formed a Church Missionary Association.

There were six officers present and many privates and

others. You will see the particulars in the _Christian

Intelligencer_. There are about 200 natives professing

Christianity at Dinapore. At present Mr. R. employs a pious

Drummer, an East Indian, who assembles them on Thursday

evening; from thirty to fifty attend.

“After breakfast on Wednesday I came away, being commended

to God in prayer. The wind blew fair and strong and we

reached Chuprah by night. S. and his wife are at Chuprah at

present. I wrote him a note, not intending to go up, but he

constrained me to promise to breakfast with them the next

day, which I did; and the affection manifested by them was

very gratifying to me.

“On the 30th (August 1833,) the day was oppressively hot,

and the night exceedingly close, so that no relief could be

found any where. I rose weary to a degree. By 4 o’clock, it

being full moon, I set the people off: and when they were

gone, I had a bathe on the deck, and never experienced the

force of the expression so sensibly, _As cold water to a

thirsty soul_; the refreshment was indescribable. I thought

the next morning to have had a similar enjoyment; but the

night was cool, and the morning breeze made me shiver, and

I was glad to escape from the water. Such are the changes

in this climate!

“We could not make Buxar on Saturday: but Sunday,

Sept. 1st, we arrived at mid-day. At 4 P. M. I went to

Hindoostanee service, the catechist read the prayers: there

were twenty women and three men present, besides Mrs. M.

and her child; she reads the Scriptures to the women,

when her husband goes on Missionary journies. But few of

the Europeans attend English service in the forenoon: and

the numbers in the Hindoostanee congregation are filled

up as its members are removed by death or otherwise. It

is reported that the station is to be abolished as a

Government post. About twenty children, male and female,

of European invalids are taught to read and write by a

sergeant, who officiates as clerk, for which he has twelve

rupees a month from Government, and the children pay eight

annas a month. Their proficiency was very moderate. The

mission as far as I could judge, languishes at this place,

as at Patna, for want of superintendence by an English

Missionary. A few of the old faces were there; among them

Mary Caroll, an interesting character. She came to my boat

this morning, and enquired after Mem Sahib, and whether I

had taken the pension, and were going from the country,

as she heard. She said if Mem had been here, she should

have got some tea; so I gave her a tea-cup full to take

home with her. She is feeble and failing, but never misses

service, and responded cordially to my remarks on the end

of time, and the love of the Saviour in preparing a place

for his people. At 6 P. M. the little chapel was full for

English service, when I officiated to about eighty.

“After evening service I went across the river with M. S.

and the doctor, and enjoyed a cool refreshing night in

his quiet bungalow. This morning early (the 2nd) I came

over to the pinnace and had much conversation with M.

on the affairs of the Mission, and gave such advice as

circumstances seemed to call for. I left him such books and

translations as I had brought and could spare, of which

he was in great need. I saw also an interesting young

convert, baptized three years ago at Lucknow by Mr. Bowley.

His answers to my questions, on his views of Christian

truth, were very satisfactory. As usual he is forsaken by

his Mahomedan friends, a brother and mother. He teaches

a school here of fifteen Mahomedan boys, who receives

Christian instruction from him. M. came over at 8 A. M. and

we went to breakfast with Colonel Bird. I feel as if my

visit here was very opportune. May the Lord, even our God,

grant his blessing, Amen! I know not how I have omitted

to notice a shock of an earthquake which occurred on the

night of the 26th August, between 11 and 12. The motion

continued for hours, and exceedingly alarmed the whole

country. At 20 minutes before 12 it was most violent; when

every window shook, and many houses cracked: some of the

native houses at Patna are thrown down, and some European

so damaged as to require being rebuilt in part. No shock of

so long continuance has occurred in the memory of man. All

were roused, and most left their houses for the open air. I

did not leave my cot; but Mr. R. came and stood by me for

half an hour, occasionally going to comfort his wife and

mother.

