A 7 4. H!§SffflfOTHAM ! S 
 
 LIBRARY. 
 
 Visiting, Wedding, Dinner and cc At Home” Plates engraved and 
 
 printed in any style equal to -English. 
 
 Wedding Envelopes and Cards of the best quality and of the latest 
 fashion. This Department is constantly replenished by fresh receipts Overland. 
 Fancy and Mourning Stationery and Envelopes, in great variety. 
 IgglP J. H. is constantly in receipt of 4 to 6 Cases of Books and Stationery 
 by every Steamer. Books that cannot be supplied at the time of application, 
 will be ordered out to come Overland within 2^ months from date of order. 
 
 IN THE PRESS AND NEARLY READY. 
 
 A TREATISE ON THE LAW OF INJUNCTIONS AND THE APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVERS 
 UNDER THE NEW CIVIL CODE. 
 
 6 . 2-7. /S'. ' 
 
 
 
 
 ^ tvp ©hrnlmjrra/ 
 
 PRINCETON. N. J. 
 
 
 
 
 Divitun IDS4-85 
 Section _ 
 
 v.z 
 
 WORKS RELATING TO INDIA AND THE EAST. 
 
 Campbell’s Modern India, and its Government, 
 
 Napier’s (Sir C. J.) Indian Misgovernment, 
 
 Sleeman’s (Major Genl.) Journey through Oude, 2 vols 
 
 Bell’s (Capt.) The English in India,... 
 
 Ilodson’s Twelve Years of a Soldier’s Life in India, ... ... 
 
 Colebrooke’s Religion of the Hindoos, 
 
 Ludlow’s Thoughts on the Policy of the Crown towards India, 
 Oliphant’s Mission to China and Japan, 2 vols. ... ... 
 
 Tucker’s Memorials of Indian Government, ... ... 
 
 Hough’s Events in India, 2 vols. 
 
 Rs. 
 
 12 
 
 9 
 
 13 
 
 3 
 8 
 7 
 
 4 
 
 31 
 
 11 
 
 6 
 
 A. 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 12 
 
 0 
 
 14 
 
 0 
 
 8 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 J. Higginbotham, Bookseller, Publisher and Stationer. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2016 
 
 f 
 
 https://archive.org/details/madrasinoldentim02whee 
 
BY THE SAME AUTHOR. 
 
 HAND-BOOK TO THE MADRAS RECORDS, being 
 a Report on the Public Records preserved in the 
 Madras Government Office from the earliest period 
 to 1834, with an Introduction and notes, 8vo. price 
 Rs. 2-8. 
 
 This Report on the Public Records of Madras has 
 received the approbation of the Secretary of State 
 for India, in a Dispatch dated London, 25th of May, 
 1861. For the opinions of the local journals see the 
 end of the volume. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MADRAS IN THE OLDEN TIME: 
 
 BEING A 
 
 HISTORY OP THE PRESIDENCY 
 
 FROM 
 
 THE FIRST FOUNDATION OF FORT ST. GEORGE. 
 COMPILED FROM OFFICIAL RECORDS, 
 
 J. TALBOYS WHEELER, 
 
 Author of the “ Geography of Herodotus,” &c. &c. and Professor of Moral 
 Philosophy and Logic at the Madras Presidency College. 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 1702-172 7 . 
 
 MADRAS: 
 
 PRINTED FOR J. HIGGINBOTHAM, MOUNT ROAD, 
 BY GRAVES AND CO., SCOTTISH PRESS. 
 180 1 . 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 In issuing a second volume of “ Madras in the 
 Olden Time” as it is depicted in the old records 
 of the Madras Government, the Compiler lias little 
 to add to the Preface which was appended to the 
 former volume. He has continued to adhere to 
 his design of endeavouring to convey to the reader 
 all the pleasure and information to be derived from 
 a perusal of the original records, without the 
 painful labour of wading through a mass of 
 obsolete detail. The present volume brings the 
 annals down to the year 1727. The third volume 
 will so far complete the undertaking, as to fill up 
 the blank which has hitherto existed in the history 
 of the English Settlement, between the first found- 
 ation of Port St. George and the period when 
 Mr. Orme’s history may be said to begin. 
 
 According to the plan here sketched out, the 
 present series of annals of the Madras Presidency 
 will be brought to a close about the middle of the 
 last century. But it may not be premature to add 
 that the compiler has no intention of bringing his 
 labours to a conclusion at so important a crisis in 
 
VI 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Hie history of British India. From 1G40 to 1750 
 the annals comprise little more than the story of a 
 commercial settlement ; and may be best gathered 
 from selections from the early records, such as we 
 are now placing before our readers. But the half 
 century immediately succeeding to that period is 
 a period of conquest, of which only a small portion 
 of the history has been told by Mr. Orme, and to 
 which modern historians generally have only done 
 partial justice. India as it was in the days of 
 Clive and Hastings, Hyder and Tippoo, of Coote 
 and Wellington, of Cornwallis and Mornington, is 
 almost a blank so far as a living narrative of the 
 times is concerned. The politician, the moralist, 
 and the military annalist have done their best, but 
 it still remains for the antiquarian to exhume from 
 the records of the time, the story of that eventful 
 period written by the hands of the actors themselves. 
 Such a task however involves far more than an 
 examination of the records of a single Presidency ; 
 and the writer must therefore defer placing any 
 definite plan before his readers, until the third and 
 concluding volume of “Madras in the Olden 
 Time,” which is nearly all ready for the press, 
 shall have been fairly brought to a close. 
 
 Madras, ) 
 
 July 10 tfi, 1861. $ 
 
CONTENTS OF VOL. II. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. THOMAS PITT, 1701 — 3 . 
 
 Page. 
 
 Passage of arms between the Bishop of St. 
 Thome and Governor of Fort St. George — Drunk- 
 enness in church— Commercial rivalry between 
 Madras and Pulicat— An “infant” chief watchman 
 — Outrages in the Red Sea — Feastings in honour 
 of the departure of Dawood Khan — Round Robin 
 against a Captain and Chief-Mate — Proclamation 
 of the occasion of Queen Anne — A disinterested 
 Native — Extraordinary administration of the law 
 against coining — Attempt to seize the Company's 
 out- villages — Improper conduct at the General 
 Table — Purchase of Mr. Pitt’s silver plate for the 
 General Table. ... ... ... ... l 
 
 CHAPTER XIX, 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. THOMAS PITT, 
 
 (continued) 1703 — 4. 
 
 Difficulties in the collection of new taxes — Pe- 
 tition of the Natives — Great engagement with Pi- 
 rates — Diplomatic Department — Duelling— Ru- 
 mours of coming troubles — Fresh demands'for the 
 out-villages — Sea engagement with the French — 
 
CONTEXTS. 
 
 viii 
 
 Page. 
 
 Attempted exercise of Ecclesiastical authority in 
 Madras by the Patriarch of Antioch at Pondi- 
 cherry — Dispute between Governor Pitt and the 
 Foujdar of St. Thomd ... ... 17 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. THOMAS PITT, 
 
 (continued) 1704 — 7. 
 
 Unsuccessful attempt to rear silkworms— Claims 
 of Native Princes to wrecks on the coast— Emeute 
 at St. Thome between the Moorish Governor and 
 Portuguese Governor— Serjeant Dixon made an 
 Ensign in the hope he might become a Protes- 
 tant — Salvage of anchors — Wills of Roman Ca- 
 tholics— Eccentricities of the Natives as regards 
 deeds and bonds — Visit of Da wood Khan to St. 
 Thome — Dawood Khan’s dinner in the Compa- 
 ny’s Garden — Insolent action of Captain Seaton — 
 Disputes between the Right and Left hand Castes — 
 Petition of the Right hand— Desertion of the 
 town — Mr. Fraser espouses the cause of the Right 
 hands — Great dissensions between Governor Pitt 
 and Mr. Fraser ... ... ... ... 37 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 QUAKRELS BETWEEN THE RIGHT AND LEFT 
 HANDS IN THE GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. PITT, 
 
 1707. 
 
 Agreement between the two Hands of no effect 
 — Mutinous proceedings of the Right hands at St. 
 Thomd — Publication of a general pardon — Rob- 
 
 I 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 IX 
 
 feery of the “Stones” — Mr. Fraser implicated in 
 the mutiny of the Right hands — Proffers of ser- 
 vice from the Armenians, Persians and Patans — - 
 Disclosures of the Gusbardar from St. Thome — 
 Right hands refuse to return from St. Thomd ex- 
 cept Mr. Fraser sign the Cowle — Cowle granted 
 by Mr. Pitt rejected — Preparations to attack St. 
 Thome — Return of the deserters — Mysterious pub- 
 lication of papers — Old differences between the 
 Right and Left hands in the days of President 
 Baker, 1652 — Commercial rivalry between the 
 Right and Left hands, the cause of the quarrel 
 between Governor Pitt and Mr. Fraser — Charges 
 brought against Mr. Fraser — Grave rebuke admi- 
 nistered by the Court of Directors to all parties... GO 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. THOMAS PITT, 
 
 (continued) 1708 — 9 . 
 
 Communications between Governor Pitt and the 
 'Great Mogul at Delhi— Copy of the Agreement be- 
 tween the Right and Left hand castes — Villainy 
 of the Madras Boatmen — Governor Pitt thrashes 
 a Native — Mr. Pitt’s horsedealing — State of the 
 Mogul Empire after the death of Aurungzebe — 
 Shah Aulum opens a communication with Mr. Pitt 
 — Reception of a Husbidhookum — Governor Pitt’s 
 Petitions to King Shah Aulum, to the Grand Vi- 
 zier, toZulfikarKhantheCominander-in-Chief, and 
 to Zoodee Khan the Lord High Steward — Presents 
 to the lady of Zoodee Khan at St. Thome — Punish- 
 ment for robbery — King of Pegu swindled out of 
 Elephants — Five out-villages obtained by Gover- 
 nor Pitt— Very respectful letter of Governor Pitt 
 to Zoodee Khan — Firmaun from Shah Aulum. 87 
 
 B 
 
X 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI1L 
 
 GOVERNORSHIPS OF PITT, ADDISON, MONTAGUE, 
 AND FRASER, 1709 10 . 
 
 Page. 
 
 Changes in 1709, 1710, and 1711 similar to 
 those in 1859, I860, and 1801 — Charges brought 
 against Governor Pitt of having purchased a great 
 diamond — Captain Seaton in disgrace — Sudden 
 recall of Mr. Pitt, and accession of Mr. Gulstone 
 Addison — Death of Gulstone Addison •within a 
 month — His property inherited by Joseph Addi- 
 son the author— Mr. Edward Montague Provisional 
 Governor — Futile attempt to send Captain Seaton 
 to England — Accession of Mr. Fraser — Great 
 storm of 1709 — Ambitious project of the Arme- 
 nians to form an independant Factory at the 
 Mount— Effect of the war between the English 
 and French — Shocking state of the Church yard 
 of St. Mary's in the Fort — Friendly letters of 
 Zoodee Khan to the Governor of Fort St. 
 George — Out-villages claimed by the Dewan Sada- 
 tulla Khan — Ineffectual letters of Governor Fraser 
 to Sadatulla Khan aud Zulfikar Khan... ... 108 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. WILLIAM FRASER, 
 
 1710 — 11 . 
 
 Troubles at Vizagapatam — Evils of money deal- 
 ings with Native chiefs — Blockade of Vizagapatam 
 by Fuckerla Khan — Minister wanted at Christmas 
 time at Fort St. David — Extraordinary case of 
 breach of promise of marriage — Judgment on the 
 case by the Governor and Council — Sudden reeal 
 of Mr. Fraser. .. ... ... .. 132 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XI 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. EDWARD HARRISON, 
 
 1711—12. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Declining power of the Great Mogul — State of 
 the Dekkan --Character of the reign of Shah Aulum 
 — Rupture between the English Deputy Governor 
 of Fort. St. David and the Mussulman Governor of 
 Ginjee — History of Ginjee — Cause of the quarrel 
 between Deputy Governor Roberts and Serope 
 Singh — Mr. Haworth arrives at Fort St. David as 
 Deputy Governor — Gallant action of Captain Roach 
 against the troops of Mohabat Khan — Disorders 
 in the garrison at Fort St. David— Murder of Ser- 
 jeant Parsons— Appeal of Governor Harrison to 
 Zulfikar Khan — Senseless retaliation against Se- 
 rope Singh, Rajah of Ginjee— Native merchants at 
 Fort St. David threaten to leave the bounds — At- 
 tempted negociations — Attack on the enemy’s 
 entrenchment — Outrage of Captain Courtney up- 
 on Ensign Paddle. ... ... ... 149 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. EDWARD HARRISON, 
 
 (continued) 1712 — 13. 
 
