Page:The military history of the Madras engineers and pioneers, from 1743 up to the present time (IA militaryhistoryo01viba).pdf/11



obtained, some years ago, a tolerably accurate list of officers who had served in the Corps of Madras Engineers, I was urged by some friends to undertake the compilation of the Military History of the Corps from its commencement up to the present time. At first I was unwilling to attempt this, but the frequent persuasions of a friend, added to the deep interest I have always taken in the Corps, together with the feeling that, perhaps, if I did not take the matter up, nothing would be done, at last overcame my hesitation, and I commenced some six years ago to collect information.

I know well that there are many officers in the Corps who could have done greater justice to the subject, but I trust that my shortcomings will be overlooked by my friends, when they consider that at least I have done my best.

Although a great deal of the book must necessarily, I think, be dry, still I hope I have obtained information