The inscription reads "Presented by the Society of Madras to GEORGE, 8TH MARQUIS OF TWEEDDALE, K.T. and C.B., Governor and Commander-in-Chief, 1842-1848, As a Token of Respect and Esteem for his Public and Private Worth".

George, 8th Marquess of Tweeddale, K.T. (1787-1876) Field-Marshal; succeeded to the title in 1804. He served in Sicily, the Peninsular and America. He was Governor of Madras and Commander of troops, 1842-1848; General, 1854; and Field-Marshal in 1875.