284 



The wars which subsisted at that period between the native 

 princes of India, on the coast of Coromandel, aided by English 

 and French troops, opposed to each oilier as auxiliaries, under 

 experienced commanders of both nations, and the consequences 

 of such interference to the British nation, are admirably related by 

 Orme, justly styled " the elegant historian of India." The subse- 

 quent conquests by other generals, and the more recent victories 

 in which the name of Wellesley is so conspicuous, have added 

 an immense domain to the British empire. These invaluable 

 territories, acquired by British valour, are maintained by sound 

 policy, moderation and justice; the extent of our territorial power 

 and influence excites the wonder of Asia; and the effects are sen- 

 sibly felt by all the maritime nations of Europe, whose consequence 

 in India declined as the British empire triumphed, until, at this 

 extraordinary period, not a single possession remains to any 

 potentate of Europe, except Goa and some insignificant sea- 

 ports belong to the Portugueze, and the Spanish settlement at 

 Manilla. 



The transactions in India since the termination of Orme's me- 

 moirs, open an ample, diversified, and interesting field, for the pen 

 of the historian. That is a subject on which I have not presumed 

 to enter, nor am I competent to discuss the luminous and extensive 

 scale of policy, commerce, literature, and science, which dignified 

 the administration of Wahren Hastings, the first governor- 

 general of India, who was appointed to that high situation in 

 1774; it is a theme frequently adverted to with great delight in 

 these volumes; and whatever opinion may be entertained of this 

 great man in England, so long as the name of Britain exists in 



