C Martin., "on my way to Lucknow", Benares, to Ozias Humphry

RA Collection: Archive

Reference code

HU/4/24-25

Title

C Martin., "on my way to Lucknow", Benares, to Ozias Humphry

Date

11 Mar 1789

Level

Item

Extent & medium

3 pieces

Content Description

He wishes he could have helped Humphry in Lucknow and wishes that the affair is settled. Col. Mordaunt is now at the Vizier's palace, hoping to be paid by the Nabob. He provides a dark summation of his opinion on the Nabob's character. Smith was paid due to the influence of Grant. He hopes Humphry will have seen Zoffany by now as he left in January in an Italian ship, the Grand Duchesse, he too has not been paid. He advises Humphry to use his connections with the great and the good to get his debt paid.

He lists the other Europeans still present. He wants to leave India in a couple of years, fears for his health if he does, but supplies his many reasons for doing so. He doesn't have "friends among the blacks", other than his "amiable girl", who he does not "rank among the blacks". He doesn't mingle with the natives, but has received respect and delivered the same where justified. He speaks out at the voices of dissent concerning Europe's activities in India. He wishes to settle in England, where there are a thousand diversions for a man of modest independency.

He is glad of the news Humphry sent, of Mr Stables and Mr. Hodges. He hopes to see Humphry married to a fine lady and to meet a young Humphry on his arrival. Mr. Daniell has gone up the country. Everybody approves of his Views of Calcutta. He has no news of Longcroft, who is now too great a man to admit to having been a pupil of Zoffany. Ends with a sketch of an Indian beauty.