Lord Amherst And the British Advance Eastwards to Burma

rious illness, and the early part of the voyage was one of great suffering. His horoscope was certainly not propitious to his fortunes as a traveller, for in an excursion from Funchal a kick from a horse sent the convalescent Governor- General back to his bed. Later they called at Santa Cruz and at Rio de Janeiro?doing ample justice at both places to the marvels and beauty of the tropical scenery. At Rio they found the King of Portugal, and for a second time Lord Amherst made the acquaintance of that singular Court. On July 18, 1823, they reached Madras, landing in state. Lady Amherst describes the scene:? ' Lord A1nherst walked with the members of Government into the Fort; Sarah and I got into a carriage and four, andproceeded to Ameer Baugh, a palace of the Nabob of the Carnatic which he had lent to us, ... A day was fixed for Lord Amherst to receive the Nabob with much state and ceremony. The potentate arrived with hia body-guard, in a splendid low carriage, almost all glass, drawn by four white horses, and accompanied by a brother and an uncle.' Lord Amherst embraces them all and exchanges courteous civilities by means of an interpreter. The Nawab was blessed ' with a pleasing countenance and manner,' says Lady Amherst. Lord Amherst having wreathed them with flowers, embraced them again, and took leave, returning the visit next day. Lady Amhersfc accompanies him, visits the Begums?one of them has been married three years, and is sixteen years old, she ha...