BOOKS.

THE LINDSAY PAPERS.* THE papers contained in the third volume of the Lives of the Lindsalis differ from the generality of family documents both in subjects and relate ter. They deal little in personal sketches, anecdotes, or gossip, or in those feelings and family story which form the staple of family letters; they have as little to do with " secret history,' unless it be a few passages in the correspondence of Lord Balcarres when Governor of Jamaica. The subjects which employ the Lindsays almost wholly to travels or to military service ; the papers belong to an age and treat of topics on which conversational tradition has ceased, while they are scarcely remote enough, if, with one or two exceptions, they were ever large enough to have acquired historical interest. Yet a volume of mis- cellanies more attractive and instructive is not often met with. These qualities are due to shrewd sense, great energy of character, and what the age of the writers would have called a plain solid understanding. The style is forcible as a reflex of the mind of the authors, who use words to express ideas, not to veil the want of them ; the matter is fresh from nature—in part owing to the adventurous spirit that carried the Lindsays into distant scenes of risk or danger—in part to a watchful observation and sound judgment. The fact of six brothers and a sister producing narratives of travel or adventure, for family perusal only, that may vie in interest with a vast number of printed books, adds a remarkable feature to the volume, though we do not think it increases its readable attraction.

The contents consist of-1. The official correspondence of Lord Bal- carres, relating to the Maroon war in Jamaica, during the years 1795-96.

2. The autobiography of Robert Lindsay, who was employed in the civil service of the East India Company from 1772 to 1787, at an out station.

3. An account, by Captain Lindsay, of the battle of Conjeveram, fought in the year 1780 against the then dreaded Hyder Ali; who completely out-generalled Sir Hector Munro, and annihilated Baillie, marching to join him. 4. A fuller narrative by Lieutenant John Lindsay, (who served under Baillie, whereas his brother James was with Munro's army,) not only of Baillie's march and action, but of Lieutenant Lindsay's own long and cruel captivity and that of his brother officers, under Tippoo's orders, at Seringapatam. 5. Colonel Colin Lindsay's ae,countof the occu- pation anti defence of the island of St. Lucie against the French, in 1779; and a sketch of the last desperate attack and repulse of the combined French and Spanish forces on Gibraltar, in September 1782, when the gun-boats and floating batteries were destroyed by fire, and all hopes of capturing the fortress put an end to. 6. Lady Anne Barnard's journal of her residence at the Cape of Good Hope; whither her husband went soon after its capture towards the close of last century, and where he re- mained holding a high official appointment till the peace of Amiens, when the colony was restored to the Dutch. 7. A Canton adventure of Hugh Lindsay, an East Indian Company's Commodore; who, at the bead of the officers of his fleet of Indiamen, succeeded in stealing a march upon the Chinese authorites and the Hong merchants, and presenting a petition to the Viceroy for permission for the ships to depart, previous documents oent through the regular channel having been stopped by the way.

Of these papers, the Canton adventure is simply an anecdote or sketch. The narrative of the destruction of the flotilla, though ou a loftier theme, is not much more elaborate ; and the same may be said of Captain James Lindsay's account of the battle of Conjeveram, although it is fuller. The narrative of the capture and defence of St. Lucie gives a very good idea of actual warfare under the old system of tactics, and is not uninteresting for its incidents and its pictures. A Maroon war was always a fearful sub- ject for Jamaica ; as these descendants of the Negroes of the Spaniards were to the colonial planters what the Highlanders were to the Scottish agriculturists—thieves individually, and warriors in the mass, who were formidable from their personal prowess and the then inaccessible nature of the mountains they inhabited. Jamaica had, too, a slave population, which frequently recruited the ranks of the Maroons, and was always assumed to be ready to join their insurrections ; while at the time of Lord Balcarres's government agents of the French Revolutionists were supposed to have stirred up the Maroons to revolt. That the danger to be feared from them was exaggerated by the apprehensions of the plant- ers, seems evident from the ease with which the decision and promptitude of Lord Balcarres put down the organized war, and soon compelled the broken insurgents to surrender, though not without the use of Cuban dogs. There is something, indeed, of romance about the very, name of the Maroons ; but perhaps it is necessary to be acquainted with West Indian history to enter into the feeling.

