[102] The distance of the northern part of the country ceded to Bussy
was not two hundred miles from Calcutta, through Cuttack.
[103] Admiral Watson's letter, dated March 6th, 1757.
[104] 7th March, 1757.
[105] Mr. Scrafton, in a letter to Mr. Watts, dated the 20th of March,
1757, written by desire of Colonel Clive, observes, "The ten[106]
letters received from the Nabob yesterday are sufficient evidences of
his irresolution and variable disposition. Besides these letters, one
Mutrumul, whom the Nabob mentions as a person in whom he has great
confidence, has been here. The chief purpose of his embassy seems to
be to act as a mediator, if peace is to be effected between the French
and us; but, if not, it should appear the Nabob will trouble himself
no more about it. At all events, things no longer remain upon the
Nabob's determination. The ships and batteries will all begin to play
at daybreak in the morning; and two days will, at the utmost, decide
their fate."
[106] _Sic_: query, _two_?
[107] Owing to the anchor of the Kent not holding, she drifted from her
appointed station to that fixed upon for the Salisbury, close to the
south-east bastion; and the latter vessel was, consequently, thrown out
of action.
[108] 29th March, 1757.
[109] Called a four-gun battery in Clive's report to the Governor of
Fort St. George, p. 194.
[110] 30th April, 1757.
[111] Omichund was a native agent employed by Mr. Watts. A full account
of this person will be given hereafter.
[112] Vide p. 199.
[113] Mr. Watts continued through this period Resident at the Nabob's
court at Moorshedabad.
[114] Reports of House of Commons, vol. iii. p. 221.
[115] Sabut Jung (which signifies "daring in war") is the title by
which Clive is to this day known among the natives of India.
[116] Zubat-ul-Toojar, the title of the French chief, means "the
essence or excellence of merchants."
[117] The following is the translation of the note from Suraj-u-Dowlah
to M. Law: "I send you ten thousand rupees for expenses. Remain quiet
at Rajhmahal. When M. Bahadre, &c. come on this side Cuttack, I will
then send for you." Parliamentary Reports, vol. iii. p. 221.
[118] The following is a copy of this letter: "Je viens de recevoir une
lettre du Nabob, par laquelle il m'ordonne de retourner à Muxadabad.
Il vient, dit-il, se joindre à nous, pour tomber sur les Anglais. J'ai
reçu aussi une lettre du Sieur Çhangeau, qui me donne d'assez bonnes
nouvelles. Je suis surpris, que vous ne m'avez pas écrit; car je ne
puis croire que vous soyez tout-à-fait ignorant de ce que se passe.
J'envois M. de Sinfray au Nabob, avec lequel il est chargé d'entrer
en négociation. Il a ordre de rester à notre loge. Comme il est votre
ancien, vous aurez la bonté de le reconnoître pour chef, et de lui
obéir en cette qualité. Peut-être irai-je bientôt vous trouver."
[119] 26th April, 1757.
[120] Ive's Voyage, p. 149.
[121] The particulars of this offer are in a letter from Mr. Walsh to
Mr. Watts of the 11th April, 1757, written by order of Colonel Clive.
[122] Bukhshee, literally means "Paymaster;" but that office is,
in native armies, almost invariably associated with the station of
commander-in-chief.