he knowledge of it? We got it from Major
Gilpin, who was examined in the course of these proceedings; and we used
it in our charge, from the papers that we hold in our hands. Mr.
Hastings has confessed the fact; and Mr. Middleton has endeavored to
slur it over, but could not completely conceal it. We have established
the fact, and it is in evidence before your Lordships.

You have now, then, in this manner, got these testimonials given by
English officers in favor of these women; and by the same means the
letters of the latter accusing the former are come to your hands: and
now these same English officers come here with their recriminatory
accusation. Now why did they not make it at Lucknow? Why did not Mr.
Hastings, when Mr. Middleton had such papers for him in his hands, why,
I ask, did not Mr. Hastings procure some explanation of the
circumstances whilst he was in India? I will read your Lordships the
letter, that you may not only know, but feel, the iniquity of this
business.

_Letter from the Mother of the Vizier to Mr. Hastings; received the
6th of January, 1782._

"Our situation is pretty well, and your good health is constantly
prayed for. I had sent Behar Ali Khan to you. Accordingly people
invented a falsehood, that Behar Ali Khan was gone to get the
deputyship of the Subah; and some persons here were saying,
'Wherefore has she sent Behar Ali Khan to Calcutta to the Nabob
Amaud ul Dowlah? We will never permit the affair to succeed.' And
accordingly it has so happened. For they say that you also have not
put your seal to the treaty: and the people here say, 'Why does the
noble lady correspond with the English gentlemen?' On this account,
I did not send a letter at the time when you came this way. Now the
state of affairs here is thus. On the 27th Zehedja, Asoph ul Dowlah
Banadur, without my knowledge, sent his own aumils into my
jaghires. I accordingly wrote several times to Mr. Middleton on
this business: that his seal was to the treaty and writing of
discharge; why did he not negotiate in my favor? Mr. Middleton
replied, 'The Nabob is the master.' I wrote frequently, but without
effect. Being helpless, I represent to you the state of my affairs,
that, notwithstanding the existence of this treaty, I have been
treated in this manner. It is useless for me to stay here. Whatever
is is a compact; when