Page:Lord Amherst and the British Advance Eastwards to Burma.djvu/215

parents to the burying-ground at Barrackpur, where their son was lying. After remaining a couple of days to recover from their agitation, they proceed to Calcutta, where they are received in great state. Sympathetic farewells and congratulations pour in on every side. A small ship of 500 tons, the Herald, is being fitted for their journey home. Good accounts come up from Ava to cheer them—the population has more than doubled—peace, industry, and happiness have taken the place of despotism, extortion, and wretchedness. Sir Charles Metcalfe and other friends vie in attentions and friendly expressions. The new Governor-General is on his way, the new Bishop of Calcutta has landed; everything seemed prepared for their start when their departure was again delayed by the dangerous illness of their daughter, who lay for many days between life and death: it was not till March 8, 1828 that they are enabled at last to carry their invalid on board. Lord Amherst's departure was in some respects like his reception, the same salutes from Fort William, the same people assembled, 'but' as she says truly, 'the one was a ceremonial, the other a heartfelt expression of regret.' They are not safe yet. There are risks by sea as well as by land. They encounter tremendous gales of wind, 'appalling tempests.' They prepare for action on one occasion, when an American privateer is seen, and seems to be bearing down upon them. A ball of fire falls from the sky, as large as a 12-pounder, and passes over the mainmast.