s, full of prudence and rectitude, friendship
and politeness, of Mr. Hastings, possessed of great abilities and
understanding, and, by representing facts, remove the doubts that
have possessed the minds of the gentlemen in England;--that Mr.
Hastings distributed protection and security to religion, and
kindness and peace to all; he is free from the charge of
embezzlement and fraud, and that his heart is void of covetousness
and avidity; during the period of his government, no one
experienced from him other than protection and justice, never
having felt hardships from him, nor did the poor ever know the
weight of an oppressive hand from him; our characters and
reputations have always been guarded in quiet from attack by the
vigilance of his power and foresight, and preserved by the terror
of his justice; he never omitted the smallest instance of kindness
and goodness towards us and those entitled to it, but always
applied by soothings and mildness the salve of comfort to the
wounds of affliction, not allowing a single person to be
overwhelmed by despair; he displayed his friendship and kindness to
all; he destroyed the power of the enemies and wicked men by the
strength of his terror; he tied the hands of tyrants and oppressors
by his justice, and by this conduct he secured happiness and joy to
us; he reestablished the foundation of justice, and we at all
times, during his government, lived in comfort and passed our days
in peace; we are many, many of us satisfied and pleased with him.
As Mr. Hastings was perfectly well acquainted with the manners and
customs of these countries, he was always desirous of performing
that which would tend to the preservation of our religion, and of
the duties of our sects, and guard the religious customs of each
from the effects of misfortune and accidents; in every sense he
treated us with attention and respect. We have represented without
deceit what we have ourselves seen, and the facts that happened
from him."

This, my Lords, is in page 2374 of the printed Minutes.

* * * * *

My Lords, we spare you the reading of a great number of these
attestations; they are all written in the same style; and it must appear
to your Lordships a little extraordinary, that, as they are said to be
totally voluntary, a