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If what we have learnt of the opinions expressed by some in 
England of the general refusal of this offer be true, our surmises 
are perfectly just: we have heard that this refusal has been attri- 
buted to mere motives of pride; and inferences drawn from our 
neglect of the benefit that must arise by a removal to Bengal; that 
there are some secret advantages in the service here, which render 
it not so unprofitable as it is represented to be. We hope there is 
no just ground for this report. But in justice to ourselves, we 
think it requisite to endeavour to remove opinions that may here- 
after prove prejudicial to us, should an opening be afforded to 
better our situation by a removal to one of the other presidencies. 
As to the first cause assigned for our refusal, we beg leave to 
observe, that the distinguished character which the Honourable 
Company maintain in this part of the globe, renders their servants 
an object of attention to the first men of it; quite inconceivable 
to those who have never been in the way to observe that attention. 
It is also notorious, and easily accounted for, that this attention 
increases in proportion as they advance to power: it cannot then be 
longer wondered at, that under such flattering circumstances, a secret 
pride of rank should grow in the servants of the Company, in pro- 
portion also to the years they have numbered in their service: but, 
in our opinion, it is a pride that the Company ought to cherish: for 
you will allow us, Gentlemen, that the attentions which give rise 
to it are also greatly proportioned to the character and conduct of 
the servants themselves: for it is well known, that there have been 
men on w'hom rank could confer no respect, and who have passed 
equally despised through almost every station of the service. On 
this ground, which is the true one, we confess our pride; and we 
