Public opinion changes Impeachment of Warren Hastings

the testimony of lord cornwallis, hastings successor governor general, major boost defence.

in spite of excitement trial public interest in began wane dragged on over months , years. other major events dominated news particularly once french revolution began in 1789. sheridan complained heartily tired of hastings trial despite being 1 of instigators. trial progressed, public attitudes hastings began shift. hastings had been overwhelmingly portrayed guilty in popular press, doubts increasingly raised. increased support hastings may have been result of declining perceptions of accusers. in cartoon james gillray portrayed hastings saviour of india being assaulted bandits resembling burke , fox.

a major lift defence came testimony on 9 april 1794 of lord cornwallis had returned india, succeeded hastings governor general. cornwallis rejected accusations hastings actions had damaged britain s reputation , observed hastings universally popular inhabitants. when asked if had found cause impeach character of mr hastings? replied never .

a further blow prosecution came evidence of william larkins former accountant general of bengal. had rested hopes on revealing widespread corruption denied hastings had amassed illicit money , made defence of conduct. various other figures came forwards character witnesses support hastings. burke s reply defence lasted 9 days late may mid-june 1794.