Chevalier's labours from an ocular inspection of the Tope itself, and of the collection of relics which were shewn to him at Láhor. This is printed in the second volume of the 'Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal,' p. 308; and an expression, which I ventured to use, in a note subjoined on that occasion, "trusting that the Chevalier would no longer deem us unworthy of being made the medium of their introduction to the world,' was, in fact, a hesitating allusion to the good fortune which a letter from Captain Wade had that moment announced; but which I could hardly bring myself to believe. A more than ordinary degree of magnanimity was necessary to induce the author of such discoveries to forego the natural desire of monopolizing a prize won by his personal achievement and labour, and at considerable cost to himself; but in the present instance it required further the self-denial and disinterestedness of a friend to whom the possession of these valuable relics was generously proffered, to enable them to reach a third party who had no such claims of friendship; and nothing to offer in recompense, but the public notice, which his position enabled him to promise, in the pages of the 'Journal.' I should not do justice to General Ventura, nor to Captain Wade, did I not make known circumstances so highly to their credit, and I trust, therefore, that I shall be pardoned by the latter gentleman for publishing the following extract from his private letter to me in corroboration of the above facts, from which the world will be enabled to appreciate both the extent of his forbearance, and of the sacrifice made by General Ventura himself.

(Extract of a Letter from Captain C. M. Wade, Political Agent at Lúdiana, dated 3rd June, 1833.)

'While at Dera Ghází Khán in March last, the guest of M. Ventura, the 'Journal' for January reached me, containing a notice of the coins found by the Chevalier at Manikyala. I showed the passage to him, and he expressed himself flattered by the allusion which you made to his labors in exposing the numismatic treasures buried under that mysterious temple. We had a long and interesting conversation on the subject, the result of which was an offer to me, on his part, of the whole of the Manikyála coins, together with the cylinder in which some of the most valuable were found. I told the Chevalier I could never think of accepting such a gift for myself, but that I should be proud of the honor of sending them in his name to you, who would be able justly to appreciate their value, and to do him the credit to which he was entitled as the author of the discovery. He assented to my proposition, and promised to dispatch these precious articles to me on his arrival at Láhor, for which place he was then about to set out.'

In acknowledging this unexpected and most disinterested offer, I could not but disclaim all permanent interest in the relics, and request M. Ventura, through Captain Wade, to consider them still at his disposal, although I should be proud, while they were deposited under my care, to do my utmost in making them more fully known to the world.

On the 16th August, the precious packet came into Captain Wade's possession, and although he was unable to find a secure opportunity of conveyance for them to Calcutta until the beginning of the following year, still, through fear of injury or displacement of the various objects, especially the liquid contained in the cylinders, he would not open the package even to gratify the curiosity of many who wished to feast their eyes on its contents.

General Ventura's simple request is characteristic: 'Je m'empresse de vous expédier mon fameux Manekiala, que vous désirez pour envoyer à M. Prinsep : veuillez, je vous prie, mon bon ami, vous servir de cette occasion pour faire agréer mes sentimens d'estime à