| Description | Matters are quietening down, the sowing season is over, and in spite of the abuse heaped on William by planters, they have got most of their seed sown. The ryotts have given on to extreme pressure. The number of ryotts who have gone to prison 'speaks volumes as to the hatefulness of the system'. William has seen forgery and perjury by planters and he discusses his own performance, fearing he has dealt lightly with the planters and heavily with the ryotts. His trust in Englishmen has been shaken and he is discomposed by the change in Commissioner. [Arthur] Grote has gone and [Edward Harbord] Lushington has replaced him. Lushington sent down a notification to the ryotts on indigo planting, which William considers to be making a promise he had no right to give. On remonstrating, William received an improper letter from him, threatening publication and suggesting that William should publish the notice admitting that Lushington's translation into Bengali was correct. Lushington visited, trying to persuade William to this course of action 'using arguments which no man...could have used if his object was an honest one. William continues to refuse publication and may have to ask to move to another district. He dreads the coming year and the report of the Commission which has begun to sit. He is in good health and laughs at the newspapers. He comments on his sleepiness. |