European soldiers in a vessel under the command of Mr.
Macpherson, with a letter to Mr. Hastings to the effect that,
as in these days he had many battles to fight, Mr. Macpherson
had been despatched with these soldiers to reinforce him and
to render service to him whenever exigency might require it.
Secret instructions were given to Mr. Macpherson and the
soldiers to seize Mr. Hastings and to forward him to His
Majesty's presence. When the ship reached near Calcutta Mr.
Macpherson sent the royal letter to Mr. Hastings, and saluted
him with the fire of guns of the ship. Mr. Hastings, having
read the letter, embarked in a boat, and, in company of the
other English officers who were with him in Calcutta, proceeded
to welcome Mr. Macpherson. On his approaching the vessel
Mr. Macpherson paid a salute and with a double guard of
the European soldiers went from the ship into Mr. Hastings'
boat. Immediately on boarding the boat, he ordered the
soldiers to surround Mr. Hastings, and having thus made him
a prisoner, showed him the orders for his own appointment
as Governor, and the warrant which His Majesty had given
for the apprehension of Mr. Hastings, who saw no remedy
but to surrender himself a prisoner. Mr. Macpherson sent
him to England in a ship under the custody of the European
guard which had come out for that purpose."

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