“On the evening of September 3rd, a gale came as we reached

Ghazepore. It blew fresh all the night, but being from the

east we suffered nothing. Mr. T. kindly asked me up; and,

after breakfasting with the Chaplain on the 4th, I came to

his splendid abode. It rained hard all the 4th and 5th: in

the night my cook and baggage-boats were swamped at the

ghaut opposite the mausoleum. All the school-books and the

Scriptures, which I was taking up the country, are spoilt.

Of my own I lost nothing; but am detained over Sunday to

get another boat. I have visited the school and shall

preach on Sunday.

“On the morning of the 7th, I examined the regimental

school. There are above 100 boys and girls in one large

room: the greater part are boys, and the girls who

attend are of tender age. The exhibition was on a low

scale in scripture reading and catechism and accounts.

The commanding officer told me he was aware of the

comparatively low attainments of the school-master

sergeant; but he had no one of equally good conduct whom

he could substitute, and he thought good example of great

importance to the children. There are but few sick in

hospital at present; the chaplain told me he visited them

weekly, and from cot to cot. I had the whole service on the

morning of the 8th, Mrs. R. being unwell. In the evening I

preached also, and the attendance was very considerable,

as I was told is very usually the case.

“I arrived at Benares about midday on the 10th; and on

the 11th early went to the Missionaries of the Church

Missionary Society to inspect the endowed school in

the city. There are 149 boys; of these fifty receive

instruction in English. We began to examine them at six,

and continued engaged with them till nine. I enclose a

list[167] of the boys, exhibiting their progress; and in

respect of the English I have much pleasure in reporting

most favorably. The pronunciation of the youths is better

than I have found in any other native school; and the first

class is really proficient in the subjects enumerated

opposite their names. A box of books for schools entrusted

to me by Lady W. Bentinck, supplied some very useful

rewards, and the youths seemed much gratified with them. I

regret that from the extreme heat I was unable to attend

equally to the other department of the school. I merely

enquired into the nature of the instruction they are

receiving. They all read the scriptures in the languages

they learn, and the Hindoostanee teacher would not be

satisfied without our waiting to hear his class repeat a

part of the Christian catechism in use. The school is under

the immediate charge of Mr. S., and the Rev. Mr. Smith has

till within the last month frequently given instruction

in the week. The Rev. Mr. Leupolt has now undertaken that

charge.

“On the morning of the 12th I visited the female school.

There are eighty in usual attendance; but here I was from

the heat obliged to confine my attention to the first

class. This consists of eighteen, of whom thirteen were

present. These read in two places of St. Matthew’s Gospel

with readiness in Hindee. They read also in Genesis, and

in a small abridgment of Scripture History. They answered

questions on the subjects they read intelligently, and

shewed a fair acquaintance with the leading truths of

revelation. They repeated with accuracy the Scripture

catechism in use, and finished with singing together a

Christian hymn. This it seems they at first objected

to learn; but now they are fond of this part of the

school-exercises. Specimens of marking both in English and

Hindee were exhibited, which shew much proficiency.

“Mr. Smith collected the scholars of the three Hindee

schools at the Mission premises: but from the excessive

heat I was able to attend to only one school. In this

about half the number, (fifteen) are reading portions of

our Scriptures; but the schools have not long been in

operation, and the proficiency of the boys was accordingly

small. In consequence of the detention at Ghazepore, I

was unable to give a Sunday both to Benares and Chunar.

It was agreed therefore that I should preach a Missionary

Sermon at Benares on Sunday. I went by land to Chunar and

am happy to say I found Mr. Bowley perfectly restored to

health, and capable of his usual labours, after having for

several years seemed decaying. There have been no additions

of late to the native congregation, though there have

been several enquirers. Mr. Bowley is at present engaged

in a correspondence with the chief Molwee at Lucknow,

who having, as he concluded, discomfitted Mr. Wolff in

argument, sent his statements to Mr. Bowley, challenging

him to answer them if he could. It is remarkable that he

heads his pamphlet (not printed) _Testimonies to Mohammed

contained in the Christian Scriptures_;--literally, Glad

tidings of Mohammed from the Prophets and the Gospel. The

misapplication of his quotations is glaring; but the fact

of our Scriptures being read, though not quite new, is thus

confirmed.

