357 



way to Surat, and were silently followed by the principal inha- 

 bitants of the city. While embarking on the Company's yacht, a 

 dark cloud passed over us, and a shower of rain fell ; our afflicted 

 friends, no longer able to keep silence, and forgetting the impend- 

 ing terrors of a Mahratta despot, pathetically exclaimed " these 

 drops are the tears of Heaven for the fate of Baroche!" 



I oppose this fact to a thousand unfounded prejudices, and 

 unsupported calumnies, against the English, which were once so 

 easily credited in Europe. Among the many who occupy emi- 

 nent stations in India, some no doubt deserve censure: the cha- 

 racters of all who fill similar situations at home are not immacu- 

 late: the temptations of wealth and power sometimes subdue the 

 strongest minds; but the hour approaches when they cease to 

 charm, and when a " conscience void of offence" will be the 

 only comfort. Whether the European or Indian peculator, is now 

 amenable to human laws, or not, a secret monitor corrodes every 

 present joy, and an unerring Judge hereafter will avenge the breach 

 of his own laws, established in truth and equity ! The general 

 opprobrium was unjust on a set of men, whose prevailing charac- 

 teristics were philanthropy, generosity, and benevolence. 



The sympathizing tear which accompanied the drops from 

 heaven on our leaving Baroche, was a public testimony that the 

 natives preferred the British to an Asiatic government; a love of 

 truth, and an affectionate recollection of scenes long past, impel 

 me also to insert^ a few instances of private attachment and grati- 

 tude from individuals among the Hindoos, Mahomedans, and 

 Parsees, with whom I so long resided. They are letters addressed to 

 myself and the friend of my heart, chiefly from our Indian ser- 