 Protestant Missionaries at Tranquebar — Visit of 
 Bartholemew Ziegeubalgli at Madras — Proposals to 
 erect Charity Schools from the Society for Promot- 
 ing Christian Knowledge — General letter from the 
 
 Directors thereon— Neglectof Divine service and dis- 
 orders at the General Table — Influence of the Fouj- 
 dar of St. Thome with theNabob Sadatulla Khan — 
 Advices sent home of the death of King Shah Au- 
 lum, the accession and dethronement of Jehander 
 
XU 
 
 COSTNETS. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Shah, and the accession of Feroksere — Appointment 
 of the first Nizam of the Deklcan — Curious report 
 on the changes in the Native demand for European 
 commodities — Refuge afforded to wealthy Natives 
 by Fort St. George — Disorderly conduct of Mr. 
 Fleet Aynsworth — Will of Mr. Saunders, an illus- 
 tration of social life — Pressing demand of the Na- 
 bob for the out-villages — Rebellion of Mr. Ra- 
 worth at Fort St. David against Governor Harri- 
 son — Charges against Mr. Raworth — Appeal of 
 Mr. Raworth to arms — Negociations ineffectual — 
 Governor Harrison proceeds to Fort St. David— 
 
 Mr. Raworth assisted with provisions by the 
 French at Pondicherry — Exchange of firearms — 
 
 Mr. Raworth’s extraordinary surrender — Subse- 
 quent death at Paris. . . .. ... ... 177 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. EDWARD HARRISON, 
 
 (continued) 1714 — 17. 
 
 Contemporary state of the Mogul power at 
 Delhi — Cheen Ivulich Khan appointed Nizam of 
 the Dekkan under the name of Nizam-ool-Moolk — 
 Capture of Gin jee by the Nabob Sadatulla Khan — 
 Love potion administered by a slave — Death of 
 Queen Anne and Proclamation of George I — Tes- 
 timony of Governor Harrison to the good behavi- 
 our of the Capucfn Fathers at Madras — Rules for 
 the Charity School in Madras — Sate of the library 
 in Fort St. George — Mussulmans relieved from the 
 support of the Hindoo Pagodas — A false Chaplain 
 — Quarrels between the Right and Left Hands — 
 Public disturbances — Final negociations— Depar- 
 ture of Mr. Harrison and accession of Mr. Collet... 213 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 xiii 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 ENGLISH MISSION FROM CALCUTTA TO 
 DELHI, 1715 — 17. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Discovery of the dispatches from the Envoys 
 amongst the Madras Records— Want of interest in 
 Native Histories, its cause — Character and objects 
 of the English Mission to Delhi — Oppressions of 
 Jaffier Khan, Nabob of Bengal — Arrival of the 
 Mission at Delhi — Audience with the King Ferok- 
 sere, and visits to various Omrahs — Contemporary 
 state of Delhi — Difference between the Mogul 
 Mussulmans and the Arab Mussulmans — Declin- 
 ing power of the Moguls — Rvolution of the 
 Seiads places Feroksere upon the throne — Pro- 
 gress of Court intrigues against the Seiads during 
 the stay of the Mission — Troubles of the Mission 
 - — Intrigues iu the Dekkan resulting in the death 
 of Dawood Khan — Disorder of the King Feroksere 
 cured by Dr. Hamilton— M arriage of Feroksere 
 — General dilatoriness at Court — Disorders in the 
 Tartar Army — Capture of the rebel Gooroo, 
 Bandu the Seikh — Wholesale execution of his 
 followers — Cruel death of Bandu — Business of the 
 Mission painfully delayed — Brought to a sud- 
 den conclusion — Last interview with the King 
 Feroksere — Attempt to delay the doctor — Death 
 of Dr. Hamilton ... ... ... ... 240 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OP MR. JOSEPH COLLET, 
 
 1717 — 18 . 
 
 State of Southern India — Curious forgery — 
 Reformation in hospital charges to soldiers — Pun- 
 ishment of a Factor for familiarity with the wife 
 
XIV 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 
 of a Sergeant — Foundation of Charity Schools for 
 the children of Portuguese and Malabar slaves — 
 Public rejoicings on the arrival of the Firmaun from 
 King Feroksere — Projected occupation of Divy 
 Island — Operation of the Firmaun as regarded 
 the out villages — Occupation carried out by Go- 
 vernor Collet — Forcible occupation of Trivatore 
 by the son of Diaram, the Head Renter — Cap- 
 tain Roach drives the enemy out of Trivatore — 
 Reward of Captain Roach— Adventures of a pre- 
 tended doctor — Murder of a Surat merchant and 
 his servant — Pedda Naik removed from his ap- 
 pointment of chief watchman for extravagance 
 and incapacity — Final arrangement with the Na- 
 bob Sadatulla Khan as regards the out-villages — 
 Disorders on the West Coast of Sumatra ... 2G0 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. JOSEPH COLLET, 
 
 (concluded), 1719 — 20. 
 
 Tranquillity at Fort St. George and tragical re- 
 volutions at Delhi — Clandestine arrival of a young 
 Englishman at Fort St. George — Peaceful relations 
 with Sadatulla Khan — Entertainment of Duckna- 
 roy, the Dewan of the Nabob — Patan Merchants 
 induced to reside in Madras — Punishment of a 
 Chetty for hoisting a Gentoo flag— Repeal of Mr. 
 Streynsham Master’s law on the marriage of Pro- 
 testants and Roman Catholics — Ignorance of 
 French and Portuguese amongst the English inha- 
 bitants — Reductions in the Garrison at Fort St. 
 George — Restoration of the Pedda Naik — Execu- 
 tion of a pirate — Punishment of the Choultry Du- 
 bash for extorting exorbitant fees — New regulation 
 of fees — Foundation of Collet’s pettah — Depar- 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XV 
 
 ture of Mr. Collet — Contemporary state of the 
 Mogul Empire — Rise of Cheen Kulich Khan — Last 
 attempt of Feroksere to escape from the thraldom 
 of the two Seiads — Failure of the plot — Frightful 
 disorders in Delhi — Downfal of Feroksere — Night 
 conflict in the streets between the Mussulmans and 
 the Mahrattas — Feroksere dragged from theharam 
 and thrown into prison — Child Emperor proclaim- 
 ed by the Seiads — Murder of Feroksere — Final 
 overthrow of the Seiads by Mohammed Shah . . . 298 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. FRANCIS HASTINGS. 
 