“On the morning of the 14th we visited the boys’ and girls’

school; in the former are above forty, and I was glad to

find that some fine lads, whom I saw here in 1830, have

found provision at the neighbouring stations as writers,

&c. The present school consists of rather small boys. In

the girls’ school are upwards of sixty; these are much

attended to by the lady of the Adjutant, and exhibited a

very satisfactory proficiency in Scripture knowledge and

the Catechism; besides being well instructed in needle

work. Mr. E. catechises both boys and girls on Sunday

mornings in Church before divine service, when some of

their friends are also present.

“The Church Missionary Association is in beneficial

operation; they raise funds for the support of (I think)

three readers of the Scriptures, and two native schools.

On the whole my mind is much set at rest on some points,

respecting the Mission at Chunar by this visit. The Lord

grant his blessing!

“On Sunday, the 15th September I preached for the Church

Mission at Benares, and 156 Rs. were collected after the

sermon. This, considering that the Chaplain raises about

130 Rs. monthly for the support of the native female

school, was beyond expectation. To faithful labours and

consistent character much of the success of the plans for

assisting the Mission, both here and at Chunar, is to be

attributed. The state of English society, both at Ghazepore

and Benares, is very favourable to Christian projects. May

God raise up, as in due time He no doubt will, suitable

instruments for extending the knowledge of His saving name!

On Tuesday morning I passed an hour at sunrise with the

Missionary brethren in reading and prayer, and came away to

Juanpore in the evening.

“At this place is a pretty little Church in the Gothic

style. There are three principal residents, by whom

chiefly the funds have been raised. Lady William it seems

kindly said to Mr. B. at Allahabad, when told of this

undertaking, that she would pay for glazing the windows;

this has been done and 120 Rs. are owing, besides which

220 Rs. were due for partial pewing. On Sunday, September

22nd, I officiated in this pretty building. The advantage

of having an appropriate place for divine service was

never more manifest than here. In the morning the whole

Christian community assembled, in number thirty-five; of

these fourteen remained to partake of the Lord’s Supper.

In the evening there were twenty present, and about this

number usually assembled on Sundays twice a day, when the

judge, collector, and commanding officer officiate in turn,

reading the service of the Church, and a printed sermon.

These three families meet also for social worship at each

other’s houses on Thursday evenings. There is a Catechist

of the Church Missionary Society at Jaunpore. His name

is Mirza Yusuf Bukir, a son of the celebrated traveller,

Abu Talib Khan. This man resided at Allahabad when Mr. W.

Bird was there, and obtained from him a New Testament in

Persian, and occasionally asked of Mr. Bird explanations

of passages. This led to his conversion. He now instructs

the Christians connected with the native regiment at

Jaunpore, and reads the scriptures to the servants of two

families. Mr. Brown derives assistance from him also in

translating tracts for circulation, when his public duties

allow him any leisure, which is seldom. I had the pleasure

to baptize Mirza’s wife on the 24th, after several years

of refusal to receive the Christian religion. This shews

his perseverance; and all the friends at the station bear

testimony to his consistent piety; though it is thought

he has not sufficient employment where he is, and I wrote

to Dr. C. at Patna on the subject of his being employed

there, to which Mirza perfectly agrees. A youth taught in

the Church Missionary school at Benares will, I expect,

be entertained in the native college at Jaunpore as a

teacher of English. It was at one time in contemplation to

have placed him in a school in connexion with the Church

Missionary Society; but there not being sufficient funds at

disposal, it was determined to have English taught in the

native institution, for here, as every where, the people

are desirous of education in English.

