Page:The Marquess Cornwallis and the Consolidation of British Rule.djvu/127

Rh rogues, every native of Hindustán (I really believe) corrupt, and Benares 600 miles from Calcutta, there was a danger, unless it was put into good hands, of the old system being in some degree continued.

'As I had the prosperity of Benares most exceedingly at heart, and as I felt that nothing could tend so much as a good management of that Province to raise our character and reputation in the remotest parts of Hindustán, I determined on this occasion to make a very great sacrifice, and, much against his own will, appointed Mr. Jonathan Duncan, the Secretary of the Public and Revenue departments, to that office. Perhaps you are not acquainted with Mr. Duncan's character: he is held in the highest estimation by every man, both European and native, in Bengal, and, next to Mr. Shore, was more capable of assisting me, particularly in revenue matters, than any man in this country. I am sorry to say that I have every reason to believe that at present almost all the Collectors are, under the name of some relation or friend, deeply engaged in commerce, and, by their influence as Collectors and Judges of Adálat, they become the most dangerous enemies to the Company's interest and the greatest oppressors of the manufactures. I hope you will approve of the additional allowances and the commission we have given to the Collectors, for without them it was absolutely impossible that an honest man could acquire the most moderate competency. After this liberality, I make no scruple in issuing the