the Portuguese first opened the navigation of India: they were probably converted to Christianity about the middle of the fifth century by the Syrian, Mar Thomas, a Nestorian, who has been confounded with the Apostle St. Thomas; during the seventh century their Church was considerably in creased by the labours of two Syrians, Mar Sapor and Mar Pedosis. 50,000, of which probably one fifth are Christians; these are professedly members of the Portuguese Church, and the few more respectable inhabitants among them are the remains of the Portuguese families who settled on the Island; the lower orders consist of fishermen, cultivators of the land, and Bhandaries or drawers of Toddy, these as may be supposed are but indifferent Christians, and whilst they are in the habit of atteming a Christian Sanctuary, still retain in their houses many symbols of“ arts, and possibly in virtue, excelled the the Hindoo Mythology, and enter indiscriminately into the pernicious usages of a deplorable superstition. On the arrival of the Portuguese, these Christians, says Mr. Gibbon, “in arms, in "natives of Hindostan; the husbandmen "cultivated the Palm tree, the merchants 66 were emiched by the Pepper trade, the "soldiers preceded the Nairs or nobles of "Malabar, and their hereditary privileges "were respected by the gratitude or the "fear of the King of Cochin and the Besides these native Christians on Salsette there are resident at Tannah, the capital of the Island, about an hundred or more European soldiers with their families, who have been invalided or have retired" Zamorin himself. They acknowledged from the service, who prefer spending the remainder of their lives in India to the returning to their native country, through the attention of the Judge and Magistrate as well as of other benevolent persons the circumstances of this garrison had been brought to the notice of the Committee," and they hope a further opening has been made towards the moral and religious" improvement of these people, from Tanuah being now occasionally visited by one of the Company's Chaplains. Beyond the immediate precincts of Bombay the Society have endeavoured to extend their good offices to the Christians at Surat, Kaira in Guzerat, and Seroor in the neighbourhood of Poonah, at each of which places English Clergymen are now stationed. Including the islands, the Portuguese territory round Goa is about 40 miles in length by 20 in breadth, and within the province there are computed to be 200 Churches and Chapels, and above 2000 Priests. The dialect most prevalent is a mixture of the European with the Kanara and Mahratta languages, but the European is still well understood and spoken by a great proportion. The Committee trust that another Channel will soon be opened to them of continuing their useful assistance to the native Christians in that neighbourhood and every account which they have received induces them to believe that the lower orders and even the Priests will readily accept translations of the Scriptures. But of all the places within the reach of this Society, Cochin is the most interesting; here the antient Syrian Church as well as the more recent remnants of the Dutch, claim their favour and protection. The Christians of St. Thomas had been long seated on the coast of Malabar, when 66 66 "a Gentoo sovereign, but they were The Committee have taken means to present to the Syrian Churches the few copies of the Syriac Gospels they have lately received; Before the French revolution, the Congregation "de Propaganda Fide" used to furnish such of them as adopted the doctrine and acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Roman Poutif, with copies of the Syriac Testaments; but the distracted state of Europe has long since deprived them of this source, and there is little doubt but that the clergy and people are in great want of Syriac Bibles and would most thankfully receive them.* Some account of these Syrian Christians may be found in La Croze Hist. du Christianisme des Indes; and Assemanni Biblioth. Orieut, and also in the Asiatic Researches. Besides the Syrian Churches there are at Cochin a great population of Protestants the remains of the Dutch colonists. Amongst the Christians who have settled in India, the Dutch have very justly the merit of having done a great deal towards the promotion of Christianity; wherever they went they established and provided fands for the maintenance of public Schools, they caused the new Testament and a great part of the old to be translated into the Malabar languages; in the several School-houses divine service was performed on Sundays, and always well attended; to every ten Schools was a superintending master who made his monthly visitations. Clergymen presided over districts and made their annual visitations of the Schools; these religious and scholastic establishments are now neglected and fallen into decay on their having been transferred to the English. The Clergymen, the Catechists, bury, the Lord High Chancellor, the Lord. President of his Majesty's Council, the Duke of Leeds, the Lord Chamberlain (Earl Cholmondeley), and Master of the Horse (Earl Jersey) to the Prince of Wales, Lord Thurlow, and the Ladies of her Royal Highness's (Princess of Wales's) own bedchamber. To trace her Royal Highness's progress through her various stages of education, would be little more than to recapitulate that her earliest years were spent under the domestic tuition of her Royal Mother; that at a proper period the Bishop of Exeter, a man of eminent piety, was appointed to the important office of her private tutor by the parental choice of his Majesty, who, by the customary law of England, as well as by the feudal, is guardian of all infants, and of