“My bodily strength is considerably renewed; but the

confinement of the boat, equally with _dawk_ travelling,

has prevented my deriving all the benefit I trust I may now

hope for, at least on reaching Cawnpore. I am preparing a

different route to that which we talked of together. By the

one then proposed I could, if health held out, by scarcely

intermitting a day of travelling or visiting schools, reach

Bombay by the middle of March, and then, if a ship be ready

to sail, reach Calcutta by the end of April or early in

May. But unless duty called, Bombay would be out of my way;

and I cannot but own that the spirit of enterprise has much

departed from me. I shall now propose to go from Cawnpore

to Saugor (not included in the former plan) expecting

to be there the second Sunday in November; at Mhow the

first Sunday in December; Neemuch the third in December;

Nuseerabad at Christmas; Agra the first or second Sunday in

January; then Muttra, Delhi, Meerut, Kurnaul, and to the

snowy mountains during April, May and till the middle of

June; return by Meerut, Fettyguhr, and the Ganges, so as

to reach Calcutta in July, or early in August. This would

not make my absence from Calcutta above three months longer

than in the former scheme, and would keep me upon my own

ground; and in the hills I should have useful employment.

But in the view of such a journey I cannot but feel how

appropriate the language of the Apostle is, If the Lord

will? I do trust my resolves are all formed in that spirit,

and I often do feel that a reconciled God is near at hand.

If the Bishop could but make this tour I should expect God

would greatly bless his visits. I find every where some who

seem waiting for the kingdom of God, and a few who love and

live on the Gospel of our Saviour. A marvellous change in

public feeling has certainly taken place among the upper

classes of our countrymen, in respect of the disposition

to favour good plans. It seems a pity that their means

of supporting such plans should be shortened just now. I

was expecting the society of a valued young friend from

Cawnpore to Mhow, when behold! the youth has found for

himself a wife; and the lady cannot travel such long stages

as I must make. I must therefore proceed alone, with my own

thoughts to keep me company. I leave this, D.V. on Monday

evening by land, having left my pinnace here: I intend to

stay over the heat of Tuesday at a staging bungalow; go

forty miles to Futtypore, where are Christian friends; stay

with them till Thursday evening, and proceed to Cawnpore so

as to arrive by Friday to breakfast.

“On the 25th September, I arrived at Allahabad, and on the

26th went to breakfast with the Chaplain; and afterwards

with him visited and examined the school in the fort.

There are twenty boys and eight or ten girls receiving

instruction: of these eight or ten are orphans, and their

schooling is paid for out of the sacramental and other

collections: and also paper, pens, and books are supplied

to the school. The other children pay three and half

Rs. each a month, as remuneration to the teachers. The

proficiency of the children was very moderate, except in

the Church Catechism, in which about twelve of them gave

ready and intelligent answers to questions. There, as at

other stations, the reward-books supplied to me by Lady

William were gladly received. On the 28th, I was unwell,

and obliged to lie by. On the 29th, towards evening I

examined the native girls’ school, where several ladies of

the station met me. By the care of friends here a large

compound close upon the bazaar has been obtained, and a

very commodious school-room erected from funds raised on

the spot. This was the first time the school was used,

nineteen girls were present, all children of Mahomedans! It

is expected that the number of children will not increase.

Of those present ten read with fluency any part of the

Hindoostanee New Testament, and repeated correctly the

Hindoostanee catechism in use. The school is under the

care of an officer’s widow, assisted by a poor woman, who

teaches the lower classes.

“A catechist of the Church Missionary Society is also

stationed here, named David Batavia, originally from

Ceylon. He reads prayers with the Native Christians in the

invalid lines, amounting to from ten to fifteen; and also

to about the same number of christians of the same class

in the fort. He goes about from time to time distributing

tracts, and conversing with the natives about Christianity.

His piety and benevolence are admitted by all who know

him, but no extensive good has yet appeared to result from

his labours. He resides in a house which was given to the

Church Missionary Society, by the Rev. Mr. Crauford, when

he was Chaplain here. The house is well situated for a

Missionary’s residence. On Sunday morning we had Divine

Service in the garrison at six. There is now only one

Company of Artillery here, and of these many are Roman

Catholics; so that only about forty were present: but the

conductors and others connected with the magazine, who

with their families reside in the fort, exceed sixty; and

with a few from cantonments made a congregation of about

100. I preached in the morning, and in the evening at the

circuit bungalow, where upwards of thirty attended. The

partition-wall in this bungalow is about to be removed,

when it will be much more commodious for public worship

than in its present state, and it is expected more will

attend. On Sunday evening last--those who came late could

with difficulty be seated. The situation of the ground

about the fort is below the level of the Ganges during the

rains. The river is kept out by an embankment, which was

this year in danger of giving way. The ground is thus low

for a distance of about two miles from the fort, where on

a rising ground the Military Cantonments and Civilians’