The most generally interesting papers are the Indian autobiography of Robert Lindsay, the journal of Lady Anne Barnard, and John Lindsay's account of his captivity and sufferings under nyder Viand Tippoo. The time of Robert Lindsay was in the haloyon days of Leaded-all Street ad- venturers. "The importation of Nabobs," to use Burgoyne's phrase in his speech against Clive, had not gone by. Hastings was at the head of the Calcutta Government, with his unscrupulous corruption and his quick appreciation of useful merit. The Government salaries were next to no- thing,• but the officers were allowed to help themselves, and Reece the natives, in the way of legitimate or illegitimate trade. India was not the place for delicacy, modesty, or queasy consciences; but an active, reso- lute, not overscrupulous man, who would push forward, could get for- ward. This is Mr. Robert Lindsay's account of his first move. His semi-piratical Norman ancestors, when they first "pushed" into Scot- land, could have done nothing bolder ; Sir Pertinax Macsycophant no- thing more prudent. It reads like a scene from "The Man of the World."

* Lives of the Lindsaye. By Lord Lindsay. To which are added Extracts from the Official Correspondence of Alexander sixth Earl of Batcarres, dining the Maroon War; togethetimith,Personal Narratives by his Brothers. the Hon. Robert, Colin, James. John, and Hugh Liudsayg.and try,blaSterIgiar Ambelbtriaard. volume ill. rub- dished by Murray. ill' e golden prize was the pre3imp 9f 1h lying on the Eastern side of

the BraMapntra river. , ..• .., i • i I "This district had for some years fallen under the superintendence of the gaud, as one of the members of that Council, had been deputed to effect a ttlement with the Sylbet landholders, with power to cess with r levy ?rent from those lands held-on military tenure. Such a transaction is seldom .

"Mr. Holland, having finished his business in that troublesome settlement, re- turned toHacca, and presented his rent-roll to the Council, amounting to no less than 25,0001. per annum; but said, at the same time, that they were a most tur- baled people, and that it wield require much trouble to realize it: the other

members held the settlement in derision. My intimacy. with Mr. Holland con-

tinned to increase; he was a man of high honour and principle, possessing a con- aiderable fortune which he inherited from his father. In a confidential conversation meth me, he regretted that his health did not permit him to return to Sylhet to complete the work he had so prosperously commenced. 'I am sensible,' said he,

'it will prove an arduous undertaking; and none but amen possessed of a sound some time, and, turning.quickly round, I said, 'I know the man who will suit you exactly.' 'And where is he to be found ?' said Mr. Holland. . I answered, 'lam with

the man!' Upon which my friend threw himself back in his chair, and, wit a loud laugh, replied, ' Lindsay ! you are the most impudent fellow alive! Our establishment is more than twenty in number, eighteen of whom would jump at the appointment; and here are you, the youngest of the whole, aspiring to of yourself! 'And can you blame me, my friend,' said I, 'for looking to the top f the tree?' 'By no means,' said he; 'but how can the thing be accomplished?' 'The thing is difficult, I allow; but, with such ft friend as you, much may he effected. May I look for your support at a future day should I be proposed b. the other members in Council?" You shall have it,' said he. All I then askid was, that he should not retire until I saw a little daylight in the business, and that, in the meanwhile, our conversation should remain a secret; to this he will- ingly consented.

"II had now taken my ground, having left a favourable impression on Mr rence?' To this he cheerfully consented. Thus were two members work gained; I she ju had only to look for a third to obtain a majority; and I addre,ssed myself to Joh e went to

Shakespear, who had at that time the lead in Council. I found that gentleman "Our well inclined to serve me, and he promised his support, under the stipulation that I would provide for two of his dependents,—that I of course agreed to. And this same gentleman proposed my name next day in Council to succeed Mr. Holland, who resigned ; this was unanimously agreed to; but it had the effect of creating much discontent among the junior servants of the settlement, who were all my seniors, none of whom had the least idea of my looking up to an appointment so far above my standing in the service, and [they] determined among themselves ar This was a signal victory in my favour, and an ample reward for my activity. these fellows have undermined you--wind up as fast as you can, and prepare for To soften rocks, and bend the knotted oak,' ' a march.'

