“22d January, 1824. Letter of Mr. Meriton to Nowrojee Jansetjee, head builder in the Bombay Dock-Yard.
Dear Sir,- As I am now retiring from the important situation that I have lately filled, as head of the Bombay marine, ] cannot quit that station without expressing my sentiments on the subject of its Dock-yard. I take occasion to remark, that I found the building establishment under the management of your late venerable and highly respectable father, Jamsetjee Bomanjee. It would be superfluous in me to dictate on the qualifications of that venerable Architect, as he has sent forth sufficient instances of his skill in naval construction to make any remark unnecessary. But it remains for me to bear testimony of his unremitting zeal and attention in performing those duties which occurred under my superintendence, and 1 beseech you to believe, that I hold his character in grateful remembrance. The loss of this excellent man would have been most severely felt, had not you been left to supply his place ; and I hold it due to the department, to the public, and to yourself, to declare, that the Bombay Dock-yard has lost nothing of its celebrity, or its excellence, in the construction of those ships which have been sent forth under your management; nor has your zeal and ability been less conspicuous than your cordiality of operation, while under my superintendence. The following is a list of vessels constructed in the Bombay Dock-yard, during my administration in the marine; viz.
For his Majesty's navy: 5 Line of battle ships,4 Frigates, 4 Sloops of war, For the East India Company: 3 Cruizers, 10 pilot brigs, 2 light vessels, 1 Large Indiaman, 4 Merchant ships, will better testify the importance of the Bombay Dock-yard establishment than any arguments of mine ; and it is with great pleasure I learn, that orders have been received for the continuance of the contructiun of ships for his Majesty's navy; an event upon which I sincerely congratulate yourself and the whole of the building establishment. I cannot take leave of this subject without expressing my satisfaction with the conduct of the subordinate officers of your department; and it will be a pleasurable part of my duty to bring the same to the notice of Government. In conclusion, I beseech you to accept my best wishes for your health and prosperity.
Believe me, dear Sir, yours very faithfully, (Signed) Henry Meriton”
Source
The Oriental herald and colonial review [ed. by J.S. Buckingham]. 1826, p. 591.
Note
1. See also the other notes on this weblog dealing with the Bombay dockyard.
