We are not ashamed to feel and avow that we own somewhat of the same sentiment with these writers, springing, as we confess, from the same cause-a long intercourse with the Indian army, and a firm and unshaken conviction of its worth. Sincerely and deeply do we deplore the melancholy events that have closed their recent struggle. But melancholy though they be, and though they may be hastily, and inconsiderately condemned by those who have neither interest nor patience to investigate the circumstances attending them, or the causes that gave them birth, there is not a thinking mind, we speak with confidence, or a feeling heart within the kingdom, that can contemplate them without suggesting a palliation of the error which produced them, or returning a responsive sigh for the consequences likely to result from it.

A general cry has gone forth against the malcontents of the Coast army, sounded in a variety of tones-from the whisper of private insinuation, to the fulminating report of the Governor General in Council. The public car has been stunned and wearied with never-ceasing accusations. It is now time that it should be opened to the

still voice of truth, which seeks not to pour into it any laboured or varnished story, but whose first and last declaration is, that it aims not at the perversion of justice, through nice subtleties and metaphysical reasonings, but claims an extenuation of the offence, which it candidly admits, from the provocations which promoted it.

He who shall cast his eye, however negligent and hasty may be the glance, over the first acts that gave rise to the discon tents of the army, cannot withdraw it without an impression, that there was abundant food for complaint.

Not to dwell on minute and extreme matters, we would ask, Is it no circumstance of bitterness, that established emoluments should be taken from certain members of the army, not only without remuneration, but without the form of a previous and customary enquiry? that they should be taken from them on grounds which they were not permitted to controvert, and on the assertion of a junior officer, unconfirmed by any external authority whatsoever, whilst they were denied by a respectable part of the staff? Is it no injury to have the door of justice shut in the face of their solicitation, though couched in

the most respectful terms, and urged under the most direct and ayowed responsibility? Is it no injury, whilst their own claims to justice are refused, to see the object of their pursuit walking at his ease, and at full liberty, and in the plenitude of power to molest them still further, in despite of their means to pursue him, and in contempt of the authority which they had been taught to reverence? Is it no mortification to look for ultimate redress where they have been wont to find it, and to be disappointed in the appeal? Is it no grievance to have the the source of promotion changed, from one who has an intimate knowledge of military merit and deserving, to another who is unacquainted even with the names that stand on the army list, and who is not to be approached but through the introduction and condescension of one in the meridian of grace, though in the dawn of service? Is it of no concern to them, to see officers of distinguished rank flying from their eminent stations, in disgust and loathing, giving the truest test of the sincerity of their sentiment, in the relinquishment of lucrative place, in the dearer consultation of their dignity and honor? Is it no grievance

that the chief of the army staff are deprived of their offices, and suspended from their station in the army, on the sole and avowed ground of their having paid an unqualified obedience to the orders of their Commander in Chief? Is it a matter foreign to the feelings of an officer, to perceive his brethren arbitrarily put beyond the pale of the army without enquiry, and without a hearing? Is it of no annoyance to them, in holding a commission, rendered insecure, not only by its being subject to be seized on some military impeachment or insinuation, but that it shall be exposed to suspension, at the whim or caprice of power, for alleged reasons, unconnected with military measures? Is it of no importance, that officers, having leave to quit the company's possessions, from infirmity or the urgency of their private affairs, should be detained in India against their will, from vain and capricious motives of men in power; and be dismissed at length, without explanation, to pursue their original destination; whilst others of high rank and character, should be hurried with ignominy, and almost under the degrading circumstances of felons, though without a verdict or judgment, beyond the

company's confines, and finally to England, contrary to their declared wishes, and in direct and express violation of their interests? If these things have happened, and none can seriously dispute the facts, have we occasion to look around us for reasons for the irritated feelings of the coast army? Some of the circumstances, embraced by these questions, may be partially controverted or qualified, but the greater part of them are admitted by the official documents of the local Government, though an endeavour is made to disguise them by a false glare of colouring, or to contravene them by sophisticated argument. A sufficient answer has been given, we apprehend, to these ingenious artifices, in the correspondence that has foregone.

The inflamed sensations of parties were、 further aggravated by matters, which, under other circumstances, would have passed unheeded. We shall not here pause to add any new article to the long catalogue of offence, which we have hastily ran over.

It hardly will be denied that there was not much irritable matter, lurking under the obnoxious acts enumerated, which, if it should at any time find vent, would produce the