I was first tempted to write this Memoir as a matter of family interest and as a means of employing my spare time, during the long hours of a tropical summer.<br><br>In the valuable library of the Royal Artillery Mess at St. Thomas's Mount, Madras, I found most of the authorities whom I have quoted.<br><br>The Madras Government has also most courteously assisted me to a great extent, in causing to have copied several hitherto unpublished letters written by Colonel Forde, and which letters are deposited in the record room of Fort St. George. I have also received a large amount of help from the India Office of whose records I have made very free use.<br><br>A work of this nature does not admit of much originality and, in my case, the lack of it is an advantage.