cii Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [Oct. 1845. 



Leech's interesting 1 project from the first day that it was started by him, and I trust 

 therefore that I shall be able to assist you to whatever may appear necessary to complete 

 it. I am having a copy of the map made in the Persian character, — and I should suggest 

 also having a translation of the narrative also made in the Persian language, as after all 

 Sanskrit is a language known only to few, and the Maha Bharata itself is better known in 

 its Persian translation, I suspect, than in the original : at any rate publishing the map and 

 pamphlet in Persian, would greatly extend the publicity of the work, though I am afraid 

 it would entail a considerable additional expense on the Society. I am having a 

 copy also of the map prepared in Goormukhee, the sacred character of the Sikhs; and here 

 a question is started whether a work should not. be struck off in that character also. The 

 whole of the Kurukhetra is included in the territory of the Sikhs— the chiefs who now 

 possess the country, except those parts which have lapsed to us, know and read no other 

 character, and one of Major Leech's objects was to present to each chief a copy of the map, 

 if possible one of an ornamented kind (perhaps in gold letters on parchment) — of course 

 the value would to them be increased if they could read the names on the map, and 

 understand the words of the account, which they certainly would not do in Persian 

 or Sanskrit. It would be a desirable result if these chiefs could be prevailed upon in 

 return for the compliment of the map to subscribe towards establishing an efficient college 

 for the study of Sanskrit and Goormukhee at Ghanesun, a holy place within the limits of 

 the Kurukhetra. We have an inefficient college for Sanskrit at Umbalah, but on a very 

 limited scale. Do you think the Society would object to making a donation to the Pundit, 

 who has been zealously employed in this work for six months ? Major Leech's sudden 

 death has of course left the accounts of all the parties employed unsettled. I feel too 

 happy to take upon myself all charges connected with so interesting an undertaking, but 

 the Pundit with a natural pride in his work seemed anxious for some acknowledgment 

 from the higher powers. I therefore take the liberty of bringing it to your notice. He is 

 the head of our Umbalah Sanskrit College. 



Robert Cust, 

 Civil Service. 



Simlah, \2th September, 1845. 



The letters being read the Secretary begged leave to express to the 

 Society the irreparable loss it has sustained in the death of Major Leech ; 

 a gentleman not less distinguished for his eminent services as a public 

 officer than for his professional abilities and extensive knowledge of native 

 languages, history, manners and customs ; his untiring zeal and industry 

 in researches connected with these subjects, and the noble liberality of 

 mind with which he on so many occasions has communicated the fruits 

 of his knowledge and labour for the public benefit from 1838, in which 

 year his first contribution, A grammar of the Brahooee, Beloochee and 

 Punjabee languages, adorned the pages of our Journal. Vol. VII. p. 780. 



There is indeed too much reason to fear that, like the lamented James 

 Prinsep and others, Major Leech has fallen a victim to excessive mental 

 labour ; adding another to the long catalogue of the truly noble men 



