JAMES, an eminent geographer, was the son of a captain in the artillery, and was born near Chudleigh in Devonshire in 1742. His early distinction was gained in the active service of his country. He first came into note as a fearless and enterprising midshipman at the siege of Pondicherry. He next appeared more prominently as an officer in the Indian army of Lord Clive. His skill and bravery in that capacity soon marked him out for promotion. He was speedily raised to the rank of major. Not long afterwards he was appointed surveyor-general of Bengal, a post which he held until his severe wounds compelled him to return to England in 1782. Major Rennell, after his re-settlement in his native country, maintained a high place among men of learning. A Chart of Cape Lagulias, a Bengal Atlas, and a Map of Hindustan, had established his reputation as one of the first of English geographers. He was still adding to his fame by the able and thorough way in which he continued his investigations. His mind fixed itself keenly upon every geographical subject that was brought before it. All the provinces of literature were carefully and patiently explored for the needed information. His conclusions were drawn with acuteness and sagacity; and the results of his researches were laid up securely and methodically in his memory. Nor was he less facile in reproducing his acquisitions for the good of the public. He assisted Dr Vincent in writing the Voyage of Nearchus. He aided Sir William Jones in some of that great scholar's oriental works. He likewise illustrated Munro Park's travels by an accurate and elaborate map. At the same time his pen was busily employed in producing independent works of great and standard value. The most important of these were, The Geographical System of Herodotus, in 4to, London, 1800; and Observations on the Topography of the Plain of Troy, in 4to, 1814. At his death, in March 1830, Major Rennell was an F.R.S. of London and Edinburgh, and a member of the Royal Institute of France and of other foreign societies. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.