the deficiency my own little fortune. I well knew that, if I had interest enough

remonstrance to the Supreme Board, stating the nature of my appointment, my .`""d Eh whole volume, is full of matter—real, sod, and interesting. indefatigable labour and exertions during. the last nine months in a turbulent country, and that I had succeeded in realieing every farthing of the revenue with DI 8 Ho r suirtLry.*

pointment I held at Silber nor had they forgot the advantage I had thus gained over them. Several of these gentlemen had now attained high situations irethe Daeea Council, and two years ,pre.i..ens -to my appointment my friend Mr. W. 'Board of Revenue, and occasionally, in their official capacity, thundered •out Mt- pleasant orders to me. In one of these they announced, in very laconic terms, that they had thought it advisable to give the province over which I presided, in

difficulty aplished without much farm, to a certain Black man, who was privately under the immediate patronage

of one of the gentlemen alluded to to this native I was directed to deliver up tic collection of the revenue. They did not even condescend to assign any reason for that transaction, although my instalments had been regulae. This by no means gave me the same uneasiness it didon a former occasion, for L knew well there was not a Black man in the country equal to the task. " All I had to do then was to temporize. The Black arrived and was received by use with apparent kindness; I even assisted him in making large remittances to Calcutta ; and, in consequence, he stated to the Board the great use thad been to him in putting him in fall possession of the province. This was a great ob- ject to me, for I knew well the turbulent people would break out as usual during constitution, with great energy and determination, is fit for it.' I thought for my absence. My health now required a little relaxation from my unremitting exertions, and I determined upon a visit to Benares and the upper provinces with

my,, friend Robert Hamilton.

We left Sylhet during the rains, and travelled in elegant boats up the Ganges. * * * " The town of Beniuts itself is only remarkable for the Hindoo temples and elegant minarets which everywhere attract the eye; the streets are narrow and uncomfortable; but it is without doubt a place of great wealth. " I meant upon this occasion to have gone higher up the river, and indulged myself by visiting the higher provinces of Ilindostan, but my curiosity was checked by receiving an express from the Board of Revenue, ordering me back ta

Sylhet with all possible despatch, as Gunge-govind, the Black man who farmed

the district, had in every respect failed in his engagements. This intelligence was not unexpected; I therefore retraced any steps, and arrived at Sylhet in the course of the month. The errors committed during my absence were soon rectified, and my active occupations were resumed as formerly."

of the Council Besides a picture of Anglo-Indian life, and politico-economical intrigue Holland, and I well knew the high opinion the other members il li had of his judgment; but to advance farther without carefully probing my way Seventy or eighty years ago, the memoir furnishes a variety of sketches was dangerous. * * • * of Indian manners, and anecdotes of natnral history, which will repay 'My friend Mr. Holland soon after informed me that he had made up his mind perusal even at this distance of time. Lieutenant John Lindsay's aeOnuut not to return to Sylhet. I then for the first time went to my friend Mr. Ross, of his captivity is also an interesting picture of the human mind under our Resident, and laid my wishes before him as to succeeding kr. Holland in his

appointment. He answered coolly, that he would be happy to forward my views, reverses, and a narrative of hardships gallantly borne. We prefer, how.. but that he saw little prospect of my success, being the youngest member in the ever, taking a few passages from Lady Anne Barnard's journal. From settlement. I owned the difficulty was great, but said, 'Should my name be pro- her position she had to do those honoura at the Cape which would have posed in Council by the opposite party, I hope it may meet with your concur- been Lady Macartney's business had there been a Lady Macartney ; an n kdicously. appointed, and clean. residence in the Castle was now ready, handsomely.

Barnard invited the heads of the departments in their different lines to dinner; and left it to me to settle my balls and parties as I pleased. The dinners took place in an excellent style; and on this occasion Revel, our Swiss cook, filled his department to perfection, assisted by three or four of the female slaves belonging to Government, whom his Excellency gave us permission to have from the slave- lodge as servants. "As Barnard wished me to consult the Fiscal on the mode of inviting the to counteract it, as will appear in the sequel." Dutch ladies, I took an early opportunity to do so, and found that if I followed' his advice I should keep the friends Government had, but would never make a The opportunity came thus. A new member was introduced into new one. He threw in objections to every person who was, as lie called it, dis- the Council at Dacca, who "certainly had, from his rank, a prior claim affected; saying, 'Leave it to me, and I will ask to your balls parties of tine In the appointment I then held, and he availed himself of it " ; but the friends.

