n the first instance,
"_and to appeal_" (to use his own words) "_to the laws of his country,
in order to vindicate his fame_." But his performance could not have
more weight to infer delinquency than his promise. Your Committee think
his observation comes too late.

If he had stood a trial, when he first acknowledged the facts, and
submitted himself to the judgment of the Court of Directors, the suit
would have been carried on under the direction of General Clavering,
Colonel Monson, and Mr. Francis; whereas in the year 1779 his influence
at the board gave him the conduct of it himself. In an interval of four
years it may be presumed that great alterations might have happened in
the state of the evidence against him.

In the subsequent proceedings of the Governor-General and Council the
House will find that Mr. Barwell complained that his instances for
carrying on the prosecution were ineffectual, owing to the legal
difficulties and delays _urged by the Company's law officers_, which
your Committee do not find have yet been removed. As far as the latest
advices reach, no progress appears to have been made in the business. In
July, 1782, the Court of Directors found it necessary to order an
account of all suits against Europeans depending in the Supreme Court of
Judicature to be transmitted to them, and that no time should be lost in
bringing them to a determination.

SALTPETRE.

The next article of direct monopoly subservient to the Company's export
is saltpetre. This, as well as opium, is far the greater part the
produce of the province of Bahar. The difference between the management
and destination of the two articles has been this. Until the year 1782,
the opium has been sold in the country, and the produce of the sale laid
out in country merchandise for the Company's export. A great part of the
saltpetre is sent out in kind, and never has contributed to the interior
circulation and commerce of Bengal. It is managed by agency on the
Company's account. The price paid to the manufacturer is invariable.
Some of the larger undertakers receive advances to enable them to
prosecute their work; but as they are not always equally careful or
fortunate, it happens that large balances accumulate against them.
Orders have been sent from Calcutta from time to time to recover their
balances, with little or no success, but with great vexation to all
concerned in the manufacture. Sometimes they have imprisoned the failing
cont