2TG Biographical sketcJi of CuL Mackenzie, July 



Tihic'h I must ever consider an lioiiourable mark of dis- 

 tinction, jiisdy demanding efforts that I had no longer 

 in contenipliition, 



27. I will only further notice the effect of this remo- 

 val on the inquiries and collection here described. The 

 people trained by me for several years being natives of 

 the coast or tlie southern provinces, and almost as great 

 strangers to E^engal and Hindustan as Europeans, their 

 removal to Calcutta is either impracticable, or where a 

 few, from personal and long attachment (as my head 

 Bralirtian, Jaina translator, and others), are willing to 

 give this last proof of their fidelity, yet still it is att.end- 

 ed with considerable expense ; and without that assis- 

 tance, most of what I had proposed to condense and 



ranslatefrom the originals in the languages of this coun- 

 try, could not be conveniently, if at all, effected at Cal- 

 cutta. 



28. I mean, however, to attempt it, and hope in this 

 last stage, preparatory to my return to Europe, to drav/ 

 up a succinct view of the v>^hole collection, and prepare a 

 catalogue raisonne of the native manuscripts, books, &c., 

 and also to give the translated materials such form as 

 may facilitate the production of some parts, should they 

 ever appear to the public, at least by persons better qua- 

 lified, if the grateful task be not permitted to my years, 

 or to my state of health. 



I regret exceedingly that the pressure of business at 

 this moment will not permit of my adding further to 

 this hasty sketch ; but it would require an actual in- 

 spection and reference to the originals them.selves, to 

 give you any tolerable idea of tlieir nature, and of the 

 interest my partiality may attach to them. I hope, how- 

 ever, that it will appear to all considerate men that some 

 leisure for tranquil and exclusive application to their ar- 

 rangement would be at least necessary to one who has 

 no'N resided thirty-four years in this climate, without 



