the Mahrattas was the first object; to conciliate their
alliance, and that of every other power in natural enmity with Hyder
Ali, the next. Instant measures were taken (as our general advices will
inform you) to secure both these points, and to employ the government
of Berar as the channel and instrument of accomplishing them. Its army
still lay on our borders, and in distress for a long arrear of pay, not
less occasioned by the want of pecuniary funds than a stoppage of
communication. An application had been made to us for a supply of money;
and the sum specified for the complete relief of the army was sixteen
lacs. We had neither money to spare, nor, in the apparent state of that
government in its relation to ours, would it have been either prudent or
consistent with our public credit to have afforded it. It was
nevertheless my decided opinion that some aid should be given,--not less
as a necessary relief than as an indication of confidence, and a return
for the many instances of substantial kindness which we had within the
course of the last two years experienced from the government of Berar. I
had an assurance that such a proposal would receive the acquiescence of
the board; but I knew that it would not pass without opposition, and it
would have become public, which might have defeated its purpose.
Convinced of the necessity of the expedient, and assured of the
sincerity of the government of Berar, from evidences of stronger proof
to me than I could make them appear to the other members of the board, I
resolved to adopt it, and take the entire responsibility of it upon
myself. In this mode a less considerable sum would suffice. I
accordingly caused three lacs of rupees to be delivered to the minister
of the Rajah of Berar, resident in Calcutta: he has transmitted it to
Cuttack. Two thirds of this sum I have raised by my own credit, and
shall charge it in my official accounts; the other third I have supplied
from the cash in my hands belonging to the Honorable Company. I have
given due notice to Moodajee Boosla of this transaction, and explained
it to have been a private act of my own, unknown to the other members of
the Council. I have given him expectations of the remainder of the
amount required for the arrears of his army, proportioned to the extent
to which he may put it in my power to propose it as a public gratuity by
his effectual orders for the recall of these troops, or for their
junction with ours.

I hope