"Peace," (he observes[103],) "is the most valuable of all blessings; but it must be made sword in hand in this country, if we mean to preserve our possessions. There is no alternative; either every thing in India must be reduced to their first principles, or such a standing force kept up, as may oblige the Musselmans literally to execute their treaties." Clive sailed from India on the 25th day of February, 1760, rich both in fortune and in fame, far beyond any European who had ever visited that country. His departure was viewed with regret by many, and with apprehension by all who were interested in the prosperity of the British nation. He left a blank that could not be filled up. "It appeared," (to use the strong and expressive language of a contemporary observer,) "as if the soul was departing from the body of the Government of Bengal." FOOTNOTES: CHAPTER 10 Footnote 64: Letter to Clive, 29th July, 1759. Footnote 65: 3d August, 1759. Footnote 66: The following is a translation of this letter:— "To Mr. Robert Clive. "Sir,—As you have had the principal charge of the enterprise against the late Nabob Suraj-u-Dowlah, we cannot refrain from congratulating you upon your success. Wishing that the arms of His Britannic Majesty may every where prosper and be triumphant, and that your fame, Sir, may become more and more renowned, we have the honour to be, with much consideration, &c. &c. "Chinsura, 30th June, 1757." Footnote 67: M. Bisdom, the Dutch Governor of Chinsura, applied to Clive on all occasions of embarrassment or difficulty; and his applications appear, from the correspondence, to have been always treated with respect and attention. Footnote 68: 2d October, 1758. Footnote 69: Aliverdi Khan, the predecessor of Suraj-u-Dowlah. Footnote 70: We find in a letter from M. Bisdom to Colonel Clive, of the 25th July, 1759, the following passage:—"Referring to your last favour I cannot refrain from offering you my grateful thanks on the subject of the saltpetre." It appears, from a variety of documents, that Clive gave every facility to the Dutch commerce in this as well as in other articles. Footnote 71: This paper is not dated; but, from a correction in the rough copy, it appears to have been drawn up in November, 1759; and was, no doubt, transmitted to England at that period. Footnote 72: This person is styled Fakker-u-Toojar (a title signifying "Glory of Merchants") in the correspondence; but we continue to call him Cajah Wazeed, the name by which he is generally known. Footnote 73: 4th August, 1759. Footnote 74: This letter is dated "Hooghley, Thursday evening;" probably the 12th of November. Footnote 75: 7th January, 1760. Footnote 76: Meeran, son of Jaffier Aly Caun. Footnote 77: Letter from Mr. Hastings, 23d November. Footnote 78: