the most tempestuous weather at sea during a period of six weeks, the expedition was compelled to return, not without considerable damage, into port. The 33d was subsequently quartered at Poole; and it was not till the spring of 1796, when Lieutenant-colonel Wellesley was promoted to the rank of Colonel, (3d May,) that fresh orders were received for it to embark for India. The Colonel, however, was not able to accompany it out, being at that time confined to his chamber by a severe attack of illness. But he rallied at no distant period, and immediately setting sail, rejoined his corps at the Cape of Good Hope. Proceeding with it thence to Bengal, he reached Calcutta towards the commencement of the year 1797, when a new and wider field of active service first opened upon his view.

It was remarked by one of his fellow-passengers that Colonel Wellesley, although uniformly cheerful and ready to mix in the harmless amusements of his brother officers to dissipate the tedium which He did not feel, -contrived to spend much time in his own cabin. He was employed in the perusal of the best military works upon India, and acquiring that information which might enable him to discharge the duties upon which he was about to enter with greater credit and satisfaction.

It was also observed, that he had none of the little airs or affectations often displayed by young officers of high connections, who have the prospect of rapid promotion before their eyes. There was a manly simplicity in his demeanour which never forsook him, united to a steadiness and firmness of purpose, clearly evincing that he did not look only to extrinsic advantages for his success in life. Whatever were those advantages, he aimed, from the outset, at higher and better things. He knew that men never become great by mere influence or accident; that they must possess the materials of greatness within themselves, to be rough-hewn, worked out, shaped and finished by laborious thought, long painful study, and

incessant care and watching. That, moreover, after all is done, the result rested not with himself; that he knew not whether he was to reap where he had sown; but of one thing he felt secure; that the most brilliant talent, without fixed and persevering principle, shines only to dazzle and to betray.

CHAPTER II.

(INDIA THE MYSORE-1797 to 1799.)

Departure of Lord Mornington for India-Arrival at Calcutta-Colonel Wellesley-Expedition from Bengal-Visit to Madras-Views and opinions -Projects of Tippoo Sultan-State of the Carnatic-Landing at Mangalore-Policy of Tippoo--Foiled by the Governor-general-Generous and manly conduct of Lord Mornington-Straightforward conduct-Enlightened views-Wise precautions-Bold measures-Assembles the army of the Mysore-Important command given to Colonel Wellesley-March of the army-Anecdotes-The advance-Skirmishes and attacks-Battle of Malavelly-Forward movements-Affair of posts-Night attack-Siege of Seringapatam-Brilliant attack of Colonel Wellesley-Storm and surrender -Anecdotes-The forlorn hope-Colonel Dunlop-Gallant conduct and death of the Sultan-Tippoo Sultan's sons-Sir David Baird-Colonel Wellesley appointed governor-High principle and judgment-Treasures -New regulations-Removal of the young princes.

THE disinterested conduct of Lord Mornington, already alluded to; his brilliant talents and sound judgment, early pointed him out as one whose qualities were likely to give strength to the ministry. True merit combined with high principle, never stoops to solicit favours; it feels that it ought to command them. Invited to join the administration, he had shown by his extensive information, his ability, and his zeal upon all occasions, how well founded was the opinion entertained of him. As a member of the Board of Control, he had acquired an intimate knowledge of Indian affairs, and so highly were his statesmanlike views appreciated, that although so young in public life, he was offered the important and responsible situation of Governor-general. The result amply justified their choice; and he made his country the best return in his power, by opening a wider field for the abilities of his younger brother.

The Earl of Mornington arrived at Calcutta in the Virginia frigate on the 17th of May, 1798, and lost no time in entering upon the arduous duties of his high office. Before proceeding with a narrative of the events which followed, it will be necessary to take a brief sketch of the state of the country, and of existing parties, so as to enable the reader to appreciate the policy pursued in the subsequent stirring campaign.

The ancient and magnificent empire of India, as vast in extent as it is naturally fertile and luxuriant, extends from the mountains of Thibet and Tartary, to the island of Ceylon, and from the Indus to the Ganges-a space about equal to the half of Europe, and containing a population of nearly one hundred and forty millions. The old appellations by while it was designated, its religion, laws, and strange superstitions, all carry our ideas back into remote antiquity, when it was venerated as "the land of virtues," and "the glory of sanctity," while the more modern name of Hindostan given by its invaders, would seem to signify the country of black people." The Greeks, under the denomination of India, seem to have comprehended the entire surface of those countries which lie between China and Persia; and it has been applied generally to all the islands reaching as far south as the coast of New Holland.

"

That vague mystery of traditions-the religion of Hindostan, may be traced further back than any upon record, and many writers have extolled the sublimity and the purity of its doctrines. It is difficult to decide, whether these doctrines were better inculcated, or more generally practised in former ages, than they now are; but when we reflect upon the corruptions by which the whole system is debased, the horrible rites with which it is celebrated, and the idolatrous and savage spirit of its votaries; we feel no desire, however we may admire the beautiful visions of its Vedas, to trace its progress and its consequences, except to expose its follies and profanations. From its stern uncompromising character, such a religion is calculated to flourish wherever it has taken root; for it appeals as strongly to the interests, as the fears of its worshippers; while from its

assumption of sacred principles, none of the usual weapons of conversion can reach it. Reverence for their own laws, and religious ordinances to engrave them on their hearts, soar beyond the grasp of all argument; and from this source, spring the disgusting sacrifices and the wild idolatry so sacred in their eyes. Such is the conviction of their truth, that we rarely find an instance of the Hindoo changing the tenets of his sect, much less the religion of Brahma and of his ancestors; or if it do occur, it is in the person of one of the lowest castes, which, fallen and corrupt as they are, have invariably resisted, as a body, the efforts of the missionaries to enlighten them.

The religious empire of the Hindoo, formed on the established doctrines, is not, however, supreme; it is divided with the Parsees, or worshippers of fire; and Mahommedans are instrumental in the work of innovation and secession, which, with Christian conquests, must uproot castes and idols, with all their superstitions, in the end. It is only where the human intellect has been ennobled by the spirit of divine revelation, that the altars of any religion have ceased to be stained with human blood, and have been fixed on an imperishable foundation.

As regarded the rights of property, the absolute sway over all was usurped by the barbaric sovereigns of these regions "of ancient Ind." It was apportioned by them under feudal tenure, to their followers, one-sixth portion of the lands being retained in perpetual claim of rent. The occupants, nevertheless, were considered freeholders, and heirs in perpetuity; for, however absolute a government, there always appears the name of law; and this was the sole idea of property possessed by the poor Hindoo, either with regard to political or any other liberty. The various attempts at ingrafting British institutions upon the old decayed stock, had not hitherto met with success. The effect had been to develop only some of the meaner features of the Hindoo character-to produce a spirit of avarice, intrigue, and litigiousness, more beneficial to their priests and lawyers than to the people themselves.