In consequence of this grant, so by him purchased, the Rajah was
solemnly invested with the government in the city of Benares, "amidst
the acclamations of a numerous people, and to the great satisfaction of
all parties." And the said Harper, in his letter of the 8th October,
1770, giving an account of the investiture aforesaid, did express
himself in these words: "I will leave the young Rajah and others to
acquaint you how I have conducted myself; only thus much let me say,
that I have kept a strict eye not to diminish our national honor,
disinterestedness, and justice, which I will conclude has had a greater
effect in securing to the Company their vast possessions than even the
force of arms, however formidable, could do." The President of Calcutta
testified his approbation of the said Harper's conduct in the strongest
terms, that is, in the following: "Your disinterestedness has been
equally distinguishable as your abilities, and both do you the greatest
honor."
IV. That the agreement between the Rajah and Nabob aforesaid continued
on both sides without any violation, under the sanction and guaranty of
the East India Company, for three years, when Warren Hastings, Esquire,
being then President, did propose a further confirmation of the said
grant, and did, on the 12th of October, 1773, obtain a delegation for
himself to be the person to negotiate the same: it being his opinion, as
expressed in his report of October 4th, 1773, that the Rajah was not
only entitled to the inheritance of his zemindary by the grants through
Captain Harper, but that the preceding treaty of Allahabad, though
literally expressing no more than a security personal to Bulwant Sing,
did, notwithstanding, in the true sense and import thereof, extend to
his posterity; "and that it had been differently understood" (that is,
not literally) "by the Company, and by this administration; and the
Vizier had _before_ put it out of all dispute by the solemn act passed
in the Rajah's favor on his succession to the zemindary.
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