English statesman (1732-1818) who became the first de facto Governor-General of India from 1773 to 1785. He was accused of corruption and impeached in 1787, but after a long trial he was acquitted in 1795. Manuscript DS, one page, 17.5 x 14.25, February 4, 1774. Remarkable document by which Hastings, as "Governor of Fort William & Commander in Chief of all the Forced Employed in the Service of the United Company of Merchants of England Trading to the East Indies in the Kingdom of Bengal and Provinces of Bahar," orders the execution of murderers following a court martial proceeding. In part: "Whereas the General Court Martial which was held…the Eighth day of December one Thousand seven hundred & seventy three and continued by adjournment to the Twenty eighth day of January one thousand seven hundred & seventy four for the Tryal of Thomas Sloper, Charles Handgrove, Michael Williams & Thomas Terry having found them Guilty of Murder and sentenced them to be hanged by their necks until they are dead. We do hereby command you to see the said sentence put in execution." Signed at the conclusion by Hastings and countersigned by four others, including General Alexander Champion, Commander-in-Chief of East India Co. troops in India, plus a secretary. Mounted and framed to an overall size of 24 x 20. In fine condition, with scattered light staining.
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