The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke

family, was shed, and in the same manner I, too, was wounded. Until now I feel the pain
and affliction of my wounds; and no person has regarded my solicitations for redress,
sought after the assassin, and brought him to condign punishment, yourself excepted."—"In
like manner as the Honorable Governor-General has adopted my brother Saadut Ali Khân
for his son and relieved him from the vexation, affliction, and dependence of this place,
would it be extraordinary that you also should, in your bounty and favor, consent to adopt
me, who do not possess the necessaries of life, and permit me to attend you to whatever part
of the world you may travel, whereby I shall at all times derive honor and advantage?
Formerly us three brothers, Saadut Ali, Mirza Jungly, and I, the poor and oppressed, were,
in the presence of our blessed father, whose soul rests in heaven, treated alike. Now the
ministers of this government put me upon a footing with our younger brothers, who have
lately left the zenanah, and whose expenses are small. On this scale, which is in every
respect insufficient for my maintenance, they pay the pitiful allowance only when it is their
pleasure to do it. My situation has for years past been increasing in wretchedness to a
degree that I am in want of daily bread, and my servants and animals are dying of hunger.
My distresses are so great that I have not been able to pay a daum to the surgeons for the
cure of my wounds; and they, too, are discouraged from affording me their assistance or
furnishing me with medicines. How, then, is it possible for me to exist? Considering you as
my patron, participating in my afflictions, I have represented the circumstances concerning
my situation; and I hope, from your friendship, that you will honor me with a favorable
answer."

XLVII. The Resident, Bristow, did also receive a strong application from three others of the
brethren of the reigning sovereign, called Mirza Hyder Ali, Mirza Ennayut Ali, and Mirza
Syef Ali, representing their very pitiable case, in a letter of the 9th of March, 1783, in

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