houses are situated. No Church could therefore be erected

nearer than about two miles from the fort. A vacant space

may there be found close to the circuit bungalow, the

nearest point to the fort. So that there must always be two

congregations at this station. Mr. R. Bird has informed you

of the numbers and growing importance of Allahabad; as a

Missionary station it is become of very great importance.

A numerous and wealthy population reside in the bazars,

engaged extensively in trade; and the town being at the

junction of the rivers Ganges and Jumna, will increase in

proportion as the country is prosperous. The numbers who

now resort to the Board of Revenue and to the Sudder Court

will give opportunity of circulating the glad tidings over

all upper India; and Mr. L’s experience at Monghir has led

me to build much on this resort of strangers.

“Futtypore, October 3rd. At this station there are only

four government servants; and only one of them married.

The judge and doctor are old acquaintances of mine, and I

am staying a day to break the journey to Cawnpore, where I

hope to arrive to-morrow morning. A school is maintained

by these few residents here, the medical man giving a good

deal of his time to it, and also to a hospital where many

sick poor are attended to: the expense of this is also

maintained by friends on the spot. The population being

to a considerable extent Mohamedan, the school is not so

well attended as is desirable. I visited it this morning:

there were thirty boys present; of these six have made some

proficiency in English under a native, educated in the

school at Cawnpore. His proficiency is very moderate, and

his scholars accordingly come on slowly. They were reading

the 3rd chapter of St. Matthew, having with much patience

and good management been brought to read our Scriptures. At

first much opposition was made to their introduction. They

are aware, they say, that from reading these books people

become Christians. Here as every where the field is open

for Missionary labour.

“I have here met with an officer who has travelled the

route I mentioned a few days since by Saugor to Mhow,

Neemuch, Nuseerabad, and Agra. I was apprehensive that

there might be dense jungle to pass through, and danger

from malaria; but he tells me the country is pretty well

cultivated, and that there is no jungle to speak of; that

the aspect of the country, moreover, is interesting, much

beyond these level plains. I seem therefore fixed in that

plan. I shall be ready to leave Cawnpore, I conclude, by

the last week in October; and will send before I proceed, a

detailed account of the progress I expect to make.

“I leave here the young Baboo who accompanied me, and whose

conduct has been uniformly Christian and correct.

“I arrived at Cawnpore on the morning of the 4th October.

From the wish not to lose time, I had left my boat at

Allahabad and proceeded _dawk_, as I had to that place from

Benares, via Jaunpore.

“This mode of travelling made me very unwell, and prevented

for a whole week my taking so active a part as I otherwise

might have done. I was also prevented visiting Lucknow,

which I could have done only by _dawk_. I wrote however

to Mr. Greenwood for information. He also came over for a

day to Cawnpore, and represented his situation at Lucknow

as pleasant and his prospects as encouraging. He receives

every attention and aid which Christian kindness can

devise, from the chief authorities there.

“October 6. I attended Divine service at the church

bungalow, and stood up once more in Martyn’s pulpit. The

place is a little enlarged, by adding the portion where

the communion-table stood, to the body of the building,

and adding another space to which the communion-table has

been removed: and also a small vestry. I was rather late

from the distance of Mr. W’s. bungalow, and this prevented

my mind, in going, from dwelling on the well-known scene,

and by-gone experience. The congregation was full and

attentive, and my mind a good deal solemnized by the

service. So that on returning, the remembrance of Martyn,

and the Sherwoods and Mary, with the occupations of that

period, came powerfully to my recollection, and I could not

prevent the tears from flowing rather plentifully. They

were not, however, tears of regret altogether, for joys

departed. A sense of much short-coming in duty mixed in my

feelings; and the forgiving love of God, with the prospect

of all joining in thankful adoration in the realms of

bliss, greatly preponderated. I almost involuntarily began

to sing:--

“Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song.”

