drew. Nundcomar was asked what he had to say further in
support of his own evidence. Upon which he produces a letter from Munny
Begum, the dancing-girl that I have spoken of, in which she gives him
directions and instructions relative to his conduct in every part of
those bribes; by which it appears that the corrupt agreement for her
office was made with Mr. Hastings through Nundcomar, before he had
quitted Calcutta. It points out the execution of it, and the manner in
which every part of the sum was paid: one lac by herself in Calcutta;
one lac, which she ordered Nundcomar to borrow, and which he did borrow;
and a lac and a half which were given to him, Mr. Hastings, besides this
purchase money, under color of an entertainment. This letter was
produced, translated, examined, criticized, proved to be sealed with the
seal of the Begum, acknowledged to have no marks but those of
authenticity upon it, and as such was entered upon the Company's
records, confirming and supporting the evidence of Nundcomar, part by
part, and circumstance by circumstance. And I am to remark, that, since
this document, so delivered in, has never been litigated or controverted
in the truth of it, from that day to this, by Mr. Hastings, so, if there
was no more testimony, here is enough, upon this business. Your
Lordships will remark that this charge consisted of two parts: two lacs
that were given explicitly for the corrupt purchase of the office; and
one lac and a half given in reality for the same purpose, but under the
color of what is called an entertainment.

Now in the course of these proceedings it was thought necessary that Mr.
Hastings's banian, Cantoo Baboo, (a name your Lordships will be well
acquainted with, and who was the minister in this and all the other
transactions of Mr. Hastings,) should be called before the board to
explain some circumstances in the proceedings. Mr. Hastings ordered his
banian, a native, not to attend the sovereign board appointed by
Parliament for the government of that country, and directed to inquire
into transactions of this nature. He thus taught the natives not only to
disobey the orders of the Court of Directors, enforced by an act of
Parliament, but he taught his own servant to disobey, and ordered him
not to appear before the board. Quarrels, duels, and other mischiefs
arose. In short, Mr. Hastings raised every power of heaven and of hell
upon this subject: but in vain: the inquiry went on.

Mr. Ha