INEDITED LETTER OF WARREN HASTINGS.
The subjoined letter, believed to be unpublished, is so characteristic of the energy and decision of the great governor-general of India, that I think it worth recording in your publication. It appears to be written and signed by him immediately after, as when it came into my possession the bright sand then in use was adherent more or less to the whole document. Sir Philip Francis and the other signature are in a different ink, and were so awkwardly in their place, that it would indicate that those signatures were previously obtained.
H. W. D.
"To Capt. Robinson, Commander of the Morning Star.
(Secret Department.)
"Sir,
"You are hereby commanded to proceed down the River with this Tide, to seize all the French
pilot vessels and pilots which you may be able to find, and bring them up to Calcutta.
"A pilot will be sent on board you by the Master Attendant, who will furnish you with orders to him to point to you such pilot vessels as may be in the service of the French nation.
"In the execution of this service the utmost secrecy is to be observed.
We are, Sir,
Your most obedient servants,
Warren Hastings.
P. Francis.
Edw. Wheeler.
Fort William, 9th July, 1778."