GRIFFIN;

OF

MEMOIRS

OR,

FIEST

CADET'S

INDIA.

BELLEW.

CAPTAIN

FROM

ILLUSTRATED

IN

YEAE

DESIGNS

BY

THE

AUTHOR.

EDITION.

NEW

LONDON:

H.

ALLEN

"

CO.,

PUBLISHERS

PLACE,

13, WATERLOO
TO

THE

1880.

INDIA

OFFICE.

S.W.,

LONDON

PRINTED

BY

MTLFORD

MfcNKT

WOODFALL

LANE,

AND

STRAND,

KINDER,
W.C.

TO

MAJOR-GEN.

Sm

EGBERT

CUNLIFFE,

C.B.,

BAHT.,

OF

ACTON

PARK,

LATE

DENBIGHSHIRE,

THE

IN

WHOSE

DEPARTMENT

THE

THE

THIS

18

RESPECTFULLY

BENGAL

COMMISSARY-GENERAL

ARMY,

HAD

AUTHOR

HONOUR

TO

FOR

SOME

SERVE,

LITTLE

DEDICATED,

OF

WORK

AS

MARK

OF

514766

HIS

SINCERE

ESTEEM.

YEARS

PREFACE.

GOOD

wine,

principle,

same

be

true,

this

but

there

of

them,

one

subject,
and

clear

of

out

to

has

been

to

"

ago

men,

the

keep

correctness,

alias

the

sketch

the

present

mature

its

teens.

The

first

view

things

in

considerable
I

have

drawn,

doubtless

age

Griffin,

apply
of

the
or

his

century,

Greenhorn,

and

have,

its

well

as

to

indeed,

that

its

main

original

Griffins

when

to

career

since

still, in

years

likely

was

admitting
as

object

my

military

general
changes

vouring
endea-

thirty

or

"

of

or

characters,

Griffin

year

which

always

scenes,

"

the

the

in

narrative,

in

those

of

unacceptable

five-and-twenty

cadet"

and

will

of

deem

between

though

vraisemllable

some

during

the

fiction

some

period, undergone
features,

little

may

creating

"

depict

manners,

to

by

be

not

may

"

jolly

encounter,

and

leave

understanding

following

fact

this

nature

observations,

In

the

take

peculiar

the

pleasant

which

adventures,

from

when,

reader,

blended

have

and

readable,

rule

general

the

on

if

book,

occasions,

are

gentle

the

place.

As

bush;

no

that

preface.

possibly

and

author

think

will

preliminary

few

needs

proverb,

some

with

dispense

may

the

says

it

was

in
in

though

PREFACE.

Vlll

like everythingelse, to
subject,
incident
and

to

time

and

"

"

the

which

characters

(for the
shadows

exist till

to

of doom."

crash

The

ending, still beginning

phasesof humanity, destined

states, or

changes

fashion,is,perhaps,fundamentally
of the "never

one
essentially,

external

the

of

most

introduced

have

part

in my
the

as
transiently

as

rative
nar-

fleeting

spectrum)are all
intended to represent respectively
classes having more
or
less of an Oriental stamp, some
still existingunchanged
the wane
others on
and
a
few, I would fain hope,
and Westerns
who, like the Trunnions
(parva componere
before
magnis] of the last age have wholly disappeared
tion
the steadily
increasinglight of knowledge and civilizamagic

"

latern

across

"

influences

"

destructive

those

of

humours,

coarse

and
eccentric traits,which, however
prejudices,
amusing in the pages of the novelist, are wondrously
appearan
disagreeablein real life. It is true, the gradualdis-

narrow

of

imposes on the
of cultivating
the necessity
a
painterof life and manners
and of
nicer perception of working with a finer pencil,
less obvious indications of
seizingand embodying the now
the feelings
and passions the more
delicate lightsand
these

features

coarser

"

"

shades

great

mind

of

with

measure

broad

character
the

but still in

"

materials

for

coarse

partingin a
and
drollery

perhaps on the whole will be a

higher feelingswill be addressed than those

satire,the world

gainer;
which

and

minister

triumph and imply humiliation : for

though 'tis well to laugh at follyand expose it 'twere
perhaps better to have no follyor error to laugh at and
to

"

expose.
In the

followingpages,

my

wish

has

been

to

amuse,

PREFACE.

and

where

I could

without

"

IX

detriment
the work

lightand jocularcharacter of
improve. To hurt or offend
contemplation if such could

has

do it under

not

deem

it

make

to

necessary

this

officer I

young

India, who, conscience-stricken

besetting
sins,
of

out

he

as

friends.

or

personages

avoided

stored

writer

of

of them

making

the

congruity,
arrange

and

cover,

taken

been

should

sly shot

characters

at

lightly

from

life
"

furnished

exact
portraits
invidiously

tissue

the

embody

of

brain, so,

in like manner,

must

readers

my

by real
candidlyallow, though I

measure

some

story

of in

standing the

no

been

have

impressionsof
a

en

heard

once

was

the

have

dream, busy fancy weaves

the

I in

"

That

Memoirs

these

in

i.e.,that the ideas

in

observation

of his
hearing some
thought, pointedlydenounced, flung

of
some
chaplain'spersonalities,"
think that I have been taking,under

have

I should
object,

"

themselves

into my

on

church, declaring there

the

sketched

entered

be my

and

mask.

lest,like

passant,

professedly

instruct

to

"

never

ever

"

the

to

events

; as

of course,

though

his scattered

with

of

out

the
more

recollections,

in the exact
necessarily
shape and order in
the objects,"c., originally
which
presentedthemselves.
Moreover, I believe I may safelyadd, that the originals

though

of

not

sketches

my

brought
To
"

"

the

life'sfitful fever
kind

care

"

to

of the

India, a

spent, the
my

account

scene

severest

of his

"

part, long since

close.
now

portion of

consign the
it connected

days have been

of some
of my happiesthours, as alas !
trials and
bereavements
hoping, on
;
youth," they will take him under their

country

where

most

public I

that
to
Griffin,"particularly

with

of

have, for the

my

best

PREFACE.

especial

if

trusting,
the

they

reason,

same

London

hope

for

have

"

deal

with

encouraged

If

public,"
Brevet

at

his

"

of

of

under

liver,
It

time

some

is

somewhat
of

the

The

proper

last

state

form,

first

hot
that

saw

late

dire,"
in

the

with

ing
remainwho

gentleman,
nature

and

schirrous

summer.

these

light

the

in

Memoirs,
in

the

pages

Journal.

Asiatic

arms

the

should

different

of

the

experiences

Chimeras

lamented

"

impart

contained

as

decay

during

"

your

discriminating

period,

and

that

gradual

are

post-griffinish

home,"

autobiography

"

of

future

Pindarics,

impressions

sunk

smiles

the

some

Burmahs,

my

of

the

City

of

London

supported

grounds,

Griffin

"

support

Gernon's

Captain

amongst

not

for

will,

they

Griffins*

patronage.

by

may,

that

him,

sympathetic

on

"

why

then

supporters,

munificent

your

commend

also

tenderly.

him

cities

bowels,"

any

of

queen

"

critics

the

To

protection.

by

Griffins

or

Wyverns.

LIST

OF

ILLUSTEATIONS.

PACK

Cadet

Mr.

falls

Gernon,

in

with

anxious

discover

to

Royal

Tiger,

Bengal

Bear

60
.

Capsicum

General

board

on

the

Roticribeam

Castle

66
...

Griff,

on

Landing,

from

Returning

the

Rattleton

Ensign

and

the

Native

The

besieged

Griffin

74

Baboos

351

Hog-hunt

receiving

from

Reports

Morning

the

Fat

Lord

177

Lion

Red

Court-Martial

Mudlarking

202

the

in

Heliogabalus

Colonel

by

Jheels

Bluff

and

246

Orderly

taking

Stroll

Morning

253
.

Griffin

Marching

to

Join

in

Patriarchal

Style

336
....

The

Last

Night

of

his

Griffinage"

Marpeet

372

Royal
.

PREFACE.

especial

if

trusting,
the

they

reason,

same

London

for

"

deal

with

of

encouraged

If

public,"
Brevet

at

may,

his

of

under

liver,
It

time

some

is

somewhat

of

the

The

should

different

last

state

form,

first

hot
that

saw

late

with

dire,"
in

the

ing
remainwho

gentleman,
nature

and

schirrous

summer.

these
the

in

Memoirs,

light

in

the

pages

Journal.

Asiatic

arms

the

during
I

proper

of

decay

gradual

the

experiences

Chimeras

lamented

"

impart

contained

as

that

of

"

your

discriminating

period,

and

home,"

autobiography

are

post-griffinish

Pindarics,

Burmahs,

"

of

of

the

City

of

London

supported

grounds,

Griffin

my

future

some

for

will,

they

Griffins*

smiles

Gernon's

"impressions

sunk

support

the

him,

sympathetic

on

"

not

commend

that

patronage.

by

Captain

amongst

!
"

why

then

supporters,

also

tenderly.

him

cities

bowels,"

any

munificent

your

critics

the

have

queen

"

hope

To

protection.

by

Griffins

or

Wyrerns.

LIST

OF

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PACK

Mr.

Cadet

falls

Gernon,

in

with

anxious

discover

to

Royal

Tiger,

Bengal

Bear

60
.

General

Capsicum

board

on

Rottcribeam

the

Castle

66
...

Griff,

on

Landing,

from

Returning

besieged

the

by

Baboos

Hog-hunt

351
..

Rattleton

Ensign

the

and

receiving

Red

74

Morning

..

from

Reports

the

Fat

Lord

177

Lion
.

Native

The

Court-Martial

.202
.

Griffin

Mudlarking

Jheels

Bluff

Heliogabalus

Colonel

the

in

and

246

Orderly

taking

Stroll

Morning

253
.

Griffin

Marching

to

Join

in

Patriarchal

Style

336
....

The

Last

Night

of

his

Griffinage"

Marpeet

.372

Royal
.

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

CHAPTER

days

PLEASANT
life's desert

of

I.

Griffinhood

my

oasis

green

"

of

thoughtless, joyous, happy season,

her flatteringtale," and
Hope told
novelty
young
heart
unsated
a
by the world, with
sweetly upon
do
I now
fond
and
look
back
regretfulemotions
through the long, dim, dreary vista of fiveyou
!

waste

"

"

when

broke
what

upon
and-

twenty

griffinsin

there

are

Zadig,

by

Griffins

animals

nobody

are

the

law

looks

of

Griffins

Assuredly,
Zoroaster,

!
"

Did

sir.

in

quoted

is

prohibited to be eaten
different
presidencies

I will

tame."

very

"

them,

at

"

exclaim,

"

the

at

common

so

that

India

East

flesh
griffins'

which

are

the

reader

raw

of

hear

never

you

I hear

I think

But

years

not,

and

of

most

however,

?
of

these

abuse

the

traveller's

privilege.
Griffin,or more
familiarly a Griff,is an Anglo-Indian
whose
lot has been
cant
term
applied to all new-comers,
in

the

East."

"

Whether

the

appellation
with
the
fabulous
has
connection
the
compound,
any
of
armorial
or
blazoning, is a point
gryphon
gryps
feel
decide.*
which
I
A
to
myself incompetent
of the
whose
East, one
griffinis the Johnny Newcome
stand
and
ideas
in
ludicrous
out
manners
European
cast

can

Milton

gorgeous

speaks

clearly have

respect

to

the

no

of

the

Gryphon

connection

precious metals

as

with
are

our

quite of

"guardian
animal,
an

whose

of

gold,"

but

propensities

opposite tendency.
B

that
in

DEMOTES

OF

GRIFFIN.

contrasted with

relief when

different
those, so essentially
appertainto the new
country of

respects,which

in most

is a
sojourn. The ordinaryperiod of griffinhood
time the novus
homo, if apt, is supposed
year, hy which
with the language,
to have acquired
a sufficient familiarity

his

hahits,

and

customs,

of

manners

the

country, hoth

Anglo-Indian and Native, so as to preclude his making

himself
supremely ridiculous by "blunders,gaucheries,
and the indiscriminate
applicationof English standards
those rules are
to states of things to which
not
always
exactlyadapted. To illustrate hy example : a goodwho
natured Englishman, who should present a Brahmin
worshipsthe cow with a hottle of beef-steak sauce, would
be
if he could be
decidedly griffinish,"
particularly
of the gift
made
less,
acquaintedwith the nature
; nevertheexcellent thing in an
beef -steak, per se, is an
Englishman's estimation, and a better still with the
"

"

addition

of

return

our

to

At

period,our
with

condiment.

But

to

subject.
termination, then, of the above-mentioned
if he has made
of his time,
the most
griffin,

the

becomes

before-mentioned

the

entitled

those

associate

to

sun-dried

pretty equal terms

homo,
specimens of the genus
on

"

old hands :"

called the
subs of fifteen years'
familiarly
standing, grey-headed captains, and
superannuated
majors,critics profound in the merits of a curry, or the
to
qualityof a batch of Hodgson's pale ale. He ceases
be the butt of his regiment,and persecutes in his turn,
"

with

the zeal of

his modicum

convert,

of local

all novices

not

blessed

with

experience.
of a
plasticnature, and the
proverbially
of instances,
in the majority
juvenile
griffin,
consequently,
himself to the altered circumstances
readilyaccommodates
of mature
in which
he is placed;but not
the man
so
years, to whose moral and physicalorganizationforty or
winters have imparted their rigidand unmalleable
fifty
which commonly
influences.
Griffins of this description,
comprises bishops, judges, com manders-in- chief, and
Youth

is

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

missions, "c., protract

gentlemensent out on .special
their griffinage
commonly during the whole period of
their stay in the country, and never
acquirethe peculiar
knowledgewhich entitles them to rank with the initiated.
excellent Bishop Heber, for example,who
The late most
which
to the virtues of a Christian added all the qualities
nevertheless
could adorn the scholar and gentleman,was
travels
as
a perusalof his delightful
an
egregiousgriffin,
of his benevolent
in India, written in all the singleness
with the character
convince any one
heart,must
acquainted
of the country and the natives of India.
Autobiographerslove to begin a b ovo, and

why

reason

sanctioned

in

to

trace

"

small

incidents

whollydeviate

as

which

the

usage.

often

It is curious

gradualdevelopment of
in
great"men ; to note
determine

the

nature

no

doubly

custom

character

"

as

see

of

the little
our

future

idea at
shootingsof the young
that vernal season
when they first begin to expand into
of good or evil. In an old manor-house, not thirty
trees
miles from London, on a gloomy November
day, I first
the light. Of the home
of my
saw
infancyI remember
littlebut my nursery, a long, bare, whitewashed
ment,
apartwith a tall,
diamond-paned window, half obscured
by the funereal branches of a venerable yew-tree. This
window
yard,
looked.out, I remember, on the villagechurchmemorials
of
thicklystudded with the moss-grown
successive generations.In that window- seat I used to
sit for many
hour, watching the boys idlingon
a weary
the gravestones, the jackdawswheeling their airy circles
round
old one-eyedhorse cropthe spire,
or the parson's
ping
the rank herbage,which sproutedfresh and green
above the silent dust of many
a
villageHampden."
The recollections of infancy,
like an old picture,
become
often dim
and
obscure, but here and there particular
and rich Eembrandt
main
events, like brightlights
touches,reto defy the effects of
deeplyimpressed,which seem
career,

and

well

from

and established

by reason

sometimes
"

I should

describe the

"

time

of this kind

is

most

vivid recollection I have

B

of

MEMOIRS

uncle

venerable

lived with
could

to

me

whose

the

givenurse

welcomed

of my

and

us,

OF

GKIFFIN.

mother's, an
knee

old

Indian,

always sought
uncle

slip. My great

his littlesanctum

in

Frank

the

green
of the sacred

who
I

when

always
parlour,
rightsof

having quitean Arab's notion

refused to give me
invariably
nurse,
hospitality,
up when
waddle
and foaming,would
in to reclaim me.
I
puffing
shall never
forgetthe delightI derived from his pleasant
he always
stories and the white sugar- candy, of which
Good
old man
! he died full of
kept a stock on hand.
the first of a long series of friends whose
years, and was
and

had

loss I have

lament.

to

father was, truly,

that character emphatically
styled
Irish gentleman,"
in whom
man
the suavityof the French-

My
"an

combined

was

with

of his native land.

derived

from

much

of the

Though

of

estate

in

an

an

fire and

ancient

the

his
family,

sister

dirtyacres
having somehow
very limited,the
from
generation to generation,become

or

He

was

nervous
frame, and of that delicate,sensitive,
which, though often the attendant

other,

small

"

beautifullyless."

tune,
for-

kingdom, was

"

"

degrees,and

brilliancy

of

by

tender

ment,
temperaon

genius,

little fits those so

unquestionablypossessed,
constituted
buffet with the world, or long to endure
to
He
died in the prime of manhood, when
its storms.
I was
to
strugglewith
very young, and left my mother
those difficulties which are always incident to a state of
come.
widowhood, with a numerous
familyand a limited inThe
deficiencyof fortune was, however, in her
standing,
compensated by the energiesof a masculine undercase,
with
combined
an
untiringdevotion to the
which

he

interest and
Trades

welfare

of her children.

and

in England are almost as completely

professions
the castes
of India.
The
hereditaryas among
ponderous strength,"
physical
great Franklin derived his
"

if not

I, Frank

from
line of Blacksmiths, and
intellectual,
a
Gernon, inherit certain atrabilious humours,

from
maternally,

long series

of very

"

respectableQui

MEMOIRS

My mother,
which
felt

OF

too, used

served

GRIFFIN.

entertain

to

feed the

to

How

visit the East.

to

us

ardent

with

her

ences,
experi-

longing which

often in the winter

eveningsof

"

pleasant lang syne,"when the urn hissed on the table,

and the cat purred on the comfortable
then
rug, has our
to her account
happy domestic circle listened with delight
of that far-distant land !
names

and

Bangalore and
Severn Droog, and

Cuddalore, and

of

dars, and

host

of

Hookhaburdar

others,excite in

happy accordance
she gave
descriptions

In what
the

clime

the luscious

"

guava

"

and,

productionwhich
the
and

exact

mango

with

sonorous

Nundy Droog
and

our

Soontabur-

minds

young

school-boythoughtswere

of the fruits of that

us
"

the

huge jack
"

sunny
the ing
refresh-

all,the delicious custard- apple,a

above

respect did the

What

in the least doubted

never

contained

counterpart of that pleasantadmixture

of milk

which

dailyexcited my longingeyes amongst

of a pastry-cook's
window
!
times
Somethe tempting display
she rose
the patheticor
to higherthemes, in which
adventurous
predominated. How my poor cousin Will
fell by the dagger of an assassin at the celebrated
sacre
maseggs

of

Patna

and

how

another

venturous

relative shot

tigeron foot,therebyearningthe benedictions of a whole

had long
community of peacefulHindoos, whose village
of his midnight maraudings : this story,
been the scene
in it, though
by the way, had a dash of the humorous
relatingin the main to a rather serious affair. It never
lost its raciness by repetition,
and whenever
my mother
told it, which
at our
request she frequentlydid, and
approached what we deemed the comic part, our risibles
were
always on full-cock for a grand and simultaneous
explosionof mirth.
the Cape of
I had doubled
Well, time rolled on;
Good
of life and
Hope, sweet sixteen,and the ocean
adventure
I stood five feet nine inches
lay before me.
in my
stockings,and possessed all the aspirations
to
common
Frank, my love," one
day said
my
age.
a

"

my

mother

to

me,

at

the conclusion

of

breakfast,

"

MEMOIRS

OP

henevolent

for you ; that most

Versanket, has complied with

good

have
Mr.

given me

news

for
infantrycadetship

an

GRIFFIN.

my
;

you

"

is his letter,read it,and

of his
will, a livelysense

you
seized the

letter,and

read

the

take

advantageof

I will

bid

the

on

I embraced

of whom

many

to

to

me

goodness."
with

contents

as

to

trust

eagerly
kind

of

ties,
difficul-

mother's

come

tinued,
con-

London

and

Suffice

it to

his offer.

dwell

not

say, that

and

invitation

an

here," she

retain,

ever

ecstasy. It expressedsympathy in my
and

of men,
and
application,

those

was

parting scenes.
dear objectsof
destined

never

to

my affection,
embrace
again,

sorrowful

long adieu to the parentalroof. I

arrived in the
great metropolis,and preparedfor my
outfit and
departure. Having completed the former
sheets,ducks, jeans,and gingerbread,tobacco to bribe
old Neptune, brandy to mollify the sailors,and all et
ceteras, accordingto the most
approved list of Messrs.
and
Stalker
Welsh
but to pass the
nought remained
a

"

"

India

House,

indefinable
I

with

the

ordeal which

dread.

From

forget,
though

now

of that

an

mischievous

feelingsof

told

was

an

tion
informa-

the

probably from
jokers,who love

but

with

view

to

was

tribe of

youth ;

led

I received

whom
it

was

some

to

that

one

sport
it

was

absolutely
necessary that I should learn by heart, as an
Articles of
indispensable
preliminaryto passing,the
War
and Mutiny Act," then forming one
What
volume.
of alarm
state
and
was
despondencyas I handled
my
that substantial yellow-backedtome, and reflected on
the
task I had to perform of committing its whole
contents
"

to
me

in the brief space

dreams, and the

memory
in my

crossingmy mind whilst

of swallowing. I
power
I went, applyingto
ever
whenever

of

one

week

It haunted

thought of it, sometimes

eating,almost suspended the

carried it about
it with

with

me

where-

desperatedetermination

leisure moment,
of which
I had very few,
would
admit ; but what
I forced into my sensorium
one
the eternal noise and racket of London
drove
moment,
a

MEMOIRS

OF

To

GRIFFIN.

long story short, the day

arrived, the all-important
day," big with my fate. I
found myself waitingin the India House, preparatory to
appearingbefore the directors,and, saving the first two
out

of it the next.

cut

"

of War
three clauses,the "Articles
I was
in despair
sealed volume.
; to
or

inevitable.

At

last

came

"

were

be

the awful

to

me

as

disgracedappeared
and

summons,

apartment, where, at a large table covered

with green cloth,sat the
potent, grave, and reverend
fate.
One
of them, a
who were
to decide
signiors,"
my
I entered

the

"

old gentleman,with a powdered

benevolent-looking
few
head, desired me to advance, and having asked me
a
questionstouchingmy name,
age, "c., he paused,and,
-from the
to my
alarm, took up a volume
inexpressible
that accursed piece of
other than
table, which was
no
militarycodification of which I have made mention.
and all is over.
After turning
Now, thought I, it comes,
the leaves for some
over
seconds, he said, raisinghis
head, I suppose you are well acquaintedwith the contents
?
of this volume
Heaven
forgiveme ! but the
instinct of self-preservation
and
I
was
me,
strong upon
mumbled
forth a very suspicious"Yes."
Ye generous
for human
casuists,who invent excuses
frailty,
plead for
"Well," continued
he, closing the
justification.
my
conduct
in the situation
book,
yourselfcircumspectly
in which you are
about
will acquire
to
enter, and you
the approbationof your superiors
retire."
now
; you
may
Those
who
can
imagine the feelingsof a culpritreprieved,
after the fatal knot has been comfortably
adjusted
by a certain legalfunctionary
; or those of a curate, with
very

"

"

"

"50

per annum,

and

fifteen small

children, on

the

nouncement
an-

legacy of "") 0,000; or those of a

of forty,
on
expectedly
respectable
spinster
having the questionunpopped ; or, in short,any other situation where
obtrudes unlooked
form
idea of
some
for, may
felicity
mine
walked
air, relieved from this
on
; I absolutely
incubus, and
myself up to the most
delightful
gave
buoyancy of spirits.A few days more, and Mr. Cadet
of

MEMOIRS

himself

found

Gernon

Francis

casting a lingeringgaze

embarkation

Bengal.

Saving
I had

world

to

which, by givingfresh
served
feelings,
when

the

it

banish

to

incidental

with

my
for

first

ship

presented a new
sightsand sounds
thoughts and
my

was
All, at first,

confusion

land.
Eng-

the

was

measure

some

old

of

Castle,bound

varietyof
occupation to

of home.

remembrance
but

in

foot, and

"

eyes

closed

packet,this

set

ever

observation

my

drama

the Rottenbeam

Irish

an

tearful

II.

eventful

this

board

on

which

on

of

scene

with

shores

the

on

CHAPTER
first

the Eottenleam

board

on

Channel, and

Castle, steeringdown

THE

GRIFFIN.

OF

tristful

the
chaos

to

embarkation

to

me

and

shake of this livingkaleidoscope),

departure(the preliminary
a
general clearing out of visitors,custom-house
bum-boat
officers,

women,

et

hoc

genus

oinne,

had

sided,
sub-

teristic
things speedilyfell into that regularorder characindividual
of vessels of
this description each
took
and entered in an
orderly
position,
up his proper
his prescribedand
manner
on
regularroutine of duty ;
and I began to distinguish
officers from
passengers, and
to learn the rank
and importance of each respectively.
Before
proceedingfurther with ship-boardscenes, a
not
slightsketch of a few of the dramatis persona
may
be unacceptable.And
commander, the autocrat
our
first,
of this littleempire. Captain McGuffin
was
a raw-boned
six foot three ; a huge, red-headed
Caledonian, of some
of great physicalpowers,
of which, however, his
man
whole
demeanour, singularlymild, evinced a pleasing
he was
unconsciousness; bating the latter quality,
just
"

such

of

man

Falkirk

or

tower

of

nerves

and

Bannockburn,
amidst
strength,

sinews
one

the

as

could
din

in the olden

time, at

fancystanding like
and

clash of

arms,

10
"

MEMOIRS

"

off heads

slaughing

and

band, with fearful energy

and
at

fanatical
"

his

rueful

whigs

of

who,

"

countenance

of whom
''

and

effect.

had

read"

in

sombre
looked

never

thought

saw

the
of

covenanters

stern

of those

one

"crop-eared

mountain, had struggled

fought with indomitable

and

lonelymoor

on

had

He

and

but

of those

one

broad-sword

muckle

arms,

expressionof visage;

genuine descendant
yore,

GRIFFIN.

OF

rightsof conscience, and

obstinacythe glorious
fightof freedom.

for the

discovered

that

soon

another

cadet

mouthed

from

enigma

all

to

was

destined
like

locks

never

was

village. It

pound

calves ;
fair to infer had

was

and
in my glory,"
the
with me
to share

alone

his

his native

of wonder

"

Griffinage."He

half-wayup
it

not

was

was

fellow,with

trousers

miles

"

of the

honours

gawky, wide-

of candles, and

who, from

one

before

never

his pearance
apbeen
ten

standing source
board
on
(and to my knowledge the
solved),by what strange
satisfactorily
was

circumstances, what odd twist of Dame

ticity
wheel, this Gaspar Hauserish
specimen of rusof

concurrence

Fortune's
had

attained

of being
honour
distinguished
allowed
to
sign himself
gentleman cadet," in any
old
The
it was.
warrant, bill,or quittance;"but so
ually
adage,however, appliedin his case ; he turned out eventto

the

"

"

to

Our
and

be much

less of

first officer,
Mr.
no

less

fool than

Gillans,was

thorough John

Bull

he looked.
a

thorough

he had

seaman,

the then

mon
com-

imputed vices of
the Scylla
to avoid
"c., and in endeavouring
insincerity,
of Gallic deceit,
went
lish
plump into the Charybdis of Engin truth, a blunt, grufffellow,who
rudeness.
He was
and poltroonery
vertible
conwere
evidently
thought that civility
The
terms.
captainwas the only person whom
'to address
allowed
him
his respect for discipline
ever
without
a
growl ; in short, the vulgar but expressive
phrase,as
sulkyas a bear with a sore head," seemed
could it have been
made
for him expressly,
for in no
case
more
justlyapplied. The second mate, Grinnerson, was
detestation

"

of

the French

and

their

MEMOIRS

OF

11

GRIFFIN.

eternal
gentlemanlyfellow on the whole, but a most
had plainly,
for many
a voyage,
wag and joker. Cadets
furnished him with subjectsfor the exercise of his facetious
Tom," i. e. Mr. Thomas
vein, and
Grundy, and
If I
myself,received diurnal roastingsat his hands.
dear sir," he
expressed an opinion, Pardon
me,
my
would
gravity, but it strikes me that,
say, with mock
being only a cadet, you can know nothing about it ; or,
a

"

(i

"

"

"

in about

years hence, when

ten

your opinion 'on

If I flew out, or
"

sion,
commis-

get your

you

things in general'may
the peaceableGrundy

able."
valu-

be

evinced

advise us to keep
his back,*'he would
our
temper, to be cool, assuringus, with dry composure,
that the
cadets on the last voyage were
never
permitted
to
disposition

hog

"

passion." In a word, he so
that I longgravelydebated
self-complacency,
with myself,whether
I ought not to summon
to

get into

lists when
As
the

I got to India, there

the voyage
drew towards
a
steam

more

answer

the

human

him

to

and

the

for his misdeeds.

close,however, he let off

and treated us
considerably,
raillery
and respect; therebyshowingthat he

nature,

my

question

of his

deference

studied

to

disturbed

knew

how

to

restore

with
had
the

man's temper, by adding to the

of a young
equilibrium
weight in the scale of self-esteem. Our doctor and purser
I
the only two
connected
with the ship whom
are
more
shall notice. The first,
Cackleton
by name, was a delicate,
consumptive,superfineperson, who often reminded me of
the injunction,
"physician,heal thyself."He ladled out
the soup with infinite grace, and was
quitethe ladies' man.
His manners,
indeed, would have been gentlemanlyand
had they not been for ever
pervaded by
unexceptionable
his part that
an
on
obviouslysmirking consciousness
As for Cheesepare,the purser, all I shall
they were so.
record of him is,that by a happy fortune he had dropped
into the exact
his stars
and
nature
place for which
He looked like a purser
appearedto have designedhim.
and
and drank like a purser
ate
spokelike a purser
"

locked

"

"

himself

up for three

or

four hours

per

diem

with

12

MEMOIRS

his

books

and

OF

ledgerslike

GRIFFIN.

praiseworthy
purser.
with
Moreover, he carved for a table of thirtyor forty,
exemplary patience,and possessedthe happy knack of
in the smallest
disposingof the largestquantityof meat
I ever
met
with, in
given quantityof time of any man
order to be ready for a renewed
round at the mutton.
Of passengers
had
the usual number
and variety
we
:
civilians,
returningwith wholesale stocks of English and
continental
cratic
experiencesand recollections of the aristoassociation,"c., for Mofussil
consumption; old
their
officers,going back to ensure
off-reckonings
;" juniorpartners
preparatory to their final "off-reckoning
a

very

"

"

in mercantile

houses

Invernesshire

and

(would
the

that

sixteenth

cousins

obeying the spellof

had

we

from

kindred

attraction

of its influence

littlemore

Torres

of

south

of
and tear
supply the wear
cholera and dysenteryin his (then) Majesty's
regiments;
matrons
returning to expectant husbands, and brightthe country
to
at
a peep
eyed spinsters
nothing
get
! ) ; officers to

Tweed

"

then

fait

at

more

"

au

we

had

whist

"

assistant-surgeonor

an

Galenicals, and

than

the
shall
and

list.

But

only select

half

of
a

the

dozen

characteristic of the

as

the

more

two

and

unfledged griffins to wit, Grundy

"

two,

raw,

pleted
myself comafore- mentioned
I
variety,
for particular
description,
"

mass.

Kilbaugh, a colonel of cavalry

and
ex-resident
of Paugulabad, who, in spiteof his
as
high-heeledHobys, was a diminutive figure,
pompous,
little men
to
generallyare, and so anxious, apparently,
First,there

convince
that

the world

egad, sir,it
standard

common

in

Colonel

was

opinionin

the

that he had
was

dangerous

soul
for

humanity to look
slightest
degree. His
of

above

at

excelled

which

(in his

he told with

an

own

him,

was

inches,

above

man

fierysoul,which, working out its

Fretted
the pigmy body to decay.

He

his

or

the
differ

in truth

way,

estimation) in long stories,

extraordinary

minuteness

of detail.

14

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

stories seasoned with

and
equivoque,

herself with off-hand

na'ivete

wink

nessy, and
part of Mr.

to

devotion

uncommon

an

the

Grinnerson

Mr.

from

at

Goldmore

sometimes

told such

cuddy-table,
ing
producEnsign O'Shaughthe
to his plate on

himself.

of the

Dragoons soldierly,
like,
gentlemanof
and five-and-thirty commanded
the detachment
attached
and
Ensigns Gorman
troops, to which were
animals/' that had recently
O'Shaughnessy, two fine
of Kerry ; and an
ancient
heen caught in the mountains
must
centurion,Capt. Marpeet, of the Native Infantry,
peet
conclude these samplesof the masculine
gender. MarMajor Rantom,

"

"

"

was

character, upon

the

whole

and

whist

Hodgson's pale
Magazine, Taplin'sFarriery,and
short

Manoeuvres, seemed

conversation

reading,though some
"zubber,

zeer,

and

Kuhannee,

Tota

entered

the

on

Dundas,

pesh,"and

seemed

to

The

Dundas's

of

for

man

Sporting
Nineteen

the extent

of his

day had ahout

profound work the
one

indicate that he

his

was

he

that

flowerypaths

however,

ale.

constituted

have

to

great

"

had

Oriental

at

least

literature.

strong point his

"

tower

of

idea.
Ye
! how
strength his one
amazingly
powers
and
he
fluent
when
took
he
that subject
was
convincing
in hand ! Many a tough discussion would he have with
littlecolonel,whether
the rightor left stood
the pompous
fast,"c., and who, having been a Resident,and knowing,
of course
knew somethingof that
therefore,everything,
"

also.
Let

!
Miss

demoiselles!

places aux

But

me

Kittyand

introduce
Miss

Miss

first two

going to
Presidency;

the Madras
haunted

Anna

"

the

sters
way for the spinreader's acquaintance

Olivia Jenkins, Miss

grave, and

were

to

make

Maria

Sophia

Maria

Dobbikins.

BalThe

father,a generalofficerin
the eldest,Kitty,was
a
prude,

their

the youngest,
propriety,"
dear Olivia, a perfectgiggle with such
a
pair of eyes !
but
therebyhangs a tale." Miss Maria Balgrave
was
consignedto a house of business in Calcutta,to be
forwarded, by the first safe conveyance, up the country

by

the

demon

of
"

"

"

MEMOIRS

Kurrybhat, the lady of Ensign

had invited her out ; she was
very plain,
possessedits usual concomitant, great

Kurrybhat,who
of

but

course

Miss
of temper.
amiability
Clifton belle,hackneyed and
of a splendidface
remains

strange that

15

GRIFFIN.

Mrs.

friend

dear

to her

OF

fine

so

Dobbikins

Bath

and

but exhibitingthe
passe,
and figure;it was
passing
should

creature

was

have

attained

she
certain age without having entered that state which
well calculated to adorn, whilst doubtless
so
was
many
a

thing had.

snub-nosed

I have

seen

such

many

gone

cases

her

off under

and

it is

those

investigation,
why
philosophical
marries.
every one" admires "nobody
Having given these sketches of a few of my
let me
now
proceed with my voyage.

Deal

nose.

curious

for

"

own

lem
probwhom

"

had

we

contend

to

with

ions,
compan-

Leaving

contrary winds, and when

they became so adverse, that the captain

able
determined
on
dropping anchor, and there wait a favourchange. In three days the wind became
light,
veered to the proper
final departure
quarter, and our
fixed for the followingmorning. My last evening
was
off Portsmouth
long remained impressedon my memory.
Full often,in my
subsequent wanderings in the silent
forest or the lonelydesert,in the hushed
the
or
on
camp,
moon-lit rampart, where nought save
the sentinel's voice
broke
through the silence of the night,have I pictured
this last aspect of my native land.
I had been
engaged
and other occupations,
below, inditingletters for home
the whole day,when, tired of the confinement, I mounted
the poop : the partingglow of a summer's
on
evening
and repose little,
rested on the scene
alas !
a tranquillity
in consonance
with the state of my feelings,
once
more
excited at the prospect of the severance
from
painfully
off Portsmouth,

"

all that

was

me,

dear to
but
land
Can
That

now

of my

Hitherto

me.

excitement

I felt it in its full force.

sires,what

mortal

haul

e'er untie the filialband

knits

me

to

thy rugged

strand ?

had

tained
sus-

16

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

I leant my head upon

my hand, and
On
sad and melancholy reflections.
the beautiful

myself up

gave

to

side stretched

one

of the Isle of

Wight, "whilst the fastslowly blending into

gatheringshades of evening were
and villas of Cowes; lights
the groves
dark mass
one
streamed
from
the ripa
across
pleasantwindow
pling
many
sea
methought, cheeringcircles of happy
lights,
faces,like those I latelygazed upon, but which I might
more.
never
see
Many a tall and gallantman-of-war
of us, fading in the gatheringmist; boats,
rode ahead
them, glided
leavingtheir long, silverytracks behind
the harbour; whilst the lightsof the town, in
across
clined.
rapid succession, broke forth as those of the day deof such a scene
The very tranquillity
as
this, to
of mind, by mocking, as it
then
in my
state
a
person
made
it to be more
the inward
grief,
deeplyfelt.
were,
coast

"

I looked

my native shores, as
for the last time, till the
at

mistress
gun,
time

and

The

few

the

were
waves

murmuring,

days

of

Bay
we

soon

Castle

beam

bounds,

and

almost

to

the

it

was

shrouds

almost

to

crests

ever

Bay

of

asleep.

Biscay
"

the

gale;

the vessel

cracked

the

"

splittingand
"

and

and

began.

wind,
boisterous, and

the winds

III.

Biscay well merits its turbulent

had ample demonstration, for
had
scarcelyentered within

when

rough

and

in the

were

we

CHAPTER

of this

evening

that

me

his

elements, night'ssilence deep,

scarce

troubles

my

THE

on

gazes

of the

boom

darkness, warned
increasing

the

Calm

now

lover

go below.

to

In

anon

mountain

burst

over

its

little time

began
few

the Rotten-

moderate,

hitherto
in

character;

to

sails
seas

us,

stormy
became

freshened
roll

pitch and
set

were

with

"

strained

wild, foamy

clearingthe

waist

MEMOIRS

OF

17

GRIFFIN.

"

"

making the
good ship quiver
These
sublimities
through every plank and timher.
were
quitenew to me, and produced their usual effects
the unseasoned
tribute to Old Ocean
an
on
involuntary
of a less spiritual
but one
not
a metrical outpouring,
which it would be superfluous
to dilate.
on
quality,
first day's dinner on
Our
board, with thingsin the
and

and
forecastle,

"

"

described

I have

state

staggeringlike

and
comical

and
affair,

had

nausea

my

the

been

scene

was

Castle reeling

i.e. the Rottenbeam

"

drunken

should

have

man

was

"

most

enjoyed it extremely

less.

It is true, with some

tions,
variaafterwards frequently
cept
repeated(ex-

sea-piewas the order of the day); but then,

though I was no longerqualmish,it in turn had lost the
summoned
charm of novelty. We
to dinner
master
were
and
usual, on the day in question,
as
by the drummers
fifers or rather, to be more
the
Captain's
respectful,
of preservingan
Band ;" but, from the difficulty
brium,
equilithese worthies mangled the
Roast Beef of Old
England" most unmercifully.The dapper littlesteward,
in
with his train of subordinates, had
some
difficulty
the deck with their savoury
burthens ; unable
traversing
to march
as
before,heads erect, like a squad of recruits,
with his silver tureen
in the van,
the grand purveyor,
from the culinary
regions
theynow emerged theatrically
like a corps de
advancing with slides and side-steps,
when

"

"

"

"

ballet

"

now

halt, then

simultaneous

run

"

then

the moment
balancingon one leg and finally(hitting
of an equipoise)
a dart into the cuddy,where, with
some
each contrived to deposit
little difficulty,
his dish.
The
passengers, emerging from various doors and openings,
and holdingon
best theymight, now
made
as
tottering
"

their way

to

seats,

and

amidst

the

most

abominable

creakingand groaning that ever saluted my ears the

however,
operationof dinner began. In spiteof sand-bags,
and all other appliances,
there was
no
restraining
the ambulatoryfreaks of the dishes,and we were
scarcely
seated when

tremendous

lee-lurch sent

tureen
c

of pea-

18

OF

MEMOIES

GRIFFIN.

and
the doctor's kerseymerewaistcoat
over
soup souse
tie ; and a roast pig,as if suddenlyresuscitated
Brummel
of frenzy,darted from its dish,
spirit
and, canteringfuriouslydown the whole length of the
effected a lodgment in Miss Dobbikins' lap,
tahle,finally
to the infinite dismay of that young
lady,who uttering
a faint shriek,hastily
essayed,with Ensign O'Shaughnessy's assistance, to divest herself of the intrusive
by an
porker. I, for my part, was nearly overwhelmed
Olivia;
involuntaryembrace from the charming Miss
whilst,to add to the confusion, at this particular
Mr. Cadet
Grundy, governed rather by sight
moment,

endued

and

than

due

with

consideration

of circumstances

and

the laws

made
a
desperatelunge at one of the
gravitation,
swingingtables, which he thought was making a most
in order to
dangerous approach to the perpendicular,
steadyit,and the immediate result was, a fearful crash of
libation of port
glassesand decanters,and a plentiful
and sherry.
of

"

"

the capexclaimed
tain,
ye mod, sir,to do that ?
of
at the destruction
with ill-suppressedvexation

Are

his usual urbanity.

and forgetting
glasses,
"I thought they were
off,sir,"said Grundy,
slipping
with great humility.
off in gude airnest yeersel,
ha' slupped them
"Ye
sir,"rejoinedCaptain McGuffin, unable, however, to
all joined, at the idea of
smile, in which
a
repress
"Dinna
ken, sir,
Grundy's extreme
simplicity.
ye
that loses
the swing-table,
not
that it's the ship, and
?
its pairpendicular
Here, steward,"continued he, "clare
the
these frogments,and
put mair glasseson
away
his

table."
The
heave

colloquyended, there
yo ho ! away

went

the

was

further

ship

on

the

lull, when,
side ;

other

rolls
legs
againstthe bulk-head
purser jammed up
all
and wings boiled beef, carrots, and potatoes,
racing,
if to see which
would first reach the other side of
as
"

"

"

the table.

At

this instant

snap

went

chair-lashing,

MEMOIRS

and

the ex-resident

the

cuddy door,

of

Paugulabad

thunder-bolt.

like

19

GRIFFIN.

OF

whirled

was

of

out

"

! exclaimed
the second mate
again'
;
"hold
well-timed,
gentlemen." The caution was
on,
the opposite tack ; once
she went
for down
on
more,
colonel
back
with
the
the recoil brought the
again,
attended
force of a battering-ram,
by an awful smash
and other deafeningsympof the butler's plate-basket,
toms
of reaction.
Oh, 'tis brave sport,a cuddy-dinner
in an
Indiaman, and your
ship rolling gun-wales
"

There

she

goes

under.
but

the

"By

now,
powers,
exclaimed
Ensign
entirely,"
was

and
griff,

had

this bates

Gorman,
witnessed

never

everything
who,
myself,
anything of the
like

sort before.
"

what

Oh, it's nothing

at all this

child's

mere

"

have round the Cape," observed

you'll
grinningwith malice prepense.

mate,
"
The

deuce

take you,

the

Grinnerson, for

now,

play,to
second
Jove's

the ensign,
comforter,"rejoined
laughing; "sure if it's
than this,it is we'll be sailing
bottom
worse
upwards,and

ateingour
"

and

Oh, I

males

with

our

assure

you,

it's a

pitchingI

heels in the air."

triflethis to the

mere

myself have

rolling

said the
experienced,"

little

colonel,who

having recovered his seat and composure,

now
anything
put in his oar, unwillingto be silent when
wonderful was
I remember," continued
the tapis.
on
the ex-resident,pickinghis teeth nonchalamment
(he
delivered
his
when
of
teeth
a bouncer),
generally
picked
the year 1810
let me
"that
was
see, about
shortly
after I resignedthe residencyof Paugulabad we
were
vessel rolled incessantly
off Cape Lagullas,
when
for
our
in the heaviest sea I ever
remember
have
to
a fortnight
"

"

"

"

seen

; we

were

swam
actually

the board
the whole

"

half

our

through
live stock

so

under

cuddy

the

"

all washed

time, but lived

Bombay ducks,and

time

on

forth.

water

"

everythingwent
away

"

couldn't

shark

by
cook

biscuit,Bologna sausages,
To

giveyou

an

idea of it
"

20

MEMOIRS

the ladies will

OF

GRIFFIN.

out the seats

actuallywore
the
from
of two pairof inexpressibles
friction
constant
to which
theywere subjected a sort of perpetualmotion
of gravityfor a single
centre
"no
preservingthe same
excuse

me

"

"

moment."

sallyof the colonel's had an equally disturbing

effect on the gravityof the cuddy party, and all langhed
at it.
heartily
You
colonel," said
were
badly enough off,certainly,
of
at one
our
wag, the second officer (with a slywink
This

"

*'

confederates);

his

of

still

extraordinary.When

kind

the

China

last in the

was

but I think
more

seas,

mention

can

John

in the

stance
circum-

I
she

Tomkins,

after a tuffoon, that she actually

prodigiously
off all the copper
wore
sheathing,and very nearly set
friction you
the sea on fire by this same
speak of. It's
strange, but as true as what you have just mentioned,
rolled

so

colonel."
"

Sir,"said the colonel,bristling

up, for he did
"

all relish the drift of this story, you are

pleasant,sir ; facetious,sir ; but let me
that you will reserve
your
exhibit your
humour
not
both

unpleasantto
looked

All

the colonel
he

saw

had

the
grave
a known

struggledto

juncturewell
and

somehow

or

affair

that

of

to

other,he did back

any additional offence

farther compromise of his

was

removed,
"

bottom

take

was

wine,"
very

serious

"

all the

came

"

it

was

of impudence

powers

gentleman; but,
of the scrape,
out
cleverly
to the colonel's dignity,
or
own,

from

and

the

worthy little man,

the

Ferdinand

and

that

happilyno

us

be

forward

to
unfortunately,

convinced

it may

his composure

before

magnanimous challengeto

to

or

becoming

was

test

very

without
a

else, and

one

expense,

preserve

calculated

tact

my

some

and Grinnerson, who

fire-eater,
little disconthe mark, seemed
certed,
a

overshot

but

at

disposedto be
beg in future

of us."
"

was

jokes for

at

not

cloth

son,
Grinner-

colonel

(who at
though addicted,

Mendez
other

Mr.

the

sort

Pinto
of

vein),

challenge

22

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

holdingon by a staunchion, when the vessel gave another

profound roll,so deep that the said ladder, being illbackwards, salutingthe deck with a
secured, fell over
tremendous
bling
bang, followed by a second crash, and bubof waters
a forcible entry.
effecting
Paralyzedand
confounded
by this succession of sounds and disasters,I
formatio
inturned, still gropingin the darkness, to seek some
of
one
touching this uproar, from some
the neighbouring sleepers.I soon
mock,
hama
lightedon
and tracingthe mummy-case
the feet
affair from
upwards my hands rested on a cold nose, then a rough
curlypate surmounting it,whose owner, snoringwith a
ten-pigpower, would, I verilybelieve,have slepton had
the

said I,

doom

of

crash

giving him

execration

been

around

shake.

all it elicited.

were

Hollo

grunt and

A
I

"

him.

! here,"
mumbled

repeatedthe experiment,

and

having produced some

symptoms of consciousness,
if all I had described was
to know
an
begged earnestly
if we
or
were
ordinaryoccurrence,
reallygoing to the
bottom.
I had now
roused
the sleepinglion ; up
fairly
he started in a terrible passion; asked
what
the
me
deuce
time

made

me

bother

him

with

at

nonsense

my

that

night,and then, consigningme to a placewhence

addressed
visitor is permittedto return, once
no
more
himself
slumbers.
This
to his
refreshingsample of
nautical philosophy,
convinced
though rather startling,
that I had mistaken
of the danger; in
the extent
me
at all ; so
fact,there was
none
feelingmy way back to
though with becoming caution, got
my cot, I once
more,
into it,determined,sink or swim, to have
my sleep out.
On rising,
disorder and misery,in various shapes, a wet
deck
and boxes
met
view; I found my
displaced,
my
coat and pantaloons pleasantlysaturated with
sea-water,
which it appeared had entered by an open port or scuttle,
and

of

that my

region on
'list?'"

boots

"why

voyage

had
of

exclaimed, in
did

ever

sailed away

to

discovery.

"Oh!

the

bitterness

'list?'"

Ye

unknown

some

of

why
my

did

fort;
discom-

cadets, attend

to

ME"OIRS

the moral

which

OF

this narrative

23

GRIFFIN.

and

conveys,

learn,by my

unhappy example, always to secure

your toggery, high
and
dry, before you turn in, and to study well the
infirmities of that curious pendulum balance, the cot,
the
therefrom
on
lest,like me, ye be suddenlydecanted
surface of an oaken deck !
any-thing-but-downy
With
what
feelingsof delightdoes the youth first
the fairyregionof the tropics,
enter upon
a regionwhich
Cook

Anson, and the immortal fictions of St. Pierre

Foe, have invested in his estimation with a sweet

and

and

De

and

imperishablecharm ! The very air to him is redolent

of a balmy and tranquillizing
influence,
spicyaroma,

of

whilst delicious but indefinable

about

to

"

coral isles
those

of

visit
"

in the

roseate

visions of the

scenes

he is

palmy groves, and painted birds,and

deep sea set," float before him in all

hues

with

which

the

young

excited

Virgina Eobinson
all for
and monkeys
ye are
bound
heart by the golden links of early
to my
ever
nandez,
association
and
Happy Juan Feracquaintanceship.
of the wave
Atalantis
too !
Utopia of the
roving imagination how oft have I longed to abide in

fancy loves to paintthem.

Friday goats savages
"

"

Paul

and

and
"

"

"

"

"

honest
his fate
ye, and envied Kobinson
and unrivalled resources
! But
one
"

a
ingredient,
felicity
; had you but

wife,was

wanting to completeyour
rescued
of the Miss
one
Fridays from
designedfor her brother,and made her
you would
Griffin

of goatskins

man

have

been

the most

comfortable

the

culinaryfate
companion,

your
fellow

on

record.

partook stronglyof these common

I have attempted to describe,and
but delightful
feelings
in the change of climate and objectswhich
every week's
excite me
to interest and
sail brought forth,found much
the shoal of flying-fish,
shooting like a silver shower
the ocean,
the crested
and skimming lightly
from
over
waves
; the
; the gambols of the porpoise
capture of a
off' the bowsprit; a waterspout
shark ; fishingfor bonetta
on
a distant sail ; her approach; the
; speculations
all objects
friendly
greeting; the first and last ! were
as

was

"

"

24
and

OF

MEMOIRS

GRIFFIN.

pleasingin themselves, but doublyso when

viewed
in relation to the general monotony
of a life at
than
sea.
more
templating
conNothing, I think, delightedme
the gorgeous
sunsets, as we
approachedthe
equator. Here, in England, that luminary is a sickly
viewed
when
affair, but particularly
so
through our
commonly murky atmosphere, and there may be some
in favour
remark
of the
truth in the Italian's splenetic
of his own
superiorwarmth of the moon
country. But
in the fervid regionsof the tropicsit is that we
the
see
of creative power
in all his pride and
gloriousemblem
"robed
in flames
majesty,whether risingin his strength,
and
amber
light,"ruling in meridian
splendour,or
couch
of gold and
sinkingslowlyto rest on his ocean
crimson, in softened but ineffable refulgence
; it is (but
in its parting aspect)an
particularly
objecteminently
events

calculated

awaken

to

the

elevated

most

Creator's power, mingled with a boundless

the beauty of His works.
Yes, neither

thoughts of

the

admiration

for

language,painting,

most
adequately portray that
sunset.
gloriousof spectacles a tropical
Ensign O'Shaughnessyhaving sworn
by all the bogs
in Kerry," that he would
put a brace of pistol-balls
God
of them
sa
through Neptune, or Juno, or any
all, that should dare to lay hands upon
him; and a
determination
to resist the initiatory
process of ducking
in bilge-water,
and
shaving with a rusty hoop, having
manifested
itself in other quarters, Captain McGuffin,
glad of a pretext, and reallyapprehensiveof mischief,

poetry,

nor

can

"

"

"

"

had

it intimated

to

the

of

son

Saturn and

his

spouse,

that their visit in

crossingthe line would be dispensed

with.
In so doing, it
that he exercised a
appears to me
wise discretion ; Neptune's tomfooleries, at least when
carried to their usual extent, beingone
of those ridiculous
"c

customs

observance;"
with

honoured

more

"

Maid

samples

one

which

Marian,"

of the

"wisdom

"

in
may

the
well

the Lord
of

breach

our

be

in

than

allowed

to

Misrule/' and
ancestors/' who

of

the

sleep
other
were

MEMOIRS

OF

"

but
children
emphatically
horse play and "tinsel" were
the

of

of

25

GRIFFIN.

On

attractive.

most

equator, however, the old hut

ing
cross-

harmless

more

joke
played off
its taking

was
exhibitingthe line through a telescope
of
soft to admit
one
greenhorn,sufficiently

on

whom

largergrowth,"to

effect.
"

Do

had

you

make

got up the

it out, Jones

scene,

intently
engaged in
as
long as himself.
"I

think

middys,
through
reconnoitering
to

of the

one

do, sir,"said Jones, with

suppressedgrin.
What is he lookingfor
"

"

The

Line,

it

cross

Grinnerson, who

said

?"

be

to

to-day?

sure

?"

asked

the

youngster

glasshalf

difficultly-

simplevictim.

didn't I tell you

to

were

we

"

"Oh

I should like amazingly to

yes, I remember;
it,if you would obligeme with the telescope."

see
"

the glass."
Oh, certainly
; Jones, giveMr. Brown
The soft man
took it,looked, but declared that he saw

nought

but

sky

and

sea.
"

"

a
a

Here, try mine," continued the second mate

better one
than that you have," handing him
hair

wire

or

the

across

largeend

"

of it.

;
one

Now

'

tis

with

do you

it?"

see
"

I think

do

reallyis

the line ?

This

the

oh, yes,
Bless

distinctly.And

most

me,

small

how

it is !

that

"

middys held their mouths,

and
the ladder to
tumbled
in a body down
sputtering,
have their laugh out, wTrilst a general
at the
side-shaking
took place amongst the remaining group
griff's
expense
was

climax

the

the poop.

on

Well,

the

stormy dangers of the Cape safelypassed,

the

pleasantisles of Johanna, sweet as

Waller sung, duly visited" Dondra
Head
the woody shores of Ceylon here skirted
"

"

those beautiful
Partout

those
Adam's
and

shores, where
on

voit murir, partout

Et les fruits de Ponione

et les

on

voit

e'clore,

presents de Flore ;

which

Peak

admired,

26

MEMOIRS

and

the

OF

GRIFFIN.

"

"

duly
spicy gales from cinnamon
groves
snuffed up and appreciated(entre nous,
burnt pastile
a
of Mr.
the
Grinnerson's, and not
Ceylon, furnished
spicygales on this occasion),we found ourselves at
"

"

last off

the

far-famed

of

coast

Coromandel,

and

fast

approachingour destination.
It is pleasant at certain seasons
to
the
glide over
of these
summer
seas
delightfullatitudes,whilst the
vessel spreadsabroad
all her snowy
to
arrest
canvas
the side,
every lightand vagrant zephyr, to hang over
and whilst the ear
is soothed
by the lappingrippleof
small,crispwaves, idlybreakingon the vessel's bows as
she moves
scarce
perceptibly
through them, to gaze on
the sky and
and
indulge in that half-dreamy
ocean,
listlessness when
and go.
gentlethoughtsunbidden come
How
beautiful is the dark blue main, relieved by the
milk-white
flash of the sea-bird's wing ! how picturesque
the Indian
craft,with their stripedlatteen sails,as they
along those palm-coveredcoasts, studded with
creep
templesand pagodas ! and seaward restingon the far-off
horizon,how lovelythe fleecypilesof rose-tinted clouds,
seeming to the fancy the ethereal abodes of pure and
!
There is in the thoughts to which
such
happy spirits
scenes
as
improvingto the heart
give birth a rationality
it is remote
from a forced and mawkish
as
sentimentality.
Such
as
were
we
crept along the Indian
my sensations
Castle came
to
coast, tillin a few days the Rottenbeam
anchor

in the roads

first

man-of-war's

of

number

the

amongst

impressment

crew,

to

boat, manned
by a stout
fellows,in straw
hats, and with tattooed arms,
and the lieutenant,with the air of
alongside,
the deck.

men-

He

was

whom

was

siderable
con-

the

anything but agreeable.

of slashingyoung
crew

was

The

mounted

of

Arab

sensation

prospect

Madras, amidst

grabs,and country coasters.

thing we saw, on dropping anchor,
created a
boat pullingfor us, which

of-war,Indiamen,
The

of

was
a

monarch,

tall,
strappingman,

loose
hanger banging against his heels,,-

soon

with

trousers,

MEMOIRS

swab

cocked-hat

idea, the very

beau

ideal

the

chapter I

last

arrived in

glazed

head

in

first leftenant."

"

of

CHAPTER
IN

27

GRIFFIN.

his shoulder, and

on
(epaulette)
his
stuck rakishlyfore and aft on

tarnished

my

OF

IV.
Eottenbeam

left the

Castle

just
hoat
frigate's

Madras, and the

alongside.Our commander, with a grave look, advanced
hand
the officer,
to meet
who, salutinghim in an easy and offroads

the

of

announced

manner,

himself

lieutenant

as

of H.M.

"

turn
to
ship Thunderbolt, and desired him
up the
hands."
strate,
was
beginning to remonCaptain McGuffin
of his best sailors had
been
declaring that some
presseda few days before (which was the fact),and that
he had barelysufficient to carry the shipround to Bengal,
he had
"o., when the lieutenant cut him short, declaring
nothing to do with that matter ; that his orders were
be obeyed.
peremptory, and must
I shall appeal to the admiral," said our
skipper,
"

rather
"

ruffled.

You

whom

appeal to

may

the

lieutenant, somewhat
hanger a kick, to cause
"

but

you'llorder
his

on
a

were
own

few minutes
The

he

felt that

than

his

own

but

was

was

muster.

he

had

"

"

crack ;
reigned absolute but
to

"

of all he

right there

the
upon
He

was

iron

survey'd,
to dispute.
none

heel

him, and

of

that

stronger despotism
he had

no

resource

consequentlygave the necessary

swain
straightwaythe shrill whistle of the boatheard, summoning the sailors to the
soon

submission.

orders, and

for McGuffin

nuts

monarch

But

in

too, where

before

Whose

it

giving his
its hindward
to resume
tion
posithe meantime, if you
please,
"

hard

deck

haughtily,and

men."

your

up
"

These

and

now,

choose, sir,"replied

you

28

MEMOIRS

"

and
rank
the
the

OF

GRIFFIN.

Onward

theymoved, a melancholyband," slouching

hitchingup their trousers, and were soon
ranged in
and file along the deck.
The lieutenant stalked up
line (he certainly
was
a
fellow,just
noble-looking
for

man

boarders),and
after the
his fat

turned

sheep,and

worthy of

several

in which

manner

"

to head

cutting-outparty, or

putting aside

and

those

knocks"

hard

of

about, something

in Smithfield

butcher

then

honour

of them

column

selects

he

in his

thought
Majesty's

forthwith
to
service,he ordered them
bring up their
hammocks
and kits,and prepare for departure. Amongst
those

thus

unceremoniouslychosen

of the Thunderbolt,
who

had

out

come

two

were

or

swabs,

as

or

increase

to

the

crew

ruddy,lustylads,
loblolly
boys, and were
three

making their first voyage, to see how the life of a sailor

agreed with them, little thinking,a few days before,of
the change that awaited them.
I think I see them
now,
mocks
blubbering as they descended the side,with their hamand
small
of
stocks
worldly goods on their
shoulders,waving adieu to their comrades, and thinking,
doubtless, of

"

home,

sweet

home,"

and

would

what

she heard of it." On

one
say when
war's man
of the Rottenbeam
Castle, whom

noticed, the lieutenant,keen

as

"

old

mother
man-of-

I had

hawk, pounced

often

instan-

his

in the long
experienced
eye detectingat once
and
pigtail,cork-screw ringlets,
devil-may-careair of
ter ;

honest
noble

Jack, the
but eccentric

prime seamen.
takinghim by
out.

"

(who

had

had

juice,and

the air of

ground.
rummaging
a

tin

dimensions,from
Jack

was

tar, and

You'll do

words

unassailable

British

for us," said the lieutenant,

the collar of his jacket,and leadinghim
"

two

with
sarvice),

characteristics of that

biped,a downright

There's

said Jack

therefrom

outward

true

to

quantum
one

So
his

who

bargain,sir,"
suff.of the reg'lar

that there

knew

that he

stood

on

squirtingout a little 'baccy

he produced
jacket-pocket,

than
ordinary
tobacco-box, of more
which, after considerable fumbling (for

unused
evidently

to

handling literarydocu-

30

MEMOIRS

and

brown

He

GRIFFIN.

(for such

drippingsavage

board.

on

OF

sprung

bling
looked) scram-

he

the deck, as

upon

favourite

the stage, confident

of an
opera-dancer bounds
upon
applauding welcome, and, making a ducking salaam,
to
proceeded,in a very business-like manner,
disengage

head

his

from

conical

which, secured

under

letters safe and

dry;

salt-basket
fold

caused

this messenger
griffsof all

of linen, he

these with

spoken in tones as delicate

he immediately
delivered to

of

sort

produced
"

the words,
the frame

as

the

hat, from

chit,sahib,"

of the
The

captain.

his

speaker,
arrival of

considerable

sensation, and the

descriptions
gatheredround him, conning
a

the strange figure

with open mouths
and wondering eyes.
The
rushed
to the
ladies,too (stimulatedby curiosity),
door

cuddy
retreat

on

have

made
at him, but
peep
perceivingthe paradisiacalcostume
to

rapid

of

our

forgetMiss Olivia's involuntary

Dobbikins'
or Miss
expressionof countenance,
scream,
on
suddenlyconfrontingthis little swarthy Apollo:
I

hero.

shall

never

"

in all his

Horror
Mute

Our

and

admiration
when

majesty was there,

magnificentwithout a tear.

of the

far

catamaran

Avast there, my
appearance.
"
and
rough voice of a seaman,
he

sided
hardly sub-

extraordinarycharacter

more

"

As

had

man

spoke,

the

hearties !
make

"

made

sounded

his
the

modore."
way for the comof sailors and recruits

crowd

his
out, and
Excellency Commodore
Cockle, chief of the catamarans, was
seen
advancingin
This potent commander,
great state from the gangway.

opened

who, by the
after
naval

way,

had

performed his

passing through

the

coat, under
swarthybosom ; a

which

transitu,

attired in

surf, was

uniform

an

appeared his

old

naked

"

huge cocked-hat, which had

a little service,"a
seen
pair of kerseymere dress shorts,
without stockings,
and a swinging hanger banging at his
heels,made up as strange a figureof the genus scarecrow
neck

and

toilet in

as

ever

remember

to

have

seen

out

of

field.
corn-

MEMOIRS

"

the powers,

By

Mick

Nolan,

one

OF

Pat, and what

the

of

31

GRIFFIN.

have

we

"

here?

recruits,to his comrade

said
Pat

Casey.

myself can't tell ye, unless

'tis one
ould Neptune himself,
of them Ingine rajahs,
or
that should have been after shaving us off the line."
Devil
I'm
a
bit," rejoined Mick ;
thinking it's
something of an Aistern Guy Fawkes, that's going to
of his fun amongst us."
play off some
Thus
speculated the jokers,whilst the commodore,
fullyimpressedwith a sense of his importance,swaggered
about the deck with all the quiet prideof a high official,
and replyingto the queriesof old acquaintance.
puttingquestions,
Faith," says Pat, "and

"

"

"

Alas

! poor human
nature
Dear
the same.
to
essentially
power

thy

"

and

authorityin

fantastic tricks"

as

thee

art everywhere

is

little

exhibitest
any shape, and thou
much
in the bells and feathers

of the savage, as under

the
! The
ermine of the monarch
"

! thou

coif of
"

the

judge,

Commodore,"
"

or

to whom

the
the

Cockle
had been
of
cised
English cognomen
given, exerunder a commission
his high functions
furnished
him by some
he was
quite as proud
wag, but of which
if it had emanated
from royalty
itself. It was
couched
as
in the proper lingua technica
of such
instruments, and
commenced
in something like the followingmanner
:
Know
all men
by these presents, that our trusty and
well-beloved
Cockle
is hereby constituted Commodore
and Commander
of the Catamaran
Squadron, and duly
empowered to exercise all the high functions thereunto
aforesaid
Cockle
is authorized
appertaining. The
his services to all partiesrequiringthem, on
to render
their paying for the
All captainsand
same.
manders
company's
Comof his Majesty'sand the Honourable
soever,
ships,and of all other ships and vessels whatare
hereby requiredand directed to take fruit,
fish, eggs, "o., from the said Cockle (if they think fit),
their paying him handsomely in the current
coin of
on
the realm, "e."
"

32

MEMOIRS

The

day

next

OF

the

passengers
full fig; ladies,civilians,and

attire,crowding the

GRIFFIN.

ashore; officers

went

cadets, all in their best

of the Massoolah
boat, and

benches

Of all
balancing,and holding on as best they could.
of the Greenlander
to
sea-goingcraft, from the canoe
boat is, perhaps,
the line -of-battle-ship,the Massoolah
of the most
extraordinary.Imagine a huge affair,
one
of those paper
cock-boats
something in shape like one
tureen,
stem

make

children

which

for amusement,
section of
the transverse

or

and

or
a

an

pear

old-fashioned

pumpkin,

or

alike, composed of light and flexible

togetherwith coir,and ridingbuoyant as a

stern

planks,sewn
gullon the heaving wave, the sides rising six feet or so
above its surface,the huge empty shell crossed by narrow
seated, or rather
planks or benches, on which, when
tom
roosted,your legsdangle in air several feet from the botin the fore-parta dozen
or
more
: further,picture
unwieldy polespare black creatures, each working an
chant
and you
like paddleto a dismal and monotonous
idea of a Massoolah
boat and its equihave some
page
may
live in the
only thing, however, that can
; the
"

surf that lashes the coast

tremendous
"Are

shouted
"

Ay,

you
one

ay,

of Coromandel.

boat?"
right there, in the Massoolah
of the ship's
officers.
sir,"responded a little middy in charge of
all

us.

Cast her off then," said the voice ; and immediately

the
thrown
on
board, and off we swung,
connectingrope was
"

on
gentlyrisingand falling
were

soon

to

assume

the

the
more

long undulations,which
formidable

character

of

As we
advance, I honestlyconfess,
bursting surges.
confoundedly
though I put a bold face on it,I felt most
under
serious
of
being
apprehensionsthat one
nervous,
sharks I had just seen
would
have the
the many
soon
pleasureof breakfastingon a gentleman cadet, cotelettes a la Griffin,
doubt, if gastronomy ranks as an
no
that voracious fraternity.
On approaching
art amongst
chant quickened to
the surf,the boatmen's
monotonous

MEMOIRS

wild

ulluloo.

GRIFFIN.

in

medias

OF

We

were

33
I

res.

looked

distance,but in full chase,

there, at some
advanced a curling
cave
mountain-billow,opening its vast con"Ullee !
On, on it came.
jaws,as if to devour us.

astern, and

ullee !

nllee!

"

shouted

up flew the

wave

went

the

ladies,over

while
"ex-resident,
held

seats

and

rowers;

stern, down
canted the

those

went

smash
the

prow

squall

major, Grundy, and the

their
fortunate in retaining

more

all the energy of alarm with

their habiliments
brine from

the

the

came

with

on

dashed

the

one

with

hand
the

passed,and order a little restored,the

boatmen
pulledagainwith redoubled energy, to make as
much
way as theycould before the next should overtake us.
It soon
fiends, and with
roaringlike so many
came,
and another followed,
nearly similar results. Another
awful bobbery,
at last,the unwieldy bark, amidst
an
till,
beach ; and out
high and dry on the shelving
swung
all sprung, rightglad once
to feel ourselves on
more
we
terra Jirma, respecting
which, be it observed,en passant,
I hold the opinion of the Persian, that a yard of it is
The

other.

worth

wave

thousand

then

Here

soil of India

was
"

miles of salt-water.
I

at

of that

last,in very truth, treadingthe

wondrous, teaming, and antique

land, the fertile subjectof

earliest

agination
thoughts and imthat land whose
barbaric pearl and gold
the cupidityof nations
has stimulated
down
the long
of time, from
stream
Sabrean, Phoenician,Tyrian, and
Venetian, to Mynheer Van
Stockenbreech, and honest
himself
Bull
whose
John
visionary luxuries have
full many
Western
warmed
a
poet'simagination,and
whose
strange vicissitudes have furnished such ample
my

"

"

"

"

matter

to adorn

the moralist's and

historian's pages.
crowds, the flaunting

gazed on the turbaned

robes, the huge umbrellas, the passingpalankeens,the
black
sentinels,the strange birds, and even
(pardon
the climax) the littlestriped
which
squirrels,
gambolled
of the custom-house
the pillars
sightsso
up and down
and strange to me,
I almost
new
began to doubt my
As

"

"

34

MEMOIRS

GRIFFIN.

OF

and to think I had

fallen into some
new
identity,
which
moments
planet. Assuredly,of all the sunny
chequer the path of life's pilgrimagehere below, there
with those of our
few whose brightness
can
are
compare
own

first entrance
is there

music

new

and

in every

sound

on

untrodden

land.

What

What

exhilarating

an

terfly's
object!The peach's bloom, the butdown, or the paintedbubble, however, are but
Alas ! as of all sublunary enjoyments,
types of them.
they vanish upon contact, or at best,bear not long the
grasp of possession.
stillin a state of tumultuous
ment,
excitewere
My feelings
when, gazingabout, I observed a native,in flowing
robes and largegold ear-rings,
bearing down upon me.
the smirking smile of an
With
a profoundsalaam, and
he proceededto address me
old acquaintance,
:
"How
d'yedo, Sare ? said he.
but who
Pretty well,thank you," said I, smiling;
freshness in

every

"

"

"

are

you

"

"I, Bamee
master

proper

shore;

on

Dabash,

Sawmee

Sare,

compliment. Very glad to

much

too

surf, I think,

see

and

make

to

come

safe

master

master's

coat

leetle wet."
"

Not

said I,
little,"

sousing."
Oh, never
"

mind

for

we

have

all had

Sare; I take

souse,

makee

there

"

to

complete

Navy
Navy

Tavern

Tavern
changee eat good dinner.
very good place plentygentlemen go there."
said I ;
"Where
I am
service."
at your
you please,"
Ver
well, Sare ; but (in a tone of entreaty)you
Bamee
Dabash
Sawmee
pleasenot forgetmy name,
"

"

"

"

"

master's

dabash

gentleman
Here
as
soon

know

Ramee

had

"

am

ver

Sawmee

afterwards

too

much

unconsciouslyspoke
full occasion
of these

more

services; butRameeSawm.ee,

by

man

every

me."

besiegedwith

pluck me,

honest

reason

of

to

the

discover.

truth,
I

was

gentry offeringtheir

having the best right to

prior possession,ordered them

MEMOIRS

OF

35

GRIFFIN,

risks by unnecessary
to incur
; and not
indignantly
to
delays,he called a palankeen,and requestedme
get
off

started

the

for

lose

wishingto

side

tumbled, wrong

In I

into it.

He

Navy Tavern.
sightof me for

disinterested advice into my

foremost, and off

in

ear

we

alongside,not
pouring his

ran

moment,
voluble
one

and

tinuous
con-

stream.
"

"too
and

Master, you
much
some

pleasetake

dam

rogue,
rascal dabash

dis

place,"said he,
this Madras; plentybad beebee,
much
cheatee gentlemen. I
ver
care

givemaster best advice. I ver honest man."

I thought myself singularly
fortunate,in the simplicity
able
of my griffinisb
heart,in having fallen in with so valucharacter; but, in the sequel,as has been before
a
a
hinted, I discovered what, I dare say, many
griffhad
discovered before, that Bamee
himself

in

the

Sawmee
above

had

littleoverestimated

particulararticle

of

honesty.
of
Swelteringthrough a broilingsun, and abundance
dust, we reached the Navy Tavern, a buildingsomewhat
if I recollect rightly,
of our
one
own
resembling,
green
suburban

verandah'd

in which

taverns,

comfortable

cits

drink

heavy wet in sultrysummer

evenings.
found
I
of
naval
and
Here
a vast
congregation
military
red coats and blue ; mates, midshipmen,pursers,
officers,
playing billiards,some
captains,and cadets ; some
smoking, and others drowning care in bowls of sangaree,
in which fascinating
beverage, by the way, with guavas,
"c., I also indulged,till brought up, some
pine-apples,
time after,
which
by a pleasantlittletouch of dysentery,
had
the dire
; amongst
nearly produced a catastrophe
dine

and

of which would have been the

consequences
Memoirs.
of
these valuable
From

Tavern, Grundy and I

appointedfor young
These consisted of
spot, within
besides

some

went

Bengal

the

next

day

to

ance
non-appearthe
the

officers detained

at

Navy

quarters
Madras.

pitchedin an open sandy

the fort, and
presented few attractions ;
for dormitories,
small ones
there was
a
some

tents

36

MEMOIRS

with
dignified

largerone
a

the

GRIFFIN.

of
appellation

the

mess-

certain stated hours, a purveyor, denominated

of those gentlemanly
butler, but as unlike one

Here,

tent.

OF

at

so

personages

called

at

home

as

can

welt

be

imagined,

and dinner, on
table at so much
placedbreakfast,tiffin,
For two
three days I revelled in the delights
a-head.
or
of sour
and skinny kid, with
Madeira, tough mutton,
for European vegetables.
yams, and other miserable succedanea
An Egyptian plague of flies,and a burning sun
beating through the singlecloth of the tent, made up
the sum
of the agreeablesto which
were
we
subjected.
of
had
faith
"luxuries
the
East"
received
in the
a
My
delity
fast tending to downright infishock, and I was
severe
that

on

head, when

fellow,with

big-whiskered

turban, badge, and silver stick, put a billet into my

of soon
hand, which was the means
restoringme to the

pale of orthodoxy. It was from an eccentric baronet, to

I had
whom
brought letters and a parcel from his
daughterin England, and ran thus :
Col. Sir Jeremy Skeggs presents his compliments to
"

he has taken
Gernon, and thanks him for the care
his daughter, Mrs.
of the letters,"c., from
Hearty,
will be happy to see
Sir J. Skeggs' sister,
Mr. G., and

Mr.

will send

palankeenfor him."
all (an operationsoon
I packed up my
effected),
got
into an
made
its appearance
elegantpalankeen,which
shortlyafter the note, and escorted by a body of silverstick men
in authority
(for Mr. Hearty was
"),
a man
I bade adieu to the tents, and leavingGrundy and some
other cadets,though with a strong commiserative
feeling,
with the discomforts
to struggle
I have
mentioned, was
dence,
conveyed at a slappingpace to my host's garden resia

"

on

the

Mount

Eoad.

This

was

flat roofed

building,in the peculiar styleof the country, of two

stories
a
large portico occupying nearly the whole
length of the front. It was
approached by a long
scured,
of parkinsonias,
and
avenue
surrounded, and partlyobthe
in which
of tropical
by rich masses
foliage,
"

38

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

His
indeed,
pleasingaddress.
manners,
peculiarly
and
were
quiteof what is termed the old school, dignified
but withal a littleformal ; far superior,
however,
polished,
modem
to
brusqverie,and that selfishness of purpose
sets
at nought the
which, too often disdaining
disguise,
existence.
small courtesies
which
so
greatlysweeten
His wife, much
handsome
his junior,was
of
woman
a
and- twenty, gay
and lively,
and apparentlymuch
eightattached to her lord,in spite of the disparity
of their
and

"

"

in

He,

years.

fact, was

of those

one

rarely-seenwell-

woman
a young
preservedold men, of whom
might be
both proud and
fond.
My host lived in the good old
of which absence of unnecessary
styleof Indian hospitality,
of good cheer, and
the most
abundance
restraint,

unaffected

cordial welcome, constituted

and

essential

the

elements.

India, from various causes, perhaps sufficiently

obvious, the English heart, naturallygenerous and kind,
In

has

had

or

full

room

doing good," in
around

the social

the
frequently

"

luxury of
expansion; and the
the shape of assembling happy faces
board, can be enjoyed,without, as too
for

of

dread

here, the concomitant

the constable, or trenching too
case

running
out-

deeply on the
next
our
Certainly,
day's quantum of hashed mutton.
close packing in these denselypopulated lands may
give
enamel
much
of
off
natural
it
of
rubs
the
us
polish,but
our

virtues.
Mr.

Hearty'shouse
meaning. Each

fullest

he could
could

cadet, and I did

room

and

intellectual
whole

doze;

shoot
squirrels,
;

with

party, from

various

his

it,he
preferred

if he

rifle,as

enjoy any

quarters,

meals,
were

wont

friend,the

my

ing
the draw-

in

the ladies

between

its

where

bedroom,

or

sit with

play the flute,or

amusement,

in

quite Liberty Hall,

guest had

read, write, or

hunt

Scotch

was

other
at

equally

which
to

the

assemble,

manner,
rubbing their hands, and greetingin that v/arm
results
well
where
which
have
been
commonly
people
employed in the interim,and not had too much of each

MEMOIRS

OF

39

GKIFFIN.

other's company.
Mr. Hearty'shouse
from all pointsof the compass.
and
There was
of cavalry
a captain

full of visitors

was

lore
lady,from Bangafrom Yizagapatam ;

doctor
dyspeptic-looking
a
missionary,bent on
making the natives "all same
master's caste," through the medium
of his proper vernacular
cadet,before alluded
; a strappingScotch
artillery
six feet two, and
who was
to, some
particularfriend
my
;

and

very

with

crony,

Amongst

like self.
myment,
astonish-

several others,birds of passage

these, to my

delightand

great

the

lovelyMiss Olivia and her sister. Now,

of the most
soulthen, reader,prepare yourselffor one
Shade
and pathetic
of these Memoirs.
stirring
passages
part
thee ! spirit
of Petrarch, I invoke
of Jean
Jacques,imthy aid, whilst in honest but tender guise I pour
I found

forth my

"confessions."

Yes,

as

honest

an

chronicler

bound
the candour
to tell it
events, I am
demands
head
that it should out.
I fell over
"

love

'twas

"

most

violent

attack

had, and

of

of

griffin

in

and

ears

think

gettingthe better of it. It would

be, however, highly derogatoryto the dignity of that
festations
of its manipleasingpassion,were I to trail the account
at the fag end of a chapter; I shall,therefore,
soft impeachment,"and
reserve
my confessions of the
was

full three months

"

my

voyage

to

Calcutta,for

the

next.

CHAPTER
"PEACE

be

with

the

soul

V.
of

that

charitable

and

benefit of his
author, who, for the common
fellow- authors, introduced
the ingeniousway of laneous
miscel-

courteous

writing!" so says the great Lord Shaftesbury;

I heartilyrespond to the
and
sentiment, that mode
admittingof those easy transitions from
grave to gay,
from
well agree with my
so
livelyto severe," which
discursive humour.
Having thus premised,let me pro"

"

40

MEMOIRS

ceed with

OF

story,which

my

GRIFFIN.

begins to

now

assume

graver

aspect.
Love, that passion productiveof so many pains and
pleasuresto mortals, the most easily,
perhaps,awakened,
difficult to control, begins full earlywith
and the most
of

some

to
(idiosyncratically
susceptible)

us

manifest

its

disturbingeffects : the little volcano of the heart (to

throws out its transient and flickering
speak figuratively)
flames long anterior to a grand eruption. Lord
Byron's
exhibits
and
of
this ;
a
history
touching example
great
his earlybut unrequitedattachment
to the beautiful Miss
Chaworth
served undoubtedly,in after-life,
to tingehis
character with that sombre
has imparteditself
cast which
to the splendidcreations of his immortal
genius. Like
him (ifJ may
dare include myself in the same
category),
when
but nine or ten summers
had passed over
my head,
I too had my
lady love,"who, albeit no Mary Chaworth,
nevertheless
the
was
a
very pretty little blue-eyed girl,
behold
daughterof our villagedoctor. I think I now
"

her, in the

remembrance, with her white

frock,long pink sash,and necklace of coral beads,

muslin

her flaxen

forehead.

came

my

flyingwildlyin the breeze, or sporting

lines of beauty over
her alabaster neck
Full joyous was
invitation
I when
an

curls

in all conceivable
and

of

eye

for Master

Frank

Gernon

and

his brother

Tom

to

Anodyne's. How
motherly and kind
was
good Mrs. Anodyne on these occasions ! how truly
liberal of her pound-cakeand syllabub!
which
Dear
all
! spite of thy many
woman
failings,
drink

"

tea

at

Dr.

relations of mother,
side,"in the sweet
shipped.
wife,sister,
friend, thou art a being to be almost worlean

to

virtue's

Tis
hands.

Harden

you

who

your

hold

minds

destinies

man's

without

the

in

your
limits of blue-

counterpoiseto the softness of your

moral
hearts; acquire independence of thought and

stockingism, as
courage,

the
will yet convert
you
of Twickenham
The
little bard

and

paradise!
whole, maligned

you

mistaken

the

world

into

has, on

factitious

the

for the

MEMOIRS

faults

original;the

the belle of

but

stillrightwhen

for the

1700

41

GRIFFIN.

education

of

nature;
was

OF

for

the

defects

of all time

woman

of
"

he said,

Courage with

softness,modesty

with

pride,

Fix'd principles with fancy ever

new
Shake all together,it produces
you.

"

"

PrettyLouisa
of

mother

soundly in

first love, long since perhapsthe

! my
tribe of littlerustics ; or sleeping,
perchance,

villagechurch-yard!

own
your
sometimes

vision,you

quittingfor

visit

manhood,

my

of

fairy

me
my dreams, or, when
the stern, hard realities which
viron
enI lose myself in the sweet
brances
remem-

season

like

in

Well, this was

boyhood'sdays !

my
I deem

it a fitting
next, to which
preliminary. Griffins,look to your hearts, for you will
that susceptible
have
some
tough assaults made
upon
love affair ;

the other

on

organ

now

for my

first grand

Cape, where (owing, I am

thermometer) it becomes

side of the
of the

told, to the high range

morbidly sensitive. Take care, too,

sing,with a rather lachrymose twist
"Dark
within
have

doom!

is my

the
to

not

valete !

toils of
inscribe

"or, led

on

have to
you do not
of the facial muscles,

by

your

premature matrimonial
"

over

your

domicile,

sensibilities

union, you

spes et

for tuna

"

of them, rode out

Hearty's,or some
like a
I generally,
every evening in the carriage,and
took up a position
gallantgriffin,
by the steps, for the
of handing them in
that is,the female portion.
purpose
of pressure
The
which
amount
a
lady of
precise
young
sixteen (not stone, but years, be pleased to understand,
for it makes
a material
must
difference)
impartto a young
he
tenders
his services on
gentleman's hand, when
The

party

at

Mr.

