But to proceed with the treatment of these unfortunate men. I will read
to your Lordships a letter of Mr. Middleton to Captain Leonard Jaques,
commanding at Fyzabad, 18th March, 1782.

"Sir,--I have received your letter of the 13th instant. The two
prisoners, Behar and Jewar Ali Khân, having violated their written
solemn engagement with me for the payment of the balance due to the
Honorable Company on the Nabob's assignments accepted by them, and
declining giving me any satisfactory assurances on that head, I am
under the disagreeable necessity of recurring to severities to
enforce the said payment. This is, therefore, to desire that you
immediately cause them to be put in irons, and kept so until I
shall arrive at Fyzabad, to take further measures, as may be
necessary."

Here is the answer of Captain Jaques to Mr. Middleton.

"_April 23d, 1782._

"Sir,--Allow me the honor of informing you that the place the
prisoners Behar Ali Khân and Jewar Ali Khân are confined in is
become so very unhealthy, by the number obliged to be on duty in so
confined a place at this hot season of the year, and so situated,
that no reduction can with propriety be made from their guard, it
being at such a distance from the battalion."

You see, my Lords, what a condition these unfortunate persons were in at
that period; you see they were put in irons, in a place highly
unhealthy; and from this you will judge of the treatment which followed