In a few months,—­I hope, indeed, in a few weeks,—­we shall send up the Penal Code to Government.  We have got rid of the punishment of death, except in the case of aggravated treason and wilful murder.  We shall also get rid indirectly of everything that can properly be called slavery in India.  There will remain civil claims on particular people for particular services, which claims may be enforced by civil action; but no person will be entitled, on the plea of being the master of another, to do anything to that other which it would be an offence to do to a free-man.

Our English schools are flourishing wonderfully.  We find it difficult,—­indeed, in some places impossible,—­to provide instruction for all who want it.  At the single town of Hoogly fourteen hundred boys are learning English.  The effect of this education on the Hindoos is prodigious.  No Hindoo, who has received an English education, ever remains sincerely attached to his religion.  Some continue to profess it as matter of policy; but many profess themselves pure Deists, and some embrace Christianity.  It is my firm belief that, if our plans of education are followed up, there will not be a single idolater among the respectable classes in Bengal thirty years hence.  And this will be effected without any efforts to proselytise; without the smallest interference with religious liberty; merely by the natural operation of knowledge and reflection.  I heartily rejoice in the prospect.

I have been a sincere mourner for Mill.  He and I were on the best terms, and his services at the India House were never so much needed as at this time.  I had a most kind letter from him a few weeks before I heard of his death.  He has a son just come out, to whom I have shown such little attentions as are in my power.

Within half a year after the time when you read this we shall be making arrangements for our return.  The feelings with which I look forward to that return I cannot express.  Perhaps I should be wise to continue here longer, in order to enjoy during a greater number of months the delusion,—­for I know that it will prove a delusion,—­of this delightful hope.  I feel as if I never could be unhappy in my own country; as if to exist on English ground and among English people, seeing the old familiar sights and hearing the sound of my mother tongue, would be enough for me.  This cannot be; yet some days of intense happiness I shall surely have; and one of those will be the day when I again see my dear father and sisters.

Ever yours most affectionately
T. B. MACAULAY.

Calcutta:  November 30, 1836.