"

of this nature, in order to be in love with him,

is a very nice and curious question in
Amorics
(I
take credit for the invention of that scientific term). In
occasions

"

"

estimatingit, however, so many things may affect the

accuracy of a judgment, that.it is perhaps undesirable to
relyon deductions therefrom,either one way or the other,

42

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

basis for ulterior

proceedings. Touching the

of the charming Olivia and
case
myself,though there
was
certainlyevidence of the high-pressuresystem, I
might long have felt at a loss to decide on the real state
of her feelings,
had not my hand on these occasions been
acceptedwith a tell-taleblush, and a sweet and encouraging
Let me
smile,that spoke volumes.
be accused
not
of vanity,if I say, then, that the evidence of
my having
made
the
and
an
heart
impressionon
susceptible
young
as

secure

of Olivia

Jenkins

felt that

ardour

of

was

decided

too

was

favourite,and

to
griffin

be mistaken.

to

I burned

declare that the

"

with

sentiment

all the

si doux"

reciprocal.The wished-for occasion was not long

in presenting
itself.
One evening,Olivia and some
of the party remained
at home, the carriage
being fullyoccupied without them.
Off drove Mr. and Mrs.
Hearty, and a whole posse of
friends and visitors,
to take their usual round
by Chepauk
and the Fort, kissinghands
Olivia and
to
two
one
or
stood
them
the terrace
to
on
see
others, who
depart.
They were no sooner
gone than I proceededto enjoy my
was

accustomed
the

house.

hour

in the coco-nut

saunter

There

was

grove, at the back of

in the
delicious tranquillity

which

produced a soothing effect on my feelings.

The sun
had just dipped his broad orb in the ocean,
and
his partingbeams
suffused with a ruddy warmth
the truly
Oriental scene
around.
Flocks
of paroquets, screaming
their rapidflight;
with delight,
were
wheelinghomewards
the creak
wafted

of

from

the

well-wheel,an
distant fields,
and

their
of

the

plaintive
cooingsfrom
neighbouringgarden

I walked

one

and

air,a

sound,

came

ing
ring-doveswere utteramidst the shady bowers

the

the

most

chartered

libertine,was

mused, gazing around

of nature,
of

rural

"

The

scenes

Indian

still.

on

the

animated

me, when
always delight
suddenly
her
of
all
works, a beautiful
charming

which

girl,appeared before

me.

It

was

Olivia, who

met

me

MEMOIRS

OF

of course) at
(undesigneclly

of the

turn

43

GRIFFIN.

She

avenue.

appearedabsorbed in a book, which, on hearing my steps,

caused the
she suddenlyclosed,and with a blush, which
eloquentblood to mount
responsivein my cheeks, she
exclaimed.
"

Oh,

Mr.

Gernon, is this

Your

you ?
(courtesying
half-coquettishly)
; who
to

all alone, and

you here
there any

meet

"Is

Olivia,"said I,

thing more

"

than

to

find

human

hearts

Chinese,

united from

are

last.

What

think

familiar

grow
"

not

may

you,

generallyon
such

some

broughtus togetherat
Olivia looked

expected
"

birth

by

choly
of melan-

shade

the

believe, think

Olivia ?
the

invisible

eve

means

"

that

silken cords,

unseen

slowlyhut* surely,bring them

contracting

which
at

The

have

solemnlymusing ?
extraordinaryin it, Miss
ing
you also alone, and enjoy-

'

boughs?'

would

sir !

so

intellectual repast, under

your

servant,

together

I continued
of

(we
declaration),

of attraction have

this moment?"

down, her pretty littlefoot being busily

the
character of a pebble,or
engaged in investigating
distinct
something of the sort, that lay on the walk, and inmuch
replied,that she had really never
considered
such
weighty and mysterious subjects,but
that it might be even
so.
Encouraged by this reply,yet
tremblingat the thought of my own
audacity (bullets
whizzing past me since have not produced half the
I placedmyself near
her, and gentlytaking
trepidation),
the little,
but invitingly,
soft,white hand which listlessly,
hung by her side,I said (I was
sorelypuzzledwhat to

say),
"I

"

"

visitor here

delighted,dear

was

Olivia,

to

find

you

day."
Were you, Mr. Gernon," said the lively
turning
girl,
which
her soft blue eyes, in a manner
brought
upon me
of delirium
on
tremens
a fresh attack
delighted is
;
on

my

arrival the other

"

"

'

'

strong term, but Mr. Gernon, I know, is rather fond of

such, littleheeding their full import."
a

"

Strong!

"

replied,
instantlyfallinginto

heroics

44

MEMOIRS

"it

but

OF

"feeblyexpresses
Oh,

you.
barriers of

dearest

GRIFFIN.

the

pleasureI

Olivia," I

feel

on

ing
see-

continued, all the

before the high

giving way at once
tide of my
feelings,it is in vain longerto dissemble"
(here I gentlypassed my other unoccupied arm round
her
slender waist);
I love
with
the fondest
you
affection. Deign to say that I possess
interest in
an
reserve

"

"

your
A

look

heart."

slightand

almost

from

the little hand

from

the

abashed
received.

It

was

her

to

my

closer

mine
had
of

followed
reached

Oh,

silent

than

more

the

soft

climax

in

once

my
love

Swelled

my

vows

there

said

and

breast

sung

sort

emotions

sweet

ever

fate to

forgetye

accord
kiss
?

moment

woke

and

the

any

trembling sigh,
melting eye.

filled the

"

been

the first innocent

"

Yes, surely, love is heaven, and

has

was

dwell,
trembling accents'jfell
;

that

in

acknowledged
fond

that

column

can

fancy on

fond

vertebral

preciousfor

too

how

"

The

thousand

existence

an

Let raptured
When

and

a
long and
imprinted
downy cheek of Olivia.

and

of

requitedaffection
"When

subdued

now

"

"

blissful

but

its movement.

on

pressure
timid

I
expressive answer
I drew
at least.
enough, for a griff,
head ;
side
her
she slowly averted

exquisiteto endure,

too

of

the

"

kiss

mine, and

in

its rotary limit

so
and
at discretion

surrender

fervent

locked

generallylivelybut

girl,was

of

increase
imperceptible

time

heaven
for

thousand

showed

read

he

years; and Mahomed

in the human
heart, when

is

the

love," as

last

himself

made

the

three

deeply

chief delight

paradise to consist in it; not, I suspect,

is generallyimagined, the passion in its purely
as
but
that elevatingand refiningsentiment
gross acceptation,
noblest emoall our
which
attunes
tions
beautifully
of his

it to
it swells the heart, causes
which, when
overflow,like a mantling fountain,to refresh and fertilize
;

all around.
with which

No, I shall
I committed

never

that

forgetthe

daring act

thrill of
of

delight
petty larceny.

46

MEMOIRS

"

Do

"our
"Ah

OF

said

remember,"

you

meeting in the coco-nut

with
!" she replied,
of it ;

more

say no
of my

GRIFFIN.

I, advertingto old times,

sigh,"I

to

recurrence

youth always makes

something else the recent,
"

the

do

the

sad

me

"

Madras?

at

grove

indeed;

but

sunshiny days
let us
speak of

present, the future."

******

There
He

was

little thing dey do call de mosquito,

let him sleep-ono

one

bitee de blackmans, he

Sing ting ring,ting ting ring ting,ting ring ting taro.

sion
negro'ssong; and unless all is illuand delusion, as the Berkleyanshold, the
whiteI can
vouch
from
actual experience,are
mans,"
as
equallyentitled to have their misfortunes as pathetically
So

then

the

runs

"

recorded.

believe,however, it would

be

difficult to

as

originalabout musquitoes as to
entirely
pleasure,or the long sought desideratum
perpetualmotion; nevertheless,my subjectbeing

say anything
discover a new
of

India, it would
in

set

which

gether
altoover
pass them
suffice it therefore
to
say, the first

silence;

nights of my
oversightput
a

be

not

of gauze

stay
into

en

at

bed

regie

Mr.

Hearty's I

without

curtains.

to

The

was

the usual
door

by a cruel
appendage
"

of my

the

apartment,

ground floor, opened on

garden,
and a well, a pool,and a dense mass
of foliage,
formed
a
within a few yards of it. A
splendidmusquito-preserve,
in wall-shades, burnt
in the room
couple of oil-lights,
;
the
close
and
the doors were
It
night
oppressive.
open,
was
truly the genial hour for burning," though not
of the passage ; and then such a
exactlyin Moore's sense
!
concerto
Quack ! quack ! quack ! said the mezzovoices
of
the little frogs
croak ! croak !
soprano
croak !
respondedin deep bass the huge Lablaches of
click ! click !
the lizards
the pool
went
ghur !
ghur ! the musk-rat, as he ricketed round the room,
emittinghis offensive odour ; whilst
on

was

the

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

of light,'
fire-flies,
gems
of
the
Bright jewels
tropic night,

Countless

"

MEMOIRS

OF

47

GRIFFIN.

din's
spangledthe trees in all directions. The idea of Aladgarden,to which his soi-disant uncle introduced
him, was presentingitself to my mind, when the nip of a
tion
musquito recalled me from the fanciful to the consideraof painfulrealities. The
sultryheat of an Indian
terrific: not
hreath
a
night in the rains is sometimes
moving ; hut, to make up for it,a universal stir of reptile
and

insect

with
life,

hiss,and

croak, hum,

buzz, perfectly

astounding. What a prizefor the musquitoeswas

full of wholesome
I
blood,
a
fine,fresh,ruddy griffin,
and healthychylification
! and,
the result of sea-breezes
with the appetite
in good sooth, they did fall foul of me
of gluttons. Sleep ! bless your
dear, simple heart, the
to have
thing was about as possibleas for St. Lawrence
reposedon his gridiron. I tingledfrom top to toe with
in vain I
an
exquisitetingling. In vain I scratched
tossed
in vain I rolled myselfup like a corpse
in a
do; so out I jumped,
winding-sheet.Nought would
in the oil-glasses
and dipping my hand
half phrenzied,
their unctuous
of the lamps, I rubbed
contents
over
the intolerable itching an
effect
body, to deaden
my
in some
which
degree it produced. Thus I spent the
long hours of the sultrynight; towards morning, the
musquitoes being gorged, tortured into insensibility,
and nature
out, I procured a littlerest.
fairlyworn
"

"

"

"

At

I made

breakfast

mornings

pityand amusement
cheeks puffedout,
all of which, to
in those

my

ludicrous
:

like

bunged
bullyAjax

eyes

man
young
days,rather valued

was

exceedinglyannoying.

look

in which

the comic

appearance
the
figure,

and

up,
in

on

two

cutive
conse-

objectat once of
lipsswelled,and

Homer

Travestie,
of decent exterior,and who,

himself

Mrs.

on

his

appearance,
Hearty,though with

the

tragicstruggledfor the
took compassion on
expressedgreat
me,
mastery, now
and furnished my bed with a set
regret for the oversight,
"Whine
curtains.
said
of musquitoaway, you rascals,"
blow your penny
I then to the musquitoes,exultingly
;
vagabonds ! you have had your
trumpets, you everlasting
"

48

MEMOIRS

last meal
had

GRIFFIX.

assured."

rest

me,

on

OF

What

glorioussleep I

after that !

After

Sawmee

for Ramee
mine

to

Madras, and
Dahash, who, having

fortnight's
stay

at

get washed, and a small

for,thoughtit too much

account

appearance,
embarked

on

bid

adieu

board

to

the

my

of

trouble"

search
linen of

some

balance

"

vain

to

money
make

to

his

hospitablefriends, re-

Rottenleam

Castle, and

set

sail for

Bengal. Our society,officers and passengers,

met
again with renewed pleasure,temporary separation
which, like
being a great enlivener of the kindlyfeelings,
to
keep
everythingelse, requiretact and management
in a state of vigour. Each, duringhis sojourn on
them
shore, appeared to have renovated his stock of ideas,and
to have
picked up something congenial to his peculiar
The

humour.
and

matters

quiteout

colonel
to

of

the

be

told,

with

several
and

wondrous

had

had

ashore, and been

"

met

followed

common,

Grinnerson
"

had

as

strange,"and
natural

a
"

some

old friends,

rare

quence.
conse-

larks

and
"

coming the old soldier over

hands
Miss Dobbikins
at the Navy Tavern.
some
young
criticised rather severely(as her Bath
experiencesgave
her every right to do) the tournure
of the Madras
belles,
whom
she had
conversazione.
at balls and
seen
Capt.
Marpeet, who had been at sundry drills and reviews,
favoured
with elaborate
discussions
the military
us
on
which
he considered
performancesof the Mulls*
very
inferior to those of the Qui hyes, by whom, to borrow
his
and
own
nervous
expressive phraseology,"they were
beaten
Even
the usually taciturn Grundy
by chalks."
became
of the
eloquent,when he spoke of the luxuries
the musquitoes; and
from
as
tents, and his sufferings
for myself,being of an
artistical turn, I enlargedprincipally
the
of
Oriental
character
on
interesting
scenery,
but omitting,
of course,
of the peculiarattractions
some
of the
coco-nut
grove."
sprees

"

"

Hulls

"

cant

term

for Madrassees.

MEMOIRS

OF

CHAPTER
ON

roads

leavingthe
eastward.

the

For

of

agreeableweather, and
a

cloud

of snowy

VI.

Madras,

day

two

or

bent

we

had

we

gallantvessel

our

like

canvas,

49

GRIFFIN.

our

lightwinds and
glidedon, under

stainless

some

to

course

before

swan

tarn, little heeding

dimpling breezes of a mountain
the coming danger,which was
to lay all her bravery low.
tornado,
Soon, however, a (by me) never-to-be-forgotten
which I shall attempt to describe,
burst in upon us in all
its fury.
had of the coming storm
The firstindication we
(being
stillbut a short distance from Madras) was
the morning
on
of the third day,when
few wild clouds began to
a
themselves over
the face of the hitherto spotless
scatter
sky. The breeze freshened, and an occasional squall
made
the good shipsalaam
Captain
deeplyto the waves.
the

McGumn

looked
He

grave.
brewing)held
and

then

taken

in.

At

(forthere

now

brief consultation

mate,

windward, shook

to

of the

P.M.

I was
told,were
as
topsails,
mainsail and maintopsail
furled.

Gillans, the chief

with

the small sails

to

double-reefed, and the

The

next

morning,the

the

albatrosses

gannets, heralds of the storm, skimmed

A heavy and a turbulent
yeasty waves.

wildlyover

breeze

which
and
"

broke

over

admit

much

We're

in for

first mate,
"

the

You

'*

may

strong, and

ship,causing her

can

sea

to

and
the

got up,

now

roll

heavily,

water.

and

it,I'm

to the

mistake."

no

say

afraid/'said Grinnerson

that, when

friends,"growled forth that

rather be

be

fore and

day,the

same

main

still continued

head, and

appeared
mischief
evidently

was

immediatelyordered
about

his

lookingat
tell you."

the end

to your
you write home
sententious worthy; "I'd

than

the

beginning of it,I
E

50

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

Scarcelywere the words out of Gillan's mouth, when

and ratlines ;
a screechingblast flew through the shrouds
"bang ! went one of the sails,with the report of a sixCastle
took
a
pounder,and the Eottenleam
deep and
"

fearful heel
"

her

How's

starting
up,
"

"

head
the

to

at

man

"

said

Gillans, with energy,

the wheel.

"

and

the tars

went

away

little

shiveringmiddies
soon
performed,the

duty was
Towards

wore

There

forth all the noble

the

swarming
and

all, and

sail

being set

and

the

rigging,
the perilous
to steadyher.

up

increased, and

sea

the

stillmore

few

are

wind

the

noon,

weather

than

now

North-east, and by east, sir,"was the quick reply.

All hands
sail;
to take in mainaloft/'roared the mate,
"

poor

leeward.

to

threateningappearance.
situations which
more
thoroughlycall
of man's mind,
energiesand resources

working of

vessel in

of troops in the heat of

steadyas

rock,

the

tempest, or

battle.

cool

ing
order-

head, and

in
essentially
necessary
McGuffin
both.
was
quite a Wellington in his way;
and on the present occasion,I felt a pridein my countrymen,
and men,
I marked
him, the officers,
as
calmly preparing,
the
it
for
as
by move,
coming onset
were, move
of the gale.
"Down
royal-mastsand top gallantyards,"shouted
the iron-tonguedGillans ; and down, spiteof the flapping
and banging of blocks and ropes, they
of canvas
in a trice. This
not
came
was
precautionarymeasure
taken a whit too soon, for the wind
rapidlyincreased to
and the ship rolled heavily,
from the violence and
a gale,
of the sea.
At
this moment,
dently
Grundy, eviirregularity
nerves

as

very

thought, than
mate

and

uneasy,

decorum, began
the first

to

with
upon

are

in

all nautical

whistle,less,probably,from
a

view

him

to

it.

want

of

This

brought

we

got wind

enough,

Drop

drown

immediately.

"Halloa, sir,"said he, "haven't

for
be whistling

but you must

if you please."

of

violation

more

that

music,

MEMOIRS

OF

51

GRIFFIN.

held his peace.

The
dismayed
Gnrady incontinently
now
sought shelter in their cabins,with the
passengers
exceptionof a few well-muffled storm amateurs, who
clung about the cuddy doors, casting furtive glances
aloft at the wild-driving
to the manly
scud, and listening
voices

of

the

officers and

the

gale.

roaringof

indeed, was

as

heard

rough cradle,and
this,for myself and the

above
dismal

other

the
laby,
lul-

nautical

board.

infantson
At

seamen

1 1 o'clock

about

wind

the

increased

the

decks

continually
submerged, the fore and mainafter the shipwas
the
furled,and soon
were
topsails
wore,
top-mast
sea
running mountains high, under the fore and mainstay-sail.The
captain,having ordered the
foresail to be hauled up, the ship,in nautical language,
was
hove-to, the gale blowing with uncommon
fury.
The
most
to
assume
a
threateningand
sky now began
lurid aspect. Just such
a
us
murky gloom surrounded
is finelydescribed
that in which
Satan
as
by Milton ;
the dusky air,"he hovered
when
aloft incumbent
on
that
unblest
over
ever-burning region,which his
feet
The
barometer
fell rapidly,
about to tread.
were
and our courage, that is,of us landsmen, in a proportionate
almost

were

"

"

"

"

"

ratio,whilst the
maned

steeds
over

above

billows,like wild and

cession
prostrate foes,swept in rapid suc-

vast

friend tillwe

angry

With

quiveringbark.

our

longingto be there did

parlourand blazingseaI, with a sigh,how true
of

and

intense

what

think

of the snug
green
Ah ! thought
coal fire at home
!
I

now

it

is,

lose him

"

we

never

know

the value

"

attempt to take in, and house, the top-gallant

masts, failed,owing to the violent rollingof the ship;
An

but every
to

effected by our
gable
indefatiwas
thingpracticable
by the" recent impressment,
crew, althoughreduced
the masts
from the evidently
cane.
secure
increasinghurriThe

snug

hatches

for the

breathless

were

battened
"

down, and

approaching tug of war."

sat
suspense, and a stern gravity

all made

All

was

now

the boldest

on
E

52

MEMOIRS

when

countenance,
the

ship on

mainmast

OF

sudden

GRIFFIN.

and

tremendous

her beam-ends, and, with

blast

threw

terrific crash, the

by the board, carryingwith it,in its fall,

the mizen-yard,poop,
sky-lights,hen-coops,larboard
and
three of our
Here
seamen.
was
quarter gallery,
"

went

confusion

confounded

worse

"

and
passengers
beneath
the wreck

making their escape from

shouting,tugging, and hauling a
enough to daunt, one would suppose,
"

he

but
seamen

or

little understands
are

composed,

relaxation
the

were

officer

was

and

the

who

of

energy
efforts made

here.

heard
instantly
the

active

stuff

thinks

to

crew

servants

"

the
of

there

of

disasters
heart ;

stoutest

which
was

Sudden

repairit.
above

chaos

sailors

"

as

The

the storm,

any
the

English
quailing

voice

disaster
of the

tions,
giving direc-

immediatelyat work,

with

their axes, cuttingthe shrouds and ropes, for the purpose

of the mast
of detaching the wreck
from
the vessel,

which, beating furiouslyagainstthe bottom

seemed

to

threaten

and

sides,

her with instant destruction.

this operation
fected,
at last efwas
difficulty,
and the short but delusive "pleasures of hope"
On
dawned
us.
once
more
gettingclear of the
upon
wreck, the vessel partially
righted,the hurricane raging
with awful violence,the sea running right over
her, and
sweeping,with resistless force, every opposing article
Our
from
the deck.
only remaining sail,the foresail,
taken in, and the vessel
with much
was
difficulty,
now,
bare
under
scudded
poles. Throughout the remainder
of the day, the hurricane raged with unabated
fury: the
poured in
ship rolled gunwales under, and the water
Never
through the aperture caused by the broken mast.
the groaning
below
I forgetthe sounds and scenes
can
of the timbers, the labouringand lurchingof the ship,
of a dying man
like the throes and struggles
; the moans
and cries of the women
stores, cargo, cabin, bulk-heads,
adrift,and
or
two, all loose and
baggage, and a cannon
side to side, as if
violence from
dashing with frightful
of destruction.
animated
maddening spirit
by some
With

infinite

"

"

54

MEMOIRS

OF

Bulls

grumbling John

of

GRIFFIN.

grade, who

every

great oracle of retrenchment

the

own

leader, little need

your
sailor his hard-earned
pittance,
as

grudge the soldier or

An
such as these.
inky night,whose
priceof perils
gloom was, ever and anon, piercedby a long, blue, zigzag
like one
of those wrath-directed
flash of lightning,
ye
the

bolts of

heaven, which

troduces
effect,in-

the
pictures"the roar of elements
lumbered vessel,rollingand plunging like

into
and
crippled

fine

Martin, with such

his

"

of a
the wreck
with
steed, encumbered
shattered vehicle,the few dim lanterns,buttoned up, and

maddened

hugged

the bosoms

to

quarter-masters, the

dripping,
captainand

of the

comfortless,but uncomplainingtars ; the

his officers,
muffled in fear-noughts,
and the group,
of
which I formed
here and there,in order
one, clingingon
to

see

the

portionof
and
of

of what

worst

the

formed
a
encounter,
the stifled sobs,and shrieks

had

picture. Then

from

prayers

we

the

women

to

like the voices

below, filling,

the violent

beatingsof the fallen

bows, felt through the

againstthe

the stout

even

with

well-founded

formed
"

the

hearts

of its

some

Gillans, we
ruin

of

maun

us

of

the

lullingsof

the momentary
wailing spirits,

the

mast,

like

whole

ing,
vessel, and fill-

captain and

dismay at each successive

alarmingaccompaniments.
get clear of that mast,

all," shouted

gale;
catapult,

the

or

his

crew

thump,
'twill be

captain through

his

trumpet.
Gillans
said

he

mountain

paused
"

but

how

"It

moment:
to

get

to

her

must

head

be

done, sir,"

through

this

hardlyknow."
"I'll try it," said the
the wag
gallantGrinnerson
transformed
into the hero
now
"happen what may."
Saying this,he seized an axe, and accompaniedby a
tered
part of the crew, dashed forward, holding by the shatbulwarks
A
few seconds
of
as
they advanced.
breathless suspense
when
a
now
elapsed,
long dazzling
flash illumined
the vessel; down
she lay, deep in the
trough of the sea, whilst,by its light,a mountain wave
sea

"

"

MEMOIBS

OF

55

GBIFFIN.

of evil,and
appearedhangingover her,like a spirit
to break by its own
enormous
weight. It broke

about
down

"

it came,

with

stunning smash,

devoted

the

on

vessel,

takingher on the forecastle and midships,sparklingand

fizzingin the lurid glare of the lengthened flash. The
ship dived down, as if about to be engulphed. We're
burst forth from
ever,
a voice.
Slowly, howgone !
many
she rose
again from the effects of the stunning
"

"

of sailors on
blow, and another flash exhibited a group
the forecastle,
actively
cuttingand hacking away at the
ropes
eased
the

shrouds.

and
;

the

heroic

amongst

us.

fellows who
to

a
"

In

had

few seconds

been

the

vessel

seemed

and
shortly after,
away,
Grinnerson, streaming with sea-water, was
He had escaped,
though two of the gallant

mast

had

cut

accompanied him

had

been

swept

away

watery grave.
The

Lord

be

thankt

McGuffin, wringingthe

gripe;

"

ye ha'e

saved

! ye

second
the

ha'e

done

mate's

weel, sir,"said

hand

in

his

iron

ship."

relieved,and the wind

ship was now
evidently
below, and throwing
hope revived. I descended
falling,
myself into my cot, slept,
spiteof the uproar, soundly
tillmorning.
On
rising,I found the wind had greatlysubsided;
but a heavy sea
still remained, in which
mutilated
our
vessel rolled and tumbled
like a porpoise. All danger,
however, was past, and the sea was
rapidlygoing down.
Damages were
partially
repaired. The crew and passengers
refreshed
and
and
heartfelt
themselves,
gratulations
condeep
wards
were
exchanged. Captain McGuffin, tothe
assembled
evening,the vessel being steadier,
crew
deck, and offered up thanksgivingsto Him who
on
stilleth the raging of the storm," for our
happy preservation.
It was
the
an
impressivesight to behold
weather-beaten
doffed,
tars, their hats
reverentially
ranged along the deck, their latelyexcited energiessunk
into the calm of a thoughtful
and devotional demeanour
;
the pale and jaded passengers, seated abaft,many
an
eye
The

"

56

MEMOIES

OF

the wild

upturned;
gratefully

in the centre, bare-headed

GRIFFIN.

battered hull ; and

and

sea

erect, the tall and brawny,

commander, his prayer-book

and

our
man,
yet simple-hearted
restingon the capstan, his left hand

the

on

leaves,and

rightstretched out, as, with a fervour which nothing

but his religious
feelingcould have excited in him, he
in his broad but nervous
Scotch accents, the
read firmly,
who had succoured us
form of thanksgivingdue to Him
the issues of life and
with whom
in our
are
danger,and
his

"

death."
To

is
particular
providence

prove a
task ; but we

rightside

can

never

when

"

we

err

out

pour

if

or

"

hard

and

do

it is

we

hearts in

our

God, for every blessingor

deliverance,come

what

it may.

By

an

serim
the
At
the

of

concurrence

observation
The

coast.

causes
we

found

now

ship'shead

northward, and

on

was

we

on

the

gratitudeto
to us
by

off the Tenas-

were

consequentlyput

sailed towards

we

baffling

our

to

destination.

on
a fine blowing day in the S. W.
monsoon,
length,
Castle, after a five months'
good shipthe Rottenleam

of the Sand Heads,

voyage, entered on the turbid waters
and the intricacy
of its
renowned
for sharks, shipwrecks,

navigation,dashing on in good style,despite of the

batteringof the late gale,under all the sail she could
stitutes
subas
carry on the foremast, and two spars riggedout
for those

we

had

lost.

the look-out

time, anxiouslyon

All

were, at this
for the pilot. At length

eyes

long,a rakish
little brig,with the Company's Yankee-looking pilotcolours flyingfrom the peak,came
bowling down, and
to be (strangemisnomer) the
was
con.
pronounced nem.
Not
moment
a
elapsed ere a boat,
pilot schooner.
manned
by lascars,put off from her, and in a few
a

sail

was

visible

minutes

more,

whistle

announced

the

accompanied by
seaman's

business

round
was

on

the

rattle of
its

horizon, and

bronzed
the

and

the

boatswain's

alongside.The pilot,
striplingof fifteen,in a
large straw hat, and whose

arrival

jacket and

to cast

oars

ere

lead, now

mounted

the

side,and

MEMOIRS

as

OF

57

GRIFFIN.

he

steppedon deck, touched his hat in a

which
sort of manner,
plainlyindicated

"were

small

no

weather, for

in

men,

latitudes.

these

believe

he

consequential
that pilots
Mr.

called,was
class,variouslysubdivided, called

numerous

so

service,whose
studies

was

none
utility

extreme

Merryone

of

the

pilotquestion who

can

chart of the Sand

Heads, and the embouchure

of the Ganges. The seniors,or branch-pilots,
are, some
of them, excellent old fellows,have their vessels in high
and have geneorder,givecapital
feeds out of silver plate,
rally
valetudinarian
from Calcutta
gorating
some
on
board, invia

the

springsof

of

the sea-breeze.

of

an

He

by copiousindraughts
Merryweather had quitethe cut

Mr.

and
original,
I feel to

existence

cannot, therefore,resist the

present the reader with

sketch

nation
incli-

of him.

of about forty,
of
sturdy,square-built
man,
whose
it might be trulysaid,and in
jollycountenance
the languageof the Latin
qui color albus
grammar,
albo."
It presented,
at one
est contrarius
erat, mine
of the most
view, one
singularcompounds of brown,
beheld ; clearly
brickdust, and purple I ever
indicating
that it had long been the scene
of a fierce strugglefor
the ascendency between
of the
the skyey influences
was

"

Sand
of

hand, from without, and those

Heads, on the one
from within.
Sun and wind, on the whole
aqua vitse,

seemed

had

have

to

aqua vitse had made

elevated position,
the
little chance
Palinurus
Jion

was

button,

of

the

best

most

nose,

their

attired in

of it ; but

determined
from

which

the

stand
there

being dislodged.

Our

forces
on

of

that

appeared
sturdy

coat, with the uniform

exhibited
the colour whereof, once
blue,now
a

camlet

resting
days,like a dying dolphin,a varietyof inteshades ; a pair of tight nankeens, extending
ties,
about half-waydown the calf,encased his lower extremivery fullyexhibitingtheir sturdy and unsymmetrical proportions,
the line of beauty,admitting
in which
that to be a curve,
had
Nature
been
most
by Dame
applied. He would have met with a discapriciously
in its latter

58

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

tinguished
receptionin Laputa, being built on strictly
mathematical
principles
; for one
leg exhibited the segment
of a circle, the other something very
like an
beaten hand,
obtuse angle. In a sinewy and weather
spottedlike the toad," he graspeda huge telescope,,
covered with rusty green
baize, the length of which
whilst a large
was
nearly the standard of a man;"
white
bore
hat, which
nearly the same
proportionto
bis size that a mushroom
does to its stalk, completed
a
portrait.
manly, but not very inviting,
Mr.
Merry weather, ma
gude friend,I'm glad to
Scotch
weel," exclaimed
our
mander,
comsee
ye luking sae
old acquaintanceof
who, it appeared,was
an
the pilot's."Why,
somebody telt me at Madras, that
ye'ed been near
deeiug sin' we were here last."
Ay, ay, they told you right,captain; I had a very
'tis
touch
of the mollera
corbus, or whatever
tightish
within a pint of
Yes, I was
called,after you left us.
gettinga birth in Padree Shepherd'sgodown ; howsomand
'ooman
Dr.
Dusgooly brought my
ever, the old
"

"

"

"

head

round

fresh

as

ready
little

the wind

to

lark,as

for

tumbler

daylightin

Thus

he

ran

it

style,gave

which,

the

and

now

I'm

might say in a manner,

of your
toddy,captain,with
please, ha, ha, iia !
you

man

as

and
as

"

as

on

similar

to

somehow,

us

best

"

for

time, and

some

the latest
of

news

in

then

of the

presidency,

consisted
recollection,

my

of

mutiny, death of a puisne judge, and a talkedof-war with

Nundy Bow Bickermajeet,a potentate of

whom
The
took
the

of

none

us

had

heard

before.

captain now
duly deposed,Mr.
charge of the vessel, and marched

deck

with

all the

"

confidence

of

Merryweather
and
up
small
man

down
vested
in-

now
peeringunder
authority,"
the sail,and conning the bearings of the buoys, which
here and
there rode gallantly
in the channel, like the
huge floats of some
giant bobbing for whale ; anon
her
head
how
the wheel
at
asking brisklythe man

with

littlebrief

"

"

MEMOIRS

thunderingout
shorteningthe

or

was,

OF

59

GRIFFIN.

ming
peremptory order for trim-

some

glidedon through
the turbid channel, whilst strong ripples
or
long lines of
there the slanting
either hand, with here
and
surf,on
of a stranded vessel,indicated the perilousnature
masts
of the navigation. At
last we
caught a glimpse of a
small island,hut recently
emerged from the waves, being
like many
others at the mouths
of great rivers,of rapid
diluvial formation,and immediately
after,the low, marshy
and junglebroke in
shores of Saugor Island
covered
sight.
To those whose
Oriental imaginingshave led them to
lovelyscene
expect in the first view of Indian land some
the sight
of groves, temples,and clustering
palm-trees,
and
sunderbund
of the long low line of dismal
swamp
be a little disappointing.Saugor,however,
not
must
and the fate of young
ated
Munro, are associBengal tigers,
earliest recollections.
blended with our
subjects,
naturally
I gazed on
Full oft in my boyishdays had
a
the monster
picturerepresenting
springingopen-mouthed
or

on

his

sail.

victim,and wondered

Thus

we

if it would

ever

be

my

lot

disturbed by such
were
country where pic-nics
ferocious intruders.
Viewed, then, as the head- quarters
to

visit

of

the

and
tigers,

the

scene

of this memorable

exploitof

nation,
body, and also as the outpost of our destiI deemed
Saugor a sort of classic ground, and
gazed upon it with a proportionateinterest. Many an
the island,
bent towards
eye, too, besides my own, was

one

of their

which

wore

most

sombre

and

miserable

aspect.

Thinking Mr. Merryweather a person likelyto be well

ask him, civilly,
informed
I ventured
the subject,
to
on
if tigerswere
the island as in young
numerous
on
as
Mr.

Munro's

time.

at

the

same

time

solicited the loan

I might by its
thinking,peradventure,
telescope,
in full regalia,
enjoying
descrya royalBengal tiger,
The
pilot
evening perambulation on the beach.

of his
aid
his

stared at me, with

dignagdid at the

as

much

astonishment

Splacknuck,when

he

as

heard

the
him

Brob-

talk,

60

OF

MEMOIRS

Mr.

or

Bumble,

unfortunate

Dickens'

in

asked

Oliver

settled it in his mind

that it

worth

not

was

GRIFFIN.

admirable
for

that

more

was

his while

novel,when

an

be

to

but

soup

the
soon

and
griffin,
civil to
particularly
arrant

me.
"

o'

Tigers!

"

he

granted

them, I dare

mustn't

talk

wessel.

As

ask

some

To

about, young

to

else

borrow

Ay, ay, there's plenty

something else besides
gentleman

and

you

d'ye see, when I'm engaged with a

glass,it'sin hand, and you'd better

me

for the

one

I've

say ; but

think

tigersto

"

out

to

lend you

one."

language of the fancy,I was regularly

floored by this rebuff,and incontinently
held my
peace,
to reserve
for a fitter
determining
inquiries
my zoological
occasion

the

and

communicative

more

time, lost in astonishment

that

person ;
could
man

the

at

same

actually
pass

his life in

sightof Saugor Island, and yet feel no interest

in royalBengal tigers. The delusion is a common
one,
and
which
leads people to
confined
to
not
griffins,
imagine that others must be interested in what they are
full of themselves.
The

wind

suddenly rose, and the sky, which had

Mr.
an
lowering,assumed
inky hue.
Merry-

long been
weather
observe
and

looked
to

that

reached

anxious

measures

the

that
captain,

he

feared

we

it would

uneasy, and
in for
were
overtake

heard

him

north- wester,
before
us
we

wester
northa
anchorage at Kedgeree. What
I did not exactlyknow, but the precautionary
taken of diminishingthe sail,closing hatches

scuttles,"c., and

left me

and

the
was

and

now

no

room

denominations

doubt

to

the

appearance
that it was
one

of the
of the

heavens,
various

family.
with
to
scene
one
unacquainted
moment,
these tropicalvisitants,though rather
alarming,was
singularlywild and magnificent. All around, to the
of the deepestindigo
verge of .the horizon, the sky was
of rollingclouds, like hostile
hue, whilst dark masses
head
to the
squadrons,were
slowly marshalling over
The

of

the hurricane

at this

62

MEMOIBS

derive

much

so

misfortunes
Here

of their

hut, alas !

fresh

other
lf

were

"

and

of

hatch

fruit, and
of Calcutta

of

about

rose

and
vegetables,
papers ; and

dry
sun-

thingsvery pleasant. All

cheerful,and

at

ten

"

morning like
of the
agreeableanticipations

in and

the foil of others'

it is.

so

little matters, made

alive

GRIFFIN.

from
intensity

supply

fish,from the shore

OF

in the

o'clock

turned

giant refreshed," full

scenes

on

which

was

to enter.

CHAPTEK

VII.

morning after our arrival at Kedgeree I arose early,

and, on coming on deck, found the weather perfectly
calm,
its appearance
to
and presenting
a strikingcontrast
on
the previousday. A
however,
burning Bengal sun,
in all its glory, and was
reflected with
around
shone
unruffled
painfuland dazzlingbrightnessfrom the now
of singularly
surface of the Hooghly.
Boats, to me
and
novel
some
thatched, others
picturesqueforms
and
all with long galley-like
sterns
prows
open, and
were
moving here and there, mingled with marketboats, laden with fruit and vegetables,and lightand
down
with
floating
gracefuldingies,or fishing-canoes,
the gentle untheir outspreadnets and dusky crews
on
dulations
of the falling
tide. Near
us, shipsof various
Indiawere
ridingat anchor, from the stately
descriptions
of those days, with her double tier of ports, and
man
looking like a seventy-four,to the Arab grab and
THE

"

"

country-coaster.
This

was

day

of considerable

bustle and

excitement.

looking up their baggage, getting

out
despatchingspecialmessengers to
their friends in Calcutta.
Boats from the presidency
were
with
continually
alongside,
freighted
principally
arriving
baboos
or circars,
good-lookingfellows for the most part,
The

were
passengers
their letters,or

MEMOIRS

huge

with

or

green

muslin-robes,
swans'-down.

as

to

came

merchants

like my

"

for

constituents

few

others

partiesinterested
keen-witted

on
Dabash, were
all these arrivals,
our

With

pigeons."

secure

or

passengers ; and not

Sawmee
friend Ramee

ship or

63

GRIFFIN.

yellowcurly-toedshoes, arid flowing

and white as
light as the gossamer,

Some

deputed by

were

OF

in

the

fellows,
the lookout
deck

gan
be-

livelyand animated appearance.

struck with the marked
I could not help being forcibly
the two races, who, here respectively
between
dissimilarity
the subjectsof a common
power, and from the antipodes,
interest, or busy in
were
engaged in objectsof mutual
stood the
the exchange of friendlygreetings. There
sturdyEnglishman, with his ruddy face,iron muscles,
broad
and
shoulders, strong in his straightforward
delicate
hyperborean honesty; before him, like some
Italian greyhound,coaxing a bluff old Jowler
or
spaniel,
the wily Asiatics, chattering
and
of a mastiff,were
laaming,
safearful to offend,their slender and supple limbs
address
all in motion, and supplying by quickness and
to

assume

very

of energy

the want

and

familyunion,
pleasantlysubsisted
The

boldness.

which

had

between

for five months

now
our

party

so

board, was

on

dissolved,and

their thoughts
alreadywere
the wing,impatientfor other scenes
and feelings
and
on
objects. The cup of pleasureis seldom unalloyed,and
with mine, at that moment,
mingled a drop of bitterness,
of my
I thought that an
life was
as
important scene
about

to

be

of the actors in it,

close for ever, and that many
I had so pleasantly"strutted
with whom
hour," J
my
see
again. To think that we are leaving
might never

about

even

but

the
now

to

objectfor ever is a painfulthought,

it acquiresalmost
when man,
the mind,
a solemnity
music, breathingfrom his face,'"is the being we are
about to quit. Honest
McGuffin, methought,have
an

inanimate

"

I heard

your

broad

Scotch

for the

merry wag, will you

will
lans,bluntest of seamen,

son,

my

roast

last time ?
me

no

more

thy hoarse voice,in

Grinner?

Git-

the mid-

64

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

nightwatch,never againstartle my ear, when throughthe

shrouds
(rudestof ^Eolians) the rough winds pipe their
wild accompaniment? And, oh! Jemmy
Ducks, thou
of the

Pariar

Eottenbeam

chickens, shall I

of
the

over

hencoops,or
of thy tarred

vision

be

Castle, thou
never

and

again see

ragged

with

hreeks

vator
conser-

scramble

thee

enlivened

more

great

pleasant

? Sic

transit

gloria mundi!

includingthe second mate, were

and
our
chattering
laughing on the deck about noon,
attention was
suddenlyattracted to a handsome
pinnace,
and
and
with green sides
tiful
beauVenetians,and of a light
the river,
with all sail loosened,
rig,glidingdown
had
which, however, the light winds
barely power to
As it approached,
observed
old gentledistend.
we
an
man,
As

party of

and

us,

numerous

of attendants

group

the

on

chut

or

that
were
we
Marpeet immediately observed
of the Calcutta
about
to be visited by one
big wigs ;
and
claimed,
Grinnerson, applying the glass to his eye, exand
after a little reconnoitring
slappinghis leg
with delight,
By the piperthat played before Moses, if it isn't
that old Tartar, General
Capsicum ; he'll keep us all
roof.

"

alive if he

comes

on

board."

seated in an easy chair,smoking a

general was
hooka, the silver chains and other brilliant
magnificent
appendagesof which were conspicuouseven at a distance.
with his troop of attendants,he looked not
a
Altogether,
littlelike the chief of Loochoo, as
depictedin Captain
Hall's voyage
island.
Of the livened
to that interesting
and whiskered
son
a huge crimgroup about him, one
swung
silk punkah, or fan, with a silver handle, the end of
The

which
the
or

rested

colour

same

whisks,

stood

on

his

as

over

keep
pipeman,
to

fellow, with his

solemn

the deck

arms

judge.

his head
off
or

the

second
; two

held
more

flies; and

an

umbrella

worked
behind

of

chowries,
his

chair

hookhaburdar, a black-bearded
folded,and looking as grave and

At

the back

of all these

again,and

MEMOIRS

OF

65

GRIFFIN.

were
a body of mace-bearers
rear-guard,
order of the
and silver-stick men,
awaitingthe slightest
chief.
Well, this is somethinglike Eastern magnificence,
Frank
nil desperandum
Gernon,
indeed, thought I
hold up your head ; you may
be a nabob
yet."
within
a
Upon the arrival of the pinnace
very short
distance of the ship,the old gentleman,assisted by his
obsequiousattendants,arose from his chair,and moving
to the verge of the roof
as
or
poop, with a gait almost
unsteady as the toddle of an infant,gave us a full view
odd
of about as
a
figureas can well be imagined. In
below
the middle
size,and as thin and
height,he was
shrivelled as an old baboon, to the physiognomy of which

forming a

sort

of

"

"

"

animal

his

own

till I

saw

bore

no

him, I

inconsiderable resemblance
never

much

thought

of

deed,
; in-

Lord

red camlet
a
theory. He wore
raggie,or
Swiss jacket,
with blue collar and
facings,which hung
in bags about
him, and a white waistcoat,wide open,
from which a volume
of frill protruded. His nether man
encased in a pair of tightnankeens, buttoned
at the
was
old gentlemen
ancle (a singularperversity
to
common
and which exhibited
calves have
whose
to grass),
gone
slenderness of his frail supporters in a
the extraordinary
A queue (the generalbeing
pointof view.
very striking
of the
last of the pigtails
one
"), a round hat of black
silk,a good deal battered,with a bullion loop and button,
completed the outward appearance of the Bengal veteran,
who
soon, however, satisfied us that, spiteof appearances,
he was, as Grinnerson
said, a stout-hearted old fellow,
with plentyof pluck and mental vigour still about him;
E'en in his ashes
of whom
it might be said,that
one
glowed their wonted fires."
Monboddo's

"

"

pretty close, the little old

When

from

man,

squeaky and
astonished
with
gem
"

tone

whom

treble might have

been expected,
faltering
us
by shoutingout, in a stentorian voice, and
and
accent
smacking stronglyof the "first

of the sea,"
Is that the Rottenlame

Castle,sur

"

66

Being answered
Captain McGuffin

OF

MEMOIRS

in

GRIFFIN.

"

the

affirmative,he continued, Is
"board,sur ?
on
to the side,
McGuffin, who
by this time had come
to this questionhimself.
Taking off his hat, and
replied
waving it,he said,
Hoo
air ye, general? I'm gladto see you, sir,luking
Will you come
weel.
board, sir ?
sae
on
"Hah!
are
McGuffin, is that you? How
you,
my
?
his
returned
the
hat, too,,
general,raising
good sur
"

"

"

"

dignityof the old school,or of the guardsman

at Fontenoy.
Sorryto see you in this ugly pickle,
ing
alludthough. Have you got my Cordalia on board?
of our
to his daughter,a widow
one
passengers
lady,

with

all the

"

"

from
her
hand

Madras, and who, at

father's arrival,
rushed

this instant,having heard

the

to

side,and

of

kissingone

her handkerchief
empressement, whilst she waved
the other,soon
afforded him satisfactory
evidence

with
in

of her existence.
After

little trouble,
the

some

alongside, and

the

old

moored
pinnacewas safely
general securely,though with
volleysof abuse to his servants,

and a few
equaldifficulty,
Here, however,
depositedby instalments on the deck.
he appeared in some
danger of suffocation,from the
of the buxom
widow, who
vigorous embraces
young
and regardless
yieldingto the impulsesof natural feeling,
rushed
into his arms,
and kissed him
of standers-by,
with the warmest
affection,
knocking off his hat by the
view the general's
and exhibiting
to our
able
venercollision,
of seventy or eighty
head, white with the snows

winters.

Here, then, in

the shrivelled old soldier

standingbefore

days of Olive, a last

representative,
probably,of a generationlong gone down
to the
so
dust, whose
thoughts,dress, and manners
differed from our
and who
(allhonour to
essentially
own,

me,

beheld

warrior

of

their three-cornered

hats and

the

field and

Indian

foundation

in
of

the

this

the

big waistcoats
the

!)had

cabinet, and

proud dominion, on

which

baffled
laid the

was

about

68

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

and lookingextremelylargefor
complacently,
collar-gills
his size, we
are
a new
general; nothing
certainly
man,
for setting
like a few hogsheadsof Cheltenham
waters
a
his legsagain."
on
dyspepticman
Indeed, then that's true ; but, Kilbaugh,though you
and I have had some
rale plissantdays togetherin old
"

"

times

eh?

"

"

by

and

(witha
the g

minus

With
with

eh ?

"

extended

avoided,though
that he

not

was

then

any of us,
the g, too

as

"

"

ha, ha, ha !

pass at the ex-resident's ribs

the other dexterously
finger,which

made

this, he

his

much

didn't trouble the water

you
and liked your glass as well
minus
palpablewink) that same

with

complacentchuckle
at this allusion
displeased

which

shewed

youthful

to his

frolics.
"

Well," continued

"

the

general, you'llput up at my
place,and I'll giveyou a cast in the pinnace. By-themember
bye, you liked a good bottle of beer, Kilbaugh, I reI can
rightwell, and justnow
give you one, a
ralefoamer; got in a splendidbatch lately;it is from
it bears a bell,too."
Bell,and by G
So he rattled on ; and the ex-resident having signified
his acceptance of the general's
offer, the trio, after a
board the pinnace,and
were
soon
on
heartyleave-taking,
on

their way to Calcutta.

This was
the first time

domestics
struck

of

by
becoming
Their

them

and

costume

of

of

India,

and

the

seen

and

manly

those in the

turbans, vests, loose pajammas

Mohamedan

was

agreeably

and the
appearance,
suite.
old general's
trowsers, and
belts
their crimson
or

girdles,set off by
metal badges,and their massive
silver batons, gave
hanced
ena
very strikingand picturesqueappearance,
by luxuriant beards or mustachios, large eyes,
high features.

There
march
the

part

their handsome

/cummerbunds
and

this

I had

or

strange anomalies
of civilization,
and none
more
are

attendant

some

rather
or
indifference,

want

so,

of real

on

the

perhaps, than

taste, which

na-

MEMOIRS

in

tions

high

state

Whether

costume.

OF

69

GRIFFIN.

of refinement

regard to
and the
pursuits,
of high
matters

evince

it is that scientific

in

busy occupationsof the thoughts on

and commercial
interest,leave no
social,moral, political,
that such a
time for men
to study the graces of attire,
or
tivated
study is reallyunworthy of, or incompatiblewith, culminds, or, as the Quakers think, unfavourable to
the person
morality,certain it is that the art of decorating
does not keep pace with other improvements.
Our commander
(findinghe could not leave Kedgeree
till the followingmorning), Marpeet, Grundy, and
I,
acceptedthe obliginginvitation of Capt. Grogwell, of
the Rohomany
barque, country trader, a friend of the
him
in his vessel, then under
captain, to accompany
weigh for Calcutta.
"I
can
give you a glass of grog, gentlemen,and a
bit;of curry, and there's my cabin for you to turn into
if you
should
overnight,"said the frank
stay with me
and good-humoured sailor ;
there's
but," added he,
time to be lost for those that go, as the tide's already
no
"

"

the turn."

on

few

stowed in Captain
soon
bags and boxes were
adieus from
our
Grogwell'sboat, and after many
warm
friends on
hopes
board, and the expressionof mutual
that we
should
meet
again in Calcutta, off we pushed
for the Rohomany
barque.
As we
faces,
approached her, two or three bronzed
surmounted
the side, and
above
hats, rose
by straw
directed expectantly
towards us, whilst the whistling
were
the
pipe of the serang, or native boatswain, announced
through a
skipper'sapproach alongside. We mounted
stood on
the deck of
bevy of the sable crew, and soon
the country ship,just arrived from
the
to
a
voyage
Eastern
"

Islands.

Welcome

board

the

Rohomany, gentlemen,
where
and
I hope you will make
yourselvesat home
first
comfortable," said
My
Captain Grogwell.
Mr.
he continued,presentDobbs, gentlemen/'
officer,
on

"

70

MEMOIRS

ing

GRIFFIN.

fine- countenanced

tall,brawny, and

OF

Mr.

man.

glad to see us on board.

lascars now
The
to weigh the anchor
to a wild
and not unmusical
chant, with an agreeablechorus of
All was
Ya
Ullahs !
soon
bustle,the anchor a-peak,
in the
and
the mates
shouting forth their commands
most
lingothat ever grated"harsh music"
extraordinary

Dobbs

made

on

ears.

my
"

his best

leg;
began

Trinkum

Garvey de man,"

de

trinkum

man," roared

tremendous

be d

are

inclined

of those

one

and

whom

on

Garvey

another; whilst Mr.

you all."
few specimens. On
a

to

was
certainly

of

one

brass

Dobbs, in

"

These

"

said

fury(why I knew not), and stamping

out
Chop and stringyour goosey,
sung

madman,

was

think

to

capitalbirds
our

the

feed

feed

commons

and

hearing the last,I

that

who

like

death-warrant
our

on

(excuse

commons,

the

double

Oriental
pun), had been pronounced. I wish some
would
philologist
give us a history of this nautical
jargon, which, I take it, is a sort of olla podrida of
Portuguese,Bengalee,and heaven knows what dialects
besides
the linguafranca of the Indian seas.
On we
silver tree,"a singularvegetable
glided; passed the
production,composed of brick and mortar; "Diamond
"

"

in
Harbour," another misnomer, but very Golcondahish
the sound;
and
stiff wind
a
finally,
settingin dead
to get round
ahead, found it impossible
a certain
sula,
peninsometimes

"

called

in the
sailors,rejoicing
"

Point

Luff

down

so

prospect

and

went

of

our

be d
the

Hooghly Point," but amongst

of
less euphonious appellation
d."
There was
no
help for it,

anchor, and

having

to

till a fresh flow of tide and

to

us

the

pass

dangerous

reader
of

this most

must

shoal

understand

conjugatethe
shift of wind

troublesome
of

seemed

there

verb ennuyer
should enable

part of the river,and

and

James

the

every

that all this

was

Mary.

before

The

the

days

the

Cal-

steam.

Leaving

the white

tavern

of

Fultah, where

MEMOIES

OF

71

GEIFFIN.

mango-fish the whitebait of

of the
India, we soon
passed Budge Budge, the scene
sailor's unique exploit a story too well known, I fancy,
and in a short time after,on
here
to need
repetition
stood an outpost
turning Hangman's Point
(where once
of civilization),
found
ourselves opposite Garden
I have seen
Reach," the sylvanvestibule of Calcutta.
and imfew sights in my
beautiful
posing
wanderings more
than the approach to this Petersburgh of the
East, this magnificentcapitalof our Eastern
empire.
On the left was
of
the Botanical
Garden, with its screen
tall dark cypress trees ; on the right,a long succession
Ion

cutta

vivant

eats

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

of

beautiful

villas, situated

verdant

amidst

lawns

park-likepleasure-grounds,
slopinggentlydown
the eye was
water's edge. Here
caught by some
kiosk

summer-house,

or

such

retreat,

or

gardens

attached

here

home.

at

sseps
before

as

to

the

lust-haus

sometimes

we

see

mansion

some

it rested

There

leadingto

like the

water,

which, in the mellow

on

with

of
a

in
the

to

chiar-oscuro

or

of

the

pretty

of

Dutch

stately

the
olden

time

flightof

ghaut,or

urns

and

balustrades,
some

hanging
over-

the elegant covered

banyan-tree,lay moored
pleasure-boatof the owner
hurrying through the
grounds,a palankeen would appear, with its scampering
bevy of attendant bearers and running peons, the huge
"

red

chattah

or

umbrella

to

shield

the

from

master

the

when

making his exits and entrees, bobbing up

and down
standing before many a porticoedmansion,
to take
gigs,or other equipageswould appear in waiting,
the Sahibs to town, or on their rounds
of morning visits,
and mingling in pleasingcontrast
with the Europeanized
character
of these beautiful domains, the loftypalm or
kujjoorwould here and there raise its head, the perch
of a knot of solemn
vultures ; or parting the grounds
from
one
another, loftyfences of the gracefuland pensile
bamboo, might be seen
drooping in rich clusters,
like plumes of ostrich feathers.
Numerous
boats glided
sun,

"

up

and

down

the river,with here

and

there

vessel like

72

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

the

whirling impulses of the tide, and

all,in fact,bespoke
rapidlyapproaching its destination
the close vicinityof a great capital.
reach
The
nearly past, the proud citadel of Fort
broke
in view, its grinning batteries opening
William
after the other, and affording a livelyidea
us, one
upon
of the sort of gauntletwhich
an
might reasonably
enemy
obeying

own,

our

"

expect, should

Here

them.

"

crowds

whilst

life

gave

minutes

to

front
con-

the

on

his

natives, passing palankeens, and

stalking"in

and

animation

"

grey attire
the scene
to

the

on

few

"

long forest of shipping, with masses

and
lines of statelymansions
reposing under the still
calm
Grecian
sky, like some
capitalof old, bespoke the
City of Palaces, the proud metropolis of British India.
Here
Briton
was
a sight at which
a
might honestly
I gazed with
I was,
exult, and, young
as
pride on this
magnificent creation of my
country's civilization and
more,

"

of the

wisest

point from

the

power
millions
the

and

walked

of

statelyadjutantbirds
banks,

there

dare

ever

long-extended
lonely round," his
sentry
bayonet gleaming brightlyin the noontide

and

rays,

and

the

rampart,
musket

sufficiently
hardy

one

of purposes,

England
vigorous pulsationsbe
earth

our

of

"

; whilst

hearts
my

has
!

submitted

mighty

thus

of

to

heart

felt to the

infancy, their

leave
others

premature

the

Providence,

for

her

benignant
thy
long may
bounds

utmost

their

manhood,

of

stages
their

and

decrepitudeand

solution,
dis-

of evil deeds
behind
the memory
sink in gloriousmaturity, under
the

leaving the
embalmed

gratefulposterity. May

country !

countless

but

of years and honours,

life behind
them, to be

weight
spent

their

fall into

; some

and
them

governs
which

Nations, like individuals,have

existence

decline

she

dependent Empire

Old

sway.

which

fruits of
for

such

be

ever

well-

in the

thy lot,O

74

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

skins

bullocks,bearing huge

alls,or

of the

same

pure

gabbling (tome) unintelligipalankeen-bearers,

ble
abuse, in eager competion,pushing into the very river,
and banging their portableboxes one
againstthe other in
fares amongst the frequentarrivals
their struggle
to secure
from the shipping; baboos, parroquet-venders,
chattahbearers,sailors,lascars,and adjutant-birdsEurope and
Asia commingled in heterogeneous
but pleasantconfusion.
attained the top of the Ghaut, or flight
I had scarcely
of steps,where I waited till my baggage was
brought up
element;

"

and

coolies

myselfbesiegedby
baboos,
I

Eamee
"

to

sircars,and who, though of

or

once

belonged

Sawmee

Dabash.

at

saw

transport it,than I found

bevy of fellows,mentioned before as

obtained

were

the

to

same

distinct

as

genus

species,
friend

my

near
sunset),
marning, Sar," said one (itwas
ostentatiously
displayinghis first chop English,approaching
with an easy bend, and pressinghis rightpalm somewhat
his forehead :
is
to
Master, I perceive,
gracefully
arrive at Bengal pris'dency
?
recintly

Good

"

"

"

to
or

That's

the

Custom-house,
?

tavern

"Oh,
I

pretty clear,"said

can

and

I ;

"

but

can

after that to

direct

you

some

m.e

hotel

good

"

Sar; everything master

sartainly,
requirethan
do ; meditly box
come
up, I disperseoff with

coolie."
"

"

another, in a milder key, you

require'spectablesircar; I got highest tistimonial of
character; you please read this, Sar; this from Gin'nel
Wilkisseen
Ishtivil Sahib ; and so he
Sahib, this Wakeel

Gentilman,"

said

"

ran

on,

murdering several

other

Englishnames

and

titles

in succession.
A

third,a wizened

old

the end of his nose,

in the same
way ; but I

perchedat
themselves

my commands
notice.
My

or

me,

the
new

as

pairof spectacles
his services somewhat
proffered

fellow,with

I had

first who

told

them

employe, who

not

to

trouble

honouring with
himself to my
presented
in the pleasant
rejoiced

determined
had

on

OF

MEMOIRS

of Chatterniohun

cognomen

75

GRIFFIN.

Ghose,

in his

again put

now

oar:
"

Master's

rascal had

think, will

name,

read it

my box,
Rottenleam-i-castle
?
on

Mr.

he

"

"

"

but how

the devil

to find

myself
"

acquaintedwith it ?

you

came

was

"

expect hy
Yes, it is indeed," said I, astonished
known

the

"

gentleman as

same

"

"

Gernon

replied, we
always ver well know
from
militarygentilmen are expectedat pris'dency

ship

beside

some

"

Oh," he
"

relation

whin

"

I not

know,

this

country

all

face

"

will have

I think, master

but

same

gentleman I

one

"

handsome."
leetle more
young
I interposed
of your blarney; but,
with "Stuff!
none
perhaps,you mean, my uncle, Colonel Gernon," rather

know, only more

pleasedto
amongst
young

"

meet

so

soon

the natives

who

people hear
"c., at

"

What

"

that

must

know

gentilman,my
he

come

in his

way,

Connel

think,at Danapoor ?
Oh, no," I rejoined
;
been some
time dead, and I

even

relative

and

idea

sembled
well-dis-

Sahib

Connel

fathers,
grand-

was

with

and

"

time.

same
"

who

"

Gernon

Connel

hist of frind

Calcutta.

all

one

they enter life with an

somethingabout them.

Chattermohun

exclaimed

that

of their uncles

much

so

thoroughDon Kaphael
"What
pleasure,
uncle ? I think

had

home,

that all the world

landing with
probablyknown

after

master

very

good

always he

impeloy me when
Europan rig'ment,

command

"

"

"

you

think

mistake
was

never

my
in

uncle
a

has

European

regiment."
"

That

know, Sar,ver well,"continued Chattermohun.

and not at all disconcerted ; but when live,

I mean,
briskly,
belongnative rig'ment(I make small obliteration before)
that some
that place."
time was
in the native infantry,
Yes, yes ; he was
certainly,"
"

"

said I ; " but where

stationed is more
than I can
tell.
And
so
reallyknew my uncle, did you, eh ? And
you
think me
like him ?
Perhaps,too, you have heard of
another relation of mine here in India
Mr.
Duggins ?
"

"

76

MEMOIKS

What

"

no,"

that time he
"

"

him

Mr.

well ; he

ver

in

the

"

cutta."
law, in Cal-

Duggin 'slicker? Yes,

greatlyrespect-i-me
"

live."

was

he

civil sarvice ?

was

mean

I trust he's not

Why,

GRIFFIN.

answered; "here

master

know

sar,

! what

Oh

"

Duggin, what

Mr.

"No,

OF

dead

well at

was

?" I

Bombay

exclaimed, in

ishment
aston-

the last accounts

we

had of him."

No, Sar, not dead ; master not underistand

that time was
live here, Chowrunghee."
"

; I

mean

rather green and guileless

in those
he inferred from the foregoing
example,and

days, as
unwilling,
may
unless on
primd facie
something stronger than mere
evidence, to imagine deception; yet I began to suspect
that the rascal was
humbugging me for a purpose, and was
Though

to let him

about
when

know

much,

as

in rather strong terms,

he

adroitly
changed the key.
Master will be in 'tillery,
I think ?
"No," said I impatiently;"infantry,
infantry;but
"

"

don't bother, and

"All

same," he

talk out
can

vant

"

supply
"

be off."

us

master

bist

will you

continued, determined

to

have

his

will
of
take

requireplentything, all which I

quality if require too good-i-sar?
this man
plenty character he
"

"

got."
he presentedto my
So saying,
notice a queer, raffishlookingfellow,with a bush of hair and a black beard,
and dressed in quitea different styleof costume
to that of
the others.
This worthy a Mussulman
khidmutgar or
"

his salaam, and thrust into my hand two

stated that Bamthree well-soiled certificates,
which

footman
or

"

made

jahn Khan
(ang. Kumjohnny,) had served the writers
(captainthis and lieutenant that)with zeal and fidelity,
and to their perfectsatisfaction.
Of these
characters,"
row
by the way, all domestics have a stock,or, if not, theyborhire them (beingas accommodating one
to another
or
in that way, as was
the Irish priestwho, as related by
"

MEMOIRS

pleasantauthor
pinch,and to save
the

curate

OF

of

Wild

77

GEIFFIN.

the

West, on a
Prohis friend,the testant

Sports of

appearances,
gave
of Gonnemara, the loan of his

touching the subscribers to

allow of some
slightquestioning,though hy no means
of
adroit cross-examination
a
an
thing at this time,
however, in the native language,quiteheyond my powers,
albeit I had puzzled my
hrains a little on
ship-hoard
with a certain celehrated philologist's
orthoepigraphicoworks, and could patter a few
pseudolatitudio-logical
in the
kitai
of Hindostanee
sentences
Myn nuheen
astonish the natives."
in a way really
(won' style,
to
To cut the matter
short, however, I hired Kumjohnny
the strengthof his testimonials ; and having now
on
got
off with him
and
Chatterhaggage all up, moved
my
mohun
Ghose
to the Custom-house.
Having arranged
matters
there,I proceeded through the thronged streets
in
of Calcutta to a tavern
or
punch-house, somewhere
the aristocratic region of Ranamoody
Gully; a sort of
which, in those days (though,
place of entertainment
I underfrom
is now,
the case
stand,
their improved character
it was
considered
different),
quiteinfra dig. in a
gentleman to visit. However, being a griff,I knew
had been
otherwise, I
nothing of this, and if the case
should
have been without
alternative.
cloths,
an
Dirty tablewell spottedwith kail and mustard
ries,
cur; prawn
capitalbeef- steaks, domestics of the cut of Eumbilliard-table,
which,
on
johnny, a rickety,
rusty, torn
and
day and night,the balls were going,lots of shippies,
ment,
a
dingy bed, were the leadingfeatures of this establishclouds of voracious and well-fleshed
not
forgetting
musquitoes,to which those of Madras were a mere joke.
I shall not
the reader a dry detail of the
inflict on
of the next three days ; let it suffice to state,
occurrences
that at the end of that period,
having duly reportedmy
of an advance
of
arrival,"c.,I found myself in possession
1 50 sicca rupees, sterling
of Bengal, four bare walls
money
and a puckah floor in the south barracks of Fort William,
with

sufficient information

congregation),

"

"

"

78

MEMOIRS

and

about

to fit up

fashion,under
The

Fort,

the

barracks

south

is

GRIFFIN.

in the first styleof

same

the able direction

griffinish

of Ohattermohun

Ghose.

of several ranges
within the
and allotted principally
to the accommodation
of unmarried
Like

subs.
passage
several
Here

OF

down

BurlingtonArcade,

the centre,

into

which

; but

here

the

quarters open

the

it has

doors

resemblance

long

of the
ceases.

illustration of the ill-workingof

practical
system, the livingin a speciesof community

I had

the social

the

one

the present discordant

feelingsand habits. The
under

and
reverberating,

each

and

defective

passage
occupant of

of

sounding

was
a

state

quarter had

our

and

much

of the benefit of his

neighbour'sflute,fiddle,or French
i' the vein" for harmony or not ; shoe
horn, whether
brushings, occasional yellsof servants
j undergoing the
of fist or cane, jolly
ing
discipline
ensignsand cadets clatterand
down, crackinghorsewhips,whistlingthe
up
"Flaxen-headed
Care"
Cow-toy" or
Begone Dull
the arrival of files of coolies laden with purchases from
Tulloch's Auction
the China Bazaar
or
Boom, pleasantly
varied by interminable wranglingson the part of master's
sirdar or
bursar, touching payments and dustoorie, or
ment,
of abatecustom
urging pleas in deprecation
; payees
sirdar overrulingthe same
few of
constituted
a
life. The optical
the desagremens of a south-barrack
departmentwas not less varied and novel ; but it could be
shut out at pleasure,
an
advantagenot predicableof the
"

"

"

former.

aspect of the passage

The
who

strolled down

it,about

varied
the hour

with
of

the

dawn,

hour
or

; he

little

glimpses,through half-openeddoors,
of all stages of the toilet,
from soap-sudsand dressinging
lasia" or finishthe "ultima
term
gowns, to what painters
touches
at the
a peep
too, he might have
; possibly,
ensign'slady, "the soldier's bride," divested of all the
after,might catch

wont

up,

novelists are
and
song- composers
sleeves tucked
invest her ; hair en papillottes,
At
ten, the
washing Augustus or Tommy.
with

romance

to

and

which

MEMOIRS

scene

79

GRIFFIN.

changed ; without the doors, on the ground,

of trays, with egg-shells,
seen
a goodly display

was

might

OF

be

of breakfast ;

other wrecks

fish-bones,rice,muffin, and

caste
as
degradedmenials,"all same
and
master/' squatting near
waiting for the said
kulians in course
of preparation
remnants
or
; hookhas
for those who
indulgedin the luxury of smoking ; and
here and there,perhaps,a sergeant, havildar,or strapping
from within to
grenadiersepoy, waitingfor the summons
and evening,tiffin and
give his morning's report: noon
dinner, each brought its appropriateproceedings,and

sweepers

certain

"

"

"

varied

aspect of

the

long,with

will
which
passage,
remain
first impression,
strongly

the

the force of

common

on
my
memory.
engraven
of protecting
Of
late years, with the view
young
from
those impositions,
officers on their arrival,
scrapes,

and

embarrassments,

to

which, owing

to their

youth

and

ment
formerlyexposed, the Governthey were
inexperience,
created an
has considerately
appointment,called
well calculated
the
of cadets," a measure
superintendent
to mitigatethe evil.
The
system of sending youths to India at the early
"

"

ages

of

fifteen

sixteen, appears

or

evil,againstwhich

to

me

to

be

one

its

advantagesweigh
but
dust in the balance.
At that early age, the
as
and
character
are
generallyquite unformed,
principles
of
master
and, intoxicated on becoming uncontrolled
of home
or
himself, emancipated from the thraldom
in this
school, the cadet launches or did launch (unless,
ness,
go-a-head age, thingshave greatlyaltered)into idleand frivolity,
feelingthrough life (if
dissipation,
not cut off in his prime)the effects of habits and follies
which, under all circumstances, and knowing youth's
not
plastic
probablehe would avoid.
nature, it was
fraught with

"

"

Often

the finest

natures

are

the first to fall victims

to

salutaryrestraint,or they plough their

wisdom
to
through bitter experience,findingthat
way
it is probablytoo late to be of
above price when
gem

the
"

absence

of

"

80

MEMOIES

use

to them.

of

such

GRIFFIN.

and

wildnesses

The

tended

have

boys

consequent escapades
lower

to

the

European

very considerablyin the estimation

and the sepoys, and above all,the veteran

character
natives

OF

and

officers,
must,

the

native

do, feel stronglytheir

convinced

am

of

being subjectedto the control and caprice of such

unavoidable
It is, perhaps,
an
striplings.
consequence
of

rule

anomalous

our

in India, that

allowed to command

the

native

should

the

European ; but,
should at least avoid placing
wherever
we
possible,
hoary
in such a degradingjuxtaposition
age and madcap inexperience
such youths (truth obligesme
I have known
the number) order about, and
to include myself amongst
and
harsh
not
use
unbecoming language
unfrequently
in

no

case

be

silver beards, and

officers,whose
breasts covered with medals, spoke of many
a campaign,

to

venerable

native

services

rendered

and

the state, before

in existence.
As

sire was
stripling's
opinion the awe which our
have
inspired dies away,

the

superiorenergy

"

and

"

wane

it will be

"

to fall back

which

well
"

peopleof India, when

relaxed

probably even
the empire of

to

to

an
our

have

even

anchoragein
power

over

it is

now

store

and

of
the

their

science
on

the

affection
hearts

on

of the

has
prejudices

its hold.

Chattermohun

Ghose, having,as

preliminaryproceeding,

givenme a list of thingswhich I must have

Bengal indispensables and having been duly authorized
"

"

to procure

with

about

the
a

same,

dozen

he very
and
a

soon

half

made

his

of coolies

appearance
or

porters,

a
bearing,amongst other articles,
camp-table,a canebottom
cotton
a setringie,
or
sleeping-cot,
carpet,about

one-third

the size of my
chinaware, and copper

room,

two

chairs,some

Chinese

and
a
cooking-utensils,
huge
basin, something of the shape of Mambrino's
helmet, on
iron tripodstand,which it puzzled me
an
sorelyto guess
the
"

it

use

of.

What

do you

call this,Chattermohun

what
or
chafing-dish,

"

"

said I;

"

is

82

MEMOIRS

thou

OF

"

closed the

GKIFFIN.

"

of

thy way ; thy quiet,

though useful occupation; and added
inglorious,
thy
handful of soda and potash to the ever-changinghosom
tenor

even

of old mother-earth

having established myself pretty comfortably in

tion
the south barracks,I despatchedmy letters of introducto whom
addressed;
to the several parties
they were
to General
was
one
Capsicum. A
amongst the number
few were
from weighty and influential persons
at home,
and all had thumping big seals,and
favoured
by Mr.
After

"

Cadet
them

"

Gernon
up about

written

once

in the

week

on

corners.

I used

as a
ship-board,

to reckon

miser

counts

ing
their contents, and buildon
speculating
chateaux
en
Espagne touching the pleasantresults
which would, I imagined,doubtless follow their delivery.
This, thought I, constructingmy airy fabric after the
of Alnaschar, and
manner
gazing complacentlyon my
cheval
de bataille, my
great gun," furnished by a
certain member
of the peerage, this will inevitably
bring
ment-house.
to invite me
to the Governan
aide-de-camp,
post-haste,
the
T shall be placed on
a
staff,wear
cocked hat and aiguilettes,
and turkeys,
the hams
carve
laugh at the Govenor-general's
jokes,carry the Governorgeneral'slady'sprayer-book live in clover,loved and
the pet and confidential friend of the family:
respected,
a capital
appointmentwill follow in due course
; wealth,
honour, will pour upon
me
; and, to crown
my felicity,
Mrs.
some
high-born,damsel will eventuallybecome
Gernon
did I
Ye gods ! what a career
!
of prosperity
I contemplatedthat massive
letter with its
as
picture,
all proper.
coronetted seal and crest (an ominous
griffin)
Heigho ! Four dinners, three breakfasts,and a tiffin,
all I gained by the whole
batch of introductions ;
were
and as for the Governor-general,
I grieve to say, that I
found
him
lamentablydeficient in that penetrationand
of just appreciation
I had
of character for which
power
given him' credit.
I was
in my barrack-rooms
next
sitting
morning after
his treasures

"

"

MEMOIRS

OP

83

GKIFFIX.

and

breakfast,amusing myself by pitchingbones

window

of the

crusts

below,
bevy of adjutant-birds
their huge
or
openingtheir jaws expectingly,
clattering
of
beaks whilst contendingfor a bone, with the sound
and cleavers,
when the door opened,and,
marrow-bones
in walked
to my
agreeablesurprise,
Captain Marpeet,
his face radiant with smiles.
followed
A cordial greeting
and illiteratefor a man
in his station,
for,though coarse
Marpeet was a warm-hearted, blunt, and generous fellow,
and I had
old
sincere regard for him.
a
Being an
towards
the Mentor
hand," he assumed
Grundy and
it was
often offensively
not
ded,
obtruoffice,
as
me, to which
I quietly
submitted, with proper griffinish
humility.
Well !
said he, looking up and down
and
round
here you are, all snug
and tight,
about,
so
regularly
boxed up in this noisyhole ?
Any thing by way of exchange,"I replied, after
the truth,it
five months
on
; but to tell you
ship-board
other grounds.
has its merits,and I rather like it on
out

to

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

see, I

Here, you

am,

with

all my

comforts

about

me,"

to my
two
chairs,cot, and
pointingrather ostentatiously
and to my
brazen
chillumchee, in radiant
camp-table,
and from
these,my
brightness
standingin the corner,
head- quarters,I mean
and
to
to sally
out
ever
anon,
mingle a little in the gay world of Calcutta,before I
start for the Upper Provinces."
"Well,0 said Marpeet,laughing; "I see, 'for a griff,'
that you have a pretty good notion
of thingsin general,
and I don't care if I joinyou in a spree or two
before I
leave. You griffs
old hand' to look after you,
requirean
soft thingor another.
or
you will be alwaysdoing some
But have you
been playinga knife and fork anywhere
yet ? been to any grand feed since you arrived ?
eh ?
Dinners
and parties,
No, not as yet ; but
there is abundance
of time for that,for it was
onlyyesterday
that I fired off a grand salvo of letters,
which
will doubtless,in due
thick
as
time, bring invitations
"

'

'

"

"

'

as

leaves

on

Vallombrosa."
G

84

MEMOIKS

"Leaves
?

on!

OF

pshaw!

GBIFFIN.

can't you

say 'black-berries'

at

not
so
wish, Gernon, you were
confoundedly
poetical
; give
; I hate poetry mortally; it is griffinish
I
of
understand.
matters
fact,something can
me
Dundas,
once

of the

Sporting Magazine, or the like."

There's no help for it,"said I ;
it'smy nature, and
nature
we
modify, but cannot radically
change
may
that's
still.
worse
But, joking
;
Philosophizing
or

number

"

"

"

"

apart,don't be

too

sure

of the

invitations,
or

I'm
your host.
boast),and have seen
everlasting

reckon without

'old hand'

an

may

(Marpeet's

little of Calcutta

the folks

time, and I know, whatever

you

in

they
and
are
now
infernally
becoming most
pucka (stingy),
will soon, I verilybelieve, be as bad
as
they are in
teen
England, where a leg o'mutton goes through the ninemy

before it is

manoeuvres

he

confers

dismissed, and

if
everlasting
obligation

an

once

were,

thinks

man

asks

he

to

you

dinner."

ha, ha!

"Ha,

"you

old

you
too

are

spleneticQui Hye" I
hard on
us
Englishers;

the difierence of

don't consider

claimed,
ex-

'

'

circumstances, and

you

that,

and

legso'mutton few, we must

to square
resort
to expedients
supplyand demand."
let me
But," resumed the rough-spun captain, now
which
fulfil the principalobjectof my visit,
is to congratulate
you."
where

mouths

are

many

"

"

"

."Forwhat

"

What

world,
"

as

"

I asked.

why

so
you
that you
to know
!" exclaimed I ;

not

Promoted

are

be in luck if I got my
captainput a Gazette

should
The
up

ignorant,so out
are
promoted ?
why Grinnerson

of

the

"

"

commission
into

my

in five

said I

years."

hand, doubled

it

a
portion
particular
compact form, and, striking
spiritowith his forefinger,Bead that,"said he.

in

"

con

I took
own

it in

name.

Yes

of ecstacy, caught a glimpseof my

Mr.
there I was, actually
in print:

sort

"

"

Gernon, appointedby the Honourable

a

cadet

on

this

Court

tors
of Direc-

establishment,
having reportedhis

MEMOIRS

arrival at Fort

OF

85

GRIFFIN.

William, is admitted

to the

ingly,
service accord-

and

promoted to the rank of ensign."

Yoics ! full ensign! shouted I, springingup, snapping
and
round
the
room
arms
fingers,
capering
my
akimho, hip and toe, like a sailor dancing a hornpipe,to
of Marpeet,who thought I had
the infinite astonishment
been bitten by a scorpionor snake.
Gernon
? are
Hey ! hey ! what's the matter
you
"

"

"

"

Griff,are you mad ?

I am
mad, old square-toes ; come
hauling him out of his chair; ''come
mad, you
"

Promoted

me.

In

the

already!

midst

entered, and

of

our

Yoics
uproar

along,"said I,
and
with
rejoice
! Tally-ho!
and
saraband, Grundy
"

mouth, like one

struck,
moonopen
dervish
mad
His
dance.
at our
appearance,
calmed
a
nd
however,
pushing Marpeet
any ebullition,
into his seat, I sunk into mine.
"

What's

"Why,
said

strengthof

gazed

the

matter

I'm

I,
it.

with

"

said he.

promoted,
"

that's all ;

my
we

I dare say you

honest

ploughshare,"
footinga jig on the

were

young

will find your

name

there

too."
"

Oh, yes," observed

Marpeet; "the whole batch of

in the general orders.
the last griffs
are
There," added
he, tossing the paper to Grundy, you'llfind yourself
there,farmer, at full length."
fluous
melliGrundy took the paper, and beheld his own
his pleasuremanifested
itself in a
name
; but
from
mine ; he
different manner
grinned horriblya
ghastlysmile."
fond of dancing,"said Marpeet,
"As
are
so
you
what say you to joininga hop to-morrow
evening?
all my
"With
heart," said I; "always ready for a
tripon the fantastic toe ; but who is your friend ?
the captain,"I
have a
"Why," rejoined
provoke
here from the mistress of the Kidderporeestablishment
for the orphan daughtersof officers (where,by the
way,
I expect my young
of these
Mogulanee will figuresome
"

"

"

"

'

'

"

'

86

MEMOIRS

attend

days), to
there
and
"

OF

dance

GKIFFIN.

they

to-morrow;

have

ball

fortnight(I believe),to show off the girls,

give them an opportunityof gettingspliced."
once

That's

new

feature

of schools

in

England, if

remember

the efforts of the mistresses

tend all
rightly,
thetother way
from gettingmarried."
to keep the girls
do in India,
That," said Marpeet," would never
where wome'n
are
thinkingof gettingburied about the
they talk of being married in lat. 50" N.
age at which
who
wants
Yes, this is the placefor the man
a wife, and
wishes
met
to be
half-way,detesting,like me, the toil
of wooing. There
he can
a
girlhe
go, and if he sees
the fetlock-joints,
likes, good fore-hand, clean about
free in her paces, sound
and
quiet,and not too long in
the tooth, if not bespoke,he'll not
find much
difficulty
in getting her.
But
if you
and
Grundy will go, I'll
other, and will call for
or
get you smuggled in somehow
"

"

you
"

all

"

in

time to-morrow."
proper
Thank
you," said I ; " never

anxiety to

order, whom

Stultz,here
and
"

to

am

see

these

young

for I'm
fear for me,
ladies of the equestrian

you so pleasantlydescribe.
in the corner, has just finished

all

anxiety to sport

it for the

Besides,

old

niy red coat,

first time."

Well, good-bye, lads," said the captain;

Tulloh's
auction, to see if I can't pick up

"

I'm

off

cheap

buggy, and a few other thingsI want."

So saying,he disappeared,
to
leavingGrundy and me
ruminate
the foregoing
matters.
on
Grundy," said I, after a pause,
reallyget a
you must
red coat, sword, and sash, and make
yourselflook like a
Christian,if you go to this ball to-morrow
night; excuse
my giving you a hint."
"I'm
afraid there's not
time for it," said Grundy,
and I have nothing of the sort as yet."
is a sharp
Chattermohun
"Well, leave it to me;
fellow,at a pinch ; and I'll engage, with his assistance,
to rig you out for the evening."
"

"

"

MEMOIRS

OF

CHAPTER
CAPTAIN

MARPEET

made

87

GRIFFIN.

IX.

his appearance

at

hour

the

appointedon the followingevening, and off we started

for the Kidderporeschool,which, by the way, is,or was,
distance
a rather large and
imposing structure, at some
from Calcutta ; mussalchees,or link hoys, with hlazing
flambeaux, scampering a-head in good, tip-topstyle.
Having passed the bazaar, we turned sharplyfrom the
main
road, into a pretty extensive compound or domain,
and soon
found
ourselves
before the portico of the
school, amongst buggies,palankeens,and other conveyances
appertainingto visitors who had precededus.
Leaving our palankeens,we entered the house, passed
ments,
through several rooms, one of them devoted to refreshand partlyfilled with gay Lotharios, some
few
the rest belongingto the orders
military,
shippy and
This we
entered the ball-room.
cranny,"* and finally
found
thronged with dancers, in a blaze of light,and
resoundingto the merry notes of a band, which, though
not
exactlyequal to Weippert's,seemed, nevertheless,
as
a locomotive
stimulus, to be quite as effective. The
country-dancethen flourished in its green old age, and the
couplesat the Kidderporehop were flyingabout in great
the
middle, and
style poussette, hands across, down
back
again evincing,in spiteof the temperature, all
that laudable perseverance
essential to the accomplishso
ment
of such laborious undertakings.
Marpeet, at my particular
request,and to keep us in
his uniform, though he had previously
countenance,
wore
declared (considering
the season) that it was
most
a
griffinish
proceedingto sport broadcloth, and decidedly
You
however," said he
againsthis conscience.
griffs,
"

"

"

"

"

"

Crannies

of subordinate

"

Portugueseand country-born clerks

employments, "c.

Government

in

and
offices,

fillers

88
"

MEMOIRS

will have

your
for

As

OF

and

way,

myself,in

GRIFFIN.

humour

must

we

you

times."
some-

scarlet

raggie,brimstone
facings,"black waist-belt,and regulationsword, in my
own
opinion I looked quite the god of war, and was
fullyarmed for execution.
soldier is his first ance
appear"
in regimentals, his blushing honours
thick about

What

him

"

an

how

field and

in the life of

my

era

pants for love and glory; the tented

he then

the clash of

arms

At

if
fortyor fifty,
possibly,

thoughtfulvein, his sword converted to a hoe or

o'er him, and he thinks,
pen, a mighty change comes
perhaps,that he might have done better had he stuck to
of

Sometimes, it is true, when

with a flicker of his youthful fire,like Job's
warmed
snuff the battle from afar," and
war-horse, he loves to
saith to the trumpets, ha ! ha !
But, mainly,war
a

black

or

blue

one.

