60 
ON THE HOOGLY. 
house, although he had not then received the letter which I had 
forwarded from Mr. Johnson. I also received, by expresss, a very 
handsome answer from the Marquis Wellesley, inviting me to a 
fete in celebration of the general peace, which was to be given at 
the new Government-house, on the 56th. A few hours afterwards, 
one of his state barges arrived to convey me to Calcutta. As it 
was late in the evening, I determined to stay till the next morning. 
January 26. — At seven in the morning, attended by Mr. Salt, I 
took my leave of the Minerva, after nearly eight months residence 
in her. I must render a parting tribute to the merit of Captain 
Weltden, by declaring that I believe it is impossible for any one in 
his situation to surpass him in abilities, information, manners, or 
good nature. The state barge in which we embarked, reminded me of 
the fairy tales. It was very long in proportion to its width, richly 
ornamented with green and gold ; its head, a spread eagle gilt ; its 
stern, a tiger's head and body. The centre would contain twenty 
people with ease, and was covered with an awning and side cur- 
tains : forward were seated twenty natives dressed in scarlet habits, 
with rose-coloured turbans, who paddled away with great velocity. 
After breakfasting at a tavern on shore, we proceeded on our 
voyage. As we advanced, the river became clearer, and the scenery 
was much improved by the country seats of the English, which 
covered each bank : they were in themselves picturesque, being 
white, with extensive porticos to the south, and the windows 
closed by Venetian blinds painted green. Every house was sur- 
rounded by a plantation of mangos, jacks, and other oriental forest 
trees. We landed at Mr. Farquharson's garden, about five miles from 
Calcutta, where Mr. Graham's carriage was in waiting to convey us 
1 
