Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/606

Rh appeal on an admittedly momentous question of social reformation; but they believe that the disastrous events, which shook the foundation of the empire in 1857, over-shadowed, for the time being, all considerations of internal progress.

"The empire has, however, under the benign dispensation of Providence, entered upon a new era of peace, progress and prosperity, and your Honor's Administration has been distinguished by not a few measures connected with the material and social improvement of the people. It is the fervent hope and prayer of your petitioners that before your Honor laid down the responsibilities of your office, your Honor might signalize the close of your long and successful career by emancipating the females of Bengal from the pains, cruelties and attendant crimes of the debasing custom of Polygamy.

"And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.

On the 19th March, 1866, a deputation consisting of Raja Satya Saran Ghoshal of Bhukailas, Pandits Bharat Chandra Siromani and Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, Babus Dwarka Nath Mitter,