My long valued friend,<br><br>The life, which follows this, has already met more than its due share of approbation. But the singularity of the character will alone make it matter of curiosity. In delivering down to others an account so extraordinary, I was anxious to inscribe it with a name that might well deserve remembrance. A name of more merit than yours, I do not know; and should I here err, I am indeed mistaken in my judgment, for we have known each other during the period of our lives. We were boys together at Eton; students together at Cambridge; and we travelled together through Scotland.<br><br>The distance which now divides us, removes from me all imputation of flattery here: and the usual homage of India, will make you think what I am now saying of you, but very cool commendation.