History of The French in India- From the Founding of Pondicherry in 1674 to the Capture of that Place in 1761

Preface A QUARTER of a century has passed away since I first offered this volume to the British public. During that time it has made the tour of Europe. It has been translated into French; quoted largely by Italian writers; read with avidity in Germany; and has procured for the author appreciative letters from distinguished men. Within the last three years the demand for it has been so continuous that I have been asked to edit a new edition. This must be my excuse for once more introducing it to the public.

Since I brought out the book in 1868 I have largely prosecuted my studies in Indian history, especially in the history of the periods immediately preceding and running partial to the events of which I treat in this volume. I am bound to add that the increased know- ledge has not brought to light any errors of importance. The reasons for the conduct of La Bourbonnais after the capture of Madras, my account of which one writer challenged four years ago, have been found, after the most exhaustive examination, to have been correctly stated in the next edition. They, therefore, appear here unaltered.

**Contents and Sample Pages**