Ixxvi APPENDIX. 



" moral improvement ; but it would be wrong to say, that from what little has beeij 

 " done, much good has already resulted. The character and manners of every people 

 " are necessarily, in some degree, modified by circumstances, which, though certain 

 " in their result, are more or less slow in operation. In the present state of 

 " India, while knowledge is unprofitable, few can afford to become wise, or to devote 

 " themselves, whatever predilections may exist, to any particular study or pursuit 

 " which does not hold out a fair prospect of a livelihood ; but the British nation must, 

 " ere now, have seen enough of their Asiatic subjects to know that they are naturally 

 ♦' clear-sighted to their own interests, and keen and persevering in the pursuit of them ; 

 " they will therefore very readily cultivate such talents as are likely to find profitable 

 " and honourable employment, and better their actual condition in life, as well as 

 " enlighten their understandings. For a long time to come these two objects must 

 " of necessity go hand in hand ; but concluding that a liberal and enlightened Govern- 

 " ment, anxious for the happiness and prosperity of its subjects, will not be sparing in 

 "^the requisite incentives to laudable ambition and honourable exertion, I hope it will 

 " be found that the moral and political improvement of the people, the development 

 " of useful talents and good qualities, and their progress in Literature, Science, and 

 " the Arts, will keep pace with the encouragement held out to them, and the confi- 

 " dence bestowed upon them by those rulers in whose hands Providence has placed 

 " their destiny. 



" I must again repeat my acknowledgments to your relation, the Hon. Mrs. Damer, 

 " who at so much personal trouble has sent me a very beautiful specimen of an ele- 

 " gant art; and I beg you will do me the favour to assure the Royal Asiatic Society 

 " that I trust their labours may tend to make Europeans and Asiatics better acquainted 

 " with each other, and be rewarded with the other benefits and advantages contera- 

 " plated by its illustrious and enlightened founders. 



" What can I say more ? 

 "Tanjore, (Signed) " Srke Ram Pretaup.'* 



"11th October, 1828." 



(True version.) 



(Signed) John Fvfe. 



