CONTENTS. Transactions with Mhadajee Sindia respecting the embassy-cha- at Delhi-gardens at Delhi-fruit and flowers-palace appropriated for the embassy described-zenana-Surd Conna―jumma musjid-mausoleums-tomb of Khan Khanna-palaces on the banks of the Jumma-that river described-return to Sindia's camp-arrangements for the embassy's journey for Cawnporedeparture from the encampment and Agra for Cawnpore and Calcutta. CHAPTER XXXVIII. ON Sir Charles Warre Malet's arrival at Agra, some difficulties arose, with respect to his meeting with Mahdajee Sindia, who was then encamped at Muttra, about twenty-eight miles from the city, with Shah Aalum, the degraded emperor of Delhi. The purport of this intended meeting was to concert with Mhadajee Sindia the best mode of completing the establishment of the embassy to the court of Poonah, in the manner most compatible with the interests of the English and the views of this great chieftain, through whom those interests had been for some time conducted with the peshwa, the supreme head of the Mahratta empire. This predicament, certainly of considerable delicacy, was soon cleared of its obstacles by the address of Mr. James Anderson, then resident minister from the government-general of India, with Mhadajee Sindia; and who, by the suavity of his manners, excellent understanding, perfect knowledge of the Persian and Hindostan languages, and peculiar fitness for his important situation, had established a considerable influence in the personal regard of this Mahratta chief. On the 13th of May Sir Charles Malet received a letter from Mr. Anderson, dated at Sindia's camp, informing him that Babo rao Duan and Appajee Tattea, two Mahratta chiefs of rank and consequence, were deputed to wait upon him, and conduct the embassy to the camp near Muttra. The same evening Appajee arrived at Agra with a party of cavalry, and presented himself at Taje Mahal, having left his colleague with a much larger escort at Gou Ghaut, twelve miles from Agra. In consequence of this arrangement, and the cattle and attendants being well refreshed, the baggage was ordered to proceed on the following day; and on the 16th they left the terrestrial paradise surrounding the TajeMahal, and commenced their journey towards Sindia's camp. A melancholy scene of ruin and desolation, similar to that already described, marked the first part of their progress from the royal gardens, through the suburbs and environs of Agra. About half-way from thence to Gou Ghaut, or Ox-ford, they came to Secundra, celebrated for the mausoleum of Akber, situated within a large enclosure, resembling a park, shaded by noble trees, and entered by four handsome gates, leading to the roza, in the centre, which is a magnificent structure, inlaid with different coloured marble, agates, and precious stones, extremely rich and costly, but rather in a heavy style; the part most ornamented is on the uppermost terrace, and having no cover is entirely exposed to the weather; it is exquisitely finished, and the platform of black and white marble. The tomb itself is of plain white marble. The interior of the arch at the principal entrance is adorned with verses, expressive of the founder's extensive fame, and numerous victories, with moral reflections on the instability of human greatness. The road from thence to Gou Ghaut was extremely pleasant: |