The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke

"You have been duly informed of all the circumstances relative both to the murder of the
innocent, and of my being wounded, as well by my former letter, as by the messenger
whom you sent to inquire into the state of my health; and I have every reason to hope, from
your known kindness, that you will not be deficient in seeking out the assassin. I am at this
moment overwhelmed in misfortune. Whilst the blood is flowing from my wounds, neither I
nor my children nor my servants have wherewithal to procure subsistence; nor have I it in
my power either to purchase remedies or to reward the physician: it is for the sake of God
alone that he attends me. Thus loaded with calamity upon calamity, I am unable to support
life; for I find no relief from any affliction either day or night. Do you now stand in the
place of my father; grant me fresh life by speedy acts of benevolence.

"For these two last years his Excellency established a pension for me of twenty thousand
rupees; but I never received the full amount of it, either last year or the year before. Should
it, however, be paid me, though inadequate to my desires, I shall still be enabled to support
myself. From the beginning of this year to the present time I have not received a farthing,
nor do I expect any; though, if you afford protection to the oppressed, all my wishes will be
accomplished. I was desirous of waiting on you with my family, that you might be an eye-
witness to their condition; but I was advised not to stir out on account of my wounds. What
more can I say?"

The following Extracts are made from the Third Letter from the same Prince, dated

January 15, 1784.

"The particulars of the late and unforeseen misfortune with which I have been overwhelmed
are not unknown unto you,—that the innocent blood of my aunt, the prop and ruler of my

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