ctive benevolence.

Amongst the first applications which he made, was one to the Court of
Directors of the East India Company, setting forth his services in
India, the wounds which he had received, and his other claims on their
favourable consideration. This application was successful; for, though
the Directors were unable to confer on him any appointment, they
generously granted him a pension of fifty pounds a year, for life,
commencing from the preceding Christmas. This honourable allowance was
sufficient to keep him above actual want; but, with the habits which he
had imbibed in a land where extravagance and luxury are almost regarded
as virtues, it was insufficient to keep him out of difficulties. He was
himself well aware, and willing to allow on all occasions, that his
chief failing was improvidence. Nor was he really extravagant; but he
possessed little knowledge of the value of money, and was as prodigal of
that essential commodity as if his supplies had been unlimited. His
generosity was so unbounded, that he has often been known to recompense
moderate services with a liberality wholly beyond his rank or means. The
resources derived from the India House soon failing, he renewed his
exertions to obtain employment, but still without success. Remembering
that the story of his life was full of interest, and having determined
upon telling it to the public, he turned himself with great perseverance
to his new occupation, and in a short time became fired with all the
ambition of an expectant author. As he was, however, naturally doubtful
of his own powers, he submitted his manuscripts to the revision of a
gentleman every way well qualified for the task, and who performed it
with equal judgment, good taste, and ability. This sanguine temperament
now led him to indulge in many a golden dream of the profits of
authorship; an error that occasioned more profuse expenditure than he
would, even with his acknowledged lack of worldly prudence, have deemed
excusable.

It was while he was under the delusion of this phantom--the expectation
of competent means from literary labours solely--that he thought of
submitting a second time to the bonds of Hymen; and the interesting and
amiable object of his affections has shown sufficiently the wisdom of
his choice, by her exemplary conduct and virtuous life, when placed in
circumstances painful, difficult, and trying. The only available means
of support under the increased expenditure