course more particularly of his grand daughter, and the heiress presumptive of the crown; that on being taken from the parental superintendence, the good and accomplished Lady de Clifford was selected as her Governess, and that this venerable Lady, on the advance of her Royal Pupil to maThere is still another race of people at turity, was superseded by the Duchess Cochin particularly interesting; the Com- Dowager of Leeds. There was no part of mittee allude to the white and black Jews her education to which more exemplary in that neighbourhood; no very correct attention was paid than to instruct her in account of their history or present state the principles of the Christian religion, has probably yet appeared, and it would and to instil into her mind an ardent athave been a great pleasure to the Com-tachment to the ecclesiastical establishmittee to be enabled to supply this deficiency to the satisfaction of themselves and the public. and the Schoolmasters have lost their pittance of salary, the duties of the one are feebly discharged from the want of proper persons, and the laborious employment of the other has entirely ceased. From the coast of Malabar the Bombay Bible Society has endeavoured to extend its influence to the distant shores of the Persian gulph, and they have there distributed several Arabic Bibles, partly through the means of the British Resident at Bussorah. BRIEF MEMOIR OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS not ment of this country. Under the Bishop of Exeter, a Reverend Divine, Dr. Nott, acted as a sub-preceptor; and her Royal Highness's accomplishments were confined to her own language, but extended to a reasonable tincture of classical literature. Whilst the solid and more scrious pursuits of education were in the course of acquisition, the elegant and refined talents were not overlooked or neglected. Her Royal Highness was an excellent musician. She performed on the harp and piano forte. Her voice was not powerful, but sweet, and scientifically modulated. She had a most excellent ear, and a brilliant execution. Her chief delight, however, was in the poetry, and Oh, early lost! just loved, and snatched finest writers of our language. away! Politely learned, and elegantly gay! Blest with each charm the British heart to gain, To all most lear-to England dear in vain. The Princess Charlotte was born at Carlton House between the hours of 9 and 10 in the morning of the 7th of January, 1796, when there were present, the Duke of Gloucester, the Archbishop of Canter Her Royal Highness had very little of the vanity said to be peculiar to her sexwe mean the vanity of exterior ornament and dress. She never indulged in it either before or after her marriage. She aimed at little beyond neatness or plainness. There was no encumbering superfluity of jewels to be seen upon her person; in short, nothing which distinguished her from the common Gentlewoman in splendour of apparel. Always elegant, modest, and refined, and peculiarly chaste and circum- | trance with their numerous suites, after spect in her demeanour, she had nothing which the doors were thrown open, but of high or fashionable life about her, but the Prince Regent did not arrive till near a lofty and generous sense of the duties four o'clock. Brilliant as was the concenwhich ber elevated rank demanded. tration of Royalty and Nobility at this moment, every eye was still fixed with rapture on the presumptive heiress of England. It is known that the Prince of Orange, who was almost native to this country (having come hither when an infant), was destined to be her husband. For this purpose he was educated at the University of Oxford and taught from early youth, to consider himself as the intended husband of the Princess. Her Royal Highness, as it is well known, was in the constant habit of meeting him at Carlton-house. In a word, the match was openly proposed to her by her father. It is not necessary to dwe upon the circumstances of her firm and steady refusal. Always doing justice to the amiable qualities of this Prince, she resolved not to receive him as a husband. | He endeavoured, but in vain, to conquer her dislike. Her repugnance was invinci ble. Her first introduction to the Prince of Cobourg was in the summer of 1814, when the Allied Sovereigns of Europe visited this country upon the occasion of the general peace. The consequences of that meeting are well known. She was captivated with his address and manners; a familiar intercourse improved these first impressions into a warmer sentiment, and love succeeded to esteem. It was the Duke of York who first observed this growing attachment. He communicated it to the Prince Regent, and a formal proposal was soon made through his Royal Highness to Prince Cobourg himself. It is unnecessary to dwell any longer upon this subject. Her marriage took place on May 2, 1816. His Royal Highness was requested to accept the rank and title of a British Dukedom; the extinct Dukedom of Kendal was to be revived for his acceptance. He is supposed to have refused it at the desire of the Princess Charlotte, wishing to derive no rank but by his marriage with her. Both concurred in the preference of a country life; and Claremont and its neighbourhood were daily adorned by their taste in landscape-gardening, and rural improvement. Upon the marriage of her Royal Highness with the Prince of Cobourg, the The Princess Charlotte completed her nineteenth year on January 7th, 1815, when her birth-day was observed for the first time at Windsor. Her Royal Aunts proceeded in the morning to Cranbourn Lodge, to compliment their niece upon the return of the day; and an entertainment was given at Frogmore, where the Princess had the pleasure to