 1720 — 21 . 
 
 Internal irregularities in the Government of 
 Fort St. George — Havildar at Egmore shot dead 
 by the Company’s Chief Peon — Supposed treason- 
 able correspondence between the Chetties at Ma- 
 dras and Portuguese Viceroy of Goa — Quarrel be- 
 tween Governor Hastings and Mr. Elwick — 
 Harsh proceedings towards the Chetties — Suspen- 
 sion of Mr. Elwick — Murder of a Chetty by two 
 soldiers — Proceedings against Mr. Elwick — Ex- 
 traordinary Will of Mr. Charles Davies — Seduc- 
 tion of a Raj [loot woman — State of the Dekkati 
 — Murder of Europeans at Pegu during the Mo- 
 hurrum. .. ... ... 326 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. NATHANIEL ELWICK, 
 
 1721 — 24 . 
 
 Tranquil state of Fort St. George— Startling de- 
 falcations in the Public Treasury — Dangerous ill- 
 
XVI 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 
 ness of the ex-Governor. Hastings — Confinement 
 of Mr. Cooke the Secretary — Death of Mr. 
 Hastings — Great storm of 1721 — Extortions of 
 the Governor’s Dubash — A convivial Hindoo — ■ 
 Illicit trading of the Armenians at Pondichery 
 — Discussions about the old contract with the 
 Armenians — Insults offered to a Member of Council 
 by a Ship’s Captain — Victory obtained by Nizam - 
 ul-Mulk over a confederacy of Nabobs — Struggle for 
 the possession of Ginjee — Seige of Shiraz by the 
 Afghans, and consequently failure in the supplies 
 of Shiraz wiue — Drunkenness at Fort St. David 
 — Ensign shot by a jealous Gunner — Barbarous 
 usage of a runaway debtor at St. Thome. ... 351 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. JAMES MACRAE, 
 
 1725 — 26 . 
 
 Early history of Mr. James Macrae — The son 
 of a Washerwomen appointed Governor of Fort 
 St. George — Governor Macrae’s opening address 
 in Council — Energetic character of Mr. Macrae’s 
 administration — Imprisonment of a Native for 
 reflecting on the character of a Governor — Coin- 
 age at the Madras mint — Comparison of the 
 English mint with the Native mints — Mode of 
 acquiring landed property in the Madras Presi- 
 dency — Petition of Mrs. Maria Pois — Business 
 occupations of Madras Governors in the olden 
 time — Lease of the out villages - Difficulty be- 
 tween Governor Macrae and the Nabob of Arcot 
 — Punishment of Perjury — Counterfeit Pagodas— 
 Yearly payments to the Jesuit Missionaries in 
 China... .. ... ... 3S2 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XV It 
 
 CHAPTEE XXXIV. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. JAMES MACRAE. 
 
 1726-27. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Supervision of Native goods by Governor Mac- 
 rae— Contracts with Native Merchants— Curious 
 story of a forged bond — Oppressions of Mahadin, 
 the ilenter of Trivatore — Counter-petitions 
 Punishment of Mahadin — Economy in Hospital 
 charges— Purchase of Horses for the Governor — 
 Promotion of emulation amongst the younger 
 servants of the Company — Bills of Exchange in 
 the olden time — Attempted poisonings by a 
 woman slave — ltestiictions on the sale of poisons — 
 Statements of the revenue aud expenditure of 
 Fort Saint George and the other settlements on 
 the coast of Coromandel — Building of a Sawmill 
 Causes of the declining trade of Madras— Res- 
 trictions upon liespoudeutia bonds — Mode of 
 transacting business with Native [merchants— 
 Attempted fraud by a diamond merchant — Pro- 
 ceedings as regards interlopers — Trade with 
 China. ... ... .. ... 406 
 
HISTORY OF THE MADRAS 
 PRESIDENCY. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. THOMAS TITT, 
 
 1701—3. 
 
 In the previous volume we brought down the 
 annals of Madras to the siege of Fort St. George 
 by the Nabob Dawood Khan. Before however 
 proceeding with the annals chronologically, we 
 shall bring forward a few extracts for the years 
 1701 and 1702, which refer to domestic incidents, 
 and which could not have appeared in their chro- 
 nological order without interfering with the history 
 of the siege. After the date of the raising of the 
 blockade, the events will be arranged as before in 
 order of time. 
 
 The first extract refers to the old struggle for 
 the exercise of independent power by the Roman 
 Catholic Bishop of St. Thome, against the Go- 
 vernor of Fort St. George. 
 
 “ Thursday, 8th May, 1701. The Secretary is 
 ordered to deliver Padre Friar Michael Anjous, the 
 following paper translated in Portuguese, and he 
 to be present at the reading of the same in their 
 Church on Sunday next. 
 
 1 
 
2 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 liroi — s. 
 
 “ Whereas we, the Governor and Council of 
 this place, have been credibly informed that on or 
 about the 12th March last, the Eight llev. Father 
 Don Gaspar Alfonso, Bishop of St. Thome, as he 
 styles himself, did send a paper to the Padres of 
 Madras belonging to the Church, for the exer- 
 cising the Roman Catholic Religion, commanding 
 and requiring them to publish the same ; the pur- 
 port of which paper being to require and com- 
 mand the delivering up of sundry papers to the 
 Provisor and Vicar General of St Thome ; which 
 papers wholly relate to a cause depending in our 
 Court of Admiralty ; and upon their non compli- 
 ance with the same, they were to imdergo the 
 greatest excommunication. 
 
 “ In order to publish these our highest resent- 
 ments against the Right Reverend Don Gaspar Al- 
 fonso’s proceedings, and the Reverend Padre Friar 
 Michael Anjous compliance with the same, we 
 hereby declare that no Bishop whatsoever of the 
 Roman Catholic religion hath any power or juris- 
 diction over the Clergy or Laymen of that persua- 
 sion, residing under this our government. 
 
 “ And to prevent the like irregularities for the 
 future, we strictly command and enjoin you Padre 
 Friar Michael Anjous, or whoever shall succeed 
 you as Chief Padre in this Church, not to publish, 
 read, or permit to be read any paper directed to 
 you from any Bishop or ecclesiastical functionary 
 whatever, without first acquainting the Governor of 
 this place, and obtaining his leave for the same, 
 as you will answer the contrary at your peril. And 
 we further require you to publish this our order in 
 
1701 - 5.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 3 
 
 your Church in a full congregation on Sunday 
 next. Given under our hands and the seal of the 
 ltight Honourable Company. Dated at Fort St. 
 George in the city of Madras, this eighth day of 
 May, 1701. 
 
