I have written at some length, but the importance of the subject and my respect for your opinion are my excuse.
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To Sir Charles Wood.
Calcutta, May 9th, 1862.
[Sidenote: Orientals not satisfied with show of power.]
I know that it is customary with certain people whose opinions are entitled to respect, to act on the assumption that all Orientals are children, amused and gratified by external trappings and ceremonies and titles, and ready to put up with the loss of real dignity and power if they are only permitted to enjoy the semblance of it. I am disposed to question the correctness of this assumption. I believe, on the contrary, that the Eastern imagination is singularly prone to invest outward things with a symbolic character; and that relaxations on points of form are valued by them, chiefly because they are held necessarily to imply concessions on substantial matters.
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To Sir Charles Wood.
Calcutta, June 21st, 1862.
[Sidenote: Imprudence of a missionary.]