DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.25988#0391
1816-17.
Kirkee.
367
In the idleness and obscurity of home they look back with
fondness to the country where they have been useful and dis-
tinguished, like the ghosts of Homer’s heroes, who prefer the
exertions of a labourer on the earth to all the listless enjoy-
ments of Elysium.’
‘ August 25.—I yesterday settled the horse, aft-er much
thought and trouble, entirely to my own satisfaction. My only
doubt is about Cunningliam’s knowledge of the natives and their
language; and if he fails, I am sure it is owing to no wrong
motive in me, as I have withstood many temptations for the
sake of having him, for his good character alone. I have also
settled the reduced infantry well, but not in so high a style.’
‘ August 28.—I wasted the greater part of the forenoon (up
to one o’clock) in speculating on the time in which I could
reach Allahabad if I were to get a summons to Hindustan. I
reckon that I could do it with great exertion in fifteen or six-
teen days. I was employed in this way when I got the order to
leave Sindia’s camp for Cabul.’
‘ SepU'wker 1.—Moro Dixit with me. I was so ill in the
evening as to be obliged to stay away from dinner, though I had
a party.’
‘ Se'pt e' mk >er 2.—Set off at six for Singhur ; lost my way, but
got up by nine. I rode most part of the day. Many of the
views on the river side beautifully verdant, with scattered trees.
The hills wild and solitary—nothing grand. Breakfast with
Captain Donnelly; walked round the fort till twelve. The air,
not the view, is good, and the walk pleasant. The hill easy of
ascent all round till within fifty yards or less of the top, then
a ledge of inaccessible rock. It may be clambered up with
difficulty, if unopposed at a breach which was repairing on the
west face. The weakest points are the gateways, especially the
Concan gate, which may be breached, though the battery would
require to be high, and perhaps to be protected from enfilading
fire by traverses. Rode home.’
‘ September 3 and 4.—Business, and some of Tacitus’ history.
I still admire the weight and wisdom of his inaxims, though I
now perceive the affectations of his style. In the evening rode
Kirkee.
367
In the idleness and obscurity of home they look back with
fondness to the country where they have been useful and dis-
tinguished, like the ghosts of Homer’s heroes, who prefer the
exertions of a labourer on the earth to all the listless enjoy-
ments of Elysium.’
‘ August 25.—I yesterday settled the horse, aft-er much
thought and trouble, entirely to my own satisfaction. My only
doubt is about Cunningliam’s knowledge of the natives and their
language; and if he fails, I am sure it is owing to no wrong
motive in me, as I have withstood many temptations for the
sake of having him, for his good character alone. I have also
settled the reduced infantry well, but not in so high a style.’
‘ August 28.—I wasted the greater part of the forenoon (up
to one o’clock) in speculating on the time in which I could
reach Allahabad if I were to get a summons to Hindustan. I
reckon that I could do it with great exertion in fifteen or six-
teen days. I was employed in this way when I got the order to
leave Sindia’s camp for Cabul.’
‘ SepU'wker 1.—Moro Dixit with me. I was so ill in the
evening as to be obliged to stay away from dinner, though I had
a party.’
‘ Se'pt e' mk >er 2.—Set off at six for Singhur ; lost my way, but
got up by nine. I rode most part of the day. Many of the
views on the river side beautifully verdant, with scattered trees.
The hills wild and solitary—nothing grand. Breakfast with
Captain Donnelly; walked round the fort till twelve. The air,
not the view, is good, and the walk pleasant. The hill easy of
ascent all round till within fifty yards or less of the top, then
a ledge of inaccessible rock. It may be clambered up with
difficulty, if unopposed at a breach which was repairing on the
west face. The weakest points are the gateways, especially the
Concan gate, which may be breached, though the battery would
require to be high, and perhaps to be protected from enfilading
fire by traverses. Rode home.’
‘ September 3 and 4.—Business, and some of Tacitus’ history.
I still admire the weight and wisdom of his inaxims, though I
now perceive the affectations of his style. In the evening rode