Page:A General Biography of Bengal Celebrities Vol 1.djvu/174

 HIS MERCANTILE CAREER. 165 The exact dates of these events", we have not yet been able to ascertain. In this way Ram Gopal carried on his business with an immense fortune at his command till the year 1846 when he withdrew from the firm with more than 2 lacs of rupees. Some differences, however, arose between him and Mr. Kelsall in 1848 which rendered the continuance of their partnership, no long- er possible. - How this bitter, feeling was engendered, we do not know, but it seems, from some stray copies of private letters that are still to be found in the pos- session of his son-in-law, that Mr. Kelsall attributed dishonest motives, or carelessness to Ram Gopal in regard tocertain sums of money lost to this Firm and hence this estrangement. We publish below the letter of Ram Gopal addressed to Mr. Kelsall which will partly'explain our meaning. To Calcutta July 17th 1848. T. S. Kelsall, Esq. Sib, The deep insult contained in yonr letter reoeived on the 14th instant having been yet unrecalled, it is impossible for me any longer to retain your presents. I cannot use them ; it would be painful even to keep them. They were valuable only as tokens of regard and friendship. The gilt is now off, the charm is gone, and the things are reduced to their money value. It affords me therefore a great relief to return the worthless pelf. One word of explana- tion I must add. In sending back the diamond ring I have no remark to make, for it is none the worse for wearing. I have had some scruples in- returning the same, since it has been worn for several years. I would have readily, if permitted, handed you the original cost of the shawl in Rupees. After some hesitation I return the horse and. the Atlas, as the former was a gift made jointly with your brother,