On the 22d May, 1782, Captain Jaques’s humane proposal is thus replied to by Mr. Middleton.

“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 could 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.

       (Signed) “NATHANIEL MIDDLETON.”

I will now call your Lordships’ attention to other letters connected with this transaction.

     Letter from Major Gilpin to Mr. Middleton, June 5th, 1782.

     “Sir,—­Agreeably to your instructions, I went to the prisoners,
     Behar and Jewar Ali Khan, accompanied by Hoolas Roy, who read the
     papers respecting the balance now due, &c., &c.

“In general terms they expressed concern at not being able to discharge the same without the assistance of the Begum, and requested indulgence to send a message to her on that subject, and in the evening they would give an answer.

“I went at the time appointed for the answer, but did not receive a satisfactory one; in consequence of which I desired them to be ready, at the shortest notice, to proceed to Lucknow, and explained to them every particular contained in your letter of the 1st instant respecting them.

“Yesterday morning I sent for Letafit Ali Khan, and desired him to go to the Bhow Begum, and deliver the substance of my instructions to her, which he did, and returned with the inclosed letter from her.  From some circumstances which I have heard to-day, I am hopeful the prisoners will soon think seriously of their removal, and pay the balance rather than submit themselves to an inconvenient journey to Lucknow.”

     To Major Gilpin, commanding at Fyzabad, from Mr. Middleton.

“Sir,—­I have been favored with your letter of the 5th instant, informing me of the steps you had taken in consequence of my instructions of the 1st, and covering a letter from the Bhow Begum, which is so unsatisfactory that I cannot think of returning an answer to it.  Indeed, as all correspondence between the Begum and me has long been stopped, I request you will be pleased to inform her that I by no means wish to resume it, or maintain any friendly intercourse with her, until she has made good my claim upon her for the balance due.

“I have now, in conformity to my former instructions, to desire that the two prisoners, Behar and Jewar Ali Khan, may be immediately sent, under a sufficient guard, to Lucknow, unless, upon your imparting to them this intimation, either they or the Begum should actually pay the balance, or give you such assurances or security for the assets to be immediately forthcoming as you think can be relied upon; in which case you will of course suspend the execution of this order.”

     Mr. Richard Johnson to Major Gilpin.  Lucknow, 24th June, 1782.