BARRACKPORE. 65 
breakfast, and I found his Excellency just returned from his ride. 
The situation of the house is much more pleasing than any thing 
I have yet seen. It is considerably elevated above the Hoogly River, 
on a very extended reach of which it stands : directly opposite is 
the Danish settlement of Serampore ; on the sides are pagodas, vil- 
lages, and groves of lofty trees. The water itself is much clearer 
than at Calcutta, and covered with the state barges and cutters 
of the Governor-General. These, painted green, and ornamented 
with gold, contrasted with the scarlet dresses of the rowers, were a 
great addition to the scene. The park is laid out in the English 
style ; and the house, at present unfinished, is well adapted to the 
climate, having a beautiful verandah on every side, and the rooms 
being on a very ample scale. This place originally belonged to the 
Commander in Chief ; but Lord Wellesley took possession of it on 
being appointed Captain-General, and has improved it with his 
usual taste. Several of the bungalows * belonging to the lines have 
been taken into the park, and are fitted up for the reception of the 
Secretaries, Aides-de-Camp, and visitors. His Excellency had order- 
ed one to be prepared forme, of which I immediately took possession. 
After breakfast at the house, we returned to our own habitations 
till dinner; his Lordship being busily employed with his different 
Secretaries in preparing dispatches for England. At dinner, how- 
ever, I had the pleasure of several hours conversation with him 
respecting India, and the several important additions which he had 
made to that part of our empire. It was with great regret that I felt 
myself obliged this night to return to Calcutta ; but the hot weather 
was most rapidly approaching, and, as a new comer, I was fearful 
* Bungalows, Hindostanee. 
