"These latter (domesticated Franks) therefore are the original authorities; and whenever they are themselves induced to publish their remarks, nothing can be more clear than that a few sentences from such sources are worth all the quartos in which they might be dilated." me, With high authorities like these to back I commenced my literary campaign; and if my operations have been misconducted, I can only appeal to head-quarters for a lenient judgment, I have not the usual plea of being urged to publish by the "kind entreaty of friends;" for I have none to consult or advise me: and in the hazardous attempt, I have only to depend on my own resources, unaided by the assistance or directions of any one. WYKE, DORSETSHIRE, March, 30, 1824. NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION. A LARGE impression of my volume having been struck off, the publication of the second edition has consequently been delayed. Instances frequently occur where not a greater number have been printed and the author has been in a third edition. I mention this circumstance chiefly for the information of my friends in India, who are unskilled in the craft of book-making. I was recommended to put myself in quarto, swimming in a sea of margin-I had always a dislike to that form of publication, it is both inconvenient and expensive xiv NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION. besides which, in India a quarto is thought a great incumbrance. The success of my unpretending labors has been great, and, considering how very few copies (about ninety) have been sent to India, and it being my first attempt at history, eminently so. I am now occupied in constructing a Map of India. It is on a plan quite original, the materials are of the best kind. I was several years collecting them while serving in various parts of the Oriental Continent, and they were procured and arranged at much personal labor and at considerable expense to myself. 33, CHARTER-HOUSE-SQUARE, April 5, 1825. CONTENTS. Departure-Sporting in India-Friends who accompanied the Quit Pauwell-Mode of travelling-Village of Choke and Coun- try-Return of my Friends to Panwell-Indian travelling- Arrival at Poona-Its Appearance towards Evening-British Can- tonments-Anecdotes of the Peishwa-Subsidiary Force-Re- ligious Toleration at Poona-Native Bankers-Mahratta Vil- lages Behma River-Travelling-Arrival at Seroor-De- scription-Ahmed-Nuggur-Brahman and Mahrattas-Toka- Entrance to the Temple of Keylas-Observations thereon-My- Arrangement for residing in Keylas-Treaty with the Devotees -Sphinx-Night Scene at Keylas-Researches-General De- |