Quarto. [12], 148, [4], 253pp, [1]. Contemporary gilt-ruled marbled calf, later expertly recased preserving contemporary red morocco lettering-piece. A trifle rubbed. Very small work-track to foot of latter half of text-block, else internally clean and crisp. Presentation copy, inked inscription to head of title page: 'From the Author'.

The sole edition of administrator in India Harry Verelst's (1734-1785) defence of the British leadership in Bengal. From 1766 onwards, Verelst became a loyal supporter of Robert Clive (1725-1744) and repeatedly acted as governor during Clive's absence or indisposition, finally succeeded to his position in 1767. William Bolts (1739-1808), a junior merchant and speculator who claimed to have been done great financial and commercial at the hands of Clive and Verelst, went to great lengths in publicly denouncing the supposed arbitrary power exercised by the authorities. In 1772, Verelst published the present work, vindicating Clive's and his own administrations, after a public attack was made on them by Bolts in his Considerations on India Affairs earlier that year. Bolts responded in a second volume of Considerations printed in 1775. This vigorous exchange of views developed into a bitter controversy and played an important part in fuelling the extensive public debate that was taking place on the subject of the East India Company's operations in India.