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 CHAPTER II

Chequered Fortunes

1761-1769

'There is no page in our Indian history' — wrote Sir John Malcolm — 'so revolting as the four years of the weak and inefficient rule of Mr. Vansittart.' In yet stronger language Macaulay declared that the interval between Clive's first and second administration 'has left on the fame of the East India Company a stain not wholly effaced by many years of just and humane government.' It was indeed a dismal period for the honour of the British name. Vansittart himself was a well-meaning person of average probity, but little force of character. Hastings, who had much force of character, combined with rare abilities and a name thus far unblemished, was still young both in years and official standing as compared with the leading members of Vansittart's Council. Under the vicious system which, many years afterwards, was the bane of Hastings' own administration, all power for good or evil lay with the majority in a council whose President had only the casting vote. Vansittart and Hastings were