n subjects. It would have been useless to discuss these
topics with him; but while I repeated my former declarations of our
being determined to give no ground in future for similar
complaints, he gave me the strongest assurances of his being
resolved to apply himself earnestly to the encouragement of
agriculture, and to endeavor to revive the commerce of his
country."

The second is dated the 25th April, 1788.

"Till I saw the Vizier's troops, I was not without hope that upon
an emergency he would have been able to have furnished us with some
useful cavalry; but I have no reason to believe that he has any in
his service upon which it would be prudent to place any dependence;
and I think it right to add, that his country appears to be in so
ruined a state, and his finances in so much disorder, that even in
case of war we ought not to depend upon any material support from
him."

My Lords, I have only to remark upon these letters, that, so far as they
go, they prove the effects of Mr. Hastings's reformation, from which he
was pleased to promise the Company such great things. But when your
Lordships know that he had left his dependant and minister, Hyder Beg
Khan, there, whose character, as your Lordships will find by a reference
to your minutes he has represented as black as hell, to be the real
governor there, and to carry on private correspondence with him here,
and that he had left Major Palmer, his private agent, for a considerable
time in that country to carry on his affairs, your Lordships will easily
see how it has come to pass that the Vizier, such a man as you have
heard him described to be, was not alone able to restore prosperity to
his country.

My Lords, you have now seen what was the situation of the country in
Sujah Dowlah's time, prior to Mr. Hastings's interference with the
government of it, what it was during his government, and what situation
it was in when Lord Cornwallis left it. Nothing now remains but to call
your Lordships' attention to perhaps the most extraordinary part of
these transactions. But before we proceed, we will beg leave to go back
and read to your Lordships the Nabob's letter of the 24th February,
1780.

"I have received your letter, and understand the contents. I cannot
describe the solidity of your friendship and brotherly affection
which subsisted between you and my late father. From the frie