[183] An author for whom I entertain sincere respect, and with whose sentiments my own, in most points, coincide, startled at the means taken to deceive Omichund, expresses an opinion, "That the principles of honour and integrity should have prescribed a more open conduct, even at somewhat greater expense of danger."—Grant's Sketches of India, p. 162. We should quite agree in this opinion, if the danger was personal to the individuals; but when it was that of the State, we should find it as difficult to point out the exact line of demarcation to be observed by men entrusted with its interests, as to define what should be the conduct of a lawyer in a particular case, where his personal feelings and general principles of action were in opposition to his duty to his client and to his professional reputation.
[184] I received from Lord Powis several trunks full of his father's papers unexamined by himself. In these were documents of every description, from copies of all his despatches, to the most private notes: and I have not discovered one line that can justify the sweeping assertion of Mr. Mill.
[185] Pol. India, vol. ii.
[186] A remarkable instance of this mode of paying those concerned in such important transactions, is afforded in the treaty of peace with Tippoo Sultaun, concluded by Lord Cornwallis in 1792. Thirty lacs of rupees were demanded, and given as Durbar khurutch (or Durbar expenses), avowedly to be distributed amongst the officers concerned in settling the treaty. Lord Cornwallis, it may be observed, obtained no share of this money: but it may be answered, that while a commander, in Lord Clive's situation, had not 3000l. per annum of direct salary, and could have no expectation of pecuniary reward in England, Lord Cornwallis had 30,000l. per annum, besides a donation of 100,000l. from the Government he so ably served; which, with a liberal wisdom that does it honour, after that nobleman's death gave 60,000l. to his son and successor.
[187] Political India, vol. ii. p. 188.
[188] 180,000l.
[189] It appears from his papers and accounts that he gave away large sums, not only to those who had personal claims upon him, but to others whose merit, as public servants, had not, he thought, been sufficiently rewarded.
[190] Mill's History of British India, vol. iii. p. 454.