"

"

delightshim
which

'

'

lurk

no

under

for he

more,

its

'

the

sees

excitingpomp

evils
wide-spread

and

meretricious

towards
and his heart and mind
those
glitter,
yearn
tend to
which
more
ennoblingpursuitsand occupations,
moral
elevate his species,
to giveto the intellectual and
their due ascendency,and which
speak of "peace and
good-willto man.''
The dancers beingin motion, we did not advance, but
with occupying a positionby the
contented ourselves
At one
end of
door, and leisurely
surveyingthe scene.
the apartment, on chairs and benches, sat certain elderly
the superiors
of the establishment,
were
matrons, amongst whom
the young
at
folks,and
looking complacently
of execution
the amount
in all probability
calculating
likelyto result from the evening'samusements.
The
ladies,however, whose
sylph-likeforms
young
of the dance, were
the
were
glidingthrough the mazes
orient pearlsat random
strung," which
principally
"

attracted
noon

attention.
my
fades by insensible

night,so did
graduatefrom

As

the

flush

of

summer's

degreesinto the ebon shades of

the complexionsof these charming damsels
white to black.
Youth, however, smiling,

90

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

vigilsdiffered widelyfrom those

"pale-eyed virginskeep in the gloomy seclusion
the vows,

and the

which

"

of the

convent.

like to dance, sir?"

you
herself to CaptainMarpeet.
addressing
"Would

"

tf

I thank

No,
am

years

little too

the

lady,

ma'am," said my blunt companion ;

stiff in the

joints,and

my

dancing

all over."

days are
The

you,

said

fact was, that Marpeet had passedfive consecutive

of his life in the jungles,where, as it frequently

acquiredwhat, for want of a

better term, I will call a gynopholiat or woman
-horror,
in those
which
the occasional
of a spinster
appearance
deserts wild rather tended to confirm than allay. A short
residence
in England had, it is true, in some
degree,
this dread of the respectable
moderated
portionof the
happens in India,

softer
with

sex

but

he

had

stillmuch

of it remained, and he shunned

imposing the painful

doing the
necessityof whisperingsoft nothings and
of the
agreeable with the ladies. The good dame
school smiled expressively
on
CaptainMarpeet's
receiving
smile which
answer
a
said,as plain as smile
; it was
could speak, You
odd fish,I see, and one
on
are
an
whom
pressingwould be quitethrown away/5
Perhaps,"said she, turningto me,
you will allow
morbid

aversion

all situations

"

"

"

"

"

to introduce

you to a partner, and

great pleasurein presentingyou to
ladies ?
me

if so, I shall have

one

of

our

young

"

ledgments,
Marpeet'sscruples,
expressed
my acknowled full clank
acceptedher offer,and was
the ball-room,and presentedin due form to Miss
across
Rosa
Mussaleh, as an aspirantfor her fair hand in the
fine bouncing
Miss Kosa Mussaleh
was
a
ensuing dance.
stillin high blow from the effects of
girlof eighteen,
her
exertions.
Form
recent
plexion
com:
unexceptionable
rather tendingto a delicate saffron,be-speaking
her Asiatic maternity.
plainly
If not engaged,Miss Rosa," said the school-mistress,
I had

"

none

of

MEMOIRS

presentingme,

"

OF

Gernon"

Ensign

communicated

and
my name
dangerof mistakingme

much
be

happy to

91

GRIFFIX.

(I

had

previously

rank, though there

for

not

was

"will
major-general)

with

dance

you."
ver
happie; I am not engaged,"said Miss
Rosa, in a singularvarietyof the Anglo-Saxon tongue
called
Cheechee
the
language (Hindustanee idiom
constitutes
Englished),then new to me
a dialect which
mark
of those horn and bred in India,
a
distinguishing
and the leading
consists in layinga
of which
peculiarity
false emphasis,particularly
small words
such
as
to,
on
The
and, "c.
having
lady of the establishment
me,
performed her devoir, as mistress of the ceremonies,
made
courteous
a
inclination,and withdrew, leavingus
"

I shall he

"

ourselves.

to

As

of the

rather

I had
precocious
juvenile,

fair and

well-born

Bath, Clifton,and
be

daunted

so,

sans
:"

You

with

damsels

have

at

therefore,not

to

own

of Miss

charms

mahogany

ctremonie, I dashed

was,

some

land

of my

elsewhere, and
the

danced with

R. M.

into conversation.
ladies

charming young

great many

here,"

said I.
"

Oh, yes/'said
not

are

all

here;

my
the

you then admire our

This was
rather a

partner,
little

young

"

great manie

girlsare

ladie ?

gone

to

but
bed.

they
Do

"

without
pointedquestion; but I replied
to be
hesitation,"Oh, excessively;there appear
some
lovelycreatures amongst them, and (givinga flourish)
with charms
the soul of an anchorite/'
enough to move
Oh," said Miss Rosa, with a smile and downward
look, wishing to be complimentary, I think dey are
fond of the military."
more
I was
the point of emittingthat expressivenote
of
on
astonishment
whew
! but checked
myself.
I think/5said I, "you rather mistook
me,
though I
can
of so
hardlyregret that which has been the cause
an
flattering
admission,but I alluded to an ascetic."
Asiatic !
said the young
lady,with some
hauteur,
"

"

"

"

"

"

92

MEMOIRS

and

toss of the

OF

head,

"

GRIFFIN.

native

no

to

come

these ball,I

you."

assure

I could

"

"

emphatic humph !
fiddles now
The
"beganagain ; I presentedmy arm,
divested myself, though with reluctance, of my
trusty
mendous
Solingenblade, and took my place in the set. A trelong set it was, and after slavingfor half an
hour, I found myself at the head of it. Grundy, with a
face like that of the Marquess of Granby on a sign-post,
standingnext to me, and streaminglike the apotheosisof
a river god.
Well, how do you get on, Grundy ? said I.
Oh, it'scruel hot work," said he, with a sigh,which
was
perfectly
heart-rending.
Hot, indeed," I rejoined,
givingsigh for sigh;
they
don't catch me
dancing again in a red coat"
If working up the dance was
the going down
fatiguing,
it was
still more
so.
My partner, a practisedhand,
skipped about without the smallest signs of fatigue,
whilst I, reeking from
dragged up and
every pore, was
not

an

suppress

"

"

"

ts

"

down
and

and
I

sunk

whirled

thought I
from

sheer

contrive

to

round
should

out

and-twenty couples
bow, I tendered
"

Are

you

my
fond of

at

about

have

exhaustion
hold

head
till my
verilygone into a

and

the

on

floor.

finished the

till we

with

least, when,

spun,

fit,or

ever,
did,how-

dance,

five-

staggering

led my partner to her seat.

dancing ? said she,with the coolest

arm

and

"

assurance.
"

littleof it,"said I, with

the set
A

not

too

long, and

"

sigh,

the weather

not

bronzed, now
came
up,
the next
chatted
for
dance,

and
some

in

hot."

too

time with the

of
acquaintance,
gave a "bye-bye" sort
passed on.
?
Do you know
Captain Trinkum
what
does he belong to ?
No," said I ;
To the Rustomiee
Bomanjee" said she.
"

"

air
a

"

"

stout

partner for

engaged my

old

"

practice,

be-broached,

gentleman,chained, ringed,and

and

when

"

of

nod,

an

and

MEMOIRS

93

A. GRIFFIN.

OF

"

;
Eustomjee Bomanjee," I rejoined
pray what
irregular
regimentis that ? some
corps, I suppose."

"The

of
laughter,
the

of mine

remark

This

cause.

which

set

off in

her

(ratherconfused) I begged

It's

to

fit of
know

"

country ship,"screamed she,

Going off again at a tangent, Oh, now
"

violent

"

"

not

see

regiment."
you

are

griffin."
she balanced

Thus

the tables.

the anchorite

I can't say I

totnjee Bomanjee

was

account,

sorry when

smirking up,

came

and

turned

he of the
and

Bus-

relieved

me

of Miss
Kosa, who, though herself
raillery
arrant
an
guiltyof corruptingthe king'sEnglish,was
blunders.
quiz,and not disposedto spare my griffinish
ing
Marpeet now joinedme, and after a littlebanter touchhad trotted me
Kosa
the stylein which Miss
about,
To
proposed an adjournmentto the refreshment-room.
this I joyfully
be a
acceded, suggestingthat it would
charityto take poor Grundy with us, if his dissolution
had not alreadytaken place.
Come, Grundy," said Marpeet ;
come
alongwith
victual and refit,and would
us
mend
recom; we're going to

from

the

"

"

the

Grundy
we

entered
Here

was

for you

to you,

same

assented

with

seem

in need

and, linked
pleasure,

of it."
arm-in-arm

the refreshment-room.
a

scene

of

considerable

bustle ; some
were
ballfor the ladies in the room;

preparingacidulous compounds
others
As
we
doing the like for themselves.
entered,a staid and exemplaryyoung man, with his cargo
of negus and cake, balancingthe same
with the nicetyof
a juggler,
was
making his way out, when in banged a sixfoot ensign to do the bidding of his fair inamorata, and
charged with her fan and gloves,and going full butt
againstthe exemplary beau, upset both negus and cake.
The
a
ensign,a flightyfellow in every respect, made
hasty apology, and off, leaving the beau to wipe his
waistcoat
and
repair the damages as best he might.
Knots of young fellows were
there,laughing,
eatingsand-

94

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

lounging,and clankingtheir
Native servants
swords.
belongingto the visitors or the
establishment
were
bustlingabout, and making themselves
useful ; whilst here and there, in a corner,
and
availing
herself of the solitude of a crowd, a young
lady might
the
be seen, her back
wall, listlessly
against
sippingher
and listening,
a jelly-glass,
negus, or balancinga spoon over
wiches

brewing

or

downward

with
to

look

handsome

some

negus,

her attentive
Recruited

in

militaire,whilst
the

ear

and

"

mute

he

entrancement,

pouring into

was

leprousdistilment"

of honied

words.

and

refreshed,we returned to the ball-room,

and in spiteof my
recent
resolution,I again joined the
dance, which was kept up tilla late hour, when my friends
in the fort,
done
and I returned to my room
where, fairly
up, I betook myself to rest, the fiddles stillsounding in my
of Miss
and
Rosa, and all I had seen
head, to dream
heard

and

terminated

so

first ball in the East.

my

Kidderporehops, I hear, are

The

I conclude

which

that

other

some

now

; from

more

no

matrimonial

plan has

in
ladies,more
disposingof the young
with the refined delicacyof the age, which,
consonance
to
though recognizingthe necessityof matrimony, seems
which
smacks
of the slavediscountenance
any expedient

devised

been

for

market.
the

followingevening,CaptainMarpeet, according
engagement, called in a hired buggy, to take me a drive

On
to

Course.

the

on

grand
like

resort

Course,

The

beau

of the

colony of

owls

or

as

is well
of

monde

bats from

known, is the
Calcutta, which,

ruin,emerge

at

down
sun-

all parts of that extensive

city,to see and to
and to enjoy the coolness of the eveningbreeze.

from
be seen,

Seated
in all his

and

gig,Marpeet drew up
glory,handling the ribbons
in his

finished

grace

Great, indeed,were
confident

he

four-in-hand
Newton.

would

of

man

his

who

had

in
pretensions

rather

club, than

have

have

before
with
made
that

the barrack

peculiar
his study.

the
it

way,

and

am

been

the

leader

written

the

Principia of

of

the

OF

MEMOIRS

In I jumped;
his ticca*

tit
"

an

cracked

Marpeet
animal

95

GRIFFIN.

his

deficient

in

whip

to

flesh

mettle
and

up

blood,

hut exhibiting
an
amazing deal of hone.
certainly,
Away
The
went.
we
eveninggun had justboomed ; the myriad
of the Fort cawed querulously
crows
responsivefrom the
beat ; the guards
trees ; the bugles sounded
; the drums
turned out; capat the gates,European and native,were
tains
and

lieutenants,flushed with tiffin or

sauntered
their arms,
here and there twinkled

under

nap, swords
The firefly
along to jointhem.
in the

trees, and
yellof the jackallproclaimedthe approach of

the

far-off

night,when

ing
thunderthrough covered ways and over
and
drawbridges,
past scarp, counter-scarp,and glacis,
found
ourselves amidst
the throng of
in a few minutes
the Course, the mass
of the
on
carriagesand equestrians
and
lionGovernment-house, with its capaciousdome
crowned
gates,risingin front,and the vast semicircle of
tures,
strucChowringhee, with its aggregationof snow-white
stretching
away far to the right.
here presenteditself to my adWhat
miring
scene
a singular
of nations, and their
sight! What an admixture
of English turn outs and
several modes
and peculiarities
with strange equipages,comIndian piebaldimitations
bining
!
riages
CarEuropean finish with the native original
and
or
walking, trotting,
equestrians,
galloping,
!
and
passing
repassing
This is the Hyde Park of the East, where, though less
of splendour than in its great prototype, there was
far
There came
the Governormore
variety to be seen.
General, the viceroyof British India, open barouche and
four (all dignity and gracious bows) ; cocked
hats
and
feathers flying
and behind, in
; black body-guard before
a
long trot ; sabres flashing,and scabbards
rattling.
of
be
antithesis,
Near, byway
seen
a palankeen carriage
might
drawn by two enormous
bullocks,
creepy crawley,"
with monstrous
fat old Portuguese
dewlaps,bearingsome
lady,black as Erebus or Nox, to take the air,driver working
away

we

whirled

"

"

"

Ticca,i.e.hired.

96

MEMOIRS

hard
or

to

them

rouse

to

five abreast, rode

themselves

pridein

"

in

near,

OF

GRIFFIN.

transient

hobble.

sundry dashing

four

playing
officers,dis-

young

their uniforms

and

There,

the best advantage,

to

"

port, defiance in their eyes ; whilst

landau
barouche, the
or
cynosure

their

"

some

open

neighbouringeyes,"would appear the newly-arrived

her English roses
trasting
conbeauty,the belle of the season,
with the reigning
pallor around, wearing a look
of conscious
and
miring
exhibitingherself to the adpower,
Happy creature !
gaze of the gossipingworld.
all is couleur de rose
with you ! No
thoughts of the
future disturb the self-satisfiedemotions
of thy exulting
of

! And

bosom

is he beside

who

her

the handsome

"

young

With
he leans gracefully
?
towards
aide-de-camp
easy bend
the carriage,
and
checks
his fieryArab.
Mark
and
how he rattles,
says his agreeablethings,with all
the airs of a conscious
whilst the gratified
eligible,"
sparklesin her eyes and glows in
vanityof the woman
"

her

animated

bound

for

Here

countenance.

an

intruder,

jingle,
jingle,jingle! What
! a native ruth or
a contrast
bylie,bullocks in a long
trot, a pretty black damsel,
a

distant bazaar

comes

"

With

ringson

And

bells

her
her

on,

fingers,
toes

"

she of childhood's

hind
besong to a nicety peeping from
l"
the blinds.
Ah ! turn
those sweet
not
away
Egad, she's off driver twistingthe tails and
eyes !
goading the quarters of his cattle to
keep up the
"

"

"

"

steam."

There

whirl past in tilbury

tandem
or
arrived writers,regularMeltonians,
of recently-

thing secundum
crowd.

artem,

How

and

knowingly,

front,does the driver sit !

does

low !

known
"

his

person

With

what

the drivee loll back

fellows,who
high-spirited
never

determined

care,

and

ft

in the

to

brace

doing the
the

astonish

obliquedquarter
don
abangentlemanly

vehicle !

drink

their

These

claret,and

every

thing

are

have

that

is

MEMOIRS

Come,
is

He

attache

an

tell
can

"

of the

it,and turn
he help it ?

We
not

little

Course

sketch

drove

down

and

"

Calcutta

give

may

there meet

up

specialattorney

of

objectswhich
few of

Court.

Supreme

little melodramatic

GRIFFIN.

y"

"

Such, then, is the

varied

OF

now

on

such

of the

recognized

ship companions ; amongst others,the

our

colonel,in
came

and
idea

some

the eye.
several times,and

barouche

with

evidentlyentertainingwith

was

apace.

The

some

ladies,whom

he

"yarn.'' Darkness
mussalchees, or link-boys,
a

"with their

of
at turns
mussauls, met their masters
flaring
the roads, to lightthem to their several homes, and
we
thoughtit time to depart. Marpeetdrove to his quarters,
where
he invited me
to
pass the evening, to which I
assented.
Sittingover our wine, Marpeet discussed the
few bits of scandal, touching
a
Course, and gave me
sundryladies and gentlemenwe had seen, over which I
abominated
called
what
are
yawned, for I have ever
privatehistories.
Well," said Marpeet, I think I shall start for the
than I thought.
Upper Provinces, and leave you sooner
"

The
me

"

lads there in the old corps

them
once
more.
amongst

from

Tippleton
"

an

old

are

to have
very anxious
letter to-day
I have
a

of mine, who
is a real
about him (I hope to bring

friend

good fellow,with no nonsense

day) urgingmy going up without
you acquaintedsome
see," said he, feelinghis pocket, I
delay. Let me
"

"

think

is,and you
you

it somewhere

I have

about

me.

He
read it,if you like.
will perceive,
of the Hindoostanee
may

Oh, yes, here

is rather

it

fond,

zuban, and

so

forth,but he does not set up for a great scribe,but is

Come
what is better,a devilish honest fellow.
governor,
wine."
and take some
more
heel-taps,
which, from
Every language has, probably,terms
their superiorterseness
or
fully
euphony, express more
the meanings they are
intended to convey than corresponding
words in another
tongue; and this certainly
toss

off your

MEMOIRS

OF

99

GRIFFIN.

their adoption. But

there is also a practice
of
justifies
the native
when
using foreignphrases indiscriminately,
would do quite
well.
ones
as
Shortlyafter the last peace,
novel-writers could express nothingwith pointand effect
but in French

and

Italian

in India

; so

with Hindoostanee

words

are

interlard their

small wits,who
generally

of men,

there

class

sation
conver-

phrases; these they

telligible
course
they are uninguardian genii! who

and

England, where of
of place. Ye
out
the
well of English undefiled,"whilst you
watch
over
admit what will purifyand sweeten, prevent itsunhallowed
into it by every idle and
from garbage thrown
pollution
for Captain Tippleton's
thoughtlesshand ! And now
letter,which though rather more
fullycharged with
often sport in
and

"

Hindoostanee

than

terms

yet presents

some

any

the

writer

met

ever

with,

speciesof Indian
and
slang-wanging
slip-slop

likeness of

epistolary
style(of
:
order)

the
a

certain

"

Grillumabad,Aug.
MY
Just

DEAR
now

(News), I
griffsand
arrived by
dear
cut

Tazu

'
"

MARPEET,

takinga
saw

18

your

dekh
name

wulaits

the Eotte?ileam

(look)at

Khu

the Calcutta

amongst

those of

I ber

batch

of

(fresh Europeans),having
Castle.

back,

Welcome

ray

fellow,to John Kumpany ka raj. I hope you will

Calcutta,and lose no time in puhonchowing ing)
(conveydawk
old pultun (batto join the
talion),
yourselfup by
in which, I am
sorry to say, thingshave been

since you leftus.

Tims
quiteoolta poolta (topsy-turvy)
has quitted
He was
the corps, as you probablyknow.
a
d
d puckha
(sulky)
(stingy)hand, and a muggra
beast into the bargain. However, I don't think we have
kummaour
new
gainedmuch by his bud lee (successor),
dan
(commandant) a regularlahadur
(greatperson),
who
dicks
lives out with kudduni
ootou
our
(drill),
dumcows
native
the
officers,
(bullies)
^.^gallees(abuses)
the Jacks (sepoys). Tomkinsand
I stillchum
together;
and
and
soost
he, as gureeb
(quiet
lazy)as ever, and as
"

100

MEMOIRS

fond

of

salaam

OF

GRIFFIN.

brandy-pawney, sends his

Station dull
Marpeet Sahib.

the
to

"

times, when we
day, however, old Dickdar,

(fun),as

in the old

bhote

bhote
no

tumasha

first here.

were

The

a
brigadier,
gave
burra
khanna
was
(dinner); his loll (claret)
bang-up
be sure
and
did not spare the simpkin
we
may
you
(champagne); burra beebee (greatlady) very gracious,
and a great show-off
of the bal butchos (children). We
had the old bajja (band),your creation and hobby, in
attendance, and got up a nautch.
Smirks, our adjutant,
(great man) since he mounted the
quitea burra admee
Jcantas (spurs),
bucking up to and devilish sweet on the
spinster;but it won't hoga (do); nothing under the
revenue
or
judicialdepartment will go down there
me.
Tip us a chit,
Samjah Sahib ? You understand
of dawk, and believe me,
my dear fellow,by return
My dear Marpeet,ever yours very truly,

other

our

"

"

JONAS
"

Well," said I,

"

far

as

as

can

TIPPLETON.

understand, it

seems

be better
sort of a letter ; but I should
friendly
judge if you would give me the English of it."
Marpeet laughed,called me a critical dog, and put the
letter in his pocket.
very
able to

"

"

Come," added I, since you have shown

me
your
I have received from
letter,I will read you mine ; one
factotum, Chattermohun
Ghose, accountingfor his
my
of its
temporary absence, which, for the choiceness

language, is quite
tells

he

me

was

for

Chattermohun
its way.
time a writer in an adjutant's

bijou in

some

office,as also in a merchant's

counting-househere in
doubtless
for the phraseology
accounts
Calcutta, which

smacking not
those

schools.
"

"

'

sudden

'

MOST

little of the
Here

it is

non-appearance

language

of both

"

RESPECTFUL

Greatly labouring

technical

AND

for

HONOURED

fearful

should

SlR,

apprehension that

dictate

condemnation

MEMOIBS

the

from

sensible

OF

101

OBZBV"*

benignityof

reverence,
excellency's
your
that explanationwas
feelingin concatenation

and

I have herewith the honour

to inform
indispensable,
you,
that one
of my family(now consistingof six childrens
ized
effective of various denominations) was
recentlysolemning
accordin holy matrimony and adoptedly
conducted
of native religion.
to
prescribedrite and custom
This solemnization
carried into productionmy house
was
in country by Boitacoolah
T'hannah, wither in my
duty have repairfor a few day.
patriarchal
have
According to last order of your reverence,
instruct to Gopee Nauth, of China
Bazaar, to disperse
to your
margin,* for which he
quarter goods as
per
also
of earlyremittance.
I have
expect the favour
8 annas,
16 rupees
account
passed to credit of master
3 pice,
leavingbalance my favour 256 rupees 5 annas
enclosed.
as
Trusting from this statement
per account
of explanation
think me
absent without
not
your honour
sideration,
leave,I have honour to be, with deep respect and con"

'

"

'

Your
"

"

'

To
"

obedient

most
'

his Exc.

humble

CHATTERMOHUN

Ensign Gernon,

Well," said Marpeet,

"

South

that beats

Calcutta

at

of

the

time

know

auction-rooms, and
from
*

shot.

of

to

the

the

X.

which

am

men

do

China

still

At

bazaar.

kind
an

existed in

writing (upwards

now

contrary, Tulloh's

daily sales took place of every

rabbit to
a
ship to a penknife,

6 bottles real

"

cock-fighting."

twenty-fiveyears ago), and

anything I
almost

Bks.'

of attraction to young

great sources

Sircar.

GHOSE,

CHAPTEK
Two

servant,

exist,for

and
the
of

other
former

property

elephant;

Cognac, 1 pine cheese, 2 pot raspberryjam,

in

bag of

MEMOIRS

OF

GEIFFIN.

all the heterogeneous

commodities
latter,

the

be

of

an

can
Ameri-

mingled pell-mell raspberry

best
jam, Milroy's saddles,
pickles,regulationswords,
wall-shades, China
dishes, hog-spears,
Harvey's sauce,
of
"c.
anon.
which, however, more
Cataloguesof the
of at the day's
sale at Tulloh's
various articles to be disposed
are
(or were) left dailyat the houses in or near Calcutta,
their appearance
and made
with the newspapers
regularly
lating
at the break-table,tempting to
extravagance, by stimulatent desires or creating
fictitious wants.
In our commercial
where
country and its dependencies,
Plutus is the deitychiefly
and
adored,it seems
proper
in character
that the pulpitsconnected
with his
strictly
worship,however remotely,should be ably and efficiently
filled. Here, in England, we know
this to be generally
the case, and what lustre the eloquence of some
of our
leading auctioneers has shed on the profession
; how
of them
than one
merit the praise
truly,indeed,more
which Johnson, happilyquotingfrom
Horace, bestowed
Nihil
the geniusof Goldsmith
on
:
quod tetigitnon
store

to

were

seen

"

"

"

"

ornavit"
There
power,

was

and

technical

Calcutta,seasoned

accordingto

of this

lack

no

shining talent,oratorical

tact, amongst

with

the

auctioneers

humour, pathos,or

the occasion.

How

often

have

of

persuasion,
I heard

the

; his infirmities
proclaimed
defects (with a delicate regard to his presence)
and
like the
so
lightlytouched upon, or at most
disposed,
in a picture,as to heighten and
shades
improve the
have I been pleasantly
generaleffect ! How frequently
nil nisi
reminded
de mortuis
of the good old maxim
of a batch
to the commendations
bonum," when listening
of dead and ullaged
how often tempted to
beer ! And
make
investment
in a cheap
an
tacles,"
specgross of green
the like,from
a lot of damaged huckaback," or
fostered by the auctioneer's persuaa strong impression,
sive
into
day come
eloquence, that they might some
insisted upon !
use,"a contingent
largely
probability

merits

of

venerable

steed

"

"

"

"

MEMOIBS

OF

103

GRIFFIN.

task it is to

conjuremoney out of
tact is requisite
to
some
pockets! Consummate
people's
world
of machinery must
effect this end.
What
he
a
What

Herculean

put in motion

hefore

hand, finds its

way

the

into

crank, the owner's

movable

!
pecuniaryreceptacle

that

bunglermay fumble for a month and not find the motive

Yes,
spring,whilst an adept will touch it in a moment.
earth why the auctioneer's should not
I see no reason
on
rank with the liberal professions.Does
the craft
not
of the leading
combine, in an eminent
degree,many
which
features of those professions,
(alwaysconsidering
the predominantturn of the national
ably
mind) unaccountthe special
rank higherin publicestimation
pleading
of the lawyer,the eloquenceof the senator, and
the
"

business-like

the

airs of

merchant

auctioneer, like another

the

Charles

Martel

knock
down
too
weapon,
effect as the soldier does his ?

same

much

dead,

the

over

beautiful

and

"

his

"

orations

shown,

Does

as

not

ay, and with

lots with as

Does

he

has

been

moralityin

the

not

nounce
pro-

already
covering,as

displaya
with the mantle of charity,
of defects ?
Is
a multitude
his
not
going, going,gone," too, a brief and pithy
remind
to
of our
us
touchingly calculated
sermon,
?
common
mortality
And
in all these,are
the functions
of a higher
not
exercised ?
Ought he not to be a poet,
pulpitstrikingly
of taste and
painter,critic in short, a man
general
"

"

information,or how
merits

of his multifarious

that
phrenologist,
several

descant

is he to

wares

he

may
of
his
developments

with

effect

Should

suit his

he

the
be

not

arguments

bidders;

on

to

the

physiognomist,

that he may
judge of the effect by the unerring index
of the countenance,
whether
rallying,
bantering,
bullying,
or

may

wheedling,is

reconcile his mind

should
and, finally,
human

nature

assailable

in

points?

the
to

he

cue

; and

the various
not

have

general,and
"

casuist,that he

tricks of the trade ?

a

deep insightinto

know

Shall I say, 1,000

well

its various

rupees

for you,

104

MEMOIRS

that

sir, for

mounted,

Arab

OF

assure

GRIFFIN.

animal

no

look

can

better, well

; he

you

will suit your weight and

ridden by the
Hon.
Cape.

figure to a ni.cety was

Dangle, just gone home,
"

of
gentleman very much
sir, and who
lately,to borrow the
your
appearance,
language of our immortal bard, was wont on our course
here
to witch the world with noble horsemanship,'
upon
a

'

that

Arab.

very

Sir

complaisant nod
sir

you,
!

gone

morning, Grundy

room,

which

was

within

of the aforementioned

one

business

rupees

"

take

A
your bid ?
"
done.
Thank

is

Arab

for

the

and

I breakfasted

going, going,

"

"

One
my

the

"

1,000

"

shall

"

togetherin

when
few doors of his own,
found its way into
catalogues
a

possession.
Grundy/' said I, whilst I despatchthis fish and
rice,as you appear to have done, do just read what there
is for sale to-dayat the auction.
I have a feelingthat I
want
something,though,hang me if I can exactlytell
our

"

"

what

it is."

Grundy commenced, and

Three fine alderney
cows."
"

"

"

Deuce

take the

Three

calves

follows:

as

cows," said I

"

"Lot

"

1st.

push on."

ditto."

belongingto

Fire

away."
Three
Cape sheep,of

"

"

Doombah
have

must
"

breed

well ;
what comes

sheep
"

egad, I
next

think
?

bull- dogs, two

wiremastiff, two
and a greyhound bitch with pup,
terriers,

Scotch

the Founderwell."

That's the ticket,"

I exclaimed, with eagerness ;

have

some

settled

Grundy
dead

of

point

the way

"

French

justimportedby
"

breed."

the Doombah

! that sounds

bid for the

noble

haired

on

read

"

the
for

"

I'll

dogs, if they go reasonably that's a

there's rare
hunting to be had, I hear,
"

up."
ran

down

stock ; and
I found
I could

there
not

several

columns

more

of live and

things,without which
comfortablyexist for twenty-four
were

many

106

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

pack. I was, however, destined very shortly

after to he put a good deal out of conceit of him.
A few days after I had made
purchase, Captain
my
Marpeet dropped in, and took a seat on my cot as he was
wont.
Hearing the rattlingof a chain underneath, he
of

future

said,
"

"

"

What
A
A

the deuce

have
"

dog,"said

I ;
terrier ! eh ?

got here, Gernon

you

terrier I

"

latelybought."

Let's have

look

at

him."

from under the

out
Teazer, on being summoned, came
bed, gave himself a shake, and, on seeing Marpeet, who
fellow to
was
strange to him, and rather an odd-looking
cocked
and
emitted
a
boot, incontinently
up his nose
most
lugubrioushowl, one with which the Pariars* inlndia
"

Halloo," said

"where

"

to serenade

wont

are

Marpeet,

earth did you

regularterrier bunnow."-^
"

chaste

our

on

with

look

get this beast ?

said

terrier l)unnow"

mistress,the

I,

"

what's

moon."

of

surprise,
Why, he's a

that ?

"

"

Why," rejoinedthe captain,"he's a thorough Pariar

him
look like a terrier ; it's
docked
and cropped to make
trick playedupon griffs,
and you'vebeen taken
a common
did you givefor him ?
in, that's all. What
and I thought I had
Why, ten rupees,"I replied
;
him remarkablycheap.''
with infinite contempt ;
Cheap ! said the captain,
he's not worth five pice; kick him out ! hang him !
Thank
but as I've bought him, I'll
you," said I ;
keep him ; he'll help to make up a pack, and I don't see
character, and
why he should not act up to his assumed
hunt very well ; you see he knows
how
to give tongue,
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

at all events."
"

Ha

ha !

bad; but

he's

kick him

"No,''
*

"

said
a

to the d

brute, upon
"

"

Marpeet ;

that's

come,

life

my

"

not

useless

so

brute,

1."

rejoined,a

little nettled

Village-curs,appertainingto
A "made-up"
"j-

no

one

terrier.

to

hear

my

in particular.

dog

MEMOIRS

OF

107

GRIFFIN.

after that fashion ; " I tell you I'll keep him

tion,
besides,I have no acquaintancein the quarter you menabused

should

and
be

likelyto
Here

be sorry

were

would

he

where

him

again."
of downright
symptoms

annoy

you

The

captainstared
long and elaborate
"

send

to

at me
"

astonishment, and

in

whew

insubordination.

emitted

"

to your
honour, regulardisrespect
superior
have a glassof brandyWell, after that,I must

Ton

my

officer.

pawny."
"

So

shall,"said I, with all my heart ; but you

littletoo hard, and forgotthe saying, Love
"

you

were
really

"

love my dog.'
To return, however, from
and I, in pursuance
of our
me,

auction, got into

amidst

our

the

this little

episode. Grundy

determination

palankeens,and

soon

to

visit the

found

selves
our-

of Tank
motion
dust, noise, and
the auction, or outcry (as it is more

which
Square,near
A long covered place,
usuallytermed in India) is held.
filled with palankeens,carriages,
something like a repository,
horses, "c., for sale, had to be passed through
before we reached the auction-room, where
goods of all
kinds were
with
disposedof. This we found crammed
natives,low Europeans, black Portuguese,and others of
the motley populationof Calcutta, mingled with a few
of redcoats
and a
civilians,
sprinkling
pretty considerable
less infrom Barrackporeor the fort,all more
tent
or
upon the bidding.
The auctioneer,a good-lookingman
and
remarkably
his rostrum, and holding forth
fluent,was mounted
on
native assistant,
a
upon the merits of certain goods, which
little lower than
the pulpit,was
on
a platform a
handing round for inspection.Grundy and I forced our
way in, watching anxiouslyto see if any thing "in our
way" was exhibiting.At last,the auctioneer took up a
These
dozen blades, "c.
goodly-sizedknife,with some
he opened daintilyand
and then, holding
deliberately,
up the knife and turningit about, he said,
"

"

108

MEMOIRS

"

Now

"

this

here's

pretty thing
"

in parvo.
perfectmultum
at once,
gentlemen,if you

blade, you
mend

to

OF

see, to cut

bread

pens, a
pale ale when

your

and

GRIFFIN.

article
highly-finished

Don't

all of you
please. Here's
cheese

corkscrew

bid for

large

with,a small

to

open

one

bottle

of

out
Hodgson's
shooting,tweezers
you are
to pullthe thorns out of
file,gimlet
your toes, pincers,
all complete. A
useful
article that, and
most
(with
marked
emphasis,and an eye towards Grundy and me,
which made
of purchase),
us
exchange looks significant
"

which

one

That
after

an

I found

was

no

sportsman should

young

sufficient; I
bid

eager

or

was

two, it

afterwards,however,

dismay,I

be without."

determined
was

knocked

to my

extreme

to

have

down

it,and
to

me.

and
surprise

unconsciouslypurchased a lot of three

dozen of them, enough to set up a cutler's stall in a small
There was
no
help for it,however ; I was
obliged
way.
in future to study
to take them
all,though I determined
well the cataloguebefore I ventured on a bid.
notice
The dogs,I found, had attracted the particular
of more
ensign from
sportsmen than myself. A young
Barrackporecarried off the greyhoundbitch for Ks. 200,
a

littlemore

had

than

month's

pay.
mastiff

writer in the buildings

and
the terrier,which
bought the French
went
high,and I was obligedto content myself with one
old fellow,with one
of the bull-dogs,
a sinister-looking
cheap, and would have been cheaperstill,
eye, who went
I requestedto secure
had not Grundy,whom
it, bidden
silently
againstme in the crowd several times before I had
discovered my
providentially
opponent. Poor beast ! he
died three months
after,on my way up, of nostalgia, I
rather think, and I gave him decent sepulture
on
a
spit
of sand in the Ganges.
From
the auction we proceededto the China bazaar.
Grundy," said I, as we went along, rather nonchalamment, "you need not say anythingto Captain Marpeet, about my buying those knives."
Why not ? he asked.
"

"

"

OF

MEMOIRS

"

I have

for

reasons

my

be

The

What

hazaar

109

GRIFFIN.

it,"said I,

Grundy promised to
China

"

that's

enough."

mum.

who does not know

particular,
repositoryof temptations!
recollections it is calculated

in

Bengalee, militaryman
that attractive resort
What

of

host

"

that

pleasant

to revive !

Square,
placeis situated at the hack of Tank
and is enclosed by walls,and entered by gates,at several
points. The shops are in long flat-roofed ranges, generally
other
of (I believe)two
each
at
stories,
intersecting
rightangles; a margin of terrace, a foot or two from the
ground, runs
along the front of the several shops or
thatched
Sheltered here and there by an
stores.
or
eave
and in other unseated in chairs,crosslegged,
projection,
English attitudes,quiteat their ease, and smoking their
pipes,the baboos, or shopkeepers,may be seen, each
rous
oppositehis emporium, into which they invite the numevisitors to the bazaar to enter, assuring them
they
will find everythingthey may
want
"chip," and of the
first quality.
As Grundy and
of the streets,
I sauntered
down
one
struck by the appearance
of one
of the native
we
were
who, with an air of courtier-like urbanity,
shopkeepers,
This

invited
six

feet

chudder

his

to enter

us

three
or

or

toga

store.

four, stout
was

thrown

In
in
over

stature, he

was

proportion;a
his

about
muslin

shoulders, and

round
his waist,but slightly
piece more
concealinghis
the
finest-looking
brawny form ; altogetherhe was
beheld ; indeed, I thought it a pity
Bengalee I ever
such
war,

thews
should

bazaar.

and

sinews, so well calculated

be lost in the

for

inaction
inglorious

the

tug

of

of the China

learnt was
that
worthy I afterwards
celebrated character "Jawing Jack,"well known
amongst
cadets
and
for his copia verborum
dignifiedaddress.
Nature
and destiny
had evidently
been
at cross-purposes
in the management
of Jack ; the former
had
clearly
intended him morallyfor what he was
a great
physically,
but his stars had thwarted the design.
man,
This

110

MEMOIRS

Jack

from

rose

OF

his chair

as

GRIFFIN.

we

drew

ing
overshadow-

near,

with his Patagonian bulk.

I, for my
striplings
lathychap "),
part (beingthen what is vulgarlycalled a
small beside him, doubly so he
felt myself disagreeably
under the
black fellow,"and thought I was
being a
of speakingpretty big,in order to make
necessity
up for
and to place myself more
the deficiency,
on
a level with
had had largeexperienceof griffs,
him.
Jawing Jack
in a kind of patronising
and, though he treated us
avoided anything that might lead
he cautiously
manner,
to
a
offence, and
consequent lowering of his own
dignity.
and
in the calm
perturba
imThere is a sly satire sometimes
deportmentof the Asiatic,when dealingwith
the rattling,
overbearingEuropean, which
blustering,
us

"

"

"

"

conveys
boasted

tacit

well

censure

calculated

to

shame

our

"

civilization.

Lately arrived from

Europe,
?
Hope you are quitewell ? Will
gentlemen,I suppose
the honour
into my shop
to walk
you please do me
shall be happy to supply anything re-qui-red,
at very
reasonable
price. I have honour to be well known to all
militarygentlemen at Barrackpore, and sell best of
and no
Niverpool* goods.' Having
European articles,
rummaged
Jawing Jack's
shop, and bought a few
took our
articles,
we
departure,
promising at partingto
"

"

"

"

honour

him

with

our

future custom.

deal of versatility
Bengalese have a wonderful
and
acuteness, certainlynot
naturallythe mental
and energy
of the European; but as they live
power
and do not clog the intellectual wheels with
temperately,
beef and malt liquor,
the mental
machinery is generally
in capital
working order.
On
returningto my quarters,I found a chupprassy,
with
from
General
or
note
a
Capsicum,
messenger,
the
had
him
sent
acknowledging
receiptof a letter I
from
his friend Sir Toby Tickle, and requestingmy
The

Liverpool,
long considered

the natives,and

as

forming no

distinct

part of

empire from

Europe.

Great

Britain

by

MEMOIRS

OF

to tiffin and dinner

company
house at Garden
Reach.

Ill

GRIFFIN.

the

on

his

following
day,at

keen,
appointedhour, I ordered a palanand proceeded to the general's
residence,situated
cutta.
in a pleasantdomain, some
three miles from Caltwo
or
On
I was
shown
up-stairsinto the
arriving,
view of the
a pleasant
drawing-room,which commanded
of boats and shipping,
Hoogly, with its moving scene
little before

and

distant peep

the

William.

of Fort

boats

standing gazing on
under sail glidingfrom

were

the
the

over

of the waters, the shadows

skimming
river,and the milk-white villas on the opposite
minuet

bank

when

alreadymade mention,
rough old general,
my Hibernian
"How
her hand

do

do, Mr.

you

of

green
and
gown

of
a

from

my state
of whom
I

me

widow
young
the softened image

"

have

bright

aroused

the

was

the

rustle

the

shoulder

It

abstraction.

amidst

from

startingout
surrounding groves,
slighttouch on the
of

prospect, admiring the

side to side,walking as it

the

was

"

of the

host.
said

Gernon?"

she, extending

exceedingfrankness and smilingcordiality;

I am
so
glad to see you again and not lookingin any
for your
the worse
(Oh !
sojourn in Calcutta."
way
tine
that our
English prideand sensitiveness,those adamantrammels
of caste, which
strangleso many of our
of that singlelet us
have
little more
a
virtues,would
with

"

"

hearted

openness
comfortable
!)

Mrs.

"

which

Have

you

Delaval, for that

I answered

"Oh,

in the

then," she
when

he

thinketh
seen

her

was

my

no

evil

father

"

it is

"

yet ?

"

so

asked

name.

negative.
continued, "he
knows

will be

here

mediatel
im-

of

arrival,for he is
your
in the
you ; he is somewhere
with his violin.
But pray, Mr.

anxious, I know, to see

house, amusing himself
Gernon, be seated," she continued, "and
like India, now
that you
have
seen
you

tell
a

me

how

little more

of it."
"

I like it

much/'

"

replied,and

never

was

happier

112

MEMOIKS

life.

in my

I have

OF

got

GRIFFIN.

commission, and

my

as

Upper Provinces by
I have
idea of applying for a particular
water.
some
not
yet decided on that point: they say
corps, but have
should
interfere with
not
the operationsof the
you
Fates, but leave yourself to their direction.
What,

postedto

regiment,am

continued

madam,"

off

soon

as

I,

"

to

would

the

you

advise

to

me

do ?

''

said Mrs. Delaval, smiling at the idea

really,"
of my asking her advice on such a point, I fear I am
stances
incompetentto advise you, not knowing all the circumof your
to
position; you ought, of course,
consider well before you act, and having so done, leave
"

Oh

"

result to

the

Providence.
"

somewhat

seriously,

is

There

It is

think

how

them

will.'

we

our

ends,

"

"

devils

the

in

the safest maxim

Pandemonium.

to hold

However,
'

by is,that

conduct

rather

was

which

one

that time

couleur

and

Well, Mr.

best wishes

is

philosophical
opinion for a griffin,
have always held, though young
blood
since has often capsized the philosopher.
a

Gernon,"

for your
with
de rose

continued

happinessand

she,
success

"

you

have

"

of life are

my

in life; all is
continue !
so

it ever
; may
you now
Already,"said she, and the tear glistened, the
As

"

This

"

and
predestinarian,

bewildered

at

she,

said I,
and
that is
one
puzzlingsubject,"
that even
beyond me ; one if I remember
rightly,

rather

but

decided

providencethat shapes

Rough-hew

fate/

however," said

am,

that

believe

"

me."
pass over
she said this,she crossed her fair white

clouds

beginning to

hands

on

her

lap, and the widow's eyes sadly dropped on her

wedding ring, the little golden circlet type of eternal
fidelity.I understood it, and was silent. Silence is
such
on
places
occasions,perhaps,to the commonpreferable
of condolence.

We

both

continued

rnute

for

114

MEMOIRS

OF

GBIFFIN.

lence
all my father's viohis redeeming qualities.

vulgarityadds
Capsicum,to much
with none
and irritability,
of
You

submissive, and

be

must

or
'good listener,'

will have

you

prove
little chance

yourselfa
of standing

well with her."

asperityof manner,
plainlyindicatingthat the step-motherwas not more
generallyare.
popularthan step-mothers
"As
for the others you will see
here, you may safely
cretion
be left to the guidance of your own
judgment and disThis

said

was

with

little

some

towards them."
in your conduct
I thanked
Mrs. Delaval for her information,which, I
saw,

emanated
and

profit
by

from

the purest
promised to be on my

ness,
feelingof womanly kindguard,and endeavour to

it.

XI.

CHAPTEE

of my
the thread
narrative,in
interrupt
host
and
order to give a few particulars
respecting
my
his family,which
serve
as
samples of the olden
may

here

MUST

of India.

time
The

Gerald
ancient

generalwas the youngest of the ten

baronet
of a
Capsicum, a fire-eating
Irish family,"
and was
sent to India

1750, with

little

than

more

his

sons
"

rare

about

of Sir

ould
anno

sword, his brogue,and

fightingwherewith to assist him on in

the world.
The general's
had been varied,and he
career
had gone through all the adventures,publicand
tic,
domeswhich usuallyhappened to those whose lot,
in respect
had been similarly
cast.
to time and place,
I have said the generalwas
Irishman
an
; it follows as
that he was
a natural
extremelysusceptible
consequence,
of the tenderest of passions; and as in his earlydays

the

familylove

there
he

were

few

e'en put

up

of

white
with

dames
a

land, like many

in the

black

pne

"

attached

others

himself to

MEMOIKS

115

GRIFFIN.

OP

Sung Sittara Begum (the Queen of Stars "),one of the

daughtersof Hind.
gazelle-eyed
This
union, though not cemented
by the forms of
and enharmonious
during
marriage,was, on the whole, more
"

the whole ; for if

that are.
I say on
many
be depended on, the Queen of Stars was
may
which
and then, to exhibit traits of vivacity,

than
tradition

wont,

now

rather

of

of

than

pleasing nature.
With
these trifling
breaks, the union long harmoniously
dissolved till the angel of
not
subsisted,and was
finally
the Begum to the seventh
death, one fine day,summoned
were

striking

heaven.

By

the

Begum,

officer in the

an

his

the

generalhad Major John Capsicum,

service,and commanding the forces of

highnessRam

a
rumnugger,
territories it

Row

Mahratta

Bhow

Punt, the Jam

potentate of small

of

Ghur-

note, whose

might be difficult to discover in the map ;

secondly,Augustus, an indigoplanter in the district of
native servants
Jessore, commonly called by the general's
not aufait
were
(who, like all the rest of the fraternity,
at
European names) "Disgustus -Sahib;" and Mrs.
Colonel Yellowly,a lady of high and indomitable
spirit,
who died some
the
I am
before
which
period to
years
and of whom
from
I could learn little more
referring,
record

or

tradition than

the manufacture
a

deal of

good

of
a

that she

Chutnee

and

certain terra

and

off rather

was

rather celebrated

Dopiajah curry,

incognita called

"

for

talked

home,"

went
affirm,
suddenly, as some
ultimately
from
of having a point of prechagrin in consequence
cedence
decided againsther, arising
with
out of a dispute
Lady Jiggs at a presidencyparty as to who de jure

should

first

come

in

or

"

go out.

The

for precedency,
stickling
by the way, is a disorder
and like gravitation,
very prevalentin colonial dependencies;
which increases with the -squares of the distance,
its intensity
to be governed by a somewhat
similar
seems

law, and
for it.

to exist in

an

inverse ratio to the apparent

cause

116

MEMOIRS

generalhad

after the

Long
married

of

mother

the

OF

the

GRIFFIN.

passed his
amiable

fiftieth year, he

widow

(a nonpareil
charming person,
old Capsicum to

a
graftedon a crab),by all accounts
who, yieldingto importunity,took
of worldly parents, in
whose
gratifythe ambition
opinionwealth and rank are all that are essential to

connubial

happiness.
thing! she gave

Poor

The

another's.

worm-i'-the-bud

business.

the

powerfulfor

hand,

her

an

the

and

the

(though

she

love cannot

deserted

"

from

winds

to

of

by

death
the

own

obvious

more

she

"

eloped

flourish in

who, like

sex,

cause), peck

died in

jungles pipe

did

intenselygregarious.

are

her

was

too

was

"

fellows

the

soon

"

man

wounded

heart

Opportunity offered nature

colder suggestions
of duty

Shunned
birds

her

there, and

was

she loved ; but even

Mankind
atmosphere of scorn.

with

but

lone

outpost,

her

over

their

solitary

grave.
"

C'est bien difficiled'etre fidele

de certains maris, faits d'un

A
Et

qui

donne

fille un

sa

Est responsable au

Admirable
truth.
The

short

Ciel pour

le

certain

modelle,
qu'ellehait.
mal qu'elle
fait."

Moliere

! you never
Parents, ponder it well.

general,after

characteristic valour
a

homme

time

before

the

lapse of

of the
I knew

penned a
some

striking

more

years, with

the

Capsicums,boldlyventured,
him,

on

second

marriage;

Mrs. Capsicum the second

caught a Tartar.
Irish lady (woman I should
an
was
perhapssay),who
India
to
out
came
avowedly on spec., with the full
determination
of marrying a good establishment,with
comfortable
they might
reversionary
prospects,however
made
She
play at the
happen to be encumbered.
and
Cathleen
Erin
mavourneen
general, sang
O'More," talked of the Callaghans and Brallaghans,
revived the general's
boyish reminiscences of the green
hills of Sligo,and ultimately
led him, or rather had him
the proper
earned, to the hymeneal altar ! Of love

but here he

"

"

"

"

MEMOIRS

of the

cement

OF

117

GRIFFIX.

marriage-union there

-was

"

on

none,

her

side at least.
But

to return

The

widow

to

and

(which,
rather

my narrative.
I had not been
I

as

when
interesting),

versation
long engagedin conhinted, was
"becoming

hefore
we

the scrape of

heard

in the passage.
Oh, here is my father,"said Mrs.

violin

outside
"

his

from
I

Now

room.

about

was

reply,but

to

much

as
expressively,

remember

as

my

Delaval,

say,

coming

caution."

she laid her

to

"

fingeron

"Another

her

lip

time; he's

here."
old

entered,with a black velvet sort

generalnow
his head, and
of nightcap stuck rakishlyon
playing
rather jauntily St. Patrick's Day in the Morning," to
which
he hummed
playing,
an
accompaniment his voice disusual, all that vigourin its tones which, as I
as
have before remarked, afforded so striking
to
a contrast
his dried-up
and time-worn
frame : as he entered with
his spindleshanks, huge frill,
voluminous
upper works,
and velvet cap, I thought I never
droller
saw
a
pigtail,
of the
figure. Still the gallantbearingand nonchalance
littleold Irishman, who evidently
unconscious
of anywas
thing
The

"

"

any

all

of

the way in
of disrespect
which
feeling
at

to

out

himself,rather neutralized
his

figurewas

culated
at firstcal-

excite.

On

seeing me, he finished off the saint with a few

ferred
flourishes,
galloping
pushed the fiddle on the table,transthe stick to his left hand, and made
a rapidadvance,
rather toddle,towards me, with his rightextended.
or
Ger"Hah, sur, I'm gladto see you," said he; "Mr.
I believe ?
pany,
Very happy indeed to have your comnon,
sur
; shall be glad to show
you iveryattintion in
of the word, sur, for the sake of my
old
ivery sense
friend Sir Toby ; and I doubt not," he continued, with a
low bow of the old school and a smile,
that I shall be
able also to add, on your own."
As
he made
this courteous
speech and inclination,
"

118

MEMOIKS

lightedon
quicklythrew the

Ms

OF

letter

eye

GRIFFIN.

the

lying on

irritable old

fellow

table,which
his

off

put the courtier to flight.

mee
heart, Cordalia/'he
"Why,

balance,

and

in

that startled

voice

"

me

thundered

all that's

by

egragiousass, Ramdial, has gone

naid have the timper of an
A
man

without

angel to

out

good, that
the

letter.

dale with

fellows."

these

Delaval,

Mrs.

from
servant

affair

seat, and

her

the head

to

the

to cut

short, rose

ately
immedi-

taking the letter,called a

stairs,and quicklyrectified

of the

the omission.
"

Thank

ye,

returned;

she

as

Cordalia,mee

taking her

hand

"

thank

love/'
ye,
the

said the

mee

old

general
darling;" and

wards
drawing
gracefulcreature tohim, he imprinteda kiss on her cheek.
There's
I certainly
envied
no
use
mincing matters
him the privilege.
This little interruption
to a speech
over, I returned
and
in
fashioned
which, having previouslyworded
I thought it a pity should be
rather a superiorstyle,

and

"

lost.
I

said, after

hem

or

two, that I felt deeplyobliged

receptionof me, that I should study to

deserve his good opinion,and to realize the gratifying
he had
so
obliginglyexpressed,"c. "c.
anticipations
I've
Ye will,sur ; ye will, sur," said the general;
of it; and, plase God, we'll some
the laste doubt
not
day see you as accomplished a soldier as was
your
poor uncle, the colonel,"
"What!
sir,"said I, pleasedwith the discovery,and
for his cordial

"

"

with

no

over

me;

Gernon
"

fear that

he

"did

you

dard's
in many

about
then

know

to

come

my

Chattermohun

uncle, Colonel

"

him

Know

warmth

was

"

"

said

energy and
in Godwere

general,with

rightwell too ; we
march
together and the Rohilla campaign, and
places besides. Yes," he continued, warming
"

did, and

the

MEMOIES

he

went

under

the

as

and I have
Pat Gernon
poor
tint and fought under the same

same

by G
yes,"added
as

and

the

brache

same

if he

think

the

hear

now

banner,

the fire and

burstingthrough

was

broiled

together;
lookingas

he, clutchinghis fiddlestick,and

assault,

an

mounted

"

of

119

GEIFFIN.

"

on,

ay,

fierce

OF

carnage
of the

shouts

inimy,and see your brave uncle lading on his gallant

hand
Sapoys through fire and smoke, his beaver in one
and

his sword

Ah," he

in the other.

whilst his eye

and overcome,
days : the thought of them

moistened,
it is

"

and

Ay

(though he

had

I felt
blood

and

I,

of

sensation

over

drame.
or

me

Know

your

better

"

times
some-

the divil has

who

choking, whilst

mantled

animated

veteran's

the

were

man

not?)

of life."

of the Gernons

the

touched

on,

them

comes

soldier

braver

faults,and

his

the bread

broke

never

to

did

"

long,long back

now

of all my old companions gone,

like a faint air or
summer's
a

uncle !

went

all the

ancient

in my cheeks, as I listened
laudation
deceased
of my

relative.
"

the

Well, sur," continued

and
subject,

and

enthusiasm

if

as

did you lave my

fond of his bottle and
he

played the

general,suddenlychanging

little ashamed
he had

into which

how

think

the

old

best hand

at

"

betrayed, and
Toby ? Is he as

been

friend, Sir

his rubber

weakness

of the

he

as

used

to be ?

whist of any

man

ever

knew."
"I

believe,sir,"said I,
in those

much

of him

that Sir

Toby'shabits

respects; though I

from

letter of introduction

to

deliver

you

unable

am

which

through

the

I have

had

kindness

changed
un-

speak

obtained

the
of

are

to

personalknowledge,having

the

to

"

honour
mutual

friend."
"

it.

Well,
I

never

mind

how

that ye did
ye got it, so
that it has been the manes

extramelyhappy
introducingto my acquaintancethe nephew
companion in arms, to whom, by the way,
now/' he continued,
: so
strong resemblance
am

"

get
of

old
of my
you bear a
talk

to

my

120

MEMOIRS

daughter,or

GRIFFIN.

yourselfin

amuse

I'll do

and

OF

the

does as
every man
?
is your mother

same

fin,
any way ye plasetill tifthis is libertyhall, where

plases. Cordalia, my

he

love,where

"

"

I have

since

not

Capsicum, sir,this morning

Mrs.

seen

Mrs.
breakfast,"replied

Delaval

"

visits."
gone out to pay some
Has
she ?
said the general dryly;

but

believe

she has

"

"

thought

noticed

remarkable

"

well,now,

stillness

I
the

over

house."
This
of what

and

loud

next

with

moment,
that

Hecate,

those

celebrated

ancients

were

manner,
a

smacked

thought,which

bitter mirth.

scarcelyterminated, when we
angry voice on the stairs or landing;
in sailed Mrs.
Capsicum Secunda,
made
fine study
would
have
a
Gorgon, a Fury, or any other of

and

face

for

be termed
may
had
conversation

This
heard

said in

was

characters,in whose

wont

depictall

to

the

countenances

play of the
pale, the old general
part,gropedfor my hat,
the wildest

passions. Mrs. Delaval turned

looked
dismayed,and I,for my
thinkingI might doubtless be de trop and better out
of the way
before the familybreeze
sprung
up, and of
which
there were
such alarming indications.
Mrs.
Capsicum seated herself majesticallyher lip
quiveredwith rage, and an unhappy poodle,who came
and received a sweepingblow from her foot,
to be caressed,
"

which

caused

thought I,

him
"

look

to

throw

ludicrous

Now,

somerset.

for

squalls."
General Capsicum knew, probably from
experience,
that his spouse
would
last word,
have
the
generally
but

the

on

deemed
"

it

Mrs.

tone,
friend
out

with

present occasion

he

was

the first.
to have
politic)
dear," said he,
Capsicum, mee
"

don't

you
Mr. Gernon"

appear

to

determined

in

persave

(or

ing
deprecatour

young

throw
to
(wishingclearly
tub to the whale). The
a
lady measured
the stiffest
momentary glance,and made

here,

as

out

me
me
con-

122

MEMOIKS

fortable

that

assurance

tyranny, thou

Oh,

like Othello's
like

OF

to

he

GEIFFIN.

should

be

floggedand

propensityof

souls !
ungenerous
with indulgence; till,

love, thou growest

other evil,thou
at last evokest

every
that laysthee low !

Well, the

generalhobbled
glad for a season
val and

the

to

on

the

spirit

having fairlysubsided,

couch, and took up

within

retreat

to

carried

last

at

storm

missed.
dis-

conversation

himself.
in

the

paper, as if
Mrs. Dela-

an

under-tone,

her choler.
Capsicum in silence digested
of
silence was
interruptedby the entrance

whilst Mrs.
The
native

who, with closed hands, and in

servant,

said somethingin
profoundlyrespectful,
to the beebee
"

an

manner

under-tone

sahib.

drew,
Capsicum,"said Mrs. C., as the servant withhere is your son
Augustus arrived."
Is he ?
said the old general,
ing
jumping up and throwdown
the paper ;
faith,then, I'm glad of it,and ye
haven't told me
a pleasanter
thing for a long time, my
Ginrel
"

"

"

"

deer."

blackwhen
a dark
uttered,
scarcely
whiskered
of a frank and ingenuous countenance,
man,
with a hunting-cap
his head, and a whip in his hand,
on
and
entered the room,
and running up to the old general
ner
seizinghis extended hand in both his own, in a manwhich
and affection,exclaimed
bespoke genuine warmth
These

words

were

:
"

How

you,
last attack ?

your
"

sir ?

are

quiterecovered,I hope,

from

"

"

boy, well ! said the general,his eyes

his stalwart dark
he measured
as
pleasure
doubt
to
head to foot,as if in some
from
as
offspring
whether
he could reallybe the sire of such
a
brawny
chiel.
here ; how
Well ! and right glad to see
you
Well,

my
with
sparkling

"

did you

come

"

"Why, I left the factoryearly this morning, sir,"

said
far as the Budlampore
as
came
on
Disgustus;
"

"

"

MEMOIES

ghaut in
the

to

the

I rode

in

him

work

it was,

shine

out

"

here

there
at

though ;

found

and

the

confounded

"

expect I've rather

but

the

be

now

sated.

Mr. Gernon,

Mr.

Augustus Capsicum."
with English formality,
but

I bowed
of blue

taken

"

That's

son,

hot

of the Arab."

well/' said the general, and

Augustus, my young friend, Mr. Gernon
my

buggy down
in waiting;

Golaub

rattlingpace

123

GKIFFIN.

that I drove

from

pirmace;

Thannab, and

OF

did

came

the

heartyman
of thing,
sort

that
appear to understand
and shook me
by the hand ; asked

not

up

if I

me

This
arrived,and said he was glad to see me.
lately
a pleasing
trait,and showed me the frankness of his
was
disposition.
After some
little conversation with his mother-in-law,
it was
with whom
no
particular
easy to perceivehe was
chat with his lovelyand generousfavourite,and a lively
minded
who it was
sister,
equallyobvious loved her dark
brother, in spiteof the bend sinister in his escutcheon,*
General
Capsicum again addressed his son :
Well, Augustus," said he, what are the prospects
of indigothis year ? how does the blue look ?
was

"

"

"

"

Oh

fair,sir,very fair. If we have no further rise

of the river,and get a few lightshowers, and the rain
does

not

fall too

plant, and

this wind

The
this year.
the best, and I
looks

long

beautiful

to

the

on

the

colour

up, Ks.
shall make

well

we

out

do

shall

continues, we

price is
think

wash

300

Chuckergolly churs

very
maund
The

600.
"

of

at

the

well
for

plant
least it

did tillthe

the
"

see
*

and buffaloes
Bobbery gunge Talookdar's cows
on
got into it. However, after all,I think we shall,
season."
whole, have a capital
That's well,"said the general. "Egad, I think we'll
with your plum, Augustus,yet."
you go home
In this country of

that the

same

with
procreati

those

unhappily,humanity
should

be, of

morality, it
high-pressure

reluctance

course.

less

and

under

may

roof the

be

right to explain

one
mingle
legitime
legallybegotten does not exist in India,where
of what
it
laxityflourish together,the reverse

to

children

124

MEMOIRS

"

sir !

Home,

"

said

Here

but

India.

will

die,however

OF

GRIFFIN.

"

Augustus ;

I know

born, and

was

of

home

no

here, pleaseGod, I

determination."

singularthe

announced, and we descended to the

dining-room. Tiffin,or lunch, is in Bengal a delightful
meal, suitable in its character to the climate, which
Tiffin

renders

was

the

now

of

supererogatory one
with

the hot season,

in
dinner,particularly

its hecatombs

of viands,
generalsuperfluity

of

smoking

often

very

and

meat

much

the

reverse.

tiffin

The

Delaval

Mrs.

the

on

whole

described

passed off very agreeably.

societyas it exists in the Madras

and heard
and much
she had
there.
seen
presidency,
of
sort
a
Augustus told us of a recent battle-royal,
Bengalee Chevy Chase, which had been fought between
his followers and
those of a neighbouring Zumeendar,
the rightto some
disputedbeegahs of
by way of settling
ing
cracked,and astonishwere
indigo; in which many crowns
feats of chivalrydisplayedon both sides.
But the parts of his conversation which most delighted
the accounts
of sundrywild hog and
he gave
were
me,
buffalo hunts, which
after deductingabout
50
per cent,
for sportsmen, like/poets,
of embellishments
account
on
"

be allowed

must

dying to
and

exciting. In

reallyvery

were

"

have
I

that

touch

hoped

the

at

it would

maiden

my

This

latitude

considerable

some

spear on a few
looked rather like

fact,I told

hogs
not

be

and

in

that

him

buffaloes

long before

way
was

myself,

I fleshed

of the former.
a

fish for

an

invitation to the

that I was
wholly
JunglesoorFactory, and I won't swear
without designon the worthy indigoplanter's
hospitality
in making the remark
he viewed it in this light,
; whether
or
not, I cannot
say, but he promptly said he should be
happy to gratify
longing in that line,if I would go
my
and spend a fortnight
with him at his factory.
I replied, I should be delighted
to
him,
accompany
"

if I could
"

Oh

obtain
"

said

leave."

he,

"

that

can
difficulty

be
easily

over-

MEMOIES

come

said the
lade the

"

Oh
"

into

by

! no," said
we'll take

scrapes

of them

some

last

and

buffalo, or

care

all

of

chapterleft us

to

cure
pro-

don't let
ate

of

brutes

Augustus, laughing

and

us

up by a
horses of

winking

at

that,sir."

XII.

CHAPTEK
MY

note

of

no

being gored by

killed

tiger,or
yours."

pleasurein so doing,"
I entrate
Augustus, now,
you,

but

man

young

of his

hear

"

general;

give you

office,who'll
adjutantgeneral's

you leave at once."

I shall have
a
grate dale

"

125

GRIFFIN.

say, will

father, I dare

; my

friend of his in the

me

OF

seated

around

the social board

at

duringthis meal, which

disturbed
the harmony of the party, and,
for a moment
the character
whilst stronglyelucidating
given by Mrs.
A

Delaval

of her

be

on

my

occurred

littleincident

Tiffin.

that her

father,showed

guard

with

the

atrabilious

caution
old

to me,

hero, was

to
not

The

general'stemper truly
like a pistol
with a hair-trigger
(as I had afterwards
was
further occasion
to observe),going off at the slightest
infinite caution in the handling.
touch, and requiring
old Indians
of that day,and I may
Like many
add,
old gentlemen, the generalpiqued himself on the
most
for every batch ;
He had a history
qualityof his wines.
anecdotes
ramifying into almost interminable
generally
bestowed

of

without

Dicks

the

reason.

and

days,who in the course

of his hospitality.
do

"What
asked
lonum
Now

the

old

magnum

I must

you

defunct

Bobs,

of half

think

confess

"

claret,Mr.
had

I'llengage

that,up

vivans

century had

of that

general,after
of it.

bon

to

of

other

partaken
Gernon?"

duly ingulphed a
you find that good."
that period(sundry

126

OF

MEMOIBS

GEIFFIN.

the aggregate
glassesof gingerand gooseberryinclusive),
ing
by me, and constitutquantityof vinous fluid consumed
could not
have exceeded
the basis of my experience,
But
I was
flattered by
three dozen at the most.
two
or
the general's
appeal,and, as a militaryman, I felt that I
such
on
ought not to appear ignorant and inexperienced
a

matter.

Many
known

at

"

should
vivre"

savoir

whom

had

seniors,had talked flingingly

their wine," and
the
quantity

"

"

"

why

Cantabs,

home, little my

of
in my
presence
consumed
by the
and

and

Oxonians

young

of their

men

respective
colleges;

not

I, methought, assume

and

appear at home

the

in these

air of the

things,who

alreadyfiguredin print and buckled cold steel on

thigh? I had heard much, too, of light wines,
my
full and
and dry wines, wines that were
strong-bodied,
clear and de"c., and, though T attached
no
very
finiteideas
still a
these terms, I had
to
ception
hazy conof their meaning, and was
determined, at all
have

to

events,

sport

one

or

of them

two

the

on

present

occasion.
In

I filled a glass,and
replyto the general's
question,
after taking an
observation of the sun
through it (just
then darting
his eveningrays through the Venetians)with
of the
my righteye, accompanied by a scientific screw
facial muscles, pronounced it,with a smack, to be a fine
full-bodied wine, adding,
that
I should
have
unhappily,
almost taken it for port."
The
Port !
his knife and fork.
generallaid down
drank
a
Why, sir, sure ye never
drop of good claret
"

"

in your life,if you say so."

"
I beg pardon, sir !
said I
"

into

"

'scrape), but

it resembles
is

(I saw
perhaps be

I may
port. I meant

.to say

"

was

wrong
to

getting
in

imply
"

saying
that

that it is very

"

"Pooh,
whom

my

strong claret."
nonsense," said the general pettishly,on

explanation was

desired effect.

"Ye

can

know

far

from

producing the
nothing about claret"

MEMOIRS

OF

very wide
like port, indeed ! !

(he

not

was

127

GRIFFIN.

there). "Strong!

of the mark

"

father/' said

Delaval

Mrs.

(the women
our
ever
are
good geniuseson these occasions), who
marked, I have no doubt, the clouds gathering on my
You
does
it
mind ; what
never
hrow,
signify?
the general's
know," said she, laying her hand
on
ing
shoulder, and lookingat him with a sweet and beseechexpression, you know, Mr. Gernon is quite young,
in wines."
and cannot
have had much
experience
let him take my advice,Cordalia,and not talk
Then
about what
he does not understand.
Strong ! ha ! ha !
dear

"My

"

"

"

"

Port, indeed !
I was
thunderstruck, and thought verilyI should have
launched the bottle at the head of the testy old veteran,
I could hardly
my pridereceived.
that one
of evidently
fine a ter
characbelieve it possible
so
so

main, could give way

in the
on

The
and

had

wound

deep a

a matter.
trifling
fact is,the generalhad

to such

unbecoming

duct
con-

so

often

such

shatter

the

had

his

and

crosses

though
temper irretrievably,

and

heart

trials,

remain
sound
much
principlesmay
charityand discrimination are requisiteto enable us to
form a justjudgment of others, to decide on the predominant
hue of that mingled skein which
constitutes individual

the

"

character.

Augustus, worthy fellow that he was, saw my distress

and redoubled
whilst Mrs.
his civility,
Delaval, by that
and

tact

on

of the

kindness
such

which

women

occasions,endeavoured

indignity
;

even

Mrs.

know

best
to

how

soften

my

his wine.

would

recent,

do

moody

and

whether

there

the

affront

was

glum, pondering

too

within

generalsof eighty.

sense

and

But
I

all
was

myself as to
precedentson

any well-established
out
record, of ensigns of seventeen
calling
were

hibit
ex-

gels
Capsicum took up the cudthe generalroundly that he

in my behalf, and told

made
himself
quiteridiculous about
not

to

and

ing
shoot-

128

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

General

however, soon subsided,

Capsicum'sirritability,
and compunctious vi sitingsarose
this by
see
; I could
his eye and the softened expressionof his countenance,
that he

and

honorable

moreover

was

anxious

at last he reached

to

make

the

the bottle and

amende

filled himself

bumper and me another.

Come," said he, good-humouredly, let us try another
the port. Here's
n
glass,and d
your very good
to your first day'shog-huntingwith
health,and success
Augustus."
I returned the salutation rather stiffly,
for,though of
ever,
a placable
nature, I had not digestedthe affront ; howthe tide of my
time
turned, and by dinnerwas
anger
the general
and I were
if nothing
as good friends as
had happened.
We
lingeredfor an hour or two at the tiffin table,
details of
with
me
some
Augustus Sahib entertaining
and arranginga programme
of our future
snipeshooting,
sportingoperations,the general drowsilysmoking his
hookah
and nodding in his chair,with an occasional start
a

"

"

and
I

muttered

once

At
as

is

on

our

conversation,indicative,

fresh explosion.
thought,of some
length,on the approach of evening,the servants,
usual in India,unbolted
the long
and threw
open
or

Venetian
on
some

commentary

twice

tered
saundoors, to admit the cool air,and out we
number
the lawn, to jointhe ladies (to whose

addition had
and

been

made),

and

who

had

preceded

the river.
on
admiring the moving scene
seemed to be
The sun had justgone down, and all nature
with one
accord puttingforth a rejoicing
shout, an excess
of that luminaryproducing all the torpideffects which
The
kite
arise from a deficiency
of his beams elsewhere.
and
whistled querulously
from the house-top,the maynas
chattered joyfully
cooed,
in the trees,ring-doves
squirrels
and the bright yellow mango
birds and the dark coel
(lovedof Indian maids) shot throughthe cool groves and
and bananas
uttering
(plantains),
glades of cocoa-nut
their clear and shrilly
notes.
us,

were

130
I think

behold

now

GRIFFIN.

the

group
ladies,making them

of the

dresses

OF

MEMOIRS

formed, the

we

like

look

to

white

spirits

garden, and honest Augustus, with his

his shoes, and
solah topee* looking down
on
saying
agreeablethings,the shadows of eveningclosingaround
us
heavilyover-head ; the river
; the huge fox hats sailing
spreading its broad surface before us, suffused with
the crimson flush of departingday ; the boats moving
it afar,their oars
in quickacross
dabbling as it were
silver
from
slowly
neighbouringgroves
; the mists rising
the scene, and then the stilly,
over
hour,
stealing
tranquil
broken
only by the plash of passing oars, the sound of
the far-off music
of a marriage cereor
a distant gong,
mony,
and drumming of the bazaar
those
the hum
or
It was
bit of still
a
drowsy sounds of an Indian eve.
walking

in

"

life to be
The

remembered.

ever

guests for the burra

Gigs, carriages,and

khana

began to arrive.
palankeens,flambeaux, dancing
now

and the musical groans of the cahars,

lights,
as
they hurried along the winding road, made

domain,
scene

We

before

few moments

of life and
returned

buried

or

bearers,

the

ral's
genein repose, a

animation.
the

mansion.

The

receptionroom
fast filling.Generals, colonels,judges,barristers
was
of the Supreme Court, merchants, agents, writers,with
their ladies, the elite of Calcutta
fashionable
society,
was,

White

now,

to

for the first time, submitted

and
jackets,

stillwhiter

to my

faces,were

the

observation.

predominating
features of the group
(except where relieved by
whose
ners
manEnglish blood and up-country brick-dust),
frank
and
the whole struck me
as
on
being more
than
those of people in England, although that
open
freedom
bordered, I thought in many, on a
occasionally
which
then,
rough, familiar,horse-playsort of manner,
the causes
at least,was
in India, where
too
common
which predispose
of courtesy are
nately
unfortuto a disregard
too

rife.
*

Broad -brimmed

hat of

pith,or

solah.

MEMOIRS

of the

Some
latest

up

appointments,and
four

or

five

131

GRIFFIN.

the
horse-racing,
party discussed politics,

from

news

OF

so

country, the promotions and

forth, in groups ; whilst others,

the

abreast, stumped up

and

down

the broad

their
;
talking and laughing energetically
in
evidentlyenlivened by the rapid locomotion
spirits
which they were
indulging.
General Capsicum was
with the hurra
very pleasant
old dame, with a turban of bird of
leebee,a fine stately
paradiseplumes,and with whom, I afterwards learned
in the year of grace
walked
minuet
he had actually
a
Mrs. Capsicum, surrounded
tary
1770.
by a group of miliand young
writers,was endeavouringto reduce
men
dimensions
her largemouth
to the smallest possible
talkingconversation
mincing the king'sEnglish,and
ances
mighty illigant to the whole ring,in whose countencertain mock
a
gravityindicated pretty evidently
what they thought of her.
At last,the khansaman-jee, or chief butler, a very
importantand respectable
personage, with an aldermanic
expansion of the abdominal
region,a huge black beard,
and a napkin hanging from his kummerbund,
or
girdle,
with hands respectfully
closed,head on one
side,and an
announced
air most
to the general
profoundlydeferential,
Tiar hyn ?
served
that the dinner was
Dinner
who
ready,did ye say ? said the general,
was
a little deaf,and
turningup his best ear to catch the
reply.
"Han
khodalund"
("yes, slave of the Lord),"
the khansaman-jee.
repeated
leedies
those who
have
Come, gintlemen; come,

verandah,

"

"

"

"

*'

"

"

"

"

"

"

any mind
Thus

to

ate

may

follow me."

with great gaite de coeur,

saying,the general,
his arm
to the old ladyof the bird of paradise
presented
plume, and hobbled off with her, chatteringand laughing,
and followed by the whole
I, the lanky
company.
the whole rather
on
griffin,
brought up the rear, looking,
"

small."
K

132

MEMOIRS

coup-d'"ilof

The

OF

grand

GRIFFIN.

dinner

party in Calcutta,
is a very
high official,

or
given by a rich merchant
and perhapseclipses
anythingto
splendidaffair,

mansions

in the

of persons

of

the

rank

same

be
in

seen

land.
Eng-

presenteda brilliant sample of oriental

general's
in a blaze of lustre,from a
style: a long and loftyroom
of wall lights
with a profusionof
row
; a table,covered
plateand glass,occupiednearlythe whole length of the
the
apartment ; the huge punkahs, suspended from
with their long fringes,
waved
to and fro,gently
ceiling,
agitatingthe air in the room, which would otherwise
from the crowd it contained.
have been hardlyendurable
much
There was
livelyconversation,takingwine, and
clashingof knives and plates; altogetherfar less quiet,
I thought,than at a dinner in England. The
peculiar
The

feature,however, of the

stronglyits

most

in attendance

servants

with

various
turban

so

good

of

character,was

which

marked

the multitude

the guests ; behind

great people,and

deal of that

often observable

home

that

gay liveries of their masters,

and Indian
of
costume
; most

domestics
a

on

and

chair,
footmen,

"

the

exhibited

adapted
them
in

of

each

stood
two
khidmut-gars, or
average,
black
beards
and mustachios, and attired in

an

on

eastern

scene,

were

to

the
the
the

their looks

pampered, self-satisfied importance,

in our
here at
metropolitanservants

vulgarreflection

of their masters' consequence,

folded, with Koman
dignity,

Many stood, their arms

about them,jmd mentallymaking
gazing consequentially
their observations
and

on

their fellow- servants

ladies

withdrawn,

and the

guests.

gentlemen
closed up, and the conversation
became
more
general.
Calcutta dinner
The
partiesare not usuallyscenes
sary
of uproariousconviviality
this was
the anniver; yet, as
of some
great event in the historyof the general,
he
its being celebrated
seemed
determined
with
on
"Fill your
something approachingto a "jollification."
glasses,
gintlemen,"said he, as we closed up after the
Dinner

over

the

the

OF

MEMOIRS

usual
I

loyaltoasts,

remember
There

was

"

and

I'll

favourite

133

GRIFFIN.

give ye

of my
silence

sentiment

that

father's."

little veteran
the
profound
arose, and valorouslygraspinghis glass,and stretching
his arm,
with a rich brogue
delivered the following,
out
and a most
determined
emphasis:
that honour
can't, and
"May hemp bind the man
the devil ride rough-shod over
the rascally
part of the
community."
drunk
with much
The
sentiment
was
glee,and many
followed by songs and speeches.
a hearty response,
It was
late when,
taking leave of the general's
in the barracks.
family,I returned to my room
was

"

"

CHAPTEE

XIII.

tained
by General Capsicum's promised interest,obleave of absence, I took an affectionate
a fortnight's
leave of Grundy and Marpeet, and sent on
my two
three servants
to Mr.
or
Augustus's boat, accompanied
by Teazer and the one-eyedbull- dog. The next
day, in
the early grey of morning, I proceeded with him
to
Calcutta, communicating
Tolly'sNullah, a creek near
with the Balliaghat
Passage,where the boat was
lying.
It was
a cool and
morning, the air delightfully
pleasant
fresh.
several ladies and
On our way, we
met
men
gentle-

HAVING,

of Calcutta
In

on

horseback.

India, bathing and

bute
earlyrisingprincipallycontrithe amount
of health generallyenjoyed
to create
than
there,which would be far greater and less precarious
it is,were
it not
for an
immoderate
indulgence in the
pleasuresof the table,which inflames the blood, disorders
the liver,and renders
the whole
susceptible
system peculiarly
of disease ; then steps in mercury
the remedy
"

"

which

the end

is

fearful shatterer of the

proves

worse

than

constitution,and in

the disease.

134

MEMOIBS

OF

GRIFFIN.

if
earnestlyadvise all my brother-griffins,
to live moderatelyand simply
they value their happiness,
though generously,and to guard againstthe insidious
climate
habit of drinkingbrandy pawney,
to which
a hot
offers strong and peculiar
temptations. These precautions
observed, and the mid-day sun avoided,a fair average
of health may
be enjoyedfor years.
amount
of
My friend's boat rowed ten or twelve oars, and was
in Calcutta.
The
front part
a kind
a good deal in
use
was
decked, and behind it had a cabin, with Venetian
windows, occupying about half the length,and rising
several feet above the gunwale ; inside there was
small
a

would

table,and
to

It

the back

of these

differed from

againwere

the

gave

the whole

long-boatbuild.
shot along the
we
us

peeps

part of

creek

going
far

for

and

of the rich

Bengal.

cots

some

up-country

keeled, and having on

As

served

side lockers,which

each

on

for

seats

dormitories.

or

craft in

being

of the

more

pean
Euro-

few miles, each

luxuriant

scenery

turn

of this

and
plantain, mango,
with
banks, intermixed
clumps of

Gardens

of

jack-trees lined the

the taperingbamboo
huts, with arched
; clusters of neat
their umbrageous
roofs, appeared half-buried beneath
foliage,
uered
through openings of which, in the dim, cheqwith water-pots on their heads,
light,
villagegirls,
might be seen glidingalong,and impartingto the whole
air of primevaland trulyEastern
scene
an
simplicity.
with its
Here
and there, in front of a hut, mantled
the milk-white
cow
or
creeping gourd, would
appear
petted calf, picketed by the nose, and munching his
boosa* under the cool shade of the tamarind or plantain,
whilst kids and goats, in various picturesqueattitudes,
sunned

themselves

Sometimes
canoes,

hilsa ;f

we

with
or

came

on

looked

on

Boosa, chopped

t Hilsa,

fish

wall

fishermen,

out-spreadnets

we
*

the ruined

on

in

catching

the dark

or

prostratetree.

their
the

dingies,or

much-prized

peasantry in the green

straw.

slightlyresemblingthe

salmon.

MEMOIRS

rice-fields,
engaged
rural

OF

beneath

fervid

135

GRIFFIN.

in their various

sun

occupations.

we
Occasionally

suddenly upon

came

market, with

its

congregated fleet of boats, and its busy, squabbling

fish,grain,and vegetablevenders,
assemblageof villagers,
"c. ; or a thannah, or police station, would
break into
view, known
lounging
by its picturesqueburkundazes
about

in front, armed

portly,bearded
kulian

with

tulwars, and the

deshabille, smoking his

spears

thannahdar,

en

or

projectingthatch of the entrance.

The
so
truly un-English and
novelty of the scene,
with joy
Oriental,delightedme, and my heart bounded
from a feeling
of vitality
and freedom.
At length we
began to approach those vast forests,
called the Sunderbunds,* stretchingfor two
three
or
hundred
miles
the delta of the Ganges, and
across
through a considerable part of which our route lay.
The
indicated
vicinityof this wild tract was
by the
under

the

gradual termination

cultivated country, and

of the

of the half-reclaimed

commencement

lands

on

the

the borders,

presentingto the view stumps of trees, patchesof jungle,

and some
huts,
a few scattered
paddy fields,occasionally
with their sicklyinhabitants huddled
them.
around
The boatmen
exhausted, and the tide
being somewhat
the turn, Mr. Capsicum ordered
them to drop anchor
on
in the stream
the shore, that they might
far from
not
refresh
we

themselves.

It

broad, and

and

brought to, deep

the river where

in

curve

was

remote

from

the

lazydark tide rolled slowly on,

its movement
barely indicated by a slight set in the
current, with here and there a few tinycurlingwhirlpools,
which seemed
to
my imaginationto tell of the fearful
An
below.
monsters
depthsand frightful
spot of
open
habitations

green

of

sward

men.

The

approached the

beyond this,on both banks,

forest hung darkling over
*

Soondur

Bun

i.

e.

bank

the
the

on

huge

side, whilst

one

trees

of the sombre

Stygian

the beautiful wood.

stream

"

here

136

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

emerging into light,as from a realm of dolorous shade

Kinaldo
himself.
which might have daunted
flew hack, awakened
How
hy the
my thoughts now
and
of
contrast, to the flowerymeads
crystalstreams
ordered
chairs
England ! My companion now
merry
his hooka

and

there,with
ourselves

at

to be

taken

to

teapoy and tumblers

our

ease,

bearer

roof

the

of the

between

with

us,

boat, and
we

seated

large chattah, or

from the noontide rays of a powerumbrella, shielding

us
ful
and
A
few
faint
the
sun.
airs,wafting
chirp
pipe of
unknown
birds, came
fanning from the woods, which,

with

the

monotonous

bubble

of Mr.

