These had every cause to dread the
effect of my influence on theirs; and both these, and the relations of
the family, whose views of consequence and power were intercepted by our
participation in the administration of his affairs, entertained a mortal
hatred to our nation, and openly avowed it." And the said Hastings was
well aware, that, in case the Nabob, by him described in the manner
aforesaid, on making such purchase, should continue to observe the
terms of his father's original covenants and engagements with the Rajah,
and should pay the Company the only tribute which he could lawfully
exact from the said Rajah, it was impossible that he could, for the mere
naked and unprofitable rights of a sovereignty paramount, afford to
offer so great a sum as the Rajah did offer to the said Hastings for his
redemption from oppression; such an acquisition to the Nabob (while he
kept his faith) could not possibly be of any advantage whatever to him;
and that therefore, if a great sum was to be paid by the Nabob of Oude,
it must be for the purpose of oppression and violation of public faith,
to be perpetrated in the person of the said Nabob, to an extent and in a
manner which the said Hastings was then apprehensive he could not
justify to the Court of Directors as his own personal act.
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