Vll 
cluced in such infinite variety in those climates. During that time 
I resided some years amongst the brahmins in Ilindoslan, at a 
distance from the European settlements; where I had an oppor- 
tunity of observing the modes of life, and the peculiar tenets, of that 
singular people. 
“ Twenty years are now elapsed since I returned from thence 
to my native country: never having seen the continent of Europe, 
I left England a few years ago, in order to view the classical scenes 
in Italy, the romantic regions of Switzerland, and the varied king- 
doms of Germany; the late war prevented me from entering France 
at that period. 
“ In April 1803, when peace waved her olive over the contend- 
ing nations of Europe, I accompanied my wife and daughter to 
Holland; and from thence, ignorant of the renewal of hostilities, 
arrived at Paris the day after the English were made prisoners. I 
was compelled to share the same fate, and am now with my family 
at Verdun. 
14 My drawings, and the letters which were written during those 
travels, occupy fifty-two thousand pages, contained in a hundred 
and fifty folio volumes; the work of my own hands: these ob- 
tained me the honour of being elected a member of the Royal and 
Antiquarian Societies of London. My friends insisted upon my 
publishing them; and, previous to leaving England, I had devoted 
some time to a selection of the most interesting parts, which I was 
preparing for the press. In that state they now await my return, 
when 1 hope to complete the undertaking. 
“ Not knowing, Sir, that I should enjoy my present fortunate 
access to you, and having suffered much in my health, on the 11th 
