for watching every detail of public business. 'He would have served his country better by sparing himself this labour, and leaving room in his mind for larger views of State policy.' Here is a ship almost in the power of mutineers. A few of the crew contend with them. The captain, isolated against his will, with the aid of a handful of men guards at least one stronghold against violence. He would be better employed, says this critic, in entrusting defence to others, and in leaving room in his mind for larger views of seamanship and navigation. Such is the foolishness with which men are assailed when that turba Remi, which follows fortune, forsakes them.
The end drew near. On September 9, says Sir George Campbell in his Memoirs, 'I have just received a letter from Agra. Mr. Colvin is certainly the kindest and most considerate of men.' This letter was dated September 4.
'I thought you would be glad of the commission which I have officially given you to prepare the outline of a scheme for recasting the administration of the country in all branches. This will be a fine field for maturing the results of your North-West Provinces and Punjab experiences. Whether I can co-operate with you as I would heartily desire in the great work is more than I can say. My health is very seriously shaken, and we may still have much to go through.'
These were probably the last words he ever dictated (for latterly he could not write). He had not now 'much to go through.' The doctors had in vain entreated him to give over his charge temporarily to
