neral.

"I should gladly acquiesce in the motion made by Mr. Macpherson, if I
thought it possible to frame a letter to the Begums in any terms which
should at the same time convey the intimation proposed by it and not
defeat the purpose of it, or be productive of evils greater than any
which exist in consequence of the proceedings which have already taken
place, and which time has almost obliterated. The orders of the Court of
Directors are conditional; they require nothing, but in the event of
discoveries made subsequent to the advices which were before you on the
14th February last, in alleviation of the former conduct of the Begums.
Nothing has since appeared in relation to them, but their refusal, or
rather that of one, to fulfil her engagements for the payment of the
remainder of the sum exacted from her by the Nabob Vizier in the
beginning of last year. Whatever obedience may be due to the clear
ascertained spirit of the orders of the Court of Directors, this
obligation cannot extend to points to which neither the letter nor
evident spirit of their orders apply. If I am rightly informed, the
Nabob Vizier and the Begums are on terms of mutual good-will. It would
ill become this government to interpose its influence by any act which
might tend to revive their animosities: and a very slight occasion would
be sufficient to effect it. It will be to little purpose to tell them
that their conduct has, in our estimation of it, been very wrong, and at
the same time to announce to them the orders of our superiors, which
more than indicate the reverse. They will instantly take fire on such a
declaration, proclaim the judgment of the Company in their favor, demand
a reparation of the acts which they will construe wrongs with such a
sentence warranting that construction,--and either accept the
invitation, to the proclaimed scandal of the Vizier, which will not add
to the credit of our government, or remain in his dominions, but not
under his authority, to add to his vexations and the disorders of the
country, by continual intrigues and seditions. Enough already exists to
affect his peace, and the quiet of his people; if we cannot heal, let us
not inflame the wounds which have been inflicted.

"If the Begums think themselves aggrieved to such a degree as to justify
them in an appeal to a foreign jurisdiction,--to appeal to it against a
man standing in the relation of son and grandson to them,--to appeal to
the justice of those