ABSTRACT
WHEN Dalrymple reached Madras again, in March 1763, there was considerable disappointment, the greater because hopes had been pitched so high. The risks were clearly bigger than had been foreseen, and it was decided that no further action could be taken by the Governor-in-Council until new instructions had been received from England. l This, in turn, placed Dalrymple in an awkward position. In order to undertake this venture four years earlier, he had stepped aside from promotion to the Secretaryship, so that his place on the promotion-ladder had now been filled. Furthermore, Governor George Pigot, who had been his staunchest supporter throughout, was soon due to retire to England and there was no reason to anticipate the same far-sighted and enthusiastic backing in the future. In these circumstances, Dalrymple decided that his best move would be to return to England himself, so that he could explain his scheme in person to the Court of Directors. Pigot, however, though sympathizing with his motives, pointed out that this would create a dangerous precedent. He therefore suggested that Dalrymple should go through the formality of resigning, as he was certain that whatever their decision, the Court of Directors would fully understand this action, and that he would have no difficulty in being re-instated when the time came. Dalrymple accordingly followed this advice.
