Hastings was acquitted.
This was the close of the fourteen years of labour, from the date of the Select Committee of 1781.

"If I were to call for a reward," Burke said, "it would be for the services in which for fourteen years, without intermission, I showed the most industry and had the least success.

I mean the affairs of India; they are those on which I value myself the most; most for the importance; most for the labour; most for the judgment; most for constancy and perseverance in the pursuit." The side that is defeated on a particular issue, is often victorious on the wide and general outcome.

Looking back across the ninety years that divide us from that memorable scene in Westminster Hall, we may see that Burke had more success than at first appeared.

If he did not convict the man, he overthrew a system, and stamped its principles with lasting censure and shame.