Augustus'shooka,

effect upon
and soporific
me.
produceda tranquil
I have mentioned,
In the littlepatch of grass meadow
which
lay nearlyoppositeto us, two or three miserable
ably
considerstunted white cattle were
feeding,one of them
the margin than the others.
Whilst looking
nearer
towards
them, I thought I discerned something dark
ing
slowlyemerging from the water where the muddy shelvshore dipped into it. I kept my
fixed
eye steadily
moved
and presentedto
which evidently
upon the object,
of two
large foot-balls,at the
my view the resemblance
end of a rough log of wood.
I directed my companion's
attention to it, at the same
time asking him what it was.
"There, yonder," said I, "just beyond the tuft of

reeds.
"

See !

see

! it moves."

Oh, I perceivethe rascal," said he

"

it's a

huge

alligator,
making a point at that poor beast of a cow ;
but I'll spoilhis sport. Bearah
Bundook
laou juldee!
bring up the rifle quickly."
Ere gun, however, could be brought,the monster, as
if anticipating
our
intentions,suddenly rushed from his
concealment, with a rapid and wrigglingmotion, and in
instant had the unsuspecting
an
cow
by the nose.
The
her tail crooked with agony,
poor brute struggled,
her two fore-feet stuck out, and bellowing most
lustily,
whilst the alligator
backed
rapidlytowards the water,
draggingthe cow along with him.

138

MEMOIRS

of small barbed

number

cords

GRIFFIN.

harpoons into him,

the shafts

(whence

of which
stout

OF

made

are

to the

to detach

fastened,and thus they secure

are

heads

easily)
body;

his

prevent his doing mischief with his jaws, theypresent

he seizes it with a snap, they belay
stick,and when

cord

to

round

After

the

those

the

of creeks

forest,with

had

crew

plunginginto

formidable

instrument

refreshed,we

of destruction."

pursued our

voyage,

intersected by
drearysolitude,

and

rivers

each

on

side

arose

rinth
laby-

wall

of

thick

luxuriant
undergrowth of the most
the fat alluvial soil.
from
vegetation,springing
The
silence of death was
around, broken
only at
intervals by the distant crow
of the jungle-fowl,
the cry
and
of the deer, or the blowing of a porpoise,
the measured
dash
of our
as
we
oars,
swept along,sometimes
the surface of a broad
on
river,with brightgreen trees
each
on
monkeys chattering in
side,and black-faced
the
the

branches;

boughs

There

almost

others, in
brushed

lateral

some

creek, where

deck.

our

something solemnly impressivein such

seems
trulyto speak in majestictones

is

which

scene,

at

of

the power
Such
and greatness of the Creator.
a
scene
in the howling wilderness carries the imagination back
to that

when

primevalperiodwhen
shiplessseas broke on

not

was

on

this

earth,

voiceless

shores, and the

undisturbed
amongst

roamed

and the mastodon

mammoth

man

its silent forests and

lonelyretreats.
Occasionallya Mugh or Arracanese

construction, with
oars,

laden

with

its broad-faced

bees'

crew

and

banks

of

ivory, "c., glided by, or a

pilesof wood or charcoal for the

wax,

raft,heavilyladen with
Calcutta

boat, of peculiar

market, swept

past

us,

momentary

relief to

place: the wood they

class of men,
carry is cut and collected by a particular
who pursue their perilous
trade in these jungles.
Sometimes, too, the continuity of the forest was
broken by a cleared patch, and piles of timber
ready
the death-like

loneliness

of the

MEMOIRS

for

the

lading; or

OF

hut

of

one

GRIFFIN.

139

those

devotees
religious

fakeers,whose

austerityacquiresfor them the respect

of the ignorant and
boatmen, whom, by
superstitious
their charms
and
incantations,they professto insure
from
assaults of the alligator
and the tiger. Boatmen,
carried off;
however, and even
fakeers,are continually
but as superstition
the hits, and
never
always counts
reckons the misses, a few favourable predictions
all
sets
to rightsagain.
or

At
a

in

of

one

these

fakeer

stations,we

made

wretched

for a man
to take
locality
imagination can scarcelypicture. A

more

half

about

quarter

of

an

acre,

was

halt,and

up his abode
small spot of

cleared

from

the

hut of thatch
forest,and in the centre of it was a fragile
and bamboo, which
a
puff of wind might have blown
bamboo, with a small red pennon, rose
away ; a tapering
above it,and a little clay durgah for prayer adjoined,
to

indicate the sacred

As

callingof

the

lonelyoccupant.

down
to the boat,
brought to, the fakeer came
and was
He was
received by the crew.
most
respectfully
an
aged man, withered up like a potsherd,and smeared
with dust and ashes ; his long,grizzled,
beard
and matted
thrown
his
over
swept his breast,and a tigerskin was
shoulders ; he held a long stick in one
hand, on which
he supportedhis bent, decrepidform, whilst in the other
he carried a dried gourd-shell,or calibash,to receive the
we

of the boatmen.

contributions

Here

Trappistof
from
privation

was

danger and
those
"

we

which

motives
may

actuate

which

deem

we

the

motives

the ascetic
cannot

East, submittingto every

somewhat

order

similar

all the world

but respect,however

to

over

mistaken

them.

Bidding adieu to this recluse of the woods, we once

to the eastward,and after nearly
more
pursued our course
a
day'srowing, changed it to the north, followingthe
of the many
line of one
rivers which, spreadingout
as
they approach the sea in various lateral directions in the
Sunderbunds, form that intricate maze.

140

MEMOIRS

In

little time, the

few miles

the

pleasure
upon

cluster

the

once

eyes

the

more

dense, and

cleared

and

rested

with

the patch of sugarrice-fields,

cane,

green
of

less

again into

us

Our

cultivated country.

GRIFFIN.

forest became

brought

more

OF

and

coco-nuts,

the

busy

haunts

of

men.
"

Gernon," said Augustus,

Well, Mr.

the end

"

I suppose

you

nearly
your voyage.
ested
No," I replied
;
though I have been greatlyinterby the wild scene
through which we passed. But
?
how far are we now
from the Junglesoorfactory
"Not
we'll sup
far," said my friend; "please God
said he ;
house
do
at my
to-night. There, look !
and the thick cluster of
you see yonder white building,
trees; overhangingit. at the turn of the river ?
not

are

to

sorry

be

at

"

of

"

"

"

"

"

"I

do."
that's

"Well,
ordered
or

of

some

my

out-factories;there I've
be in waiting with horses,

my

peopleto

take

elephant,to

an

of

one

us

to my

on

shop, which

is about

six miles inland."

"An

elephant!

"

as I mentallyrubbed
ejaculated,

my

hands.
The

boatman

their cheerful
of heart

pliedtheir
songs

which

an

and

bespeakingthat

shouts

approach

redoubled

with

oars

to

"

home

"

ever

vigour,
buoyancy
inspires

amongst all mankind.

We

building,which proved to
of
be a small temple,crowning a little ghaut or flight
thing
steps,running down to the water's edge,backed by somelike an
overshaded by
old ruined fort or factory,
of the banyan and peepul trees, growof foliage
masses
ing
out

now

neared

the

white

of fissures of the walls.

soned
ghaut stood an elephantcapariwith his bright red jhoul and howdah*
fanning
himself with the branch
of a tree ; hard by him
were
a
couple of horses, saddled, and held by their syces or
and
each of whom
bore a hog-spear ; whilst near
grooms,
On

the

of the

crest

Jhoul, housings ; howdah,

seat.

MEMOIRS

OF

141

GRIFFIN.

villagers,
factoryservants, and followers
and
of Mr. Augustus, in various
picturesquecostumes
others
attitudes,some
standing,
squattingin masses, some
abutments
of the ghaut, were
the steps or
on
reclining
all impatiently
awaitingthe arrival of the boat.
backed
These
by the ruined walls,the massive
groups,
low,
banyan with its twiningroots, and a little sort of bungasummer-house, on the projecting
bastion, which
or
stood out in strong relief against the evening sky, all
constituted,when viewed in the mellow
sunlightof the
rich Claude-like repose of the hour, a scene
well worthy
of the pencilof a Daniell.
The boat moored, a lively
meeting and embracing took
tory,
placebetween those on board and their friends at the facfor the Indians, I have observed, though in some
remarkably affectionate to their
thing apathetic,are
of

around, groups

relatives.

Augustus
of
amidst

monarch

the

bows

Great
of life,which

steppedashore with all the dignity

returningfrom exile to his dominions,
and prostrations
of his rejoicing
jects.
subthe salaamings,
and manifold the signs

himself

were

now

his arrival caused

tightened the girthsof

rose

from

the

in the group.
The syces
horses ; two
statelygreyhounds

recumbent

posture, whilst

coupleof little pepper and mustard terriers ran yelping

and wagging their tails to greet their master
; the mahout
dug his ankous, or goad, into the elephant'shead, to
him from his drowsy state of abstraction,
rouse
exciting
he
drove
down
towards
the
loud
a
trumpetingscream, as
ing
flowThe gomastah,or manager,
boat.
a Bengalee, in
advanced
with dignifiedsalaam,
muslin robes, now
sence,
and made
a report of how
thingshad gone on in his abwhilst a Portuguese, of the complexion of charcoal,
named
Alfonso
with a battered hat and white jacket,
da Silva,also had a great deal to say touching the recent
of his master's
operationsconnected with the manufacture
indigo.
Now, Mr. Gernon," said Augustus," these matters
"

142

MEMOIRS

settled,which

are

OF

you

GRIFFIN.

for,

gallop,or

take your choice."

said
! the elephant,"

ride

the

on

elephant?
"

Oh

ridden

never

one,

like

looks

fellow, who
"

on

"

hy all means.
and
long to be on
a moving mountain."
I,

that

"

kind-hearted

Then," said my

I have

host, let us
the howdah, and

noble

mount.

we
they have put the guns in
may
have a shot at something as we go along. I must
giveyou
a lesson in
shooting off an elephant,which is no easy
hand.
to a young
matter
Here, hauthee laou ('bring the
elephant')."
Another
athan
blast, and the levidig and another startling
was
alongsideof us.

see

"

Buth

! luth

docile beast
The

side

receive

to

one

boxed
fairly
a

to spurn

fine
the

of my
up

knelt

the

appliedthe ladder,to
followed

his

Here,
day-dreams realized,and I
I

elephantand

be mounted

on

him.

castle."
a

gallantcharger,

sod, and, catchingall his fire,to feel yourself

every inch"
ship over the blue
as

the

on

thing to

"

free

Oriental

c(

down

us.

coolie,or attendant,now
Augustus ascended, and

then, was
'Tis

?" said the driver, and

the winds

hero ;

billows

that

or

to

with

propelyou

dash
a

away

in

brave

spanking breeze,

; but

doubt

if

as

even

they can impart such sensations as you experiencewhen

nine feet high,
toweringaloft on the back of an elephant,
stride,through palmy
moving, with majesticand stately
of orient beauty, you
find yourselfraised far
scenes
above the humble
pedestrian,and taking in the whole
country as with an eagleglance.
started at a good,swingingpace, followed by
We
now
and peons, with
the horses, whilst sundry burkundazes
spears and staves, trotted on nimbly before, clearingthe
of the boys, cows,
villagepariardogs, and idlers.
way
entered on
and soon
Thus
wound
we
throughthe village,
the open country, which for the most
perfectly
part was
and
bounded
of
and topes
trees.
flat,
by villages
mango
Here
and there the land rose
a little,
forming a sort of

MEMOIRS

cows

herdsmen

black

their shoulders.

over

had

not

proceededfar

appearedin
gallop.
"Halloo
and

of the

slouching
were
mingled with small white Bengalee
feeding,
and tended by
and bullocks, their bells tinkling,
envelopedin blanket sort of hoods, with long

buffaloes

We

143

GRIFFIN.

herds

which

rough pastures, on

sticks

OF

brother

good

"

the

said

the

plain,when

Augustus,

"

De

here
la

comes

Chasse,

breathed.

my
as

man
horse-

distance,approachingus

Mons.
planter,

fellow

on

at

hand

neighbour
funny, but

hope you have a

tolerable command
for you'llrequireit
of countenance,
when
you hear our friend's English."
near
sufficiently
By this time Mons. De la Chasse was
in every lineament.
for me
the Gaul
to distinguish
He
with the face of a vieux
a
was
long and gaunt man,
mousquetaire,wore a white solah hat, with a vast amplitude
of brim, a white jacket,and
long militaryboots.
His horse was
a large hatchet-faced
animal, of a cream
colour,with a swish tail,which, however, bore him along
bush and junglein capital
over
style.As he approached
brandishinga hog-spear,he rather brought to my mind
the picture
of a Spanish bull -fighter.
Velcome
! velcome
! goot friend ; glad to see
you
he
back," said he, riding up, and waving his hand
as
wheeled
his horse about
look ver well by Jhobs."
You
Thankyee, thankyee,Monsieur ; all's rightwith me,
but what
have
been
doing in this part of the
you
as

as

ever

"

"

"

world
"

"

one

Ve have had de jodge down, and

Oh, de old vay.
of his amis, abote some
cochery affairs;had him

out

for

day after de hogue ;

givefine sport ver fine ;

boar

"

Jhobs
"

we

to

Oh

ha ! ha !
"

carry
you
"

"

on

but

see

you

De

amongst

"

that wid

friend of my
young
down
here.
the war

Gernon, Mons.

Appi

who

killed two, tree

old
one
kill us
near
though, by

la

you,
father's come
Let

me

Capsicome?
to

see

introduce

"

how
him

Chasse, "c."

us, Sare.

"

By

de vay,

I not

144

MEMOIRS

tell a-you I have

talookdar
gunge

GRIFFIN.

'noder kick

had

ope with dat Bobberyfellow,his bulloke spoiltwenty

"

I shall him

plant.

beegah my

OF

have

ope

de

to

jodge, by

pression,
(castingabout for a suitable exand setting
his teeth)a frightful
shackass."
This
moved
risibles,in spite of a gentlepoke
my
from Augustus'selbow, and a reprovinglook compounded
of gravityand laughter. Fortunately,at this juncture,
dismal yellbroke on our
a
perceivedahead
ears, and we
animals
the plain,two
somewhat
of us, slinkingacross
largerthan foxes.
What
are
they ? I asked.
Oh ! a
couple of jackals,"said my companion.

Jhobs

"

he is

a"

"

"

"

"

"

Would
I
"

like

you

to

see

eagerlyexpressedmy
De

la

run

jackals;

"

assent.

Chasse," said Mr.

after those

Augustus,

friend here

our

"

to

wants

take

see

gallop
hunt."

! ay, ve'll stir dem

ope," said the light-hearted
seemed
Frenchman, who, like his countrymen in general,
Choorready for any thing that promised excitement.
"

Oh

"

da khoota

choorda

"

"

"

let loose the

dogs,let loose )he

the greyhounds were
shouted, and in a moment
slipped.
!
shouted
Hark
Augustus ; the Gaul gave
away
the View
ful
halloo, and after the jackalsdarted the beautilike serpents as they
animals; their bodies undulating
each other.
The
small
to pass
strove
eniulously
dogs
!

"

"

followed

hounds,

in full cry,
not

be

to

and

my

outdone,

master

of the

justly anxious

for the

matur,
and

or

dog
charges,drew the cords of the bulland Teazer, lustily
cheeringthem on.
which was
After killingthe jackals,
effected,
soon
we
regained the road, and in half an hour reached the
ing
builda
Junglesoorfactory. The residence was
square
of one
story, surrounded
by a terrace and covered
side was
verandah
one
a
large garden, filled with
; on

reputationof

orange

and

his

other

bamboo, mango,
stables,"o.

trees.

Further

back

"c., intermingledwith

were

groves

of

buildings,
vats,

146

MEMOIRS

OF

for the

GRIFFIN.

tober)
(the beginningof Octo
was
breezy 'and cool, and all things seemed
wear
a
propitiousaspect, and to promise a delightful
companied
day'ssport. In a short time, De la Chasse arrived, aclittle man,
named
by a square, tight-built
Tupper, who had recently(asis not unfrequentin India)
changed his berth of mate of a country ship for that of
assistant.
an
Indigo planter's
abundant
there was
breakfast duly despatched,
An
a
an
buckling of spurs, a slinging of brandy-bottles,
of hog-spears,
and other preliminary
examination
ments
movefor the foray. Outside,too, was
of
a great muster
Augustus's retainers,coolies or factorymen, real "blue
demons," in almost Paradisaic costume, with long sticks,

dour, the weather

their

latees,over

or

season

shoulders, wherewith

to

beat

the

jungles.
Augustus now vaulted on his Arab, a beautiful creature,
I was
with a high reputation,
as
told,as a hog-hunter
their
as
(horses in India enjoy the sport as much
masters),and with his spear in hand gave the signalfor
departure.Out marched the whole cavalcade,I mounted
on
a
sturdy little hill pony, called a tangan, as hardand headstrong a little devil,as I afterwards
mouthed
tumbled
discovered tp my cost, as ever
a griffin.
Each

of

hunters

us

was

armed

with

spear,

whilst

carried by the syces.

The
were
spear used
spare ones
in this sport,by the way, is a very formidable
weapon.
feet long, the head
gated
elonThe
shaft is about
seven
an

heart,

or

rather

aid its murderous

as
leaf-shape,

keen

effect,the butt-end

as

razor,

is loaded

and

to

with

half-poundof lead.
for the
wound
course
now
along,bending our
of a river,where wild hogs and other game
were
abound.
to
Having crossed the plain,we found

We
banks
said

about

ourselves

amongst
with

became, by
from

my

some

groves
mango
scattered huts and

and
small

accident, separateda

companions.

woodland,

tersperse
in-

and I
villages,
good distance

MEMOIRS

OF

147

GRIFFIN.

In

grove, an
passing the edge of a tope, or mango
adventure happened,
which, though somewhat
derogatory
historian
a
as
to my
dignityin its results,my integrity
in the narrative may,
A
to relate.
obligesme
pause
the requisite
in order to give me
however, be expedient,
degreeof composure.

CHAPTER
IN
the

XIV.

passing the grove mentioned in the

edge of a fosse, or ditch,overgrown

and

not

far from

some

miserable

last

by
chapter,

with

bushes,

huts, I thought I heard

I
and reining up my tangan and listening,
rustling,
the deep bass of a grunter,with the
could
distinguish
a-pat
running treble of sundry littlepigs. My heart went pitdiscovery! I shall
; here, thought I, is a glorious
from his lair,
the grizzly
monster
be the first to rouse
a

and
sure,
"

I
spear at him.
listened again 'twas a

launch
and
Yoicks

"

"

!
tally-ho

shouted

wished, however,

to

palpablegrunt.
I, waving my hat, as

be

signalfor my friends to come

up and share in the
anticipated
sport.
Roused
by my voice,and a stone cast into the ditch
by my syce, an unclean beast of largedimensions, black
I
issued therefrom, and, rather leisurely,
and
mangy,
the open
space,
thought,for a wild boar, jogged across
Frank
Now
followed by a tribe of young
then,
ones.
Gernon, I mentallyexclaimed, gird up the loins of thy
deeds.
resolution,and prepare for desperate
I slacked my rein, put
Thus
soliloquizing,
internally
rode furiously
spurs to my tangan, and, spear in hand,
Mancha's
La
him.
at
knight did not charge his
windmill
more
valiantly.I pushed him hard, but he
and for the
and grunting,
kept ahead, dodging,joltering,
to give
life of me
I could not placemyself in a position
At length,
him the coup de grace.
by vigorouslyurging
L

148

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

raised ;
arm
was
; my
myselfalongside
javelinpoisedwith as direful a presage as
glittering
of Homer's
heroes ; alreadyin imagination
that of one
point had searched out the seat of life,
my burnished
from
tide distilling
the crimson
the wound
and I saw
; I
the
deal the mighty stroke, when
to
rose
snap went
the
flew my spear, and I, and
not
stirrup-leather,
away
I came,
bit the dust.
a
Yes, down
hog, incontinently
thunderingthump.
felt
of feeling"I never
Painful
the revulsion
was
foolish in my life. Away went
more
pig and tangan
whilst I, like a
and so they might, for aught I cared
layprone on the earth,applyingvigorous
dying gladiator,

my
the

beast,I found

"

"

friction to

my
rode

which
laughter,
"

You're

not

shoulder.
up,

to

In

my

few

seconds, my

panions
com-

convulsed

with

confusion,

they vainlystrove to
hurt, I hope, Gernon

repress.
said
?
"

host,

my

look of
into
his features
a
endeavouring to compose
commiseration
(a dead failure,by-the-bye).
No, not much," said I, writhingwith pain ; nothing
It was
that confounded
to speak of.
rotten
stirrup;but
I should not have cared, had I spearedthe hog."
another volcano of laughter. I
Upon this,there was
felt annoyed, and begged to know, fiercely,
what
they
found so amusing in a friend's nearlybreakinghis neck.
Oh, my good ami," exclaimed the Frenchman,
you
ha!
the
but
ha!
ha!
hunt
most
ave
pardonnez
you
villagepig,ha! ha! ha! and not the viJd hogue. Oh,
oh ! oh !
mon
Dieu, je vais mourir
Yes," added
Augustus, oh ! oh ! oh ! you really
must
excuse
Gernon, he ! he ! he ! for laughing a
us,
little at your grifimish
mistake ; indeed, you
have been
the first that has
not
are
chasing a villager
; but
you
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

made

such

your
real

steed

blunder.

; mount

sport.

see

will prove a staunch

I was
mortified

once

you

Come,"
more,
are

he

and

game

continued,
we'll show

to

the

hog-hunter."
at
blunder, but
my

"

you

here's
some

backbone, and
this

pieceof

MEMOIES

149

GEIFFIN.

OF

wounded
acted as
a cataplasm to my
spirit
; so
flattery
I thought it best to join in the laugh againstmyself,
the stirrup,
and remounting my tangan, and re-adjusting
once

we

continued

more

After
banks

bare

crossinga

route.

our

river,covered

of the

found

plain,we

for miles

and

The
beaters
long reeds.
dismal
yelling and shouting
minutes

from

the

many
in a

and

and

cover,

cry of

moment

bore

rightaway

In

waved
boar

and

few

arose

rustled,
from

burst

the hard

across

("hog, hog!")

tremendous

now

ahead

the

on

belt of grass
put in, and

commenced.
I

reeds

; the

voices

with

were

sewer

sewer,

ourselves

the

towards
plain,

the cultivation.
with a yellor
Away went Augustus in gallantstyle,
war-whoop that made the welkin ring. The second
mate
joinedchase rightbefore the wind; my littlehardmouthed

Punch

stuck

down

his

and, unbidden, followed

ears,

sport, though I had

hard

head, laid back

his

keenly alive

the

next,

matter

to

him

manage

long spear to boot ; and in a moment

my
Frenchman
thundered
past, with brandished
horse

tightin

"Ha!

and
the

more

spear

and

hand.

ha !" said

de death

see

to

he,

as

he

of de veritable

passed me,
vild hogue."

"now

you

vill

boar, who, with his milkwhite tusks, bristly

back, and sidelonglook, presented
a

Augustus gained
formidable

most

aspect, and

evidentlyan ugly
planterpushed him closely,and, in

The

customer.

the

on

was

that it stuck
passing,delivered his spear with such effect,
bolt upright in the back
of the boar, who
nevertheless
if spitted
"continued his onward
for the feast.
as
course,

It

now

was

the

turn

of De

la Chasse

capitalstyledelivered his spear

justbehind the shoulder, wheeled
in

*'

was

ha

! ha !
a

"

and

the

magnificentboar, with

terrific tusks, and

-brute

as

one

sees

such

Madame

with

neck

Diana

came,

and

like

brawn

and

de theatre

his horse

over

hock
of

up he

"coup

round

rolled

monster

with

He

over.
a

bullock's,

! e'en

such

flyingafter,bare-

150

legged,in
a

OF

MEMOIRS

score

'twas
were

and
"

of

an

old

dogs

all up

GRIFFIN.

tapestry,or playingpitchand
in

with

of

one

him

with

Snyder'snoble pictures.But
his

now;

little blood-shot

eyes
all his sinews

half-closed,his tongue was

out, and
muscles
stiffened in death.
were
'

toss

ing
hogue,"Jsaid the Frenchman, lookfor some
minutes
in
up, after contemplating him
his gory spear, buried two
and pulling}
mute
out
delight,
feet deep in the shoulder ; "hut I give him dat last poke
ver
well,eh ! hy Jhobs ?
in very sportsmanfinished him
Yes, you certainly
like
I
thought he
style,Monsieur," repliedAugustus ;
would have charged me
I delivered my spear, and am
as
glad he did not, for with those tusks of his, gentlemen,
he would
have been an
ugly customer, and have left his
and me.
mark
But
on
we
gallantKustum
come,
my
will try up the river again."
The legsof the boar were
now
tied,a pole was thrust
hoisted on
the
through them, the huge animal was
shoulders of four of the coolies,and borne alongwith us.
Tis

fine

ver

"

"

"

The

beaters

the shouts

were

now

reeds, and with

made

advanced, latees waved,

renewed, and in a few minutes there was

of the deer kind,
animal, when a creature

cry of some
of a slate colour

more

once

across

an

and

clumsy shape, bolted

awkward
the

up

and

down

sort

from
of

the

ment,
move-

plain.

hog-deer,"shouted Mr. Tupper; and with arms

and legsworking like a mannikin's,spurredafter him, the
rest of party following.
The
hog-deer have little speed or bottom, so he was
overtaken
and killed
soon
castingup a piteouslook, as
the
Augustus, who on this occasion gave the Frenchman
go-by,drove his keen spear into him.
After the death
all by acclamation
of the deer, we
voted an
adjournment to a neighbouringshady tree;
there dismounting,
and throwing ourselves on the ground,
commenced
we
a
vigorous attack on the cold meat and
at
paleale,chatting,
joking,laughing,and masticating,
"A

"

MEMOIRS

and

one

the

The

151

GRIFFIN.

The

time,

same

us, in order that

same

OF

was

game
feast our

laid out

before

that, at the
might
eyes on
time that we gratified
our
palates.
lunch
discussed, I was
surprisedto see a
fairly
we

kulian, covered with

silver chains,and emittinga delicious odour, to Augustus.
Upon my honour, I mentally exclaimed, you indigo
hand

servant

small

hookha,

or

of comfort.
Mr.
to have a good notion
gentlemen seem
and
Augustus wiped the- mouth-piece with his thumb
finger,put it between his lips,and emittingan elaborate
whiff of a yard and a half long, slowlyleaned his back
againstthe trunk of the tree, half-closed his eyes, and
exhibited
the
of unalloyed
most
perfect appearance
After half an hour's
sublunarybliss I have ever beheld.
rest, and partakingof the kulian, which was
generously
passed round by our friend,we arose, and preparedfor a
renewal
of the campaign.
In this
of the
of

we

were

day.

successful

as

Three

small

more

as

in the commencement

hogs

which, after sundry abortive attempts, and

imminent

risks

unshipment, I
by such uncommon

of

"

Our

sport
bent

now

and

over,
our

course

man

and

towards

the

; on

one

steeds

of

various

statures, led

two

maiden
my
skill and unique

leadingsubject

exhausted,
fairly
home, wending our way
four
the morning. We
beast

plainwe had crossed in

cavaliers,
our
our
shoulders,mounted
spears over

over

or

one

fleshed

a feat marked
spear
adroitness on my part, that I made
it the
of conversation
afterwards.
for a month

we

killed

were

the

way

on

then

our
came

attendants,laggingheavilyalong ; and lastly,

straggling
the goodly show
of game, slung on
poles,and borne on
the shoulders of coolies,brought up the rear.
The

distant

cavalcade,the game,

the wild

track

of

reeds, the

and
topped with the coco-nut
in the
betel-palm,all seen
streaming light of the
sun
haze, would
setting
strugglingthrough the evening's
have
made
fine subjectfor that prince of animal
a
Landseer.
painters,
masses

of wood

152

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

pleasantmeal at my friend's
I
first day'shog-huntingin India.
A

and

stood

closed this my
become
a mighty

house
had

inches

higherwhenever the
crossed my mind ; the feeling
feats I had witnessed
of
exultation would have been unalloyedindeed, but for the
adventure
of that cursed village-pig.
The
was
and, ye powers that preside
capital,
supper
hunter

at once,

gastronomy, how

over

two

we

did

eat !

It is

fortunate

that all men

not
are
dispensationof Providence
hogwould
be the inevitable
hunters, or frequent famine
result.
the Frenchman
Augustus was
cious,
loquapleasant,
Mr. Tupper had much
to
say, and the hogs were,
at a moderate
computation,slain over again half a dozen
times

at least before

supper

was

ended.

discussed,was that
subjectsincidentally
of several dacoities,or gang-robberies,
latelycommitted
in the neighbourhood,attended with great atrocities.
This part of Bengal had long been
famous, or rather
infamous, for these plunderers,
who, led on by their
Amonst

other

chiefs,the

Hoods

to the
terror
India, were
a
tributions
about, at times levyingconcountry. The bands move
ently
from the inhabitants,in numbers
often sufficiwhich is,
great to enable them to defy the police,
or

very inefficient

was,

"

Robin

"

of

their leaders

does.
great despera-

are

"

hear," said Augustus, that Ramsunker

has been

he will pay
and swears
neighbourhood,
of these days; but let him
and we'll
me
a visit one
come,
endeavour
to givehim
a warn
reception."
like noand Tupper said they should
De la Chasse
thing

plunderingin

better

begged
them

that

if the

this

than

skirmish

Augustus
aforesaid
the

would

Ramsunker

with
send

banditti,and

the
off

should

express
make
ever

an

for
his

JunglesoorFactory.
Augustus promised to do so, saying that he should
be equallyready to attend their summons
if they were
first selected for plunder; in short, a treaty of alliance,
offensive and defensive,
then and there struck ; after
was
appearance

at

MEMOIRS

OF

153

GRIFFIN.

high contractingparties,becoming full of

hecarae
Bacchus, sung several songs, disputed,
quarrelled,
and retired
maudlin, wept, swore
everlastingfriendship,
the

which

to rest.

Besides

that

which

to

one

the

permanent

residence

tories,
attached,Mr. Augustus had several out-layingfacwhich he visited from time to time, to superintend

was

the

manufacture

of his

indigo ;

at

these he had

all of

bungalows, or temporary abodes, where we tiffed

and passed the heat of the day.
We
were
one
morning at the factory on the river,
where I have stated that we first landed, quietlysmoking

little

in the littleturret, or

summer-house, when

bub
great hub-

below, and the noise of peoplerunning,saluted

Mr.

ears.

what

Augustus

despatchinga
He

his cloth

or

Excited
where

oft' from

snapped him

the

out

ran

the

to

the

of

that

time

same

cause

see

roar.
uphad

youth
the ghaut by an
alligator,
whilst in the act of washing

returned, and

carried

had

to ascertain

servant

soon

just been
which

the matter,

was

and
hastily,
followinghim, at

rose

our

up

stated

dhotee.

by

this

clamorous

account,
crowd

was

we

to the

posted off

ghaut,

of them

collected,many

of the river.
looking and pointing towards the centre
On
learnt that the alligator
there, playwe
was
ing
inquiry,
with his victim ; and, castingour
eyes to the middle
of the
of the stream, there,sure
enough, in the centre
sionally
rapid current, his longjagged tail risingabove and occalashingthe surface,was the monster, tossingand
shaking the lifeless body of the poor black boy, and
before she
amusing himself as a cat does with a mouse
makes

meal

of it.
.

Mr.
his

Augustus

which
rifle,

of the kind
and

sent

immediatelyto

the

made

its appearance
called commonly in India a
soon

:
"

bungalow for
it was
a piece
bone-breaker,"

carryinga weighty ball,eightor ten to

Having loaded it,he took a deliberate aim
tor.

the
at

pound.

the

alli-

154

MEMOIRS

I waited
the

went

in breathless

and
rifle,

foot of the

creature's

"

him

result

the

for

suspense
the ball dashed

"

bang

a
up the spray within
then went
ricochetting

head, and,

of water.
the expanse
A close shave," said

over

GRIFFIN.

OF

Augustus ;

"but

we'll

come,

try

again."

Once

more

occasion
that

the

with

the rifle was

more

ball

success,

had

taken

loaded

and

fired,but

on

this

dull,lumpish sound telling

effect.
It requires,
however,
a

but
down
alligator;
sunk the head of the monster, his long serrated tail waving
in air as he descended
to the depths of the river,
like a sinkingwarrior flourishing
brand.
his broken
This
fellow,it appeared,had long been
carryingon
his depredations
in this part of the river,and
men
the boat-

balls

ordinarily,
many

and fishermen

capture him

to

to

kill

determined

this

they next

an

at

last

day

to

make

an

effected in

attempt

the

usual

by dragging the bottom with hooks.

We
that night,
of Gurrialpore
sleptat the out-factory
and were
agreeablysurprisedthe next morning, shortly
after breakfast,by a man
running in to inform us that
the alligator
had been captured,
and
that the muchwas,
then
in the act of towing him
or
on
fishermen, were
shore.
We immediatelyproceededto the river's brink,
and
observed
two
or
there, sure
enough, we
dingies,
fast approaching, and
lashed
closelyside by
canoes,

way

side.
As

they came

between

them,

near,

well

we

perceivedthat

secured, his head

the

was
alligator

above

the

water

and

his long
in front between
the prows, and
projecting
tail lavingin the wake behind ; in his huge jaws was
a
and below ;
cord above
stout stick,well belayedwith a
in short,bridled and bitted for any gentleman who, like
the adventurous
Mr. Waterton, might have felt disposed
and
to take a ride
upon him, which, not being particular,
felt no inclination
preferringa horse myself,I certainly
to

do.
On

the boats

touchingthe shore,we

steppedon board,

MEMOIRS

and
of

of
of

OF

155

GRIFFIN.

lookingbetween them, found the space, a breadth

a foot or
two, occupiedby the horny and rugged back
their prize,
into which
were
wedged the barbed heads
half a dozen small iron harpoons, with cords
some

attached

in

the

chapter.
By dint
had

soon

him

proceededvery

have

mentioned

in

former

poles,the natives,who
wonderfullyadroit at the business,
the shelvingbank, when
on
my host
to put ball after ball through
deliberately

of ropes
themselves

showed

manner

and

bamboo

his

of four or five.
head, to the number
have
of landsman, would
This, for any description
than
been more
enough; but, as I before observed, an
is an inordinate
gluttonin the way of punishment,
alligator
ever,
and requires
much
to givehim his quietus. Howdoubt
ciently
suffihe was
considerablydamaged, no
admit
his
of his being easilythrown
to
on
so
chief,
back, care
being still taken to prevent his doing misby the pressure of long bamboo
poles on his
body and tail.
One of the muchwas
with a sharp axe, or some
now,
such instrument,proceeded to cut him open, and having
done
the intestines as completelyas the
so, he removed
cook
does those of a fish preparatory to consigningit
to the frying-pan.
Mr. Augustus now
the
the order
to
remove
gave
"pressurefrom without," which was
accordinglydone,
when, strange to relate,but nevertheless perfectly
true,
the unkillahle
monster
bodilyup, recovered his
sprang
tail right
natural position,
and lashinghis tremendous
and left,made
both the dust and the crowd
to fly,the
latter skipping off nimbly, and givinghim what sailors
"

term

and

move

unable

wide

berth.

Thus

his liberated
to

stir from

the

he

jaws

continued

for

some

to

time

lash his tail

after,though

spot.

to all
tenacityof life is common
extraordinary
in all
and cold-blooded creatures, though not
reptiles
to an
in the turtle
equal degree; it is very remarkable

This

156

MEMOIRS

rivers,which

of the Indian
the

to

water

OF

the

as
enragedjriscator,

hooks
As

out

GRIFFIN.

I have

their

minus

known

heads, when
shortest

way

to

scuttle off
off

by the
getting the

cut

of

of their mouths.

I watched

the

dying

throes

of the

after
alligator,
so
long resistingall attempts to extinguish his vital
of advantageto his assailants,
spark,under every circumstance
I could not help feelingin all its length and
breadth
the utter state of impotency to which
the lord
would
be reduced, however
of the creation
well
man
offensive and defensive, when
supplied with weapons,
once
fairlygrappledby him in his native element.
Humiliatingthought !
A post mortem
examination
showed
of the alligator
Mr. Augustus'sball firmlywedged into the thick part
us
of the tail ; and
of the
an
analysis of the contents
stomach
brought to light two legs,half an arm, and
sundry ringsand silver bangles,which had once adorned
the slender limbs of some
haplessvillagemaiden.
and performedour
our
Having now
gratified
curiosity,
duty to the public,the inquest broke up" verdict, of
returned
justifiablealligatricide" and we
course,
"

"

"

"

home.
One

days after this the most eventful,

will be seen
in the sequel,
which
had occurred
to
me
as
since I had trodden
seated at
Indian
ground we were
table after breakfast,my host drowsily
smoking his hookspatch
ha and conning the Calcutta paper, I concocting a defor home, when
suddenly a confused and distant
noise was
heard, includingthe rapid beat of a doogdoogie,or small native drum.
his paper
and
listened; for a
My host laid down
the wind ; there
it died away, then again rose
moment
on
of flying
of voices
was
a hubbub
footsteps and lastly,
of one
two
or
droppingshots.
tus,
By heavens ! there's something wrong," said Augushis
from
chair,and stillintently
listening.
half-rising
Quon hye ?
('who waits ? ')
morning, a

few

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

MEMOIKS

words

The
a

in almost

wild with

frantic tones,

"

alarm,

others, exclaiming,

two

! sahib ! dacha!

Sahib

"

dacha

157

GRIFFIN.

uttered,when,
scarcely
in, followed by one
or

were

rushed

servant

OF

turned

pale, started from his chair, and

the
who
answered
rapidlyinterrogated
affrighted
men,
and with the most
animated
him all clamorouslyat once,
gesticulations.
of all that's good," said I, thunderstruck
In the name
host

My

"

the scene, " what on earth is the

"Matter!
my dear fellow,the dacoits

that's

"

robbers
not

are

moment

The

began

in, with

Kamsunker

Not

his

in

bolted

wasted

was

and

hand, bent

they

had

on

already

doors

the

banged to
and some
heavy
across,
and hogGuns, pistols,
were

burkundauzes

loaded

blew their

immediatelyascended

defend

there is

neighbouringhamlets.

trice,bars laid

spears
their matchlocks
us

that
intelligence
at

that

piledup againstthem.
were
; the
put in requisition

boxes

all; the

burkundauzes

three

close

were

gang

three

instant

an

lives

our

of the

threats,and

recent
or

thicken

to

confirmation

and

their
fulfilling
plunderedtwo

defend

must

; we

"

be lost."

to

plot now

rushed

and

us

upon

matter

at

matches, and the whole

the flat roof, determined

to

of
to

the fortress.

the
Having gained this position,
the force of the

reconnoitre

and

enemy,

point was

next

the

to

posture of

affairs outside.
low

parapet wall, some

the flat roof

of

as
sheltering

much

our

eyes

other

the

three feet

mansion
planter's
of

our

in the direction

foliage,
amongst

persons
of the

which

the

high,encompassed
;

as
mass

and

over

this

possible,we

last,
cast

of bamboo

and

and

other

indigo vats

situated.
principally
was
ominously still,
except that, every now
factorycoolie, like a startled hare, would

were
out-buildings

All there
and

then,

burst forth from

flyacross

the

his

concealment, and with looks

oppositerice-fields.

of terror,

158

MEMOIES

OF

vat-houses, "c., had

The

GKIFFIN.

now,

it

clear,been

was

doned
aban-

in possesfollowers,and were
planter's
sion
of the dacoits, who
were
probably riflingthem.
Of this we had speedy confirmation, by perceiving
three
almost naked, and armed
or four dark, undersized
figures,
and
with swords
and
out
cast
spears, creep cautiously
towards the house.
furtive glances
those are some
of
There they are," said Augustus :
assault upon
the rascals preparing,
no
an
doubt, to make
Well, we must
us.
givethem a warm
reception. I wish

by

all the

"

"

with

all my

heart

surrounded
"he

cannot

from

some

as

De
and

we

are, I know

la Chasse
the

with

distant

; but how

us

police station,

However/'

not.

added,

he

later,to learn our situation

of the runaways.
Here, Gernon," said he,

handing me
do your

now

had

with him

communicate

to

we

fail

sooner

or

"

double

here
gun,
best,like a valiant

is

something for
knight, and win

you

your

spurs."
Here, thought I, is

pretty adventure

shall

evitably
in-

of killed and wounded,

figuringin a return
without ever
having joineda regiment. Call you this a
i'faith ? I had soliloquized
to this extent,
party of pleasure,
little white
cloud
of smoke
when
a
puffed itself
formed
the brightlyverdant
forth from
screen
by the
hedge, followed by the whistlingof a
droopingbamboo
ball within a few feet of my pericranium.
matchlock
charms
To tell the truth,this music had
no
particular
honour
for me ; though,when
prickedme on," I could
it awhile, buoyed up
listen to
by visions of glory,
promotion, prize-money,and so forth, as well as
be

"

another.
On

wall

hearingthe

whine

bobbed

head

my

of this
a

shade

ragged missile. I
than

lower

this littleinvoluntary
working of the

tively
instinc-

the

parapet

conservative

succeeded by an energetic
however, was speedily
principle,
of its opposite,
active rebound up I started,
as by an
display
quick
one, two
presentedmy gun, and dropped shots
as
thought,into the spot from which the cloud of smoke
"

"

160

MEMOIRS

the matter, Gernon

"
Oh," said I,
fair chance;
adorn

that

GRIFFIN.

they will scale the roof,massacre

then plunder the place. What

selves,or
trice,and

'

OF

tale

I'm

for

fightingas long

if there's none,
as
figuringin a massacre,

hut
'

by

give in, provided they grant

we

is your

idea of

"

?
"

all in

us

I've

there's

as

wish

no

I vote

to

with you

honourable

an

us

capitulation."
thus

speaking,a servant exclaimed that a

man
was
advancingfrom the wood where the dacoits were
unarmed, and made
: he was
carryingon their operations
One
of
a sign that he had
something to communicate.
hailed and asked him what
burkundauzes
our
intelligent
As

were

we

he wanted.
The

from

message

sunker,
He

the

herald

forthwith
He

was

had

he

Kam-

with

confidence,that

he would

deliver his

to

be done

that

was,

the sahib.

told to advance

be admitted

me,

sirdar,or chief,the redoubtable

his

to deliver to

was

would

explained to

reply,as

to

harm
and
that no
message,
On the promise of safe-conduct,

him.

distrustful,and

forward, nowise

came

was

admitted.
middle-sized

but

wiry

and

athletic

fellow,
hair, small,

matted

intenselyblack, half-naked, with

turban, and a broad
loosely-twisted

untanned

belt

leathern

his shoulder.

over

by Mr. Augustus what he had to say or

that he was
sent
by his sirdar to
propose, he replied,
state that he
now
was
making ladders, with which he
and
would
in a few minutes
scale the house at all points,
Being

asked

put every soul

complied with
Es.

300, upon

to

death, unless
these

which

band, and giveno

were

he

his

the
would

terms

were

immediate
at

further molestation

once

payment
draw

once

to

at

any

of

off his

one.

findingfurther resistance would be

indigoplanter,
useless;and knowing that these dacoits,on the principle
The

of

honour

amongst

fulfilling
every

were
rogues,
engagement, whether

men

to

of their
rob

and

word,

murder,

MEMOIRS

OF

161

GRIFFIN.

determined
abstain,with scrupulousfidelity,

or

their terms

to

"who

; this he

made

thereat

smile, and returned

intimated

the

to

acceding

on

little plenipo,

salaam, grinned horriblya ghastly

to

report

to

superiorthe

his

success

of his mission.
To

and

be brief,there

stir in the grove,

villain as I
a
sinister-looking
immediate

an

the chief,as
presently
forward

beheld, came

ever

open
of

was

ten

Mr.
for

or

he

him

gave

made

about, he
shouts, moved
"

bag containingthe

Es. 300,

an

off with their

plunder,and

further annoyance.
Well," said Mr. Augustus, shaking

"how

body

obeisance, and then wheeling

rejoined his band, who, after several loud

which

us

of his followers.

twelve

Augustus

the

of

frontingthe house, accompanied by

space

some

middle

the

about

to

without

ing
offer-

the

hand,

any

by

me

and
yourself,after being stormed
besieged?" a pretty piece of business this, eh ? You
little thought of witnessingsuch
an
adventure, I'll be
down
when
to sport at the Junglesoor
sworn,
you came
Factory. This was not the shootingyou expected."
do

find

you

"

I did not, indeed," said I ;

have
saved
honour, and our
our

"

however, I think
bodies

we

certainly

are

lost your rupees."

but I should stilllike
That's true," said my friend ;
the spolia
to give the rascals a trouncing and
recover

intact,albeit you

have

"

"

opima,

will

and

try it,if De

make

their appearance
of us."
This

before

said
scarcely

was

horses' hoofs, and

in

haste,came

former

threw

himself

had

by

us

My

you

all

thank

dacoit ;

God
so

when

la Chasse

De

the

got

heard

we

spurringup

from

and

to

the
a

police
long start

the

sound

and

Tupper,

the house.

saddle, and

in

of

The

moment

the hands.

goot
"

they have

moment

in breathless

"

la Chasse

Capsicome !

live?
!

all well?
hear

Tupper

and

you
me,

dear

my

Dat's
vas
ve

young

goot;

friend !
thank

beseiged by
mount

our

God

are
"

dis raskal

'orse,ride off

162

MEMOIRS

tarmah

OF

police dey vill be here directly,

and
tarmahdar
tell me
all,little and pig. But come,
all vat was
vraiment
happen vere are dey? who have
are
dey kill ? vat have dey rob ? vere
dey gone ?
Come
tell it all,
for I am
dam impashant to know
all/'
It is soon
Ramtold,Monsieur," said Augustus.

to the

for de

GRIFFIN.

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

sunker

and

of his

300

attacked

men

stood

we

us;

one

and paid Rs. 300, black-mail, to get

assault,capitulated,
out
"

of the

scrape."

Black

male

! vat

you

pay

I suppose,

you

suppose

devil's black

Us.

300

male

you
males

black

de

to

mean,

"

I not

"

females."

de black

to

pay

de

Augustus laughed,and explained.

did

"Veil, veil,you
himself

dis

obleegeto yield to numbers; 300 to ten is

moch.
But," added he, I do hope ve may yet catch
ing
dacoit,get de money
back, and give dem goot trashbeside ; dere is 100 of de police,
and twenty or thirty
vas

of

more
"

no

grand Napoleon

"

too

as

best; de

your

us

Just

vat

"

what
came

you
time

was

up
be

to

"

say you

proposingto our
undoubtedly,let

lost, if

would

we

friend

young

try ; but

us

wish

here,

there's

succeed, for

to

they have alreadya considerable start of us."

The
generallyrelished;
proposal,indeed, was
horses
himself
more,

of

to

saddled

be

each

of

us

armed

other, and in a few minutes

of the police,as
the portly thannahdar, or head
in

some

fellow

burly a
rat

ordered

were

the

pony,

way

as

fat knight,mounted
Shakspeare's

made

body, some

numerous

or

his
80

appearance
or

the

at

100, of the

head

on

of

neighbouring

several stations.

drawn
from
police,
his determination
Mr. Augustus intimated to the thannahdar
his followers
the dacoits,
to pursue
so
soon
as
tance
had slightly
refreshed themselves, of which, after the disstood in need.
This
they had come, they evidently
the

thannahdar

began

to

their hams

smoke
;

intimated
in

to

his

little knots

others drank

men

some

of

whom

groups, squattingon
water, which they drew in their
or

OF

MEMOIRS

163

GRIFFIN.

neighbouringwell ; whilst others

little stores of rice,or parched gram, tied up
unfolded
of their vestments, and set to daintily
in corners
picking
and eatingthe same.
Poor prog to fightupon, thought
I, holdingas I do that the stomach, and not the heart,
lotas from

brazen

is the

of valour.

seat

All

the

above

touching the
of abuse

on

mingledwith

was

incessant

gabble
outpouring
plentiful
an

event, with a
the female relations of the aforesaid dacoits.
recent

started

littlearmy in pursuit
of the enemy, who we calculated could not be many
cluded
be inmiles off,the four Europeans (ifAugustus may

refreshed,off
police

The

under

that

denomination)

our

and

the

thannahdar

"

cavalryof the division takingthe lead,whilst the

armed with spears
the infantry principally
policepeons
and tulwars,brought up the rear.
that the
As we
advanced, we learnt from the villagers
unobserved) had
body of the dacoits (toolargeto move
proceededin the direction of a certain ferryon the river.
bent
and learnt from the ferry
Thither
our
we
course,
peoplethat they had recentlycrossed and were close at
the

"

"

hand.
in

The

"

remainder

of the

I shall

adventure

sum

up

few words.

The

dacoits
and

came,

saw

that,the

were

would

"

overtaken

soon

I could

like

add, we

Csesar, we

conquered!
with
parallel

but

the
point,the
despatchunhappilyfails.
great Roman's
On approachingthe dingy array of the dacoits,they
halted and showed
bold front.
a
Augustus and De la
in

Chasse

essential

most

marshalled

intended

Tupper

for
and

their men,

I took

the

forward

in vain
cut

down

word, and

away

were

to

them.

and

three

or

flew

our

can

queer.

doggedlyto

screamed

we

what

flanks,and doubtless felt (I

advanced; the dacoits,sword

We

in"

addressed

exhortations
spirit-stirring

some

speak for myself)rather

came

and

meet

us

exhorted

four;
men

sauce
over

and
"

our

the

spear in hand,
line wavered
"

dacoits

dashed

the
qui pent was
the plain. After a
M

164

OF

MEMOIRS

GRIFFIN.

little irregular
cuttingand
saved
difficulty

with

will leave

the vehement

Augustus,
and

the

we
followed, and
slashing,
ourselves by the speed of our
cattle.
reader to imagine the rage of Mr.

pestes and

of the

sacres

Gaul,

of the stiff
abuse
downright straightforward
little mate, elicited by this shameful
misbehaviour
of our
of it ; and
out
troops ; the censures, reports,"c., arising
the uneasiness
felt,after we had got back to the factory,
of another visit from the exasperatedRamsunker.
tunately,
Forfrom
and
not ; and
however, he came
fugitives
others we learn that,satisfied with puttingus to the rout,
made
off with his gang
he had
and booty to a distant
the

part of the country.

All

this, of
and

De

commentary

la Chasse

had

and

afford

days to

formed

course,

their

us

friend

time of it
very merry
the day, and a rubber of whist
"

CHAPTER
I

HAD

been

now

hospitablefriend, the
reader
think

has
of
to

friend

and

schoolfellow,Tom
I had

senior,and whom
It

five years.
MY

DEAR

was

by

ran

The

"

attack

thus

not
:

period,as
I began
when
a

which

to

I received
from

was

my
the

old

an

Rattleton,a good deal my

seen

or

heard

of

for four

or

"

FRANK,
the

merest

Marpeet,who
*

events

visitor with

indigo planter

letter or two
and
a
returning,
hasten
departure. One
my

served

It

days
"

fertile in

seen,

the

at

XV.
twelve

about

us

remainingfor

countenance

four

cussion
dis-

factory,
a coupleof
and protection. We
shooting and boating iii
at night.*
or
a song

amongst

his

for animated

matter

has

chance

been

that I heard

stayinghere,in

factory is an actual occurrence,

particulars. The relator
the details from the principalactor in the
on

described

in all the

spot, and

had

the

essential

from
his way
and
has
scene.

took
been

tain
Capup, of

place as
on

the

MEMOIRS

your arrival in India.

in the
known
name

OF

165

GRIFFIN.

I missed

How

"

papers

or

"

seeingyour

General

Orders

well-

really

only want a little

in short,
of his tuition to become
a ne plus ultra"
more
I must
tell half the handsome
not
thingshe has said of
clearlyand
you ; but in all I could not fail to recognize,
third
distinctly,
my old class-mate and companion of the
imagine. Marpeet

cannot

says,

you

form.
I

How

long, my

dear

fellow,to have

good

dish of

school-days,and all the fun and

in times past !
lect
Do you recolfrolic we have had together
lame
Tomkins, the pieman, and your unsuccessful
and
dialectically,
attempt to prove to him, synthetically
that long credit and
as
a
preferable,
great gains were
mercantile principle,
to small profitsand
quick returns,
less,
to which
logicmany an empty pocket sent forth,doubtBut
echo ?
oh, that stony-hearted
a confirmatory
!
no
man
Orpheus himself could not have moved him
wiles
no
nought but the tpsa pecunia, the
eloquence,
money's chink,
My regimenthas latelyarrived here from Berhampore.
and
for some
of my
I have been
time out
griffinage,
and not
though but a "jollyensign,"like yourself,
very
in
the mysteriesof the Hindee
Bolee, have lately
deep
of a company
obtained the command
we
being rather
deficient in old hands.
This works
me
a
good deal,but
chat

with

you

about

"

"

"

I like my

powers, and if I could

fellows, I should get on famously.
new

but understand

the

fortable
bungalow near the river,and am comcome
enough, all thingsconsidered,so you must
with me
and spend a month
at least.
Why not get to do
aged.
duty with our regiment at once ? it can be easilymanTrue Blues
I hope you enjoy life amongst the
had
I have
in the Mofussil.
some
experienceof them
and more
set of
myself,and a kinder-hearted
hospitable
fellows,takingthem in a body, does not exist.
lines to say on what day I may
Give me
a few
expect
and
I
will
ride
and
out
meet
you here,
you (ifyou dawk

I have

small

"

"

166

MEMOIRS

it)and
"

have

OF

breakfast

GRIFFIN.

So

ready.

for the

present adieu

revoir.

au

friend and

Your

schoolT.

P.S.

fellow,
BATTLETON.

By-the-bye,do you recollect your changingold

Thwackem's
digestive
dailydepositedat the corner
pill,
of his desk, for a pea rolled in flour (or a bolus of your
the old boy
own
manufacture), and how unsuspectingly
would
gulp it down, preparatory to locking up his cane
and descending
from his awful elevation ?
Many a good
laugh I've had at this pieceof friponnerieof yours.

"

This

letter

read

it, seemed

intense

take

also

longing to

fell into

see

my

Mr.

Capsicum,to

deal amused.

good

friend Tom

whom

I felt

again,and

an

in fact

and excited state, that I could

fidgetty
interest in nothing. Old Time, instead of flying,
such

an

seemed

and

delightedme,

to

all of

me

sudden

have

to

lost the power of

the Castor
I were

altogether.Rattleton and
and Pollux
brothers"
backers and
of the school,sworn
abettors of each other in all fights,
ties,
scrapes, and difficulof which we generally
had quantum
suff.on hand.
School was
trulya black passage in my life,in which
the happiness
the misery in about the proportion
to
was

locomotion

of honest

Jack

FalstafFs

bread

his quantum

to

of Sherris

sack.

"Ah, chien

f era plus repandre de

pleurs ! exclaimed the enraged Scipio of Le Sage, as
he wreaked
his vengeance
maudite
the
on
grammaire"
the passiveinstrument
of all his sufferings.
I can
the feelings
which
too well understand
actuated,
de livre,tu

ne

me

"

"

on

this occasion,the littleson

Hermandad,

for

never

to this

of the honest

day do

enter

usher
a

of St.
room,
school-

other
or
dictionary,
eye lighton a grammar,
buff-coloured associate of the long-past days of my
tions
pupilage,but a host of painfuland degrading recollecor

rush

my

on

my

mind,

of the hundred

thwackings,con-

168

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

possessingintuitive knowledge, you

see,
expectedto know all things until told of
Augustus admitted that there was reason
Well,

it

decided

was

the

rackporeon
this

conversation

friend

Tom,

to

last

day

that

can't

one

them."
in

the

proceed to
the
day on

second

night after
took place; so I wrote
at once
tell him that he might expect
la Chasse

of my stay,De
with us, and we

servatio
ob-

Bar-

to

was

be

which
to

me

my
immediatel

and

hisjidtts
Achates
all appeared depressed
dined
for our
short acquaintance
at the prospect of separation,
had alreadyripenedinto a friendly
feeling.
Like towns
in an
ill-governed
country, where, owing
The

the

to

absence

of sound

laws

and

is afraid of

honest

administrators

his

neighbour, hearts,
in
in artificial England, are too often petty fortresses,
which
on
pride,caution, and suspicionare incessantly
and to break down
the watch
to guard against surprise,
these
barriers and effect a lodgment is frequently
the
work
but in India, amongst
of years;
Anglo-Indians,
them,

of

the
and

every

one

thrown
wide
is reversed ; the gates are
intimacies and cordial (though,perhaps, not
case

are
lasting)
generallythe
feelings
acquaintance.

Both

extremes

are

bad,

as

all

result

of

extremes

live amongst
and kindness
confidence

to
indubitablyfar pleasanter

whose

to

rather than

guarded ;
rigorously
belief,shuts out more
good than
too

my
evil.
"

Sahib,

apartment
am

ka

some

daktiar
time

liyr" said
after dark, on

the

always
few day's

are

open,

but

it is

those, the
are

supinely,

system,

one

the other

proaches
ap-

admits

'tis
of

enteringthe
day of which I

servant

the

speaking.
"Gernon,"

friends

must

observed

part

Augustus, "the best of

palankeenis ready outside,and
Mr.

your
waits
orders."
only
your
I arose, walked to the terrace, and

there

was

my

equip-

MEMOIRS

The

age.

OF

sentimental

St.

169

GRIFFIN.

Pierre,with all the

Frenchman,

valuable
"

describes

accuracy

equipage of his
to blunderingas
doctor,who, if as subject
truth-seeking
that
himself, might have been a long time in discovering
of

thus

the

treasure.

of Calcutta furnished
Company'ssuperintendent
the doctor with everything
for Ms journey to
necessary
of
of a palankeen,the curtains
Juggernauth,consisting
which
of crimson
were
silk, wrought with gold ; two
relays,of four each, of stout coolies or bearers ; two
for
common
porters; a water-bearer; a juglet-bearer,
his refreshment; a pipe-bearer;
umbrella-bearer, to
an
shade him from the sun ; a nuslogee(!) or torch-bearer,
for the night; a wood-cutter
cooks ; two camels and
; two
their leaders,to carry his provisionsand luggage ; two
his approach; four sepoys, mounted
to announce
pioneers,
The

Persian

upon

horses,

escort

to

him

and

standard-

of England !"
bearer,bearingthe arms
less importand bound
I, being no philosopher,
on
a
ant
of this splendour;
mission, could pretend to none

consisted

turn-out

my

bearers

or

(for in

;
upon coolies)
immediate
my

bamboo;
carried
iron

an

and

eightor
palankeen,

time, whatever

my

doctor's,it

in the

case

of

was

not

may

usual

banghy, or

to
two

have

ten

cahars

been

the

keens
carry the palaning
baskets, contain-

elastic
an
necessaries, slung on
mussaulchee, or link-bearer; the torch

by the latter being formed of rags

and lookingsomething like
spindle,

rolled about
a

bandaged

stump.
I

thought there
and

last

forgetthat

"

would

have

been

no

end

shaking
to the hand-

adieus," with the repeatedinjunctions

I should

always find a knife and fork

and a heartywelcome
at the JunglesoorFactory,
broke
At last,however, I
away," as the fox-hunters
say, I believe,and threw myself into the palankeen; the

not

to

"

bearers, with

groan,

shoulders; the mussaulchee

its

lifted their

burthen

on

their

poured oil on his link from

which, flaring
long-spoutedreceptacle,
up, brought

170

MEMOIKS

the whole

OF

GRIFFIN.

house, trees, and

congregated
group
waved
I
the terrace, with a wild and spectral
on
glare.
half-closed
the
doors
of
threw
my palankeen,
my hand,
the curtain
had
the
act
dropped on
myself back:
and I was
second of my griffinage,
on
soon
my journey
to Barrackpore.
pelled
On we went, through the murky gloom of night,disfor fifty
yardsaround by the glareof the mussaul ;
sometimes
beaten track,at others,splashing
a fair and
on
with infinite caution
or
through wet rice-fields,
traversing
the bridge
some
or
as
embankment, as perilous
causeway
out

scene,

"

of Al

Sirat.

The

sent

soon

me

chant of the bearers

Urree-hy-he-haw

monotonous

off into

which

doze, from

was

only

aroused

by blunderingattempts to put me
occasionally
and my palankeenon board a boat, in crossingsome
lazy
the red glare
river,on which occasions, the torch-light,
the water, and the dark figureson board, would bring
on
old Charon
and his Stygianferryto my imagination; or
the disturbance
when
arose
they set me down, not over
gently,on the skirts of some
villageor thannah, preparatory
bearers.
to a change of
At the end of the first stage, one
of my active bipeds
opened the doors of my palankeen,
popped in his greasy
and, with
reeking with oil and perspiration,
frontispiece,
said something I did not understand,but in which
a grin,
the word buckshish
was
(presents)
remarkablydistinct.
Go to the d
1,"exclaimed I ; boxes,no sumjha*
"

"

boxes."

tried it on another tack,and, placing

My friend now
the fingerof one
hand
in the palm of the other,with a
knowing look, repeatedthe word
rupee."
Oh, thought I, are you there ? I see your drift ; but,
knowing they had alreadybeen paid, I abruptlyclosed
the doors and the conversation
with thundering
at once,
Jow-jehanum I "f a phrase I had pickedup (without
"

"

i. e., understand.

f Jow-jehanum;
it is not

usual

peremptory

to mention

to

"

ears

injunctionto proceed to
polite."

placewhich

OF

MEMOIRS

knowing the precisemeaning

171

GRIFFIN.

Capt. Marpeet,
natives, made
frequent

it)from

of

who, in his intercourse with the

of it,as a sort of receipt
in full.
use

passed the greater part of the followingday with a

planteron the road, a friend of Mr. Capsicum's,and
started again in the evening.
I

The

fresh air of the

nocturnal

journey,and

flat,and luxuriant
the

ryot

I looked

country

moving

was

aroused

morn

out

to

all

his

We

out.

in

were

seemed

nature

second

after my

me

work, and

rich,

smiling;

ruddy

streaks

of coco-nut
appearedthrough the tall,tufted stems
taree-palms,
blushing Aurora
trulylooking out of
barred

I calculated

the

the East.

of

casements

and

that I

must

be

now

end

the

nearlyat

of

journey; and this suppositionwas, in a few minutes,

most
officer, in
agreeably confirmed
by a young
red raggie and hunting-cap,riding up on
a
a
pony,
and addressinga few words
bearers in Hindoto
my
my

stanee.

I looked

hard

well-known
The

features of my

recognitionwas
I

out

"

is

courage,

would
that

"

have been

swelled

dear Tom

How

glad I

which

tumbled

he
in

effect;
his

from

close

embrace

; true

high treason
our

to

the

which
feelings

bosoms.

am

to

"

you !
! but I should

see

have

known

you

should

"Well"

Thus

off

electrical the

!"

How

So

Rattleton.

"

grown
you are
old
fellow."
anywhere,
"

and

locked

soon

close embrace

dear Frank

My
"My

recognizedthe

affection,like true
shaking
handand a mere
grapplingaffair,
desperate
a

moment

"

"

were

instant

an

schoolfellow, Tom

mutual,
chapeau ;

rolled,sans

we
tattoo, and
aye, I say in

at

him, and in

at

we

I you, old boy."

eh" and how goes it ?"
explodeda volleyof queriesand

escaped by
suddenlyinverted.

fitful
There

jerks, like
was

no

water

interjections
from

acting here,

bottles
but

172

MEMOIRS

heartyburst of honest
we
were
breathing.

OF

nature

"

GRIFFIN.

fresh

as

the

morning

air

sumed
greetinga little subsided, I reand on
positionin the palankeen,
my recumbent
the bearers,jolting
went
along at a rattling
pace, having
apparentlycaught all our animation, with revived hopes
of
trotted alongside,talking
buckshish''
Eattleton
and in a short time the military
cantonment
incessantly,
of Barrackpore
broke in view.
tion
We
life and animacrossed the parade,
where all was
soldiers drilling,
recruits on
one
leg doing,the
;
shouting,and
beating,drill-sergeants
goose-step,drums
buglessounding.
We
passedthrough the lines,throngedwith sepoys in
friend's
their graceful undress, and were
at my
soon
bungalow, in "which, after dismissing my bearers, I

The

of

warmth

our

"

entered

to

another

shake, as

and

take

me
quarters. Eattleton
gave
my
handle
if he had been working a pump

up

cordially
bidding me

certain

describes

laid the

writer,who

India, when

not

our

quite

hero, I

welcome.

so

have

well
been

of

scene

known

told, as

as

romance

at

in

present,

sailingin a
of the Ganges,

bungalow on the broad and placidsurface

to traverse
which, by a slightgeographical
error, is made
the vale of Kashmere.
Now, though I give my reader
credit for knowing something more
than
of the matter
be unof a bungalow may
not
acceptable,
this,a slight
description
nevertheless.

occupiedby Europeans in India are of

two
house
havilee, or kottee
; the pucka
descriptions
and the bungalow. The former
of brick or stone, is
flat roofed,and, exceptingin Calcutta, almost
always of
all on
the ground floor,
one
are
story; *. e. the rooms
raised from
the ground ; they have
though considerably
Venetian
windows, and are encompassed,wholly
green
or
partially,
by a terrace, covered with cement, shaded
by a verandah or awning.
The
of the cottage, or, I
bungalow partakes more
The

houses

"

"

MEMOIRS

should

OF

173

GRIFFIN.

being,in nineteen
of twenty,
out
cases
ponderous thatch,
requiringfrequentrenewal, the operationsof the white
and periodical
rains soon
ants
convertingit into a cake
of mud, through which
pactoleanrills frequentlyfind
their way to the interior,
meandering down the walls.
The
structed
bungalow is invariablyof one
story, and conthe principleof a single or
on
double-poled
tent, or routie,accordingto the size ; the resemblance
to tents occupied by officers is indeed
striking,
though
which
and which the copy I cannot
is the original
say.
in
It has usuallydouble
that
walls,though
some
cases

perhaps rather

which

the

to

answers

say, the barn,

covered with a

is little more

outer

than

of

range

pillars.
between, called the verandah, is occupied
by
palankeen,camp equipage,"c. ; there,too,
the bearers,or cahars, lie and
snore
during the sultry
hours, tillroused from their slumbers
by a kick from
The

space
master's

master's

foot

there, too, the patientdirgee,or snip,sits

hard
cross-legged,

at

work

on

the

beebee

dress,or the sahib's nether garments, which

with

his great toe

skill of the Order

and

the

next

one

Quadrumana,

to

to

ball-

sahib's

he holds

it with

on

all the

the astonishment

of

beholder.
griffinish
Talk of our
lightfantastic toes," indeed ; what are
they to a black fellow's,adorned, too, with a fine silver
Mais
The
to boot !
revenons.
great-toe-ring
ceilings,
instead of lath and plaster,
cotton
are
composed of coarse
the

"

"

cloth, whitewashed, and

stringsto
cornice
the

framework

between

airy hall
hold

of the

to

straw

close

rats

their soirees

and
the

the
and

dansantes

running

view

by

rafters

the
is

round

the

projecting
dark

bandicoots, who
and

or

conversazione

void,
times
some-

in

and varied squeaklively

chicks
(blinds),and jhamps (frames
bamboo), and sometimes
glass doors, serve
the latter are, indeed, pretty
entrances;

it,careeringover
ings. Purdahs,
of

this and

from

tags

numerous

of bamboo

concealed

and

apartment,

tied with

the

cloth with

174

MEMOIRS

except

common,

OF

at very

GRIFFIN.

uncivilized

and

out-of-the-way

stations.
and is expensive to carry
reptiles
but slenderly
about; officers 'bungalowsare, consequently,
A couch, one
two
or
tables,
suppliedwith moveables.
half-a-dozen
book-shelf, a settrinjie (or
chairs, a
and which also
cotton
carpet,with blue and white stripes,
for the tent when
serves
marching),and a few wall-shades
Indian
of an
"c., generallyconstitute the adornments
Furniture

harbours

officer's residence.
In

the

abodes

of

whose
civilians,

lots

are

cast

in

and who lead less erratic lives than the

places,
pleasanter
and have far longerpurses, thingsapproximate
military,
fort.
more
nearlyto the English standard of luxuryand com-

militarystations,puckha flat-roofed houses are

occupiedby the generalcommanding,
rare, and generally
in the receipt
of large
other exalted functionary
or
some
At

allowances.

bungalow was a regularIndian sub's abode,

and fell wofullybelow
my standard of comfort, though
in his opinion,formed
on
more
experienced views of
Indian
life,it was
quite as it should be.
In the first place,the grand salon, or salle a
ger,
mancontained
one
camp-table,two chairs and
square
a
half, a footstool of basket work, in the shape of a
devil (the thing played with two sticks, I mean) ; his
hog-spearand gun occupied one corner, and hard by
quite so large as the
hung suspended his library
; not
Bodleian, to be sure, but containing,
nevertheless,some
of books.
sort
very good cut-and-come-again
a
First, there was
family Gibbon, properlydocked
and
curtailed, a present from his grandmother; GilMy

friend's

christ's

Grammar

Williamson's

Vade

Mecum,

and

Glass's
Mother
Taplin'sFarriery; the Tota Ktihanee*
Cookery, and a ponderous tome, which I at first took
for a Family Bible with explanatorynotes, but which
*

Tales

of

Parrot.

176

MEMOIRS

legson
quiteat

table,bade

the

OF

me

GRIFFIN.

do the same,

and

The

home.

make

myself

the

hookha, and
pipeman brought
the bearer pulledthe punka, and we proceededto discuss
a plan of proceedingfor the morning.
In the first place,we
call on
the colonel this
must
morning," said Rattleton ; he is a very good sort of
takes matters
and patronizesme
easily,
man,
especially,
but is rather tenacious of having proper
respect paid to
him ; then, after that,I'll introduce
to the general,
you
"

"

and

of the other officers of the

some

station,
corps and
in the park,where

eveningwe'll drive you out

you'llsee all the beauty and fashion of Barrackpore.
devilish nice spinsjust
By the way, Frank, there are some
now
here, which, perhaps,you'llnot be sorry to hear."
but I hope, Tom, you're
not," I replied
;
Certainly
not
thinking of committing matrimony justyet, are
and

in the

"

"

you

"

don't

Why,

"

there's a
exactlyknow," said Tom ;
little girlhere, who has made a sad hole in my
very sweet
oh ! Frank
heart ; such a pairof eyes as she has
but
made
I have
resolutions
a hundred
you'llsee.
against
but one
orbs
glanceof those death-dealing
being spliced,
"

"

sends

all

them

about
fiitting
at

Frank,

minute.

see
are

you

that
not

very
bad
a

"

to

create

moth

plainly.Perhaps,though,
looking fellow, you may

keep down or divert a little of the fire of

artillery."
Why, I don't know," said I, laughing;
easy
safe

like

am

chief
candle, and shall go plump into the mis-

last,I
as

shivers in

to

"

diversion

besides,who

knows,

in these

if

cases,

that
"

terrible

it is not

and

not

successful,but that the

so
over

fire

changed into that of jealousy,and

opening another sort of batteryon me !
feel for you, Tom,
I can
for already my
But seriously,
amazingly riddled by a charming
poor heart has been
lady we left at Madras, and more
recentlyby a
young
widow.
Ton
think
I
the
Orientals do
life, begin to
my
wiselyin lockingup their women."
of your love
that you may

may
be

be

gt(iH!e"!t*g^

MEMOIRS

OF

177

GRIFFIN.

beginto think so too," said Tom, with a sigh:

deal of mischief; at all events,
they do a confounded
should
be
those radiant and Mokannah-visaged dames
closelyveiled with good opaque stuff,as you muzzle
dangerous dogs."
What
! But your plan would
be of
a simile,Tom
avail ; a mere
no
masking of the battery,which, upon
with more
fit occasions, would
us
deadly
upon
open
"

"

"

effect."
Whilst

aside,and Cherby Khan

drawn

was

translated
subadar

"

mean

room

and Loll

and

"the

Hindostan, well off in

fattens

blind of the

Sing (which
red lion"),the

corporalof my friend's
their morning'sreport.

or

in to make

native of

mind

fat lord"

the

lance-naick

and

marched
A

chatting,the

thus

were

we

the

pany,
com-

world, and with

regularlyand

surelyas a pig
subadar
The
stall-fed ox.
was
or
a
consequentlya
punchy, adiposelittle fellow,something of the cut and
a

at ease,

Mon

"

build of

Gil

oncle

Perez"

tall and

spare, and
of his inches.

contrary, was
man

On

as

as
entering (stiff

showed

The

and

very proper

ramrod),

naick,

the

little

the

on

some
hand-

subadar,

good civic rotundityin front, threw out

his rightarm
with a jerk,which might have
horizontally,
almost dislocated it from the shoulder-joint,
and
then
tary
bringingup his hand to his cap, saluted in a most miliall was
and reportedthat
well," sub ucha"
style,

who

"

in the company
of the
of the poor,"for so

This

items
to be
a

;
"

appearedthere
these proved,I

two

going

he

designatedmy
little

was

tor
protec-

friend Tom.

correspondencein

afterwards

"red
to

lion"

knock

Tom

now

understood

to

the

from

Tom,
three deserted,
hospital,

stepped brisklyforward, as
down

made
me
crack, which
chair, and proceededat once

"

or

in the gross, with which, however,

dead, five gone

men

Purwar"

lost,and sundry other mishaps.

musket
The

Gurreeb

the statement

was

it

"

"

recovered

almost
to

his

jump
''

unfold

with

arms

of

out
a

tale
N

if

"

my
of

178

MEMOIRS

considerable
"

and

length,to

which

GRIFFIN.

friend

my

khoob,"-\-though it

Bhote

perplexedlook

his

OF

understand

and

statement

air,that he did not

said
point of fact,the afore-

In

which

evidentlyone

was

pretty clear, from

was

embarrassed

of it.

one-third

"UcJia"*
replied,

involved

some

knotty pointfor "the protector of the poor's"decision,

and
tangiblein the way of
requiringsomething more
the aforesaid

than

comment

Bhote

"

dismissed

My friend,however,

khoob"

him

"

with

Peechee

call againtomorrow
deferred," a sort of
phrase,much used in India,when time is sought
salute from the subadar, another
be gained. Another
"

hookum"

"

orders

'

to

formidable

crack

wheeled

their

on

fusee from

of the

heels, and

Loll

Sing, and
Buggy

both

"

exeunt.
"

juldee" ("bring quick the gig"), Jal kreech

sash and
sword"), shouted
(and "give me
my

lou
do"
Kat-

tleton.
A

of

sort

whiskey, which

my
the

friend

found

the

his

sportedon

door.
He
at
soon
was
ensign'spay, was
duly
and drove
off to the
equipped,and in we both stepped,
of my
bungalow of Colonel Lollsaug,the commandant
friend's regiment,which
I shall call the 95th
N.I., or
"

Bullumteers"

Zubberdust
were

ushered

hookha,

with

We
his

of

sort

India.

Tom,

who

rose

as

was

thereabouts, with
he

was

in

as

his friend

gaunt

sallow

colonel

tea

almost

not

near

universal
hands

in

with

six

cheeks,

the

him,

recentlyarrived.

figureof

sunken

smoking

before

entered, and shook

we

whisker
grizzled
dressed

of cold

the breakfast

me
presented

colonel

tufts of

sneaker

of
prolongation
He

The

in, and

corner

feet two, or
and two
little

of

his mouth

morning dishabille,

uncommon

consistingsimply of a shirt and red camlet jacket,a

pajammas, or native trousers, tied
pair of immense
with a silken string at the waist,whilst an immense
pair
with curlytoes as long as
of spangled Indian
slippers,
rams'

horns, adorned
*

"Well."

his

feet;

an

embroidered
"Very well."

velvet

MEMOIRS

OF

179

GRIFFIN.

perched on the top of his

scull-capwas
he was
as
altogether
strikinga specimen of
gender of the Orientalized European as I

head
the

and

epicene

had

yet

as

seen.

colonel asked

The

I liked India ? what

St. Paul's

it

like nature,

questionsof a
replies.
I had

the

stood where

Rattleton

told him

month, if it could
undertook

be

to

to
so

all of which
old

were

we

strong desire

recentlyarrived ? how
folks were
doing at home ? if
used to do ? and sundry other

if I had

me

I gave

able
suit-

and that
schoolfellows,

do

duty with
arranged. The

his corps for a

colonel kindly

the matter, and told Tom

to introduce
instructed in the
who would have me
to the adjutant,

me

to

manage

and manual
drill,

and

then with the

men

colonel

The
the

grand

went

off?

Tom

generalwas
"

she

two

of

young

if he had

been

at

before, and

how

it

ing,
evenvery pleasant
good
dancing,and some
a

strong suspicionsthat the

little"fou."

Well," said the colonel; "that's all right,but

there ?

"

Who,

"

Come,

"

Ton
too

"

come,

asked

my friend,very
that won't do, Mr.

I know

was

"

sir ?
"

colonel

are

or

other

some

friend

had, and they had

lots
supper,
that there were

and

my

evening

an

said he

songs,

asked

now

ball

second

platoon,with
regiment.

all about

innocently.
said
Slyboots,"

it ; ha ! ha ! ha !

the

"

honour, sir,"said Rattleton,blushing, you

"

my

enigmaticalfor

me."

"

said the colonel, who

in a bantering
was
Capital,"
humour
;
why, Prattle tells me it's all settled,license
written for,and that you are
ately
going to cart her* immedi"

ha ! ha ! ha !

"

"

that all this had reference to the

of course,
with the fine eyes.
spinster
Though my friend affected
*

upon

saw,

strong phrase for driving a lady out

as

symptomatic of

an

in

buggy

approachingmatrimonial

; in

India,looked

crisis.
N

180

MEMOIRS

ignorance of

GRIFFIN.

evidentlyflattered hy
being made the subjectof such an agreeableon dit.
Whilst this was
going on, I was startled and surprised
by seeing the head of a very pretty Indian lady,with
jet black locks, large gazelleeyes, and a huge gold ring
in her nose,
pop from behind the purdah, or curtain,and
the

the

OF

matter, he

exclaimed,

of which

owner

was

the top of

at

very shrill

Dhyya Paundaunneelou."*
The colonel said something rather sharply.
To vau," pettishly
exclaimed
and the
the apparition,
head
and
a
withdrawn, and
pretty he-ringedhand were
immediately from an opposite door an
elderlyblack
duenna, with a pair of wrinkled trousers, or pajammas,
and half-concealed
by a cowl-like sort of muslin robe,
in a stately
marched
sans
certmonie, her anklet
manner,
bells jingling,
the apartment, with a huge
right across
voice,

"

Urree

"

metal
a

under

box

betel-box, and

colonel's sultana

Egad,
East

thinks

rather

After

her arm, which

which it seems
stood

in need

little

conversation

things in

I
space to which
Memoirs
will not admit

the

in the West.
took

we

received an invitation
having previously
evening with the quaintcommandant.

CHAPTER

the

of.

to

more

was

the article which

was

myself, they order

from
what they do
differently
I

learnt

I afterwards

to

our

leave,

dine the

next

XVI.
have

THE

limited

minute

myself in

account

heard, said, and

did, during my month's

Barrackpore; it will,therefore,suffice if I

of all I

these
saw,

sojourn at
touch lightly

illustrative
prominentcharacters and occurrences
of Indian
life,during this periodof my griffinage.
Tom," said I, as we left the colonel's bungalow, do
tell me
who
that fine dark damsel was, with the ring in her
had a glimpsefrom behind the curtain."
we
nose, of whom
a

on

few

"

"

Oh

! nurse,

bring the

Paun

box.

182

MEMOIES

would

is, if you
and

drew

and

bevy

of

of the
due

presentedin
Tom

some

account

home

to

the

to

me

on

pound,
com-

to

whom

and
adjutant's,
he promised

the
to

then

occasion, and

future

was

of

rest

give me
we

went

tiffin.
vernorride in the Godelightful
wheeled
as
we
along through
all the beau monde
of Barrackpore,

the

rounds,

its mazy

pretty extensive

generalcommanding,

evening we had
General's park, and

In

judices,
pre-

form.

took

next

into

of whom
brother-officers,

his

as

drove

be

up before a largepuckha-house,with
and orderlies in the verandah
; this was

servants

the residence

it must
effectually,
peculiarfeelingsand
bull by the horns."

by takingthe

not

he said this,we

As

GRIFFIN.

men
govern
of their

medium

through the

OF

saw

friend's

also my

innamorata, with

very livelyconversation, as
in which, with
the barouche

whom

had

we

some

drove

slowlyalongside
takingthe
party, she was

we
a

air.

Having visited the menagerie in the park,stirred up

and plagued the monkeys a little,
drove to
the tigers,
we
Colonel Lollsaug's.
The colonel gave us an excellent dinner,wine
ably
admircooled, foaming pale ale India's prime luxury
and some
There
five or
mutton.
were
capitalhome-fed
"

officers

six

present, and

unrestrained
of
war

former
or

and

order; and

war

gave

passing in the
enjoyed.
Being young,
me
was

to

fortunate

other
the

listen than

on

and
me

Indian

and
to

that I

the

was

old recollections

upon

prospect of promotion and

promotion,for such is their natural

a
greater insight into what was
militaryworld than I had yet

better for
I thought it was
griffin,
it
be prominentlyloquacious
; and
adoptedthis conclusion,for,amongst
a

the extreme
topics,
youth of the present
with much

conversation, which

turned
agreeable,

stations

rather

the

"

forwardness
"

animation.

i.e. of

and
that

assurance

day
"

was

of
cussed
dis-

MEMOIRS

"

It's too

conduct
I

they don't
did in my juvenile
air of the
regretful

lads
young
said he, with the

and
man
young
out, we
thought it necessary and proper to
littledeference and respect to our
seniors in

came

exhibit

'"'

colonel

the

remember,"
temporis acti,

laudator
first

as

183

GRIFFIN.

true, I fear,"said the

themselves

days.

OF

some

age and rank

some

"

"

inconsistent

however,

and

is hail-fellow-well-met

was

and diffidence in

reserve

not,
and

when

with

due

our

degree of

opinions,
firmness

but
forsooth, your beardless
self-respect;
now,
younker,fresh from school, claps you on the shoulder,
all
destitute
man

or

and

of

good

confidence

the
that

of

master-charm

takes

woman,

with

so

in

you
a

of

powerfula

instant,

an

of

hibiting
ex-

fifty quite
modesty, which, in

man

hold

"

the affections

on

will."

observations,though perhapstrue in themselves,

I thought a little ill-timed,and not
wholly consistent
with his own
proceedings. However, they were cordially
These

assented

to

by

by

of the

some

one

"

old

"

hands

ticularly
present,par-

caustic, and
ill-dressed,

slovenlyold

named
captain,
Langneb.
"You're
right,colonel, quite right,sir; they're all
major-generalsnow, sir,at starting;know everything
and
for nobody. There's
care
Snapper, who
young
joinedus the other day an idle,dissipated
scamp ;
young
and is spendkeeps four horses,gives champagne tiffins,
ing
three times
the amount
hailed me
of his pay
only
last night in the park by my surname,
sir
no
by
prefix,
George ! no handle, though I haven't spoken to him five
told me
times
I had got a pretty beast there (meaning
morrow
horse), and asked me for the loan of my buggy tomy
"

"

"

"

such
life ;
"I

do you think of that, sir ?

