BY THE 1770s there was growing concern about the way in which the Company was ruling its Indian territories. As the above effusion from Horace Walpole demonstrates, no holds were barred. Language was racist and intemperate and spared no one, least of all the British. As Company wealth and power increased, mounting concerns were expressed about the corruption of Company officials. Returning Company servants were referred to as ‘nabobs’ (a corruption of ‘nawab’ or ruler). These nabobs arrived home laden with Indian riches, which enabled them to buy country estates and purchase parliamentary seats above the ‘going rate’. This was alleged to make entry into British politics even more expensive than it was already. It was widely held that nabobs and their wealth were harmful to political life both in Britain and India. The numbers of nabob MPs rose steadily to about 45 between 1784 and 1790. While they never acted as a combined ‘interest group’ and their ability to affect Indian legislation was, therefore, limited, these nouveaux riches aroused resentment. Fears began to be expressed about the effect that possession of India might have on the British constitution and liberties.