I have already stated that, at au early period, I had incurred the dapleasup of "many of my seniors in the service of Rocca, by stepping so neatly into the mi- Lindsay energy beat him. t remember,' said I, ' if I dare venture to use words so sacred on the "An order of Council immediately passed for me to deliver over to him my present occasion that we are not come to call the righteous but sinners to re- charge without delay; hut this I at once determined not to do without a struggle. pentance." AIL then,' said he,' if you are determined to bring the sheep and the charge When sitting one morning alone at breakfast, I received the following laconic goats all together into one fold, you must take the chance of our going to logger- When from my old friend, John Cowe : 'What I long expected has come to pass— heads." Not at a ball!' said I, ' mon arni-

"' Music hath charms to soothe the savage heart, My jest prevented him from being mortified at my want of acquiescence; but an', "This was the first intimation I received, and most unpalatable news it was, to the effects of the balls, I was nght,—they were of much use. If the fathers' and, I must candidly acknowledge, it fairly knocked me down : from the height of prosperity, in one moment, I was humbled to the dust. Considering myself who were lukewarm to the English Government were sulky and staid at home,

the mothers and daughters always came ; and to plough with the heifers has al- secure in my appointment, I had borrowed large sums of money, which, in my ways been reckoned a good mode of improving a reluctant soil. The belle give flattering situation,. were pressed upon me—I had launched out into various me also the opportunity of obliging the juvenile part of the Army and Navy, who speculations in trade, which would have succeeded well had I continued in n-iy

had been for some wise policy (doubtless) kept much in the background by their situation ; but, from 'the turbulent state of the country, my advances were in- commanding officers, and who now got a little harmless amusement, which cost fallibly lost in consequence of my removal ! I had not a friend to consult with, them nothing and made them grateful. The first day of every month I gave a bail, nor a British tongue to converse with. I shut myself up in nay room for a couple of hours, and feeling myself bereft of the prospect of revisiting my native soil and every Thursday a party for tea and music; . the invitations were conveyed- through the medium of the Colonels and Captains of the Navy to the subahera actually brought the tear into my eye; but this feeling was but momentary; to de- officers, and those of them who were best behaved and most, gentlemanlike were spend was not my character and I calmly considered over the bearings of the sent by detachments to my balls and parties according to their pleasure; so good ease. I sent for the account of my revenue collections ; three mouths of the discipline was pretierved, and, What Was traire, a good supper was given, laid for a. current ,rents were still due, viz. about 6,000/. I at once saw the necessity of shadow of coroplelot against me in the hundred and fifty or two hundred .petsotis, at a moment's warning, on tables depriving the Dacca Council of every brought ready appointed, where three or four hams, as many turkiea, and some way of my duty—the arrears were heavy, and I well knew that this was my

weak side, of which my friends at Dacca would avail' themselves; it was now my. dozens of fowls, and decks, venivan;and other game, vaniehed, in the twinkling of an eye—as supper is the great meal here—along with pastry of all sorts, at whioh object to thwart them. I determined, therefore, on a bold step, and balanced the Revel's eavoir laird shone bright. The regimental bands afforded ,us excellent annual books of the district, leaving not one cowrie outstanding; thus risking for music, and received a payment Which was to them n sheer gain."

to get the order rescinded, the arrears would soon be recovered. The late Marquis Wellesley was a friend of Lady Anne, and their guest

"I now ordered a couple of canoes to be well manned ard armed, ostensibly for at the Cape. A few of his letters to her from India are printed, whichr Dacca; in the course of two hours I set off, and pushed forward directly to Cal- are curious for their indignant outpourings respecting his neglect by the cults, nearly three hundred miles by the windings of the river, travelling night Government and the East India Company. Bat the whole journal, an and day until I reached my destination. I had previously prepared an humble indeed the

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