Never
met
fellow in all my
forward, self-sufficient young
a
but he's going to the dogs as fast as he can."
am

allowance
his

What

afraid he
to

is," said another;

be made

for him.

familyat home, tells

doating grandmother,who

"but

there's

some

Thompson, who knows

he was
me
brought up by a
spoilthim, indulgedhim to

184

MEMOIRS

top of his bent,

the

things all

"

and

inordinate

an

send

Never

own

love

of

ad

money

"

hence

way:

children

your

GRIFFIN.

contradicted

never

his

OF

tum
libi-

pride,selfishness,

pleasure,the natural results.

to be
brought up by grandmothers

affection,which
owing to their unbounded
sure
passes through the parent as through a lens, they're
to spoilthem."
;

of whist

rubber

and

the

at
eveningvery pleasantly

told

on

me

with

me

take

The

many

he

had

Eattleton

day

next
to

that

of the

some

of whom

seemed

he

At

hoped

desired

the

parting,he
to

soon

see

the

adjutantto
littlepreliminary
tion.
instruc-

took

married

chess concluded

colonel's.

that

hand, and giveme

in

me

visits

great kindness

parade,and

of

game

another

me

round

of

of his

acquaintance,
agreeablepeople,but possessed
men

degreesof refinement; also to the houses of

three widow
ladies residingat the station,all of
two
or
had pretty daughters
whom
nieces seeking that which
or
it was
natural and proper they should seek, eligible
partners,
"John
with
whom
to
Andersons,"
youthful
jog up
the hill of life together.
It was
discovered, that
abundantlyclear, and I soon
of various

little affair of the

Rattleton's

for wherever
extensively,

we

heart

had

went

he

got wind
had

to

pretty
the

run

in one
sly innuendo
shape or
Like Mr. Dangle, however, with his
another.
teer
volunsolicited solicitations,"
he bore it all
fatigue and
very philosophically.

gauntletof

and

banter

"

"

Tom
that he

"

was

was

to

handsome
have

his
the Govern

or-

an

married

it

was

well known

regimentalstaff
first cousin

being
second
General's
military
secretary's
Under
"

as

the first vacant

aunt

first husband.

ranked

fellow,and

these

and
eligible,"

to

circumstances, my
the

old

ladies

pointmen
apof

wife's
friend

could

not

valid
altogetherfor passing over the more
claims of their daughtersand nieces; and the daughters
their
and
to conceal
nieces, though they endeavoured

forgivehim

MEMOIRS

chagrinunder

OF

the

guise of
ference, were
evidentlynot
Mr.
Kattleton's
presumed

185

GRIFFIN.

transparent indiffer-

very
whit

satisfied with

more

election

in favour

Miss

of

Julia Heartwell.
The

first widow

Mrs.

whom

to

Brownstout, the

fallen

victim

paid

we

relict of

respects

our

field officer who

was

had

jungle fever several years before, and

who was
her pension at
on
residingin great respectability
did and do.
other widows
She
Barrackpore,as many
had lived for some
time in England after her husband's
death, but quittedit after a time in disgust,findingboth
climate and people too
of an
cold to suit the warmth
Indian
temperament; her frankness startled folks,and
her unreserved
looked
expressionof opinionwas
upon,
the
evidence
the
of
doubtful
as
a
worldly-wise,
amongst
sanity.
Of this lady,as one
of a class,I must
present the
reader with a slight
memoir.
Mrs. Brownstout, after the loss of her husband,
her
poor dear Browny," as she always called him, had nobly
a

to

"

her shoulder

set

to

wheel, and, with

quickened by

perseverance

and

the

which
parentalaffection,
Indian

than

had

obtained

(armed

with

potent weapons,

his part
of an
the management
Of

on

three

still unmarried,
no

and

Board,

though

intention

to

bulk

and

it

die

decentlyavoided.
Mrs. Major Brownstout
where

by

the

siege to

exhibit,

two

sons

prayers

of

the

good-hearted

of
storm, after a feeble show
for a third she had
obtained

indigofactory.
daughters,one had married

hail of the Medical

had

laid

orphan)

director,and carried him

resistance

for

so

militaryappointmentsin India, having

those

the

duty

more

often

so

battle for her children

stout

she had

and

sex

able
admirof

livelysense
(and none

widows) thus circumstanced

fought a

widow

the

all that

Lucinda

and

doctor

and

Maria

within
were

shrewdly suspectedthey
vestal virgins,if it could be
was

was

rather

beauty

are

dark, and in Abyssinia,

synonymous,

would

186
have
it

OF

MEMOIRS

considered

been

she exceeded

was,

five

some

or

the

GRIFFIN.

as
remarkably fine woman
; but
English standard of beauty by

six stone.

and

Fatness

good-humour

united, but which

is the

are

cause

almost
and

found
invariably

which

the

effect

"

good-natureor good-nature fat is

which
old
of those profound mysteriesof nature
one
Burton
might decide,but for which I have in vain sought
solution.
a satisfactory
and possessed
Mrs. Brownstout
was
quick,penetrating,
and
kindliness
of heart
of that frankness
a largefund
Eastern
which I have, in the course
of my
experience,
the ladies of
almost
found
characterize
to
invariably
fat breeds

whether

mixed

blood

"

in India.

and prejudice,
Societyfull oft,by its folly,
oppression,
begets the faults which it affects to hate and despise;
and the fact of any
classes being looked
down
upon,
which
is more
less
half-caste
the case
or
as
regards the
Eurasian
or
throughoutIndia (though less so in Bengal
than in the sister presidencies),
has a depressing
dency,
tenwhich naturally
tion
placesindividuals of that descripin a highlydisadvantageous
position,deadening the
energies,and preventingthat free and natural play and
and
expansion of the mind
feelingswhich are ever
the
results of knowing that we
the
stand well with
world.

spite,however, of these sinister influences (having

American
same
our
originwith those which actuate

In
the

brethren
and

in their conduct

which

to

their coloured

countrymen,

bear my
loudly condemn), I must
fellowhumble
testimony in favour of our Eurasian
who, far from combining the vices and defects
subjects,
of both races, as has
often been
cruellyand flippantly
declared,seem, on the contrary,as far as my experience
ness,
upwards,to unite with the gentlegoes, from griffinage
of the
and fidelity
of the native many
placability,
virtues of the European character, though certainly
sterling
lackingits strengthand energy.
we

so

MEMOIRS

iron nerves,

But

OF

187

GRIFFIN.

consists the

in which

superiority,
requireregulationas well
delicate organizations
of the East
more
tends to effeminacy,
the other, under

and
one

of manliness, too often tends

to
one-sided
freedom
called tyranny.

land

of freedom
!

"

where

mayn't shoot

man

Yankee

said Matthews'

better

and

lish
Eng-

the weak

as

if the

for

fancied

the

and
ferocity,

character
that

of

secret

"

Call

his

this

ger
nig-

own

could

volume

not

that Irish reciprocity

of rightswhich
express
and Jonathan
to
are
so
patronize. But to
prone

John

"

return.

This

engraftment will probably produce those permanent

and
there
which
f
ruits,
moral,
social,
political
native singlycould be exneither European nor
pected.

from

Englishgreyhound,taken

The
in time

and

of his energy

most

to

valuable

and
qualities,

produce decidedlydegenerates;but the

native
dog of that speciesproduces an

the
the

with

much

amongst
We

of the

constitution

with

cross

animal
of

the

in
one

of the other.
courage
illustration of my
position
of creation, but it perhaps

and

good.
found

Mrs.

mystery

some

speed

sorry to seek an
order
the lower

am

holds

Indianized

the

is united

which

loses

India, dies,or

in the

Brownstout

of

dress

to

of

act

explaining

a
dirgee (tailor),

slender

ungirdledshrimp, standing,scissors

amidst

accumulation

vast

One

ladies

of the young
paintingflowers.

was

of

muslin

in

and

little

hand,
ribbon.

penning a billet,the

other

d'ye do, Rattleton, how d'ye do?" said the

lady,as we entered, addressingmy friend bluntly,
of her "boys." "I can't get
was
evidentlyone
talk to the girls."
to you, you
see, so

"How

old
who
up

The

young
me

ladies,however,

arose,

and

Tom

duced
intro-

to them.

On

takingmy
such
questions,

they asked me
how long I had

seat
as

few

been

common-place
in India

? how

188

MEMOIRS

if I had

I liked it?
forth

so

; to

OF

GRIFFIN.

latelyarrived

all of which

I made

This

Barrackpore?
suitable replies.
the old lady and
at

and

her
piece of formalityover,
themselves,
evidently
impatientto unburthen
daughters,
opened upon Tom instanter.
Well, Rattleton,"said Mrs. B., drily, what have you
been
have
become
? you
a
doing with yourselflately
? what
perfectstranger. Have you broughtus any news
is doing in cantonments
is dead" and
is
? who
who
"

"

wed?"
"

I know

said Tom
;
nothing of buryingsor weddings,"
do
and
which
I
about
they're
melancholysubjects,
grave
not trouble myself."
I admire
Well, indeed ! retorted Mrs. Brownstout
;
that amazingly ; we
all consider
of the
one
you
greatest gossipsof the station."
Perhaps,mamma," said Miss Lucinda, archly, Mr.
Rattleton is too much
engaged with his own
ing
approachnuptialsto think much about those of other people."
Oh, that's true," said Mrs. B., with mock
gravity;
they say you are going to get married ; is it true,
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

Rattleton?"
**

who
"

Oh,

could

Oh,

Tom

nonsense

have

have
had

have

we

mere

and

Barrackporegup

scandal;

"

told you that ?

it from the very best

authority."

laughed.

"

"

Well, Mr. Rattleton,when is it to take place? asked

Miss
Lucinda, dipping her brush in her pallet,and

touching up
imaginable.

drawing with all the nonchalance

I do so long to know ; and who are to be
? I hope Maria
to
or I shall be admitted

her
"

the bridesmaids
that honour."
"

Oh,

yes, when

am

married, you

maid,
shall be the brides-

the lady consenting;

certainly,
take
like

it,is
me

Many

rather

do with

true

remote.
a

wife,who

word

What
can

on

but

earth

hardlytake

event, I
should
sub
a
that

care

self?"
of him-

spoken in jest,Mr. Tom, thoughtI.

190

MEMOIRS

brass

spurs,
all

which

OF

thought

GRIFFIN.

he

clanked

rather

tatiously.
osten-

exquisiteand the
soldier are
not
incompatible),
Adjutant Wigwell was
evidentlya zealous officer,
proud of his regiment,and
devoted to drill and duty ; this I had learnt,indeed,from
With

recent

this, however

and

observation

(for

the

report.

common

bevy of khote havildars (i.e.

havildar- major
with the sergeant-major,
pay-sergeants),
gulating
deeply engaged in the very important matter of reof
the number
the length of a pouch-strap,
holes it should
have, and the precise positionof the
stalwart
buckle, and tryingthe fit of the same
on
a
six feet two.
grenadierof some
The
thick- set
a
Englishman, little
sergeant-major,
than half the lengthand twice the breadth
of the
more
in the act of adjusting
it,with the
giganticsepoy, was
native
assistance of the havildar- major, the adjutant's
right-handin a sepoy regiment.
AdjutantWigwell received us kindly,shook me by the
ourselves
hand, and begged us to be seated and amuse
tillhe had dismissed the business
then attending
he was
This being
moment.
a
to, which would not detain him
if I had ever
and knew
been drilled,
over, he asked me
and
platoon,"c. ; to which
any thing of the manual
constrained
to replyin the negative.
questionsI was
take you in hand
Well," said he, smiling, we must
and make
soldier of you.
a little,
a
Sergeant-major,"
ing
standsaid he, addressingthat sturdylittle functionary,
We

found

him

amidst

"

"

"

in the verandah.
"

Sir," said

the

sergeant, touching his hat, and

ping
slip-

in.
*'

"

man,
SergeantGiblett,"continued he, this young gentlehe will soon
Mr. Gernon, is doing duty with us;
have
attend
all drills and
to
parades; but, in the
meantime, you must
give him a little instruction in
marching,and the manual and platoon,with the other
officers recently
arrived to do duty."
young

OF

MEMOIRS

sergeant again saluted, and

The

atended
"

191

GRIFFIN.

said it should

be

to.
"

Eattleton,"said the adjutant, your

that ?

was
; how
yesterday
Why, I believe
"

and

nervous,

it

fault,"said Tom

was

my
confounded

that

fired

men

badly

"

"

was

gunpowder, the grains as

swan-shot, blowing in my face from the men's

must
more
so ; however, I
summon
me
my
pans, made

big

as

force

time."

next

"Do,

dear fellow," said the

my

noticed

it,I

justto give you

"

He's

love him
eyes

fellow,"said Tom,

friend
at

company

next

near

day
the

colonel

friendly
way

Mr.

Gernon
it may
he with

be

Tom

took

lines,used

to

me

of

complaint."
Wigwell. Kat-

cause

had

parade;

"

and I
warmth,
excoriated,and my

be," said

a
you, you know," added
the benefit of your experience."

The

with

cheeks

my

that's all as it should

Well,
tleton, your

in

me

"the

hint."

rather have

I had

desired

damaged in future,than givehim

"

your

noble

and

you,

assure

adjutant
;

"

better fall in with

pleasantfor him, and

smile, can give him
"

low,
unoccupiedbunga-

an

for various

purposes, in order
in the manual
and

might have my first lesson

platoon.
found
We
Sergeant Giblett alreadythere,and talking
who
seemed
much
to several cadets or ensigns,
amused,
and listening
to him
attentively. And that, as near as
when
I first jined the army
under
1 can
kal-ki-late,
was
Lord
Lake"
his Excellency Lifttennant-Gineral
was,
however, all we caught of the yarn.
introduced
Rattleton now
to my
me
brother-aspirants
for militaryglory beardless
tyros, wild as unbroken
colts,and all agog for fun and frolic,in whatever shape
it might present itself.
that

"

"

"

"

You've

never

had

no

instruction

plytoon,I think you said,Sir

touchinghis hat.
You're quiteright; I did
"

"

in the

man'il

and

said the sergeant to me,

say so."

192
"

MEMOIRS

then, sir, if you

Well

OF

GRIFFIN.

it's the

please,as

first day,

jistas well for you to look on."

missing
Now, gin'lemen,"said Sergeant-MajorGiblett,dishis countenance
of colloquial
at once
familiarity,
wrinkled
of
and assuming the
front
stern
duty ;
i
f
we're
of
gin'lemen, you please
a-losing time,
now,
and had better begin. I think you're all here, with the
hexception of Mr. Wildman, and he, I am
given to
this morning."
onderstand, is ill-disposed
of the young
hands in the squad
At this speech one
winked to his neighbour,as much
to say,
as
Twig the
he exploded with laughter; his next file gave
sergeant
him a jerkor dig with his elbow
he lost his balance,
tumbled
againsthis neighbour,and a general derangement
it'llbe
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

of the ranks
"

followed.

Come, gin'lemen,
gin'lemen,"said the sergeant,half
"

this won't do
this won't never
do ; if I am
to
angry,
and plytoon,
teach you your man!
be steady
you must
life.
must
Come,
tendon," said he,
upon
my
you
"

"

if determined

as

up ! Order
Shoulder!

! up

secundum

artem.

and

throwing open his shoulders,

Shoulder
!
to proceed to business.
Onfix
!
bagganets! That's all right.

brisklysquaringup,

"

up! That won't do, Mr. Cobbold; you must

catch her up sharper than that.
Now, please to look at
sir,"takingthe musket in hand, and doing the thing
me,
Another

half-smothered

laugh again disturbed the

little sergeant's
self-complacency.
Oh ! this can't be allowed,gin'lemen. I'llgiveit up
I'll giveit up, I will indeed.
I'll report you all to the
if this here larkinggoes on, I will."
adjutant,
rank
This threat had a sedative effect on the disorderly
who
looked
and file,
now
wonderfullydemure, though
with that mock
and constrained
gravitywhich threatened
the next
fresh outbreak
on
a
elocutionary
attempt of the
self-important
sergeant.
"Now, gin'lemen,
you'llpleaseto observe that,when
"

"

I says

'Shoulder!'

"

will you

look

this way,

Mr.

Wild-

MEMOIRS

OF

if you
please?
each take a firm

goose,
must

the

"

'

'

then.

'Up ! you
Shoulder'!
That's

'Up!'
"

the head

That's
'

As

as

you

'

Grist

was;'

you

'

left-hand

the said

you

right.

not

'

piece (a
middle ; and when
I gives
chuck
her up sharp. Now,
her higher, Mr. Cobbold.

it,Cobbold, take
from

"Order!

it."

Cobbold's

exclaimed
on

must

'

Shoulder

says

'grist' (grasp)of his

titter) justhere, about

the word

'

when

"

193

GRIFFIN.

"

What

that is, as

are

doing, sir?

were,' I

afore

crack

ing.
shoulder-

you
you

was

you

getting a

awkward

'As

I says

you're at, man,"

on

man,

Cobbold's

were!

When

what

care

means

rewertingto

"

pisisbion. Eight about face ! That's it.

when
Left about
I says
face,'you'll
Now, gin'lemen,
trary.
thing, only directlythe conpleaseto do jistthe same
Steady,gin'lemen,if you please steady! Now
in file" quick march"
march
lock-upstep !
man."
Brown, mind where you'retreading,
1)
n
it,I can't help it ; don't be so savage."
time ! that is,keep moving without advancing.
Mark
Halt front ! left back'ards wheel ! Now, gin'lemen,
you'll
that when
I gives the words
be pleasedto remember
Quick march ! you'llfall back'ards on the pivotman
that is to say, on the wheeling pint all one
a
as
gate
its
!
march
that's
that's it, gin'lemen
on
'inges. Quick

your

former

'

"

"

"

"

"

'

'

"

"

"

it."
In

this

stylethe good-humoured

little sergeant

was

wont

to

instruct

us

but
in

consequential
the

rudimental

gloriousart of war.
On breaking off and dismissingthe awkward
squad
the young
round
men
composing it assembled
Sergeant
Giblett,who appearedto be a prime favourite amongst
them, and he on his part was
evidentlyso much
pleased
with them, that it was
that his
obviouslywith difficulty
good-natureallowed him to maintain that dignitywhich
he evidently
felt,and which ought to be the inseparable

part

of

the

concomitant

of command.

194

MEMOIRS

"

Well, sergeant,

OF

how

GRIFFIN.

did I do

"

to-day ?

"

"

Why, sir,"said Giblett, it's not my wish to flatter

DO
gin'leman,but you have sartainlyimproved in your
marchings."
And
sergeant,"said another, how do I get
me,
"

"

on?"
"

little more
I say,
'she?'"
"

all

right,if

sergeant, what

makes

you

you

sogers
alw's goes

by

calls it
"

Oh,

"

Take

"

pays

the

Brown

denomy-nation of

musket

call the

know, sir, the firelock among

of coorse,
(it'sdifferent,
among

Why,

we

you

attention."

"

'Kopeyarn*
the Seapiesf)
Bess, and

so

she.'"

that's

it,is it,sergeant ?

glassof
Thankye, sir,I
a

grog,
don't

"

Giblett,after
care

"

?
fatigues

your

if I do."

bearer, black fellow," said the donor,

brandy, shrub, paw?ieys sergeant, ko do" (i.e.,
give
"Here,

"

he

Why, sir, you'llsoon

you

the sergeant

brandy-and-water).
SergeantGiblett took the empty glass,extended
in

arm

one

head

his

some

direction to
in

have

another; bearer

turned

whilst he
filled,

it

applieshis

his

teeth

to

the

to get the cork out.

brandy-bottle
You
were
sir, I think, about the
a-axing of me,
that is,
battle of Laswarrie, in which
we"
cellybrated
the ridg'mentI then
was
belonged to
present, under
"

"

Liftteunaut-Gineral
near

the

Lord

Lake

stiffest business

we

had.

yes, that
There was

pretty

was

the

of the French

talions
bat-

Munseer
Donothing (Dugineral,
derneg): and very good troops they was, though not so
good as our Seapies. Hulloa ! he exclaimed, breaking
off in his story, and looking towards
the tumbler, which
the bearer was
busy in filling, what's this here man
about ?
he's a-givinme
all the bottle of brandy ; here
"

"

"

come,

you
*

*T

must

put

Europeans

"

some

thus

Seapie,sepoy.

of this back."
pronounced by English soldiers.

MEMOIRS

OF

195

GRIFFIN.

said the liberal donor,

sergeant,"
drink it all it won't hurt you."
This was
justwhat SergeantGiblett wanted.
Well, thankye, sir ; but I'm afraid it's over
strong.
towards
healths."
Ginlemen, here's
your very good
So saying,Giblett drained
off the dark potation a
the empty glass,and
set down
regular north-wester
took his leave,reserving
his
for another time.
yarn
"

No,

no

nonsense,

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

XVII.

CHAPTER

Sergeant Giblett I became,

in the mysteriesof
in a few days,sufficiently
a proficient
marching, "c., to allow of my fallingin with Lieut.
it was
and
Rattleton's company,
the left grenadiers,*
of the
consequently arranged, with the concurrence
that I should make
on
paradewhen
adjutant,
my debut
the able

UNDER

tuition

the battalion

next

was

of

for exercise.

out

after
taking place,
day previousto that event
a
tiffin,
sepoy orderlybrought in the regimental and
station orders ; and Tom, after reading them, directed
to a paragraph in the former,
my attention particularly
On

the

which

thus

ran

"

The

"

There

parade for exercise to-morrow

furnished with ten
morning, at a quarter after gun-fire,
rounds
of blank cartridge
per man."
will

see

regiment

will

first time in your life."

You're
there," said
wrong
"

forgottenmy

recent

than
*

In

you
the

company
A
have.

native

gunpowder
"

siege

regiments

"

there

seen
a

are

far

"

"

have
;

why

do
you
active service

though

more

pursuit
two

Dacoits

the

you
for the

to

seem

you

bristle up,

I have

to-morrow

engagement with

to
sir,"said I, affecting

command

"

! my
sub," said Rattleton
little service,and smell

rout

"

and

grenadiercompanies, in

European corps only one.

o

196

MEMOIRS

retreat,

OF

pretty well,I take

are

GRIFFIN.

it,for

ensign

an

of two

standing."

months'

Well, that's true, to be sure/' rejoined

balls fired
friend,laughing;
you have, indeed,seen
ha!

"Ha!

"

my

grievousbodilyharm, and againstthe

sovereignlord the king but I would sink
peace of our
the bolt,Frank, when I talked of my Junglesoorexploits.
But, seriously,
trappings
get all your military
you must
and I'll see that you are called in good
ready over-night,
time in the morning."
I retired to bed rather earlier than
usual, oppressed
with a most
alarmed
state of feelings,
thing
someunpleasantly
the
akin, probably,to that which a man
experiences
to
or
night before he is hanged or has to fighta duel
encounter
novelty. I wished the
any other disagreeable
other
or
initiatory
process fairlyover, having somehow
allowed
anxietyto work on my imagination till I
my
picturedit as something very formidable.
I was
aroused,next morning, by Eattleton's singing,
intent

with

to

do

"

"

"

with

reference

to

arise ! Britannia's sons,

the shoulder.
"

up,

! what

Eh

rubbing my

"

Come, my

the gun

Arise,
state, I suppose,
arise,"and by a rough shake of

what's

"

"

dormant

my

the

matter

"

said

I, starting

eyes, and

yawning.
sub, jump up, jump up

parade! parade!

has fired."

"

Why, it's pitchdark, Tom/' said I, still stretching;

surelydon't go to parade in the middle of the
you
night?
"

"

Tom

assured

me

it

was

the

proper

hour, and

that

it

light; his bearer ran in at the same

back
moment,
open-mouthed, to say the colonel was on horseand had justridden past.
I
This
announcement
; so
quickenedmy movements
nest, and, after n,
reluctantly
jumped out of my warm
miserable cold dabble, dressed myself by the light of a
candle, "in the lantern dimly burning,"buckled on my
would

Andrea

soon

be

Ferrara, brushed

up

my

hair,took

peep

in

the

198
Zubberdust
and

MEMOIRS

OF

Bullnmteers,

was

always gallopedthree

It

all

was

excitingand

as

fast

as

strange

to

me,

to

was

falchion
dreams

was

to

soldiers,which

of

game

about

now

myself

in real military
participate

only viewed, with becoming awe,

mimicked, as a younker,with penny

of tin.

sary.
neces-

find

hitherto
or

officer,

smart
prodigiously

times

thus, for the first time, about

proceedings; the actual
had

GRIFFIN.

la distance,

drum

realize

to

and
of my

one

of

boyhood.
misty veil has long rested on those days,but
stillI can
recal the stirring
interest I used
to experience
when
fair-day, marched
the recruiting-sergeant,
a
on
behold
him, with
throughour village. I think I now
his drawn
sword and flyingribbons, proud as a turkeyTime's

all the tag-rag and bobtail at his heels.

glorious
thing I thought it was to be a soldier

cock, with
What
a

"

and

actual soldier
real,downright,

fightthe

French

the little duckleggeddrummer,

even

red

coat,
the fifer,
or
he strode valiantly
wear

longed to be

How

to

"

as

through the mud, with his long gaiters very littleolder

than
real
to
wear
a
myself,too, and yet privileged
sword ! Even
the gawky smock-frock
clowns, won
by
the sergeant's
touchingthe joys of a soldier's
eloquence,
life,and forming a part of the tail of this flaming
"

meteor,
"

Ah

!" I used

soldier when

real
a

of my

share

envy.
"

mentallyto exclaim,
am

man

!"

I'll

Here, then,

be
certainly

was

zation
the reali-

bond

fide regiment,real guns,

colonel,and all,and I a constituent portionof it
in a great
word, an officer ! Thus, my gratification,
;

in

in for

came

"

measure,

"The

downright

overcame

battalion

the colonel ; and

funeral,I behind
littleman

away
my

we

went,

sepoys,"

as

sword

"

march

solemn

as

drawn,

!" roared
mutes

stiff

at
as

was

an

the

most.
rightleg foreMayor's carriage,
and I in a nervous
moment,
agitating

in the Lord
It

tremour,

my uneasiness.
will pass in review

lest I should

commit

some

blunder.

We

turned

MEMOIRS

OF

199

GRIFFIN.

and we
the band
struck up,
angle of the square,
approachedthe salutingflag.
Rear rank, take open order !
The native officers made
the same,
a long leg; I did
and found
exposed to
myself in front of the company,
To use
but expressivephrase,
a
generalnotice.
coarse,

the

"

"

"

"

"

was

in

kept a

if I did
We

as

devil of

Ye

me.

stew."

close eye on
my
he did I could not

approached

upon

the

powers,

captain,however, thinking,
be wrong.
;

if such

there be, who

steps short and long, and

he

colonel

saw

all others

the

had

his eye

over
preside
deep mysteries

did I then need

parade, how much
your
What
aid !
mighty effort did I make to keep step.
Within
salutingdistance,Tom brought up his sword ;
I did the same
to bring
; but, looking forward, omitted
it down
Isee,
again, till a cough from Tom, and an
old subadar,
Sahib !
from the half-laughing
(thus, sir,)
caused me
the littleomission.
quicklyto rectify
drill and

of

"

"

Well,

we

close and

formed

open

column, solid squares,

what
on
not
squares to receive cavalry,and I know
and
earth besides : there was
a fearful drumming, firing,

and

with the noise and

half-stupefied
charging, and I was
embodyings and disrapid ravellingand unravelling,
Chinese
puzzle. However, I
persingsof this animated
stuck close to the rear
of my sepoys, and bore up through
it wonderfullywell upon the whole.
astonished

How

our

descendants,

centuries hence, will be, methinks, when

become

one

consolidated

they ponderover
extermination

they sigh over

mass

ingeniousmodes
Thus," they will

the

man

or

four

shall have

of intellect and

our
"

three

some

aberrations

and

as
morality,
wholesale
of effecting
exclam, perhaps,as

barous
follies of their bar-

"
'twas thus they shot, slashed, and
ancestors,
impaled one another ; in this way they attacked and
tion
defended ; and thus they invested the machinery of destruc-

with
and

the

of music, the
all the pomp
splendourof decoration."

of
glitter

ornament,

200

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

however

Some,

historians and pious

(distinguished
Christians too), strangelyenough, take a very different
view of the matter
maintainingthat war is an inherent
that without it we should become
adjunctof the social state
utterlyenervated" sink into stagnation,and that,
"

"

in short, there
destruction
it

must

considered

as

intellectual and

an

as

without

all is

at

viewed

man

action

mutual

puzzling but that,

and astounding. Between,
mortifying

be is both

ever

for

healthy

no

! that it exists

however,

hope

he

can

and
perfection

who

those

endurance, that bears to be

honour, that fires at a look;
"

"

animal, and

mere

man

moral

being,those who
despairof it, Quaker
"

and
morbid
spat upon,
between, I say, all these

views and
conflicting
lightsand
practices"these cross
honest
thinkers
are
oppositeprinciples many
sorely
puzzled to make up their minds on the subject as to
"

"

whether
of

combativeness

nature, which

our

conflict

is, or is not,
must

as
occasionally,

the

break
necessarily
atmosphere brews

The

or

war

be

not

destined

element

inherent

into

out

the

pest:
tem-

swell the category

of past follies,witchcraft,persecutions,
astrology,and
the like ; and to this view I for one
honestlyincline.
"

whether

as

an

to

and

steam,
right mental culture
proper
social organizationand international
co-operation,
may
press

do wonders
the

"

continues
long, however, as war
ratio
regum" the arbiter,for want

to

so

"ultima

of

be
a

be shown
let all honour
to
better,of national differences,
those who, in wieldingits powers,
display,as British
soldiers do, some
of the noblest qualities
of our
nature,
and who, though yieldingto the necessityof shedding
blood, stilllove to temper courage with humanity, and to

mitigateits inherent evils.

At length,as all thingsmust, our
exercise came
to an
end.
The
pean
The
dismissed.
officers,Europarade was
and native,fell out
on
dismissingtheir companies
and

advanced
waited

towards

the

commandant,

who,

as

is

tomary,
cus-

in front to receive them.

Having saluted, and

returned

their swords

to

their

MEMOIRS

scabbards, there

OF

was

201

GRIFFIN.

generalunbending,and

laugh

round.
went
joke and the news
does
the
Well, Rantipole,how
grey carry you ?
did you give for him ?
dibs" (i.e.,
hundred
and fifty
wouldn't
Two
rupees)
;

and

the

"

"

What

"

"

take four hundred

for him

this moment."

at

puffed in
CaptainSyphax, drily.
"

Isn't he

"No,
"

Who

"

?
fore-leg

hop last night?

brigademajor,was more

"

"

does your affair come

Nonsense
! how
him

"Hear

on

hear him

you five
old Toorkie

"

that my
the course,

round

once
"

Done

! but

it's a bet

chicks,* and

gold mohurs,"
beats your

"

said

one

of

purchase

new

p."

p.

don't

"

! hear the Benedict

I'llbet
""Rantipole,

subs,

when

Tom,

way,

"

do I know

"

said

Roundabout's

Mrs.

at

was

off

of."

that I know

not

that

little

the
they say that old Crosslight,
attentive to the widow."
than ordinarily
Oh ! I didn't hear that
by the

the

the

sport gold mohurs

or

don't

mind

if I

say five
make
it

ten."
"

thing to

bet fowls

your Indian
which is not
Tom
mnn,
"

to

on

apparent
and

Here," said he, in

never

griffyou
to

chicks

heard

Never," said I.

"

What's

race

isn't it rather
? this
the

suppose,

odd

an

is another

of

reasonableness

of

like

all present.
whisper,and pullingme

mad-

of

! chicks
;"

not

aside

sequins,or chequins
fowls,as you imagine: have

that before ?

"

"

glance."
laughed at my query,
at

the astonishment

you great
abbreviated

I, aside
horse

customs,

stamped

"

you

said

Chicks, Tom,"

are

"

the

joke, Rattleton,what's the joke?" said

the colonel, good-humouredly;
let's have it,and
come,
don't keep it all to yourself."
"Oh, nothing,sir,nothing particular,
sir,"said Tom;
"

Chick

or

sequin,four

rupees.

202
"

MEMOIRS

nothing,but

rather

"

little."
rather too hard upon

"

stories of
Tom

friend

my

Rattleton, I

him," said,

could

tell

few

I chose."

if
griffins

felt the

of

me

afraid you are

the colonel ;
remember,
am

GRIFFIN.

griffinish
query

tickled

Gernon's, which

OF

rebuke, and had the laugh turned against

him.
colonel

The

addressed

now

me,

and, in

and

very kind
I
in which

encouragingmanner,
eulogized the way
had acquitted
in public,
myself on my first appearance
adding, I hope we shall send you to your regiment up
reflect
and
calculated
the country quitea proficient,
to
"

credit

on

your

instructors in

the

Zubberdust

Bullum-

teers."
anxious that I should
was
worthy commandant
have
an
insightinto the various branches of military
attend regime
mental
duty,the adjutantwas desired to make
courts-martial,invalidingcommittees, guard
mountings, "c., that I might see how these duties were
As

our

carried
The
one

on.

first court-martial

for the trial of

black

attended

drummer

was

regimental

for theft.

bungalow of the superintending

who is always an European, and whose
officer,
duty it is
the proceedings
which he records, assisted by
to conduct
the regimental
who is also the quarter-master
interpreter,
of the regiment.
Shortlyafter our arrival,the native officers composing
the court
made
all large,
their appearance
; they were
podes,
portly men, singularcompounds of those moral antithe European and the Asiatic.
Instead
of the black
militarystock of the English
officer,
they wore, over white cotton collars,necklaces of
gold,formed of massive embossed beads, each almost as
largeas a small bean or nutmeg ; the overalls of the
the Dotee, or waistmajorityhad been pulled up over
cloth
article of dress,containingalmost
cloth,a Hindoo
enough to serve for the envelopmentof a mummy.
Tom

took

me

to

the

204

MEMOIRS

Persaud,

OF

day, in
CaptainMarpeet, when
one

my

GRIFFIN.

asked

presence,

friend

your

lounging at my bungalow, what

the reason
of it ?
We
was
are
puzzled, Sahib/ said
he. 'to make
it out; they are
either of no
value, and
given to us, as baubles are to the BabaLogue (children),
else you gentlemen,who led us on, and shared in our
or
dangers and hardships,are very ill-treated by the Kumbeing allowed to share
pany Ungruis Bahadour, in not
in the distinction,
which we should
if
more
prize much
'

officers did share it."

our
"

That

"

It

shows

like

seems

said
poser,"

"

does," repliedTom
into what

errors

mere

plausible
; but

'tis

I.

unassisted

reason

it

just
lead

may

us."
"

But

said'

what

Marpeet

it ? he

to

is

right loyal

"

'

and

John.'
always sticks up for the Honourable
Why," said Tom,
Captain Marpeet,being a bit of a
that
to old Davy Persaud
logician,
proved syllogistically
man,
"

all

"

was

it should

as

he, 'and

be, thus

established

an

'

It

well

was

known,' said
pany
Com-

fact,that the Honourable

liberal,generous and considerate masters

and inconsiderate
they don't do illiberal,
impolitic,
are

that

things

to
Marpeet brought his conclusions
demolished
David
Perbear in high style,
and regularly
saud's position;'ergo,this must
be all right,though
Your
the other way/
friend,however,
are
appearances

"ergo,'

and

confessed

to

have

been

he

afterwards,that when

me

glad

could

he have

sporteda

had

frozen

that each

native

attendant,generally
some
carryinghis chair,and
some
"

home

he should

bit of ribbon

of

them

at

show

of
the mountains
on
patriotically
blow for old England at Laswarrie

Nepaul, and struck a

and Putpergunge."
I was
much
and
surprised,
observe

at

hole, or something of the sort, just to

his button
that

there

not

little

amused,

to

accompanied by an
simple looking Coolie youth,
niture
odd three-cornered piecesof furofficer

was

were.

Torn," said I, sotto

"

voce,

there

seems

to

be

no

MEMOIRS

of chairmen

want

is it usual

chairs in this

205

GRIFFIN.

tellme,
meeting; but, seriously,

at your

for the

OF

native

officers to

carry about

their

"

of way ?
answered
that

sort

it generally
and
that
My friend
was,
alterns'
not
only native,but European officers did the like,subwith
bungalows not being usuallyoverstocked
furniture.
"

possessionof

The

rightto
added

chair, by the way,

sit in it in the presence

of his

and

the

European officer,"

"

or
prerogativeson which the subadur
jemadar sets a high value."
a little,
Tom," said I, and
Enlighten my griffinism
thereof."
expound the cause
Why, the reason," rejoinedmy friend, is,I believe,

he,

are

"

"

"

"

this.

No

inferior in India

ever

unless squatting on
superior,

sits in the

his

heels

on

presence of a
the ground

have perceivedthat
may be so considered ; and you must
offered to a sepoy or non-commissioned
chair is never
a
under
of long detention
native officer,
any circumstance
or

the

the
same

like,which
rank

it would

in those

cases;

perhaps be
in

to

Europeans

fact,if it were,

of

it would

think you
would
were
stoutlyrefused,and the man
he gets his
But when promoted, when
bantering him.
commission, he acquiresa status in society,is an
uppiof the sirdar
one
ser
(an officer),
logue, and in some
respects on a par with his European superior. He now
kanta
and
sets
or
;
sports a gold necklace
up a chair
and a tatoo
of his
concomitants
(pony),as indispensable
rank
newly-acquired
ridingon the one, and in all probability
the other, for the first time in his life.
on
sitting
I have been a good deal amused," continued
to
Tom,
them sometimes, when
seated opposite their houses,
see
rather huts, in the lines, enjoyingtheir otium
cum
or
chairs,illustrating
dignitate in these same
amusingly
legspartlydoubled
enough the invincible force of habit
under the arms
projecting
up under them, feet slantingly
thereof, instead of depending before,according to the
adopt
Blacky does not readily
usages of Christendom.
be

'

"

"

"

206

MEMOIRS

and

habits

new

he often

mars

OF

GRIFFIN.

European improvements ; or
their objectby engrafting
on

if he
them

does,
thing
some-

of his own."
"

say,"said I, from what I have seen, that

this is true enongh."
"A
ued
gentleman up the country, for example,"contin"

I dare

"

introduce
time ago, wished
to
into his garden,with other
of the wheelbarrow

Tom,

some

the

use

English

improvements ; when next he went there, he found the

coolie, or gardener'sassistant, to his astonishment,
his head, with a load of
on
carryingthe wheelbarrow
week
I gave
a
gravel. Why,
vagabond
ago,
my
bawurchee
(cook), whom, you know, I sent to the
tin flour dredger,that I might
a
rightabout yesterday,
food
be
of
spared the mortification
having my
unnecessarily
manipulated. The very next time I went
the bawurchee
khana
to
(cook house), I caught the
villain takingthe flour in pinches out
of the perforated
head of my dredger(as one
would take a pinch out of a
it over
Ah ! 1 fear
snuff box) and sprinkling
the cutlet.
that nature
to be managed
designednatives and jackasses
by the cudgel!
to a T,"
Why, that is CaptainMarpeet's principle
Sound
said I.
thrashings,according to him, with
"

"

"

meant

are

races,

some

to

of sound

the purpose

answer

reasoningswith others ; it requirescaution, however, in

applyingthat principle.For example, it would be far
from safe to try it on
of those big-calvedfellows
some
one

sees
"

your
who

behind

You're

right,Frank"

remark.
cannot

the coaches

It
and

does
will

at

home,

y ou' re
seem

not

eh, Tom?"

"

right;

unmanly
retaliate.

foundly stupid and provoking; and

spanielalwaysinvites a kick."
By the time we had terminated our

see

to

the drift of
thrash

those

But

they'reconcrouching
your

fl

aside,"the native

tling
little fuss and ratsaluted,and after some
into a quiesof their huge sabres,had settled down
cent
in his own
state, each man
proper chair, and wear-

officers had

MEMOIRS

ing

his hat

OF

hravelyas

privilegioas

cum

207

GRIFFIN.

Lord

ray

Kin-

sale himself.
a smart
officer,
Light Boh,
superintending
young
cap,
in readiness with his recordingapparatus
his foolswas
and his pen and ink.
The
interpreter
opened his
to
hook, containingthe forms of oath to be administered

The

"

the

Christians,Mahomedans.

assembled

united
cordially
creed
The

and

colour

rightof

common

every

justice.

"

black-bearded

wrapped in many
pollutingtouch

the

administer

to

Hindoos, all

and

fold

or

Moolah
of

stood

by with
linen, to guard

Koran,

it from

the

whilst the regimeninfidel,

tal

look of the

brahmin, his forehead

the

marked

with bars

of ochre

and

also in attendance,
was
pigment,indicative of his sanctity,
holdingin his hands a brazen vessel,filledwith the Gurtja
a sprigof
jhull, or Ganges water, in which was immersed
On
these two
(as I was told)the sacred toohie.
bols,
symsulmans
foundations
of their respective
faiths, the Musor

and

Hindoos

are

sworn.

The

directed the prisonerto

officer now
superintending
be brought in, and an orderly sepoy
immediately called
Aundo
out
Bridgemaum !
What
does he mean
by that ? I inquired.
"He
means," said Tom,
bring in the prisoner,'
Iridgemaum being the native way invariablyof pronouncing
the English word
prisoner.'"
"

"

"

"

('(

'

The

first native

Mahomedan
After

sworn

was

Rustum

Khan,

an

old

subadar.

salutingwith deep respect the

faith,he received

it from

of his

palms of
his hands, holdingit thus,with a look of profound veneration,
whilst the regimentalinterpreter
recited the form
of the oath, which he repeatedafter him.
The
Hindoos, received the vessel containingthe
in their hands,
and
to
were
sworn
Ganges water
in like manner.
judge impartially
The trial now
began.
The prisoner,
little black devil of a drummer,
a poor
the

Moolah

volume

on

the

208

MEMOIRS

asked

was

;
guilty

to

by

GRIFFIN.

interpreterif

the

which

OF

he

"

replied

Jo

he

guilty,or

was

ka

up

kooshee"

not
as

terprete
in-

hy Tom, "whichever my lord pleases."

the superintendingofficer relax
This naive replymade
his judicial
also smiled.
gravity. The interpreter
could
The
stolid old subadars, however,
perceive
and one
in it, evidently,
of them
nought but stupidity
(ass),say one
angrilysaid to the prisoner, Guddah
"

or

the other."

Being, with
ignorant of

the

the examination.
that he
which

exception of
language,I could

the

reader

The

few

not,

may,

words, wholly

of course,

however,

lost any
not, in consequence,
it would
be of much
consequence
has

rest

follow
assured

information
for

him

to

obtain.
seemed
to
superintendingofficer and interpreter
have it all their own
way, rebuking crude judgments and
irrelevent questions,
"c. (justas a judge bothers a stupid
jury); layingdown the law to the subadars and jemadars,
nodded
like Chinese
who
mandarins, in deep
acquiescenceto their superior wisdom, saying "such
The

bhat

and

The

bhote

khoob."*

native officer,
before

coming

into

the

Court, has

of six) made
in five cases
out
generally(i.e.,
up his mind
after a long bhat cheet
(chat, or discussion,as to the
guiltor innocence of the party),touching both the act
and its criminality
sion,
; but is guided in his verdict or decinevertheless,pretty much
by what the European
officers may
him : his own
to
peculiarnotions of
say
justiceand good evidence are, perhaps,clear enough;
but, confused by European refinements, the sublimityof
self
which
his untutored
mind
cannot
reach, he yieldshimpassivelyto be guided by the dicta of the Sahib

Logue.

Upon the whole, when the Court was cleared,and Tom

and I repairedto his bungalow, I felt that I had added
in having
something to my little stock of experience,
*True"

very

well.

MEMOIRS

witnessed

this mode

209

GRIFFIN.

OF

administering
justicein

of

sepoy

corps.

The

committee,
of

purpose

I need
is

veterans

admirable

one

strongly than

more

us

the firmest

foundations

at a

have

for further

occasion

to

it binds

listened

children,as
medals

pany

of

our

in

power

period of my

is

India.

has

his

workings.
native village,

recounted

scars,

after

two

or

rose-coloured

children's

deeds, showed

his

his

and

is

note

(though

had

from

house

was

to

me
gave
left for
been

always couleur

not

circulation

on

bearer

this,my

vast

being carried
The

XVIII.

billet,which

missives

there

career,

cerely
spoken with, I believe,sinof the "Kumof the generosity
gratefulfeelings
Angraiz Bahadour."
and

DAY

which

of

one

ently,
Frequ-

Indian

to

he

soldier

its admirable

observe

CHAPTER
A

the native

the old veteran, in his

surrounded
pleasure,
by his children, and

I have
with

service,
worn-out

anything else, and

advanced

more

I had

mities
infir-

or

age
active

describe.

not

an

validing
in-

an

for the
periodically

soldiers whose

unfit

them

was

system of grantingpensionsto old and

The

to

attended

body assembled

examining those

rendered
which

the kind

thing of

next

in

India

house, and

in this way.
from Miss Lucinda

almost

"

little

of

me,

de

rose)

all

munications
com-

family to family,
it

was

written in

hand, and sealed with a dainty device

crow-quill
me
(" qui me ntglige,
perd"),or something of that sort,

delicate

and

contained

soiree

music

"Here
"

from

is
your

an

in
invitation,

ale,on

her

mamma's

name,

to

the

followingevening.
an
(a provoke),Tom"
friend,the stout gentlewoman ;

said

invitation

shall

go?"
p

I,
we

210

MEMOIRS

"

Brownstout's

GEIFFIN.

the

Ob, certainly,"
was

Mrs.
at

OF

reply.

are
parties

"

I have
the

amongst

similar

one.

agreeable

most

her guests are

alwayswell selected and
the grand desiderata of all social meetings.

Barrackpore;

well assorted
I like her

"

and

her

received

daughtersamazingly, having

the

unaffected

most

kindness

old

as
lady, indeed, looks upon me
if there were
not
insuperable obstacles
entendez-vous
?
I might become
Frank,
Perhaps, Tom," said I, "that's what

The

"

"

from
son,

and,

in

the

way,

so

"

No," repliedhe

she is

she

reality."
is

euvering
man-

above-board, and incapable

is

proceeding;she

in

effect."

to

of such

both.

her

"

"

formly
uni-

schemer"

no

would

be

girlsto worthy men, in an

to effect it by little
scorn
open, honest way;
crooked
arts : never,
Frank, if you please,
say a word to
in my presence."
of Mrs. Brownstout
the prejudice
Why, Tom," said I, astonished, what's the matter
doubt,

glad,no

her
marry
but would

to

"

"

You're
with you ?
offence to you, and
"

Say

more,

no

for

as

say

dear

my

cannot

If any
floor him."
I

touched

was

You're

by

word

my

hasty; but I
imputationon those I
againstyou, Frank, I'd
I

was

friend's

warmth.
generous
said I, squeezinghis

worthy fellow, Tom,"

no

more/' said Tom, stoppingmy

no

said

one

meant

"

were
jesting,and
you
of an
bear the shadow

regard.

fellow; I

"

"

mouth

"

warm,

"

but pray heaven

we
may be sparedthe necessity
love for one
of showing our
another
in that way, though

hand

times

past.

stock
at

pretty often

battled

have

we

Do

pummelling we

"

Ha

! ha !

he had

us

caught
At

the

ourselves

out

brace

other's defence

in

"

do, indeed, Frank

of school, and in

; the fellow

cul-de

sac

thought
;

but

he

of Tartars."

appointed hour,
at

each

remember, by the bye, the jointgave Jack Grice, the cobbler,when

you

old Thwackum's

in

Mrs.

the

Brownstout's

evening,we
bungalow. From

next

found
the

212

MEMOIRS

there

Then

was

jokesin

the driest of
three

GRIFFIN.

jovialold

took

Tweed, who

the

OF

snuff

from

surgeon

of

out

the crahhedest

of tongues

and

two

or

visitants

to

the studied

in
Barrackpore,exhibiting,

well-tied

of

mull, and cracked

distinguG-looking civilians,temporary

attire and

the north

cravats,

of their
simplicity
to the
strikingcontrast

of the military who, poor fellows, too

uniforms
gay
all is not
often illustrate the proverb,that
gold that
"

"

"

;
glitters

hence, indeed, the civilian consoles

and

it

wanting

for

consideration

he

that

his

on

has

the

by

coat,

self
him-

comfortable

suff. of it in his

quantum

pocket.
Particularly
conspicuous amongst
at

Mrs.

soul

life and

the

Brownstout's,

was

the

sembled
ascompany
jocoseold collector,

party, who, being remarkably

of the

self
seemed
to feel himvery good-natured,
without danger of misconstruction, to be
privileged,

and
ill-favoured,

wondrously facetious
roundly declared were
rest

no

or

"There

peace
now

with
you
and

pettishly
away,

with

ladies, whom
young
all in love with him, and gave

me

it is," said he, starting

to
lookingpiteouslyand appealingly
Maria

deceased

years ; that he
the true friend

man

his

there it is

elbow, and

again;

you

see

that

pale ale,on
was,

of

he

had

whom
and

moreover,

been
he

had

old friend of
and

hunted

off, for five-and-twenty

Maria's

family,by

the

an

whom

godfather,and
he

sulted
con-

was

Though
weighty and important matters.
a
at bottom
systematicdrole or humourist, he was
of sound judgment and extensive knowledge,and the
on

"

tea;

major, with

shot, and drank

touched

alone."*

I learnt afterwards
the

him

there

see,

Miss
as
company,
asked him to take some
let

he

attentions.

their incessant

the

she won't

the

most

all

benevolent

Shortly after

of human
we

had

kind.

entered,Mrs.

Brownstout

met

us

for
greetingwhich amply made up in cordiality
Maria
it might want
in refinement,and from
whatever
and Lucinda
received kind nods of recognition,
we
though

with

MEMOIRS

OF

There
busy to do more.
of
bravery,doing the honours

they

too

albums

the

the

and

make-

tea-table,exhibiting

good

kindness

obligingtact.

I've
"

the

and

Both

! Are
?

you

to

said

them

loves

my

Heartwell?"

at
directing,
lady,who
young

that

coloured
meet

moved

broad-shouldered

"

her

saying,and

Rattleton

So

it

small

turnouts

not

"

change the

to

that Miss

Julia

time, his attention

hitherto,from her position,

lovelyshe

how

looks

this

roses!"

is," he

replied
;

"

did

not

here."
after
across

young

pause
the

to muster

of Messrs.

he

Swiss
Gibson

sash,his
gracefully-tied
grenadierwings (of which he
and

Ensign

courage,
a

room;

fellow

raggie, or
tight,well-fitting
neatest

would

that either of them

"

So

I declare

creatures;

both."

escapedour observation :
evening,with her tiara of white
to

all,with

to

estimate
of
your
littleblunt, a worthy

yours, is
the same

to

had

expect

the

in

is,though a
dear, sweet

marry

within

"

subjectfrom

Tom

"

I,

quitesure

you

attentive

sense,

Tom, by the way," I continued,

But

towards

girlsare

mind

good

have
"

the mother

family;

woman,

most

right,Tom,"

"You're
this

the

endeavouring to
cheerful

happy"

at home
every one
limits of propriety
and

and

all their

in

were

caricatures,and

the

and

213

GRIFFIN.

was

fine,well-made,
too, and

in

his

jacket (one of the

and Pawling), his

white Cossack

trowsers,

especially
proud),
difficult to conceive a more
it would
have been
elegant
figure,or one in which youth, strength,and symmetry
were
more
happilyblended.
and
Tom
evidentlydid not wish to appear marked
excite more
than could be
observation
to
or
particular,
made
his approachesvery
well avoided ; he consequently
other
ladies of his
speakingto some
gradually,
young
acquaintancein the group before he addressed the oljet
and

I marked
of the

the

was

prettyJulia,who, though doubtless

motive, bit her

lip,and

seemed

ill to bear

aware
even

214

MEMOIRS

indifference.

this assumed

and, like

of

box

OF

GRIFFIN.

love

True

china,

be

must

is

brittle affair,

"

managed

Tom, however, at lengthapproached; many

rebel nature
them, and now,
upon
eye was
"

flag,and

her crimson
tat-too

in other

the little god of love

words,

conscious

the

and
countenance,
full plainly
all that

lovelyJulia's

the

her bosom

told

little heart

beneath.

with

curious

a
"

tion."
cau-

unfurled
his

beat

rat-

blush

overspread
of
palpitations
passingin the

the
was

Ensign Rattleton, with an

attempt at unconcern,
presentedhis hand, and a seat being unoccupiedby her
not
side, he rather awkwardly (forhe was
himself) slid
into it.
Tom

! his

consciousness

that

Poor

his

and

blushes
and

marred
by the
composure,
the object of observation

efforts at
he

her

was

"

tell-tale looks
all

admiration, were

too

of

mingled
palpableto

ness
tenderescape

notice.

him," said the caustic old bachelor

I had met
at the colonel's,giving me
a

"

It's all up
captainwhom

slighttouch
as

with

with

saw

alone, and

"

(children) and

as

in my
life
remain
he is.
as

ever

butchas

"

his elbow

dead

case

well, humph !
"

He'll think
bills

the

come

so

of

splice

better
too

when

let it
the

tumbling

in

togetherby-and-by."
Lucinda
gave

us

now,

at

the

charming

some

which
guitar,

desire
airs

to

of the company,
the accompaniment of the
of

some

peculiar grace ; Maria

afterwards
warbled
the piano, and finally,
to
by particular
the
n
ative
burthen
of
desire, sung a lively
song,
which
was
Hilly milly puniya" to the great delightof
the old collector,who
stood over
her, shaking his head,
beatingtime with his hands, as if quite at home in the
matter, and occasionally
footingit in a mincing burlesque
I was
afterwards told was
a
jocularimitation
way, which
this song is a
of the Indian
nautch
girls,with whom
favourite ; it constituting
of that mellifluous variety,
one
"

she

touched

with

MEMOIRS

I have

which

with
dull

of

ear

since

heard

"

them

startle the

night."

good deal

often

215

GRIFFIN.

OF

of merriment

was

caused

by

the collector's
"

!
earnestness, and the young hands cried "encore
old colonel,present, exclaimed,
of his friends,an

animated
One
"

his

Why,
name)

you nautch
; I did not

Dilkhoob
(for that was
superbly,
at your time
expect such activity

of life."
"

Ah

! don't
"

five- and-

"

don't I ?

what

But

do you
only last

"

said the merry

mean,

sir,by my

old
time

man.
gentleof life?

birthday! We young fellows

be always in action
must
alwaysin action."
You
Heartboth play and sing, do you
not, Miss
well ?
herself to Julia.
said Maria, addressing
that she hardly
Julia,of course, said
little,"
very
ever
played, exceptingat home ;" and that, moreover,
she was
by the vocalist's malific
just then haunted
genius,a cold.
twenty

"

"

"

"

"

The

facetious collector

now

seated himself

near

very
the

who, I learnt from Tom, was

lovelyyoung woman,
adjutant's
lady ; a pleasanttete-a-tcte followed ; the lady
seemed
highlyamused ; the adjutanthimself,who was a
friend of Dilkhoob, soon
joinedthem.
Well, sir,here you find me," said the old gentleman,
The
with your wife.
Sir, I love your wife."
flirting
adjutantsmiled (itwas almost a mauvaise
plaisanterie]
not forbidden
to
Yes, Fve a rightto love her, sir ; Fm
love her as long as I don't covet her ; and so I will love
"

"

"

her, sir."

gentlemen laughed the ladies looked into their

fans
but it was onlyhonest Dilkhoob, the privileged
man
in the
down
Miss
Heartwell
to sing,Tom,
sat
now
most
selectingher
exemplary and obsequiousmanner,
the leaves.
book and turningover
hand
first from
Julia then drew off,deliberately,
one
and
then
from
the other, her silk gloves,of a texture
almost as lightand delicate as gossamer
or
a
spider's
of
web (which she placed on
the piano),displaying
two
The

"

"

216

MEMOIRS

"whitest,softest,and

the

that I think

hands

OF

GRIFFIN.

beautifullyturned

most

heheld

ever

doubt

if Sir

little

Koger

widow's
could have equalledthem.
Coverley's
these delicate fingers like a bevy of
Having run
the keys, as if to ascertain the
white mice
rapidlyover
force and tone of the instrument, she paused,looked up,
and, with a sort of girlish
waywardness,said,
Well, now, what am I to sing ?
Tom, with infinite obsequiousness,
pointed with his
fingerto an air he had selected it was Moore's exquisite
Those
Evening Bells," a song which will endure
song,
retains a rightperceptionof the touching
as
long as man
in the happiest
and the beautiful,and which
expresses,
have felt,when
that inexpliclanguage,what thousands
ably
of distant
sad and sadlypleasingmusic, the chime
bells floating
ing
softlyover hill and dale,falls on the listende

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

ear.

Sweet

bard

of

Erin

thoughts"translator
those paintedbubbles

of

old,

awakened
love and
rooted

of words

of

embodier
dumb

our

of the soul which

of

tenderest

our

emotions

"

fixer of

before thee burst

how

exiles have thy glorious

many
glad ! how many solitudes have they cheered !
songs made
how many
have theysoothed and delighted
!
pensivespirits
how oft have thy soul-breathed words, sung to the strains
at

the touch

and

"

fallingon

finest chords

the

of the

heart,

all its noblest responses, to liberty,

patriotism,
is thy fame, for it is deeply
glory! Immortal

in human

and

human

sympathies,and long
after thou hast joinedthe choir above, may thy melodious
strains float down
the stream
of time to delightthe latest
!
posterity
Julia sung this sweet
air, and several others, with a
she was
the
not
feelingand pathos which convinced me
soulless belle I had
she
at first imagined ; indeed, as
every noble
lovelyface.
sung,
No

wonder

hearts

and

poor Tom
though thingswith him

generous

far

was

had

emotion

gone
somewhat

beamed

la

from

her

Chatelar

happiertermi-

OF

MEMOIRS

nation

it was,

as

he

hung

217

GRIFFIN.

enamoured

her, delighted

over

evidentlywith the sensation her singing had produced,

and, music being the food of love," as we have it on the
this very exciting
best authority,banqueting evidently
on
pabulum.
Miss Heartwell
her seat, overwhelmed
having resigned
with praisesand acknowledgments, another
lady
young
it.
to occupy
was
prevailed
upon
"

followed,when

Several

other songs
silence was
at

The
Mr.

length broken

Dilkhoob, marching
a-kimbo,

her, arms

up
with

to

there

by

pause.
the old collector,
a

was

hostess,and

our

well-simulated

ing
address-

sternness

and

in the following
manner
:
severity,
I've a very
Mrs.
Major Brownstout," said he,
in
serious
of complaint against you,
madam,
cause
and
which
degreeimplicated,
your daughtersare in some
in which I will venture
to affirm I am
joined by all the
rest of the young
peoplein this party."
A
general smile and interchangeof looks between
dently
evithose present was
the result of this speech, deemed
the precursor of something merry.
Well, Mr. Dilkhoob," responded the old lady, who
seemed
what is my transto understand
gression
him,
perfectly
"

"

"

"

"

in

he, "I consider that you have

unusual, a most
inconsiderate,and a

madam/'

"Why,
acted

"

most

said

in invitingso many
extraordinary
manner,
young
without
the
folks to your house, myself among
number,
their
here rubbed
givingthem a dance;" the young men
most

late to amend
too
but, madam, as it is never
that
I propose
faults,and correct our
backslidings,
tenant
do now
have a dance, and that my friend here, Lieu-

hands
our
we

"

and

AdjutantWigwell, be
part of his banditti

solicited

to

send

diately
imme-

beg pardon band, I

in order that we
tripit as we go, on the
meant,
may
lightfantastic toe/ this way/' said he, seizingthe hands
of the laughingdame, and cuttingone
most
two
or
derous
ponfor

'

capers.

"

"

218

MEMOIRS

!"

OF

GRIFFIN.

repeated
by many voices.
carried by acclamation, and
The
motion
was
and Adjt.Wigwellpostedoff an orderlyfor some
"Bravo

was

Lieut,
of the

musicians.

They

made

soon

and a fine swarthy

their appearance,
they were, with their chimney- pot caps.

of fellows

set

There

clatter in the verandah,

preliminary
and
pitchingof instruments, when suddenly clarionet,
and soulcymbal, and trombone broke forth in a glorious
lilt.
inspiring
was

Tables

party

removed,

were

and
as

"

little

the

if

chairs thrust

gaged,
out, partners enportion of Mrs. Brownstout's

younger
suddenly bitten

and

bobbing through the

footingit away, with Maria

by

tarantulas

mazes

of

for my

ing
whirl-

were

"

dance

the merry

partner,

as

well

;
as

the best of them.

A

supper, with songs, serious and comic, a la

minated
Indienne, and the collector quite uproarious,ter-

neat

mode

of

one

in

the

eveningsI
pleasantest

had

yet spent

Bengal.
Miss

Julia went
her

home

in her

palkee;

Tom

and

corted
es-

making
littleby the
a
seven-leaguestrides,in order to converse
way ; I pelting
away after him as vigorouslyas the man
with the steam
leg,though not having an equal interest
in such

to

her

bungalow

on

foot

the

former

violent locomotion.

The

to bid
period was now
approachingwhen I was
adieu to Barrackporefor the Upper Provinces, and exchange
the life of mingled drill and gaiety,
of which the
idea,for
foregoinglittletableaux may serve to give some
of
and
one
constant
to
change from scene
scene,
in consonance
with a rovingdisposition.
more
I was
appointedto a regiment at Agra, but about to
move
to Delhi, the
capitalof India, and which is, or

was,

associated

in

our

minds

with

all, or

much,

that is

in Eastern
gloriousand striking
history.
A CaptainBelfield,of infantry,
of the
from Java, one
Indian army of occupationthere,going
up the country to

220

MEMOIRS

white

huwailie

kotee house

or

GRIFFIN.

OF

of

European residing

some

the banks.

on

We

and

the

from

his

makes

has

the

shore, we
in

had

view

that

which
the

to

progresses

wooded
beautifully
the

boats, and

other

among

dence,
resi-

country

fine effect from

Soonamooky,

or

and

extensive

which
adjoining,
ridingat anchor
distance

Governor-General's

passedthe

soon

park

river; also,

at

little

some

of the

pinnace,
high functionary
state

Provinces.

Upper

It

was

elegantsquare-riggedvessel, with taperingmasts,

is correct, and
painted a light green, if my memory
though tastefully,
profusely,
gilded; hence, in fact, the
an

name.

On

we

rowed

along two

or

once

broke

rah

more

the

"

quarter

"

rapid tide, and

with the

three

bold

on

river, Calcutta

Howmy sight the native town

white
buildings of the European

its forest of

"

"

"

and

of

scenes

titudinou
mul-

shipping swarming ghauts

all the ant-hill

bustle,and animation, opening upon

like the

the

"

splendid
boats"

of

sweeps

coursing

after

scene
us

in

of commerce,
sion,
rapid succes-

diorama.

This

approach to the City of Palaces, however, is by

no
means
equal,in my opinion,to that from the seaward
side.
I next
when
emotions
Widely different were
my
visited this spot.
After many
years'residence

Upper Provinces,
rajahs,hill forts and Hindoo
temples,holy
amongst
shrines and sacred prayagas, groves resoundingwith the
Mahomedan
ruins of departed
cry of the peacock, and
grandeur,exploringthe haunts of the savage Bheel, and
of
pursuing the plundering
Pindarrythrough the scenes
and
his maraudings,familiarized with scenes,
manners,
and
customs
wearingthe impress of a hoary antiquity,
far removed
from
the go-a-headthings of European
as
civilization as
it is possibleto imagine,I once
more
found
myself off Calcutta.
With
of

"

my

mind

sleepyhollow

thus saturated
"

state

in

the

with

having come

new
over

ideas
me,

"

and

sort

the

MEMOIRS

recollections

of

OF

"father-land"

GRIFFIN.

221

fast

my

escaping from
first sight of the

still

tall
fondlytenacious grasp, the
of the shipping,as
masts
they hurst on my view, on
rounding a point,produced sensations of pleasureas
hard to describe,as difficult to be forgotten
were
; nor
these feelings
diminished, when, glidingpast the vessels
themselves,I read "London,"
Liverpool,"and so forth,
their sterns, and
beheld
the rough red-shirted
on
tars,
ruddy stalwart countrymen, as they gazed at us
my
the sides,or
over
lounged in groups on the forecastle,
and thought that in very truth but
brief period had
a
elapsedsince those fortunate fellows had been lying in
dear native land,
crowded
some
bustlingport of my own
"

"

with

faults,"still beloved

all her

and

dear

to

me.

of them served,by exhibiting

to one
subsequently
still more
familiar things,to awaken
once
forcibly
the recollections of Old England, and
rekindle that
to
love of country,which, next
and kindred,
to that of God
swell
the
is, perhaps, the noblest
feeling that can
A

visit

bosom.
I will
Indian
here
We

venture

brethren

of my
many
say there are
that which
who have experienced

feeblyattemptedto describe.
landed at Chundpaul ghaut,a spot

eyes as that of my disembarkation

three months
or
before,and of my

my
two

with

my

Anglo-

to

in

I have

memorable

in

Calcutta

some

incipient
acquaintance

grandiloquentfactotum

Chattermohun

Ghose.
From

the

the

ghaut we

fort,where

proceeded,in

Eattleton

and

I had

ticca
been

palankeens,to
invited

to

take

quarters with Lieut. Eantipule,of the Zubberup our

dust Bullumteers, then on duty there with his company.
A

wonderful

will be

for

placeis Fort William, and a

of Old England
the enemies

they should ever be

the wily Eussian,
Jonathan
It is

induced

hard
to

nut

it

crack, if

it be
attempt it,whether
the gallantFrenchman,
Brother
or
to

himself.

exceedinglywrong

to

be

proud
"

very

wrong

222

MEMOIRS

indeed

"

carried

know

at

GRIFFIN.

but, nevertheless, I have

it ;

chin

my

OF

angle

an

always
forty-five
degreeswith

of

I
plane of the horizon, whenever
To
other
place d'armes.
bristling
the

and

discursive

than

mine, I

marched

into

that

pens, less sketchy

scriptio
deleave its minute

must

Suffice it for my purpose here to observe, that its extent

is vast, its defences
admirable, and though making
tery
littleexterior show, its green slopes once
passed,a bat-

grinmeets
you at every turn, as much
A-ha ! I've caught you, eh ! on
to say,
ne
as
pent
adjutants,
pas passer ici ;" in short, its guards,griffs,
and arsenals,crows,
scarps,
cookboys and countercauseways,
the broad

on

"

"

its mountains
all wonderful

and

of balls and

day

of

cannon,

hastened

after my

XIX.

arrival

Calcutta

at

respects to the Capsicums. On

porticoof the house, I threw myself out
"

Is

"

He

to

the

generalat

home

is, khodalund"

announce

Upon

me.

to

reaching the
of my palankeen.

my

pay

are

astonishing.

CHAPTER
THE

acres

"

said the servant, and ascended

entering,and making my
my

bow,
"

Ha

! how

ye, sir ; how

old veteran, extendinghis hand
he reclined in his easy chair ;
are

Well, sir, and

heerd
Mrs.

of

how

you

to
"

full

at

me

glad

to

lave my

"

sir ?

ye,

see

son

said

the

length,as
again.
you
But

I've

all your

prosadings."
Capsicum congratulatedme

healthy appearance,
with the
tipof her
"

I looked
there.

did

are

around

and

on

condescended

honourable
for the dear

my
to

continued

present

me

little finger."

widow, but she

My pulse sunk below zero

ideas of death, matrimony,

with
or

was

not

ings;
painfulmisgivsome

other

mis-

OF

mind

MEMOIKS

fortune,flashed

on

my

223

GRIFFIN.

it is the

of

nature

some

always to fancy things fiftytimes better or worse

than they are, to which
category I belong. I ventured to
ask the generalafter the health of his daughter,and was
greatlyrelieved by his reply:
her
she's well ; but you'll
see
Oh, she's well, sure
here immadiatelyto spake for herself."
Some
time before dinner was
announced, a carriage
men

"

"

drove

to

had

absent

up
been

entered

the

lightdim

house

the

whole

the

it

apartment;

and

it contained

day

Delaval, who

Mrs.

She

Calcutta.

in

late in the

was

uncertain,and I seated in

soon

evening,the

recess

the

near

window.

dear, have

"Well, Cordalia, my
friends and
Mrs.

you
commissions

executed

all your
kissed her

Delaval

affirmative,
adding,
in the
passage home
the civil service,is

and

to-morrow,

"

father, and

all

seen

your

"

answered

in the

Coppletons have taken their

of
Derbyshire; young Scapegrace,
the

to

Colonel

married

be

Oddfish

to

sends

Letitia
his

Flirtwell
bhote

bhote

hopes to see you soon in town."

After some
more
gossip of this nature, the general
directed the attention
of his charming daughterto me,
tion
the satisfacfriend of hers," and I had
as
a particular
of seeinga blush of pleasureand surprise
upon her
features at recognizing
me.
The
reader may
mediatel
readilyconceive all that passedim-

salaam

to

and

you,

"

after this and

the

adventures

of

the

dinner,and that I had to

last six weeks, to fightover
at

Junglesoor,and
night wore
away,

the battle of
the

As

general,who
mood

"

had

indeed,

we

been

for

had

sunk

to

and

rekill all the

long
time

some

into

that

after
in

recount

again
hogs.

tea, the old

ruminating
thoughtfulstate
a

usuallyprecedesthe separationof friends lit his

though with considerable effort,from
taper, and rising,

which

"

his easy chair,beckoned

to follow him.
me
We
desired
entered his dressingroom
; he
the

down,
door,and, sitting

bade

me

me

to

shut

be seated likewise.

224

MEMOIRS

"My
"with
"

part,

GRIFFIN.

the old man,

I had ever
yet

than
feeling

more

friend,"said

young

I wished

we

OF

to

words

few

say

probablyfor

most

alreadytold

uncle, as I have

to

you
I

ever.

takingmy hand
him display,
seen
in private
before
loved

and

you,

think

brave

your

I should

or
proper respect to his memory,
his nephew, did I not
offer ye
of counsel, the result of long experience.

showing a
duty towards
be

not

my
words
"

I'm

the

not

hypocriteto prache

to

you

doing
few

that I have

always acted as I would have you to act; no, 'tisnot so ;

I'd be glad,by G
if it had been otherwise ; but my
has been
dearly
men,
exparience,like that of most
all the world before ye, and
are
bought. You
young,
on
a
about, probably,to enter
long and varied career.
,

Life

is

and

game,

few

false

the outset, it

at

moves

be in your power
never
fullyto retrave ; it therefore
may
behoves
you to be cautious,and to weigh well every step
before you take it.
"

of your
regiment, beware
your
of these
the character
future
on
your
slow
will mainly depend. Be
in forming

When

join

you
associates, for

prospects

but
intimacies,
all.

to

glasswith
of gaming
"

Strive

laugh you
are

taste

same

time

and

courteous

to

to
out

not

and

live within

manes,
your
resolution to be

of your
;' for the time

'

let no

just before

man

you

will come,
take my word for
will rape the reward
of your self-denial.
of your profession,
and acquirea
yourselfmaster

for

rading

and

study;

mind

if

'

over

wild, twill beget a

in ye, and is the best manes

ye can
and dissipation,
of which
save
ye from frivolity
plentyhere, by G

new

kind

appear to do so, for people do

Take
cheerful
have spies over
them.
your
the root
intemperance,
your friends,but shun
and all evil.

generous
when
it,
you
Make

the

Observe, but do
love

not

at

adopt to
find
ye'll

"

Indulge moderatelyin faild sports, for no man

India ever
took his full swing of them
that,sooner
broken
later,had not to lament
constitution;
a

in
or

the

MEMOIRS

strengthof

Hercules

OF

will

225

GRIFFIN.

enable

Europeans to brave
with impunity.
exposure to an Aistern sun
fixed principles
for yourself,
and let
Lay down
from them ; they are, if I
nothinginduce ye to swerve
moral
nature
; and
though
may so say, the helm of our
of
the
shoals of unthe gusts
avoidable
passion and caprice,or
not

"

course,

if

have

without

them,

we

drift away
all this.

to

tbese

but

drive

sometimes

difficulties,
may

of

our

shall

we

regain it; but

every impulse,we

the sport of
destruction.
God knows
become

we

out

us

I've

to

rason

say

'

when
Acquire courage to say no
ye feel ye
ought, and thereby shun that rock of over-aisiness on
tunes.
which so many
a
youth has made shipwreckof his for'

for

"As

I lave
religion,

joke of
man's
good

no

desarves

any

man's

of

sort

professedobject,however

its

as

make
ye to judge for yourself;
whatever
has God's
glory and

respect

There's

good enough

stick

the

in

most

from

even

of

mistaken,
opponent.

an

them, if

would

we

but

practical
part ; perhaps,as my old moonshee,
Golaum
Hyder, used to say, it may be God's pleasureto
be approached in more
than one, so that we do it
ways
of heart.
with honestyof purpose and in singleness
"

to

Strive

that

make

to

friends,but
be

of

this

lastingthat is not

friendshipcan
at laist,
to
one
sterling
quality,
respect for some
no

waiknesses

many
when

all looks

overlook
in

which

we

all,more

or

think
may
this essential,but you will find

restingon

smilingyou

such

summer

assured,

rest

friends,you

based
redaim

on

the

less, inherit ;
otherwise, and
that
eventually

lean

on

broken

reed.
"

'

Till

finds us other manes

of obtaining
redress
society
for injuries,
and for stoppingthe tongues of the brawler,
the slanderer,and the bully,
than by the d
d tadious
and
expinsiveprocess by law established; which, I
if a man
spitin your face,would requireyou
suppose,
to

prove

how

soap it would take to wash

I say, till this is
accordingly:

much

givedamages

it

off,and
done, fight
Q

226

MEMOIKS

sometimes

must

we

honourable

more

'

them, and

of

voice faltered and

blood of
"

but

"

keep

to

tis

OF

avoid

he became

comrade

your
matter, I
on

'

quarrels
;

of them

out

dreadful

GKIFFIN.

tis aisier and

than

back

to

out

thing for a thrifle (here his

the
much
to have
agitated)
conscience.

know, to put an old head on

shoulders ; but maybe, nevertheless,you'll
times
someyoung
think of what I've now
said to ye.
And
now," he
added with a smile, I believe I've finished my sermon,
and have nothing more
to
add, than may God Almighty
'Tis

hard

"

"

bless and

On

warm-hearted

evidentlyaffected,applieda key

was

to

ye !
saying this, the
prosper

This

silver snuff-box.
at it

and
wistfully,

trembled
upon
"

in his eye

tremblinghand

he rubbed

with

the

old-fashioned

an

his sleeve,looking

it to me, whilst a tear

presented
thoughts of other days rushed

him.

There," said he
uncle

mark

with

he took

then
"

Irishman, who

which

little escritoire,
from

old

of his

"

that

belongedto

your
he gave it

forty-five
years ago
I
here present
now
regard;

it

poor
to

to

parted
de-

me

as

you

as

of him, the onlyman

on
proof of mine, and in memento
earth I'd give it to before I died.
I don't recommend
added
to snuff yourselfgenerally,"
he, but you'll
you
find a pinch in that,"and he smiled, that'll do you good
if
sometimes, if used with discretion and sparingly,
you're ever in want of a further supply,let me know ;
and now,
if ye plase,
we'll rejoin
the ladies."
I was
deeplytouched by the general'skindness, and
mentallypromised that I would treasure
up his counsel,
make
and
it my
future
guide. I fear, however, his
of
estimate, touching that extremelydifficult operation
puttingan old head on young shoulders,found littlein
all calculated to invalidate its
at
my subsequent career
"

"

correctness.

Well, I bade

Capsicum
widow

softened
could

long
as

farewell

she bid

me

conceal
scarcely

to

the

general.

adieu, and
her emotion.

Mrs.

the charming

228

MEMOIRS

miles.

700

Es.

to pay

was

GRIFFIN.

made

"10,

100, or about

also ordered

Tom

agents, and

OF

his

for

journey of
visited his
jewellery,

sundry arrangements

connected

with

the

coming event.
of my
old shipacquaintances,
and
I sought out some
having transacted all necessary business, and ordered
Tom
and I returned in a hired
bolio to Barrackpore,
my
gig by land.
We
drove
through the native town, alive with its
heterogeneous population paroquets, fakeers, baboos,
of
avenue
palkees,"c., and through almost an unbroken
sixteen miles distant.
trees, to Barrackpore,
I
The next
day T called on Capt. Belfield,with whom
arrangedto departin two or three days. He proposed
"

take my meals with them

Dinapore,to which I consented

that I should
far

as

to

be

of

expense
The

Miss

him

for

Belfield

time

some
"

was

to

me

briefly
expressedby

more

way up as
this,besides promising
my

respects, saved

me

the

cook-boat.

captainintroduced
with

other

agreeablein

on

his

had

sister,who

sided
re-

in Java.

lady
the

of

term

a
"

certain
old maid

age,"once
;"

out

she

old

old maid,
maid, nor a spiteful
a
intenselyblue old maid, nor
canting old maid ;
of
a
cheerful,bland, and intellectual woman
was

was

neither

nor

an

but

she

an

envious

with
mind
with religious
a
thirty-five,
deeply imbued
and not without a dash of sentiment.
feeling,
of
the milk
turns
Celibacy,which so often in women
kindness
human
in her, as sometimes
to
gall,seemed
happens,to have had the oppositeeffect,and to have
was
; in fact, all the world
given it additional sweetness
her lover, and
she had never
given her heart to one,
from
for mankind."
a feeling,
perhaps,that 'twas meant
Having lost her last survivingparent, a clergyman,
whose income, though large,
almost solelyfrom his
arose
she had been obliged to change the home
of
preferment,
her infancy for a
of gallinghalf-dependenceon
state
distant relatives,
who made
\iQifeeltheir kindness in the
"

MEMOIRS

least

by

manner.
pleasing

invitation

an

Capt.Belfield,to
in India

her

only
and

out

229

GRIFFIN.

this state

From

from
come

OF

and

she

bachelor

his
superintend

a happieror
and, certainly,

relieved

was

more

brother,
ment
establishamiable

never
seen
pairwere
together.
at what
Capt. JBelfield told me
ghaut his budgerow,
me
horse, and cook-boat were
lying,and recommended
his intention
bolio to the same
to send my
place,as it was
to quitBarrackporein a couple of days.
The next
two
days were
busily occupied in paying
farewell visits,packingup my valuables,as also in hiring
one

or

additional servants,
six.

which

two
to

I here recount

swelled my

occupations,and

the names,

ment
establish-

salaries of

the individuals.
First in the list was
de chambre,
and

old

an

Ramdial, sirdar-bearer,my
Hindoo,

with

wondrous

valet

frail porters
supfor Rs. 6

moustache
grizzled
; he served me
a trulyhonest
native,and would never
; was
per mensem
allow anybody to cheat me,
but himself.
Next came
Rumjan Khan, khitmutgar,or footman;
with
salary,Rs. 7 per mensem.
Rumjan served me
tillwe
miles above
Calcutta,when,
fidelity
got about fifty
not
findingthe air of the river to agree with him, he left
rather suddenly,
of my
with the contents
me
plate-chest,
a

"

"

to

wit, six silver spoons

The

third in

point of

and
rank

in

brace
my

of muffineers.
establishment

was

working,
Rs. 6 : a hardsalary,
harmless
who
creature,
pegged away at his
wash-board
iron
daily. A pretty wife, a large brazen
is unavoidable),and three fat naked
(the Hibernianism
piccaninies,
always on the crawl at the top of my bolio,
seemed
of his earthlytreasures.
to constitute the amount
Bahadoor
Khan, rnussalchee, or linkFourthly came
boy ; the provinceof this servant is to carry the torch,
and tea-kettle,
the saucepans
out
or
lantern,and to scour

Nannoo,

dhobee,

or

washerman

clean knives, fetch milk, "c. ; but as I had not

him
I made
him my
head
to do in that way,

much

for

chasseur

230

MEMOIRS

salary,Ks.

OF

GRIFFIN.

not too
eight shillings,
for the decent clothingand
much, one would suppose,
and his family.
maintenance
of a man
river journey)
Next
(hired for his specialutility
a
on
terrible
came
a
Hyder Bux, bhistie,or water-carrier,

4 per

or

mensem,

thick-set

with a beard so
fellow; a devout Mahomedan,
bushy and luxuriant,that,with his hooked nose and large

alwaysreminded
ivy-bush.
eyes, he
Last
me,

was

of

me

owl

an

lookingout

of

but not least in importance,at least

list,
of the buckhounds.
Nuncoo, matar, my master

on

the

I shall draw

to

peculiarduties
of Nuncoo, but others I shall particularize
; they were,
of Hector
I was
the care
the bull-dog,and Teazer
the
terrier,in preparingdailyfor
going to say soi-disant
them
of rice and turmeric, with a few
a
very largemess
small bits of meat
interspersed.
Poor Bull, this Gentoo
fare,I suspect, but ill agreed
with your Whitechapel constitution,
and seemed
to hasten
a

veil

over

of

an

some

the

"

"

your end.
The prospect of

though mingled with

of a separation
from

change was
regret

my

highly agreeableto me,

the necessity
it involved

at

friend

affection.
very warm
Rattleton was
equallysorry to
as

the
to

he wished

me

to

be

part with

present

capacityof bridegroom'sman,
take placein ten days.

"

Frank,

said
seven,

but

must

we

he; "I

must

for the remainder

It is needless
of what

pass

to

trouble

the
be
of

the

for whom

Tom,

at

and

had

particularly
marriage,in

me,

his
which

event

was

last

gether,"
evening cosilytowith Julia till half-past
the evening I am
yours."

reader with

any account
this the last

and me,
in
passed between Tom
evening of our sojourntogether;past hours were revived
and future pleasuresanticipated.Tom
spoke in rapture
of his approaching happiness,and
of the liberality
of
the young
lady'suncle, who had alreadypresentedthem
with a new
bungalow.

MEMOIRS

"

one

She's

said

angel,Frank,"

an

231

GRIFFIN.

OF

he,

"

if

there

ever

was

earth; may you find just such another ! and if

do, and can, by exchange or otherwise, find your
back to the Zubberdust
Bullumteers, we shall make

on

you
way
the

happiestquartet in the country. 'Twill

to
evenings together,won't
pass our

music, and chess, and

Rattleton
where

row,

took

after ; he

by

time

some

There
of

gleam

lover

the

time

next

each

still

was

dash

of

particular

down.

was

years

It

other, not

sadness

other,

some

was

communicated, and cordial

having

our

in

was

ing.
greet-

it, like

of
wintrysunlight. The joyous anticipations
had long since subsided
into the cares,
the

of
predictions
realized.

sort

some

met

we

discovered

we

anxieties,and the troubles of

The

full,true, and

ascendingthe Ganges, I going

accident

mere

for

! the

little

affectionate farewell of each

an

promising to write to me
of the wedding.
account
Tom

it?

