The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke

commander-in-chief against the Nabob Fyzoola Khân, by representing the said Nabob "as
highly presuming, insolent, and evasive"; and knowing the distrust which the Nabob
Fyzoola Khân entertained of the Vizier, the said Hastings did "expressly desire it should be
left wholly to the Vizier to treat with the enemy by his own agents and in his own
manner,"—though he, the said Hastings, "by no means wished the Vizier to lose time by
seeking an accommodation, since it would be more effectual, more decisive, and more
consistent with his dignity, indeed with his honor, which he has already pledged, to abide
by his first offers, to dictate the conditions of peace, and to admit only an acceptance
without reservation, or a clear refusal, from his adversary": thereby affecting to hold up, in
opposition to and in exclusion of the substantial claims of justice, certain ideal obligations
of dignity and honor,—that is to say, the gratification of pride, and the observance of an
arrogant determination once declared.

XII. That, although the said answer did not reach the commander-in-chief until peace was
actually concluded, and although the dangerous consequences to be apprehended from the
said answer were thereby prevented, yet, by the sentiments contained in the said answer,
Warren Hastings, Esquire, did strongly evince his ultimate adherence to all the former
violent and unjust principles of his conduct towards the Nabob Fyzoola Khân, which
principles were disgraceful to the character and injurious to the interests of this nation; and
that the said Warren Hastings did thereby, in a particular manner, exclude himself from any
share of credit for "the honorable period put to the Rohilla war, which has in some degree
done away the reproach so wantonly brought on the English name."

PART II.

RIGHTS OF FYZOOLA KHÂN UNDER THE TREATY OF LALL-DANG.

<<   228   229   230   231   232   233   234   >>

More intriguing information