n the kingdom, and consequently was printed, I
believe, at the desire of the parties themselves. But however it became
known, it raised an extreme curiosity in the public to hear, when Mr.
Hastings could say nothing, after so many years, of his own concerns and
his own affairs, what satisfaction Mr. Larkins at last would give
concerning them. This letter was directed to Mr. Devaynes, Chairman of
the Court of Directors. It does not appear that the Court of Directors
wrote anything to India in consequence of it, or that they directed this
satisfactory account of the business should be given them; but some
private communications passed between Mr. Hastings, or his agents, and
Mr. Larkins. There was a general expectation upon this occasion, I
believe, in the House of Commons and in the nation at large, to know
what would become of the portentous inquiry. Mr. Hastings has always
contrived to have half the globe between question and answer: when he
was in India, the question went to him, and then he adjourned his answer
till he came to England; and when he came to England, it was necessary
his answer should arrive from India; so that there is no manner of doubt
that all time was given for digesting, comparing, collating, and making
up a perfect memory upon the occasion.

But, my Lords, Mr. Larkins, who has in custody Mr. Hastings's memory, no
small part of his conscience, and all his accounts, did, at last, in
compliance with Mr. Hastings's desire, think proper to send an account.
Then, at last, we may expect light. Where are we to look for accounts,
but from an accountant-general? Where are they to be met with, unless
from him? And accordingly, in that night of perplexity into which Mr.
Hastings's correspondence had plunged them, men looked up to the dawning
of the day which was to follow that star, the little Lucifer, which with
his lamp was to dispel the shades of night, and give us some sort of
light into this dark, mysterious transaction. At last the little lamp
appeared, and was laid on the table of this House of Commons, on the
motion of Mr. Hastings's friends: for we did not know of its arrival. It
arrives, with all the intelligence, all the memory, accuracy, and
clearness which Mr. Larkins can furnish for Mr. Hastings upon a business
that before was nothing but mystery and confusion. The account is
called,--

_"Copy of the particulars of the dates on which the component parts of
sundry sums included in the account o