2 



Report on the Mackenzie Manuscripts, 



pear sufficient to offer really valuable materials for several volumes of 

 translations, if judged expedient to be made; while other portions, 

 not perhaps adapted to that object, may still be valuable as matter of 

 record, and occasional reference, in furnishing notes and illustrations, 

 on the general subjects of history, literature, mythology, and works of 

 fiction or romance: of which last some curious specimens exist, 

 though they come not properly within the scope of my researches. 



3. It will appear by the following abstract that some papers and 

 portions of papers are irrecoverably lost, either by fading of ink, or 

 destruction of materials by insects. It was in some cases necessary 

 first to submit portions to the work of restoration by a copyist, and 

 then to make a laborious comparison, before any idea could be formed 

 of the nature of what was so rescued. There are some books and 

 papers not mentioned herein, but to be reported on hereafter, which 

 are I fear irrecoverable, by any pains, or any process. I have also 

 been sorry occasionally to find whole papers, and, in some cases, parts 

 of papers, taken away or cut out. when, where, or by whom, it is impos- 

 sible to say; but the result is much to injure the collection. 



4. In the work of restoration it was my personal care to have the 

 best record ink, and super-royal paper, provided; good copyists were 

 employed, and the copying has been made by my direction, in a bold 

 large-sized hand-writing; so that even some slight damage received at 

 a remote period, will not render them illegible. The whole of Colonel 

 Mackenzie's labours, if I mistake not, were within the years from 1801 

 to 1819; and if, during so short a period, the collection has so severely 

 suffered, the need of pains for better preservation, for the future, ap- 

 peared to me manifest. Hence I have so conducted, and intend still so 

 to conduct, the process of restoration, as to feel assured that, after the 

 lapse of a hundred years, the writing will be as legible,or nearly so, as 

 at the present time. 



5. I have the pleasure to transmit to you for inspection, the first 

 folio volume* of restored MSS. which I trust will give satisfaction to 

 the Committee of Papers, and I beg leave to add the request, that, 

 with their and your sanction, this letter and the accompanying abstract, 

 may be printed, for general information in the Journal of the Society. 



I have the honor to be. Sir, 



Your most obedient Servant, 

 Madras, Sept. 28, 1837. W. Taylor. 



* We are bound to say that this volume has been executed in a style and at a cost, 

 highly creditable to the judgment and disinterestedness of Mr. Taylor.— Editor. 