 (Signed by the President and Council.) 
 
 Our next incident is quite a domestic one. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 9th May. Whereas Ensign William 
 Head on Sunday last coming drunk into Church 
 and challenging his fellow officers, it is therefore 
 resolved for such offences, that one month’s pay be 
 stopped by the Paymaster, and he be severely re- 
 primanded by us.” 
 
 The following little anecdote illustrates the com- 
 mercial rivarly which prevailed between the Dutch 
 at Pulicat and the English at Fort St. George. 
 
 “ Saturday, 28 th June. Serapa and the Joint 
 Stock Merchants informing us that the Dutch, who 
 have now made great contracts all along this coast, 
 are tampering with all our Weavers to seduce them 
 from our service. And whereas it has been the 
 custom in such considerable contracts as have been 
 lately made here, to deposit in the Weavers hands 
 five Pagodas for each loom, to be delivered in cloth 
 at the last payment ; the Dutch now, to engross the 
 Weavers and get them from our Merchants, have 
 offerred to deposit in the Weavers hands ten Pago- 
 das for each loom. So considering the ill conse- 
 quences if we should not enable our Merchants to 
 do the same, aud that they will inevitably lose 
 their looms ; we order that forthwith fifteen 
 thousand Pagodas be advanced to Serapa and the 
 joint Stock Merchants.” 
 
4 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [17M-*. 
 
 The next incident illustrates the Native idea 
 of the hereditary nature of all public appointments. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 24th December. Angerapa Naik, 
 our Watchman, dying the 29th October last, there 
 has been great application by letters from several 
 Poligars to us in the behalf of Timapa Naik, who 
 contended several years for the place with the 
 deceased Watchman ; bnt finding upon enquiry 
 that it was not his right, besides having murdered 
 some inhabitants of this place, he was rejected. 
 And whereas the late deceased Watchman has left 
 a son an infant, who upon enquiry of the most 
 knowing inhabitants of this place say, that the in- 
 fant has the right of succession : so that to prevent 
 any more application to ns, and fearing that Timapa 
 Naik may procure the Nabob’s perwanna, which 
 may occasion disputes between the Government 
 and us ; we have thought fit to grant our Cowle 
 to the infant, during whose minority his unde 
 Tegapa Naik is to officiate and to be Chief Watch- 
 man of this place ; and accordingly it is agreed 
 that the infant be tasheriffed with the usual cere- 
 mony, and a Cowle drawn out.” 
 
 The losses entailed upon the Company’s Go- 
 vernment by the proceedings of the Arab Pirates 
 have been already alluded to, and are sufficiently 
 represented in the following extracts. Our readers 
 will bear in mind that it was at this same Judda 
 or Jedda, the Port of Mecca, that the massacre of 
 Christians took place in 1S58. 
 
 “ Saturday, 24th January, 1702. This place 
 Madras having suffered much by ships unjustly seiz- 
 ed by the Arabs of Muscat and the Bashaw at 
 
1701 — 3-1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 5 
 
 Judda, which has occasioned great clamours amongst 
 the inhabitants of all sorts in this place, chiefly 
 through despair of any assistance from the Govern- 
 ment, for procuring satisfaction, for the same ; the 
 Governor and Council, to pacify them for the pre- 
 sent, proposed the sending a Petition to the king of 
 England, and a Letter to the Company, setting 
 forth their grievances and great losses thereby. 
 Which Petition and letter was read and agreed on 
 as entered after this Consultation. 
 
 “ To the king’s most Excellent Majesty in 
 Council. 
 
 “ The humble Petition of yonr Majesty’s most 
 dutiful and loyal subjects, inhabitants of the city 
 of Madras on the Coast of Coromandel in the 
 East Indies. 
 
 “ Humbly sheweth, 
 
 That we, your Majesty’s Petitioners residing in 
 this place, having liberty of trade in these parts 
 gal, and thence to Persia, where she arrived safe ; 
 but on her return, 14th April, she met three 
 Arab ships off Muscat, and took her and earned 
 her into that Port, and made prize both of ship 
 from the East India Company* Merchants of Lon- 
 don trading to the East Indies, did in June 1695 
 equip out a ship called the “ London,” burthen 
 about 120 tons, Richard William Master, to Ben- 
 
 * Our readers must bear in mind that the Company’s 
 servants at this time had permission to trade on their 
 own account between different ports in the East, so long 
 as they did not interfere in the trade with Europe. 
 This permissive trade they generally carried on with 
 the assistance of the principal Native Merchants of 
 Madras on the principle of a Joint Stock Company. 
 
6 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1701 - 3 - 
 
 and cargo, valued at about £5000 sterling. She 
 bad ten Europe men on board of her, three of 
 which made their escape, and the others miserably 
 perished in prison, who were most part your Ma- 
 jesty’s subjects. And on the 13th June 1700 did 
 send hence a ship called the “ Friendship,” bur- 
 then 100 tons, William Mcrrice Master, to Surat, 
 who from thence went to Persia, and meeting with 
 two Arab ships in the Gulf, was seized on by them 
 and carried to Muscat, where they sold the ship 
 and cargo, amounting to about £8000 sterling, 
 besides Armenian goods of great value ; and im- 
 prisoned after a most barbarous manner her ship’s 
 company, the master, mates, and several Officers 
 being your majesty’s subjects. 
 
 “We also in October 1699 sent a ship called 
 the “Diamond,” burthen about 1 00 tons, John 
 Cockroft Master, to Bengal, and there to lade for 
 Judda in the Bed Seas ; who accordingly did, 
 and proceeded to the aforesaid Port ; but los- 
 ing her passage wintered at Acheen, so that 
 she did not arrive at Judda till March 1701. 
 They were promised by the Bashaw freedom of 
 trade, and the protection of the Port ; upon which 
 they landed their goods and sold to the Bashaw 
 and his officers good part thereof ; but soon after 
 they were possessed of the goods, they seized the 
 ship and the remaining part of the cargo, which 
 they made sale of ; so that with what they had 
 before in their hands, amounting to at least 
 £30,000 sterling. They also seized the Supercar- 
 go and Commander, and what other Europe men 
 did not make their escape, and murdered some of 
 
1701 — 3.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 7 
 
 them by their barbarous imprisonment, and threaten 
 to sell the persons of those living. All which was 
 upon pretence, that this was the ship that took an 
 Arab’s ship off the high land of St. John’s near 
 Surat the year before. At which time this ship 
 “ Diamond” was at Mocha, and returned thence 
 into this road in September, whilst your Majesty’s 
 four Men of War were here ; and being informed 
 that this place Judda is in some measure under 
 the Government of the Grand Seignour, we have 
 represented this great injustice by letter to your 
 Majesty’s Ambassador at Constantinople and 
 your Consul at Grand Cairo. 
 
