We have first stated what these women were,—­in what light they stood with the Nabob,—­in what light they stood with the country at large.  I have now to state in what light they stood with the British government, previous to this invasion of their rights; and we will prove they were the actual subjects of a guaranty by the Company.

Extract from an Agreement made by Mr. Middleton, to all the Particulars of which he engages to procure a Treaty from the Nabob Asoph ul Dowlah, after his Arrival, and that he will also sign it, as follows.

     “First, That, whenever the Begum shall choose to go to Mecca, she
     shall be permitted to go.

“Second, That, when the Nabob shall arrive, I [Mr. Middleton] will procure suitable allowances to be made to the ladies of the zenanah and the children of the late Nabob Sujah ul Dowlah, and take care that they are paid.

“Third, That the festivals (shadee) and marriages of the children of the late Nabob Sujah ul Dowlah shall be at the disposal of the Begum:  whenever she thinks proper, she shall marry them; and whatever money shall be necessary for these expenses shall be paid by the Nabob.

     “Fourth, That the syer of Coda Gunge and Ali Gunge shall be
     retained by the Begum as heretofore.

     “Fifth, That I [Mr. Middleton] will, upon the arrival of the Nabob,
     procure Vizier Gunge and the garden of Sepoy Dand Khan, or their
     equivalent, for the Begum.

“Sixth, That I [Mr. Middleton] will endeavor to obtain from the Nabob the sum of 1,150,000 rupees on account of the purchase of Metchee Bohaun, and the house of Sahebjee, and the fort of the Gossim, with the land and garden and the barraderry on the banks of Goomply [Goomty?], and bazaar and garden of the house of Mahnarain and the house of Beng Peofand at Lucknow:  all of which the Nabob Asoph ul Dowlah has assumed possession of.

“Seventh, That I will settle with the Nabob the allowances to be made in ready money to the ladies of the zenanah and others specified, in the following amount:  Total, 17 lacs 250 rupees per month.

“Eighth, Upon the arrival of the Nabob Asoph ul Dowlah Bahadur, I will endeavor with all my influence to settle the monthly allowances of Mohrum Ali Khan and Mahmud Eltifant Khan, &c., the attendants of the Begums.

“Ninth, That, if the Begum shall go to Mecca, she shall leave her mahals and jaghires to the Begum, the mother of Asoph ul Dowlah, who shall remit the revenues thereof to the Burree Begum:  no one shall prevent her enjoying her jaghires.”

Now, my Lords, we will read the copy of an engagement under the seal of the Nabob Asoph ul Dowlah, and under the seal and signature, in English, of Mr. Middleton, as follows.