Resignation of Warren Hastings as Governor-General

Background. Warren Hastings served as the first governor-general of Bengal, with sources dating the start of his tenure variously to 1772 and 1773, and continuing until 1785. His tenure involved significant military campaigns against native states and the French between 1779 and 1784. By 1785, after a decade of service, Hastings resigned from the office, leaving the administration of the Presidency of Fort William to the senior member of the Supreme Council.

Interim Administration. Sir John Macpherson became acting Governor-General in February 1785 upon Hastings's resignation. He had previously opposed Hastings's measures during the latter years of his rule. Macpherson's tenure lasted until September 1786, when he was superseded by Lord Cornwallis. His friends argued that removing him after only twenty months was an injustice, claiming the legal term was five years.

Succession. Lord Cornwallis arrived to supersede Macpherson in September 1786. Cornwallis served as Commander-in-Chief and Governor of the Presidency of Fort William. Macpherson returned to Britain after being superseded, despite his dissatisfaction. The transition marked the end of the interim administration that followed Hastings's departure.