“You have been duly informed of all the circumstances relative both to the murder of the innocent, and of my being wounded, as well by my former letter, as by the messenger whom you sent to inquire into the state of my health; and I have every reason to hope, from your known kindness, that you will not be deficient in seeking out the assassin. I am at this moment overwhelmed in misfortune.  Whilst the blood is flowing from my wounds, neither I nor my children nor my servants have wherewithal to procure subsistence; nor have I it in my power either to purchase remedies or to reward the physician:  it is for the sake of God alone that he attends me.  Thus loaded with calamity upon calamity, I am unable to support life; for I find no relief from any affliction either day or night.  Do you now stand in the place of my father; grant me fresh life by speedy acts of benevolence.

“For these two last years his Excellency established a pension for me of twenty thousand rupees; but I never received the full amount of it, either last year or the year before.  Should it, however, be paid me, though inadequate to my desires, I shall still be enabled to support myself.  From the beginning of this year to the present time I have not received a farthing, nor do I expect any; though, if you afford protection to the oppressed, all my wishes will be accomplished.  I was desirous of waiting on you with my family, that you might be an eye-witness to their condition; but I was advised not to stir out on account of my wounds.  What more can I say?”

* * * * *

The following Extracts are made from the Third Letter from the same Prince, dated January 15, 1784.

“The particulars of the late and unforeseen misfortune with which I have been overwhelmed are not unknown unto you,—­that the innocent blood of my aunt, the prop and ruler of my family, was shed, and in the same manner I, too, was wounded.  Until now I feel the pain and affliction of my wounds; and no person has regarded my solicitations for redress, sought after the assassin, and brought him to condign punishment, yourself excepted.”—­“In like manner as the Honorable Governor-General has adopted my brother Saadut Ali Khan for his son and relieved him from the vexation, affliction, and dependence of this place, would it be extraordinary that you also should, in your bounty and favor, consent to adopt me, who do not possess the necessaries of life, and permit me to attend you to whatever part of the world you may travel, whereby I shall at all times derive honor and advantage?  Formerly us three brothers, Saadut Ali, Mirza Jungly, and I, the poor and oppressed, were, in the presence of our blessed father, whose soul rests in heaven, treated alike.  Now the ministers of this government put me upon a footing with our younger brothers, who have lately left the zenanah, and whose expenses are small.  On this scale, which is in every respect insufficient