CaptainBelfield's budge-

to

he

Poor

sant
plea-

so

forth."

so

accompanied me
we

be

the
The

and

the husband

father.

captain had been

had, it
quarter-mastership
caustic

in
is

true, in due
"

vacant
time, become
; but, in the interim,
king had arisen,who knew not Joseph," and

another

Tom

had

in consequence

failed

to

Thought and moody care sat

joyous Rattleton, for debts were
coming fast,and the fair Julia's
fail:

to

send

her

on

it.

obtain

the brow

of the

once

accumulating,children
health was
beginning to

of some
the expense
sand
thouthe painher die before his eyes, were
ful

"home,"

rupees, or see
alternatives between

at

which

he would

shortlyhave

to

choose.
Even
"

Tom

himself

vulyb, the

of beer-shrob

complained

liver

"

and

of

take his quantum

of crosses
and
springtide

could

not

of yore ; a
in fact,had set in upon him.
difficulties,
Just before we met, he had sustained

river disaster

by which

as

; his

horse-boat

he had lost his

ment
hepaticderange-

had

been

buggy,two

not

uncommon

wind,
upset by a whirlhorses,and other

232

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

property, to the value of Rs. 1,500, for which

claim
down

with

He

the

had

boat, as if

of

had

He

old

sustain

to

discovered

that

the

delicate

Julia

might have been

accompanied the horses
that

neum

had

send

her

off;

succeda-

only

the shades

fant
in-

slumbers.

available,a

rendered
to

child's

marched

despair. The

in

was

his

dosing his

huff, and

took

by

another, though

in the habit of
native nurse, was
with opium, that it might not disturb

threatened; madam

adage.
occasioned

dhye, or
Tom

went

servants

the shock

from

he had

different kind.

his

verifythe

to

barelyrecovered

this misfortune, when

of

Three

compensation.

no

could

he

goat,

below.

daughters to India, imagine

not that they are
alwaysreposingon beds of roses.
Alas ! poor
but
Tom, thou hadst a gallant spirit,
the sigh which
and
ever
anon
escaped thee,
heavy was
didst detail thy difficulties to me
thou
as
during the
!
brief hour we
then spent together
Ye

who

Much

hadst

small

on

must

of Tom's
forms

occurred

much

the

on

occasion,

other

some

the

sub,
but

move;

"

with

the
"

would

Trim

married

rest

for it

say,

and languidinvalid
shawled, be-capped,

scarcelythink that I was

of Barrackpore,
trulythe

nearlyomitted to mention
the previousday, with
on

that the reader

unexpected visit

an

kept

part of it."

belle

I had

tell of the trials of

story,"as Corporal

I could

the

to

and

it for

In Julia"
"

thou

means,

reserve

and

sons

should
I had

be made

from

my

indeed
"

lookingon

light of

the

circumstance

which

room."
ball-

which

it is of

tance
impor-

acquainted to wit,
"

friend

Chattermohun

Ghose.

going into

On
of

chattels

Tom's
to

verandah, to order the despatch

bolio,I observed
a
Bengalee at

my
extremityof it,his head

some

one

going

like that

of

nese
Chi-

mandarin.
I discovered
for

me.

that these

I advanced

profoundsalaams

towards

the

automaton,

were

intended
and

imme-

MEMOIRS

OF

233

GRIFFIN.

diatelyrecognizedthe patriarchal
proprietorof
effective children
him

"five

denominations/'Chattermo

of various

"

Ghose.

"

Hah

said I.
"I

!
"

Chattermohun, my
What

brought you

fine fellow, is that you

to Barrackpore?

"

"

sair, for argent privateaffair; two, three

littlebill here, and accidentally
I have
me

came,

gentilmauowe
learn by chance
I think

that

master

duty to

my

;
great obligation

master

respect; master
my father,to whom

pay
is

fore
; there-

ishtayinghere

was

make
my

me
lasting
ever-

will be due."
gratitude
As
for being your
father, Chattermohun," said I,
laughing, no one would suspect that, for if I am not
mistaken, you are old enough to be mine ; and why you
should be so grateful
towards me, I cannot
imagine."
Some
well
that
has
writer
observed,
gratitudeis too
often but a lively
of favours to come
;" to Asiatics,
sense
natives of India, at all events, this remark
or
applies
with more
force than to Europeans in general. That my
friend Chattermohun's
gratitudepartooklargelyof this
became
prospectivecharacter,soon
abundantlyapparent.
will shortlygo ope contree?"
"Master
I understand
Yes, Chattermohun, I'm off to-morrow
please the
?"
pigs; have you any commands
"

"

"

"

"

"

No, sair,command

Here

got

"

but

sumed
repause ; after which, Chattermohun
his plan of operationsin the usual wily styleof
was

Bengalee ;

the

not

one

any

of whom

I'll pitagainstany Jew

in the Minories.
"Does

master

know," said he, with

an

"

air of

perfect
Captain Belfil,

unpremeditation, one gintlemanname

who was
shortly
go Danapore ?"
into the trap ;
to be sure
Oh, yes,"said I, falling
I do ; we're going up together."
I not
Master
with CaptainBelfil ?
go up contree
know
that" (the vagabond had come
to
purpose
up on
then that will be
make
his approachesthrough me) ;
good bis'ness for master ; master
very clever gintleman,
"

"

"

"

234

MEMOIRS

to go up river by ownself.
young
Belfil will be in paymaster bis'ness

think

much

little too

but

GRIFFIN.

OF

Master

"

got

?"

good 'pointmentup contree

Yes/' I replied,"I
"

he

believe

has

paymaster of

"

other.
But
Chatteror
invalids, somewhere
now,
mohun, my
good fellow, make yourselfscarce, if you

please,for I've
very busy."

plaguy deal
raised his

Chattermohun

attend

to

to, and

be

must

in
hand, enveloped

its snowy,
made
me
a

drapery,slowlyto his forehead, and

there was
profound salaam, but stirred not
evidently
it
in
the background. At last,out
plumped.
something
Will master
pleaseto ishpikin my favour ?"

muslin

"

"

"

To

? for what

whom

1 do I know

the d

of

"

Chattermohun

you,

? what

"

I learn by proper intelligence,

have
Captain Belfil,
old army
writer.
I won't
need of 'spectable
go back
much
Calcutta
bis'ness not make
too
bis'ness,
pecuniary
tion,
pleaseto give me recommendaprofit therefore, master
I shall,plis God, get that place.35
"

"

"

Oh, oh !

objectof
and
gratitude,
the

"

said
your

"

I think

must

have

my
Chattermohun

became

eh !

me,

honour,

for

not

try it by sap

those
I

; so

in his

that

to do

who

me

cannot

promised

favour,and

this is

everlasting

"

great benevolence

all that I knew

paper
To

and

of your
? "
newly-dubbed paternity

I liked Chattermohun
storm,

Chattermohun

Mr.

visit to

sair, 'pon my

"No,
master

my

I,

only, but
favour."

to

it

by
certifyon

carry

little more.

surprise,it produced the desired effect.

got the writer ship,joined the fleet,and

de voyage.
compagnon
They say there is no word for gratitude in the native
language,and consequentlythat the qualityis unknown ;
our

Chattermohun
certainly,

was

for the service rendered

to

be

than
can

so.

Gratitude

is

him,

to
grateful
as

far

was

certainlymore

amongst black and white

nature.
exist,is to libel human
felt

as

but

me,

poor
in his

fellow,
power

easilyprofessed
to deny that it

236

MEMOIRS

fellows

as

OF

their namesakes

GRIFFIN.

home,

at

their working suit),

tow
constituting
of

fourteen

or

sixteen miles

day ;

waistcloth

rag or
the boats
a

each

the

at

has

man

rate

stout

latter he

pieceof bamboo, with a stringattached ; the

attaches to the towing-line,
placingthe former

over

his

shoulder.
In

the
ascending,

made

seldom

are

oars

of,excepting

use

crossingthe river,or in passing long lines of

moored
deemed
boats, when
able
preferthey are sometimes
head,
each separate mastto passingthe towing line over
Which is a troublesome
operation,and productive
of infinite squabblingand abuse between
the crews.
of the word large,
The term
budgerow is a corruption
in

and

the idea of those

been

by

taken

in

from

colonial governors
and which once

served

the

purposes

coaches

do

in

Lord

the

at

common

the
than

state
at

in India

use

barges,once

present,

also in London,
of transit

as

more

state

in the

amongst

has

olden

dently
eviused

dage,
appen-

time,

great which

the

Specimens of them still survive

panies.
Mayor's barge and those of public compresent.

Barrackpore behind us, and the pretty

Danish
settlement
of Serampore opposite the Bengal
and Richard
of John
Doe
cityof refuge for the fugitives
Koe
and in a littletime passed the French
possession
of Chandernagore,
and the Dutch
factoryof Chinsurah.
reached
guese
In the evening we
Bandel, an ancient PortuWe

soon

left

"

"

settlement,celebrated for its

are

rather so-so,

and

pretty Roman

cream

cheeses,which

Catholic

chapeland

imagine,with the earliest settlement of

the Portuguese in Bengal.
The shades
of evening were
gathering around as we
boats for the night.
our
slowlybrought to and moored
Lights from many a nook and ghaut on the river began
The
shed
their trembling rays
its surface.
to
across
in silver sheen, like a fairyof light,was
crescent
moon,
trees; and the
justrisingabove the tops of the cocoa-nut
clash of gongs
from
the neighand cymbals resounded
convent, coeval, I

MEMOIRS

OF

237

GRIFFIN.

the

bouring bazaars, tellingit was

of

hour

joy

and

relaxation.
Belfield

before tea, to
proposed a saunter
his sister and myself gladlyassented ; and it was
which
before
agreedthat we should explorethe little paraclete

Captain

which,

us,
were,

and

modest

reposingin
tranquilly
captaintook

The
Javanese
often

in its pure

wood,

on

expatiated
;

tendered

arm,

my

stick,a

his

the

Miss
like

the

merits

whiteness, seemed,

mingled

which

Belfield,bonneted
an

attentive

chaprasseeand

and

light.
twi-

of
shillelagh

stout

of

moon

it

as

some

he

afterwards

and

scarfed

young

and

man,

black terrier,
captain's
first evening'sramble.
our
Thug, we commenced
How
delightfully
tranquilis your evening hour in
far as my
Belfield.
"As
India!"
said Miss
experience
almost
say it compensates for the fiery
goes, I should
of the day."
sun
said
the
It is a relief,certainly,"
captain. Old
Phoebus'
disappearancebelow the horizon in this country,
and the effect produced by it on man
and beast, remind me
of that which
usuallyfollowed the exit of my old preceptor
from the school-room
and rejoicing."
a generaluproar

followed

by

the

"

"

"

"

CHAPTER
little church

of

Bandel

XX.
is

pleasing,modest
its white tower, cross, cloisters,and adjoining
structure"
house
and garden, creating a pleasingillusion ;
priest's
the spectator in imagination(forgetting
he
transporting
is in India) to the orange
groves of Portugalor Madeira.
sound
The
to
we
as
slowly
vesper bell had ceased
entered the building. The
invested with a
interior was
broken
deepening gloom, but partially
by the waning
lightof evening,which, streaming in at the windows,

THE

238

MEMOIRS

chequeredthe

OF

GRIFFIN.

it were, with
as
pencilling,
record
its sad and sober ray, the touchingbut evanescent
of another departingday.
when
Within, all was silence and repose, save
slightly
broken
by the closingof a door, or the echo of a distant

pavement,

worn

footfall.

altars, with

of the
splendid adornments
Romish
ritual,
"c., sparkled
throughthe
tapers,crucifixes,
dim, religious
light of the place,whilst here and
their
there a few solitary
native Portuguese women,
on
The

their
"

"

knees, met
The

our

scene

eyes,

absorbed

in silent prayer.

solemn

was

thoughtsfled,and
of devotion

and

deep sense

fell upon

light

impressive; my
of the holiness
We

me.

moved

and

liness
love-

through the

body of the church and the adjoiningcourts and cloisters,

of the spot, before we
bent
pleasedwith the tranquillity
was
our
steps towards the budgerow, whose whereabouts
fires of
our
now
plainlyindicated by the numerous
and boatmen, cookingtheir eveningmeal on
the
servants
banks.
sauntered

along,

of Bandel

?"

"

been

I have

Belfield ;

said

the

what

do

Ann!"

"Well,

"

with
'

Even

Of

any

"

captainto
you

think

his

sister,as

of the

old

greatlypleasedwith it,"answered
me,
the

you

chapel
Miss

know,

faintest relics of

worship

we

wake

some

shrine

thought divine.'

something par excellence in these old

ecclesiastical buildings,which
Catholic
always, good
Protestant as I am, takes a powerfulhold on my feelings
and imagination
by their association with the
; hallowed
solemn
the most
of the misty past, they awaken
events
have justdone,
reflections.
To have trodden, too, as we
the adventurous
those very aisles where
Portuguese of
centuries past)have
the olden time of India
(now some
evening'sramble.
put up their orisons,is well worth our
whatever
be
Yes," she added, with some
enthusiasm,
But

trulythere

is

"

MEMOIRS

the

defects

of

OF

and

its tenets

contains

the very

doctrines,Romanism

questionably
un-

poetry of religion."

! my

dear

exclaimed

"

captain, what
"would your old friend Parson
Martext, of Long SomerFie ! fie !
he to hear you talkingthus ?
ton, say, were
The
term
it,"continued
misty past/ as you poetically
CaptainBelfield (who, I began to discover,was a matterof-fact-man,who had curbed and double-bitted his fancy,
and was
not
perhapsquiteso orthodox as he should have
been), is too often a regionof delusion,in which flying
the dull realities of the present,the feelings
and imagination
of moral mirage rests upon
love to revel
sort
a
it. With
too
as
they approach it,judgment
many,
abandons
the reins of the understanding,whilst enthusiasm
"Ann

Ann

"

239

GRIFFIN.

the

"

"

seizes

and

them,

drives

Heaven

away

In the distant mountain

knows

fading in aerial tints

of gold and purple,infancypaintsa heaven, whilst experience
and precipices.
tells of rocks and caverns,
cataracts
I am
myself,I confess, disposed to entertain many of
in such
tion
situations,but readingand reflecyour feelings
them
have taught me
to moderate
to distinguish,
I hope, between
feelingsand rational convictions
and
than
be
romance
senses
reality in more
one;
all things.'
assured the
is deceitful above
heart of man
But, my dear Ann," he added, we
are
becoming a

whither.

"

"

"

"

'

"

deal

vast

too

and

solemn

friend here will think

didactic.

are

Hoogly
ramble.
you

care

would
Mr.

please.

how
be

you

walk

over

our

too,

the

on

which

table !

plank;

your

we

your
board

once

more,

on

to

we,

Here

are,

young

caviare

backs.

finale to
chilling
sister
Gernon, give my
Here

our

are
subjects
spring of life,to

so.

just entering on the

know, are beginning to turn
at the budgerow, love !
Tea,

then, take

sure

These

those
you

I'm

we

Now,

dip in the
evening's
hand, if
our

first-

rate."

long in discerningthat CaptainBelfield was

learned
Theban
a
gious
great Oriental scholar; a prodiof books he had, too, lying about
the
number
I

was

not

"

240

MEMOIRS

cabin, in

Indian

worm-eaten

characters

GRIFFIN.

and

covers,

in

all

of

sorts

Persian, Nagree, Pali, and I know

of formidable
besides; with dictionaries,many

crambo
what

not

OF

"

bulk.
maintained

He
had
a

hobby, and

his

book

in

are,

we

the world

was,

we

indebted

acknowledge;

to

received

have

thingsin generalfrom

fact,more

most

time

that

men,

writing

almost

East,

the

it suits the

than

and

that

at

moreover,

it" that

to

prove
notions of

raw

Captain Belfield,like

for

"

after

now,

all
to

our

which

policy of
a

or

score

merely rendering them back

their own
in a manufactured or modified form.
Our
feudal system, our
juries,our best jokes, our
cleverest tales, our
wisest aphorisms, and
much
more
besides, were,
according to him, all filched from the
Hindoos.
The captainwas
be led away
not
to
a
man
I put
by strained analogiesand forced etymologies
; so
of

two

centuries,we

great faith in his

shaken

dicta

"

faith which

researches.
post-griffinish
better grounds to go upon than

by

colonel,who

took

and

prove, that
the Irish,that Sanscrit was
a

up the
endeavoured

proved,or

sprung from
their vernacular, their
than

more

natural

for bulls
partiality
and placability
of

perary.
On the
field

became
and

contested

games

veneration

and

been

the

old

Irish

which

won

to

them

proposition,
the

Hindoos

corruptionof
cow
nothing

their well-known

mildness, temperance,

stronglyof Tip-

all smacked

race

down

for the
from

that the

absorbed

sat
;

to

victorymeekly enough,
perceived,that it would not
my

too

not

the

of

converse

transition

the

evening to

soon

Belfield

has

my

had

He

are

am

Captain Belreferring,

in

his

chess.

books,
We

whilst

had

two

Miss
well-

though I bore
or
thought I
perceived,
to repeat my
triumphs

both, and
I
do

often.
Chess
or

beaten

how
fine,intellectual game, no doubt, but, someother, a sad tryer of the temper ; and, whether

is

or

unless possessed of
victorious,

more

than

or-

MEMOIRS

dinarytact

and

OF

241

GRIFFIN.

self-command, you

may

chance

to

quarrel

with, and possiblyalienate,your friend.

littlevariety,
Thus, then, with some
reading,or

versation,
con-

passedwe the eveningsof our sojourntogether

the pleasantest
by far of my griffinage.
The voyage
to
Burhanipore, the first large military
the river, occupied ten
twelve days. I
station on
or
of its incidents.
shall briefly
touch on a few more
dulge
of General
In spite
Capsicum'sfriendlyadvice to inmoderatelyin field sports, like ninetynine out of
I commenced
popping operagriffins,
my
tions
every hundred
almost from the day of starting,
keeping up a sort
of running fire,with little intermission, till I reached
"

destination.

my

My knowledge of

Indian

ornithologybeing extremely
limited, I declared war
againstall of the feathered race
that presentedthemselves
the paddy-birds
particularly
and snippets. The first,
ing
aboundof small crane,
sort
a
in the rice-fields,
and which it is considered by sportsmen
of Johnny-rawism to shoot, under
the acme
the
impressionthat they are game ; the second, a sort of
sand-lark, which
runs
ducking along the banks of the
to
river,and are so tame, being accustomed
boats, that
it is difficult to make
them
take wing. These, in my
for
I took
simplicity,
Bengal snipes,and sometimes,
batteryon them
poor little devils,opened a point-blank
from
bolio window, knocking them, of course,
to
my
"

"

immortal

smash."

I had, it is true, gained

Marpeet touching the nature

warnings

some

to

Captain Belfield,a
the
of

avoid
few

and
inklingfrom Tom
of such
with
proceedings,
reserved for
them, though it was
new
days after we left Hoogly, to re-

admonition, with

an

better effect.

This

arose

out

the

followingoccurrence.
returned
one
evening

budgerow, laden" i.e.,

Ramdial, bearer, and Nuncoo, matar, were
charged with
the porterage of the following
miscellaneous
bag of game,
wit: a cock-vulture,with fine red wattles (which I
to
to

his

242

MEMOIRS

GRIFFIN.

OF

turkey),four snippets,
three doves, a gillarie,
five paddy-birds,
or
stripedsquirrel,
a
braminy kite,and a jackal.
The boats were
justcoming-to,the poor dandies, after
hard day's pull,
a
winding up their tow-lines, and old
himself
Phoebus
just sinking to rest, spreading his
glorioushues over the broad bosom of the Bagheriti,as,
shot, thinking he

was

wild

Spent with

Weary
I made

search

long explorationamong

paddy fields,and

groves,
of game.

mango

after

appearance,

my

toil,

extreme

faint,

and

kates,* in

sugar-cane

captainwas seated on the roof of the budgerow

I hove in sight; his amiable
as
sister,parasolin hand,
beside him, talkingof Long Somerton, in all probability,
and the coolness
and enjoyingthe beauties of the scene
of the hour.
and tranquillity
Well, Gernon," said the former, who had now
dropped
in addressingme,
what
Mr."
the
sport ? what have
well employed to think of dinner, of
too
you killed?
The

"

"

"

"

course
"

Oh

"

sir,"said
capital,

I ; "all in that

bag, and

more

besides."
"

"for
"

"

are
Quantity,certainly
; but what
they? added he,
that, after all,is the main point."
Pray bring them on board," said Miss Belfield ; I
"

curious

am

to

see

of the Indian

some

respect they differ from ours

With
the greatest pleasure,"returned

in what
"

exhibit

opportunityto
shall
So

to ascertain
game,
at home."

see

them

the

of my

contents

went

board, and

on

an

"

bag ;

you

joined my friends on
the bag, and Nuncoo

the roof, Ramdial

followingwith
draggingup the jackalby the tail.

laugh,as

of

immediately."

I
saying,

captain,albeit

I, glad

Ramdial

man
grave
tumbled

the

!
*

Gods

! how

the

ordinaryoccasions, did

on

out

Ye

Plantations.

contents

of my

copia
cornu-

244

MEMOIRS

have

we
'

shoot
"Mr.

rightto slay,it
only what you can
Gernon," said

brother

undervalues

OF

is

GRIFFIN.

in

not
'

eat

is

Miss

maxim."

good

Belfield, "though
be

sport, it may

your

wantonness

mere

my
consolation

some

that I do not ; I want

to sketch
all
you to know
the curious birds and animals I see, for a very dear friend
of mine at Long Somerton, who exacted a promise from
to

at

me,

that
parting,
all on

I would

do

Will

so.

you,

therefore,

ded,
the poor jackalincluto-morrow,
"
and you shall group whilst I sketch them ?
"
Capital! said I ; with the greatest pleasure; and

bring them
"

board

"

we'll have

Nuncoo

as

the Indian

in

huntsman

the

ground:
fore-

wickedly,"in this
little dedication
the
the fine arts, be working out
to
utilitarian principle,
as
captain's
appliedto sporting."
Captain Belfield was as good as his word ; he put his
double-barrelled Manton
together,after a long repose
if not in
in its case, where, in dust certainly,
apparently,
shall," I

we

ashes, it had

mourned

added

rather

of

its state

several of his servants, and

of the followingday.

out

inaction, mustered
sallied in the

we

noon
after-

Captain Belfield,from his perfectknowledge of the

language and the people" whom, I observed, he always
treated with

spot in

the

this

have

"

was

(thereis

of

long

in

discovering;to

the

to

ascertain

river where

the

little,
comparatively,

but

part of Bengal), and which

been

able

soon

neighbourhood

the

to be found

was

game

in

great kindness

I
them

should
we

probably
accordingly

and abundance
partridges,
differ in the
of real snipes,
which
I perceiveddid not
smallest degreefrom
preme
English ones ; and I had the suof bagging something more
felicity
respectable
than paddy-birds
and snippets,
which I afterwards treated

went, and

with
The

hares, black

found

proper

contempt

long on the
sportsman, fired a capitalgood stick
the black
knocked
partridgesabout,
twice,
or
; indeed,he once
great style

although he
captain,

retired list

as

nevertheless,and
rightand left,in

had

been

so

MEMOIRS

OF

245

GRIFFIN.

"

sportingphrase, wiped
nose"
in a very off-hand
proofs of his
manner,
my
with which
I could have
as
a marksman
readily
powers
in the face,
dispensed; as next probably,to a smack
than
there are few thingsmore
having your
disagreeable
"nose
wiped."
the
inform
The
black
partridgeof India, I must
the male's),
reader,is a beautiful bird ; its breast (i.e.,
glossyshining black, spangledwith round and clearly
the
the long grass on
denned
white spots; its haunts
are
it creeps,
borders of jheelsand marshes, from whence
in the
mornings and evenings,into the neighbouring
to borrow

not

very

delicate

cultivation.
When
certain

like
from

flushed,up he goes, as straightas a line,to a

elevation,and then off with him, at a rightangle,
dart.
He is by no
an
means
easy shot, though,

his mode

it would
rising,
appear otherwise.
It will be long ere
I forget the thrill of pleasureI
experiencedwhen I dropped my first black partridgeon
this occasion,and how
pompously, after ascertaininghis
I consigned him to my bag, taking him
specific
gravity,
nation.
out about every five minutes, to indulgein another examiof

It is difficult
which

I then viewed

to

my

express

quondam

paddy-birds.
The
prodigiousquantityof

the

contempt

with

friends,the snippets

and

of

some

the shallow
to

clouds

of

water-fowl

to

be

seen

on

culated
jheelsof India, is well calastonish the European beholder.
I have seen
them rise from
such sheets of water, particularly
lakes

or

in the upper part of the Dooab, with a sound sometimes

unlike the roar
of a distant park of artillery
not
;
three sorts ; ducks, teal,coots, saruses,
or
geese of two
and flamingoes
however, should perhaps be
; the latter,

exceptedfrom the concludingpart of the remark, for a

tures,
stringof these beautiful scarlet and flame- coloured creain the air,or
silently
floating
skimming, on lazy
like a chain
of
pinions,over an expanse of water, seem
Eastern
of some
or
fairies,
tale,descending
brightspirits

246

MEMOIRS

gentlyto earth
as
description,
coloured

nor

OF

GRIFFIN.

do I think

this

all will allow who

cordon

on

the

is

have

exaggerated

an

the

seen

flame-

wing.

of doing things
been
Having now
put in the way
accordingto rule,I no longer,as I have before binted,
molested
such ignoblebirds and beasts as, in my state of
did I nail
wont
to destroy. No
more
innocence, I was
from my bolio window
the unhappy snippets
to the bank
disturb the 'lorn cooings of the turtle-dove in her
nor
of mango
of No. 6 ;
bower
shade, by a rattling
irruption
but in a steady,
form, accompaniedby Kamsportsmanlike
laden with
dial (who, by the way, had no sinecure of it),
chattah
(umbrella),
game-bag, and brandy-pawney bottle
and
in leathern
Nuncoo, the dog-keeper,with
case,
almost dailyin the jheels
Teazer
and the bull dog, I was
and swamps,
mud-larking after the ducks and snipes.
The reader will think,probably,and I am
not disposed
of his opinion,
that bull-dogs
to questionthe correctness
be selected for
not the best of the speciesthat can
are
snipe-shooting.
member
Granted, I say again; but he will be pleased to rethat there are such disagreeable
thingsas tigers
and wild boars (and great bores they are
too) to be met
with
an

It therefore

in India.

struck

me

that,in

of

case

with one
other of these creatures,
or
unexpectedrencontre
the bull-dogmight do good service,by making a

diversion

in

my

favour, and

in

concert

in flank and rear,

enemy
whilst I fell back on the fleet,
as

attackingthe
check,

with

Teazer,

keeping him
many

in

valiant

and

experiencedgeneralhad done before me.

Hector, however, though reserved for such important
pleasurein the sport ; his heart was
purposes, took no
had
with the flesh pots of Whitechapel, and
Nuncoo
sometimes
hard work
to get him
through the swamps ;
Teazer behaved better,and, indeed, for a dog of such very
low extraction,
displayeda better nose than I expected.
! first full swing
Happy ! happy days of my griffinage
of the gun

none

before

or

since

have

been

like

unto

MEMOIRS

Had

ye !

I then

described
have

set

for

up

247

GRIFFIN.

second

in
paradise,snipe-shooting

been
infallibly
enjoyments!

The

OF

included

amongst

Mahomed,
a

and

jheel would

its most

nent
promi-

posed
Bengal is a dead flat,comof a rich alluvial soil,in a high state of cultivation.
Palma
other tropical
Rice, sugar-cane,
Christi,and fifty
flourish luxuriantly,
the sightby
and charm
productions,
their novelty.

country in this part of

The

face

country is covered with

tamarind, and plantaintrees, "c.; and

mango,

and

towns

of

the

villagesare

scattered

here

and

groves

of

numerous

there, but

which, however, have littlethat is striking

or

interesting
or
matting being the preappearance,
dominant
materials with which
constructed.
are
they
Still the vastness
of the population,
the number
and
varietyof the boats on the river,transportingup and
in

their

down

mud

the

rich

and

varied

produce of India,

and

the

of the objectsto be seen

the banks
as
on
diversity
you
slowlyglidealong,are extremelypleasing.Miss Belfield,
being a finished sketcher, was
dailyin raptures with all
she saw.
Full often would
she summon
to the budgeme
row
window, to look at something exceedinglypicturesque"so
or
glimpse,effect,
pretty bit," as she was
"

wont

to term

Some

old

it,and which
and

had awakened

all her admiration.

magnificentbanyan

forest of shade, and

whose

tortuous

boa-constrictors,overhung the

tree, exhibitinga
roots, like sprawling

village maidens
fadinglike phantasmagoric

stream;

their water-pots beneath it,or

filling
figuresin the deepening gloom of the receding
Brahmin
woodland- path; or some
standingmid-legin the
with
water,
eye abased, and holding his sacred thread ;
the huge elephant,
like a mountain
of
cattle sipping,
or
Indian-rubber, half-immersed, and patiently
undergoing
his diurnal scrubbingand ablution.
the sketching
I caught all her enthusiasm, and great was
and dabblingin water-colours
which followed thereon.
extensive library
a far more
Captain Belfield possessed

248

MEMOIES

than

friend Tom

my

OF

GRIFFIN.

Eattleton,comprisingmany

standard

Indian

"c.; to
history,
geography,antiquities,
no
these, for he was
monopolistin any shape,he kindly
free access, and when
not
occupiedby blazing
gave me
in aiding Miss
Belfield in her graphic
at the snipes,
or
I found in his library
stores
an
operations,
ample fund

works

of

on

amusement.

pored over the seer ul Mutakhereen, and formed an

extensive acquaintanceamongst
the twelve million gods
I

of the

Hindoo

How

Pantheon.

genuine, how
of

bonhomie
Mutakhereen!

the

refreshing,by

Mahomedan

with

the

author

of

way,
the

is the
ul

seer

and
naivete
simplicity
does he relate the
valiant
doings of our
countrymen in the earlytimes of Anglo-Indian history!
His comparison of the red Feringhie* soldiers,firing
in battle,to a long brick wall,belchingforth fire and
what

grave
sayings and

smoke, is admirable.

Law, and

Beebee

the

And

how

excellent

the

stern

reproofadministered

story of
to

the

the young
noble
at Patna, by
fawning Asiatic parasite,
the former tried to
the sturdyEnglish commander, when
himself
ingratiate
by insultinghis fallen enemy, the
!
Frenchman
gallant
How
too, when
striking,
recording these acts, the
and
astonishment
with which, as if irresistibly
energy
impelled thereto, he apostrophizesthe virtues of the
their
English their high-souledcontempt of death
"

"

under

fortitude

likeningthem
Asiatic
is
no

reverses,
to

the Rustums

types of valour

moral

sense,

adverse

an

! admirable

still minuter

myself,did

moderation
and

in

success

Noushervans

of

; showing that
justice

"

old,
there

nobleness, which
of habit,climate,and education

eternal standard

wholly obliterate
whollyconventional !
oh

and

circumstances

can

And

and

destroy

or

"

Orme

! thou

of

that

minute

virtue

is

not

chronicler of

indeed, should I deem

events, ungrateful,
I not
to
here acknowledgemy obligations
*

European.

250

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

of the
example of the tortuosityof the course
and of the way in which both it and the great
Bagheriti,
Ganges abandon their beds and form new ones, leaving
miles of their former channels unoccupied,or formed into
stagnant lakes,was afforded at, Augurdeep,a few miles
from
Plassey.
After a long day'sjourney (some fifteen or sixteen
had
that we
observed, to our great surprise,
miles),we
halted within a few hundred
yardsof the spot from whence
of boats moored
had set out in the morning, the masts
we
mus,
there being visible across
neck of land, or istha
narrow
connecting with the main land the peninsulawe
had been all day circumnavigating.
This isthmus, in after years, was
cut through,the river
beatingin full force againstit,leaving,of course, a great
of channel dry, If Olive's victory,
extent
therefore,had
it
left no more
than the field on which
lastingmemorial
should know
but little about it.
was
we
gained,
We
ill success,
at least Miss
at our
were
disappointed
Belfield and I j for the captain
that matters
had anticipated
be as we
would
found them.
I, however, consoled myself
An

with

determination

I had

formed,

raise

to

monument

which
than the one
durable
victorya little more
had justdisappeared.I made
to compose
a
up my mind
the conquest of Bengal ; Olive,of course,
on
poem, an epic,
the hero, and Plasseythe scene;
batants,
which, like the comon
I proposed to put forth all my
strength.
I had
for some
of the divine
days felt the stirring
afflatuswithin me, a sort of boilingand riotingof vast
of the

ideas
or

too

for
delivery,

I stuck

found, for

afterwards

vast, alas ! I

fast

at

"

utterance

Olive."

Immortal

days more
brought us to the station of
Burhampore. The day before we arrived,Captain Belfield received a letter from
old acquaintanceat the
an
station,one Colonel HeliogabalusBluff,begging him to
Two

or

breakfast

day
*'

or

two

three

and
en

dine
route.

with

him

The

on

the

morrow,

letter thus

I hear you have your sister with

and

concluded

you

pass
:

shall,of

course,

MEMOIBS

be

glad

to

the

see

dolee, which

pray

OF

251

GBIFFIN.

Beebee

Sahib

present

to

too

herewith

send

her, with

bhote

my

b/iote

salaam.

dolly, sir,"said I, in astonishment, on Captain

Belfield's reading this passage ;
that's rather an odd
thing to send : he supposes, I presume, that Miss Bel"A

"

field is

child."

violent fit
attacked with a most
Captain Belfield was
that
of laughter on
my making this remark, and I saw
I had been once
more
unwittinglygriffinizing.
he

When
"

had

Gernon," said

little recovered

he,

"it

will

add,

his

composure,

perhaps, to

intend
I tell you, that we
said dolly for dinner, and shall expect you to
it."
astonishment

when

Saying this,he

ordered

article to

the

when, instead of a toy, I found the dolee

fruit,flowers,and vegetables.
"

sat

Who

is the

at tea

in the

this

your

eat

the

partakeof

brought in,

be
was

basket

of

"

gentleman ? said Miss Belfield,as we

evening, from whom
you had the letter
"

morning, and

fine fruit ?

to

to

whom

are

we

indebted

for

all this

"

"

Why, Colonel Bluff,"said her brother,"an old fellowcampaigner of mine, a very rough subject; and though
he is my friend/ as Mr. Dangle, in The Critic,'
says, I
must
far from agreeable
a very eccentric and
acknowledge,
'

'

character."

/'Oh!
like much

pray
to

describe
have

an

him

said
fully,"

eccentric

character

his sister: "I

delineated,for,

have become
in this age of refinement,men
so
very much
like one
another, that a person marked
by any peculiarity
is as enlivening
as
a
rock, or other bold feature, to the

sight,after having
of

low

and

level

been

long .wearied by the monotony

landscape: do, pray, give us a sketch

of him."

Well, then, the colonel is a stout, sturdyJohn Bull,

underbred
and
overfed,combining with the knock-medown
bluntness of that character,as it once
existed more
"

252

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

stronglythan at present, and a double allowance of all

the gourmanderie and frivolity
his ordinaryprejudices,
idle life in India is too
which
an
apt to engender in the
very best of us.
He reverses
"

the rule, that

to

eat

to

live,for

of his time is

ing
occupiedin devishis farm-yard,educating
dishes,or superintending
his fat China
pigs, and looking after his tealery,and
and sheep.
quailery
He has a constant
supplyalwayspouring in for him
from
Calcutta, of exotic and expensiveluxuries
beer,
hams, Perigordpies,
champagne, pine cheeses,Yorkshire
liberal
pigs'cheeks, and the like of which he is certainly
enough ; for no prince can be prouder than he is when
of his table,making his gastronomicaldisplays
at the head
passing
; in short, he
greatlyprides himself on the surexcellence of his breakfasts and dinners, though
those
who
often, as their price,
partake of them must
and brutality
of mansubmit quietly
to all his coarseness
ner.
Folks in India do not generally
trouble themselves
about
much
least,not so far as to
English politics
; at
identifythemselves stronglywith the sects and parties
which
are
everlastingly
worryingeach other at home, and
remind
who
of vultures
and jackals here
me
over
a
he lives

eat, and

ought

we

to

much

"

"

"

carcase.
"

and

Colonel
has

king man,

Bluff

is,however,

an

exceptionto

the

rule,

always set himself up for a great church-andand"a violent high Tory, delighting
in talking

violent
fellow, and
terribly
when
excited by a few glassesof wine, pounds the table,
all
and makes
the glassesdance again,as
he denounces
Whiggery and Kadicalism.
of

such

"

an

subjects.

He

is

faults,however, and he has

ordinaryshare, he possesses a good deal
With

all his

'

'

more

of

than
Miss

standing dish, good-nature (provided

he has
everythinghis own
way) ; and, indeed, but for
this redeeming trait,
unbearable."
he would be utterly
Miss Belfield said she was
curious to see this singular
Hannah

More's

MEMOIRS

253

GRIFFIN.

OF

a
feelingin
compound of Ion vivant and politician,
which
I expressedmy heartyparticipation.
You
be on your guard how you comport yourmust
self
for
I
before him, Gernon," said the captain,
assure
to griffins,
cuttingthem up right
you he shows no mercy
"

"

and

left,when

he

once

with

commences,

fully
unmerci-

most

rough raillery."
had

"He

formidable

better leave

shake

of

sir,and

you know,
his Oliver/'
"

You'd

the

captain;

than

banks,

for

fellow,"replied

griffin

stouter

many

mand,
com-

Rowland

dear

his

whilst

his head.

umbrella, over
this

be

must

"

Kisha

"

Bilfil Sahib

It

Colonel

budjra hyr

"

ka"

the station of Burham-

brought to, I observed, approachin

f
ollowed
officer,
stout, burly

we

very

orderlysepoy,
"

reached

we

little before

the
an

under

not

givehim

may

demolished

he has

morning

next

pore, and

by

I'm

are."

you

The

attempt it,my

better not
"

"

head

the

rather

alone," said I, with

me

held

bearer

chattah, or

impossibleto

was

taken
be mis-

Bluff.

?)
(CaptainBelfield's),
replieda
(whose

is that

boat

servant.
"

Ship ahoy ! Belfield,get up, you lazydog/'shouted

the
stout
gentleman,"with the voice of a Stentor.
The
captain ran out in his dressing-gown,and my
confirmed
at once
indeed, the
; it was,
suspicionswere
colonel ; and
a
livelygreeting now
passed between
"

them.

"Well, then, so you'vedeserted Java"

eh?"
to

seem

and

have

back

come

used

to

the

well,though

you

cut

Qui-Hye's ?
; you

aint

herringguttedlookingfellow
alantern-jaw'd,
be

to

"

! haw

haw

'

joinedus first,as
day'swashing.'as
used
"

to

say

"

haw

You

thin

were,

the Dutchmen,

as

"

they

half such
you

used

recollect,when

you
after
o'
hard
a ha'porth
as
a
soap
father's old north country gardener

my
! haw

"

Complimentaryand refined,as usual,I

see, colonel ;

254
I

MEMOIES

OF

GRIFFIN.

congratulateyou on any
respect."
Why, man, you don't expect

can't

that
"

old friend like you, do you

the rest
you know

stumps,

readyup yonder, and

stuck

ever

or

woman,

of

your
child

women,

won't

come,

"glad

to

the

her ;
But who

see

for you
breakfast
for no

you know
Beebee
?

have

of old.

me

where's

as

all
you

man,

Talking

sister ? she'll
Bluff's
the

compts

honours

to

got in that boat astern,

you

"

Belfield ?

friend of mine,
young
join his regiment,under our

Oh, it's

going to

stir

come,

ham

My compts" Colonel
always proud to do

she?

the ladies.

"

living
;

But,

stumps ! breakfast's

I wait

teeth in.

where's

haw!

capitala

as

compliment an
med/
compliments cram-

with

stir your

man

alteration in

to

me

haw!

"

your

'

material

Ensign Gernon,
and

convoy

tection."
pro-

eh ! a greenhorn:hungry as
a
hunter,
griff,
I'llbe sworn
alongwith you, bringhim along,
; bring him
Rare
and we'll fillhim
to play
out.
fellows,your griffs,
fork
trencher-men.
I'd sooner
rare
a knife and
keep
haw!"
of them a week than a fortnight haw!
some
But
colonel,had you not better take your breakfast
with us? it's ready,and then we'll walk
up and spend
the rest of the day with you."
with
if I do : d'ye
Breakfast
you ! No, hang me
"

Oh

"

"

("

"

to insult

mean

shore, with

with

him

No,

come,

shot

hardly a

with

sir?

me,

in

What

man,

after

voyage,

locker, ask a gentleman on

ham
his table,to breakfast
on

heard

such
I

along,or

come

his

Yorkshire

never

must

proposalin
march

you

all my life !
all up under

file of Jacks."

All
was

uttered

at

it

kindness

might
captain,I

top of

the

heartiness

for
was

I overheard

this,which

an

and

in it,and with

doubtless

could

and which
very distinctly,
iron pair of lungs,was
tended
in-

No
doubt
there
jocularity.
mortals as rough as himself,
answered

very well; but the

the inflicunder
see, evidentlywinced
have

256

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

his capaciousarm-chair
burlyKing Hal person filling
figurea little obliqued,a napkin over his knee, and the
bottles in array before him, the jollycolonel looked the
of absolutism
and animalism.
very personification
and
fill your
"Gentlemen,
King!
glasses!Church
"

and
a

up

after that \vbat you will. Pass the bottle,Belfield ; fill

sir ; none
bumper ; come, a brimmer ; no daylight,

of your
off?"
"

I'll drink

"

You're

thoughtyou

wider apart than ever."

becoming a follower of

not

had

please,colonel

anythingyou

are
politics

our

here ; I

Whiggery

left all that

I fear

but

rascal Tom

that

Paine, are you ? I know you used to dabble in all sorts

but a few degreesoff it
of books, and were
a
republican,
"

scoundrel
irreligious
deserves
would

fellow

"

have

gone
that had
"

upset, if he

villain !

1, I hope, as he

and
respect for royalty,

no

could, our

an
holy religion,

fernal
in-

"

"

Why, you
aged officer ;
?
politics

the d

to

are
"

may

colonel," observed

warm,

I ask

when

you

took

so

middle-

keenly to

"

"Yes,
me

whether

glassand
haw

it depends upon
may ask," said Bluff; "but
I answer
haw ! haw ! Come, fill your
you

you

"

! haw
Never

bottle,and

the

pass

don't ask

questions haw
"

"

did

rough a specimen of humanity.

How
he talked, laughed, thumped the table, and laid
down
the law, in the exercise of his unenviable
immunity !
An
incident occurred after dinner, which
displayedin
the violence of Bluff's character,especially
a strong light
towards
the natives, and
his perfectdisregardof the
of his company.
feelings
As the bottles were
placedbefore him by the apdar,or
bearded
butler, a very respectable-looking
Mahomedan,
our
host, who,
something in their arrangement displeased
of them, exclaimed,
to
one
pointingwith his fore-finger
"

Yee
The

kea

ky

see

"

unfortunate

so

(what is

this

domestic

?)
bent

forward

his

head,

MEMOIRS

OF

in fear,to
though evidently
received

he

scrutinize the

hack-handed

257

GRIFFIN.

hlow

in the

damage, when
from

mouth

the

colonel,which rung through the room, and sent him staggering

had fallen
his turhan, which
backwards, minus
from

the

The

shock.

man

I shall

forgetit stoopedand picked

replacedit on his noble-lookinghead

"

never

up his turhan ;
his face was
livid from
hand

his mouth,

to

upon it.
The company

"

"

of

sense

looked

and

appearedand

insult

the
at

; he

it,there

put his

was

disgusted; even

were

blood

Bluff,

of himself.
Well it is that
thought,seemed ashamed
these thingsare becoming rare !
But enough of the colonel,of whom
this sketch may
elaborate description.Of
give as good an idea as a more
such

characters

Indian

army,

there
and

were

few, and

it is to

be

hoped

but

few, in the

their number

is fast

diminishing.

CHAPTER
WE

remained

colonel, and

followingday,

the
one

two

or

givenby
of Moorshedabad,
The

whole

XXI.

of his

the Nawaub

in honour

station

had, I

and

accompanied the

to
officers,

of

grand

Bengal, at

his

tainment,
enter-

palace

of the festival of the Baira.

believe,received

invitations,

through the Governor- General's agent at the court of his

was
highness,and a grand spectacle
expected.
left Burhampore, in a landau, in the afternoon,
We
and after an agreeabledrive through a level and wooded
the margin of a considerable
lake,
country, partlyon
called the Motee
Jheel,reached the cityof Moorshedabad,
and
entering a loftygateway, found ourselves in the
enclosure
situated.

or

domain

in

which

the

nawaub's

palace is

258

MEMOIRS

buildingis

This
on
style,

the Aina
"

Palace
The

the

OF

GRIFFIN.

loftystructure,

banks

of the

in the

river,and bears

Mahl, which, if I

am

not

in

European

the

error,

of

name

the

means

of Mirrors/'

whole

scene

to

so

animated

was

being the

me,

and

and
striking,
first thing of the kind I

particularly
had

in India.

seen

Mahomedans,
exhibitinga
Groups of richly-dressed
grand displayof shawls, turbans and jewels; retainers
inhabitants
and connections
of the nawaub, or dignified
of the city; armed
attired in the picturesquecostume
men,
of the native soldiery
of India, with shields,swords,
and matchlocks
Bengalese in
; Abyssinian slaves, and
their flowing
muslin robes, constituted the native portion
of the assembly. Amongst these were
numerous
a
body
of English officers,
and
ladies
in their scarlet uniforms,
dressed.
elegantly
On
the terrace
the
of the noble
house, overlooking
stood the nawaub
and his little court, their
Baghiriti,
with the plainblue coat
jewelsand muslins contrasting
and simple garb of the Governor- General's agent and
other civilians about

him.

profuselycovered
palace,
with wines and refreshments,in the European style
; old
hands
and
fair sex
and
civilians,seemed all
griffins,
determined
to enjoy themselves,and to
give his nabobhis claret,as a slightoff-set to
ship a benefit ; to sweat
the sweatinghis ancestors
in the Black
had given to ours
Tables

"Hole

of

In the

courts

two

the

below, Pulwahns, or athletse,

pavilions
of strength
; jugglers displayed their

an

three

or

mimics

enacted

Indian

tailor,as far as
expression,and
As

in

or

feats

tricks,and
to

out

Calcutta.

exhibited

horse

laid

were

Johnny Raw, a sort

I was
able to judge from
the applause they elicited

with great humour

and
night drew on, the whole

a blaze
exhibiting

of

light;

sale of

the
of

Brentford

their action,
from

the

stande
by-

effect.

place was

the party, native

illuminated,
and

Euro-

MEMOIRS

OF

259

GRIFFIN.

congregatedon the terrace to look at the sports.

pean, were
zed
A grand pyrotechnic
displayfollowed ; the rockets whizin

the

air,and

blue

the

lightsshed

their

spectral

glarearound.
this
delighted:

methought.
seeing,
covered with countless lamps in
Anon, the river was
motion
its surface,and, soon
on
after,a fairypalace,or
of gorgeous
structure
came
light,
formingone mass
ing
gliddown
the current, passingheneath the terrace.
effect was
The whole
beautiful and striking.I have
hardlyever before or since seen
anything of the kind
which pleased
me
more.
The costumes
of the East, and possibly
and buildings
I

of

was

semi-barbarous

all

is worth

countries,harmonize

well

; all is in keeping,and
pageantry and spectacle

appears
Not
so,

to

wound

the

sense

it strikes me,

and

nought

congruity.

country, where the

and glitter
of the Middle
Ages form strange patchwork
with spinning-jennies
and the homely toggery of

pomp

in

of fitness

with

our

own

utilitarian and

our

go-a-head times. Fancy going to a

or
railroad,
seeing a mailed champion

by a
by jowl with

tournament

ridingcheek
of Barclayand

Perkins's

let it be in unison

Kennington "'bus," or one

have splendour,
drays. If we must
a

with the age.

with
stores
our
day, having replenished
several additions from
the colonel's garden and
yard,
farmfor it would be ungratefulnot to acknowledgethis
resumed
liberalitya trulyIndian virtue we once more
The

next

"

our

of

"

voyage.

Burhampore, like

most

India, is intended

to

of the

operateas

stations
great military
a

check

on

largeand

the
once
importantcity; not that from Moorshedabad
capitalof Bengal,a placelong since sunk into comparative
much
be appreto
insignificance
danger is now
hended.
It is the head-quarters
of a brigade,partly
composed of European troops.
The
barracks
and officers' quarters are
superb,and
"

"

form

vast

square, of which

the

former

constitute the
s

260

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

face farthest from

the river; that

of
range
and
colonnades

handsome

to it is

nearest

and

houses

tinuous
con-

gardens, with

verandahs, occupiedby civilians

and

superiormilitaryofficers.
There

are

of buildings
also other ranges
runningperpendicula
the river,partlybarracks
and
in part
to

whole
officers' quarters. The
Baghiritiby a broad bund, or
lines
the

about

are

mile

is

separated from the

esplanade. The sepoy
the

inland, but

officers reside in

quarters,or in the fine bungalows scattered about.

The

eveningwas very lively

; soldiers
exercisingin the square ; officers ridingon horseback, or
the esplanade;
drivingin gigs; the band playing on
promenading; in short, I was
pleasedwith the
groups
to have terminated
place,and should have had no objection
my

scene

here in the

there.
voyage
The morning of

were
we
besiegedby the
departure,
vendors of silk piece-goods
and handkerchiefs, as also of
ivorytoys and chessmen, for both of which this place
and its neighbour,Cossim
Bazar, have acquireda great
reputation.
Some
of the chessmen
shown
us
were
largebeyond anything

of

the kind

our

I had

ever

that to
and

play with an irascible man

massive piecesmight be unsafe.

The

natives

of

before

seen

with

India, it appears

; so

such

much

so,

ponderous

though possessed
and ingenuity,have
of infinite perseverance
no
natural taste (at least,if they have any, it greatly
wants
in the fine arts, they
cultivation)
; as respects progress
at the
Anglo-Saxon ancestors
appear on a par with our
time of the Conquest,and their sculpture,
carving,and
painting(and probablytheir music),in their leadingand
marked
and defects,
bear a considerable
more
peculiarities
resemblance

to those

of such

remains

to

me,

as

we

have

of the

England. It is,however, probable that

the rude dawnings of knowledge are
everywhere pretty
much
less of native
marked
with
or
more
alike,though
vigourand genius.
olden

time

of

MEMOIRS

OF

261

GRIFFIN.

Of

perspective,
proportion,"c., they know little or
nothing,and of this we had amusing examples,both in
the carvingand some
here offered us
which were
pictures
for sale,and which latter,
in the richness of their colours
and gilding,
brought stronglyto mind the illuminations
of

old missals,except that,in the

and
perspective
them completely,

false

disregardof proportion,
they heat
fusion
outdoing Hogarth's illustration of that ludicrous coninto which an ignoranceof these thingsis wont
to
lead the graphictyro : full views at once
of three sides
of a square
building,flat roof inclusive,visible from
below ; chiefs,in gorgeous
apparel,seated on carpets as
large as the adjoininggarden, and holding posies to
their noses;" antelopesscampering over
hills somewhat
utter

"

smaller

than

themselves

of figures taller than

groups
dislocated limbs, and legslike wooden

the

with
buildings,
stockingstretchers ; water reversingthe laws of hydrostatics,
and running up-hill,
and objectsincreasing
with
the distance.
Miss

Belfield's critical eye

was

shocked

these formances
perfor my part,

by

though otherwise amused ; and

I do not think I enjoyeda heartier laugh since I was
a
griffin.
vitiated is the native eye, by being
So completely
accustomed
to these
deformities,that the majority of
Indians can
little or nothing of a European
often make
drawing; and I have often,in my post-griffinish
days,
of them
take a pencilsketch in his hand, turn
seen
one
it round about this way and that,and finally
settle to its
examination
when
upsidedownwards.

deficient
more
Hindus, in these respects, seem
than the Mabomedans,
though,like the ancient Egyptians,
in their ghauts,temples,
and other works, they exhibit the
The

vast

and

minute

in

perfection,
showing

what

numbers

effect without the aid of taste.

can
perseverance
The
at the
at Burhampore, narrows
Baghiriti,
of the
stream, and

was

now

cold

season

fast

to

so
falling,

and

mencement
com-

moderately broad
that

we

were

led

to

262

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

in gettinginto the great Ganges

difficulty
at the point of junction,
some
days'journey higher up.
this part becomes
Sometimes
for
absolutelyimpracticable
largeboats, which are then obligedto effect the passage
by another branch.
As we
approachedthe great river, our journeybecame
rather one
The
river had fallen
by land than by water.
to the depth of a few inches in some
pushed
parts, we were
dandies, over
by main force,by our indefatigable
sandy
some

suppose

shallows, of miles in extent.

This was
dently
labour,however, to which
a
they had evibeen
did
accustomed, and most
philosophically

plantingtheir backs againstthe broad

Dutch-built stern of the budgerow, they worked
us
along
degrees,with insufferable yelling,
by almost imperceptible
tony
by the monogroaning,and grunting,varied occasionally
Tan a Tooney hy yah!"
of
After a dos-a-dosmg it in this stylefor some
days,we
had at length the satisfaction to find ourselves
fairly
the
backed
of
in the Ganges.
out
scrape, and riding
I gazed on
The Ganges ! Strangewere
as
my emotions
of that famed
and once
the broad
mysterious
expanse
about

they set

it :

"

associated
of my
were
name
so
river,with whose
many
earlyideas of Brahmins, Gentoos, burning widows, and

strange idolatries ! Alas ! the

of the world

romance

is fast

and conquest, are

making
departing. Steam, commerce,
and soon
all things common,
they will leave no solitary
spot on this globeof ours where the imaginationmay revel
undisturbed amidst dim uncertainties and barbaric originalities.
but
There wants
Mount
a gin-shopon
Ararat, or
on
Olympus, to completethe work of
a spinning-jenny

desecration.
A

day

mountains,
after

with

or

having

level of
The

two

or

more

hills of

been

so

brought

us

in

sight of

the blue

Rajmahal, a great relief to the eye,

to the unvarying
long accustomed

Bengal.

low
game,

lands
the

at

the foot of these hills

are

well stocked

neighbouring jungles affordingthem

264

had

time

no

MEMOIRS

OF

to reflect on

the

in such

enemy,

he made

my

GRIFFIN.

dangerof provokingsuch an
a
place no rock, stump, or
coign of
which I could have
evaded
his charge,
hut instantly
of
poured the contents
"

"

vantage/'behind
had

one

"

barrel into his acoustic

organ,
fellow

the

at

distance of two

almost
was
as
yards. But the
tough as
whose
end I formerlydescribed : the shot
the alligator,
effect beyond a shake
producedapparentlynot the slightest
of the head and a quickeningof his pace.
the country, floundering
over
Away he went
through
and pools in great style,
the mud
tance,
disTeazer, for some

or

three

hard

his heels,but with

on

imagine,of catchingsuch
Had

resented

the brute

serious

no

intention,I

Tartar.
the

earwiggingI

gave him, as
have done, a pretty littlewhite
he might easily
cenotaph,
"
Gernon"
and
the nearest
eminence, Hie jacetFrank
on
an

invitation
would
After

to

have

the humane
been

bagging one

the

to

dropa

tear

in passing,

probableresult.
two

or

chikors, I proceededto

more

rather of

the foot of the hills,

or

them, and

traveller

found

spur proceedingfrom
the skirts of a most

myself on
jungle: tall yellow grass, sombre pools,
tigerish-looking
with irregular
with reedymargins, interspersed
patchesof
wooded
bush and tree jungle,
ramifyingfrom the denselysoon

hills above.

I would

have

not

insured

and
coupleof hours, for ninety-nine

cow

there,for

half per cent, of her

value.
I

paused ere

coverts

; but

ventured
hesitation

my
established fact that,in

to
was

plunge
but

love,war,

into

these

dreary
It is

an
momentary.
the chase, wherever
or

danger presents itself,

rush in,
Griffins

Where

old hands

fear to tread.

Teazer and the bull, and half-a-dozen

Besides, there were
black
fellows, ready picked, constituting
long odds in
should a hungry tigerappear.
my favour, even
In short,I entered,and was
soon
forcingmy way, gun

MEMOIRS

in

mouth, and in
that,in a second, I

Munro, by

265

GRIFFIN.

perilouslocality,
my heart in
feverish sort of tip-toeexpectation
a
might find myself hurried off, a la

hand, through this

my

OF

most

the waistband

of my

breeches.

Things stood thus, my party a little scattered,and all

advancingthrough the reedymargin of a windingpieceof
I had not the slightest
water
(wellstocked with alligators,
doubt), when a shout, a yelp from Teazer, a violent rush,
a glimpseof some
animal, an instinctive dischargeof my
at my
gun, and a huge hog-deer rolled head-over-heels
feet; all the work
much

as

of

alarm

of the

instant,into

an

which

was

pressed
com-

one
(forverilyI thought it was
have served (dilutedinto anxiety)

royals)as would
for seasoningsix months' ordinary
existence.
I of my
Truly proud was
exploit,as the hog-deer,
doubled-up,
laykickingat my feet,in the agoniesof death.
By a fortunate chance, I had lodged the whole charge of
shot

under

Never

his shoulder.

will the capWhat

elated.
more
griffin
tain
valuing
undernow
say?" thought I; "no more
jeers or
of my sportingqualifications
after this !"
My first care now, after slingingthe deer, was to get
of the jungle for this successful feat had
out
given a
relish to existence,and I felt indisposedto run
more
new
risks.
His
tied ; a young
tree was
cut,
soon
legswere
and thrust throughthem ; and, supportedby four men,
I
proceededin triumph to my budgerow.
"

was

"

"

Well, Mr. Gernon, you have

this time," said Miss Belfield.
The
but

been

fortunate

kind

warned

again,as,

on
me
captainalso congratulated
my success,
me
against venturingon foot in such places
in fact,I had really
incurred considerable risk.

In return, I favoured them

whole day'soperations.
The

indeed

with

detailed account

of my

bulky animal, served to

feast the whole crew
and domestics,his throat having been
he fell,
without
which operation
Mahomedan
cut when
no
would have touched
him.
We
also had
some
collopsof
hog-deer, being

very

266

MEMOIRS

the flesh,which

OF

GRIFFIN.

good, though not to he

tolerahly
compared to an English haunch of venison.
I am
not
writinga book of travels,so shall touch hut
and occurrences
which
lightlyon the scenes
presented
themselves
our
on
subsequentroute to Dinapore,where
my friends and I parted they remaining there,I, after a
time, continuing
to the capitalof the
course
my onward
Moguls.
Hitherto, our route had lain through Bengal, a country
of mud
huts and inundations
now
were
; but we
ing
approachfiner
and
inhabited
a
one
higher level,
by a
race,
livingin a superiorclimate,and where the Mahomedan
which approachesnearer
has impartedits
to our
spirit,
own,
in the shape of substantial towns,
more
enduring traces
and more
and
lasting,
though still decaying monuments
edifices. Captain Belfield had excited our
curiosity
by
his account
of the ruins of Rajmahal,the some
time transient
of Bengal,during the reign of the Emperor
capital
Aurungzebe, and we consequentlyindulged in pleasing
of the rambling and sketchingwe
to
were
anticipations
enjoythere.
It was
evening when we approached that place; the
moored
the Ganges as we
sun
was
on
settinggloriously
horn
of
boats in a little bay near
the ruins, on
one
our
hidden
which
stood an
old grey mosque,
by
partially
and
feathery
tangledshrubs and jungle,and the tapering
bamboo
striking
one, perhaps,of the greatestand most
of India^i
ornaments
scenery.
"William," said Miss Belfield,"you must
positively
were

"

"

for I can
to-morrow,
all these fine old ruins unsketched

remain

here

never

behind

consent

to

leave

me."

willinglyconsented to her wish, and a

delightfulday of it we had, rambling,pencilin hand,
and
dilapidatedpalaces,
amongst decaying mosques
of revelry,
where the voice of the imaun, or the sounds
of
had long given placeto the hootingsof that mocker
human
vanity,the owl.
There are not, in the whole round of the feelings
and
Her

brother

MEMOIRS

sensations,any
those

as

to

that

exquisitely,
yet sadlypleasing,

so

me

arise

267

GRIFFIN.

OF

in

when

mind

the

wander

we

kings,and the monuments

of departedpower
and glory: how
stronglydo they link
with the past, and how
us
powerfullydoes the imagination,
the things that were,
with such a footing, body forth
amidst

the deserted

of

courts

"

"

but

are

not

discovered,was

his

like

Captain Belfield,who,
somewhat

Lines

on

some

time the

Which
Ye

ruins

past

How

aspect,since

changed

your

that

regal state

Sujah,t in his

Poor

victim

of

And
Here

Now

There
Grim

retributive

the minstrel's

nightly sounds
hoots

the

cynic of

fire,

laid the foul assassin

once

felt the fatal blow

Meerunt

Where

hate

sweets

display'dits vengefulire,

fell the

That

happier hour,

of power,
to his darker
fate.

Bright contrast
Heav'n

bound,

reign'daround.

brother's

Enjoy'd the transient

Here

of old

pageants filled your

and Nagara* told

orient

trumpet

Of

t The

the

cast ;

lightwinds
Low
blending with
The requiems of

Here

halls,

pensive sighs,
at
pipe
evening hour,
the lapwing'scries,
departed power :

Gay

Nagara

and

gloriesof

And

"

the lone trav'ller

Where

And

the Palace

o'er the steep your shadows

drear, which sad recall

faded

The

followinglines

of the Sungy Dulaun,

Capital of Bengal.

mould'ringcorridors

Ye

the

and

of Rajmalial

the Ruins

afterwards

poet, though in most

amused
himself, while we

of

things a matter-of-fact man,

in composing
were
sketching,

sister,as

the

low.

voice

was

heard,

jackal's
yell;

melancholy bird,
the

darksome

cell.

royal kettle-drum.

Sultan

Sujah, brother

of

Aurungzebe, fled

to

Arracan, where

murdered.

was
+

Meerun, the assassin of Surajah Dowlah, killed by lightning.

he

268

MEMOIBS

the Harem's

Within
Where
No

beauty

brighteyes,
The

OF

rank

GKIFFIN.

latticed screen,
its radiance shed,

once

owl's

the

save

jungle

green

of gems
Lies coil'd where
carcanet

seen

"

its head.

snake

the

"

are

rears

jewell'dbeauty prest,
tangledbrake,

seeks the

Unwinding,

Or fierce erects his horrid crest.

Column

arch, with sculpture traced,

and

folds,
by the peepul's*circling
Like writhing Laocoon
embraced,
and nature
Art dies
empire holds.
Crush'd

"

Hail,

sombre

Once

gay
of thyself,
with

Wreck
Of

Like

fabric ! type of life

and smiling,now
forlorn ;

all

thy

ruin

rife,

first attractions

shorn.

volcano

some

its fires

dead

"

Here

"

the

now
no
more
passions rage ;
Ambition, hate, or fierce desires
Long past no longer conflicts wage.
Sadly thou breath' st the moral old,
Earth's vanities
man's chequer'dlot,
often
and
told,
By seers
sages
"

"

In life'sfiercetumults

o'er the

As

forgot.

soon

of time

mould'ring wrecks

With

silent step we
pensive steal,
In every land, in every clime,
Oh
! say, whence
spring those thoughts we

Why

the passions? touch'd the heart

?
state to scan
prompts us all our

hush'd

What
What

animates

each

breathe

Why

we

'Tis that awhile

Earth's

Sweet

better

love and

withdrawn

cares,

with

to the mint

treasures

In such

frame

in

"

Waked

"

fancy hears
Oh, pilgrim ! this
Look

tear

brother's
and
*

old

the

upwards

trembled

for

in Miss

part ?
peace

from

strife and

contemplationlowly

Her

to

man

cares

"

fraught,

sorrow

"

bears
of

thought.

tone
stilly

these words
is not

thy

your

exprest,
home,
"

placeof rest."

Belfield's

they had touched

feelings
they expressed were
verses

feel ?
?

eye
some

as

she read
tender

evidentlyin

entwines its silvery

and
Peepul (Ficu" religiosa)
and hastens their destruction.
buildings,

tortuous

her

chord,
unison

roots around

MEMOIRS

her

with

; she

own

OF

and

arose

269

GRIFFIN.

retired

to

cabin,her

her

she
As
slightlyaverted, to conceal her emotion.
passed,the captainfondlystretched out his hand towards
her; she seized and pressedit it was all the commentary
head

"

she made.
The

ruins of

Rajmahal are not very extensive,nor are

buildingsof any extraordinary
magnitude or beauty ;

the

and two
three old
or
mosques,
the Moorish
styleof architecture,which

nevertheless,some
in

ways,
gateseems

from
preservedits originalcharacter
Delhi to Morocco
are
highlypicturesque.
well
Captain Belfield,who was
acquaintedwith the
acted as our
Cicerone, pointing out
placeand its history,
the most
remarkable
buildings; amongst these,by far the
considerable
the palace erected by that crafty
most
was
villain Aurungzebe, of which there
and most
consummate
have

everywhereto

"

"

remains, halls,baths, courts,

very considerable
of Meerun, the assassin of Surajah
"c., also the tomb

are

some

Dowlah.

Rajmahal

the residence

was

tunate
capitalof the unforbrothers of Aurungzebe.

and

Sultan

Sujah,one of the
The tragicend of this prince,amongst the wilds of Arrahistorian Bernier,
related by the accurate
can, is touchingly
The
whose
historyof this family is a perfectromance.
relator has traversed

Myamootie, where
to

have

the

Arracan

hapless Mogul princeis supposed

Mahomedans

are

differ in many
wear
a similar
of those

naturalized
the

respects from

garb. They

are

followers of Sultan

in

Arracan, who

though they
aborigines,
ants
supposedto be descendSujah,who escapedthe

described

by Bernier, and were

slaveryby the Mughs.
When
the cityof Arracan
was
capturedby

massacre

the

head

of

the
the

enough, bore
him

towards

his fate.

met

There

the wild forests in

well, and

approachof

the

name

Mahomedan
of

Sujah.

retained

in

the British,

inhabitants, singularly
The

writer remembers

playing,on
wily fellow he was,
army, a well-managed double game,

the
with

2?0

MEMOIRS

British

and

OF

Burmese, which

GRIFFIN.

to benefit

was

ever
himself,which-

party succeeded.
Sultan

Sujah ! the howling forests of Arracan

have presenteda melancholy contrast
to the marhle
must
Sebastian
halls of the palace of Aurungzehe ! Like
of
bore some
resemblance),
Portugal(to whose fate his own
he was
long believed to be alive,and fondlylooked for by
his adherents in India,and several impostorsappearedto
Poor

personate him.

palmy state, and what

of the town
remains
is ruinous, and
thinly inhabited.
Leaving this place,we continued our route, having the
woody ranges of hills on our left,at various distances
Rajmahal

from

has

the bank

long fallen

from

its

of the river.
low

a
Sicrigully,
Ganges,crowned at

At

of

spur

the

its eminence

with

hills

touches

the

old mosque

an

or

and
bungalow, for travellers,
hard by, a straggling
village.
Here I was
gratified
by the sightof a brother sportsman,
tomb

beneath

is

in the person
was

small

of

Indian

an

hunter, or shekarri.

little,
spare, black creature,

perfectlydistinct

native of

the

hills

(a

people of the plains),

armed with a matchlock, whilst sundry bags and pouches
adorned
his person.
He brought a fawn
and a brace of
jungle fowls, which he offered for a rupee, and some
English powder and shot.
The jungle fowl are
the domestic
cock and hen in a
race

wild state, of which

though they are

the tropics.The
and

or

the

not

there
often

the

varieties in the East,

many
found in the junglesfar beyond
are

plumage of

the cock bird is

rich,varied,

cleer
that of the civilized chantiso than
beautiful,far more
; the hens, however, are
generallyof a uniform dun
slate colour,having callow bluish wattles,and spots of
same

colour

the firstI had

ever

Sunderbunds, and
the

from

He

around

the

seen,
was

aural

though

not

captain that they were

shooting also, and what to

orifices.

I had

heard

These
them

were

in the

littlesurprised
to learn from
not

many

only game,
may

be

but

capital

considered

272

MEMOIRS

obtained

which

OF

GRIFFIN.

him

his present celebrity.

The
of the legend I have forgotten.

cause

fakeer

The

assured

ticulars
par-

the

the
captain,that not only was
of the saint venerated
by man, but that it was
memory
also held in great respect by the wild beasts of the adjoining
the
of
whom
came
one
particularly
by
tigers,
jungles,
regularly
every Fridaynight,and swept up the floor of the
durgah with his tail.
It happened that the day of our
visit was
the very one
the tigerwas
which
wont
to perform this office ; Capon
tain
Belfield

told

it,and

fakeer that he had

the

had

great desire

to

sittingup for the

The fakeer assured him, however, that it would
purpose.
be utterly
useless,for the animal had such an insuperable
aversion for all but true believers,
that, if any other were
he would
make
not
his appearance.*
near,
certainly
The
next
a woody
day we passed Puttergatta,
nence,
promi-

witness

there

where
Hindoo

temple.

found

and

intention

some

are

some

went

on

Chattermohun

of

caves,

and

shore

to

pretty white

examine

them,

Ghose

paying his respects to

armed
a
god, with goggle eyes, and a vermilion
manyof a temple.
mouth, seated far back in the dim recess
mohun,
I have alreadyhinted, that I had a regardfor Chatterfor
I thought this a favourable
so
opportunity
which I forthwith set myself
convertinghim to Christianity,
about to achieve, breakingground by a few pungent sneers
I found
at his idol.
Chattermohun, however, a doughty
polemic,and did not make the impressionI expected.
"

Master

have

teach

S'poseI

will believe
him

make

master's

"

There
so

was

no

I gave

thing; too much

making anything of

him

little incident,which
Master

up.

my
tell Hindoo

and

father

for true; Hindoo

do
man
change,then will lose caste

this very bad

to me;

"

what

for
him

same
no

one

mother

thing.
ispek

familyman."
; he

was

nate,
obsti-

not, however, omit one

efforts elicited.
proselytizing
I must

religiongot
*

fact.

too

many

god

"

too

MEMOIRS

much

veneration

for

have

plentygod

too."

"

;'

Master's

you mean,
you
don't know what you are

foolish

do

Yes,

tell all about

To

fellow ?

talkingabout.0
well.
I one
Europe

very

;"

said

hook

I.

got

afterwards

short, Chattermohun

matter

his book, which

me

Europe religion

that/'
the

cut

showed

I know

sare,

273

GRIFFIN.

image.

What

''You

OF

Pantheon, with

the Eoman

was

the deities of Olympus !

representing
Passing the two picturesquerocks of Colgong, which
stand out in the river,boldlybreastingits current, we in
due time reached
the headland
of Sultangunge,opposite
islet of Junghera,with its white
is the romantic
to which
temple and curious sculptures.
Here
our
budgerow was boarded by two sturdybeggars,
of whom
from
who levy contributions
all passers-by
; one
cuts

fakeer from

the Hindoo

was

vis-a-vis,of

medan

find

Mahomedan

The

in very
"

"

the

said

was

very venerable old man,

decked
seated on
a
portion
a

;
success

your

I have

than

Belfield

to

did

at

the

Muse

with

Now
As

ON

it breaks

The

molten

And

list !

THE

GANGES.

by Ganges palm-clad shore

lightlysounds
slow

the
with

dipping oar,
sparklinggleam

silver of the
a

the

me,

to

me
me

next

try

script
manu-

more

Plassey. Pray read this,and give

EVENING
eve

disciple

somewhat

opinion."

'Tis

yesterdayhas induced
Here/' said she,handing

courted

you

Miss

him

of

scene

poeticpowers.
"

me

fakeer

Gernon,0

Mr.

morning,
my

rival

that

He
was
long beard.
boat, a tiger-skin
spreadbeneath
good case, rowing the boat.

the

of

of

land, ministers

pointon which we everywhere

astonishingunanimity,the auri sacra fames.

an

with

main

the

creeds,but agreed on

the rock, the other his Maho-

song,

stream.

in fitful notes,

Soft o'er the tranquil current

floats,

274

GRIFFIN.

OF

MEMOIRS

it

Mingling its cadence, as

(Sad

dies,
cries ;

mournful

the lone hunza's*

With

cries,which, wafted

the

on

gale,

wail ;)
pensivespirit's
The mullah'sf song, ere, toil-oppress'd,
He seeks his nook and evening rest.
Afar Junghera'srocky isle,
Crown'd
by the tapering temple'spile.
like

Seem

some

tide its

rolls the sacred

On

mountain-source,
mystic glades
foot invades,
nought save pilgrim's
ice-bound glens,where, cold and lone,

Which
'Midst

Hiraaleh

High
The

and

in dim

Afar

course

its

Majesticfrom

"

throne,
hurled,
of the mountain-world;
his snowy

rears

chaotic

realms

over

monarch

Whilst, far

sheeted

away,

throng

spectralpeaks his state prolong;

mutes
on
high theystand,
Cold, death-like,
band.
Eternal nature's pageant
Of

Receivinghomage as it goes,
the mighty current flows,
Onward
Dispensing,as with regalhand,
blessingso'er

Its bounteous
of that

Type

power

the

land

mercies

whose

flow

below.
O'er all this wildering scene
But ah ! too oft its noble tide
horrid

By

sacrifices dyed,

pyres
brightself-immolating

Whilst

fires.
their flickering
whose
shades
mellow
from cool groves,
Now
No prying ray of lightinvades,
The low, fond cooings of the dove
Tell 'tisthe hour of peace and love ;
o'er the stream

Shed

light-wingedzephyrs gently play

O'er the Mimosa's
quivering spray.
its parting gleam
The settingsun
Sheds over
Gunga's sacred stream,
to blush as waning light
Which
seems
of night ;
the arms
to
her
Consigns
And

And

many

Reflect the crimson

Which
The
*

The

hnnza,

are
cry, and
the Mujnoon

Burman, as
f milah"

braminy

or

considered
and
was

Leila
the

of the

eagle of

boatman.

duck.

emblems

the

ue

of

to ebb

slowlyseems
vital tide of

idol-fane

and

mosque

shame,
away

dying day.
They

flyin couples,have

plaintive

of constancy by the natives.

They are
is
the
hunza
The
ensignof the
stream.
Roman

empire.

MEMOIRS

OF

275

GRIFFIN.

By

brow
afar
yon blue mountain's
twinkles
brightthe evening star ;
Translucent
ray ! the brightestgem

Now

That

decks

Now

deeper

The

its

diadem.
glittering
invest the

shades

weary

rests

Glides slowly, that

The

shelter

Abroad
And

of

the

friendlycreek.

some

night winds

freelyrove,

deck
fire-flies

countless

shore,

his oar,
his eye may
seek

boatman

the

Swift-wingedbrilliants ! gems
Bright
Than

jewels-of the

which

grove.

light!

of

tropicnight,
of the mine

the diamond

In richer lustre ne'er could shine !

Now

sparkling forth
Long-scattered fires

from

and

nook

succeed

the

bay,
day,

gathering,to their meal,

dusky forms of boatmen
steal,

And

them

round

The

Like

wizard

Who

round

of the

demons

wold,
a
orgieshold,
Framing, on Scandinavian fell,
Some
direful charm
or potent spell.
The simple meal despatched,the song
dram
the joy prolong ;
And
merry
Or some
light jocund tale givesbirth
To honest bursts of simple mirth.
At length, the song and story past,
Silence profound succeeds at last,
By every sound
unbroken, save
The turtle's splash or rippling wave.
Thus
by life'swoes and cares opprest,
The weary
spiritsinks to rest,
tomb
And
ebon palland marble
with gloom.
Invest the closingscene
But

o'er that

Another
To

So,

on

thus

not

cease

As

piletheir

the

guise.

haply rise,

it with

soul, its

Shall burst

in sombre

darklingstream

shall

sun

cheer

"

its beam.

chast'ningo'er,

eternal light
"

light that gilds that happy shore.

Whose
no
day shall know
night.

The

tiful
brought us to Boglipore,a very beaurich
park-likescenery.
station,surrounded by
few

days more

Having
which

visited the

plentiful
crop

boilingspring of Seetacoond, to
of legendsis attached by the cre-

276

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

natives,filled a few bottles with

dulous

is remarkable

for its
I

(though, as

purity,and

time, I rather givethis

reached

soon

we

placewhich cuts
altbough more

on

water, which

I believe medicinal

virtues

of

at

much

not

was

the

water-fancier

report than from

that

actual

experience),
Monghyr, a
Indian
history,

the ancient fortress of

considerable

celebrated

in

figurein
modern

times

as

the

seat

manufactory of tea-kettles,turn-screws,
"c., as also of fire-arms,after European
toasting-forks,
of

extensive

an

models.
have

occasionally
winged a few griffs,
and have
consequentlya bad name,
though the vendors
Nevertheless,
are
willingto prove tbem in your presence.
they are not often bought, except by
though dirt-cheap,
There
is no
the very green.
enjoyment in a suspected
These

guns

than in a doubtful egg.

gun, any more
On bringingto at the ghaut,we
perceiveda
of

One fellow
present their wares.
another a double-barrelled
huge tea-kettle,
gun,

chapmen,

carried

third

fourth

all eager

regiment

to

and
chafing-dish
cage

of beautiful

handful

green

and

of

a
toasting-forks,

blue birds from

the

hills,"c.
these gentry I drove several bargains,
assisted by
Kamdial, who afterwards had to fighta few stout battles
With

on

his

own

account

claimed, though

for dustoorie,or customary perquisites,

allowed,on all disbursements
unwillingly

in India.
A

rare

stock of valuables I had

includingthree
off,some

time

cages

of birds,one

after,by

terrible

on

of

leavingMonghyr,
avidavats,all swept

which
epidemic,

found

amongst them.
mode
of
I observed, for the first time, a peculiar
capturingthe river turtle; several natives paddleda light

its way
Here

standing in the prow,

along,one
dingy or canoe
I saw
lightdart or harpoon in his hand ; presently
turtle raise his head

above

the water, and in

an

with
a

huge

instant the

harpoonerflunghis light weapon, havinga cord attached,

its objectwith an
which
reached
unerring aim ; all was

MEMOIKS

bustle,and

now

turtle,which,
alderman's
As

catch

the

277

GKIFFIN.

minutes

looks

as

went,

haul

them

saw

might

have

in

made

an

water.

the

on

somewhat

few

far

as

mouth

am

mention

in

OF

mullets.

highly prizedof

subjectof harpooning, I
similar mode
These

in

fish, the

which
most

here
may
the natives

delicious

and

the

lows,
Ganges, swim in shoals in the shalwith
their heads
partly above the surface of the
water
of
: the shape of which, by the
way, and position
the largeeyes, givethem much
of serpents
the appearance
indeed,the first I saw, I took for a brood of water-

"

snakes.
The

be,

dandie, or

follows

hand

fisherman, whoever

them

in

the

sportsman

may
crouching attitude,having in his

of unlong lightbamboo, terminatingin a number

barbed
spikes,fastened on like the head of a painting
brush ; and
within strikingdistance,he launches
when
this slantingly
two
or
one
amongst the shoal, transfixing
fish,perhaps,whilst the rest dive or swim off, and soon
re-

appear

with

their heads

slowlystemming

as

before, above
I used

the current.

to

with great interest,but could

never
of it myself,though I often essayed.
The

the

watch
make

water, and
this operation

anything

fort of

Monghyr is of vast extent, though the

walls are now
in a decayed and
state ; within
dilapidated
the wide area
fine houses
are
tanks, bungalows,and some
on
risinggrounds,commanding fine views of the ruins,
and
a

the

distant woods

rather bold
A

and

and

hills,which

latter here present

serrated outline.

few

days more, and we were glidingpast the great

Mahomedan
cityof Patna, and in a short time after we found
ourselves moored
off the military
of Dinapore
cantonment
edition of Burhampore
and the station of a
a second
brigadeof troops, European and native.

"

"

Here

are

with
somewhat

those

at

two

fine

squares

of

officers'

barquarters and racks,

the rear
of them,

bungalows to
similar in their disposition
and appearance
Burhampore.
numerous

to

278

MEMOIRS

Here,

as

I before

my kind and
visit a friend
their ultimate

OF

; and

Patna

for

destination.

both

destined to part with

was

companions,who

by unequivocalproofs that
another

GRIFFIN.

mentioned,I

amiable
at

me

gave

engaged to
before proceedingto
a month
marked
Our leave-taking
was
had

we

were

dear to

become

little tokens

of their

one

brance.
remem-

XXIT.

CHAPTEE

Dinapore,I was sitting

the roof of my boat, observingthe dobees,or washermen,
on
thumping their clothes,natives cleaningtheir teeth
of stick, and other similar
with primitivetooth-brushes
the animating scene
of an Indian
sightswhich diversify
ghaut, when the distant and inspiringstrains of a full
band broke upon my
ear.
Egad ! thoughtI,
military
fun going on ; a promenade,no doubt, with
there's some
all the beauty and fashion
of Dinapore assembled
; I'll
ON

the

evening of

my

arrival

at

"

"

"

go and see."
I ordered Ramdial

bringout tliejubbawalla coortie

had never
which
(the laced jacket),
yet graced my person
in any public assembly. A splendidthing it was, with a
and
turned
stone-colou
huge silver epaulet,
tastily
up with a brim;" I thought there could hardlybe
lapelle
its fellow in all Dinapore. A neat white waistcoat,crimson
sash (tiedin a degage knot under the fifth rib),
coatee
clean
over
all,hat a shade on one side,and flourishing
a
of lavender upon
bandanna
in my hand, with a sprinkling
it,me voilay an ensignof the first water.
reached the scene
I soon
of attraction in the principal
it was.
There
a
were
livelyscene
square, and
gated
congreof officers,
chattingand laughing around
groups
belles seated in tonjons; others, three or four abreast,
promenading backwards and forwards,hands behind them,
to

"

280

MEMOIKS

hand;

grasping my

OF

"why

GRIFFIN.

whaur

the

he

told

dickens

are

you

from?"
I

satisfied him,

soon

and

he

me

was

now

doing duty with a regiment,at Dinapore,and lived in a

bungalow not very far off.
Are you alone, Grundy ?
said I.
Alone !
oh, no ;
repliedmy friend with a sigh;
there are six of us in the bungalow
Griff Hall, as they
"

"

"

"

"

"

call it

all young
of us
a
hands, none
year in the
country, and a tearinglife we lead ; it does not suit me
"

all,though, and I

at

"

Yes,

wonder

how

they ?
Why,

are
"

know

your

such

there's first,Mr.

McScreechum,

the doctor, for such

mad, particularly
met

never

with

lad, I hope you

he, slapping
me
to

in

all my
will stay for
on

born

an

the shoulder

assistant

myself,and
they ire

all

for mischief

man

days. But, Gernon,

day

two, at least,"said
for it glads mj heart

or

"

again,man."
acceptedGrundy's invitation,and

see

and what

set ; who

"

surgeon ; three infantryensigns,besides

Lieut. Fireworker,* of artillery.
I think
I

as

soon

as

got amongst

you

them

wi:h.
to chum
quietman
pacifichabits, Grundy, and

placeand

get another

can

leave

to

mean

you

proceededto

we

Griff Hall.
We

found

the doctor, with

two

or

three others, on

the

and
bungalow, all laughing
joking. The former, a huge fellow,six feet two, with a
freckled face and a carroty poll,in the act of compounding
a
glassof brandy-and- water.
Grundy presentelme
his friend on the way to join my regiment.
as
Glod to see ye, sir ; glod to see ye," said the doctor,
hand; "we'll use
presentingme his shoulder- of-mutton

chabootra,

terrace, of the

or

"

weel at Griff Hall, sir,and

you

Eleuseenian
said he,
*

turningto

Sub-lieuts.

workers

mesteries.

of

the rank

What's

now

for

ye

abolished.

years

ago,

intoo

oor
*'

dinner, Larking?

slender,paleyouth,in

few
a
artillery,
is

eeneetiate

were

red caniet

called Lieut.

