From Cawnpore, the Archdeacon proceeded to Banda. He arrived at that place on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 26, and on the Monday following received letters from the Bishop of Calcutta, informing him that it was the intention of the authorities in England, to appoint him to the Bishopric of Bombay, which an act passed this year for the renewal of the East India Company’s Charter, had enabled his majesty, King William IV., to erect. The directions of the Bishop also were, that the Archdeacon should forthwith return to the presidency, preparatory to his proceeding to England. The intelligence which the Bishop of Calcutta conveyed, was altogether unexpected by the Archdeacon, and occasioned him some embarrassment. The calls upon his pecuniary resources had of late been many, what with the charges attendant on the education of his children, and his wife’s voyages to England, added to some loss by the failure of a house of agency. Unless, therefore, government should provide for the expenses, which a voyage to England, for consecration, would entail upon him, he could scarcely avoid contracting some debt for the time; and that he felt would scarcely be right for him to risk, at his period of life. These, and other considerations which were likely to affect the future welfare of his family, the Archdeacon candidly stated to the Bishop of Calcutta in a letter from Banda, in which he further observes:—
“I turn my face toward Calcutta to-morrow, D.V. I had reached just the border of my former local knowledge, and should have been very unwilling to give up the prospect before me had I proceeded much further. I had taken no measures directly or indirectly towards the attainment of the honor and responsibility in question; and trust I may hope that God will guide and second my poor endeavours to serve the Church according to His will. If then I say I turn toward Calcutta with some reluctance, it is merely lest what I have stated should prevent my going to England. If prevented going, the omission of visiting the remaining stations would be in vain, and the loss sustained for no good purpose. For, little as I feel capable of effecting, yet good will I am persuaded follow these passing visits.
“Our Church goes on her way, doing what she can; too secure, perhaps, that her endeavors are generally known and appreciated. Those who separate from us tell all they do, and seem sometimes to make much of little. To those at a distance they however seem the only people at work, and in consequence are applied to for books and for information on missionary subjects, and for missionaries and school-masters. Mr. D. for instance, has been applied to, to supply a teacher at Allahabad; and at Banda he was applied to in the first instance to supply a teacher at Futtypore. In visiting the stations, I see almost every one who is disposed to take an interest in missions, schools, &c. They have almost all been educated in Church-of-England principles and modes of worship, and would all prefer receiving aid from us, and remaining connected with the Establishment. These visits bring them acquainted with what is doing among their own friends. They will learn where to look for help, such as they can in all respects approve. In this way some, who were inclined to good, are led to come forward openly, and the cause of truth and righteousness gathers strength. The disposition to establish schools is increasing everywhere; and if half a dozen teachers could be got at once, they might be set to work. With reference to this subject the High School might become an important Institution, and would be well employed in educating some of the best boys with the expectation of being useful as school-masters.
“I must travel to Allahabad by land, which will occupy about ten days; and then I shall hire a boat to proceed downwards. A letter is ten days reaching Calcutta from this; so that a few lines, if you see cause for changing my course, would meet me at Benares. I could even then return to Saugor by a more direct route, and pursue the plan before intended with the loss of not more than a month. I have made observations in my progress with reference to future visitations, which I intend to commit to writing with a view to aid in enabling to do more good.”
To the same prelate he writes:—
“Nov. 12th, 1823, near Gazeepore. On arriving at Benares yesterday morning, I found your favor of the 5th inst.
“At Benares I was not less than 200 miles from the point whence I returned; I should therefore, had I delayed at Benares, have been able to march straight to the hills, without time to accomplish any thing at intermediate stations. I think therefore you will approve of my coming on at once to Calcutta, as I am now doing. I could not have borne so long a journey by dawk. I passed Sunday last at Chunar, and took part of the duty with Mr. E.; Mr. Smith officiated twice at Benares.
“I am happy to state that Messrs. Knorpp and Leupolt are such proficients in Hindoostanee, as already to be able to undertake the duties of the native Christian Chapel.”
[162] The Native Christian master of the Mirzapore school, and the person who had formerly been ejected from house and home for editing the Enquirer.
[163] See above pp. 54, 55.
[164] See Martyn’s Letters and Journals. October 23rd, 1806, for one or two notices which will illustrate what is here said.
[165] Palanquin.
[166] One of the attendants.
[167] From this list it appears, that the first class (of 9 boys) could read, spell, and translate Goldsmith’s History of England to p. 77, and Scripture Lessons, on the History of Joseph to p. 14. They committed to memory the 117th No. on Agriculture, and 248th No. on Astronomy, of Blair’s Preceptor. They worked exercises on the 14th Rule of Syntax of Lennie’s Grammar; the Rule of Three; 13th Problem on the terrestrial globe of Goldsmith’s Grammar of Geography, and were committing to memory the 2nd part of Watts’ Catechism a second time.