 “ These our misfortunes, we know not what 
 cause to assign for them, unless it be as is re- 
 ported through this country, that some of our 
 nation have most industriously endeavoured to fix 
 all piracies committed in these parts on the Old 
 East India Company and their Factors, and on 
 such as reside in their settlements ; inculcating 
 likewise into the Natives, that let them seize what 
 they will of ours, that we have no power to make 
 ourselves restitution, nor will there be any trouble 
 come to them thereon. 
 
 “ We having here most humbly represented to 
 your Majesty, the most notorious injustices we 
 have suffered from the Arabs of Muscat and 
 Bashaw of Judda, all amounting to at least 
 £43,000 sterling ; for the restitution of which 
 we humbly implore that your sacred Majesty will 
 be graciously pleased to extend your Royal protec- 
 tion to us, in granting us your letters of reprisal, 
 
8 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 1 1701 — 5 . 
 
 or in such manner as in your great wisdom shall 
 be thought meet. 
 
 “ And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall 
 ever pray, etc. 
 
 The Letter to the Company covering the Peti- 
 tion to the King, contains little more than a re- 
 quest that the latter might be forwarded. The 
 following extract from it is worthy of preservation 
 as exhibiting the feeling of animosity which pre- 
 vailed against the New East India Company. 
 
 “ We have too much reason to be jealous that 
 that unhappy misfortune at Judda may be justly 
 attributed to the infamous and hellish contri- 
 vances of some of our own countrymen (i. e. New 
 East India Company), who have stuck at nothing 
 in endeavouring to fix the Piracies upon you and 
 your Factors abroad. And if that Bashaw of Jud- 
 da does what we are advised of, in selling the 
 Commander and Supercargo, why may it not be a 
 precedent for the Arabs of Muscat, and the Moors 
 throughout India, to do the same, and then what 
 will become of all your subordinate Factories. 
 These are also many more dreadful consequences 
 to be inferred from the late resistencies of these 
 nations ; and if they be not speedily called to an 
 account, and forced to restitution for what is 
 passed, it will most certainly end in the utter ruin 
 of your trade in these parts.” 
 
 We now return to the domestic annals of the 
 Presidency. During the actual blockade of Fort 
 St. George, no other entries of any importance ap- 
 pear in the consultation books excepting those con- 
 nected with the siege. In May however, matters 
 
U01-3.J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 9 
 
 returned to their old channel. The following ex- 
 tracts explain themselves. 
 
 “ Thursday, 21st May, 1702. We finding that 
 gardens within a mile of the works of Black town to 
 be very inconvenient, they giving great advantage 
 to an enemy for Lodgements, and erecting Batte- 
 ries against us ; for which reason it is ordered that 
 Messrs. Empson and Marshall do take a view of 
 what Gardens have been planted these five years, 
 and report to the Governor and Council the dis- 
 tance they are from the works, and whether any 
 ways incommodious. 
 
 “ It is ordered that the Paymaster provide scar- 
 let coats and beaver hats for the Portuguese Oiii- 
 cers, as a gratuity for their readiness to serve the 
 Garrison, and the same for the English Officers, 
 viz. Lieutenants and Ensigns.” 
 
 The departure of Dawood Khan was celebrated 
 with four days successive feasting as appears from 
 the next entry. 
 
 “ Friday, 22nd May. On the 19th instant the 
 Portuguese Militia, on the 20th one Company of 
 Soldiers, the next day the other Company, and this 
 day the Gunroom crew, were handsomely treated 
 with dinners under a large tent spread in the Inner 
 Fort ; and the Commission Officers of the respec- 
 tive Companies those evenings supped with the 
 Governor.” Again on the 25th, “ the Governor 
 and Council and Trainbands were splendidly enter- 
 tained with a supper at the Company’s Garden ; 
 they having also been under arms in our late 
 troubles.” 
 
 The following complaint brought bv a crew 
 
 2 
 
10 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1701 - 3 . 
 
 against their Commander and Chief Mate is worthy 
 of preservation. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 8th July. The Governor yester- 
 day receiving a sort of a Letter, with a Paper sign- 
 ed by twenty-nine of the Phceirix Ship’s Company, 
 commonly called a Pound Pobin ; the purport of 
 the Letter consisting chiefly of complaints against 
 Captain Carswell and his Chief Mate, Mr. Abbis. 
 The Governor immediately sent for the Captain 
 and Purser of said ship, who seemed to be sur- 
 prised at it, saying that they knew nothing of the 
 matter. Upon which the Governor sent off an 
 order to the Chief Mate, about which the Captain, 
 Chief Mate, and five of the men appeared before 
 us this day ; two of the five being the Boatswain and 
 Gunner of the Ship, who complained chiefly of the 
 disability of the Chief Mate, that he knew not how 
 to discharge his duty in that employ, as also of his 
 abusing the men. Their complaints chiefly against 
 their Commander for pinching them in their pro- 
 visions ; he confessing before us that their allow- 
 ance three times a week is but a quart of rice and 
 gram together for five men a day, but promises 
 that for the future it shall be rectified. • So upon 
 the whole examination of this business, we find 
 that the Gunner has been the ringleader, who 
 seems to us to be an impudent, saucy, insinuating 
 fellow, and believe has been the sole occasion of 
 stirring up the men to complain in this malicious 
 manner. The Bound Pobin as well as the Letter, as he 
 himself confesses, was wrote with his hand ; so that 
 to prevent the ill consequence that may attend 
 such clamours, it is resolved that the Gunner 
 
1701 - 3 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11 
 
 and Boatswain are discharged the ship, as also 
 Daniel Bulfinch and Peter Middleston ; the two 
 latter, as the Captain tells us, have been very active 
 in this villany ; and for the present that the four 
 aforesaid persons be committed to the main guard, 
 till we consider of indicting such punishment as 
 they deserve.” 
 