Fre-

MEMOIRS

"

raggie;

what

OF

have

of your d
I hope. Ah !

skeennykid

mair

got for

ye

chiel

braw

ye'ra

281

GRIFFIN.

to-night? Nae
and tough goat mutton
for a gentleto
cater
man's
treat

mess/'

pleasure,doctor, if
satisfied with my proceedings,"
not
repliedthe caterer ;
but I think things will be better to-day,for I have
givenEumjohn a good trouncing for palming that stuff
there is, doctor,
upon us yesterday. I'll tell you what
muchee,* for I secured it myrooee
by the bye, a capital
self
this morning."
"

I'll resignmy

post

to

with

you

"

"

Weell," said

thing,if
At

Hall,

"

muchee's

rooee

three more
this moment,
hove in sight,
rattling
up

bad

nae

tattooes,
pleasantvarieties of

some

India, every

on

of Griff

galloways

or

fiddle-head,

must
(i.e.,
European officer)

one

horse-flesh

pieceof

ensigns,inmates

"c.
swish-tail,

goose-rump,
In

doctor,

it's frash."

tits combining

"

the

of

sort

some

or

keep
other, though it

for obvious
reasons,
griffins,
remarkable
for possessing
never
superior studs. As
new-comers
approached,full canter and shuffle,the
Indian
put forth a screech, compounded of an
whoop and a view halloo, by way of welcome : the
was
evidently
beginning.
One of the ensigns on the terrace
jumped down
be allowed

must

the road, took

hooted
The

that

off his

his hat

make

loudly,to

his

in

with

it

an

to

angle
aid

it

bolt

of

besom

sort

long

bungalow wall, darted

putting the detachment

of the
in

the

tor
docwar-

fun

into

round, and

friends' horses

doctor, too, seizinga

stood

head, whirled

were

shy.

or

which
forward
the

to

rout.
"

Doctor, what

shouted

the

the immediate

deuce

about, man
you
don't
object of his attack ;
are

"

"

be

ridiculous."
infernally

so

"

Stir him
Rooee

India.

oop

muchee,

with

the

huge

fish of

lang pole,"roared
the

carp

kind,

one

the
of the

doctor,
best

in

MEMOIRS

nothing daunted

"

OF

stir oop

GRIFFIN.

the

homhardier's

wonderful

animal."
And

saying,he poked

so

the hesom

this rear
the tattoo, who resented
his heels,jerked off the Lieut.
out

under

attack

the

tail of

hy launching

Fireworker's

cap,

and

the
finallybolted, with his rider half- unseated, across
rades,
compound, amidst the shouts and laughterof his comand his
the doctor,with his wild red locks flying,
feet in slippers,
pursuinghim with his besom at the pas
de charge.
McScreechum
returned, puffingand blowing,and
soon
his besom, and the Lieut. Fireworker
shortly
flourishing
his
after joinedthe group, having disposed of
runaway
with
but
countenance
a
Bucephalus,
darklyportentous
of

mischief.
"Dr.

he, "I'll thank you, sir,

liberties with me
in future, for I will

McScreechum,"
take such

not

to

not

put up with them/'

"

Stir him

"

Others

said

lang pole,"said

oop with the

still flourishing
his besom.
submit
may
him
oop with

"Stir

to

the

doctor,

them, but I will not."

the

lang pole/'again replied

McScreechum.
All

out

brewed
the

fury of

"

tenant
the indignant lieurallying
man
of his wrath.
The
good-humoured Scotchand presentedhim a glassof grog, to allay
it.
the black dog," as he termed

joined the

soft

and

though
tact

as

it is

sure

on

in

"

turneth

answer

the

same

away

wrath," saith the

even
principle,

to

to

verb,
pro-

joke,
practical
softened by a little

be avoided, may be so
allaythe anger which, in nine

ever

to

medico

cases

out

of ten,

excite.

properly
doings at an end, and matters
moned
composed, we adjournedto the dining-room,being sumby a rather dingy-lookingbutler, or khanseman,
resemblingthe worthy who has been recorded
very much
in these pages as having so suddenly decamped with my
plate-chest.
All these wild

MEMOIRS

Six

-wall shades
the

chairs

oil

with

of the

centre

guests,constituted

as

In accordance

283

GRIFFIN.

OF

table

glasses,a long
and

room,

the

with the almost

sum

about

as

total of the

universal

cupying
oc-

many
ture.
furni-

of the

custom

the order of
militarycircles in India, camp fashion was
his own
the day
that is, each gentleman had
plates,
and
of
knives and forks,
with a brace
muffineers,
glasses,
; these
containingpepper and salt,flankingthe same
last,of every varietyof size and shape, of glass,silver,
or
pewter, with a correspondingvarietyof patterns in
the cutlery
and plates,
constituted
as
motley a show as
well be imagined.
can
of the Kum-Johnny order
The servants, too, were
a
whom
I have before
dissolute,dirtyset of Mahomedans,
described
those usuallypicked up by young
officers on
of their speakingthe English language,a qualiaccount
fication
which is pretty certain to insure their rejection
The dingy attire and roguish looks of
by old Indians.
well with the styleof the enthese fellows harmonized
tertainment.
"

"

"

The

doctor

took

the head

of Griff Hall

and

of the table

their guests

noble

the

were

ternity
fra-

seated.

soon

The

khanseman-jeeappeared,staggeringunder a huge
dish, which he deposited at the head of the table ;
with the air of a
having done so, he lifted up the cover
muchee
major-domo, and there smoked the rooee
already
mentioned.
"

Wha's

knife with

for fesh ?
the

"

asked

vigourof

his trowel.

"

Wha's

an

plying the fishwhen

ling
handbricklayer

the doctor,
Irish
for

fesh ?

Here's

bonnie

'

fellow ;
a sightlike this is gude for sair een,'as
my old
father,the provost, used to say."
in great request, and
muchee
The
other
rooee
was
viands
and

followed, all very good of their kind, I thought,

of the rattan
in
proving the efficacy
Great was
the talkingand
laughing,and
sped merrily. Never has it been my lot

some

cases.

the
to

dinner

encounter

284

MEMOIBS

OF

GRIFFIN.

and
light-hearted,
thoughtless,

more

fellows

than

the

cloth

The

inmates

of Griff Hall.
hookhas

removed,

of

jovial set

bubbled

bottle

the

animated
passed freely,and the conversation became
;
and
other things,the scenes
flirtations at the
among
band
that evening were
passed in review.
Who
noticed Miss Simper, the new
spin,talkingto
that old fellow, MacGlashum
?
said Ensign O'Toole,
I hope she's not going to take
Hibernian
a young
sure
;
"

"

"

that broken-winded
"

saul, I don't know," repliedEnsign

By my
Claymore;

"but

Scotchman

to

"

old-fellow."
I think

if she

boot, she could

Faith, I think she'd find

than

an

gets a major,and
Irishman

an

suit her better

aither

or

gude

do better."

na

Scotchman
young
heart for the ladies !
old

Mac

oh,

man's
Irish-

an

"

"

lander,
Meaning yourself,I suppose/'retorted the Highdryly; you Paddies think there's nought like
in the world/'
yeer'sels
"

Faith, now, I don't think we've half the consait of

though a
your Scotchmen, at all," repliedO'Toole,
"

"

grate dale

janius like
"

Proud

and

said

never

was

other

countries

the

I'll tell you

other

"

the

contemptuously;

worth

never

"Mean

that.

hooever

auld

the

say, sir ? I'll no

sir ? )J
do you mean,

What

trouble

sit here

!" retorted the other, sternly,

"just what

said,Ensign MacClaymore, and so justmake your

of it ; if you'vemore
to add, let it be outside."
Several

attempts

land
Scotsome

were

made

"

the
and

ing
Caledonian, his eyes flash-

fire, what's that you

to

Gude,

"

conquered,sir,as

never

sir,"said the young

"

listen

such

"

reason,"said the other bitterly

;

beggarlycountry was
expense of conquering."
Eh

produced

find

been."

poor
"

has

respects, thank

conquered,
have

will you

"

haroes ?

fall short in those

may

"

"

Where

auld Ireland

that which

poets, statesmen,

of.

proud

be

to

more

to

check

this angry

and

I've
most

dia-

MEMOIRS

logue,but in
half
patriots

All

vain.
arose,

OF

and

the table,their

across

confusion; the angry

now

was

darted

285

GRIFFIN.

fierce looks

them

"

McScreechuin

the

of

to
belligerents

"

now

listen

and

by

to

me.

vairtue

I'll have

seats.

in

monium,
Pande-

to

engage

order.

Gentlemen," said

and

their

horrid war/'

like Satan

arose,

the table

war,

in

attention,and with
Stentor, proclaimed silence, and called

thumped
the' voice

other

disposedneighbours
peacefully

more

endeavouring to quiet and retain

Things were fast vergingtowards
Dr.

each

at

the
am

"

silence if you please,

of this assembly,
the moderator

doctor,

of the pooers

confided

to

me,

proclaim

here ; doun wi' your

ish
foolquarrelling
all kintramen
and
brithers,
naytionalities
; aren't we
as
gude old father,the provost, used to say ? You,
my
Donald
MacClayrnore,and you, Denis O'Toole, I'll fine
and proclaimyou baith ootlaws
you each a dozen of claret,
shak hands, like sensible
of
Griff Hall, unless
you
donnard
fellows ; shak hands, ye fire-eating
deevils ye,
Auld lang syne, my
and then I'll gee ye a sang.
dear,
for a sang?
Wha's
This seasonable
for a' lang syne/
in the doctor's peculiar
interruption,
way, turned the tide
the table followed;
of war.
furious drumming
A
on
glassesdanced and jingled,and "Auld
lang syne for
resounded
!
ever
through the hall. MacClaymore and
of the movement,
O'Toole caught the spirit
shook hands
the
across
table, and the glorious Scottish air broke
buried animosities.
forth splendidly,
like an elegyover
The doctor,half-seas-over,
was
now
completelyin his
element ; his huge red head rolled from side to side,and
one
philanthropy
eye, half shut,leered with Bacchanalian

pax.

na

'

"

"

the

around
Thus
of

each

them

up

he

table.

stood, his

of his
and

crossed,and holding the hand

arms

right and

down

with

left
a

neighbours, as

force and

energy
of that celebrated

he

worked

proportioned

ditty,which
varyingsentiments
has to answer
for being the proximate cause
of more
ever
sentimentalitythan
boozing and maudlin
any
to the

286

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

written ; for oh, that potent collocation of words, " for

auld lang syne,"goes direct to the exile's heart, particularly

softened

when

the

genialglass;

chords,and awakens,

derest
the

by

and

sweetest

youth, and

like the

soul

most

"

touches
de

Kanz

its

ten-

vaches/'

subduing reminiscences

of

all its

associations.
never-to-be-forgotten
After this bout, anchovy toasts and broiled bones were
Ensign O'Toole insisted upon mulling
put in requisition,
of port, to keep the beer and claret warm.
a saucepanful
fell asleepin their chairs ; others, including
At length,some
Grundy and myself,dropped off to bed, though
abused by the peep-o'-day
boys for our recreant qualities.
Away we went, heartilytired, leavinga few choice
to
keep it up, the doctor talking in thick and
spirits
inarticulate

almost

"

about

tone

Sheshero's

Epeestlesto

Hatticus."
"

You

well be tired of such

morning ;

next

kill

"it would

Grundy,
Why," replied

"

can

in

me

life as
week

this/'said I,
; how

do you

it?"

stand

may

besides,it is
have

we

keep as

clear of it

as

very often that we have quitesuch

had last night ; however, the eternal

not

as
we
jollification

racket

"

does

not

suit me,

and I shall cut it as

soon

it goes

againstmy conscience,too, to witness

of the tricks they play upon
another.
One
one
some
day they hanged one of the lads for fun by the punkah
I

as

can

rope tillhe
sent

ago

in
it

was

an
a

was

mercy

How

"

Why,

in the

face ; and

about

sub., a poor soft fellow,a voyage

open

"

black

was

the

boat
he

was

and

as

not

starved

this,Grundy ?
doctor

and

he did
"

the

or

not

on

return

month

the Ganges
for

week,

drowned."

said I.
lads

always poking
fun at him, and making him a boot (butt). One
night,
something such another as last,they made him believe
he had been insoolted,and must
fight. Sawney said he
would rather take an apology,but they told him
it was
quiteimpossiblethat the affront could ever be washed
of one
of them.
but with the blood
out
They said it
were

288

MEMOIKS

partlydevoted
measure

"

OF

GRIFFIN.

reportingmy arrival,en route

enjoinedon all militaryvoyagers,
to

join

to

but

not

the troops, European

always attended to. I also saw
and native,at brigadeexercise,"c. ; and in the evening
officers ridingtheir own
witnessed
race
a tattoo
ponies.
"

This
It

was

was

very comical
little before

Fireworker
walked

down

affair.
sunset

when

had

entered

(who
the

to

which

course,

tenant
Grundy, the Lieuhis pony),and I,
is situated

little

behind

the cantonment,
being separatedfrom it by
nullah,* over which there are one or two bridges.
found

We

cantonment

foot

on

assembled

"

There

in

some

"

was

of the

great number

gigs,some

on

witness

the

to

good

of

show

dry

inhabitants

of the

horseback, and

others

sport.
of

ponies,some

them

"

to look at, but, as

was
certainly rum'uns"
fullyproved
devils
in the sequel,
to go." Long tails and swish tails,
there in perfection.
were
stumps, crops, and wall-eyes
"

The
I

young

officers who

than

recognizedmore

Hall, marched

about

to

were

them, amongst

of the

one

in their

ride

top boots

inmates
and

whom

of

Griff

velvet hunting-caps,

pressive
excracking their whips with countenances
of the full sense
they entertained of the awful
about to be engaged.
in which they were
contest
Some, too, tightenedtheir ponies'
girths; others passed
down
their fore-legs,
if to rub out the
their hands
as

knots

and

clean

the back

sinews

some

put their

arms

their animals'

their love
necks, or gratified
lovinglyround
of tormentingby pinchingthe flanks of their steeds,and
enjoyingtheir abortive attempts to bite.
character,
Amongst this throng was a very remarkable
clerk of the course,
-well known
at Dinapore, the
or
other name
whatever
properlyappertainsto the master of
the ceremonies

on

sun-dried,invalid
determined

such

occasions.

sergeant,of

spirit.I

He

was

old,
little,

form, but
meagre
greatlyamused
by the

was

air of the diminutive

*

Brook.

old

most
sequential
con-

fellow,as he stumped

MEMOIRS

in

about

OF

289

GRIFFIN.

tremendous

rusty hunting-cap,cracking a

whip,and clearingthe
other interlopers.

environs

of

dogs,boys,and

all

having arrived, the young men

in white, and others
in red jackets,
some
mounted, some
clerk of the course
in full jockey attire. The
ranged
time for the

The

them

they

race

in every eye as
all in proper order ; eagerness
was
Ladies stood
bent forward, impatientfor the word.

and
outstretched to
neck was
a
carriages,
many
catch
a
glimpse of the start : when at last a thundering
Ready," Off," from the littlemummified
sergeant, and

in

up

"

"

flew the tattoos,

o'-the-Mint,"and many
away

"

Punch,"
a

Cocktail,"and

"

nameless

besides.

steed

digging,spurring,and straining; such

jostlingas was there ! one pushing ahead
then another passinghim, and so on !

"

MatSuch

crossing and
for

space, and

half-wayround
the course),the leading
a
(it was
sweepstakes,round
followed by all the rest, entering
pony bolted, and was
first of a series
the gates leadingto a bungalow, the
drew up,
there commencing ; there they very deliberately
where
doubtless
they had often drawn up before, when
their rounds
of morning visits.
on
carryingtheir masters
of laughterwhich
the roars
Intense
issued from
were
the spectators assembled, occasioned by this littleepisode.
Haul, dig,pound, and spur, and they were
againplaced,
ah ! the unlucky fates ! the meridian
off
and
but
of
another bungalow entrance
no
sooner
reached, than away
with them
again,follow my leader,like a flock of sheep
When

the

troop had

whole

got about

"

through

gap,

or

stringof

wild geese.
have
died

thought verilyI should

for honest
Grundy, and many
stamped and roared tillthe tears
I

All

this

time

we

could

see,

considerable,that the jockeyswere

their

tattoos

once

more

under

of
ran

and
as
outright,
neighbours,they

my
down

though
hard

their cheeks.

the
at

distance

was

work, getting

weigh through the opposite

the attractive bungalow, the

segment of road leadingfrom

other horn, as it might have been termed,of the dilemma.

290

MEMOIRS

OF

strugglewas

regained,away
becoming warm

and

The

course

in

were

more
: the
they went once
turned the curve,
; they had
the winning-post;bettors were

line with
"

the

ten
qui vive
little sergeant squattinghands

now

on

"

lo !

observation,when
a

GRIFFIN.

to

one

the

"

knees, takinga judgmatical

on

had

sooner

no

"

Cocktail

on

theyreached

gular
bridge before mentioned, leadingin a rectandirection to cantonments,
than away
they sidled,
and all made
fair bolt of it,rightbefore
at last one
a

certain

and

"

And

home,

"

Zounds

agin,I'm
of

"

wind, for

the

said

!
a

off

home."

sweet

the

sergeant,

"

if

they bea'nt

all off

Dutchman."

laughter.

I doubt
"

amusement.

amidst

enough they were,

sure

They

if any
are

race

gone,

renewed

peals

produced half the

ever

they are

gone,

and

never

will return."

This

the case
with some
literally
; but several of
the heavy sailers managed to tack, and came
in amidst
the half-mad shouts of unexpectedwinners, provingtruly
that
the race
is not
always to the swift,"and that the
best-founded
appointe
be unexpectedlydisexpectations may
was

"

Two
all

or

three

flat after the

was

describe

and

on

races

not

smaller

unique scamper

pleasureand
were

to

excitement
be renewed

scale followed ; but

I have attemptedto
had

selves,
expended themimmediately. Under

circumstances, Grundy and I bent our

the
band, accompanied by the young
officer,
who, having proved the winner, was

these

steps

wards
to-

artillery
in

high

spirits.
Our
than

dinner
that

of

evening passed off

The
precedingone.

this
the

far

more

doctor

soberly
was

dently
evi-

and
spirits,
seemed
occasion
than
on
more
one
disposed,like a
certain old gentleman when
he was
sick,to be religious
of Hodgson,
and
sentimental.
After a bottle or two
however, and a due proportionof claret,he rallied,and
of passingthe
proposed a round game at loo, as a mode

sufferingfrom

reaction

of the

vital

OF

MEMOIRS

evening,which

291

GRIFFIN.

joyfullyassented

was

whole

the

by

to

party.
The

tables

consequentlycleared,wine-glasses,

were

"c., were

and

and
side-tables,

we

up

till two

placedon tea-poys
all proceeded,
keeping it

when

General
to

which

that time

from

"

evermore

resolution

temptation

time

and
refer
Memoirs
my
material change has since taken

which

that any

aware

for

till the next

religiously
kept

in my way.
came
At the time to
not

morning,

pinch of
very considerable
Capsicum's"snuff," with a firm determination
retired minus

cards

cut

in the

work

to

"

am

place

I
in India,
too prevalent
unfortunately
have
known
nearlythe whole of a small station,ladies
at each other's
inclusive,keep it up for weeks, alternately
houses, rarelymissinga day.
The
after breakfast,and having
party would assemble

gambling

"

distributed
would

was

fish,and

ink

to

write I O

U's,

Tiffin would
good earnest.
after being rather impatiently
in

break, and

and

pen

business

commence

constitute

set

despatched,
operationswould be resumed, and continued
till time for the evening'sdrive.
After this,and dinner
would
of this absorbingamusement
over, another round
close the day.
What
and
of bad feeling
in men,
of keenness
a world
have
unfeminine
in women,
I seen
elicited on
cupidity
those

occasions, and

physiognomy ;
observed
near

Dr.

and

the

in

for

what

what

the part of the

determinations
to

on

winners
Cards

of

is

one

for the

various kinds

party, when

the

in

curious
have

the hour

drew

of
the accounts
settling
earnest
pleadingsfor another round
losers,and conscientiously-expresse
O

U's

retire

and

to

rest

on

the

part of

the

!
and

dice

are

of idleness,and
pests,the offspring

the parents of vice and

of

studies

of
expressions

faces

inditingI
Or.

what

crime.

semi-barbarism, and
of

the

indices

of

tants
They are the concomitheir gradualdisappearance
advancingcivilization and
u

292

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

improvement. I began to think this one night

and double-or-quits,
and
after losingUs. 1,100 at hazard
since.
the impressionhas continued
to gain strengthever
Next
morning, after breakfast,I bade adieu to Griff
almost squeezed
Hall and honest Grundy; had my hand
to
a jelly
by the good-naturedson of the provost, and,
under
once
more
soon
repairingon board my bolio,was
far west."
weigh for the
which
the feelings
now
however, were
Very different,
attended
progression. I had lost my kind
my onward
and pleasantMentor, Captain Belfield, and his amiable
mental

"

maiden
more

the
I
the

sister.

There

were

social

more

no

rambles, no

in search of
tours
more
no
agreeabledisquisitions,
chess.
no
more
picturesque,
felt how insufficient, my own
thoughtswere to supply
hiatus caused
by their absence, and mentallyejaculated,
I occupiedmy lonelycabin at night,with poor
as

Alexander

Selkirk,
"

Oh, solitude,where
That

sages

have

are

seen

in

the charms

thy

face ? "

quit the subjectof my two friends without

words regardingthem.
I have already
saying a few more
stated briefly
that Captain Belfield and his sister afforded
fine example of that tender attachment
that perfect
a
I cannot

"

love

and

affection

which

should

ever

subsist

between

They trulylived for each

nearlyconnected.
to
other, and the impartingof mutual
pleasure seemed
constitute
of their lives.
of the highestgratifications
one
the
It was
warmth
and
quite refreshingto observe
with which
cordiality
they met in the morning, as she,
the pictureof neatness
and refined simplicity the very
beau
ideal of the real English gentlewoman stepped
from the sleeping
apartment of the budgerow, whilst he,
closinghis ponderous Sanscrit or Persian folio,and
layingit on the breakfast- table,would rise with extended
hand
Then
and a cheerful smile to greet her.
at night,

persons

so

"

"

too, after the

short

but fervent

prayer

to

the

Father

of

MEMOIRS

all,which

293

GRIFFIN.

the

captainhimself would offer up extempore,

would
then
he light her taper, and
attentively

how

with

tender

repose.
If two

salute

three

or

sometimes

world, my
True, true

commend

sentiments

was

and

the

this way, I have

since
all the world ? but all the

The

sisters.

alas ! the

more,

of the

hearts

and

brothers

thus

pair were

an

led

discussions,never

disputes. They agreed

borrow

and

chamber

in all
equal accordance
opinions. This, however, though
not

numerous

brother

her

to

in

thought,why not
not
are
good griffin,
; I had forgottenthat.

united, there
of

her

love

can

pity.
Though, however,

the

OF

and

to

in

sister

disagree.
the

to

ductive
pro-

acrimonious
had

Nature

mental

same

their

cast

mould,

to

term
(which I do with respect)
phrenological
;
the organization
fine sense
and
was
equal. The same
kindliness of disposition
in both ; but circumstances
had
favoured
in different degrees the development of their
Benevolence, veneration,and ideality
respective
qualities.
have
been
must
large in both, though the captainhad
evidentlybeen at pains to curb the vagariesof the latter.
He had left his home
a
mere
boy, with his mind almost
blank
which
a
sheet, on
anything might have been
inscribed.
Whilst
others his contemporariesplunged
into idleness and dissipation,
he, by some
chance, flew to
a

the solace

of books.

of

In

mysteries man,
living manifestations
recorded

of

of his

studied

he

comparing,

"

found

them

life

as

that

advanced,

the

all that

he

with

character

his

acts; he perused the

and metaphysicians,
historians,theologians,
on
of all

;
questions

which

is,that truth

like the
from

ideal

far,and

and

good
as

we

arrived

at

very hard
of Goldsmith's

is

mystery

works

of

all sides

grand conclusion,
thing to get at, and,

one

Traveller,

follow,flies/' He

"

allures

sought
certainly

it

ardently,though he could not felicitate himself, he

truth."
A
true
said,exactlyin having yet found the
and expressed
self-taught
genius,who thoughtvigorously,
"

294

MEMOIRS

himself

strongly,he

Utopian ;

GRIFFIN.

doubt, somewhat

no

was,

least such

at

OF

I know

of

an

CaptainMarpeet thought

him.
Miss
but
an

her

been

subjectlo the
English country
to

seems

be

Belfield had

have

reared in the

somewhat
life

intended

(nature,if I
nations

gregarious),
enjoyingin
flowers, and

pets, her

elegantseclusion,
contractinginfluences of
well

as

so

may

her

it,

express

individuals

as

to

father's pretty
the agreeableand

vicarage
polished
vicinity.In the

societyof the superiorgentry of the

neighbouringvillageshe dispensedher little charities,
of the poor and needy,and did all
assuaged the sorrows
the good she could in her limited sphere; but of the
of the world
on
a
grand scale she knew not
sufferings
much, and as littleunderstood, perhaps,their real causes
and remedies.
her qualities
of heart and
High as were
intellect
and admirablywould
she write and speak on
"

all
was

matters
not

which

on

(and who

to
frequently

be

allowed

she

is?) without

free scope
defect; hers was

amongst the

with

met

them

"

amiable

most

she
one

and

gentleintolerance and
those subjectson
on
quiet assumption of infallibility
which
a
very little readingand reflection ought, perhaps,
hold our
convince
should
that we
to
us
opinionswith
the most
religion,and
trembling diffidence I mean
other kindred subjects
relatingto the powers and duties
of mind, and
the great interests of society,but particularly
estimable

of

countrywomen,

our

"

the

former.

expressionof
obstinacy or
differed from

This

pity and

extreme

delusion
her

in

would

of

commiseration

kindness

of her

matters,
the
entertain

intentions,did

not

look

generallydoes
but illaccorded

the

with the

so

ill

smallest
be

still it

the
was

in

shade

the

manner,

rectitude

of her

ugly monster
her

generalgood sense

of

This

error.

of her

evident
as

the

conscientiously
she, by her manner,

such

heart,and

for

the

who

those

seeming to
suspicionthat she herself might
veiled by the graces
spirit,
partially

never

itself in

evince

toleranc
in-

dark side, and

by

which

she

296

MEMOIRS

"Educate

conceivable

no

GRIFFIN.

masses," he would

your

do that

you

OF

"for

without

of government will produce

finest
Construct
the
governed.

the

happinessto
pieceof mechanism

say,

form

the

strictest

principles
of art, if the material is rotten
and unsound, it must
give
its
will
be
at some
point the due antagonism of
springs
and it will not work."
destroyed,
endeavoured
This diversity
to
of views, which I have
describe,used to give rise,as I have alreadystated,to
you

may,

on

"

animated

numerous

I used
the

to

listen

collisions of intellect,
during
interest ; and
with much
passedtogether,

eveningswe
I could

when

these

to

see

my

sometimes

wont

was

discussions.

captainand
if anxious

to

his sister
to

know

through the pros and cons,

venture
an
opinion,to which the
always listened with eagerness, as
way

how

the

matter

and unsophisticated
mind.
young
of these
Some
discussions,that

would

is,the

strike

on

substance

my

of

this
them, I still remember, and had I space, and were
the placefor them, I might here be tempted to record.
Lest

my

here

be inclined
reader may
to the
state, in justice

to

think

otherwise, I

no
good captain,now
that he was
leveller
he considered
no
perfect
more,
column
to construct
as
as
a perfect
equality
impracticable
without a base and a capital,
and that the fabric of society
fine away
must
but that instead of being,
to a point,
ever
at present, founded, in great part, on
as
misery,prejudice,
and ignorance,
rest
it might be made
to
indigence,
the solid basis of virtue and happiness.
on
His grand axiom
and he used frequently
to repeat
was
it to his sister
If by reading,
observation, and
I have learnt anything respecting
reflection,
my fellowof their sufferings
creatures, it is this : that eight-tenths
have been
and
of their own
are
creation,and
entirely

must

"

"

"

that it is within
the

amount

to
an

ish
diminculable
'incal-

upper classes appear to govern the

of
in reality
it is the ignoranceand prejudice

extent.

world, but

mind
powers of the human
of moral and physicalevil to

the

The

MEMOIRS

'

the

OF

rule it.

tyrant majority5which

educated

find

fulcrum

to

In

these,the

physicallyArchimedes

what

the world

move

297

GRIFFIN.

part of the body, hut

head

the

sought the
the governing
"

is

all know

we

more

how

disordered

will affect it."

stomach

I had

hut littlemore

and

his

now

and

sister

good captain
India, though we met

intercourse

with the

stay in
maintained
an

during my

occasional
then, and
dence.
correspondestined
revisit his
to
He, poor fellow,was never
land, for after saving a small competence, and

native

just as

of
preparing to return, death, by one
its most
lodged a detainer
appalling agents cholera
againsthim, and instead of enjoyingthe easy evening of
life he had fondlyanticipated
of his
amongst the scenes
boyhood, he was destined to filla cold tenement, six feet
by two, in St. John's churchyard,Calcutta.
"Tis not
Belfield's feelings
for me
to describe Miss
on
this occasion ; indeed, who
describe the anguish of
can
he

was

"

"

heart, the utter desolation,which

or
a
sister,endeared
by union
tender

association

learnt that she

few

very

of

youth,
sunk

almost

lines,which

forciblythe extent
fact that
gratifying

of

and

every
occasions ?
I
necessarily
the blow

wrote

her

brother

sentiment

of

under

she

loss of

the

me

and

sorrows,

she considered

and

few,
shortly after,told

I had

indicated
a

the

right to

ticipate
par-

in them.

I returned
Well, years rolled away.
home, with a
broken
and a lack of rupees, in the English
constitution,
of

sense

the

the

;* and

term

for

native

ding

time

some

Swines-Norton, June

ceived
re-

given

two

years

to the

been

aware

before

the

public,died,

liver complaint.

10th,

18

"

GERNON,

land, having heard

about

was

is here
old -stan

CAPTAIN

DEAR

I have

This

event

"

"My

your

that

followingletter :

"

"

after

time

some

as

of

of your return
to
from
mutual
you

whose
worthy griffin,
stated

in

the

graphy
autobio-

preface,of

an

298

MEMOIRS

shall
one,

will

GRIFFIN.

will allow of your

your Evocations
endeavour
visit my retirement.
I
to
in my
cottage at your service, and

leaving London,
small

Pray, "when

friends.
have

OF

room

in some
enjoy great pleasure,
respects a sorrowful
in meeting you again,and in revivingold recollections
first we
of those days when
became
acquainted.I
all further

reserve

the meantime

communications

till we

; in

meet

am,
"

dear

My

CaptainGernon,
"

Yours

truly,

most
"

BELFIELD."

A.

To Brev.

"

Capt. Gernon,
"5, Peppercorn-buildings,
"Pimlico."

long in finding out Miss Belfield's retreat.

The Highflyercoach dropped me
at the Bull, a foaming,
rampant fellow,the only thing evincing any signs of life
animation
in the small
and
sleepyvillageof SwinesI

not

was

shire.

in

Norton,

few

bandy-legged ostler, and

seemed

"

"

"

as

clowns,

who
recruiting-sergeant,

element, loitered

of his

wofullyout

the little inn

smock- frocked
in

front

of

I descended.

luggage had you, sir ?'"

Nothing but a small carpet-bag."
What

Bill,bear

Come,

bag

of the hind

out

hand, and

gentleman's

boot/'

bandy-leggedostler

The

get the

the spruce bluff coachman

the
his whip, and made

disengagedmy property;

soon

clutched

his reins and

off-leader
over-frisky

cracked
dance

saraband.
"

the

that there black

Davy brought up
landlord, saunteringout
Has

with

his

mare

pipe and

"

tankard

said
of

half-and-half.
"

Yes

All

; he's down

right
"

at the

crack

window

along o'

there

whisp
"

"

"

nod

ya-hip!and

Tom

at

the

bird."
Black-

the prettychambermaid
away bowled the Highto

MEMOIRS

299

GRIFFIN.

OF

alone in my glory/'
savingand except
flyer,
leavingme
the drowsy specimens of humanity afore-mentioned.
Can
where a lady named
Miss
Belfield
you tell me
"

"

"

resides ?
"

Bulfield"

Miss

lives furder end

"

The

"All
Heast
go
and

said

lady,I mean,"

right,sir, that's
Hinjies. I knows
the

to

on

church,

on
keep straight

lane; when

and

go across
o3 the

end

she, Jem,

as

?
Tinker-pot-lane

and

she

then

returned

India

from

something cottage, but

now

"

she've

ever

as

"

I,

years

have

that

be
"

ago, and resides in

forgottenthe name.0

some

o'

Bulfield"

Miss

a-

turn

got
to

can

you

mentions

you

the

parrotkeet -jist
righthand,
your

"

go 'tilyou

comes

to

the stile
you be at the top o' that, get over
the furder
the footpath till you comes
to

field,and

then

any

body '11

tell you

where

Myrtle Cottageis/'
"

Thank

my
I forthwith

And

with

I heard

man," said I.
of

discovery. It
evening,glorious,tranquil,sad.

set out

summer's

sweet

was

you,

delightthe

on

voyage

my

cuckoo's

voice,the tinkle of the

and
sheep-bell,

about

the cry of the jackdaws,

as
they sported
burnished
of the old weather-stained
vane

the

in no
steeple. I was
hurry,but loitered in the quiet
villagechurchyard,where naught was moving save some
three little ragged sheep; and
oh ! who
could
two
or
describe the sensations,the sadlypleasing,
confused, but
undefinable
sensations,which crowded upon me
during

the littlehalf-hour
Seated
at

up
soft

on

that rustic
air

summer

sounds

an

fell

images of

on

that I spent there ?

old grey tombstone, alone, and

monitor,

played
my

ear

"

the

on

the

villageclock

my

face,and

events

of

looking

whilst

"

the

soothing rural
my

the
past life,

friends

done"passed
departed" all I had done and left unlike visions^dissolving
views
before me.
Brother
Indians, try sometimes, after your period of toil
yard"'twill
is o'er,the effect of a summer's
musing in a rural churchcalm the perturbation
of your
spirits,
place
"

300

MEMOIRS

thingsin

their
waters.

cottage

neat,

remembered

hall,and
opaque
Be

herself.

The

parrot screamed

in the little

pleasedto

modestest

take

seat,

of little maids,

"

and

an

sir,"said the tidiest and

my

will be with

mistress

immediately."
took

in a flutter,almost
spiritswere
pain. The door opened,and the hand of

seat

borderingon
Miss

lightshefore you, and act as oil on

But, to be brief,I found Miss Belfi eld's
modest, elegant,and retiring,
just as I

with
dowager of a spaniel,
very antiquated
I entered.
a husky bark
as
eye, emitted

"

you
I

GRIFFIN.

true

troubled
"

OF

Belfield

was

"

my

locked

in

mine.

started

both

We

little.
''Most

trulyglad to
emphasis,her eyes full of
the

over

one

of hers which

her

you," said she, with deep

I placedmy other hand
tears.

see

I held in ray grasp, and answered

told how deeply
pressure, which

by a soft and earnest

I reciprocated
the feeling.
Well," said she, smiling,after a
must
not
we
compliment each other
almost afraid to think how
long it
but I hope our
mutual
regardhas
lapseof time."
"

I assured
as

fresh

as

slightcurve

her that
ever.

my
Years

respect and
and

in the shoulders.

"

suppose
looks, for I am

on

parted
suffered by the

is since
not

esteem

ill-health had
The

had

pause,

we

for her

"

were

given me

of my complexion
delicate yellow;

freshness

long been converted into a

oil to
of Macassar
my hair was
grey beyond the power
restore, and crows' feet had dug their ineffaceable marks
at the anglesand corners
of my face.
Miss Belfield's eyes I once
twice caught restingon
or
averted them
if involuntarilyfor she instantly
as
me,
doubtless
their encountering mine.
She was
paring
comon
former self
and exclaiminginwardly,
to my
me
Oh ! what a falling
off is here !
If she was
struck by my changed appearance, I was
less so with hers.
Time
and
no
Care, rival ploughmen,
had deeply
furrowed her brow
her embonpoint was
gone ;
"

"

"

"

"

MEMOIRS

and

the

OF

301

GRIFFIN.

iron-greylocks peeped here

there

and

through

Still,as of old, the ease, the

simtime, the plicity
urbanity,the refinement, and, at the same
the

of her

muslin

of the

stood

we

followed

shone

gentlewoman,

conspicuouslyas
As

cap.

in

Miss

Belfield

as

ever.

fire,and during the pause

the

near

the ardour

of

questionand

which

incident

answer

to

meeting,Miss Belfield drew my attention to a portrait

that of an
the mantelpiece
in
officer,
over
; it was
old-fashioned
somewhat
regimentals.

first

"

said she, in a subdued

that ?
you know
choked
tone, pointingto it with her finger.
I did indeed ; 'twas my
old friend,the good,the
"

Do

and

kind,

with his
thoughtfulcaptain. There he sat, serenely,
book half- opened and restingon his knee, just as he was
look in days of yore, when
I rattled into his
to
wont
budgerow, after one of my shootingexcursions.
Come," said Miss Belfield,gentlywithdrawingme
in the next
from
awaits us
its contemplation, lunch
and you must
requirerefreshment."
room,
and

"

"

I must

for
to

some

a more

future

part of

England

visit

detailed account

reserve

let it here
amiable

to

my
that

autobiography,

my

"

suffice

friend"

was
thing
pleasing I
first promised to repeat my

and

draw

to

one

to

visits from

talk

of

Belfield

that devoted

state, that after a week's

characterized
by every

returned

"

botanize, and

of Miss

old

London,
time

times

having

time, to
and settle,

to
;

Howqua's mixture, the great questions

But to proceed.
now
agitatingthe world.
I passed the old fort and station of Buxar, where
a
few invalids doze out the evening of their Indian
ence,
existand saw
some
European veterans, almost as black
the natives, with large mushroom
as
hats, bobbing for
over

fish

on

cup

of

the banks

I found

ensign,on
and

my

whom

British

the

station of

Ghazepore,the
Here

of

river,and
one

in

of H.M.

officer in the

time

reached

regiments.

shipmate,Ensign
called,received

due

me

O'Gorman.
as

an

The
Irishman

royalservice might

be

sup-

302

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

for its warmth

posedto do. Could a volume say more
and cordiality
?
I dined with him at his mess,
at which
their attractions
kindness, and good cheer combined
urbanity,
of the pleasantest
to render this one
eveningsI had
discussed ;
Our
ship adventures were
spent in India.
our
were
passed in review, and we were
fellow-passengers
supremelyhappy.
"have
"By the way," said I, rather carelessly,
you.
heard

what

"

Oh, didn't you

"

Married

stuck

in

case
"

she is married

in

my

"

"

mouthful

pillaw
oesophagus,nearly producinga

exclaimed, and

! you don't say

fact,"said O'Gorman

heavens

Oh, it's a

of

"Oh,

glassof

so
"

"

but what's the matter?

unwell."

appear
I am

you

said

quite well,"

"

I ;

let's take

but

wine."

I tossed

"And

off

so

bumper,

and

felt relieved.

Olivia"

little

"

"

Good

"

hear

asphyxia.

Good

"

transitu

of

of Olivia Jenkins

has become

Jenkins

is

"

ried
actually mar"

"

only think of that !

Why, sure,"said the ensign,smiling, there's nothing
very strange in a pretty girlgettingmarried ; but," added
I suspect you
he, lookinghard at me, and after a pause,
littletouched in that quarter yourself;am
I not a
a
were
heavens

"

"

"

diviner ?

true
"

acknowledge it,"said

heavens
The

! and

so

"

I did like that

littleOlivia Jenkins

ensign pressedme

to

Good
girl.
married !
is actually

stay with him

forced to decline his

was

route

In
"

"

the next

few

days

the Jerusalem

treat

to

and
hospitality,
morning.

look

upon

I reached
Mecca

or
a

Benares

"

human

week, but I

resumed

my

ward
on-

Kasi, the splendid

of the Hindoo

pictureof

"

world.

What

existence,justas it

probablywas when Alexander the Great was a little chap !

As I glidedpast the swarming ghauts,where the purecaste
damsels, the high-born Hindoo
maidens, of this
strange and antiqueland, displayedtheir lovelyforms,

304

MEMOIRS

the
religionists,

stab

vital

is

given

GRIFFIN.

in

the

tender

most

and

part.

Having nearlycleared
Ramdial

by

OF

the

Sirdar,to take

city,I landed, accompanied

the

at

peep

interior of this

place; and strange, indeed, I found it. Streets

that one
of
narrow
so
swarming with people,and some
down
our
them, unless
draymen could hardly work
chowks, waddled the
edgeways. Here, in the crowded
into the bunyah's
huge braminy bull,poking his nose
grain basket, in disdainful exercise of his sanctified
ing
impunity ; whilst byraggies,fakeers,pundits,and bawlstrange

mendicants, and much

more,
made
curious
scene
describe,
as
up a
and

to
interesting

In

the

of

course

understand

that, if

bath, after the

for

Benares

from

me

here

cannot

striking

itself,as

novelty.

desirous

was

Indian

in

ramble, Ramdial

my
I

its

that

fashion, I
two, which

of

an

could

gave

to

me

hummaum,
have

or

at

one

would

purifymy outer
besides being wonderfully
agreeable. I had heard
man,
of such baths in the
Arabian Nights,"and in works
much
of the like sort, and
thought this a good occasion to
facts with earlyimpressions
mined
; in short,I detercompare
and having intimated the same
to be parboiled,
to
Ramdial, I departedwith him and my kidmutgar, after
Ghosul
Kaneh.
or
an
earlydinner, to the hummaum,
a

or

rupee

"

This

was

considerable

distance

from

my

boat, in

entered
garden,in the outskirts of the city. We
building,and Hamdial
having explainedwho I was
what
small

wanted,

attendant

an

which

of

the

bath

showed

the
and
me

requestedto disrobe.
Having peeled, a pairof curwah drawers, or pajammas,
were
given to me, which descend about half-waydown
the thigh,and are tied in front with a string.
submitted
All being ready,I, rather nervous,
myself
habited
athletic
to
to the guidance of an
native,similarly
myself.
and
dark
I
We
passed through a narrow
passage,
slave of the
The
began to look out for adventures.
apartment,

in

was

MEMOIRS

bath

showed
feet

ten

into

me

by four, filled

reservoirs

were

of

OF

305

GRIFFIN.

little confined

apartment, some

side of which
one
steam, on
of different temperatures, in

with

water

(as well

separate compartments, about

as

recollect)

can

breast-high.
Here
bowl

I found
of

two

or

a
attendant, who, after sluicing

another
water

over

body, laid

my

out

me

on

long board, occupying the centre of the narrow

ment,
apartand, aided by his. companion, commenced
rubbing
with soap and pea-meal from head to foot.
me
This over, they proceeded to rub me
down
slowlywith
Jceesahs, or
rough gloves, bringing off flakes and
rouleaus
of cuticle and epidermisastonishing
to behold.
Flayed alive,they proceededto shampoo and knead me,
sensations.
producingthe most
pleasingand grateful
The

strong

man

now

bade

rise,and

me

then

and

there

vertebral column,
on
play the castanets
my
beginning at the topmost articulation;this he effected
by placinghis leg behind me, swinging my body gently
backwards
and forwards, and then by a sudden
jerk,the
of pleasant,
tion
producing the desired dislocavery reverse
and its accompanying crack ; having done
with the
the
spine,he rung
changes on my toes, knees, and
fingers. To effect all this,he entwined his brawny limbs
about
in a most
far
me
was
gladiatorial
style,which
from agreeable.
At length,after a few more
I was
sluicings,
givento
understand
that my purifications
end ; someat an
were
thing

began

to

then

was

the

place from
in my

never

thrown

over

whence

if
to

new

open

There

came.

life experienced
such

buoyancy. I felt as
and bodily,
and ready

and

me,

led back

was

to

I dressed,and

feelingof purityand
cleansed mentally
man,
a

fresh account

with

the

world.

worthy little fellow,had

inattentive to my
comforts
during my
I dressed, and was
had
sooner
giving
clean cambric handkerchief
\hQjinale

My kitmudgar,Fyz Buccas,
not

been

absence

idle
; for

or
no

the last shake to

"

306

MEMOIRS

of the toilet in India

OF

than

GRIFFIN.

presentedme with a cup

of hot coffee,which he had prepared
outside,and brought
I had recently
in afterwards
set up ;
my kalioun, which
piece
taking this then in my hand, and putting the mouthI stretched
between
out
my lips,
my legs,leaned
head
back, and, half-closing
eyes, immediately
my
my
departedfor the seventh heaven, in a cloud of odoriferous
"

he

incense.
The
station
between

to
Sultanpore,the
followingday brought me
of a regiment of native cavalry,about
midway
and Chunarghur. Here
I stayeda few
Benares

days with

There

no

cornet,
native

whom

to

the

was

of

bearer

letter.

cavalrylower than this in the Bengal

presidency;these, consequently,with the exceptionof
the Governor- General's
body-guard (who are differently
of that arm.
the first I had seen
attired),
were
On the whole, this body of black dragoons pleased
me
are

well ; their dress

French

was

long militaryboots, with

terminatingat the apex
silver knob

those

red cloth,with
The

with

of

sort

hemispherical
covered

of the native officers were

silver

European

breeches,and
grey, buckskin
high blue mitre-shapedcaps,
with

mountings.

officers

helmets

wore

(sincechanged

to

like their
dressed
respects were
Some
of the trooperswere
well-made
fellows,
tight,
the native officers large,portlygentlemen; but, if

shakos), but
men.

and

I may

in other

allowed

be

Musulmans

than

pun,

musclemen

should

there

say

amongst

were

more

them.*

Europeans in general peel much better than natives,

taller and more
though the latter,beinggenerally
equallysized, look
better, I think, in a body; nevertheless,
found
models
of
amongst the sepoys are frequently
men,
few Eurovigour,with whom
symmetry and muscular
*

In

the

both

militarycostume
from

those

Hauberks
cap,

and

at

and
so

on.

descriptionsand
of

Europeans

present
other

worn.

and
For

antiques; the

illustrations
natives

example,
shako

of

has

volumes, the
slightlyto differ

these

will be found
Hessians

now

superseded the

rank

with

chimney-pot

MEMOIRS

would

peans

OF

able

be

to

307

GRIFFIN.

Their

cope.

great degree of

induced by the
is,however, in general,
artificially
strength
the magdas, or clubs,
continued practice
of gymnastics,
and the use of the iron- stringed
bow, "c.
I arrived at Sultanporeduring the great Mahomedan
and the cantonment,
festival of the Mohurrum,
bouring
neighwere
bazaars, and villages,
resounding with
and shouting.
firing
This

prettywell known

is

festival,as

all in

any

is held in honour
history,

Oriental

degreeacquaintedwith
of the martyrdom of

to

Hosein, the sons of

Ali, who fell on the fatal field of Kerbela, a catastrophe
beautifully told by Gibbon, and which
even
he, who
attaches no belief to the pretensions
of Mahomed,
can
If such

emotion.

without

hardlyperuse

feelingsof

the

are

those of the believer ?

silent

griefand
of

and

Hussain

The

the

what
infidel,

Sunni

makes

it

themselves

to

of

season

humiliation,whilst the 8heahsy

Ali, abandon

be

must

lowers
fol-

or

and

the wildest

of sorrow.
demonstrations
passionate
of the shrine of Kerbela,
Tazeahs, or representations
of all sizes and shapes,more
less richlyadorned with
or
for a periodof
"c., are borne dailyin procession
gilding,
days,followed by crowds of the faithful,shouting
many
Hussain
! Hosein ! beatingtheir breasts, and indulging
violent semblance
the most
of grief.
out
one
My friend,the cornet, drove me
evening to
witness the tumasha
(sport).As we approached the

most

"

"

spot where
ears

were

the

greatest

saluted

by

informed

concourse

alternate shouts

were

intended

of

compactly as

fitful escapes
The
honest
ever

and

he

of

from

steam

can,

Bull

to

to

was
"

mass

an

effect

the

my

sequently
subsain,
Hus-

sharply

as

platoon fire,or
engine.

the

natural

of
proneness
assimilation where-

national
"

calls these

it is but fair

well-delivered

English soldier,with
John

what

the words

for

Hosein," but uttered by the whole

and

assembled,

was

processions Hobson, Jobson ;

allow,that Hussain, Hosein," when
"

"

308

MEMOIRS

shouted
like

"

forth in the

OF

GRIFFIN.

sound
described,

manner

Hobson, Jobson."

reachingthe dense crowd, in the

tazeah, like a ship on a heaving sea,

On
the

exceedingly

wild

fro,

were

numbers

excitement

of

scene

of Mahomedan

met

of which

centre

rocked
view.

our

and

to

troopers, in their

Here

undress,

of them

carryingtulwars* under their arms, with

ing
lamentfakeers,servants, and bazaar people,all lustily
many

and

the fate of Hussain

The

front of it
of

body
with

had

tazeah

camel, and

female

face

and

gildeddome,
splendidly

figureof

the

was

Hosein.

in

strange creature, with

the
the

long taperingneck, terminating

shaded
by jet black ringlets
; round
a

intended
this creature, which
I take it was
Mahomed
his nocwhich
made
to represent Borak, on
turnal
journey to heaven, were stringsof gold coins.
the neck

of

All this

told, of

was

of

supplied at
begum, the

magnificencewas
a

devout

old

the

I
expense,
left-handed
wife

invalid

generalat Chunar, with whom, as will appear,

T became
subsequentlyacquainted.
the
seventh night of the Mohurrum,
it is usual to
On
celebrate the marriage of Hussain's
daughter (nothing
in
this
world
without
her
a littlelove) with
being perfect
of Ali ; Dhull
cousin, a gallantpartisanof the house
Dhull
too, the faithful steed of Hussain, his housings
an

stuck

full of arrows, forms

to create
a still more

serves

which

event

The

it is intended

Mahomedans,

when

part of the

image
lively
to

the

induce

them

carcases

to

worked

of

try the

of the

touching

to

up

temper

high

these

state

of

occasions,

very little would

of their blades on

of infidel,Hindoo
description

any

and

commemorate.

and
religiousexcitement
frenzy, on
are
dangerous subjectsto deal with ;
then

pageant,

or

Christian.
The
Hindoo

relator

was

festival of the

the Mahomedan

at

once

Allahabad

Hoolee,

Mohurrum
*

sort

when

the

great
of Saturnalia, and

unluckilyfell together;
Scimitars.

and

MEMOIRS

OF

309

GRIFFIN.

tation
judge,Mr. Chalmers, when a depuin
him
from
waited
each
of the religions
upon
shed
connection
with the subject of the apprehended bloodand disturbance,
in case
the processionsof the two
present with

was

should

the

meet.

The

requests and

the

reasoningsof tbe partieswere

the genius of their resp-ective
cestors
urged, mildly,that as their an-

highly characteristic of
religions.The Hindoos
had possessedthe country from time immemorial,
and long before the Mahomedans
into it, they did
came
not
see
why they should postpone the celebration of
their religious
take
chose
because
to
the former
rites,,
offence at them ; they disclaimed
wish
to
the slightest
insult

offend

or

the

Faithful, but

contended

for

music, "c.,

with
rightto parade the cityin procession,
of

as

old.

The
the

as

Mahomedan
Hindoos

(and they put

part, urged that,

be
kaffers and idolaters,it must
Mr.
to
Chalmers)
very feelingly

moollahs,
were

the

case

on

their

exceedinglygallingto them if they were

parade their music and processionsnear
and

their

tazeahs

their

to

mosques

:
"

The

allowed

Betwixt

the wind

their

nobility."

impress upon these last

that the poor Hindoos
had virtually
reasoners
as
good a
rites in their
rightas they had to perform their religious
common
city; and as for their being unbelievers, they
could with equal reason
the compliment.
return
neither
All this,however, had no
effect ; they could
or
perceivethe reason
justiceof it, and declared their
dogged determination to shut up shop and suspend proceedings,
judge

endeavoured

and

unless

to

Hindoos

the

distance

were

forced
this the

that both
his assent, declaring
avail
and
that he would
justice,

himself

civil and
Some

remove

to

militarypower
time

after the

postpone

judge refused
partiesshould have equal
to

theirs,or

to

of

both

the

them.
keep the peace between
departure of these deputations,

to

310

MEMOIRS

information
dans

were

of armed

brought that bodies

and
coming into the town

situated

assembling at
their principalmen,

of

one

Mahome-

considered

head

the

of

judge immediatelyordered
step into it,and, accompaniedby
drove

we

the banks

on

to

his

the

gig,
couple

residence,which

Jumna.

of the

the

his

The

there.

begged me to
of orderlyhorsemen,
was

GRIFFIN.

was

barree, or residence of
great landholder, who was
Sunnis

OP

consisted

It

of many
or
disposed through one
buildingsirregularly
three
also situated two
or
more
courts, in which were
small mosques.

dismounting,and enteringthe

On

observed

many

with

Musulmans,

first enclosure,we
inclined

heads

as

if in

profoundthought,slowlymoving about, and habited in

long black tunics, the mourning garb of the Sunnis,
with real or well-simulated
looks of dejection.There wo
met
were
chief, who
by the Mahomedan
appeared to
deem
himself insulted by the suspicionwhich
the unexpected
visit implied.
"

Follow

me,

Sahib," said he, "and

examine

all the

place contains; you will find they are few,

and
only loaded with powder, and could not have been
bought for the purpose you imagine."
On sayingthis,or something to the same
effect,he
arms

my

took

where

to

us

several

dingy pieces of ordnance,

feared that it

he had

an

determined
such

any

were

the

Hindoos,

judge said
mence
night to com-

The

piled.

their intention

was

onslaught on

match-locks, rusty and

of

rows

at

and

that

be

was

The
chief disclaimed
preserve the peace.
intention, but I well recollect his concluding
to

observation.
"

"

Our

observance," said he, is gum

religious
(grief),
theirs is shades
and
a wedding'),
they
(uproar,literally
ing
ought not surelyto be allowed to pass within our hear'

"

and so forth.
pray consider this ;
The
result of all this was,
that half a
ordered
were
couple of six-pounders
;

city in

the

battalion
down

evening,and occupiedthe chowk,

or

to

and
the

market-

312

MEMOIRS

had

We

OF

GRIFFIN.

breakfast,at which an abundance of

capital
solid cheer, interspersed
with glassesof amber jelly,
and
and
flowers, "jasmin and
garnished with evergreens
marigolds,"
produceda trulyOld Englisheffect.
The old generalleaned back in his easy-chair,
stretched
his magnificenthookha,
his legs on
morah, smoked
a
and preparedto receive a host of people waiting outside
a

their respects.
In India, Christmas

to pay

"

Burra

Din"

or

dependantsattend

Day is
great day.

called
Our

in their best

by

natives

the

native

soldiers

attire,to pay

their

our

and
spects,
re-

little
according to their means,
nuzzurs
or
gifts,as tokens of good-will and fidelity.
Your
Kansaman
brings a basket of sweetmeats
; the
shepherd,a kid from the flock; the gardener,a basket of
his choicest fruit,flowers, and
vegetables;the bearers
deck the bungalow with evergreens,
or
plant a young
and

tree

present,

in front of the door, and

so

forth.

and his faith ;

pleasing homage to master
and
altogether,with the temperature of the weather
the solidity
of the fare, tends stronglyto awaken
and
bygone recollections of youth, and all the charities and
island home
and
of our
endearments
that delightful
at
is

It

merry
The

season.

chick, or blind,being now

venerable

veteran

native

officers

rolled up,

posse

of

entered,exhibitingon

of the Indian
their persons the various obsolete costumes
of half a century back, graduallyapproximating
army
attire of the sepoy
from the uncouth
of the olden time,
the
vandyked jangheeas, half-way down
thigh,cut-away coat, and ludicrous triangular-fronted
cap,
to the more
perfect
Europeanizeddress at present worn.
kerchief,
Each
his extended
bore on
palm a folded-uphandwhich lay a certain number
of gold mohurs
on
the old general,
or
contrary to the usual
rupees, which
in
in such cases, groped off,and laid beside him
custom
touched his forehead, by way
a heap,having previously
of acknowledging
the compliment.

with

its short

MEMOIRS

Besides
held

He

is

313

GRIFFIN.

of the

pecuniaryoffering,
many
swords
to the general and

my
This

them, and then their foreheads.

is universal

and

the

their

touched

OP

of
finely
expressive

offers you his sword

After the military
had
with

pretty

tom
cus-

of India and Persia,

military
and devotion.
soldier's fidelity

what

he

can

more

civil functionaries,

entered,various

the

bazaar

domestic
general's

garrison,and the
arrayed in their holiday
and

servants, all
ushered
in, and made

attire, were

friend, who

the

amongst

connected

veterans

their

salaams

and

latter were
and
aside in the room,
set
gifts. The
formed
of oranges, pomegranates, sweetmeats,
a
goodlydisplay
sugar-candy,"c., enough wherewith to set up the
store of a generaldealer in a small way.
Last of all,several trays were
brought in,each covered
with

embroidered

an

roomal

having arrangedthese on
with a grand air,as
think

of that ?

or

the

much
"

handkerchief; the bearers,

the coverfloor,withdrew
ings
as

and

to

"

say,

! what

There

magnificentdisplayof
good things appeared. The Kansaman
whispered the
friend
old general smiled, and
old general; the
my
Sahib,
gift from Begum
laughed. It was a Christmas
his piousleft-handed Moosulmanee
wife,and whose funds
had
supplied,as I before mentioned, the magnificent
Benares.
tazeea
at Sultanpore,
Whilst its examination
was
going on, I thought I perceived
from
behind
the
curious
few
curtain,
a
eyes peeping
do

you

which

concealed the

khaneh,

female

of the

sanctorum

sanctum

zenan

apartments.

party had retired,and the general and

their hookhas, I
and
their chat
friend had resumed
the whole

After
my

or

observed

the

aforesaid

curtain

once

more

and, immediately after,the figure of

on
an

old

the move,

withered

lady,covered with a profusionof ringsand jewels,

of formidable
with
a
pair of garnet-colouredtrousers
her
dimensions, and a milk-white doputta,or scarf,over

Indian

head, issued therefrom.

She

stood for

moment,

placedher fingerarchlyon

314

MEMOIRS

as
a signalfor
lips,
gliding slowly towards

her

towards

OF

GRIFFIN.

friend

my

the

silent,and then

be

to

whose

veteran,

back

was

placed her long dark slender

with rings,over
his eyes.
hands, sparkling
said the old gentleman, who
have
Halloa !
we
and
here ? what
is this ?
smiling pleasantly,
rogue
knowing all the while who it was.
stood
The old lady laughed,withdrew
her hands, and
turned

her, she

"

"

"

"

before
"

him.

General
make

to

come

She

Sahib," said she,

now

salaam

my
took

knew
evidently
and they held

to

in

"

am

your Burr a Din."

friend the cornet, who
on

you

chair; my

Hindustanee,

salaam,
respectful
animated
conversation
a very
together,
of which, from
their eyes being directed towards
me
and
I guessed myself to be the subject.I
ever
anon,
was
barrassed
a modest
youth in those days,and felt a little emand discussed
at the idea of being overhauled
in an "unknown
tongue."
The
The cornet
said :
Begum has been asking about
look very young ; quite a chokra
you ; she says you
(boy),and have a very gureeb (quiet)look, though, she
dares to say, you are a bit of a nut cut
(roguishfellow)
her

well,made

her

"

"

for all that/'

"

Pray tell her," said I, that she does me too much

honour, and that I reallywant
language to express the
of my
extent
obligation.As for the first fault,time
"

doubtless

will

may
say it is
The cornet

correct

hereditary
complaintin our family."
explained,or tried to explain; the old lady
smart

apartment, after

"

her

head, and said

reply).

fresh

round

She

of

it

"

now

taiz

burra

was

retired

to

her

her

salaamingbetween

the cornet.

thought,"said I, when

usual

not

respect to the other, you

an

laughed,nodded
bhat"
(a very
and

it ; with

for native ladies

to

she had
exhibit

"

gone,

that

themselves

it

was

in that

way."
"

Nor

is

it/'said he,

"

; but
generally

age

and

other

MEMOIRS

circumstances

lead

315

GRIFFIN.

OF

this

exceptionsin

to

well

as

"

else.
Besides," added he, though
everything
lady is both rich and devout, she does not, of
hold

foremost

The

returned, and after

the

was
"

left

had

"

woman

much

as

Hamilton
for

don't

Moore

read

fortyyears,

few moments,

and

of in

if he

had

know, but

wife

my

for

us

subject,
being spoken
deeply,

course,

now

littleconversation,of which

some

Well, now/' said he, as

matter

old

the

estimation/'

place in native

who
general,

as

if

laudatorystrain,
been revolvingthe
had

had

old

that

consider
a

of

page

faithful ion
companof my
children !

My

the mother

"

she

we

to us.

over

in

as

"

"

But," said the cornet,

your friend the Padre, you
when
he was
recollect,
passing,took dire offence at her

making

her appearance
one
recollect that,general?

day

when

he

was

here

do

quitea scene."
ing
generalhere emitted a panegyricaleffusion touchthe whole clerical body, and the scrupulousPadre in
which, however, I will not repeat.
particular,
After tiffin,
the general,
the cornet, and myself,went
I had
out
to visit the fort and the neighbourhood,which
a desire to see
; the former, being old and infirm,rode in
his tonjon (a sort of chair-palankeen)
friend and I
; my
you
The

were

on

The

You

had

horseback.
fort of

the town

side

summit

of

Chunarghur, to which we ascended from

by a somewhat
steep road, occupies the
table

rock,

some

hundred

feet above

the

terminatingabruptlyon the
river side.
A strong wall,defended
towers,
by numerous
round
contains
the
interior
the
runs
edge, and
modern
of barracks, magazines, "c., and some
ranges
fine masses
of old buildings,
in the Moorish
styleof
architecture,characterized
by the cupolas,horseshoe

surroundingcountry,

and

arch, "c.
The

views

on

all sides

are

extensive and

:
interesting

look
down
the roofs of the
you
upon
native town, its temples and
closely-built
intermingled
and tall bamboo
with
the white
pigeon-stands,
foliage,

on

the

one,

316

MEMOIRS

and

and

rich
with

luxuriant

mango

bold

many
with

dotted

and

groves,

or

mosques

by

GRIFFIN.

gardensof the adjacentstation,

broad Ganges skirting
the verdant slopesin front,
wards
a
sandy reach tostretchingaway through many
the fort,a
Benares ; on
the oppositeside, above
and cultivated country, waving with crops, adorned

houses
the

OF

snail-like pace

there with

old

distance,traversed
the river,which, sprinkledwith
stringsof heavy boats, advancing

tombs, extends

of
sweeps
white sail,or

and

here
in the

far

againstthe

current,

glistens
brightly

below.
The

generalpointedout

the wall where

we

year 1764, with

which we left the

made

our

some

other

fort

by

zigzag descent, on
which

we

had

to

me

particular
part

unsuccessful
lions

another
the

the

assault

of the

in the

place; after

gateway, and

oppositeside

of

to

what
some-

that

on

entered.

passinga guard of invalids,however, before emerging,

I was
entertained
the
old
to
see
veterans, who
highly
rather taken by surprise,
were
hobbling out from their
pipes and repose in a mighty pother,to present arms
the general,which
to
they managed to effect before
he had
far behind, with a most
left them
picturesque
irregularity.
Chunar, some
thirtyor fortyyears before the periodto
which
I am
adverting,had been, I believe,one of our
frontier stations,and
the head-quartersof a
principal
division,though then, as now, scarcely
tral
occupying a cenline of the British dominions
pointin the immense
this side of India.
of this large
The
cantonments
on
force were
situated on the plain last noticed, above
the
fort,and present small station,though almost every trace
of the
of it has long disappeared,
at least of the abodes
still remain
for the mansions
of the dead
nearly
living,
in statu
tell
their pensivetale.
quo to
We
and forgotten
ing
burypaida visit to this now remote
for
there are two)
ground (or rather to one of them,
a mile
two
or
beyond the fort ; and I confess,albeit a
In

MEMOIRS

OF

317

GRIFFIN.

sightof these lonely

of the fact, that a bustlingmilitary
ment,
cantonmementoes
of which hardly a vestigeremains, once
occupied
the immediate
vicinity.
what
in
How
it was
from
changed is now the scene
the qui hye days of our
fathers ! The
clang of the
trumpet, the roll of the drum, and the gleaming ranks,
have longgivenplaceto more
peacefulsounds and sights;
I

that
juvenile,

the creak

touched

was

at the

well-wheel,and the song of the ryot, as

he irrigates
his fields,supply the place of the former.
Grain now
where troops once
manoeuvred, whilst
waves

the

of

the

lightairs
the

of the

many
"

Ah

soleums,
Ganges pipe,amidst the white mausleepwell heneath,
dirgesof those who

of the

once

inhabitants
nor

is the watchword

"

of the

scene

hope, love, nor fear

the only one
here."

"

more
thingswhich address themselves
than
the sight of the tombs
of
feelings

few

are

stronglyto

the

in

countrymen

our

gay

sweetlythey slumber,

Peace, peace

There

"

"

far distant

land.

In

the

tery
ceme-

rarelyvisited,it being
of the track of travellers,where grass and jungle are
out
fast encroaching,
and time and the elements are pursuing
their silent dilapidations,
Briton
a
a
long
many
many
and
forgottenJohnson
quietlyrepose, far
Thompson
to

which

now
referring,

am

"

"

from

the hearths

I have

since

places,which
flow of
I have

of their fathers.

may
our

stood

than

more

once

visited

be

compared to
advancingpower

and

mused

this

wrecks

and

the

which

leaves

similar

behind

ward
on-

it,and

pleased
myself by indulgingin dreamy speculations
touchingthe
histories of the surroundingsleepers(for all have their
littlehistories),
of all their hopes,fears,and
cares, here
as

for

ever

We

laid

at

extended

amongst

them,

rest.
our

excursion

to

some

the cemetery, and visited the mausoleum

dan princeor saint, the history
of which
I have

now

have

only a

faint remembrance

distance
of

I have

beyond

Mahome-

forgotten.

of its mosaic

and

318

MEMOIRS

lattice-work

GRIFFIN.

its inlaid scrolls from

"

covered

around, and

OF

with

embroidered

an

"

the

cophagus
sar-

carpet,the lamps

suspended from

ostrich eggs

the

the Koran

the vaulted

roof.

returninghome

On

found

late,we
of the

two

or

to

the old

and

other Christmas

the

general

"

of his

three

assembled
garrison,

house,
general's

do

to

fare.

shouldered

rather

friends,invalid officers

justiceto

his

roast

beef

very social party we had ;

his crutch," and the invalid
A

legendary lore ; all

hearts expanded under the influence of good cheer, and
Shrob
a
(Champagne),
couple of bottles of "Simkin
been
much
the generalproduced as if it had
which
so
liquidgold,reserved for high days and holidays.
of champagne is your
A glassor two
grand specific
devils
for giving the blue
their quietus,and liberating
which
their sparkling
those lightand joyous spirits
wave
the earlywine-cup and
the genial board ;
wings over
but, like other ephemerae,soon
haps,
pass away, drowned, perin the liquidfrom whence
like flies,
they spring,
of their havingonce
leavingbut a pleasingremembrance
guests

gave

us

plenty of

Indian

"

existed.
and I
morning, after breakfast,the cornet
and in a few days I bade him
rode back to Sultanpore,
in wind
adieu, and in a short time found myself sound
and limb, but quiteout of rootle mackun
(" bread and
butter"),and other river stores, in sightof the far-famed
of the Jumna
fortress of Allahabad, at the confluence
and Ganges.
walls and nuThe view of this fortress,
with its lofty
merous
towers, is,as you approach it,very striking
; one
few such
in England ; and
for
sees
as
imposing masses
feudal castles,
few of them are much
our
biggerthan the
gateways of such placesas I am describing.
The
fort which
occupies the point where these two
famous
rivers meet, though perfectlyOriental in its
generalcharacter,has been
pointed,"and strengthened
in accordance
with the principles
of European fortificaThe

next

"

320

MEMOIRS

ing,"c.

urgent

very

any

GRIFFIN.

my taste, that it did not

solicitation on his part to induce

much

so

"

OF

to

require
me

to

days with him.

I dined with him at his bungalow,some
short distance
the objects
inland, on the first day, when he showed
me
worthy of notice in the neighbourhood, and thinking
this a good opportunityto dress my
hind-quarterof
mutton, I invited him to partakeof it next
day,on board
spend two

three

or

bolio.

my

"

acquaintancewas

My

Indian

young

officers

are.

mighty hunter,"

He

most

as

shot, fished,and kept a

greyhound or two, with which

the hare, fox, and jackal
also a great
he hunted
; he was
of
in the mode
adept in the use of the pellet-bow,
which he obligingly
lessons.
some
discharging
gave me

pack

mongrels,and

of

not

am

Europe

aware

whether
If

not.

or

it

were

this
as

sort

of bow

is known

generallymade

use

in
of

in India,
boys in England as by young men
should
of blind and
have a fearful number
we
certainly
one-eyedgentry amongst the population.
made
of a split
This bow
is generally
bamboo, which,
renders it peculiarly
adapted to the
being highly elastic,
it has two
stringsof catgut, which, at about
purpose;
foot from
one
are
a
extremity,
kept separate by a small
pieceof stick,about an inch and a half in length,the
the strands
ends
of the
ingeniouslysecured between
string;immediatelyopposite to that part of the bow
graspedby the hand, and which is well padded,there is
small
a
pieceof leather, about two square inches in
to the two
size, sewn
strings,and presentingits flat
of hard, dried
surface to the handle; in this a pellet
and
clay is placed,and being seized by the thumb
of the righthand, is then dischargedat the
forefinger
object
the
The
great danger of the tyro is that of striking

amongst

thumb
the

of the

ball

bowman

hand, within

an

inch

or

two

of which

always pass, though by the practised

collision is alwaysavoided by givingthe wrist

must
a

left

OF

MEMOIES

peculiarturn

The

twist.

or

321

GRIFFIN.

force with

which

the

and unis surprising;

common
propelled,
an
objectmay be in time
accuracy in striking
acquiredby a due regulationof the hands and eye. I
have
brought down with the pellet-bowpigeons and
kites,when on the wing, from a great height,and cut
ball goes, when

off

the

heads

which

to

"

Will you

and
squirrels

let

have

me

"it
he

was

months

twist

your

grove,
exhibited his

"

said

to

my

I, eagerly.

difficultthan

more

before

he replied
;
you imagine,"
I got into the way of it; here,"

"

if you are
wrist thus, or

continued,

he

it before ?
attempted
you ever
"
but there appears
to be no

"

far

tamarind

paroquets, much

shot ?

as

"

Certainly
; but have
Never," I replied
;
in it whatever."
difficulty
Tis

the

moored,

was

"

"

sometimes
sparrows
done with a koife.

been

boat

my

skill upon
the
astonishment.

and

I strolled in

friend and

my

near

doves

of

if it had

completelyas
As

thus

determined, you
will

you

Now,

must.

hit
infallibly

your

"

thumb

"Oh!

there,so !
I see/' said I; and

immediatelyseized

the

bow.
dove

gave
thumb

tossed

on
a
neighbouringbough ; I
invitingly
long pull and a strong pull,and, och ! hit my
whack
that bared it to the bone.
a
Away I
the pellet-bow
to the distance of about
twenty

sat

yards,thrust the
immediatelyfell
Crow.

In

swathed

the

to

came
"

mutilated

ex-member
to

us

into my

mouth, and

dancing something very

to

little time

summon

member
the

agony

in fine

subsided

linen,when

like

Jim

had

Fyz

Buccas

dinner.
"

Come

along,sir,"said I ; I hope you can dine

of mutton
and a Bombay pudding."
hind-quarter
Nothing can be better,"said he ; but where
"

you

"

get your

meat

did

"

bought it of a
splendid
jointit is."
"I

off

bazaar fellow at Allahabad, and

322

experiencedin the tricks of

companion, more
and then looked
than
myself,smiled incredulously,

My
India
a

GRIFFIN.

OF

MEMOIRS

little grave.
"

have

hope they

given

not

made-up

you

article."
"

"

Made-up ! said I ; I don't understand you."

Why," he replied, these bazaar rascals stuff

"

"

"

and

other different
up their meat, and use half a dozen
passenger."
ways of takingin the unwary
"
"
s
aid
Ton
me
I, you frighten
; if this my
my life,"
shall go plump on
the rocks of
best bower
fails, we

blow

that's certain."

short commons,

"

at the worst, my
mind," said he ;
place
is not
far off, and there is abundance
of prog there ;
bazaar mutton,
eat
or
besides,I can
goat, or anything
"

Oh,

else

never

at

Hodgson
This

to

wash

mutton

should

look.

worst, and
wind

gave
; the

good glassof

it down."

cut
dialogue was
did not
; it certainly

the

is

if there
pinch,particularly

seized
cut

short
look

the
the

the

by

entry of

respectablemutton

as

carver,

to

eager

know

the

out, and so
fallinginto a state

murder

unhappy mutton

the

was

was

of

collapse.
"

Ha

much';

Indian
I made

sac,

of

and

ha !

"

try that

now

will have

you
an

ha !

evidence

of

manufacture

transverse

incision

there

lay a

seriatim

beautiful
other
the

sub

"

thought

as

the kidney, and

containing

can

suet, skin, and

extracted

the

of fat

mass

farther

butcher
a

roared

fat

into

and

extraneous

skill with

the

jointof

the

compact

which

mutton."

membraneous
stratification

I
matters, which
fork.
I confess

point of my
I was
thunderstruck
of the heathen,
at this profligacy
which is,however, common
enough.
Currah
is an
resque
interesting
spot, abounding in picturuins ; and good sportingis to be had there,the
neighbourhood abounding in hares, wild pea-fowl,
grey
and quail; the best cover
in which
to find
partridges,
the latter is, my
underfriend told me, the soft feathery
at

MEMOIRS

OF

of grass to be found
of the islands of the

indigofields. In
Ganges, black partridge,

growth
some

florikin,and hog deer

323

GRIFFIN.

in the

with, and there are

also plentyof wolves and hyaenasamongst the ruins,for
those who are fond of such sport.
The town
of Currah, about fifty
miles above
bad,
Allahais situated on the Ganges, close to its banks, and
buried

the view

to

presents

be

to

are

confused

met

in the

foliageof numerous
tamarind
with
trees ; interspersed
temples,musjids,or mosques, as
stone

and

The

convenience

is
vicinity

the annual

soil,to

much

are

several
of

appearance
for this part of India.

of

cut

also

some

considerable

by deep ravines, formed

up

descent, through the

little below

picturesque
appearance

Lower

down

in

from

mundils

loose

the

are

the

Ganges

mains
re-

has

its gateway, and some

of
very tolerable state

spot where

the

still,on

pretty Hindoo

the town

fort,which

loftycircular bastions,are
preservation.
some

these

houses

rains in their

river.

the

of
rather

neem,

buildings,
peepul,and

considerable
brick, displaying
a

or

comfort

by

of mud

mass

or

moored,

temples,from

are

which

of steps lead to the river ; these are

ghauts or flights
ding
the tamarind, shedoverhung by noble trees, principally
shade over
the spot.
a cool and
refreshing
Here I plantedmy chair on one
two evenings,with
or
my friend the sub, beneath the shade of these trees, and,
soothed
into a state of tranquillity
by the cooing of
boats

as

mind

my

the
groves, I gazed on
they glideddown the stream, and yieldedup
and pleasing
to the influence of tranquil
tions.
emo-

doves, which

numerous

I
when
remote

The

thought of

I should
and

masses,

mother
my
captain and other

is of

home

"

"

the

widow

"

things equally

"

agreeable.

tamarind, to my

of the East
which

be

fillthe

not

"

even

delicate

like clusters

taste, is the

beautiful tree

most

exceptingthe banyan the foliage,

green, droopsin rich and luxuriant
of ostrich plumes overhanginga
"

"

324

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

old mosque,
piece of water, or half-envelopingsome
with the traveller'shorse picketed
durgah,or caravanserai
in its shade, or the group of camels ruminatingin repose
beneath it nothing can
be more
picturesque.
which no plant will grow, seems
This tree, beneath
to
be a great favourite with the natives, but particularly
with the Mahomedans
invariablyto be
; it is almost
"

"

found

their mosques
and mausoleums
I suspect,holds the place the yew,
near

them,

cypress, does with

the tomb :
"

Fond
The

us

almost

an

"

only constant

of Brahmins

rather

or

the

fled.

griefsare

o'er the dead.

mourner

amongst

inseparableadjunctof

others'

tree, stillsad when

and

"

is

established in and
comfortably
about the ghaut and temple above mentioned, the duties
of which latter they perform; these, with bathing,eating,
and fleecing
tute
sleeping,
European passers-by,constiof their harmless
the dailytenor
lives. They regularly
from
contributions
travellers
who
levy
European
pass this way, and make, I suspect, rather a good thing
nest

of it.
Their

of

course

is as follows
proceeding
all the humility of aspect

with
fraternity,

one

which

of the
acterized
char-

Sterne's

the traveller with

monk, waits upon
a
a little present of milk, fruit,or
pot of tamarind preserve
the last,by the way, uncommonly good there
ders
this,in a subdued
tone, and with a low salaam, he ten"

"

for acceptance, and at the same

volume
inspectiona well-thumbed

trulybe said, in
"

Qui

color

albus

partlyfilledwith
attempts

at

to

the

squeeze
to have

the

of

out, or
by him

language

erat,

of the
est

nunc

of

"

produces for
which
it might

Latin

contrarius

grammar,
albo
"

"

doggrels,and generallyabortive

names,

facetious.

record

addition

the

time

In

this the

traveller is

quested
re-

the date of his visit,with

his name,
much
as
epigram as he can conveniently

of any

extempore

ready cut

and

verses

dry for

he

may

chance

such occasions.

MEMOIRS

made

OF

325

GRIFFIN.

contribution,and returned
literary
in whose
favour the
the valuable miscellany
to its owner,
traveller's romantic
are
feelings
perhaps warmly excited,
wulait
tazu
a
if,like me, a
particularly
(literally,
St. Pierre-ish
fresh-importedEuropean), with some
notions of the virtuous simplicity
of Brahmins
and Genthe lingering,
toos, he beginsto discover,from
fidgety,
of
his
sacerdotal
that
friend,
something
expectant manner
remains
in fact,that a more
to be done
tribution
importantconthat the "amor
nummi"
is required and
is
quiteas rife in a grove on the banks of the Ganges as anywhere
world.
else in this lucre-loving
On
making this
he disburses his rupee in a fume, and
all his
discovery,
plicity,
romantic
ideas of hospitableBrahmins, primitivesim-

Having

his

"

"

"

"

children

of nature,

My friend the sub lent me

by dogs,servants, and guns,
of the surrounding country
picturesque.
The

country, for

covered

with

the

great size,and

traversed

we

in search

around

miles

ruins

"c., vanish into thin air.

and, accompanied
pony,

"c.

of Mahomedan

much

combining, with

of

and

game

of

eleganceand architectural beauty.

these,more
strikingthan the rest, are

the remains

of peers or
told,Sheik Kummul

over

saints ;

the

Currah, is thickly
of
tombs, some
of form,
diversity

considerable
three

deal

good

Two

erected

of these

one

or

latter

udDeen, a very holy man,

is,I was
who, doubtless,in his day rendered good service to the
of Islam, by dint, probably,
of that very cutting
cause
and

shumshere*

the
convincing argument
villageof Kummulpore

derives

The

its

name

jacent
adfrom

him.
Kurruck
was

Shah, I learnt

bit of

was
antiquary,

an

of remarkable
of Currah

sanctity,who
his

durgah

situated in the midst

of

or
an

encompassed by shabby
*

friend,who
my
young
of another
the name
peer

from

lies buried

shrine, which
extensive

whitewashed

Sword, whence

near
we

the

town

visited,is

paved court, nearly

buildings,shaded

probably scimitar.

326

by

OF

MEMOIRS

two

or

three

long shaded,
their

like

children

"

of the

land attached

the

lamps, "c.

of which

the

on

natural

their

and

arms

buildingsthey had
parents claimingin age the support
of

establishment

told,an

GRIFFIN.

trees,some
gigantic

leaning for support

were

It

props.

of

were

we

attendant

or
peerzadas,

for their

has,

so

priests,

support, the supply of oil for

the cause
of
clearlyor positively
this neighbourhood
vast
as
so
a congregationof tombs
miles being covered with them ;
exhibits,many
square
told by villagers
whom
he quesbut my companion was
tioned
covered
that they
the remains
of
the subject,
on
I could

the

slain

dates
have

been

process

fell in

who

the

on

learn

never

tombs

the

hardest

Joking apart, to
lead

great battle.
of various

are

fought

battle

As, however, the

periods,this
record

on

"

must

or

the

slow.
singularly

of interment

untutored

trust

peasants in

to

any

the

on

dits and

country is far

traditions

more

of

likelyto

in nine cases
of ten.
out
enlighten,
Having much enjoyedmy three days'halt at Currah, I
once
more
pursued my onward
hospitable
course,
my
host sending down
boat a profusion of butter,
to
my
for my voyage, with a piece
fresh bread, and vegetables,
of which he told me
of mutton,
the integrity
I might
on
rely: this was, at all events, puffing it in a
confidently
to

error

than

proper manner.
I found the
contain

to

country between

Currah

remarkable
nothingparticularly

built towns,
leading features.
mud-

and
;

Cawnpore to
groves, ghauts,

constituted its
ravines,and sand-banks
On
of the latter,one
fine cold
one

evening,I performedthe

funeral

obsequiesof the onelong in a decliningstate

eyed bull- dog, who had been

;
did not agree with his constitution,
the climate evidently
under
its effects. The
and he slowly sunk
interment
conducted
Matar, and Teazer, now
was
stituting
conby Nuncoo
total of my kennel, stood by whilst
the sum
his companion Bully was
receivingthose last attentions
at

our

hands.

328

MEMOIRS

peculiarfortes,
*

kuddoos
to

mess,

been

from

GRIFFIN.

the

purloiner en passant
cucumbers, the thief in ordinaryto

and

the instructor

the crew, and

almost
every
had

OF

of the

associated

one

of
the

paroquets, and the cook

or

sportingadventure
engaged on my way up

their

of

more
or

"

with

names

exploitin
long four

to

which

months'

trip.
It is true I

to the rigorous
subjectedthem occasionally
of the Marpeetian code; in other
words,
discipline
thrashed them
soundly when they hesitated to plunge
into an alligatorish-looking
pool after a wounded dabchick,
or
twice,
as
or
capsizedmy griffinship,
happened once
when
staggeringwith me Scotch-cradle fashion, gun and
all,through the shallows, to myboKo; but the goodnatured, placablecreatures
soon
forgotit,and we were
I
the whole very good friends.
I believe they knew
on
was
a
and, cognizant of the infirmities of that
griffin,
as
singularanimal, made allowances for me, particularly
I gave them sometimes, by way of compensation,a rupee
or
a feed of metais
(sweetmeats).
On paying the manjee,he tied up the rupees
carefully

in the
his

also bowed

crew

for

of his

corner

business.

agreeablesmile, and
I

themselves
then

He

which

turban, and made

in

desired

to

me

low

the earth.

salaam
So

put up his hands, and

much

with

an

thing
insinuatingtone, said someRamdial
to explain,though

an

partlyguessedits purport.
"

What

"

He

him

does
bola

he muncta

(says)if

(want),Eamdial
Sahib

Kooshee

?"
will

pleasegive

buckshish"
"

we'll

boxes
givehim some
paunch rupee
bus ?
(Rs. 5 enough, eh ?)
Sahib
"Han
(yes,sir)bus (enough)/'
Having, in my usual piebald lingua franca, thus
consulted
keeper of the privypurse, I ordered him
my
to disburse a gratuity
of Rs. 5 amongst
the crew, which
Thus
salaams.
received,with many
we
they gratefully

Yes, yes

"

"

Gourd, vegetablemarrow.

