read: "I went to breakfast
with the Bishop of Oxford, and there learned that Sheil was dead. Poor
fellow! We talked about Sheil, and I related my adventure of February
1834. Odd that it should have been so little known or so completely
forgotten!"]

Gravesend: February 15, 1834.

Dear Lord Lansdowne,--I had hoped that it would have been in my power to
shake hands with you once more before my departure; but this deplorably
absurd affair in the House of Commons has prevented me from calling
on you. I lost a whole day while the Committee were deciding whether
I should, or should not, be forced to repeat all the foolish, shabby,
things that I had heard Sheil say at Brooks's. Everybody thought me
right, as I certainly was.

I cannot leave England without sending a few lines to you,--and yet they
are needless. It is unnecessary for me to say with what feelings I shall
always remember our connection, and with what interest I shall always
learn tidings of you and of your family.

Yours most sincerely

T. B. MACAULAY.

CHAPTER VI. 1834-1838.

The outward voyage--Arrival at Madras--Macaulay is summoned
to join Lord William Bentinck in the Neilgherries--His
journey up-country--His native servant--Arcot--Bangalore--
Seringapatam--Ascent of the Neilgherries--First sight of the
Governor-General--Letters to Mr. Ellis, and the Miss
Macaulays--A summer on the Neilgherries--Native Christians--
Clarissa--A tragi-comedy--Macaulay leaves the Neilgherries,
travels to Calcutta, and there sets up house--Letters to Mr.
Napier, and Mrs. Cropper--Mr. Trevelyan--Marriage of Hannah
Macaulay--Death of Mrs. Cropper--Macaulay's work in India--
His Minutes for Council--Freedom of the Press--Literary
gratitude--Second Minute on the Freedom of the Press--The
Black Act--A Calcutta public meeting--Macaulay's defence of
the policy of the Indian Government--His Minute on
Education--He becomes President of the Committee of Public
Instruction--His industry in discharging the functions of
that post--Specimens of his official writing--Results of his
labours--He is appointed President of the Law Commission,
and recommends the framing of a Criminal Code--Appearance of
the Code--Comments of Mr. Fitzjames Stephen--Macaulay's
private life in India--Oriental delicacies--Breakfast-
parties--Macaulay's longing for England--Calcutta and
Du