“The two Chaplains at Cawnpore perform their public service

on Sundays at the riding-school of the Lancers, where the

horse and foot Artillery also attend, and at the church

bungalow, where H. M. Infantry regiment attends, and the

civil servants and other inhabitants of the station. This

duty the Chaplains take alternately. Evening service is

always held in the church bungalow at half an hour after

sun set; and this duty the Chaplains divide between them.

Besides this there is an evening service on Tuesdays

at the Magazine, for the families connected with that

department; on Wednesday evening in the small chapel on Mr.

W’s premises, where many of the riding-school congregation

attend, and on Thursday evening in a large room near the

Infantry barracks. On Sunday evening also there is evening

service in the chapel of Mr. W’s premises.

“The attendance on these occasions is generally full,

especially at the church bungalow on Sunday evenings, when

a very considerable number of the upper classes, as well

as others, are regularly present. I officiated at all

these places, except the riding-school: being prevented

by illness from going out the Sunday I was at liberty for

that service. On Sunday, the 20th, I preached in the church

bungalow in behalf of the mission here, when 695 Rs. were

collected and 100 Rs. sent afterwards, besides some blank

tickets, which would make the collection upwards of 1000

Rs.

“There is an establishment at Cawnpore called the Free

School, established and partly maintained by private

contributions; and to which Government allows 400 Rs. a

month. In this there are at present seventy-two children

learning English, of whom eighteen are christians who

are boarded and clothed also from the funds. There is a

Persian class, and also a Sanscrit class. Those who learn

English all learn together according to their proficiency.

Several native youths have become qualified in this school

for public offices, and have obtained situations of

considerable emolument.

“Connected with the mission are four schools, superintended

by different friends, who take an interest in them. These

have each an English class, as well as scholars who learn

Hindoostanee or Persian. About 250 of these boys assembled

in the church bungalow on the morning of the 12th. I was

obliged to confine the examination to the English classes,

which occupied us from sunrise till after nine. The first

class of the Free School boys had made the greatest

progress, and their pronunciation of English was very

correct; but the best boys had been provided for in various

ways lately, so that those present had not advanced far. A

few of them had some knowledge of grammar, and could point

out with readiness the position of countries and remarkable

places on the globe. The boys of the magazine school were

next in proficiency, and a class in Hindoostanee read

with admirable accuracy and readiness portions in the

Hindoostanee New Testament, which they at the same time

translated. The Rev. Mr. C. officiates in Hindoostanee at

the church bungalow, at 4 P. M. on Sundays and Thursdays. I

attended on one occasion; there were six men and six women,

which constitute the chief of his regular congregation. A

catechist, brought up by Mr. Bowley, has been stationed

here about three years. He goes into the bazaar almost

daily to converse with his countrymen on the important

subject of religion. He is spoken of as maintaining a

steady christian character. He officiates as clerk to Mr.

C. and reads the chapter, which Mr. C. expounds after

prayers.

“I examined the school of H. M. 44th, which is in the

best condition by far of any school I have seen during

this journey: the general reading and knowledge of the

English language, the acquaintance with English history,

and accuracy in dates, the proficiency in geography and

arithmetic of the first class of the boys, consisting of

seven, was exceedingly pleasing. Three of them also read

Hindoostanee. The first class of girls also were very

well instructed, and these classes, as well as the lower

ones, were all well acquainted with the Church Catechism.

There were 100 of both sexes. The school of the Lancers

consists of about seventy; their proficiency was not so

good, having been interrupted by sickness. The mortality of

this station has been great this year, beyond most other

seasons. The heat both for intenseness and continuance

has this year been unusual. The register between July and

September exhibits a list of 224 buried. The children of

the regiments have been carried off to a great amount. On

account of this sickness the duty of visiting the hospital

came heavily upon the chaplains, especially on Mr. W., as

these visits were mostly made during the day, when his

colleague was unable to go out in the heat. A considerable

seriousness has been wrought in the minds of the generality

at the station by the mortality around, in connection with

the labors of the chaplains. The attendance at the Lord’s

Table, one of the Sundays I was there, amounted to 115, of

whom ten were native Christians; and it was said not to be

a large communion.

