Star.
London, England, 1828-07-21 00:00:00

FROM THE MADRAS GAZETTE.

We have much pleasure in giving insertion, to the
subjoined Address to the Advocate-General, on the
occasion of his departure from this Presidency, together
..ith the Learned Gentleman's reply at the time of its
presentation :
TO HERBERT CO3IPTON, ESQ.
Barrister-at-Law, in the Supreme Court, and Honourable Com-

pany's Advocate-General, at Madras.
Sts,—We, the undersigned Inhabitants of Madras, in the belief
that the disinterested and consequently, sincere approbation of those
from whom you are about to depart, cannot but be acceptable to
you, beg leave to offer you the assurance of the high regard, ad-
miration, and respect, in which we hold your conduct and charac-
ter; and to express out deep and unfeigned regret at your approach-
ing departure.
Your long and brilliant career at this Presidency has been dis-
tinguished, not only by energy of mind and character, by unwearied
assiduity, and by professional skill and ahility, more than equal to
the arduous labours imposed upon you, but by qualities of a higher
and rarer description—by sympathy with the distressed—by a
strung sense of justice and charity—by a heart and mind capable
of feeling and appreciating the sufferings of others—and by a liberal
spirit infinitely .above. the influence of mercenary advantages,
when such considerations called fur the influence of your heart in
opposition to your interest.
Frequently have you compromised and conciliated those disputes
which it would have been your interest to have promoted; and
often have you lent your powerful influence and aid to rescue from
misery or destruction those who lacked all means, save gratitude,
of rewarding the exertion.
You carry away with you, Sir, front our shores, a higher recom-
pense and reward than any we could offer—a consciousness of rec-
titude and of having benefited your fellow-men. Nevertheless.
it is but natural that a community so highly impressed with obli-
gations to you, and with so much cause to be grateful, should be
anxious to establish some permanent record of its gratitude, and
in that sense we have to entreat your acceptance of a Silver Vase,
bearing an Inscription commemorative of the interest and objects
of the present Address, which are—to record an honourable testi.
munial of your exalted character, and the high esteem in which
your virtues as a man and professional taleucs are held by the com-
munity of Madras.

When you left this Presidency, in 1814, we expressed a hope,
which has been fully realized, that you would return gala
among us. We now again indulge in an anticipation, and may
it be equally verified, that at no very distant period you may once
more come back, with still higher honours than those you have
already obtained; and in an elevated situation, wherein you
may not only continue to advocate justice, but be enabled to dis-
pense it, with all the advantages of your experience, integrity,
and nobler nature.

We have the honour to be,
With the greatest respect, Sir,
Your most obedient and faithful servants.
[Here follow the signatures of one hundred and forty-one inhabi-

taats of the Settlement.]

Madras,•February 21K, 1828.
After the Address had been read, Mr. Compton re-
plied as follows:
Gmerunivt—When, on my departure from Madras, fourteen
years ago, I was gratified by receiving a public assurance, from
several respectable natives, that I bad conducted myself, profes-
sionally, so as to deserve a distinguished mark of their regard; and
when they then pointed to my appointment to fill the situation that
I am now about to resign, I little expected that I should again re-
turn to this Fcesidency,• or be favoured with that gratifying ex-
pression of yossr kindness now conveyed to rue.
While I offer to you my most sincere tbanks for the kind manner
in which you have described my professional character and ser-
vices, I am quite aware that your liberal feelings have induced you
greatly to over-rate what I have dune, or have attempted to do:
and if opportunities have been afforded to me, more frequently
than to others, of conducting proceedings in the Supreme Court to
a successful result, or of otherwise terminating controversies satis-
factorily—these advantages may be chi. fly ascribed to a confidence
which I have acquired trum having lived long among you, And to
the knowledge which expvricnce has given MC of your habits, your
usages,and your character.
From the period when I commenced my professional career, and
during all the time that I have practised at )dadras, I have endea-
voured to mediate between, and to reconcile conflicting parties,
and to perform my duty itt a conscientious manner, according to
the utmost of toy ability. Bet in no other manner have I deserved
the favourable expressions of commendation which you have con-
veyed to me.
Although I am about to quit Madras, perhaps for ever, I shall
always reflect with satisfaction en the OCCLIOUS that have enabled