58 



1793, prevailed throughout all the subsequent season throughout 

 the whole of the northern provinces, but was especially felt in the 

 dominions of the Nabob Vizier of Oude. Even in the fertile and 

 well-cultivated districts subject to the control of the English go- 

 vernment, a very alarming scarcity prevailed, which would proba- 

 bly, but for the timely precautions adopted, have proved of irreme- 

 diable injury. In the Nabob Vizier's territories, where order was 

 wanting, and where industry is by no means a characteristic, the 

 inhabitants were reduced to the utmost distress. The more opulent 

 had hoarded up their grain ; some, perhaps, did so under the li- 

 mited and prudent intention of securing their own families from 

 want, while many, foreseeing what was inevitable, neglected no 

 means to procure corn of all descriptions, with the nefarious view 

 of taking advantage of the times, and bent on raising their fortunes 

 on the miseries of their fellow-creatures. Few, however, succeeded 

 in their speculations. The hordes of famished wretches who pa- 

 troled the country made no distinction of property, but, urged by 

 the imperious calls of nature, plundered alike the savings of the 

 provident and the accumulations of the monopolists. 



" This being but a temporary relief, had the baneful effect of 

 encouraging a spirit of depredation, whereby, in lieu of retailing 

 what did exist with a sparing hand, all was profusion for the mo- 

 ment, and not a little lost in the scramble. Such was the blind 

 infatuation of the million of walking spectres, that, in the moment 

 of phrenzy and despair, many granaries were burnt. Resentment 

 overcame even the principles of self-preservation, and impelled 

 them to the perpetration of follies such as indicated the wish not 

 to obtain redress, but to involve all under one general ruin." 



