The results of their labours during the next few years paved the way for that permanent settlement which Lord Cornwallis was to carry through[1].
In Hastings' long letter of April, 1781, to his home agents Major Scott, we may follow the workings of a remarkably clear, active, versatile brain upon the numerous questions with which at that time the great Governor had to deal. The letter travels over a wide range of subjects, from the abortive project of a Dutch treaty, the progress of the war, and the negotiations with Berár and the Nawáb of Arcot, to his own relations with Wheler and his various schemes of administrative reform. On most of these points something has been said already. His references to Wheler, who was now giving him steady support in Council, attest the easy kindliness of his own nature, and his fine sense of gratitude for services rendered by his new ally. 'I am easy and my colleague satisfied; and the public will reap the fruits of the good understanding which subsists between us.'
His efforts to simplify and expedite the conduct of public business are duly touched upon in the same letter, as well as the chief military reforms effected under his auspices by General Stibbert. There is another point on which he dwells with just pride. For many years past he had earnestly desired to 'bind men to the faithful discharge of their duty by the ties of honour and acknowledgment, to abolish fixed salaries, which are the scanty pay for dead and unprofitable labour;
- ↑ Gleig, Kaye.
