"
XXXVI. That, in about two months after the said prisoners had continued
in irons in the manner aforesaid, the officer on guard, in a letter of
the 18th May, did represent to the Resident as follows. "The prisoners,
Behar and Jewar Ali Khan, who seem to be very sickly, have requested
their irons might be taken off for a few days, that they might take
medicine, and walk about the garden of the place where they are
confined. Now, as I am sure _they will be equally secure without their
irons as with them_, I think it my duty to inform you of this request: I
desire to know your pleasure concerning it." To which letter the said
officer did receive a direct refusal, dated 22d May, 1782, in the
following words. "I am sorry it is not in my power to comply with your
proposal of easing the prisoners for a few days of their fetters. Much
as my humanity may be touched by their sufferings, I should think it
inexpedient to afford them any alleviation while they persist in a
breach of their contract with me: and, indeed, no indulgence can be
shown them without the authority of the Nabob, who, instead of
consenting to moderate the rigors of their situation, would be most
willing to multiply them":--endeavoring to join the Nabob, whom he well
knew to be reluctant in the whole proceeding, as a party in the
cruelties by which, through the medium of her servants, it was intended
to coerce his mother.
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