“This morning several boats filled with natives came off: the rowers, like the Catamaran Jacks in appearance and dress: the masters or duboshes,[9] having white muslin coats and petticoats. These duboshes are very obsequious, very pressing of their services; and have written characters, as from former masters; but many of these are evidently forgeries. Many of our Bengal passengers are gone on shore. I felt too depressed to go; and too much interested in V. and Y. to leave them on board. Y. I hope, seems in some measure, established in sound principles and practice. V. alas, discovers a backwardness to converse on religious subjects; and I fear, shuns me, lest I should trouble him with them: he is, however, very regular in his conduct; and much respected by his associates. But, Oh! what avails a mere name to live?--He is now gone on shore. Y. remains on board, with the other Madras cadets, until an order for their disembarkation arrives. O Lord, keep them by thy power! O let not Satan triumph over them, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen. “MADRAS, Wednesday evening, Aug. 27th, 1806. Went on shore, and was much annoyed by the clamorous importunity of the natives, who were waiting in hundreds on the beach to carry the luggage, or otherwise serve the new comers: their harsh language, and their almost naked bodies, their eager and obtrusive offers of service disgusted and wearied me exceedingly. With some difficulty, I got through the crowd; and, on arriving at the New Navy Tavern, found some of my old shipmates. Here we were again importuned by duboshes who were eager to serve us. We made choice of one who proved a notorious cheat: he made off with six rupees given him to hire a _bandy_;[10] and I know not yet how much linen he may have stolen. The profusion of silver or gold rings which the natives wear on their arms, their ancles, their ears, and their toes, appeared odd to me; their offers of service and their whole conduct, whilst I was on shore, have impressed my mind with an opinion of their deep depravity, and their entire want of principle....