Though his good-nature was the theme of every one's praise, no one had less of that easiness of temper which others might hope to lead. On the contrary, while he assumed nothing, his associates always felt his superiority, and lent themselves readily to his guidance. Of the influence of his personal character amongst his cotemporaries, an example was presented in the early part of his career, to which, as it displays also the soundness of his judgment and the rectitude of his principles, it may not be inapposite to allude. A fund had been proposed for the widows and orphans of civil servants dying without means, and it became a question whether illegitimate children should be included in the provisions of the scheme. The older servants were in their favour, and all the influence and weight of name were on that side. Opposed to them, however, were a party, at the head of which stood Mr. Adam and the present Sir Charles Metcalfe; and their arguments and example in the end carried the day-so much so, that, when it was put to the vote, the illegitimate children were excluded by a large majority.

Having left England at a very early age, Mr. Adam was of necessity indebted to himself for much of his education; yet his attainments in literature were very respectable, and his reading ex

tensive, though irregular-for he lost no opportunity of cultivating his talents, and prosecuting useful studies. Considering, indeed, the activity of his life, and the claims on his time presented by the career of his public employments, it is rather surprising that he should have contrived to accumulate so much knowledge as he possessed. On questions connected with the politics of England, he was, from family connexion and early association, inclined to favour the principles of the party led heretofore by Mr. Fox; but he was far from being their slavish admirer, and was as free as others to confess their errors, when their conduct would not stand the test of his own discriminating judgment. Notwithstanding that his mind was continually occupied with the business of the day, and the means of benefiting the country to which his life was devoted, such subjects had to the last an interest with him more than common; for his heart was ever in England, and he looked forward with the fondest delight to the prospect of returning eventually to take part in its affairs, and claim there the reward due to one who had so well performed his duty. But though this was ever uppermost in his thoughts, he was yet so little selfish, and yielded so readily to every generous impulse, as to neglect, almost with a faulty disregard of his

own interests, the accumulation of the means of ultimate retirement. His charities were most extensive, and the real benevolence displayed, as well in the manner as in the liberality with which his assistance was afforded, might furnish a copious theme of eulogy; for many are the traits of this description with which every one who has lived with him in India must be familiar. With such a disposition, it cannot be wondered at that his fortune, on leaving the country, should have been so small, as barely to yield him a competency, though a man of no expensive habits, and without family. Such, however, was the case, notwithstanding the very splendid career of service he had run; but Mr. Adam's reward is in the reputation he has left behind him, and in the sentiment of gratitude and admiration with which his name will ever be mentioned.

132

DOULUT RAO SINDHIA.

THE recent death of Maharajah Doulut Rao Sindhia, the Mahratta chieftain, tempts us to bestow a cursory glance upon the eventful history of a personage who was once the most powerful prince in India, and might have been the most formidable enemy with whom the British Government has ever contended in that quarter.

The origin and caste of the Sindhia family are rather obscure: Sir John Malcolm tells us, and we have heard from other sources, that they are really Sudras of the Koombee or agricultural tribe: but they claim to be Rajpoots; and Captain Grant Duff, whose authority is weighty on this point, favours this account of their extraction. It is certain that the first individual who became eminent as a soldier, Ranojee Sindhia (subsequently a silledar of the first Bajee Rao), was employed in the humble office of carrying the Peishwa's slippers,

which became in some measure a badge of the family: the most potent of the Sindhias, upon being visited by the Peishwa, produced the very slippers which had been borne by Ranojee, and which are still preserved in the family, and held them under his arm during the visit, without evincing any shame, but rather feeling pride, at recollecting the original occupation of his family.

This individual was Madhajee Sindhia, the illegitimate son of Ranojee, who became head of the family, and soon after the fatal battle of Paniput, in 1761, succeeded, by his talents and address, in ranking as the most powerful of the Mahratta chiefs. He was enabled to extend his territories gradually, through the weakness and dissensions of the court of Poonah; and, by the aid of De Boigne, a French adventurer, Madhajee eventually attained a greater, if not a more consolidated power, than any Indian prince since the death of Aurengzebe.* He died, whilst meditating further schemes of ambition, in 1794.

Madhajee Sindhia, having no male issue, adopted+

• Malcolm, i. 127.

+ This is a point disputed; it is said that Madhajee did not adopt any person, but signified his wish that Doulut Rao should succeed him, in preference to the sons of an elder nephew. The succession of Doulut Rao was disputed by the widows of Madhajee, who set up another prince.