Genealogical memoirs of the family of Robert Burns and of the Scottish house of Burnes

THE FAMILY OF ROBERT BURNS. 25
different subordinate offices, he was posted in February 1823
to the 18th Native Infantry, stationed at Bombay. In 1824
he was, after a competition in the native language, appointed
surgeon to the Presidency at Cutch. In 1827 his professional
services were at Hyderabad rendered to the Ameer of Scinde,
by whom they were highly appreciated. His "Narrative of
the Court of Scinde," published in 1829, contributed to his
literary reputation. On sick leave he returned to Britain
in 1834, when the University of Glasgow conferred upon
him the degree of LL.D., and the Eoyal Society elected him
a Fellow. From William IV. he received the honour of
Guelphic knighthood. At Edinburgh he was entertained at
a public banquet, and on the occasion presented with a silver
vase with a commendatory inscription. He improved his three
years' furlough by preparing a work on the history of the
Knights Templars, which was published in 1840. In Decem-
ber 1837 he returned to Bombay, when he was appointed
surgeon to the garrison. In 1841 he was elected secretary
to the Medical Board, and in 1846 was promoted as superin-
tending surgeon. With the rank of physician-general he
was in 1847 transferred to the Poonah division. In 1848 he
obtained a seat at the Medical Board. After a service of
twenty-eight years, he in July 1849 retired from his profes-
sional duties in India. Before leaving Bombay he received
complimentary addresses from various public! bodies to which
he had been helpful. He had officiated as Grand Master
of the Freemason lodges of Western India, and on his depar-
ture the brethren presented him with several splendid gifts,
and founded in his honour four medals, of which one was to
be competed for in the academy of Montrose. On his return
to Britain, Dr Burnes occupied a portion of his time in pre-