“The collections on these occasions are liberal, beyond

what is found at most other stations. The subject of

missions for several years past has been brought frequently

to the notice of the congregation, and a box with two

openings is carried round to collect the offerings at

the communion;--one marked _Missionary_, the other

_Charitable_. The collection is usually about 200 Rs.

and stated congregational collections are also made. A

charitable committee has been formed some time; also a

Missionary committee. The charitable committee relieves

weekly between 400 and 500 poor: the Missionary committee

have in hand now about 10,000 Rs.

“It is not decided what kind of Missionary Institution

shall be established, or in what manner it is proposed to

conduct it. The want of schoolmasters qualified to teach

English is, however, becoming manifest, and any plan which

would supply this want would be deserving of warm support.

It is not in the first instance a Missionary, so much as

a schoolmaster, that is called for in a variety of places

at this time: men who would teach grammatically on a small

allowance. The free-school at Cawnpore might serve as the

lower branch of such an establishment. At present, as soon

as qualified to earn from 20 Rs. a month and upwards, the

scholars leave school. A plan must therefore be adopted

to retain promising youths till they become sufficiently

instructed to instruct others.

“I was requested by the Chaplain to state particularly the

condition of the station libraries. During his Government,

Lord Hastings induced the Court of Directors to send

out a library to each station of European troops. These

were mostly supplied according to a list Lord Hastings

himself sent home, and are generally speaking of a useful

tendency. No additions have, however, been made to the list

first supplied, and some additional supplies are greatly

needed. In the Infantry regiment the commanding officer

has encouraged the resort of the soldiers to the reading

room, and a considerable spirit of reading and improvement

prevails in H. M. 44th. The soldiers, assisted by the

officers, have added, I believe, to the Government stock;

and many of the soldiers’ wives have benefitted also by

the Library:--a circumstance too unusual hitherto in the

army. The appointment of Librarian, and also the care of

the books, was originally assigned by Government to the

Chaplains of stations, but this order has not been properly

attended to.

“In the Cavalry Corps at Cawnpore, the public library has

not been encouraged, and on Government determining to

erect a new reading-room, the Chaplains were not consulted

as to the site or dimensions. The situation of the new

reading-room is not considered favorable for the resort

of the soldiers, and no less than 6000 Rs. have been

expended, when a room of half the cost would have equally

answered the purpose. If Government were to republish

the order placing the station libraries under the charge

of the Chaplains, and to order that in all arrangements

respecting the libraries and schools and the rooms for

them, the Chaplain should be of the Committee, it would

conduce greatly to the efficiency of these institutions;

and if either from public or private sources a few suitable

books were from time to time added to the existing stock,

it would tend greatly to keep up a spirit of reading among

the soldiers.”

From Cawnpore, the Archdeacon proceeded to Banda. He arrived at

that place on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 26, and on the Monday

following received letters from the Bishop of Calcutta, informing him

that it was the intention of the authorities in England, to appoint

him to the Bishopric of Bombay, which an act passed this year for the

renewal of the East India Company’s Charter, had enabled his majesty,

King William IV., to erect. The directions of the Bishop also were,

that the Archdeacon should forthwith return to the presidency,

preparatory to his proceeding to England. The intelligence which

the Bishop of Calcutta conveyed, was altogether unexpected by the

Archdeacon, and occasioned him some embarrassment. The calls upon

his pecuniary resources had of late been many, what with the charges

attendant on the education of his children, and his wife’s voyages

to England, added to some loss by the failure of a house of agency.

