1837.] 



mid Auxiliary Royal Asiatic Society, 



For the collation and examination of the manuscripts, including the restoration 

 by copying of those injured, decayed, or becoming illegible, as may appear desirable 

 on investigation, I am induced to believe that one year will suffice from the time of 

 commencement, as far as regards the manuscripts now at Madras; butitmay be de- 4 

 sirable prospectively to allow an additional six months on account of those at Cal- 

 cutta; of the precise extent of which I have no accurate idea. On drawing up a 

 report of general results and recommendations, I may then hope to be ulteriorly 

 favoured with further instructions as to translating, editing and publishing selected 

 portions, if such a course appear suitable to be adopted. 



It will be possibly superfluous here to enter into minute details as to purposed 

 modes of proceeding: these must necessarily come within my own charge and re- 

 sponsibility, if confided to me ; and in all cases of doubt or uncertainty I shall so- 

 licit and hope to receive your oflicial guidance. To the Committee of Papers I am 

 deeply obliged, and feel honoured by their confirmation of the opinion of the 

 Council of the Bengal Asiatic Society, in an enlightened public measure, from 

 which I venture to anticipate some results that will justify their decision to the 

 literary world ; and, I would sanguinely hope, distinguish them, in the annals of 

 literature, for an important addition to our knowledge of the history, mythology, 

 philosophy, ethics, and local customs, modes of thinking, and other habits, of 

 the people of this very important portion of the globe. 



With respect to the subject of personal remuneration, I beg to declare my very 

 sincere desire that the amount should be on such a moderate scale as to afford 

 evidence of my wish to enter on this work of public utility, with no mercenary 

 motive. I have therefore set down in the margin* a sum which I trust will be 

 considered small for the occasion ; and at the same time not so low as to be dero- 

 gatory to the character of a literary undertaking of such importance, and possess* 

 ing so much of a national character even, as that I have been honoured by such high 

 authority with an invitation to enter upon. 



As regards the establishment of pundits and writers that maybe required, I re- 

 quest to be favoured with the assistance of one Sanscrit pundit, and one Canarcse 

 and Hala Canada pundit, together with one superior Tamil moonshee from the 

 College, at such time as I shall feel it expedient to apply for such aid. But as 

 there is much to be done of so subordinate a kind in reading, collating and other 

 details, as not immediately to require such superior assistance, I request to be 

 permitted to engage, at my own entire direction, and not as College servants, one 

 good common Tamil and Tclugu moonshee, one Canarese moonshee, and two na- 

 tive writei-3 as copyists ; the services of a moochie and peon could perhaps be 

 made available to me without extra expense. In such case the probable expense 

 might be— 



For two common moonshees, each at 15 Rs. per mensem . . . .Rs. 30 

 Two writers, as copyists, each at 10 Rs 20 



M. Rupees.... 50 



The expense of pundits and College moonshees, need not be great; as only re* 

 quiring to be put on full pay, and that probably for about half the period of time 

 indicated. In so moderate an estimate 1 am actuated by a desire to keep my 

 own motives clear of all just blame ; and not to burden the Government with 



* Madras Rupees, three hundred and fifty (350) per mensem.. 