MEMOIRS

more
parted,never
aquaticjourneyfrom

The

curtain is

and
griffinage,
have

thus

sat

to

be

to

approaching the

are

trumpets

and

exeunt

Cawnpore is

329

GRIFFIN.

and

thus

wound

up

my

presidencyto Cawnpore.

about

it may

meet,

the

now

long

OF

to

rise

act

on

consolation

some

the last of my
who
to those

performance,that they
denouement, the grand flourish of
witness

the

omnes.

the

of
head-quarters

division,and

the

with
troops of all arms
slightaddition,indeed, of native troops, a force can

station
some

of

several

thousand

"

despatchedalmost immediatelyfrom this station with

which
hardly any Indian army of the present day could
contend in the open field.
successfully
At the periodembraced
by these memoirs, a regiment
of dragoons, two
of European,
of native cavalry,one
and three of native infantry,
and
horse
foot, artillery,
of
pioneers,engineers,"c., "c., constituted the amount
the military
force at Cawnpore. The station itself has a
bad name
amongst Indian stations,and richlydoes it
deserve it. Dust, ravines,and mangy
black pigs are the
the
most
; and
strikingfeatures of the cantonment
teresting.
uninneighbouring country is flat,arid, and peculiarly
be

The
much
and

societyis large,and
in the

same

way

as

time

in other

masquerades and
parties,

mess

is killed

here

pretty

largestations" private
and
fancy dress-balls,

privatetheatricals.
I passed a week with the hospitable
major,which was
devoted to making the necessary
principally
preparations
for my march.
box
snuffI had nearlyemptied the general's
and was
; had no
consequentlyobligedto
pay due ;
consider economy
in my
purchases,and to relinquishall
en
ideas,if I ever had them, of travelling
seigneur or a
la nawaub.
The

thing was

purchasea nag, and the major

in this undertook
and therebyhangs a tale.
to assist me
He intimated to one
of his regimentalfunctionaries that
a young
gentleman wanted a pony; and straightwaya
first

to

"

330

MEMOIRS

in the
appearance
head
of
and
raw
"

matter-of-fact

to

GRIFFIN.

in

of Rosin antes

assortment

rare

OF

compound. I
bloody bones

before

the

equinerace,
of
quintessence

in

as

made

miniature
beheld

never
"

the

their

phrase

completelyreduced

so

of these lit ing satires

some

of them

tatoos
grass-cutters'
the
vice and deformity a breed peculiar
to India, and the very pariarof horses.*
Try this fellow,Gernon," said the major, laughing;
I think he'll do for you."
The major littlethought how near
he was
to the mark.
On his so saying,
I mounted, or rather threw my leg over
bridle
a very angularback-bone, and
seizinga primitive
with a
of stringor cord, solicited an
onward
movement
gee-up."
"tender
Now, whether it was that I touched
a
point,"
or
being of greater specific
gravitythan a bundle of
in a
I was
not
sooner
no
certainly
; but
grass, I know
on

most

"

"

"

"

"

"

fix,"

the

as

the littledevil emitted

say, than
menced
clapped back his ears, and com-

Yankees

appallingscream,
a rapidretrograde
movement,

an

midst

"

of

In

seven

moment,
full play around
a

devils
I had
me,

"

worse

than

himself.

double

that

number

spiteof

drive off their animals.

to

partedcompany
and

scrambled
accelerator

an

the

regionof

almost
"

"

at

my

ably,
leg consider-

around,
friend

vinced
con-

and

in convulsions.

get

my
"

sooner

in the

consequentlyrolled off,
of the m"lee, receiving,
in retreating,
out
about
in the shape of another kick on
or
the os coccygis. As for the major,he was
better.

the

Confound

to

the

in

attempts

thunderingbroadside

speedilythat

of heels

owners'

the tatoo

ribs of my Bucephalus,
which damaged my
and other notes
of battle sounding
me

into the

backing me

me

it,major,that's
the back

on

too

of that

bad

imp,

of
and

you,"

said I,

to

laugh

now

misfortunes."

Oh
The

horses and

then, by dad, you

English reader
tatoos

can

have

must

forgiveme,"

little idea of the

viciousness

said

he,

of Indian

the last-named.
they fightlike tigers,particularly

MEMOIES

OF

"

his eyes still streaming;

I could not resist ; ''

but

if it

and

331

GRIFFIN.

was

again

father

my

he

self
him-

till he

laughed

gave up through exhaustion.

cautious
This over, I proceeded to a more
selection,
animal for
and finally
decent-looking
bought a tolerably
Es.

25, and

first

who, bating that his fore-feet

was
position,

India

termed

small

worse

for

money.

the
routee, rather
60, and this, with

Ks.

for

bought

the

worth

the

in

were

tent, in
I
wear,

Cawnpore-made

bullock-trunks, and a
bridle,a hackery,two
for the
pairof bangy baskets, constituted my turn-out
saddle

and

march.

friend

My

and

messes

These

though
from

the

major kindly took

wherever

he

I confess

I should

him

to

invited.

was

partiesI

mess

with

me

then
now

very pleasant,
derive very little pleasure

thought

delight,
considered
what
were
on
public nights
particularly
drinking,singing songs (many of
toasting,
speechifying,
with
the grossest description),
roaring and screeching,
the finale of devilled biscuits,
daybreak,pale faces,per
haps a quarrelor two, and half a dozen under the table,
the

scenes

in which

was

then

to

wont

"

in

few

Since
to

words
those

describe

them.

days, and twenty-five

years

century of the

olden

time

as

are

equal

now

respects progress,

improved ; we
begun to learn in what
change
and
true
even
tranquilintersociality
reallyconsists
of thought,with
a
sprinklingof decent mirth,
and the flow of soul
to
the genuine feast of reason
which
sures
gastronomic pleaeatingand drinking,the mere
considered
of the table, are
as
secondary rather
than as principal
of enjoyment.
sources
The change,however, is yet but beginning; aldermen,
ceased
associated
be inseparably
it is true, have
to
(as
red noses
twin ideas) with huge paunches and
your
have
seven-bottle men
enjoyed the last of their fame,
of a Beau
which reposes with the celebrity
Brummel
;
have

thingshave

"

"

"

"

"

but

too

much

of the

old

Saxon

leaven

"

the wine

and

332

MEMOIRS

and
wassail-loving
in

of animalism

GRIFFIN.

with
gormandizing spirit,

other

an

excess

respects still characterizes

"

be

and, littleas it may

social and

OF

thought,is

us

serious hindrance

to

intellectual advancement.
exalted

of the heart and intellect,

pleasures
let it he observed in passing,can
vidually
only be enjoyed,indiand nationally,
by those who can restrain their
within moderate
bounds.
This great
grosser appetites
of old perceived,
truth the Easterns
though (like all
first discerned) it was
truth when
pushed to a vicious
The

more

in this

extreme

This

case

inordinate
to

the

love

to

defect

of that which

(allowablein

senses

is, it appears
national

that of excessive

"

humble

my

engenders a
profusion militates againstthat
a

affections
When

the

"

true

moderation

shall be

man

virtues,and
; when

station

happy

faces shall have

the

than
a

to

Eubini

battle with

dread
shall

the

the

the like
for the

happy

of

mighty energiesof

our

and

sneer

of kindred

missions

then, indeed, shall

great and

fined
re-

Taglionior the strains of

shall be able
self-approval

duties
"

for the

fashionable

laugh/' and the

of
take precedence

benevolent

prizedfor his qualities

mere
adjunctsof wealth and
hearts and smilinghuman

human

glow

the

left fallow

and

sought

pirouettesof

; when

to be

purest enjoyments.

real charms

more

city
simpli"

for his

not

and

and

great thingsspring marks

of the

source

gratification
degree)
prime

selfishness

and causes
pseudo-civilization,
cultivated the field of
partially

but

and

moderate

of

state

or

which

fearful

"

from

administers

apprehension,our

; it

of character

mortification.

we

to

the

the
and

"

world's

country

blacks," and

opening a new field

a
race, and enteringon
be

millennium.

good, by leadingthe young

and awakening spirit
of the age into paths of peace, do
the aristocracy
of this country possess, if they would
but
it !
use
Standing on the vantage ground of fashion,
wealth and station,they might infuse fresh moral
and
intellectual vigourinto the nation,and stem, by all that
What

power

to

effect

MEMOIKS

and
"

mediocre

in
philanthropists

whilst

of

vain with the fervour

"

Demosthenes.
"

any
immortal
the

There

in

other

by

rose

"

would

name

execution

MILITARY

and

to all persons,

for the

seen

first

an

smell

be, under

must

awful

his usual

one

of the

witnessed

the

execution

racy.
accu-

and

all circumstances

exhibition
striking
the

on

young
painfulimpression. An

soldier of

sweet."

as

XXIV.

time, it makes

peculiarly
deep and

sway

may

utterlybelied

bard

"

double

"

name

CHAPTEK
A

"

wealth.

plead in
the eloquence of a
?
says Shakespeare

and

Paul

What's

commercial

mere

with
prevail
"seedy coats"

them, would

from

Truth,"

of

influences

sordid

somewhat

the
refining,

liberal,ennobling,and

is

333

GKIFFIN.

OF

but

mind

European

regimentsat the station had, in a

fit of passionand disappointment,
attempted the life of
his officer,and, agreeablyto the necessarily
stern
visions
prosentenced
I
of militarylaw, was
be shot.
to
will

which

one

The

of

three

The

arms

were

broken
prevailed,
mounted

officer's

solemn

effaced from

various

up when
sides of an

drawn

were

in

troops

be

never

memory.
European and

arms,

I reached
immense

and

my

native,

parade,and formed
square, facing inwards.
the

"ordered," and

the

silence

portentous

only occasionally
by
sword, and

it was,

scene

tramp

the

clank

of his

of

horse's

The morning
slowlydown the ranks.
mists were
beginning to disperse,and the bright sun
the
was
darting his long and almost level rays across
parade ground, and gleaming brightlyon a forest of
the last sunrise the
steel and dazzling accoutrements"
unhappy criminal was ever destined to behold.
hoofs

he

as

rode

faithful descriptionof
take placeat the supposed time.
*

This

is

real occurrence,

though

it did

not

334

MEMOIRS

roll of the

The

OF

drum

announced

now

in which
procession,
rounded
the flank
position,

he

the

soon

GEIFFIN.

and
arrival,

his

occupieda conspicuous

of

sides

the

of

one

of the

square.

marched, at a slow pace, a party hearing the

followed
coffin of the condemned,
by the execution
March
in Saul:
party ; then the band, playingthe Dead
First

it

was

frightful
scene,

what

have

must

been

and

sent

its effects

damp

to

the

on

my

heart

unhappy

"

man

himself?
in the

Last

borne
white

cap

on
on

came
melancholy procession

the shoulders

in

his

deadlypale,sat

head, and

men

face calm

and
and

it,with

but
resigned,

the unfortunate

soldier,for whom, I confess,

deeply. By his side, arrayed in full

felt most

of

litter (doolie),

in his
his book
canonicals,walked the chaplain,
open
hand, readingthose prayers and promises speaking of
"

pardon and hope which are calculated to cheer the

partinghour, and to soften the bitterness of death.
The
processionhaving passed slowly along the front
of each regiment,which, from
the great extent
of the
drew off to
time, now
square, occupied a considerable
of what, if complete, would
the
have
tuted
consticentre
the fourth
side of the parallelogram
there it
:
"

halted.

placedtheir burden on the ground

drew up at some
retired ; the execution-party
tance
disfrom it. The prisoner
left his doolie,and, accompanied
by the clergyman, walked
slowly and with a
this they both
knelt,
step towards the coffin ; on
their faces towards the troops, and prayed with uplifted

The

and

firm
with

coffin-bearers

hands.
Profound

was

the

silence.

soul

was

preparing for

eternity! Being a spectator at large, I selected my

position,and being close to the spot, saw all distinctly.
After some
time had
been
occupied in prayer, the
chaplainretired,when the judge advocate, on horseback,
for the
came
forward, and, drawing forth the warrant

336

MEMOIRS

cry which
blood-red

GRIFFIN.

with

the

OF

had

died unborn

spot

on

cheek, where

his

contrast
lendingits frightful

features
other

the heel of

the

on

passing pang
bullet

the

to

his

ground;

hands

the

on

of his

coffin,the

and

open

entered,

hue

marbly

foot rested

one

had

; one

on

their

backs.
now
ensued, which was
pause
officers gallopingto
stir of mounted

by

short

the loud
and

"

command

march

"

to

wheel

back

into

followed

soon

and
open

fro, and
column,"

"

In this order the whole

advanced,

force

the

bands

of

several

regiments playing in succession, as they

marched
strains of
past the corpse, the deep and solemn
like air,
the Adeste Fideles,or PortugueseHymn, a dirgeadmirablyadaptedfor such occasions,and which breathes
the very soul of melancholy.
ing
As the flanks of each company
passed, almost touchthe

the dead

in
expressions
and

it

man,

the

they stole

sidelongglancesat it.
reader
The non-military
I

sure

am

I was,

when

observe

to

of the

countenances

as

sepoy,

curious

was

their

will be
tell him

the various

pean
soldiers,Euro-

almost

scared

and

as
surprised,
each regiment,
hundred
yards,

little
that

having passed the body a few

changed the slow to quick march, and diverged to their
The
several lines, playing
girlI left behind me," or
similar lively
pate
air,with a view, I presume, to dissisome
the recent impression.
The
of such a proceeding is by no
wisdom
means
after

"

self-evident
to

be

after

it

indecent,

seems

to

say

the

least of it :

should
consistent,we
always ring a merry
funeral,or a gallopadehome from church.

peal

Bidding adieu to my friend the major, and duly

equippedfor the march, I left Cawnpore for Futtyghur,
and
the
the composition of my
rather
followingwas
turn-out
patriarchal
batingthe red coats and muskets
"

of my
militia

escort
; we

naick

might

have

and

six sepoys of Nizamut, or

passedpretty well for the section

m
"

__^2*S$"..

MEMOIRS

of

nomade

tribe

on

OF

the

move

337

GRIFFIN.

in search of clearer streams

and

greener pastures.
A two-bullock
hackeryor

tive
country cart, a very primiwhose
wheels, utter strangers
lumbering locomotive,
the most
to grease, emitted
music, conveyed
excruciating
my tent, trunks, and hen-coops,with the dobie's lady
and familyperched a-top of all.
Then

there

was

bangy-burdah, with
breakfast

and

dinner

petaras, containingmy
whilst Ramdial, my
sirdar, trudged on,
bundle
containingmy change of linen,and

milch-goat (for Nanny

after him, nolens

did

not

two

approve

green

apparatus,

bearing the
draggingmy
of marching)

volens.

led my dogs in a leash ; to wit, Teazer, and

substitute for the bull,with a few evanescent
nondescript
Nunco

shades

of

the

greyhound,

which

had

purchased at
animal, rather
ironically,

this
Cawnpore. I named
manufactured
into
Pillai."
"Fly," which Nunco
Fyz Buccas, kidmutgar,trudged along,drivingbefore
him
knock-kneed
a
shambling tatoo, which I verily
a
spread eagle of, laden
thought he would have made
with his wife, two
children, and sundry bags,pots, pans,
"c.
Whether
Mrs. Fyz Buccas
was
a
beauty or not I
cannot
positively
say, though, if I might judge from
coal-black eye, of which, through the
the sample of one
folds of her hood I occasionally
had a glimpse,I should
decidedlysay she was.
rode ahead of the procession,
I generally
armed
capand
shone
the
of
lean
ideal
alry.
chivgriffinish
a-pie,
very
My syce always carried my gun, to be ready for
with
two
or jackal,and
a shot at a passingwolf
one
or
other
bhistee,
servants, viz.,a classee, or tent-pitcher,
constituted
rather numerous
"c., with my guard,we
a
"

party.
In the above
on

the

mango
canvas.

road

order I left
to

Cawnpore, for

Furruckabad,

where, in

grove, I for the first time in my

small

an

life

village

extensive

sleptunder

338

MEMOIRS

It is the almost

of the

before
halting-ground
but

was

would

be
for

that

either

means

the
about

system

my

enabled

rise

to

the

like

hour

it

it is,

after

ably
comfort-

whole

till

day

amusement.

I would

myself

seat

tree, with my kulian in my

the strikingand loading my

an

thought

hour

own

my
had

and

morning,

for my
that time

at

half

power;

certain

the

sunset

under

much

or
practice,

the

reverse

reach

to

as

attained

has

sun

so

march

to

in the evenings,
always marched
after dark; by that
ground sometimes

next

About

in India

custom

ignorantof the

time

some

was

GRIFFIN.

morning,

the

to
preferable

arrivingat

invariable

early part

in the

OF

they

on

hand,

chair

and

intend
super"c.
About
tent,
rise
fairlyoff,I would

were

steed, whilst my
giant refreshed, mount
my
and, fairly
seated,
obsequiouslyheld my stirrup,
syce
would
follow the baggage.
I love to recall in imaginationthose days, the opening
of
existence.
How
ones
independent
vividly
my
I

can

recall the

which

scene

this march

sunlightof

! the

the

so

cold

often

sented
pre-

ings,
evenwaning
few brightstreaks just tingingthe horizon,
a
my
its
the
and
over
hackery slowly wending
plain,
way
scattered servants
crawlingbehind it,in a cloud of
my

dust; the
all

the

mango

groves

winter

villagesmud

"

huts, and

"

accompaniments of

country life in

Upper

India !
I

not

must

here

omit

mention

to

leavingCawnpore, I received
patron

Captain Marpeet, with

;

it

was

couched

that, prior to

letter from
I

whom

my

my

friend and

responded
coroccasionally

in his usual

frank

and

half-,

that his regiment was

and informed
me
banteringstyle,
the eve of marching to Delhi, and that he anticipated
on
there.
Thus
in meeting me
it concluded
:
great pleasure
at your
Recollect, my dear boy,I shall have a room
"

"

service,and

that

you are not fit to

littlemore
of my

you put
take care

with

me

on

your
of yourselfyet, and

up

and
drilling

paternalcare.

arrival ;

requirea

Give

me

MEMOIRS

OP

339

GRIFFIN.

few lines from

Futtyghur,and mention when I may expect

A friend of mine, Judge Sympkin, is now
in
out
you.
the district through which
Mosome
you will pass, on
fussil business. I enclose you a few lines of introduction,
and have

written

to

tellhim

he may

princelyfellow,a first-rate sportsman, and

a Bengal civilian should
as
fighting-cock,
to shake
soon
you by the hand,
"

days brought me to Futtyghur,of

to record, exceptingthat
nothingparticular
of

is celebrated

Furruckabad
cloth and

tent

defeat

of

Lake's

war.

do.

Hoping

which
the

for the

have

adjoining

manufacture

equipage,and as the scene

dragoons
cavalryby our

of the

camp

Holkar's

J. MARPEET."

few

of

lives like

Yours, "c.,
"

town

is

worthy Griff,

I am,

"

He

expect you.

in Lord

in that action told the

the way, an officer who
was
swords of the troopers would
relator,that the Brummagem

By

make

littleor

dismount

wield

down

them

from

with

ment

dismissed

rajah
they came
ex-

of them
"

instead

them

use

of the East

advantage over

The

former

to

of

givethose
armed

men

will

their

splita

man

chine,"or slice off his head

(saufkarna, to shave him clean," is
to

nave

the

"

ease

author
of

fearful

saw

phrase),whilst ours requireimmense

produce such a result.

Indian

The

quiltedjacketsand

of them
many
well-temperedblades of the

the

affairs.

"

the

infinite

force

mealy

our

he

keen, razor-like swords

The

with

that

and
pistoled,

had

they

own.

who

take

and

natives

the

Mahrattas, and

of the

vests

the

impressionon

no

once

met

some

cal
physi-

troopers of the 4th Eegi-

Native

Cavalry,some
squadronsof which were
ordered to charge the
for turning tail when
of Kotah's
body-guard,and asked them how
The
of one
to disgracethemselves.
answer
was,

Why,

"

what

chance, sir,have

we

with

in chain

men
z

340

MEMOIRS

armour,

and

will cut

down

horse
this

and

GRIFFIN.

wieldingswords

I mention

of such
at

man

acts

recent

as

temper that they

singleblow

hearing on
of the
justification

in

not

OF

hut

men,

as

"

sions,
discus-

and

a
affording

probableclue

to

occasions.

rely too much

to
disciplined
troops acting en masse,

the backwardness

I think

the

are

we

power of
neglectof those matters

of

prone

calculated

our

cavalryon

some

to

to

increase

on

the

individual

Good
first-rate consideration,
not
a
arms
are
prowess.
only for the superiorexecution they do, but on account

they inspirethe soldier.

At
Futtyghur my tent was besiegedby the venders of
of tulwars
cloth,"c., and one
man
brought a number
brated
at Rampore, in Bohilcund, a place cele(swords) made
I purfor them, for sale.
After some
higgling,
chased
for
the
and well-poised
small
blade,
one, a keen
neck
of Es. 4.
I longed to try it upon
some
sum
or
of

the confidence

other,and,

as

with which

luck would

have

a felonious
on
opportunity,
free with a portion of my

had

it,soon

pariardog, which

the
had

desired
made

dinner.

beyond Furruckabad, each day diversified by some

novelty in the
fresh object,in the shape of travellers,
some
scenery
and the like
but still beginning to
pilgrims,
buildings,
feel the want
of a companion whose
the
language was
when
as
same
one
morning, as I was
strolling,
own,
my
with my pellet-bow
in my hand
(forI had resumed it,in
tance
spiteof the crack on the thumb), T observed at a disa horseman
slowlyapproaching.
I had

advanced

four

some

or

five marches

"

"

As
tall
mane

he

came

I observed

nearer,

head-stall

cord ;

bunch

was

of red

mounted

was

on

dangled under his horse's chin, from whence

standingmartingalepassed between his legs. Amulets
and

chains

were

round

(or cushion, rather) was

cloth of red

and

his

flowing tail and

of a sort of red bell-rope-looking
kerchief,
cloth,something like a hand-

Rosiuante-lookingsteed, with
; his

he

animal's
covered

yellowchequers.

neck, and the saddle

with

square

broad

342
"

MEMOIRS

will

That

OF

GRIFFIN.

do," I inwardlyejaculated,
as,

after

ining
exam-

I conveyed the letter to

superscription,
pocket. I instantlyordered my pony, and girding
my
to
on
destroy any chance giants or
my spit,wherewith
the way, I gave the signal,
on
dragons I might encounter
and I were
in a long canter
for the
the sowar
and
soon
the seal and

judge'stents.
After

ride of

exhibited

to

five hundred

of the

turn

road

judge's encampment, in which

peopleenough for nearlya regiment of
view

my

and

tents

were

eightmiles,the

about

the

men.

phants,
spreadingbanyan-treewere a couple of eledo
of trees
for their tea, as we
eatingbranches
and sundry camels
waterbubbling* and roaring,
cresses,
and uprearing their loftynecks
by the well-side,where,
Under

the force

from
and

of association,I

the fair Rebecca,

almost

looked

in
represented

as

those

for Jacob

Scripture

printswhich in infancywe love to dwell upon, and whence

probably originatesthat exquisitecharm, that, through
our

future

and

customs.

life,is

interwoven

ever

with

Eastern

scenes

couple of tamarind trees, four or five beautiful

horses were
picketed;amongst them a milk-white Arab,
with
the judge'sfavourite
a
flowing tail. This was
steed.
Prettywell all this,"thought I, for one man,
and he, too, perhaps,the son
of some
small gentleman."
My arrival caused a considerable stir at the large tent.
Two
three chupprassies,
darted in
silver-badge men,
or
or
to
announce
me
caught up the huge red
; the bearer
umbrella
or
chattah, to be preparedfor the great man's
the rays
from
cranium
exit, and to guard his honoured
held
of the now
One
others
two
or
declining sun.
aside the purdahs,or chicks, and Mr. Sympkin, a wellof
but withal gentlemanlyman,
compacted,hearty,jolly,
thereabouts, stood forth to view ; he
or
or
forty-five
fifty,
of
of the colour
followed by a fat squabby man,
was
Under

"

When

attended

"

the camel
with

loud

blows

out

his

gurgling,or

water-bag

rather

from

his

bubbling sound.

mouth,

the act is

MEMOIRS

OF

-343

GRIFFIN.

thing
though attired in someEuropean garb,did not, nevertheless,in
other
to belong to
our
respects,seem
quarter of the
globe.
The judge shook me
at
heartily
by the hand, and was
once
so
smiling and cordial,that I began to fancy I
him
somewhere
must
before, and
certainlyhave known
that this could never
be the first of our
acquaintance.
It was
true
downright goodness of heart, bursting
through the cobwebs of ceremony, and going slap-bang

yellow

saffron,who,

soap or
like the

to its purpose.
"

and

Well, Mr.
safe.

off have

you

you here sound

pilotedyou well ; how far

Gernon, I'm happy

hope

sowar

my

left your

tents

to

see

"

he againresumed.
queries,
did you hear last from
When
friend Marpeet ?
our
not since I did, I dare
Come, give your pony to
say.
that man,
and he'll take care
of him for you."
I resignedmy tatoo, who was
led off.
The judge'sservants
smiled, and exchanged significant
glances,as my little jaded rat, with accoutrements
for a
calculated
horse
of sixteen
hands
high, was
to
Having replied

these

"

marched

away.
perfectlyashamed
"Come
earlier

of him.

in," said
on

hye ?

the

a
fatigued,
sherry-shrol) lou.

forgottento

introduce

littlefat

to

you

Gernon, the Rev. Mr.

Sarkies,Mr. Gernon."

wine

By

turned

we

will dine

somewhat

but, in the meantime,

glassof

himself,as

The

judge,"we

account;

your

be

must

confess, for the first time, I felt

"

I had
the tent,
fellow-traveller.

Arratoon

Bagram

Asiatic,tendered
in

me

nearly
Ensign

Sarkies; Mr.

smiled

with
as
benignantly,
betokening that my youth and deportmenthad
pleasingimpression upon him, he, in a manner
man

his

you

will refresh

Qui
you.
the bye,"said he, recollecting

enter
to

as

hand,

as

made

if he felt himself

duty to back the judge"scordiality.

I was
sorelypuzzled to divine who this

look

amiable

halfbound

little

344

MEMOIRS

could

OF

portionof the church

universal his reverence
belonged. Mr. Sympkin seemed,
I thought,to enjoy my
gaping looks of astonishment,
but took an
opportunityof informing me, very shortly

personage

be, and

GRIFFIN.

afterwards,that Mr.

to what

Sarkies

Guzerat

proceedingto

was

with

for
languages,

in divers Eastern

Armenian

an

camel

ary,
missionof tracts,

load

the purpose

of converting

the natives.
the

At
he

time

same

that he gave

proposed,if agreeableto
other

each

route

our

this

me

that

me,

information,
should

we

keep

for the few marches

during which
company
lie together. To this proposalI joywould
fully

not
assented,for though the good missionarywas
exactlythe sort of companion I should have selected,
had
choice been
a
given me, nevertheless,an associate

of any
under

kind

who

language
speak my own
present circumstances,a great acquisition.

Dinner

made

soon

fitted up
claspsto the

with

was

render
that

could

its appearance

The

viands,which

short,everythingthat could
and luxurious, and make
us
forget
of Hindostan.

in excellence

by anything procurable,of
fashionable

most

the

town,

and

were

ales, of

merveille, and

hotel

in

we

looking domestics,

their

were

in

at

kinds,

the

silver.

kinds,

surpassed

were

at

the

end

west

The

of

wines

cooled

by fine, proudseemed
liveries,who
fully

waited
rich

be

not

several

burnished

delicious

most

could

club-house

or

served
the

by

in

poles,and,
in the wilds

were

tent, which

carpets, glass shades, attached

it comfortable

we

in the

was,

upon

they borrowed from their master's

importance; in short,I found myselfall at once revelling
made to feel,
in luxury,and was
though in the pleasantest
of the gap which
possibleway, the vastness
separates a
griffin
going to joinfrom the judge of a zillah court.
Mr. Sarkies,too, though his occupationreferred more
immediatelyto the other world, seemed, like myself,by
sensible

no

means

state

of

of the lustre

insensible

to

the

comforts

existence,paying very marked

of

this mundane

attention

to

the

MEMOIRS

mock-turtle,the
other

roast

OF

345

GRIFFIN.

of mutton, maccaroni, and

that followed in abundance.

saddle
"

"

tinykickshaws
old man
In spite,
however, of this little trait of the
and
Adam/5 the missionaryappeareda most kind-hearted
childlike simplicity
benevolent
there was
a
creature;
of all guile,
which
about him, evincinga total absence
at once
inspireda feelingof affection and regard,adding
it wanting, of the power
of truthfulness
a
proof,were
"

form
it may
It was
virtue,in whatever
appear.
flowing
overobvious, at a glance,that the Padre's heart was
with
benevolence
and love of his kind, and that
and

feelingharboured there.
of a jovial
and bantering
The judge,though evidently
not
at all likelyto turn
turn, and
missionaryhimself,
seemed
clearlyto entertain a mingled feelingof respect
but somewhat
eccentric
and esteem
for his single-hearted,
no

one

harsh

or

unamiable

guest, who, I found, owed

somewhat

similar chance

his

introduction

to that to

which

him

to

to

indebted

was

restrained the
feelingthat,in a great degree,
inclination which, in a good-naturedway, would
every
his
crack
and
then
to
at
a
now
joke
expense.
peep out,
comfortable
After a very pleasantevening,
I retired to a
for me ; and
to be prepared
cot, which my host ordered
next
morning Mr. Sympkin, who was
engaged on some
after breakfast to
left us
specialbusiness in the district,
attend to his duties and
proceed to his cuchery tent,
horses
and
around
which
assembled
were
ponies gaily
of native zumeendars,
caparisoned,and a concourse
with their attendants, hosts of villagers,
witnesses,and
the various native functionaries in the judge'ssuite,who
of the
omlah."
in India bear the collective appellation
At tiffin he joinedus, as full of spirits
as
a
boy just
in a gleefulway,
let out of school, rubbing his hands
if I was
and asked me
disposedfor a day's shooting,
excellent
for if so, he should be happy to show me
some
I need
sport, the neighbourhood abounding in game.
hardlysay that I was not backward in acceptinghis offer.
for sport,
The day following
one
was
a most
propitious

for mine

"

"

346

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

air clear and

bracing,and the sun, as

and
this latitude
possessed of
season,
Breakfast
his gun
over, the judge ordered
the

table, and

the

the

at

time

same

asked

I told him I was

that way.
I dared say he would
deem
not

but

pieceof
"

to

me

look

to

for it ;

tent

"

at

judge
a

and

it

first-rate

man

despatcheda

with this he

the

at

peep

locks,turned

clicked my

servant

muzzles, which

returned

it

to

piece about,

the
were

cuttingwadding,in the absence

usuallyemployed for that purpose,

"

possessedof

I'll send

"

it,"said be

order for

and

was

routee.

my
The

took

how

ordnance.

Allow

to your

in

case

little power.
to be laid on

me

provided in
gun,

is the

rather fine

in

ment
of the instrushook

head,

his

me.

Come," said he,

"

I think

we

can

better

up with a
though," added he,
set

you

piece than that for the day ;

little service too ;
a
archly, it appears to have seen
and so saying,he put togethera splendid
Joe Manton,
the locks of which
spoke eloquentlyas he played them
"Have
hands.
ever
off, and he placedit in my
you
shot off an elephant?
Never, sir, said I, though I have ridden upon one
"

"

"

'

"

than

more
"

it is

"

once."

Well, then, you

make

must

must
; you
easy matter
fall of the animal, and take care
no

the black
I

fellows

your first essay to-day;

allow for the rise and
don't

you

bag

of

any

alongsideof you."

laughinglyassured

him

I would

endeavour

to

avoid

that mistake.
"

Come

along, then,"

said

he ; "I

think

we

are

now

ready/'
The
judge had two noble shekarrie, or hunting
elephants,trained to face the tiger,and for sport in
stood
general,which
ready caparisoned,with their
In
flamingred j /tools,
or
housings,in front of the tent.
the

howdah

of

one

judge occupiedthat

of them

I took

of the other.

my

seat, whilst

the

MEMOIRS

OF

347

GRIFFIN.

secured,brandy and

Duly seated,guns
in the khowas
away
the
command
of

lunch

brutes
dicky,the stately

or

the

drivers

from

their

stowed
at

rose

recumbent

horsemen
mounted;
orderlyCossack-looking
the troop of beaters shouldered
their long laties or poles,
and we were
instantly
bearingaway in full swing for the
sporting-ground.This lay at the distance of three or

postures

; the

miles

four

long

from

our

shallow

grass,

jheel or
terminatingin

encampment, and consisted of a

lake, skirted by tracks of rank
and groves of
cultivation,
villages,

trees.

The

motion

it that
shoot
We

both legs at
elephantmoves
consequentlythe body rises
is that of a ship at sea, and
I should
make
nothing of
off

one

and

side simultaneously,

I felt before
my

his

falls,and
first

I tried

attempt

to

one.

formed

line, the judge's elephant at one

or
extremity,
pretty nearlyso, and mine at the other, and
now

advanced.
"

"

good look-out,Gernon," cried my host ; we

shall have something up immediately."
He
had scarcely
uttered the words, when
up flustered
a
huge bird from under the elephant'sfeet, towering
overhead ; his -burnished
throat, golden
perpendicularly
hues, and long sweeping tail,proclaimedhim at once
a
wild peacock. I endeavoured
to cover
him, but all in
vain, my
gun's muzzles, like the poet's eye, were
directed
from earth to heaven," through the
alternately
up-and-down motion of the elephant.IJowever, I blazed
touching a feather. On
away both barrels,but without
attaininga certain elevation,he struck off horizontally,
but,
wings expanded, cleavingthe air like a meteor;
passing to the rear of my companion,he, with the greatest
in his howdah,
round
and
sang-froid,rose, turned
dropped him as dead as a stone, amidst cries tf'lugga
lugya ("hit")! mara
("killed")! and
wau
wau,
("bravo")!
It is not
considered very sportsmanlike
the
to shoot
Keep

"

348

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

full-grownpeacock in India ; the chicks are, however,

capitaleating,and are often bagged. In this instance,
the peacock for
the judge had evidently
brought down
his immediately
gratification
; this I inferred from
my
sendingit to me by one of his horsemen, who hoisted it
into the howdah

up

As

advanced

we

of the

deserved

around

us

judge

the end

at

farther into the

character

black

tumbled

of his spear.

of

the

long grass, evidences

spot began to thicken
and the
moment,
left,but not a

rose
partridges
every
them
over
right and

feather could I touch.

Our
from

by

line

made

now

grass, and
itself;it was

the

our

beaters

with

view

emerging
immediatelya beautiful sightpresented
roused
herd
whole
of
a
antelopes,

from

sweep,

their

repose, and
the grace of

to

which

off

went

Taglioni. Two
bounding with
sharp cracks, and lugga, lugga I proclaimedthat Mr.
of them.
Sympkin had laid an embargo on one or more
This
proved to be the case, and a fine black buck
his
with spiralhorns
and a white streak down
antelope,
about
seen
side, and a fawn
soon
half-grown,were
danglingfrom the broad quarters of the elephant.
On
approaching the very verge of the long grass, a
ing.
followed by a wild hog's bolt! was
sewer
cry of sewer,

before

us,

I fired
of

and

him, and

at

of

one

the

the

few

rider

in

shots

judge'shorses,who

plunged,jerked off

dismounted

put

his rider's cap,

himself, whom

the

quarters
hind-

thereat reared
and

had

nearly

could

hear

awkwardness.
The judge
at my
mutteringa few curses
of barrels at him, but he got
also dischargeda brace
off,and we saw him for a great distance scouring across
the plain.
Having issued from the grass, the judge drove his
elephantalongsideof mine.
"

Well, how

do

you

get

on

I said correct, eh ?
You
haven't
"
Much
! I haven't
hit anything,sir,except
your

sowars' horses,I

am

sorry

what

I fear you found

hit much
? ''

to

say

it is

most

one

of

tanta-

350

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

successively
; this alarmingthem, and preventing
they were
attempt to quit the street in which

heads
every

confined.
In

this clever way

full speed into

they forced

deer, edging them

they tumbled
headlong,rollingover and over, completelymanacled in
the toils. I never
saw
anything so cleverlymanaged ;
the fellows did everythingwith wonderful
and
coolness
of their craft.
masters
tact, and seemed
perfectly
Laden
with game,
after a most
day's sport,
interesting
returned to Mr.
we
Sympkin's tent, where we found our
smilinglittle friend,the Padre, with his ever-readyhand
extended, and preparedto receive and to congratulate
us.
After passinganother
day with our princelyhost, we
took our
leave and commenced
our
journey. Our tents
had been sent overnight,
and after an abundant
breakfast,
the Rev.
Arratoon
Ensign Gernon, the Griffin, and
found
themselves
Bagram Sarkies,soon
jogging along,
discussingthingsin generalin as cosy dialoguesas those
recorded to have taken placebetween the renowned
knight
sionary,
of La Mancha
and his valorous
squire. The good misat

on

was

flattered

interest in

affectionate

strong effort
his

the

the

to

nets, into which

observe, took

to

which

me,

impressupon

the

and

warm

manifested

he

me

by a
deep importanceof

views.
religious

One

afternoon,

outside

the

tents, my

our

of

group

as

missionaryand

attention

sepahisengaged

of back-sword.
game
exercise is conducted
may
describe it.

The

first who
handsome

were

two

have

served

entered
and

for models

be

the

new

lists

well-formed

sitting
a

banyan-treeplaying

As. the mode

the

were

attracted towards

was

under

to

or

the

in

which

this

reader,I shall

circle of spectators
Rajpoots,who would

Apollo,and who in this exercise

and supplenessof limb ; they
displayuncommon
agility
naked to the loins,round which, the hips,and upper
were
tightlywound the dotee, or waistpart of the thighs,was
the
cloth, which sustains and
strengthens the back
of

"

MEMOIRS

"

girdingof

"c.

Each

leathern
whilst
also

the
of

his

with

loins,"so

the

shield

OF

mentioned

often

in

held in his left hand

men

target, less than

or

351

GRIFFIN.

diminutive

foot

Scripture,

in

diameter,

sword, covered
rightgrasped a long wooden
leather,and padded and guarded about the

handle.
of them, holding his
Having exchanged salutes,one
and planting himself in a firm
at the
recover,
weapon
which seemed
attitude,hent a stern gaze on his adversary,
"
Now
say,
The other

to

antics

do your worst."
commenced
those
now

which, amongst

always the preludeto

a

de

maltre

right,eyed
kickingup his

his

two

He

for

behind,

so

athletse,are

first,with the air of

three

or

opponent

foot

ludicrously
grotesque

Hindoostanee

set-to.

ballet, took

the

small

the

sweeping steps to
instant, and

an

almost

as

of his hack, he twirled round

to

his

on

then

touch

heel, and

the
with

his chest

expanded and thrown proudlyout, made another

in the other direction ; he
grave and prancing movement
now
approachednearer, struck the ground with his sword,
dared his adversaryto the onset, and again retreated with
three long back-stepsto the utmost
two
or
verge of the
circle formed
by the spectators. Like cautious enemies,
however,
of

sure

At

neither

seemed

to like to

commit

himself

until

palpablehit.

last,however, he

who

had

standing on

been

his hawk's

defensive,
followingwith

eye the other's

advantage, levelled

the
ting
strut-

a blow
perceivingan
gyrations,
of lightning,
which was
with the rapidity
at his adversary
caught on the target and returned as quick as- thought.
A rapid'
and animated
took place,
exchange of strokes now
accompanied by the most
agilebounds and movements;

most

of

these

blows

rattled

shoulders, nevertheless,came

on

in

ugly hits.
The
fight at length ceased,
exhausted

combatants

amidst

the

targets; head

for

an

and

rested from

many

the
their
"

"

wau,

waus

ample

and

share

breathless

of

and

hibition,
exgladiatorial

and

"

shabases

"

352

MEMOIRS

OF

their
(" bravos")! resigning

GRIFFIN.

others anxious

to two

weapons

displaytheir prowess.
Subsequent experienceof them has convinced me that
is hardlyto be found than the sepoys
a finer body of men
in their own
of Hindostan, particularly
country; for,

to

taken

of it into

out

climate

disagreewith them, they

where

lose

the

much

food, water, "c.,

of their

spiritand

stamina.

countryman, the British soldier,possesses

Our

energy
when

tug of

the

must,

as

and

it

ever

war

"

rivalled
un-

an

bull- dog courage, which

certainly,
the hour
of real danger comes,
"

has

justicedemands

done, bear everythingbefore it; but

admission
the
other
that, in many

respects,the sepoy

favourablywith him
subordinate,and faithful
patient,
temperate, respectful,
of his highestprinciples
to his salt,"
one
being fidelity
he adds to no
ordinary degree of courage every other
of a good soldier.
requisite
these men,
based
A judiciouspolicy towards
on
a
thorough knowledge of their peculiar characteristics,
bind them to us for ages yet to come,
by the double
may
contrasts

most

"

"

"

"

link of affection and

power,

to

enemies

laugh
whilst

and
feelings

customs

interest,and enable

alike
a

at

foreignfoes

contrary
to

be

us,

and

to

trifled with

all readers of Eastern

tales

Indian
domestic

leaving their
by inexperienced
oppositeeffect,

ere
innovators, may,
long, produce an
and cause
them, if once
alienated,to shake

known

an

and

course,

dew-dropsfrom the lion's mane."

Serais,or placesof entertainment

as

for
as

us

"

off

wayfarers
"

caravan-

like

well

serais

"

with at towns
met
on
times
frequently
my march, and someThe
the walls.
serais,
encamped within or near
of buildingsin India, are
almost
like the generality
alwaysin a ruinous state, it being nobody's business to
keep them in a state of repair.
of them the fruits of the piety
These structures, some
and
of former
munificence
a
times, are
great public
benefit ; their construction
is generally
similar,and con-

MEMOIRS

sists of

four

walls

of

OP

353

GRIFFIN.

brick, stone,

mud,

or

sometimes

battlemented,forming a parallelogram,
having gateways
which
the
two
at
sides,through
opposite
highroad usually
passes.

round

run

the

traveller may
his repose

Each

cells

Small

or

apartments, with

interior,in

of

one

any

spreadhis mat, smoke

long as he pleases.

as

serai has its establishment

arched

entrances,

which

the

his pipe,and

of

weary

enjoy

attendants,Imnyahs

bhistees and mehturs

and
(shopkeepers),
(water-carriers
minister
sweepers),who ply their several occupations,and adthe traveller's wants.

to

What

motley

serais sometimes
of fair and

athletic

voices

climate.
repose
the

In

Affghans

proclaimthem
In

cud,

from

another,

their nomade

whilst

; their

natives

piledsacks

amongst

one

part saunters
Cabul

of

more

group

fruits,and

bearing and
ing
invigorat-

bunjarra bullocks
munch
grain,and quietly

drove
of

fearless

these

Peshawur,

or

horses, greyhounds,dried

like,to sell in the south

deep

do

picturesqueassemblage

exhibit !

proceedingwith
the

and

of

drivers

smoke

or

snore

around.

Under

the

shade

of yon
his sword

drooping tamarind-tree,on
of which
branch
and
shield are suspended,
a
traveller has spread his carpet, and with
a Mahomedan
his face towards
Mecca
(his kibla], his head hanging
his breast,and his arms
on
folded,he offers
reverentially
devotions ; near
him, on the little clay
up his evening's
the high-castebramin, his body
terrace, is to be seen
with ochres
marked
and
by
pigments,and, surrounded
his religious
apparatus of conch, flowers,and littlebrazen
gods, he blows his shell, tinkles his bell, and goes
through all his littlemummeries, with the full conviction
that he is fulfilling
the high behests of Heaven.
Groups of camels, tatoos, or the gaunt steed of some
roaming cavalier some
Dugald Dalgettyof the East,
seekingemployment for his jaws and sword, or rather
for his sword and jaws, for such is the order
to
serve
fill up the littlepicture
I have been describing,
and which
"

"

354

OF

MEMOIKS

GRIFFIN.

griffinisli
days, and since, I have contemplated
with pleasure.
In a day or two we
reached Allyghur,where
my good
destined
friend the missionaryand I were
to
part, his
in a
towards Agra, mine
route
lying to the southward
I received a
direction to Delhi.
Here
more
northerly
few lines from
Marpeet,saying that he was
lookingfor
had better push
my arrival with great pleasure. You
in

my

"

on

fast

as

as

you
is

who

hand, has been

can,

my

dear

crusty old

heard

Gernon, for your

fellow,and

mandant,
com-

tight

very

his

surpriseat your not

having long since made your appearance."
This letter rather damped the buoyancy of my spirits.
The
followingmorning I took leave of my good friend
the missionary; his eyes filled with tears as he clasped
my hands in both of his, and whilst pressingthem to his
bosom, pronounced a prayer and a blessingover me.
to

express

If it indeed

be true, and we
have
it,that the prayer of the righteousman
that

no

doubt

to

reason
"

availeth

much,"

Short
the
as
was
deeplyto be valued.
time
him
I felt as if I had known
acquaintance,
all my life,
and was, consequently,
much
affected at parting.
he
rode
I
waved
him
ful,
a sorrowoff,
Half-chokingas
and what has proved a last,adieu.
prayer
of our

was

CHAPTER
A

days more

FEW

the banks

brought me

of the

ancient

of the

XXV.
to my

last

day'smarch

the mosques
capitalof India broke on

Jumna,

and

and

on

minarets

delighted

my

view.
I had

scarcelydismounted

door, which
"

commanded
"

from
distant

at

my
the
glimpse of

my

pony

tent

blue

I perceivedthree
stealing Jumna, when
Europeans on horseback
approaching at a hard gallop.
As
they drew near, I recognizedin one of the three my
and

soft

MEMOIRS

355

GBIFFIN.

Mentor, CaptainMarpeet. He

friend and
and

OF

and

warm

cordial

our

was

soon

was

up,

greeting.

gladto
to
have you amongst us, Gernon," said he, presenting
me
his companions, two
laughing,beardless ensigns; let
introduce you to my two boys, Wildfire and Skylark;
me
have given
intractable dogs,"added
two
he, laughing;
"

Well,

boy,long looked-for

my

at last ;

comes

"

"

twice the trouble

me

Wildfire and
minutes

we

break

to

in that you

Skylark shook

were

intimate

as

did."

hands
as

with me, and

if we
had known

in ten
each

other for six months.

"

Come,
but

are

again,Gern on,"

mount

few

miles

from

here all

said

"

Marpeet;

you

Delhi, and it is useless for you

Come

along; I have breakfast

all ready for you at my shop ; your things,
you know,
follow to-morrow
don't,though,appear to be
can
; you
with baggage,Frank, eh ?
overburthened
Dogs, too
Great a griff
hah
as
regularterrier bunnow.*
ever, I
remain

to

day.

"

"

see

hah

"

! hah

"

We

pursued our
ridingin the midst
gander on a green
We

crossed

of his
at

the

cultivation
ruins

exhibited

river Jumna

as

three
in

proudly as an old
orphan goslings.

broad, square, flat-

after

rich
ridingthrough some
its banks, joineda road skirting
on
part of
from
that
of ancient
Delhi, which
point
ruins
confused
fort,mosque,
assemblageof
far away behind
in the
us
palace stretching
"

tomb, and
distance,towards
of

of

Marpeet

cantonments,

proteges

the head

; and
ferry-boat

bottomed
the

towards

course

"

I afterwards

what

learned

the

was

soleum
mau-

Humaioon.

struck,as I rode on, by one

particularly
large
desolate building,
which
CaptainMarpeet informed me
A lofty
the ancient palaceof Firoze Shah.
of
was
pillar
of Ireland,
of the round towers
stone, something like one
I

rose

was

out

of the

centre

buildingexhibited
*

him

Terrier
pass

for

bunnow
a

"

of

it, whilst the whole

touchingpictureof

villagepariardog, docked

mass

of

loneliness and

and

cropped

terrier.
A

to

make

356

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

roots
desolation; long grass and the silvery

around

grew

of which

one

peeping,to

reconnoitre

us

as

modern

the

and

ofthepeepul

casements,

of

out

saucy jackals were

rode beneath.

we

the mansion

city near

Buksh

Ahmed

Nawaub

arches

of fat and

couple

entered

We

battered

the

Khan,*

through

of the

embattled

an

occupied by a guard of Nnjjeebs,a sort of

highly picturesquemilitia, attired in the Hindoostanee
and
equipped with crooked-stocked
garb, and armed
matchlocks,
mull shaped powder-horns,and
other paraphernalia
of a very primitiveand extraordinary
tion.
descripwho
These
were
men,
guard,were smoking,
upon
sleeping,and doing their best to kill old Time, that
who, in the long run, is pretty sure to kill us.
enemy
gateway

We

in that part of
portion of the

soon

were

the

called Derriow

town

cantoned,t
Gunge, where a
troops were
and drawing up before an odd sort of building,of a very
mixed
styleof architecture,my friend dismounted, and
arrival at Marpeet Hall,
announced
to which, my
my
welcome,
boy," said he, with a squeeze,
you are heartily
"

"

stick up
you
may
in the wood
there,as

and

where

babes
blow
may
the

your

long

spoon,
as

with

please;

you

two

my

don't

set the house

fire,and you
on
up, that's all,or
for breakfast,"said
So now
do what
else you like.
me

half-hunter

captain,crackinghis

presumed,to
shouting

"

he motioned
The

the

hazree
us

(whip),as a hint,I
bawurchee
and
(cook) to be expeditious,
looe juldee
(" breakfast quickly"),

to

"

and

enter,

captain'sresidence

followed.

had

been

in the

exactlysay

or
tomb, I cannot
mosque
the addition of a terrace

olden

which

time

but

with

and

verandah, and a few extra

doors punched through walls six feet thick,it made
a
and
capitalabode, combining the coolness in summer
in winter, which
the warmth
result from this solid mode
*

Mr.

Whose

son

acquired

since

dreadful

celebrityas

the

murderer

of

Fraser.
Siuce

the city.

this

period,cantonments

have

been

erected

outside the walls of

358

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

along,hoping to elicita little consolation in

the shape of a negative.
a
Why," said the adjutant, he is certainly
great
stickler for duty,and fond of working the young
hands
what we call a
tighthand/"
went

we

as

"

"

"

'

"

was

floored."

the ramparts of the

on
bungalow was
city,overlookingthe Jumna, and the expanse of country
Orderlies and a posse of silverthrough which it flows.
The

stick

colonel's

men,

"c.,were

about

door

the

; we

entered, and the

adjutantpresentedme to Colonel Bobbery, one of the

beheld.
littlemortals I ever
most
extraordinary-looking
The colonel's heightwas
about five feet four
perhaps
and
less
his body as nearlyapproaching to an oblate
This orbicular mass
spheriodas any body I ever beheld.
little legs,adorned
with
was
supported on two
very
a
nd
then
much
of
Hessian
boots,
a
crumpled tights,
pair
and
minus
the usual
appendage of tassels. His
worn,
neck, which
was
remarkablylong,was girtround with a
the top of which, as may
be
very tightblack stock, on
extraordinary
supposed,was his head, the most
part of
form divine ;**
this very original
the human
specimen of
his front face (profile
he had none, which could be properly
with a large
called,bating an irregularcurve
so
the middle) was
bulbous
about
fat and rubicund
projection
Bardolphian,flanked by two goggle-eyes,
; his nose
in which
the several expressionsof intellect,fun, and
blended.
A small Welsh
were
singularly
wig
sensuality
completedthe oddest tout ensemble Ihsid yet seen in India.
Oh ! you
the young
are
gentleman we have been
expectingfor the last five months ? better late than
never
glad to see you at last,sir."
I mentioned
something about friends
hospitality
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

and
*'

"

detention.

Oh, yes, yes ! I know

yes, yes ! but you

eh, Marchwell?"

"

"

must

verbum

the old story ;

be quickerin your future movements
said he, turning to the adjutant

sap., you

all about

know,

that

verbum

sap."

MEMOIRS

After

prolongedconversation,during which
I had
done
duty with the Zuburdust

him

Bullumteers, and

he

of his

account

some

pleasedto receive,I

was

friend,
to

rose

leave.
''
asked the colonel.
you with ?
with Captain Marpeet.

"

are

I told him
"

him

gave

which

Sympkin,

take my
Who

359

GRIFFIN.

rather

informed
Mr.

OF

Oh

! my friend Marpeet, eh ?
with me
and bring you
to-morrow,
six, and wait for nohody. March
attend

all

with

dine

to

I dine

him.

Gernon

well, Mr.

at

will

drills,parades,and

let you

mustn't

Well, tell him

guard-mountings; we
Colonel Lolsaug has taught

forgetwhat

you."
I

domiciled
comfortably

became

soon

Marpeet,who introduced
in the
generally
put me
in the
The

more

kindness

new

and

apparent.

The

tenderness
much

sometimes, if he
almost

woman's

was

he

taken

ladies' man,"

of

his

was

quisite
re-

myself.
the

more

extreme

became
disposition
nature,

indeed,

was

rough and devil -methought manly), and would

show
itself with
by surprise,

weakness.

Marpeet, as I have
shyness,or awkwardness
restraint it imposed, had
"

his

all that

for his assumed

(which

manner

I found

of

friend

and
brother-officers,

doing

Marpeet,the

benevolence

too
frequently
care

of

my

of

way

in which

scene
saw

to

me

with my

and

was

bachelor.

before
with

stated,from

invincible

females, or dislike of the

renounced

the

character

of

doomed
to die an
evidently
all have something to love

old

and
Still,we must
be kind to, be it wife,child,friend,cat, dog, or parrot.
if
Affection,

it has

not

something

external

on

which

the life which, under

a
gall,embittering
Marhappierstate of things,it would have sweetened.
peet'sbenevolence
displayeditself in his kindness to
till fullyfledged,constituting
youth : rearing griffins,
his extreme
delight.
Never
shall I forgetthe great satisfaction which his
good-humoured physiognomy would express when surto

rest, turns

to

360

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

in their
hands, all warm
by a bevy of young
towards him, and on perfect
of familiarity,
terms
feelings
time exhibitingthat profound deference
but at the same
to his dictum
on
deep and importantpoints,such as the
of performinga manoeuvre,
age of a horse, the manner

rounded

the way

or

make

to

port, and

mulled

the

like,which

had

and

soothinginfluence on his feelings.

his immediate
Skylark, Wildfire, and myself, were
with
chummed
him, and though he
body-guard; we
allowed us to contribute
to the house
keepingexpenses,
the lion's share, if the phraseis here allowable,fell to him.
infer
He and I never
; but I could generally
quarrelled
the state of his feelingsfrom the name
or
appellation
by
the

bland

most

"

he addressed

which

the

were

which

and

zero
"

were

lad,"

the invariableness

by

and

of

summer-heat
"

the

"

Frankibus

"

scale, between
"

gentleman,"

young
griff,"
"youngster,"and
my

"

Gernon

me.

so

forth

founded
you conall of which,

of the circumstances

elicited

which

them, indicated the state of his mind at the moment

: as
"Come, my lad, this noise won't do;" and "Young

gentleman,I have to make

won't interrupt
me."
"Well,
are
you disposedfor a game
but,

"

out

old

report,and beg you

boy,how do you get on ?

picquet? and so forth ;
"

at

Gernon, I don't

Come,

my

like

that," told

his

me

"

back

hogged."
One
blot and
in Marpeet's
inconsistencythere was
character:
addicted
he was
for
to flogginghis servants
what we
deem
offences.
here should
On these
trifling
occasions
he always,however, put the offender through
was

the form

of

in which,
trial,

trouble,he acted in
plaintiff,
judge,jury,witness,

the

to

save

quintuplecapacityof
and counsel
for the prosecution. After
to
wont
party was
r-ummmg
up, the guilty
the kulassee, or tent-pitcher,
to
to have
dozen

or

two

Marpeet
but

certain

shall
it

of strokes with
would
not

is,for

justifyall
trouble
all

the

dispassionate

be handed

over

administered

the rattan.
this

severity
very logically,

reader

this,he paid his

with

his

servants

reasons

regularly,

MEMOIRS

in

was

other

popularwith
Not

OF

respects kind, and

far

the

from

Duriba,

shroffs

have

sweetmeats
was

Western
he

reside
their

here

shops;

very

of

out

when

located, is

principal

the

these,in

compliment to
Birch,

to

of

venders

many

of

one

principal

now

was

also

called Mr.

prototype,was

always answered

which

Street, where

jollyfellow,who,

whole

the

Chandney Choke,

Lombard

or

bankers

or

the

on

them.

thoroughfarein Delhi, near

the

361

GRIFFIN.

day,

my

his great

which

name

of
produce some
his choicest imitations of English sugar-plumery."
I think I now
the good-naturedfellow, hurrying
see
of baskets with a few samples for
out through his ranges
inspection.Many a time and oft have Marpeet,I, and
three jollysubs, after dinner, and
under
the
two
or
agreeablestimulus of an extra dose of the rosy beverage,
visited Mr. Birch, in the Duriba, all clingingto the pad
whilst the lightsblazed in the bazaars
of an
elephant,
summoned

to

"

around, fakeers shouted,

the

faithful,moving

when

of

scenes

heart

and

hither

Arabian-Nightishcharacter
These

chattered,and

women

the

past

thither, gave

the

to

crowds
a

of

most

scene.
over

come

me

sometimes,

sorrowfullydisposed,with a sadlypainful distinctness ; the laughing faces of those who

in them
are
participated
vividlybefore me, but they,"my
and brothers in exile," where are they?
Alas !
co-mates
with a sigh I must
the question gone! gone!
answer
Others
their places;they will soon
disappearto
occupy
my

is

"

make

way

for

"

more

Oh, life,life ! sad

us,

and

lot is

great are

the

pleasureslurk

the

the

more

we

thus wags

world."

hast for

even

the

best of

him

whose

places; in thy sweetest

pleasantest
of thy greatest sufferings,
and
germs

cultivate

and

refine

!
acutelydo we feel thy sorrows
Happy ignorance! fortunate

whilst he

the

thy retrospects to

are

the trials thou

in

cast

and

! ye all seem
who girdsup

to

have

his loins

our

natures, the

more

! blessed
sensibil
incredulity
;
your soothingopiates
to

seek

the

talisman

of

362

MEMOIES

truth

amidst

from

for
the future

innumerable

its

the

and

mystery which
Well

confounded

at the

him,
exclain,

we

ways of Heaven
in mazes
and
Puzzled

The

with

second

some

of

out

must

pensation
com-

at

dark

are

knows,

profoundand mighty
length sits down and
and

intricate,

perplex'din error,
understanding traces them in vain."

Virtue, immortal
heaven, but

the less he

moves

surrounds

may

counterfeits"

for
something like certainty

past and

"The

watered

GEIFFIN.

finds the farther he

"

and, amazed
weeps.

OF

plant,ye

will

ye here be ever
?
Oh ! for
tears

Newton,

darkness

to

to

hlossom, 'tis true, in

rooted
some

call order

hush

the

in

sorrow

and

mighty intellect,
of chaos, light
out

Babel

of

discordant

and moral truth that clear,

give to religious
convincing,and commanding aspect which shall for ever
The
abash
the various forms of perplexityand error.
demands
of the world
awakening mind
something like
and will have them if they are to be
unity and certainty,
had.
But to proceed.
One
of the finest buildingsin Delhi
is the Jumma
of the place. It has three
Musjid,the principal
mosque
domes
ficent
nobly-proportioned
loftyand magni; also two

tongues, and

minarets, which
from

I have

their summits

often
noble

and

ascended, and

prospect of the

joyed
en-

city

surroundingcountry.
this height you look down
the flat roofs of
on
the houses, and on a fine evening may
observe
the inhabitan
seated on
them, and enjoyingtheir favourite,
childish amusements,
of flyingpaper
though somewhat
kites and pigeons.
The
are
pigeons,of which the Hindoostanees
great
and possess a vast
fanciers,
variety,are trained to join
other
flocks in their aerial excursions, and
then, by
off
to carry
separatingfrom them with great velocity,
of those with which
some
they were
commingled ; these
they bring back in triumph to their bamboo
stands, at
From

the call

or

whistle

of their

owners.

MEMOIRS

At

363

GRIFFIN.

OF

extremityof the citylies the British residency,

of hospitabledoings, hut particularly
alwaysthe scene
so
during the period to which I am
referring. The
Resident
with firstat that time
was
a gentleman who,
those social qualirate talents and solid virtues,comhined
ties
one

which
unite

at

command

once

the love and

"

Nothing
and
parties,

it is often difficult to

what

respect of all.

agreeablethan the residency

called
what were
on
publicdays,"invitations
extended
in the shape of an European ;
to every one
were
old Mahratta
officers,
Portuguese,French, and half-caste
merchants, and others without the pale of the regular
service,and not constituting
an
ordinary portionof the
would swell the levee on such occasions.
society,
Punning, as a practiceor habit, is the greatest of
could

be

more

"

and
bores, and deserves almost all that Johnson
have said againstit; I say
almost," for I do not

go the
when
he

"

full

length of

that

"

He who
says,
Had
this been
would

period,with
don't

make

their

this itch

curmudgeon,
pun would pick a pocket."
accomplished Barrington

know, but certain it is it did

A

indeed,
made
"

Great

means,

Granted,

as

spoken,but
take

but

of that

was

burking system,

lead
where

pun

the

first-rate

residencytable, to

man

muscas

himself,

commendatio
re-

him

which

puns."
and
its exception,
to

rule has
"

an

of the

in
occasionally
a

their head.

was

condescend

one

this

at

"

every

day

out

residencyI
get there,and proved

captat

non

littlebetter than
the

the

don't

wits
;

good

at

Aquila

rule

the Resident

to

"

it.

turned

have

chief at
distinguished
for punning got into

remarkablyinfectious.
who

an
true, many
residencyof Delhi

the

How

alliterative

would

others

make

the

truth

be

wicked," delighting

this conversation-

lies in wait for his

bour's
neigh-

that suits his purpose,

words, pounces
on
one
murders, mangles,and distorts it without remorse.
Occasional
conversation

moderation

reallygood, give a poignancy

sort of odour, which
a tonquin-beanish
of them
but the excess
very agreeable,

puns,
"

is

if

to

in

is

364

MEMOIRS

odious.

I remember

may

think

rank

Resident

The

his

OF

GRIFFIN.

few of the

with

himself

of

some

the

fairest

asked

once

was

which

residencypuns

where

on

cord.
re-

he

quired
ac-

"

for

that
he thought
punning ; he replied,
he must
have picked it up when
travelling
through the
Punjaub,"through which country he had accompanied a
mission.
he had paid handsome
A fisherman, to whom
"I
with fish, absconded.
always
wages to supplyhim
him
said
considered
the Resident.
a very selfish
man,"
One of the gates of the palace is called the
Delhi
Gate," and in my time a subaltern's guard was
always
taste

"

stationed

there.

sub,

young

table,I believe,asked
residency
of duty there.
Excuse
me,"
"

occasion,

one

on

friend

said

his

take his

to

the

so

much.

the
turn

"

friend, I can't

be your delegate (Delhi Gate) to-day."

One observed that grainin one
part of the
for

at

"Yes," repliedanother, "but

city sold

that

is

not

aggregate (Agra Gate) price."

These

samples may suffice.

I soon
began to discover the
remark, that Colonel Bobbery was
hands

of the

fond

of

"

adjutant's
working the

morning and evening

drills,
parades,and attendingguard-mountings,"c., I
had littlerest or enjoyment. The plainfact was, that I
bent on
was
pleasureand hated duty, and the colonel,
on't," i.e. of the latter,seemed
excess
by giving me
determined
dislike.
to increase my
injudiciously
The more
I think on my early Indian career,
and that
of other youths,the more
satisfied I am
that the sudden
transition from school to a state of independenceis most
the individual
and
his future happiness;
to
injurious
young

;" for, what

truth

with

"

detrimental

peoplewe
not

fit to

to

the interest of the

govern ;
be masters

and,
of

in

short,

themselves

and

state

that
or

to

that

of the

school-boys are
command

others.

able
illimitpossess vast science and almost
are
too, we
powers, of destruction ; and nationally,
respected;but not so much so, I think,individually.
we
Nationally,

366

MEMOIRS

OF

GRIFFIN.

for three or four miles,as the crow

ploughedfields,
flies,in a broilingsun, and then, gallopinghome, would
leave the next in command,
or
adjutant,to bring them
back, covered with dust and drenched with perspiration.

and

corn

Once

twice he

marched

river Jumna

; when

or

into the

the

corps in
they reached

close
the

column
banks

"

shelving they commenced

marking time, which
consists in moving the feet without
advancing; but the
old colonel, to their astonishment, roared
Forward !
all went,
till near
and
the
when
we
on
waist-deep,
fell into a state of disorder; the adjutant,
column
on

there

"

"

"

occasion, tumbled

one

off his

horse

in

thorough soaking. The commander

we
ought
suppose, that,as good soldiers,
got

thought, I

stand

"

"

water

been

put in orders
of the

as

palace,a

his relations
week.

able

month

at

the

dutyon

station,I
the

Delhi

structure,

marched
I

sub

stiff

my
was

to

ramrods,

as

to

company

down

relieve,with
to

receive

his
me.

was

gate

occupiedby the king

dependants,which duty continued

the
as

be

to

fire."

as

about

vast

Having

up, all

"

the subaltern for

and

gate, I found
drawn

well

as

I had

After

melee, and

the

to

and
for
the

guard
After

exchanging salutes, and

receivinghis instructions to
take proper care
of the "Asylum
of the Universe,"*
to his men,
sent
"c., he gave the word
quick march
them off under the subadar, or native captain,and then
proceededto introduce me to the quarters in which I
to pass my
was
periodof guard.
In passingthe first archway, I found
myself in an
enclosure, formed
by loftywalls, round the bottom of
"

"

which
end

ran

line

of arcades

of this enclosure

was

or

another

cloisters ; at the other

noble arch,surmounted

with windows
and
by a vast and loftypileof buildings,
the quarters of Major M., who
were
galleries
; these
filled the post of killadar,
commander
of the fort and
or
and brawny
palace guards, a kind-hearted,hospitable,
Caledonian, who, amongst other harmless eccentricities,
*

"Jehan

Punnak,"

one

of the titles of the

Mogul.

MEMOIRS

entertained the most

Hoose

My

consisted
covered

of

of

to

bee-hive

"

for the

sub

introduced
of the

angle
having something
table and

Eowyal

call it.

an

it contained

to

the

which

thatch, and

with

367

GRIFFIN.

wont

was

turret, in

small

he

as

quarters,

own

profoundveneration

Teemoor"

OF

ramparts,

the
a

me,

ance
appear-

few

chairs,

the worse
for wear, and when
cot
was
considerably
my
left for myself. Here,
placedin it,there was littleroom
then, for seven
long days, I read, shot paroquets with my
pellet-bowon the ramparts, cursed the heat and the flies,
and conjugatedthe verb sennuyer
to perfection,
through
all its moods

and

tenses.

One

interestingbreak occurred, and that

Shah's
Majesty Ackbar
day,
going out one
of his ancestors
procession,to visit the tombs
Kootub
On

the

this occasion

guard was
my
salute him
he
as

covers,

up within the
passed,whilst another

visage of

stern

that

my respects
but so it was.

to

should
that

never

anything that
barbaric

so

pomp,

the

Mogul
the

Saracen

heard
seen

Great
have

ever

fierce

I had

but had

of

the

at

stationed
of troops, and two six-pounders,
were
it and
the second archway,on the plainbetween

city,for

the

grand

drawn

similar purpose.
Little did I think, in my juveniledays,when

on

in

Minar.

enclosure, to
company
without

his

was

in

much

before,nor

on

I looked
the

card

honour

of

proprid

persona

of Eastern

have

cence,
magnifi-

I indeed

completelyrealized my
this processionof
as

paying

since,

ideas
vague
the King of

Delhi.

Though
which
it

was

there

told
still

much

was

of reduced
a

most

in it that

was

imperfect,and

and

insufficient resources,
strikingpageant, and, as it issued
means

tumultuouslyfrom those noble and resounding gateways,

and echoingvoices,
amidst the clang of wild instruments
able
I confess I was
delightedand astonished, and was
have
to
forciblywhat these things must
picturemost
in the zenith of their power.
the Moguls were
been when

368

MEMOIKS

to

make

and

waited

had

We

OF

for

distant

; when

hubbub

GRIFFIN.

time, expecting his majesty

some

his appearance

at

lengthconfused

announced

that

he

sounds
the

on

was

and anon,
omrah
a
ever
cavalier,some
presently,
of the old noblesse, or inferior horseman, would
come
prickingforth from under the arch ; then another and
then
steeds
another;
curveting and caracoling,and
covered with rich housings and silver ornaments.
After
his majesty'sregiment of Nujjeebs,hurrying
this came
diery,
solMahomedan
forth,a wild-lookingbody of bearded
armed
with matchlocks
and shields,and attired
in dark chupkuns, or vests, and
red turbans ; next
came
move

his camel

corps, each
swivel gun, on the bow
down
and blazingaway
the

By

way,

of his
at

told

was

little

camel's

furious

pattereroe,

or

saddle, ramming

rate.

that, on

one

of

these

sions,
occa-

fellow,in his hurry,shot off his camel's head.

followed

After these

horseback,

on

with

man

vermilion

assemblage of chiefs
their steeds,half-painted

confused

knightlytrain ;

saffron

or

colour, adorned

with

silver chains,

of them
housingsalmost touching the ground,some
composed of the silverychowries, or Tartarian cows'
tails ; mingled with these
with dome-like
litters,
were
canopies and gilded culesses, containingladies of the
and

harem, with
The
men

numerous

uproar
followed

now
on

attendants.

increased, and a numerous

foot,bearingcrescents, green

body

of

standards,

poles,and other insigniaof the royal

titles
dignity; all loudlyshouting forth the now
empty

golden
of

the

fish

on

fallen

monarch.

These,

his

immediate

avant-

by the king himself, seated on

an
enormous
elephant,covered with a superb jhool, or
velvet; the huge tusks of the
housings, of crimson
monster
being adorned with silver rings,whilst his head
was
paintedwith crimson and yellowochres, in bars and
like the face of a North
American
flourishes,
savage,
when
for
battle.
arrayed
The king,Ackbar
Shah
the Second, an aged and vencouriers,were

followed

MEMOIRS

erable

adorned

man,

turban,

in

straightbefore him, neither

down
(for it is considered
"

Son

of

the

Sun

and

aigrettesin his

jewels and

with

immovable

sat

869

GRIFFIN.

OF

to

howdah, looking
the rightnor
left,up nor
silver

dignityof the
notice
sublunary

beneath

the

"

Moon

to

matters),whilst his youngest

Selim, a youthfuland handsome

favourite

and

sat

man,

Mirza

son

behind

him,

slowlywaving over his head a chowry, or fan, formed of

lowed
the tail of the peacock. His majesty's
elephantwas folless superbly decorated,
or
by many others,more
pendants
bearing his relations,and the various officers and deof the court.

The

assemblage of

horsemen,

and

these

multitudinous

which

it took

describe for the

to

with

combined

array,

Moresque buildingsaround,
altogetherconstituted to my
romance,

animals, the litters,

vast

the

admirably in keeping,
of
mind
a
perfectscene
sides of foolscap protwo
me
perly
friends at
of my
gratification
so

home.
I

picturedto myself, I remember, as

when
cause
account, the delightit would
mother

to

whilst

old

of the

account

Well, time

wore

received

announcing that
last gone
It was

on

lame
catch

Mowgul
;

in the

to
an

his

my

letter from

kind

the

Frank's

Heast

had

months

some

that

read

of Master

some

had
nothingvery particular

which

that

Great

'*

wrote

by my
the little green parlour,
with
footman, lingered,

the fireside circle in

Thomas, our
the kettle in his hand, to

Hingies."
ing
elapsed,dur-

occurred, ing
exceptcharming widow,

had
friend,the old general,

at

long home.
written
epistle,

admirable

with

all that

call
naturally
and
forth in the breast
of an
accomplishedwoman
affectionate daughter. It breathed
a
tion,
spiritof resignaand contained
beautiful, though not
very
many
of existence,
reflections touching the frail tenure
new,
proper

and

which
feeling

such

of that inevitable

the lot of

us

all.

an

event

termination

would

of it which

is alike

370

MEMOIKS

OF

GRIFFIN.

general,she said,had not forgottenme in his

his blessing,
with a hope
but sent me
partingmoments,
that I would
not
forgethis advice,and would strive to
emulate
uncle, who
seemed, indeed, to have been
my
The

his model
In

of

cavalier.

conclusion,she stated
relations who

that

she

about

was

to

join

coming to the Upper Provinces,

and hoped she might have an
newing
opportunityshortlyof reand of assuringme
in person
my acquaintance,
that she was
"mine
very truly."
I was
booked
for the
Yes, mine very truly! I saw
faith than ever
in the
widow, and began to put more
Chinese
doctrine of invisible attraction.
Let me
see,"
said I
the widow
is two- and- twenty, I eighteen;
when
I'm two-and- twenty, she will be six- and- twenty."
?
Oh, 'twill do admirably! what matters
a littledisparity
some

were

"

"

"

"

So

I whistled

Lillabulero, after the

Toby, concludingaffettuoso

of my

manner

uncle

"

And

the dear

around

Shall entwine

itself

ruin

each w:sh

of my

heart

verdantlystill.

"

CaptainMarpeet," said I, one day, after breakfast,

have been justone
I shall to-morrow
try,
year in the counI shall be no
and accordingto the Lex
Griffiniensis
longera greenhorn."
Have
Why bless my life ! so you
you, my boy ?
have, I declare ; then by the piper that played before
"

"

Moses, I'll have

a

day

have

few friends to

You've

of it.

Chumbailie

never

and

seen

Goolabie*

you, and we'll make

nautch, I believe ; we'll

meet
a

and

all that

set

"

turkey,and a gloriousblow-out."
Marpeet was as good as his word ; he postedoff chits
ordered
fat
choice spirits;
to a dozen
a
(invitations)
on
sheep to be killed,which had been six months
gram ;
and a
in
be
had
to
cantonments,
bought the best ham
turkeyfor its vis-a-vis ; ordered half a chest of claret,
devilled

Jasmin

and

Rose-water

; female

names.

MEMOIKS

and

to be

beer

tundakurred

bespeak a tip-topset

to

"

and

On
and

of

nautcb-

his

sent

and
girls,

close with

shall
griffinage

the

(cooled);

back, exclaimed,
Frank, my
boy, we are

Now,
your

371

GRIFFIN.

bearer

then, slapping

the

on

me

OF

following
day

the old

the

with

the

tight,

of trumpets/'

flourish

guests assembled

resounded

mosque
and
mirth.
revelry

right and

all

at

dinner,
of

echoes

our

boxed
the kansaMarpeet certainly
*
for omittingthe pigeon-pie,
mah
and ordered the cook
half-a-dozen
for underboilingthe ham
rattans
; but, on
the whole, he was
in splendidkey.
officers
Evening at length approached; more
young
in ; the wall shades were
ranged
came
lighted,and chairs arin

semicircle ; teapoys, port, mint, claret,were

all moojood (present),
rolled up,
the curtain was
when
and a bevy of as pretty gazelle-eyed
damsels, arrayedin
robes
and
saw,

of

sky-blue,crimson

and

with

gold,bedecked

chains, and redolent of oil of Chumbailie,

entered

sundry old

the

duennas,

slender

ever

guise,followed
apartment in stately
and

four

or

five

rakish

musicians, with embroidered

and

as

rings

skull-caps,
long raven
ungirdledwaists,bearing some

by
looking
lets,
ringof the

funniest

lookingmusical instruments ever seen since the

days of Orpheus.
ing
After some
tuning,thrumming, and twistexcruciating
of keys,a couple of young
sirens,fair Mogulanees,
whose
languishingeyes shone brightlythrough their
antimonial
borders, broke forth into a song, advancing
with

hands

extended

their anklet-bells

and

slow

movements

jinglingharmoniouslythe

of the

feet,

"

goongroo

by the way, a music on which the Indian

poet loves to expatiate. As the song and the movement
quickened,the heads of the fiddlers worked ecstatically,
whilst they sawed
away at their outlandish fiddles with
surprising
energy and vigour.
Marpeet was in raptures ; he considered nautches suka

aivaz"

Butler.

372

MEMOIRS

periorto all the

could hardlyever
"

The

operas
have

Cahar

favourite in

OF

ca

India,

GRIFFIN.

in the universe, and

enough

he

of them.
"

nautch"

or

was

called

now

thought

dance

of the

for

bearer," a

loudly, and

the

a little on
side, and
one
girlof the set, retiring
prettiest
round her head, after the fashion
twistinga turban saucily
of that order
of menial, and
otherwise
arranging her

attire into

somewhat

similar resemblance

to

the

other

a-kimbo, a la
parts of their dress, darted forward arms
animated
Vestris, and danced
an
lilt,
something of the
of

Highland fling.
Eapturous were the "bravos

nature

"waul

waus!"

increased

amidst

The

officers,and the

girl'sexcitement

applause; the fiddlers worked like

the
drummer,
or
doog-doogie man,
flushed
and
his long drum, till,
hausted,
ex-

the

heroes, whilst

pegged

of the

the natives.

of

with

"

at
away
she made

her

salaam, and retired within the circle

renewed

This

plaudits.
Mootrib-i
followed by
"

was

sweet," and

Persian

other

and

koosh,"

Hindostanee

"

"

songster

airs, not
"

i.e., three ha'forgetting Sarrai teen pisa muchlee"

ing
porth of fish,"by way of finale* till at lengththe dancbubbled
and Marfaintly,
grew languid; the hookas
the dancers, and we
all
peet, starting up, dismissed
devilled turkey's legs
to the
adjourned to do honour
and a saucepan
ing.
brewof mulled
port, of Marpeet'sown
Enlivened

by

round,

went

and

change, the
Marpeet, who was

the

song

and

the

toast

half-seas-over,
sung

us,
"Dear

Tom, this

in his very

brown

jug, which

now

foams

with

mild

ale,"

bled
style; and, by particular
request I warThe
Woodpecker."
health and song, my
Franco, your
boy," said my
friend,risingon his legs; and now, gentlemen(hiccup},
I am
about to propose
the toast of the evening, and one
which, I am sure, you'llall diink with as much
pleasure

best

"

"

"

MEMOIES

some

of

in

Gentlemen, I

the bottle.

friend

373

GRIFFIN.

giving it : gentlemen, off

all charged ?
Wildfire,
you

(hiccup]as I have
heel-taps
; are
your
health

OF

young
respectsa chick

am

of

about

now

mine,

fellow you all find him (hiccup). This

of his griffinage,
and to-morrow
he is one
I

giveyou, standing,with

to
health,and success
long life,
the griffin.Hip ! hip ! hurrah

Woodfall

and

whom

Kinder, Printers, Milford

us

in
out

the

good
last day
old hands.

three times

friend,Frank

our

came

is the
of

pass
the

propose
consider

of my own
rearing. We
him
I take credit for having made

together,and

Gentlemen,

to

with

Gernon,

"

Lane, Strand, London,

three,

W.C.

WM.

H.

ALLEN

WATERLOO

13,

Pilchard's

of Life in

of

Budgepore,

India.

Upper

Co.,
LONDON.

PLACE,

Chronicles

Sketches

"

2. Vols.

Or

"c. ;

Foolscap 8vo,

12s.
"

those

To

to those

who

who

little-of the aspects of social life in

know

already acquainted with

are

that

of the most
British

be worth

it may

awful

Empire

AM

to remember

of those tragic events

in the

"

East.

that

have

in connection

with

darkened

History of

the

some

Illustrated Times.

"

of

India3 being the Tour

in

Days

Twenty-One
SIR

while

will be

book

amusing sketches there

amongst its graphic and

equallyinteresting
; and
is much

Prichard's

it,Mr.

India,and

BABA, K.C.B.

ABEEIGH-MACKAY.

GEORGE

By

Post 8vo, 4s.

"Mr.

Mackay's

indulgesin

satire and

humour

possess

of

literaryallusions
appreciate." Academy.

will

wealth

charm,

rare

he

and

all readers of culture

which

"

11

The

humour

through them

runs

Akbar,
M.

in

all."

"

sparkling style,and
The

M.

Notes, and

With

Emperor Akbar, by

of

vein

keen

an

from

A.

S.

the Dutch

by

of

the

Introductory Life
R. MARKHAM,

CLEMENTS

P.

Dr.

By

Translated

LIMBURG-BROUWER.

Pen.

Romance.

Eastern

an

VAN

written

are

papers

C.B.

Crown

8vo, 10s. 6d.

"A

genuine story of

characters
"The
and

in whom
book

we

real human

presents many

societyin India

life,bringing

recognizeactual

into

contact

with

beings." Spectator.
"

glimpses of

during the reign of

us

general condition of life

the

Akbar."

"

Scotsman.

WM.

H.

ALLEN

13, WATERLOO

Warren

"

Hastings.
TROTTER,

Crown

8vo, 9s.

biography

generalcarefulness
"Carefully
than

the

memoir

of Warren

Biography. By Capt.Lionel
of

this volume

has

"A

far

clearlywritten, an-1

from

the

urn.

trustworthy and

more

indebted

Englishmen are

most

India," "c.

to favour

claim

Athena

"

of

History

high

it exhibits."

to which

LONDON

for

correct

knowledge

Hastings." Academy.
"

Thirteen

amongst the Wild

Years

their

Haunts

with

and

Account

an

Wild
One

Author

which

and

Co.,

PLACE,

JAMES

As

"

from

Habits,
of the

Elephants. By

G.

B.

Capturing

Full-Page Illustrations

Three

and

and

Taming

With

SANDERSON.

Observation

Personal

of

Mode

of India

Beasts

Twenty.
Fcap. 4to,

Maps.

25s.

"We

find

almost

every

tempts

the

with

which

it

difficult to hasten
incident

some

page
reader

to

linger

be wished

"This

is

Southern

and

the

shorter.""

best

Eastern

and
India

acquaintance with Natural

that

and

there

Matt

is

no

have

on

portionof

exploits

the volume

Gazette.

practicalbook
we

his

relates

Pott

most

interestingbook;

author

The
.

this

happy descriptive passage

some

or

abilityand singular modesty,

can

through

on

the

wild

read, and displays an

History.""Bailey'sMagazine.

game

of

extensive