 On the 8th March, 1702 died William III, and 
 in September the same year the news reached Fort 
 St. George, as will be seen from the following 
 entry. 
 
 “ Thursday, 17th September. In pursuance to 
 an order of Consultation, the Flag was early this 
 morning hoisted, and at eight o’clock was lower- 
 ed, when there was two volleys small shot and one 
 hundred cannon discharged by the half minute 
 glass, for the death of our late gracious King Wil- 
 liam the Third of blessed memory. Then the Flag 
 was again hoisted up, when the Mayor, and all the 
 Aldermen in their gowns on horseback, with twelve 
 Halberteers and a Company of Grenadiers march- 
 ing before them, Proclaimed our gracious Queen 
 Anne at the Fort Gate, Town Hall, Sea Gate, and 
 Choultry Gate, ivitli many huzzas and great de- 
 monstration of joy, with three volleys small shot 
 and one hundred and one pieces of cannon dis- 
 charged. And in the evening the Governor, at- 
 tended by all the Gentlemen of the Council, with 
 the Mayor and Aldermen and several other gentle- 
 men iu palanquins and horseback, to the Com- 
 pany’s Bowling Garden, where there was a hand- 
 some treat provided ; all Europeans of fashion in 
 the city being invited to the same, where they 
 
n 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11701— s. 
 
 drank the Queen’s health, and prosperity to old 
 England, with many others. 
 
 The following very disinterested act on the part 
 of a Native Chief deserves especial notice. 
 
 “ Saturday, 26th. Abdul Labby Khan, Go- 
 vernor of Porto Novo and the country about it, 
 came last night to St. Thome, having been lately 
 at the Camp at Yellore ; unto whom the Governor 
 sent this morning the Moollah with a compliment, 
 and two bottles of rosewater, which he kindly re- 
 ceived, and intimated to him that he was desirous 
 of seeing Madras, which the Moollah was ordered 
 to evade if possible, but not to give a flat denial. 
 And whereas w r e have always found the Governor 
 of Porto Novo a friend to our Company’s interest, 
 and to preserve his friendship, it is agreed that we 
 make him a present of Gold Chains to the value of 
 about 450 Pagodas. 
 
 “ Sunday, 27th. The Moollah and Brahmin 
 did this day attend the Nabob Abdul Labby at 
 St. Thome, with the present of Gold Chains, which 
 they privately offered ; but he refused to accept 
 them, telling them he was a true friend to the 
 English, so would take no present, but would al- 
 ways continue the kindness he had for us, and 
 make it his study to do us all the good services 
 that lay in his power.” 
 
 Our next extracts explains itself. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 20th October. During the time 
 Dawood Khan lay before this place, we were 
 continually straightened for provisions, at which 
 time the weather being very hot we could not salt 
 up am ; so were forced to keep a great number of 
 
1701-8.) 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 13 
 
 Hogs, the meat for which was very chargeable, 
 besides the great inconvenience of keeping such a 
 number. So to prevent any future danger that 
 may happen from the Garrison wanting Provisions, 
 it is agreed that between this and January next, 
 that the Steward be ordered to kill three hundred 
 Hogs, to be salted up as the Governor from time 
 to time shall direct. And if it should so happen 
 there be no occasion for them, that then they be 
 disposed of to the shipping as opportunity offers.” 
 
 “ Wednesday, 4th November. The President is 
 advised from Masulipatam that the Mogul pitch- 
 ing his Camp near some great mountains, from 
 which of a sudden came so great fall of waters, 
 that it swept away about 1 50,060 people, with 
 elephants, horses, camels, and baggage, he himself 
 narrowly escaping.” (This event is noticed by 
 Elphinstone, who however reduces the number of 
 people who perished to 12,000.) 
 
 The following incident furnishes an extraordi- 
 nary illustration of the administration of the law. 
 
 “ Friday, 6th. The 20th ult. it was ordered 
 that the three black fellows apprehended, and found 
 preparing to coin Pagodas, should be brought on 
 their trial to-morrow ; but finding the evidence 
 against them is so insufficient that they will most 
 certainly be acquitted, and they offering six 
 hundred Pagodas to be acquitted without a trial, 
 it is thought much better to accept the same ; not 
 only in regard to the six hundred Pagodas, but 
 likewise their being acquitted on their trial would 
 encourage others to attempt the same ; and ac- 
 
14 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11701 — 3 . 
 
 cordingly it is agreed to receive the said six hun- 
 dred Pagodas, and banish them the place. 
 
 The news of the war of the Spanish succession 
 had now reached the Presidency, and preparations 
 were made to improve the defences. The following 
 entry will illustrate the state of affairs. 
 
 “ Saturday, 16th January, 1703. Here being 
 a report that there is coming a strong squadron of 
 French and Portuguese men of war for India, 
 against which we are informed the Dutch are mak- 
 ing great preparations, and putting their garrisons 
 in a posture of defence ; and we fearing our nation 
 is engaged in the war in Europe, and well knowing 
 that the Dutch will give us no manner of assistance, 
 so think it necessary to keep our Garrison in the 
 best posture of defence we are capable of.” 
 
 This year another series of attempts was com- 
 menced for obtaining possession of the Company’s 
 out towns of Egmore, Persewaukum, and Tripli- 
 cane. The first, it will be seen, was checked by a 
 very decided action on the part of Governor Pitt. 
 
 “Friday, 12th March. The Governor having 
 news brought him last night, that there had been 
 six or eight Peons, who had tied leaves in the 
 Company’s towns, which is the custom of the 
 country when they take possession of any place ; 
 Peons were sent out immediately to seize them, 
 but could not find them ; but this morning 
 three of them came to the Governor at Egmore, 
 and produced a paper which is an order from 
 the Foujdar of Poonamallee, grounded upon 
 an order he had received from the King’s 
 Dewan Mahomed Seid. The Governor ordered 
 
1701 - 8 .] 
 
 HISTORY OR MADRAS. 
 
 15 
 
 them to be carried prisoners to the Fort, where 
 they were put in irons, and intended to be punish- 
 ed for executing an order within our jurisdiction, 
 without first acquainting the Governor therewith.” 
 Four days afterwards the three Peons were re- 
 leased, “ in consideration that they were but ser- 
 vants, and obeyed only their Master’s order ; but 
 were severely checked for the same, the Governor 
 telling them that if they or any others presumed 
 to do the like again, they should most certainly 
 lose their heads.” 
 
