and negatived without a division; and the further consideration of the
charges was adjourned to that day three months. The prosecution of Sir
Elijah Impey was now closed, for the other charges were never taken into
consideration.

IMPEACHMENT OF WARREN HASTINGS.

In the meantime the impeachment of Hastings had been carried on with
great activity. In the early part of this session the commons had
appointed a committee of management for his impeachment, and on the 13th
of February his trial commenced with every solemnity that the forms of
official dignity could impart. The trial took place in Westminster-hall,
which was fitted up with great magnificence for the occasion; benches,
stages, and boxes were erected, and the old grey walls were hung with
scarlet. All the magnates of the land were assembled at this trial;
either to take part in the proceedings, or to act as mere spectators.

The first two days of the trial were occupied in the arrangement
of ceremonials. When all were seated the sergeant-at-arms made
proclamation, and called upon Warren Hastings, Esquire, to appear in
court. Hastings advanced, accompanied by his two bail, Sullivan and
Sumner, and the sergeant-at-arms again made proclamation, that whereas
charges of high crimes and misdemeanors had been exhibited by the house
of commons, in the name of themselves, and of all the commons of Great
Britain, against Warren Hastings, Esq., all persons were to take notice
that he now stood upon his trial, that they might come forth and
make good the said charges. Hastings was then addressed by the Lord
Chancellor Thurlow in the following terms:--"Warren Hastings, you stand
at the bar of this court charged with high crimes and misdemeanors, a copy
of which has been delivered to you: you have been allowed counsel, and
a long time has been given you for your defence; but this is not to
be considered as a particular indulgence to you, as it arose from the
necessity of the case; the crimes with which you are charged being
stated to have been committed in a distant place. These charges contain
the most weighty allegations, and they come from the highest authority.
This circumstance, however, though it carries with it the most serious
importance, is not to prevent you from making your defence in a firm and
collected manner, in the confidence that, as a British subject, you are
entitled to, and will receive full justice from a British court."
To this address Hastings