upon. Was the Bhow Begum to think that she must go to Allahabad, or
any other place, while her palace is searched for the hidden
treasure of the late Vizier, it might go further than any other
step that can be immediately taken towards procuring payment of the
balance outstanding.

"The prisoners are to be threatened with severities to-morrow, to
make them discover where the balance may be procurable, the fear of
which may possibly have a good effect; and the apprehensions of the
Begum lest they should discover the hidden treasure may induce her
to make you tenders of payment, which you may give any reasonable
encouragement to promote that may occur to you.

"The jaghire cannot be released to her on any other terms, nor even
to the Nabob, until the five lacs for which it was granted be paid
up; and the prisoners must also be detained until the full fifty
lacs be liquidated: consequently nothing but the fear of an
increase of demand, upon breach of the first engagement on her
part, will induce her to prompt payment."


_Letter from Mr. Richard Johnson to the Commanding Officer of the
Guard. Lucknow, 23d July, 1782._

"Sir,--Some violent demands having been made for the release of the
prisoners, it is necessary that every possible precaution be taken
for their security. You will therefore be pleased to be very strict
in guarding them; and I herewith send another pair of fetters, to
be added to those now upon the prisoners."