Page:John Russell Colvin.djvu/66

58 and his company more desired and welcome than that of many far more sprightly and brilliant men. His understanding was excellent, his temper placid, his taste and tact exquisite; his disposition, notwithstanding his apparent gravity, cheerful; and under his cold exterior there was a heart overflowing with human kindness, and with the deepest feelings of affection, charity, and benevolence. Engaged from almost his earliest youth in politics and the chances and changes of public life, he had no personal enemies and many attached friends amongst men of all parties.'

Mr. Greville adds that Lord Fitzgerald (who was President of the Board of Control in the course of 1841) 'had never been more struck by anything than by the despatches and State papers of Lord Auckland, and that he had no sort of idea he was so able a man; that he was, with the one exception of John Russell, by far the ablest man of his party .'

At the time of Lord Auckland's arrival in India, the country was externally at peace. During the brief interregnum, between the departure of Lord William Bentinck and the arrival of his successor, Sir Charles Metcalfe had acted as Governor-General. With the support of Macaulay he had repealed all regulations imposing restrictions on the press. Now, legislation of a less popular kind was contemplated. The Black Act was impending, and a cloud hung over Calcutta. Over Burma and Nepál there was also a cloud. In the Punjab the atmosphere was not clear; while