[359] Lord Pigot, Governor of Madras, was arrested in April,
1776, by the Madras Council for his support of the Rajah of
Tanjore against the Nabob of the Carnatic, and his opposition
to an iniquitous claim upon the Rajah's revenue made by Paul
Benfield. He died while still under arrest, in May, 1777. The
Court of Proprietors voted by a large majority for his release
and restoration to his governorship. The Directors were almost
equally divided upon the question. Meanwhile the Government
exercised all its influence to carry through the Court of
Proprietors three resolutions--one recalling Lord Pigot, a second
ordering home his friends in the council, a third ordering home
his enemies. These resolutions were carried. Lord Pigot's case
was then taken up in Parliament, and on May 22, 1777, Governor
Johnston moved several resolutions approving Lord Pigot's action,
and condemning the Madras Council. The resolutions were rejected
by 90 to 67. See note to Letter 371.
311.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Monday night, [April 21st, 1777].
*Bad news from Hampshire.----Support Hugonin, comfort me, correct or
expell Winton, sell Lenborough, and remove my temporal cares. When do
you arrive?*
312.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Wednesday night, [April 23rd, 1777].
*It is uncertain whether India comes to Westminster this year, and
it is certain that Gibbon goes to Paris next Saturday sennight.
Therefore Holroyd must appear in town the beginning of next week.
Gibbon wants the cordial of his presence before the journey. My Lady
_must_ come.*
[Sidenote: STARTS FOR PARIS.]
313.
_To his Stepmother._
May the 3rd, 1777.