receive the congratulations of the Nobility aud the Queen. Music was called in to conclude the festivities of the day; nor did the Princess fail to experience new tokens of affection in presents from her relatives. Not | many days after the festal scene, her Ma-provision voted for them by Parliament jesty's birth-day was observed in a similar was suitable to the generosity of a great way. Princess Charlotte gave on this oc- nation. An income of fifty thousand pounds casion full proof of her skill and execu per annum was settled upon them jointly, tion in music, by performing a fine con- and for the life of the survivor; the Prince, certo on the grand piano-forte, accom- therefore, will continue to enjoy this panied on the violoncello by General Tay- splendid annuity during his life. A sepalor, and on the violin by General Upton. rate income of 10,000l. per annum, indeHer Royal Highness was passionately pendently of the control of her husband, fond of music's delightful art, and musi- was settled on the Princess Charlotte. eal parties constituted the chief gratifica-Sixty thousand pounds were voted to them tion of her life. Fashionables were still wondering why the Princess Charlotte had not been presented at Court, when May 18th, 1815, she suddenly made her appearance at the Queen's Drawing Room. Since it was the only one that had occurred for ten tedious months, it caused some bustle in the town. Princess Charlotte, who arrived early at Buckingham House, where her Majesty's Drawing Room was held, was indulged in dressing there on the occasion. At two o'clock the Queen, attended by Princesses Elizabeth and Augusta, made their en as an outfit; and Claremont was purchased for their residence. The Prince Regent, likewise, and the other branches of the Royal Family made most liberal and splendid presents of jewels to her Royal Highness. In the sweet retirement of Claremont, the Prince and Princess passed their time in the full enjoyment of domestic bliss, far from the dissipations of a town life; and presenting the most beautiful instance of conjugal affection and human happiness that can be imagined. But this scene of joy was not to continue. When every one was waiting and listening for the signal | kept in close attendance in their riding dresses, that was to proclaim the birth of England's and their horses in readiness for them to heir, an event which was to complete the mount, were dispatched at a quarter past happiness of the Prince and Princess-three o'clock, in various directions to summon when all were prepared for gratulation and joy-suddenly All things that were ordained festival From the moment it was generally known that her Royal Highness was likely to add one more member to the Royal House of Brunswick, the greatest interest was excited throughout the nation, and from the general state of her Royal Highness's health during her pregnancy, the most pleasing hopes were entertained. the different Privy Counsellors, who it had been previously arranged were to attend according to court etiquette, and for Dr. Baillie -Directions were given to the Messengers to make all possible speed, which they strictly attended to. It is scarcely necessary to say Prince Leopold has passed the day in the greatest anxiety in the house, as well as all the royal attendants and domestics, with the State Officers and others. the most earnest and solicitous enquiries have From the neighbouring towns and villages been constantly made during the day. Claremont, 4 o'clock p. m.-The last report of Sir Richard Croft to the Privy Counsellors "The progress of her assembled here, was, Royal Highness, the Princess Charlotte's illness, is in every respect, as favourable as could be wished." The following was the circular communication of Wednesday night, relative to the Princess Charlotte. The more early stages of the Princess Charlotte's labour were favourable to the moment when the bulletin announced that the child was still-born, and the mother "doing well." The date of that official Claremont, Nov. 5.-Her Royal Highness paper was 10 o'clock on Wednesday night, made little progress yesterday. Communicathe Princess having then been delivered tions were sent off to the Prince Regent and about an hour. At six, the throes of child-other branches of the Royal Family. At night, birth had become on the suggestion of Sir Richard Croft, Dr. more decisive; and Sims was sent for, that he might be in readithe child was theu, and, it is said, even up ness to be consulted if necessary. At three to a few minutes before its birth, ascero'clock this morning Dr. Sims arrived here tained to be living. At its birth it was from London. This morning, a ittle before found a perfect fine-formed male infant. eight o'clock, the Privy Counsellors, assembled After the birth, her Royal Highness appear here, had a consultation with the Medical gen ed so tranquil and composed, that between tlemen in attendance, when, in consequence of twelve and one the medical gentlemen re- the protracted state of the illness of the Printired to rest. The Cabinet Ministers, also, cess, the following official report or bulletin, having full reason to believe that all danger was drawn up. was over, had left Claremont soon after 11 o'clock, but were afterwards recalled. The first symptom of approaching danger is said to have been on some gruel being presented to her, which she found a difficalty in swallowing; cold and spasms suc ceeded. The physicians were called up, but their aid was vain. For the last half hour her spasms are said to have subsided; she sunk into calm composure, speechless, but apparently not insensible; and at half past 2 o'clock she was no more! The following are official details of this melancholy event. CLAREMONT, Nov. 4.