Farewell to India

Lachlan Macquarie's journal in the months January-March describe his final days in India — after beginning his military service in Bombay in August 1788. The most poignant entry appears on 16 March when he makes a final visit to the grave of his first wife, Jane (nee Jarvis), who died in 1796 in Macao; and whose body he brought back to India for burial in Bombay.
See inscription: Jane Macquarie's Tomb

Return to Britain

The next journal (18 March - 17 October 1807) describes Macquarie's voyage through the Persian Gulf and the overland journey through present-day Iraq, Iran, Russia and Denmark. Macquarie was accompanied by his manservant 'George Jarvis' and Lieutenant George W. Brande (HEIC); Assistant-Surgeon William Thomas (HEIC) and Major Robert O'Neill (56th Regiment of Foot).

A contemporary description of part of this journey, relating to events in Persia (Iran), can be found in the Asiatic Annual Register for the Year 1808. Vol. X [publ. 1811].

These transcripts and associated research and images formed part of a public exhibition held at Macquarie University Library (26 September - 5 November 2007) and are also available on the associated website entitled:
Imperial Eyes 1807: Lachlan Macquarie in Iraq, Iran, Russia & Denmark.