Cochran, Andrew William. Eight letters to Roderick Mackenzie, 1823-1837. An electronic transcription. MFTP #0004

own table and elsewhere, and can bear impartial testimony to h[is] excellent private qualities, because I have no reason to be partial to him, as far as self interest is concerned, for his public measures towards me. What my ultimate fate maybe I cannot foretell; but I am convinced he is well disposed to [serve] serve me; and that his Brother Commissrs even in bearing hard upon me, were equally well disposed; and the Govt at home not less so; therefore if I am cast adrift at last, I must suppose that it is because they think they cannot do anything for me in the way of justice[.] But even so, while Providence spares my life and health & faculties, I should not despair of keeping my head as high above water as hitherto[.]

We are all tranquilly waiting for the public measures which shall be announced from the other side or the Atlantic[.] We have nothing but mere surmise as to what they will be[.] I am inclined myself to think from the recall of the Commission & from other indications, that the measures at home will not be pleasing to the party that has been so long predominant here[.] I think the Govt see that conciliation has been […] pushed to it's utmost verge, not only without any benefit, but with some damage to the dignity & vigour of Govt[.] But, as I said before, we have so little to guide us to any sound conclusions, that all is a kind of guess-work.

To return to our Literary Society, — I feel very much obliged by the information contained in your letter of the 14h Octr & the accompanying copy of your printed circular in1806, for obtaining facts as to the Indian countries[.] I shewed it to some of the managing members or the Society, and they thought with me, that your circular could not have failed to gather in some very interesting information[.] I think you mentioned in a former letter that you were going to print a compilation of it but were uncertain where or when[.] Perhaps our Society might co-operate with you, both by labour and funds[.] I should hold it as a feather in my cap if while I am President I could have the honour of forwarding such a work, as coming out with the assistance of the Society[.] It would be a pity that all the useful materials or interesting materials that you have should

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