Letter : [Calcutta], to Richard Becher, 1780 Mar. 16.

Saying that Mr. Francis thanks him for his letter, however, he "is sorry to differ in opinion with you on the Subject of the Mahratta War;" saying that "if the Directors mean one thing and say another it were but fair to acquaint Gentlemen abroad of their Change of Sentiments. If they mean from a Commercial to become a predatory Body let it be announced, that Gentlemen may take their Line; That if arguments drawn from the soundest principles of Justice, and good Policy can have no Weight, but Events only are to decide the Right or Wrong of Questions; Let them judge from the Event; That for his part he is now indifferent to the Question further than as a member of the British Community, and as a considerable proprietor of India Stock, in both which Capacities he shall in time and place think himself entitled to state to the Public those Steps by which the Confidence of the Indian Powers in our good faith as a nation has been lost, our military Reputation tarnished if not destroyed, and the choicest Resources of the Nation wantonly squandered away, at a time when they are more than ever wanted."