PREFACE. IN presenting this work to the Public, the Compilers feel themselves called upon to explain the feelings by which they have been actuated, and the motives in which it originated. Such an explanation is however in a great measure superseded by the deep interest and melancholy pleasure the work is calculated to excite, in the bosom of every relative or friend (in this country as well as in Europe)—on finding that the names of those whom they loved, regarded, esteemed or admired, are not altogether forgotten. Feeble though the attempt may be, something, however, has been done to perpetuate the memory of those who claim our affection or veneration: and also to evince respect for those whose remains lie entombed in this quarter of the Globe. Nor will it be deemed a work of supererogation to convey, by the medium of this work, to sorrowing connections in Europe, or elsewhere, the pure and consolatory satisfaction, that the last mark of respect and duty to departed worth, has not been omitted by their sorrowing friends and that the sacred deposits still remain with us,—are still kept in view, and as piously cared for, as on the day of their first interment. With such views, and with the desire to preserve from unmerited oblivion the hitherto neglected Biographies of India,-the Compilers have connected with the OBITUARY, Memoirs of the most distinguished men in the annals of Indian History; -men, who have, at the sacrifice of their lives, gradually raised the British Indian Empire to its present state of stability and eminence, by consolidating its Government, ameliorating the condition of its subjects, and embracing their temporal and spiritual happiness through the education of its people, and the protection of their rights and liberties from the encroachments of invading and cruel enemies. : These great and good men have glided away from the stage on which they have shone so conspicuously and it is the object of the Compilers, by this humble attempt to perpetuate, cherish, and embalm their memory, which becomes doubly dear from the consideration that they have fought, bled, and devoted their entire lives and energies to promoting the glory of their country and the good of the people over whom Providence has willed that they should rule. The objects attained by this publication are calculated to be two-fold: while it is, on the one hand, a memorial of such as have passed away from time to eternity, it will serve, on the other, and in a great measure, to influence the conduct of succeeding rulers, (in whose hands may be placed the future destinies of this vast empire,) exciting in them an honest spirit of emulation and a desire to imitate the virtues of their illustrious predecessors and thus secure for them a niche in our affection, and a claim to the like tribute to their own memory: nor is it for those alone who hold the reins of administration that the lesson conveyed by these reminiscences will obtain a due effect: since to every class and grade of society, the manifestation that there is no station of life wherein the good and honest men may not have their names and deeds imperishably recorded will become at once apparent. Who will deny that the sight of a mere Monument has not repeatedly inspired martial enthusiasm, the flame of patriotism or the emulation of genius in the youthful breast. "Siste viator, heroem calcas," has awakened ardour in the minds of all who have perused the tablet. How much more then is not a memoir of the great actions of illutrious men, in every department of usefulness, calculated to arouse attention and induce the like endeavour. It is utterly impossible to trace back the period when Monuments and Monumental Inscriptions were first adopted to commemorate the acts and actions of illustrious men. It is certain, however, that for all the ends and purposes enumerated, Monuments existed both in ancient as well as modern times. To us it appears, and we have the testimony of Holy Writ on this head, that their first origin may be traced as far back as the Universal Deluge, when the Rainbow was made, or selected, a standing token of the most awful judgment inflicted on a guilty world for its consummate wickedness, as well as a memorial of the subsequent love and pity displayed by the offended Deity after his divine justice has been satisfied. Although it is not in the power of all to command splendid Monuments, or rich Inscriptions, over the remains of their departed friends and relatives, yet they may be able to take effectual measures for securing those remains from premature decay, mutilations, or insult, by proper sepulture; and it is remarkable, that it is in those communities only which are the most deeply impressed with that article of our faith the "Resurrection of the body" that any real care is evinced in this respect. It would be an unpardonable inadvertence were we to omit the mention of our grateful thanks to Gentlemen here, and in the Mofussil, by whose generous contributions our OBITUARY has been enriched, and who have helped us, with a friendly hand, to bring this compilation to a close-the aid they have afforded being a sure testimony of the interest they themselves have taken in the work we originally projected. The Obituary comprehends events connected with a long series of years; viz. from the first formation of the British settlement to the present time; and includes a great number of Monumental Inscriptions, Memoirs and short Obituary Sketches. To the candour of a generous public, the Compilers submit their work, the first of a comprehensive kind hitherto attempted in this country. The motives which prompted a publication on this plan cannot be wrong; but if they have failed to realize their ideas, it is only because it is easier to project than to execute-to know what is right, than to be able to perform it. Every endeavour has been made to insure success, and no source of information has been left unexplored, or expense spared, in obtaining it, so as to render the work acceptable to subscribers. The Compilers, therefore, indulge the hope of a liberal patronage, which, if it be commensurate to the expenses incurred, will encourage them to offer a second volume by way of continuation, the collection of materials for the same being under course of arrangement, if the favor shown to the first attempt warrants a prosecution of the labour. |