XX APPENDIX. 



From such an imputation, therefore, we are proud to assert our exemption and to 

 appeal to the researches for the proofs of a zeal, which has been beneficially exerted 

 in the diffusion of authentic and accurate conceptions of the East ; and which has 

 therefore formed our strongest claim to the interest, that your Lordship has been 

 pleased to take in the prosperity of the Society. 



Independently however of considerations of a Literary nature, the extraordinary 

 events of a few years have furnished us with new, and still more elevated incentives 

 to study ; and have rendered a familiarity with the Languages and Literature of the 

 East, a high political obligation : we owe it to the subjects of our Government to 

 cherish the only literature they possess, until they shall acquire taste for something 

 of more value ; and more especially we are bound to obtain a thorough and personal 

 acquaintance with their manners and notions, their prejudices and feelings, their 

 wishes and their wants. The determination to uphold, and fulfil this obligation, has 

 ever marked your Lordship's administration, and has been evinced, not only in the 

 countenance shewn to the Society, but in the aid and approbation offered to enter- 

 prising travellers; in the encouragement given to useful publications, and in the re- 

 form or foundation of literary establishments. The districts of Western Hindoostan, 

 and the lofty chains of the Himalaya, have been successfully explored : the Arabic 

 College of Calcutta, and the Sanscrit College of Benares, have both received renovat- 

 ed activity. The capital of British India, will in future present to the Hindu popula- 

 tion, advantageous means of cultivating their classical learning, and schools scattered 

 throughout the empire, supply to early youth, the sources of improved instruction. 

 European scholars, both in this country and in the West, are indebted to the same 

 liberality for additional facilities offered to the successful prosecution of their studies, 

 and it is no less the theme of their admiration than acknowledgement, that the Ramus, 

 the Burhan Katia, and the only Sanscrit Dictionary yet published, works so essential 

 to the acquirement of the three great Languages of Asia, should all have issued from 

 the Calcutta Press, during the period of your Lordship's Government. 



Whilst we thus endeavour to do justice to the enlightened zeal, with which your 

 Lordship has in various ways promoted the diffusion of useful knowledge ; we can- 

 not lose sight of the more private relations which we have borne to you, as the Pre- 

 sident of our Society, or withhold our especial tribute of acknowledgement, for the spi- 



