I had before received. Whatever his public conduct may be, I can safely offer you my opinion of his private character-that I never knew a man in my life who possessed more active virtues. He has talents also for every thing-for science as well as amusement; and all, who had had the opportunity of personally knowing him, love and esteem him. So far from being fond of money, he appears to me the most indifferent man I ever saw with regard to it-imprudently so indeed! That there is, and ever will be, peculation in India, is only saying it is not a desert; for where men are, some knaves will be found but there is as much virtue, principle, and active zeal here, as in any part of the world. The Company, until lately, considered mankind in a new light. They placed their Servants at a feast, where they were starving, and told them to help all but themselves. Tigers, according to the fable, are wiser; for though they take their own share, they leave something to their provider. People in England disdain patronage, but expect their protégées should reap the benefit of it: they condemn giving away sinecures, whilst the relations of the possessor thank the attention which has bestowed it. De cæteris idem.

"Your affectionate humble servant."

66

SIR

"TO N. SMITH, ESQ.

66

Aug. 1789.

The

"In nothing, perhaps, has the success of Lord Cornwallis's Administration been more apparent than in his political conduct. If you will revert to the embarrassed scene of politics in which we were plunged on his arrival, and compare the present system with it, you will find plain dealing substituted for intricate negociation, confidence for uncertainty, and reputation for a doubtful name. ambition and animosity of Tippoo have been checked and concealed-the Mahrattas find in our moderation the prospect of an useful alliance-the Nizam has surrendered what we claimed-Sindiah continues our friend—and the Berar Rajah is well disposed towards us. Nothing has been sacrificed to accomplish these objects; and the British Government holds the balance of power in India.

"That we have not neglected internal arrangements, you have received many proofs; and I have at last completed a Plan for the permanent Settlement of the Revenues. I know not whether you will receive it by the 'Swallow,' as it has not yet been deliberated upon at the Board. Many an hour of anxiety I spent in forming it; and after all, perhaps, it may disappoint public expectation. If pains,

zeal and assiduity could accomplish the object proposed in it, no part could be incomplete; but indisposition cannot be controlled; and a mind exhausted by business will find its powers sometimes deficient.

"I am, my Dear Sir,

"Your obliged and very sincere humble servant."

SIR

66 TO THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS.

"Bengal, Aug. 10, 1789.

"The detail of business, under the Bengal Government, will ever be laborious; but a system has been established by Lord Cornwallis which renders the detail less difficult than it was. The arrangements in the different departments and offices begin to acquire stability-the duty of each is definedand checks and restrictions have been imposed against innovations as well as abuses. Pretences are never wanting for alterations, under the specious form of amendments; but they are disregarded. Responsibility and trust are everywhere united; and the recompence is proportioned to them. Whilst Lord Cornwallis remains, I may venture to assert that alterations will be resisted; and I hope his successor, whoever he may be, will be more ready

to improve the existing system than to introduce a new one. One year of indolence, incapacity, or irresolution, would undo what has been accomplished with so much labour and sacrifice of private feeling. Innovations also alarm the natives, and give scope to their talents for intrigue.

"I have the honour to be,

"Honourable Sir,

"Your most obliged and obedient

"humble servant."

CHAPTER VII.

PERMANENT SETTLEMENT OF THE REVENUES-ORIENTAL PURSUITS.

In the summer of 1789, Mr. Shore completed the arduous task, the execution of which had occupied every hour that he could rescue from languor, sickness, and the ordinary routine of official duties -the preparation of the Decennial, or, as it proved, the Permanent Settlement of the Revenues of Bengal, Behar, and Orissa—a measure affecting the property, and involving the multifarious and conflicting rights and privileges of a population then amounting to nearly forty millions, including the inhabitants of the comparatively small portion of the territories in the Madras Presidency, to which it was subsequently extended. The extreme difficulty of effecting the proposed arrangement may be inferred from the failure of previous attempts to accomplish it, during the twenty-four years in which the revenues of the Three Provinces had been possessed by the East-India Company; whilst it required practical knowledge, which was wanting to the Company's Servants in consequence