Richard, Marquess Wellesley (1760–1842) became one of the most controversial politicians of his generation during his time as Governor-General of Bengal (1798–1805). Although this period saw him achieve territorial gains and military victories in India - including the defeat of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore - the financial cost was considered too high. The East India Company Court of Directors in London disagreed with many of the changes he made, and Wellesley was forced to return to England. This five volume collection of papers, edited by the political activist and historian Robert Montgomery Martin (1800–1868), was published in 1836–1837 and documents Wellesley's period of office in India. Volume 4 focuses on the period 1804–1805, and includes documents about peace treaties with local rulers, the establishment of Fort William College for the training of British civil servants (especially in Asian languages), and Wellesley's final departure for England.
