“Sir,—­I have received the honor of your letter of the 20th.  The
     prisoners arrived here this morning.  Lieutenant Crow has delivered
     them over to Captain Waugh, and returns to you in a day or two.

“I think their hint to you a very good one, and worth improving upon.  Was the Bhow Begum to think that she must go to Allahabad, or any other place, while her palace is searched for the hidden treasure of the late Vizier, it might go further than any other step that can be immediately taken towards procuring payment of the balance outstanding.

“The prisoners are to be threatened with severities to-morrow, to make them discover where the balance may be procurable, the fear of which may possibly have a good effect; and the apprehensions of the Begum lest they should discover the hidden treasure may induce her to make you tenders of payment, which you may give any reasonable encouragement to promote that may occur to you.

“The jaghire cannot be released to her on any other terms, nor even to the Nabob, until the five lacs for which it was granted be paid up; and the prisoners must also be detained until the full fifty lacs be liquidated:  consequently nothing but the fear of an increase of demand, upon breach of the first engagement on her part, will induce her to prompt payment.”

     Letter from Mr. Richard Johnson to the Commanding Officer of the
     Guard.  Lucknow, 23d July, 1782.

“Sir,—­Some violent demands having been made for the release of the prisoners, it is necessary that every possible precaution be taken for their security.  You will therefore be pleased to be very strict in guarding them; and I herewith send another pair of fetters, to be added to those now upon the prisoners.”

     Letter from Robert Steere Allen to Richard Johnson, Esq., Acting
     Resident.  Lucknow, 23d July, 1782.

“Sir,—­I have received your instructions, and ordered the fetters to be added; but they are by much too small for their feet.  The utmost regard shall be paid to the security of the prisoners.  I have sent back the fetters, that you may have them altered, if you think proper.”

     Letter from Mr. Johnson to the Officer commanding the Guard. 
     Lucknow, 28th June, 1782.

“Sir,—­The Nabob having determined to inflict corporal punishment upon the prisoners under your guard, this is to desire that his officers, when they shall come, may have free access to the prisoners, and be permitted to do with them as they shall see proper, only taking care that they leave them always under your charge.”

I will now trouble your Lordships with the following passages from Mr. Holt’s evidence.