-Her Royal Highness was in good health till a late hour last night, when she found herself indisposed, which continued till three o'clock this morning, when Sir R. Croft, ber Accoucheur, who has been in constant attendance for the last three weeks upon her Royal Highness, had no hesitation in pronouncing that the symptoms were those of her accouchement. In consequence, a number of servauts, who have been for some time Claremont, Wednesday Morning, 8 o'clock.- "M. BAILLIE. The following are the different official notices which have appeared, in addition to those already recited, upon the subject of the ac couchement and death of the Princess Char lotte. The first relate to the period just preceding the delivery, and is as follows: CLAREMONT, Nov. 5, half-past 5 p.m. "M. BAILLIE. But at a quarter past nine the hope thus encouraged was destroyed by the following annunciation: At ten, another bulletin was issued, which at least seemed to remove all apprehension as to the personal danger of her Royal Highness. It is as follows: ance. Earl Bathurst, Lord Sidmouth, the Lord Chancellor, Mr. Vansittart, together with the Archbishop and Bishop, immediately attended. Dr. Baillie, and Dr. Croft were the medical attendants. During the whole of Monday the labour advanced slowly, but without the least appearance of danger. The Princess Charlotte showed uncommon firmevening, as the labour still lingered, it was ness and the utmost resignation. Towards deemed adviseable to send for Dr. Sims, who arrived in the middle of the night. Nothing could be going on better, though too slowly: and the excellent constitution of the Princess "CLAREMONT, Nov. 5, 10 o'clock, p m. "At nine o'clock this evening Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte was delivered of a still-born male child. Her Royal High-gave every assurance that she would not be too ness is extremely well." (Signed as before.) Lord Sidmouth's letter to the Lord Mayor contained a similar mixture of disappointment on one hand, and hope on the other. The following is a literal copy : LORD SIDMOUTH TO THE LORD MAYOR. "I have the honour to be, my Lord, "To the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor." But the public disappointment was doomed to be unmixed, or rather to be merged in complete despair, for at half past six on Thursday morning the following mournful letter was dispatched by Lord Sidmouth to the Lord Mayor; much exhausted by the delay. No language, no panegyric can be too warm for the manner self. He was incessant in his attendance, and in which the Prince Leopold conducted himno countenance could more deeply express the anxiety he felt. Once or twice he exclaimed to the medical attendants, that the unrepining patient endurance of the Princess, whilst it gave him comfort, communicated also a deep affliction at her sufferings being so lengthened.' About six o'clock yesterday the labour advanced more rapidly, and no apprehensions were entertained of any fatal result: and the child was ascertained to be still living. At aine o'clock her Royal Highness was delivered of a male child, but still-born. Throughout the whole of this long and painful labour, her Royal Highness evinced the greatest firmness, and received the communication of the child being born dead with much resignation. Prince Leopold exclaimed to the medical attendants, as soon as the intelligence was communicated to him-"Thank God! thank God! the Princess is safe." The child was perfect, and one of the finest infants ever brought into the world. The Princess was composed after her delivery, and though of tertained of her doing well. This pleasing course much exhausted, every hope was enintelligence being communicated to the great Officers of State, and the Archbishop of Can"SIDMOUTH."terbury, and the Bishop of London, they left "WHITEHALL, Nov. 6, 6 a.m. "My Lord,-It is with the deepest sorrow that I inform your Lordship, that her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte expired this morning at half past two o'clock. "I have the honour to be, &c. "The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor." Claremont about 11 o'clock; the medical attendants of course remaining. A little after The following letters contain the painfully 12, a change was observed in her Royal interesting details of these afflicting occurr-Highness-ber quiet left her-she became ences: "Claremont, 6 o'clock this morning (Thursday.) had hoped to have sent you very, very different tidings; and yesterday, when I despatched my last letter to you, I felt confident that my next would have announced the consummation of our wishes, in the birth of a future heir or heiress. That next! However, I will endeavour to write all I have heard, as well as the general grief and consternation will allow me. On Monday in the night, or about 3 on Tuesday morning, her Royal Highness was taken ill, and expresses were sent off to the great Officers of State, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishop of London, desiring their immediate attend restless and uneasy-and the medical attendants felt alarmed. Expresses were sent off, I believe, to the Officers of State, stating the change that had taken place. From half-past 12 restlessness and convulsions increased till nature and life were quite exhausted, and her Royal Highness expired at half-past 2 this morning. Prince Leopold was with her Royal Highness at this agonizing moment.” ANOTHER LETTER FROM CLAREMONT. "Claremont, Thursday morning, 9 o'clock. "The most melancholy and distressing event has happened-Princess Charlotte is no more! All is dismay and grief, rejoicing turned into mourning, in the death of the most lovely and affectionate of Princesses. |