Nathaniel Brassey Halhed - Death of Hastings

Death of Hastings

The trial of Hastings had left the remaining members of the Bengal Squad in similar positions of limited social acceptance. In turn this cemented their own bonds and Hastings was revered like a guide and leader. The Halheds had grown most intimate with Hastings. However, Hastings, who was nearing eighty, was growing weaker, his health failing rapidly and he suffered from heart ailments and temporary paralysis of speech and limbs. Halhed wrote for every occasion, for not even the trivial remained insignificant when it concerned Hastings. At long last came some consolation when Hastings was called to testify as an expert on Indian affairs in 1813. In June, the University of Oxford conferred upon him an honorary degree and in 1814, Hastings was elevated to the ranks of the privy council.

This happiness was very short-lived as Hastings died on 22 August 1818. Halhed who could not communicate his sentiments orally wrote two poems, and was also given the responsibility of composing the epitaph. Hastings' death brought the relatively peaceful era to an end and in spring 1819, Halhed declared his intention of resigning from the Company’s services after ten years of service. He was allowed a £500 salary and to his fortune, he recovered some of his early investments. At his death his assets were estimated to be around £18000.