the progress of the English arms in Rohilcund, [for the aids afforded by the Vizier can scarcely claim a notice,] I will insert some observations on the tendency and effects of our engagements with the Vizier in the reduction of that territory. It is manifestly seen, that the Government of Bengal were either unacquainted with the virtue and extent of their compact with the Vizier, or that they avowedly assisted him in stripping one of their allies of his hereditary possession. It was roundly agreed to invest the Vizier with the dominion of Rohilcund, the limits of which were carried to the mountains on the north, and to the river Ganges on the west. Yet a large tract of the northern division of Rohilcund, was held by Zabitah Khan*, with whom the English were at this time in alliance, and bound by a treaty "to confirm to "him his ancient dominions, to consider him

as, a dependent on their favour, and that their "friends and enemies should be mutual."

THE Vizier, previously to the invasion of Rohilcund, had brought over to his interests Zabitah Khan; who, though of the Rohilla sect, and of near affinity to many of the chiefs, united with the Vizier against the cause of his nation. But he was severely punished for his treachery, and the dishonourble connexion he had form

*The son of Najeb-ud-Dowlah.

ed; for the Vizier, after the completion of the conquest, asserting that Zabitah Khan had during the war maintained a correspondence with the enemy, seized on all his territory east of the Ganges; and it remains at this day annexed to the Government of Oude.

The conduct of the Vizier also to the family of Mohubullah Khan*, evinces that every sentiment of honour and faith fell before the impulse of his ambition. This chief, who held the town and districts of Bissouly, either from having been involved in a domestic contest with those Rohilla states who appeared in arms against the Vizier, or from other motives, did not engage in the war. Before the army moved into Rohilcund, he sued the Vizier for protection in behalf of his family and property, which the prince, in strong and unequivocal terms, pledged to preserve in safety and honour. On this faith, Mohubullah Khan remained during the campaign at Bissouly; but on the Vizier's arrival at that place, he was, with his family, thrown into a rigorous confinement, pillaged of every article of value, and his women were treated with a disgraceful severity. In an address of Mohubullah to the English command

• The son of Dhoondy Khan, who has been already noticed in the Rohilla sketches.

ing officer, in which were also inclosed the original letters of the Vizier, granting an unreserved protection, he writes, "The Vizier has "deprived us of our country, of our riches, and

even of our honour; and, not contented with "that, he is going to send us prisoners to Fizeabad. "We desire no country, no riches, no house; "but at Bissouly are the tombs of our family

near them, and under some shade, we beg per"mission to pass, as mendicants, the remainder

of our days. Relying on the Vizier's pro"mises, we remained in this country; other"wise, we should, like the other chiefs, have "fled, and preserved our character and honour; "these, with our effects, he has taken away; "and how he has dishonoured us, is known to "all." The Vizier is said to have exercised an indecent rigour towards the female prisoners of the Rohillas who fell into his hands; and he is accused also of having violated the chastity of some women of the family of Hafiz Rhamut*. The last allegation is not supported by any substantial authority; nor indeed, are such acts of outrage common amongst the most intemperate

* Shujah-ud-Dowlah was impressed with so lively a sense of indignation, at the disgrace, as well as the injustice of this charge, that he burst into tears, when he was informed that it had been- believed by the English commanding officer.

Mahometans; who, however prone to other excesses, are not often seen tearing asunder the veil of the haram.

THE oppressions and rapacity of the Vizier in the course of the conquest, affixed a deep stain on the English character. The vanquished naturally supposed, that the hand which had led him to victory, could have been efficiently exerted in restraining his violence. The cause specifically held out by the Vizier for making war on the Rohillas, was their withholding payment of the sum which they had offered for the service of an English brigade. It has been shewn that the brigade did not arrive in Rohilcund at a due season for the Marhattas had, in two successive years, committed wide devastations in that country, and were leaving it when the English troops appeared. The arguments used by the Vizier, in support of the invasion, were weakly maintained, on either a principle of equity or reason: and his purposes might have been effected without the exhibition of so wretched a cloak. In countries where the paths of rectitude and honour are more precisely described and adhered to than in Hindostan, the political usage of princes does not widely deviate from the conduct pursued by Shujah-ud-Dowlah in insuring success to his schemes of ambition. But what can be urged in vindication

of the English, who, to gratify a rapacious ally, and without even acquiring an adequate benefit to the state, effected the destruction of a nation, against whom they could not fabricate a specious cause of complaint?

THE subject of the Rohilla war hath already been so widely dilated by those who promoted, and those who have condemned, the measure, that I am fearful of giving disgust by any further enlargement; nor does the discussion properly belong to the purpose of this essay: yet I cannot refrain from pointing at the ill policy of the English, in annexing Rohilcund to the dominion of the Vizier. The injustice of the act, with the severe effects that followed, are now admitted by most classes of men; and has imprinted a deep stain on the British name in India. The Government of Bengal, in assigning a reason for investing the Vizier with the possession of Rohilcund, asserted, that the more powerful this prince became, the greater advantage would accrue to them from his alliance. The disposition of Shujah-ud-Dowlah must have been ill known to the English, or they would not have urged so frail an argument. Jealous of authority, and insatiably ambitious, he had already felt a keen resentment at the encroachments of Bengal on his prerogative, and national power, the pre