he government of that Empire, I
am afraid that I am aspiring too high for my qualifications. I sometimes
feel, I most unaffectedly declare, depressed and appalled by the immense
responsibility which I have undertaken. You are one of the very few
public men of our time who have bestowed on Indian affairs the attention
which they deserve; and you will therefore, I am sure, fully enter into
my feelings.

And now, dear Lord Lansdowne, let me thank you most warmly for the kind
feeling which has dictated your letter. That letter is, indeed, but a
very small part of what I ought to thank you for. That at an early age
I have gained some credit in public life; that I have done some little
service to more than one good cause; that I now have it in my power
to repair the ruined fortunes of my family, and to save those who are
dearest to me from the misery and humiliation of dependence; that I am
almost certain, if I live, of obtaining a competence by honourable
means before I am past the full vigour of manhood,--this I owe to your
kindness. I will say no more. I will only entreat you to believe that
neither now, nor on any former occasion, have I ever said one thousandth
part of what I feel.

If it will not be inconvenient to you, I propose to go to Bowood on
Wednesday next. Labouchere will be my fellow-traveller. On Saturday we
must both return to town. Short as my visit must be, I look forward to
it with great pleasure.

Believe me, ever,

Yours most faithfully and affectionately

T. B. MACAULAY.

To Hannah M. Macaulay.

London: December 5, 1833

My dear Sister,--I am overwhelmed with business, clearing off my work
here, and preparing for my new functions. Plans of ships, and letters
from captains, pour in without intermission. I really am mobbed with
gentlemen begging to have the honour of taking me to India at my own
time. The fact is that a Member of Council is a great catch, not merely
on account of the high price which he directly pays for accommodation,
but because other people are attracted by him. Every father of a young
writer, or a young cadet, likes to have his son on board the same vessel
with the great man, to dine at the same table, and to have a chance of
attracting his notice. Everything in India is given by the Governor
in Council; and, though I have no direct voice in the disposal of
patronage, my indirect influence may be great.

Grant's kindness through all these negotiations has been such as I
r