Unless, therefore, government should provide for the expenses, which

a voyage to England, for consecration, would entail upon him, he

could scarcely avoid contracting some debt for the time; and that

he felt would scarcely be right for him to risk, at his period of

life. These, and other considerations which were likely to affect

the future welfare of his family, the Archdeacon candidly stated to

the Bishop of Calcutta in a letter from Banda, in which he further

observes:--

“I turn my face toward Calcutta to-morrow, D.V. I had

reached just the border of my former local knowledge, and

should have been very unwilling to give up the prospect

before me had I proceeded much further. I had taken no

measures directly or indirectly towards the attainment of

the honor and responsibility in question; and trust I may

hope that God will guide and second my poor endeavours to

serve the Church according to His will. If then I say I

turn toward Calcutta with some reluctance, it is merely

lest what I have stated should prevent my going to England.

If prevented going, the omission of visiting the remaining

stations would be in vain, and the loss sustained for no

good purpose. For, little as I feel capable of effecting,

yet good will I am persuaded follow these passing visits.

“Our Church goes on her way, doing what she can; too

secure, perhaps, that her endeavors are generally known

and appreciated. Those who separate from us tell all

they do, and seem sometimes to make much of little. To

those at a distance they however seem the only people at

work, and in consequence are applied to for books and for

information on missionary subjects, and for missionaries

and school-masters. Mr. D. for instance, has been applied

to, to supply a teacher at Allahabad; and at Banda he was

applied to in the first instance to supply a teacher at

Futtypore. In visiting the stations, I see almost every one

who is disposed to take an interest in missions, schools,

&c. They have almost all been educated in Church-of-England

principles and modes of worship, and would all prefer

receiving aid from us, and remaining connected with the

Establishment. These visits bring them acquainted with what

is doing among their own friends. They will learn where to

look for help, such as they can in all respects approve. In

this way some, who were inclined to good, are led to come

forward openly, and the cause of truth and righteousness

gathers strength. The disposition to establish schools is

increasing everywhere; and if half a dozen teachers could

be got at once, they might be set to work. With reference

to this subject the High School might become an important

Institution, and would be well employed in educating some

of the best boys with the expectation of being useful as

school-masters.

“I must travel to Allahabad by land, which will occupy

about ten days; and then I shall hire a boat to proceed

downwards. A letter is ten days reaching Calcutta from

this; so that a few lines, if you see cause for changing my

course, would meet me at Benares. I could even then return

to Saugor by a more direct route, and pursue the plan

before intended with the loss of not more than a month. I

have made observations in my progress with reference to

future visitations, which I intend to commit to writing

with a view to aid in enabling to do more good.”

To the same prelate he writes:--

“Nov. 12th, 1823, near Gazeepore. On arriving at Benares

yesterday morning, I found your favor of the 5th inst.

“At Benares I was not less than 200 miles from the point

whence I returned; I should therefore, had I delayed at

Benares, have been able to march straight to the hills,

without time to accomplish any thing at intermediate

stations. I think therefore you will approve of my coming

on at once to Calcutta, as I am now doing. I could not have

borne so long a journey by _dawk_. I passed Sunday last at

Chunar, and took part of the duty with Mr. E.; Mr. Smith

officiated twice at Benares.

“I am happy to state that Messrs. Knorpp and Leupolt are

such proficients in Hindoostanee, as already to be able to

undertake the duties of the native Christian Chapel.”

[162] The Native Christian master of the Mirzapore school,

and the person who had formerly been ejected from

house and home for editing the Enquirer.

[163] See above pp. 54, 55.

[164] See _Martyn’s Letters and Journals_. October 23rd,

1806, for one or two notices which will illustrate

what is here said.

[165] Palanquin.

[166] One of the attendants.

[167] From this list it appears, that the first class (of

9 boys) could read, spell, and translate Goldsmith’s

History of England to p. 77, and Scripture Lessons,

on the History of Joseph to p. 14. They committed

to memory the 117th No. on Agriculture, and 248th

No. on Astronomy, of Blair’s Preceptor. They

worked exercises on the 14th Rule of Syntax of

Lennie’s Grammar; the Rule of Three; 13th Problem

on the terrestrial globe of Goldsmith’s Grammar of

Geography, and were committing to memory the 2nd

part of Watts’ Catechism a second time.