 The following entry of the same date explains 
 itself. 
 
 “ Mr. Richard Pearson writer, who came out in 
 the Phoenix, and immediately sent to Masulipatam, 
 where he behaved himself very insolently to his 
 superiors, for which they sent him hither in Janu- 
 ary last, where soon after he behaved himself very 
 impudently to the Governor, who confined and 
 punished him for it ; and afterwards upon his sub- 
 mission, and acknowledging his fault with promis- 
 es of amendment he was set at liberty ; when in 
 few days after, he quarrelled at the Company’s 
 General table, where he gave opprobious language 
 to several, and blows to boot. So finding him an 
 incorrigible and debauched fellow, and that keep- 
 ing him here may tend to the ruin of several of the 
 young men in the Company’s service ; — it is 
 agreed that he be confined to the inward Fort, and 
 sent for England by the first opportunity ; and 
 that he be permitted to come no more to the Com- 
 pany’s Table, but that the Steward shall send him 
 such Provisions as the Governor directs.” 
 
16 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1701 - 3 . 
 
 We have already seen, on the occasion of the 
 visit of the Nabob Dawood Khan to Fort St. 
 George, that the General Table could be magnifi- 
 cently served. The following extracts will prove 
 that even in the matter of silver plate, the show 
 was by no means despicable for those days. 
 
 “Thursday, 8th April, 1 703. The Company 
 having no plate for their General Table, or any 
 other use, but what is very old and battered, and 
 but very little of it too, which is now agreed to be 
 melted down, and the President who brought out 
 a set of plate with him, and has used it ever since 
 at his own charge : it is agreed that the same now 
 be taken on the Company’s account ; allowing for 
 the same, as the Company’s silver was lately sold, 
 sixteen Dollars weight for ten Pagodas Eng- 
 lish standard ; and for the fashioning thereof as it 
 cost in England ; and that the same be weighed 
 off to the Steward, and an account of it brought 
 into Consultation, that so it may be brought into 
 the Books. From the particulars of an account 
 which is given at full length in the Consultations, 
 we learn that Governor Pitt’s silver plate weighed 
 2240 oz. 17 dwts. ; that the metal was valued at 
 £700 sterling, and that the fashioning cost £65. 
 The old plate which was melted down was valued 
 at less than £100. Mr. Pitt’s new plate included 66 
 silver plates, 6 salts small, 1 salt large, 3 castors 
 and mustard spoon, 3 porringers, 16 spoons, 6 
 forks and 6 knives, 1 ladle large, 12 dishes, 1 
 teapot, 1 sauce pan, 2 salvers large, 2 salvers small, 
 1 Monteith, 1 large candlesticks, and 7 covers. 
 
iros— ».} 
 
 HISTORY Of MADRAS. 
 
 17 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. THOMAS PITT. 
 
 1703—4. 
 
 Tlie great event which distinguished the period 
 in our annuals now under review, is one which can 
 be stated in a few words, viz. the union of the old 
 and new Companies into one. With this event the 
 quarrels of the two Companies naturally terminat- 
 ed, and attention was once more directed to the 
 prosecution of trade, the progress of domestic 
 affairs, and occasional communications with the 
 Nabob. 
 
 The first incident to be noticed furnishes an- 
 other illustration of the old difficulty of collecting 
 new taxes from the natives. It will be remembered 
 that on the advance of Dawood Khan a brick wall 
 and other works had been erected for the defence 
 of Black-town, and arrangements were made to 
 meet the expense by collecting a special tax from 
 the inhabitants. It will be seen from the follow- 
 ing extracts, that many abuses had occurred in the 
 collection, which were charged upon Serapa Naik, 
 the Chief merchant who had been appointed to 
 superintend it. 
 
 “ Friday, 9th April, 1703. The Chiefs of the 
 Castes having met daily for some weeks past at 
 the Pagoda to consider of ways and means for 
 
 3 
 
is 
 
 HISTORT OF MADBAS. 
 
 [ 1703 - 1 . 
 
 raising the money for building the Black -town 
 wall and works ; and having acquainted the Go- 
 vernor a few days past that they had perfected the 
 same ; we summoned all the Castes this day before 
 ns, and called over the Roll of how much every 
 Caste was assessed. With which they all seemed to 
 be satisfied, and declared they had given their as- 
 sent thereunto. Upon which we ordered it forth- 
 with to be collected in such a method as they 
 themselves desired ; which was to be by their own 
 Conicopolies, and two Peons to each Caste. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 28th. There having been a scan- 
 dalous paper dropped in the town, relating to 
 the assessing of the Town wall money, written in 
 a counterfeit hand in English ; which we judge to 
 be by some European who has had some insight 
 iu the Company’s affairs ; the drift of which can 
 be for no other than to raise mutinies and insur- 
 rections to prevent the collecting the money for 
 building the Black-Town wall and works ; and 
 there being some particular charges against Serapa 
 the Chief Merchant ; — we summoned all the heads 
 of the Castes before us this morning, and examined 
 them to every particular, when they positively 
 denied they knew anything of it. Which paper 
 is entered after this consultation. 
 
 “ To the Council of Fort St. George, 
 
 “ Gentlemen, 
 
 “ Finding personal application to some of you, 
 to mediate matters with the Governor about a due 
 regulation in assessing for the Town wall, has been 
 fruitless ; we have in concert with many others, 
 taken this method to lay before you the sentiments 
 
I7«3-10 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 19 
 
 of the inhabitants ; hoping your justice in com- 
 passion to us, zeal to the lion’ble Company, and 
 regard to the welfare of this place, will induce you 
 to consider the following. 
 
 “ That the building of the Town wall was by 
 the Hon’ble Company’s order, some of us have 
 been made sensible of, and we believe it ; also 
 that they expect the charges for the same should be 
 borne by the several Castes, which we think a very 
 great hardship ; considering the benefit of Customs 
 the Honorable Company reaps by our Sea and 
 Land Trade ; also the harms of Betel, Tobacco, 
 and Arrack (which fall sensibly heavy), not to 
 mention the Ground rent of our houses, Pedda 
 Naik’s Duty, etc. 
 
 “ Although these, as aforesaid, are hardships, 
 yet by length of time, being become Sallabad (as 
 we esteem them) there is no great demur made 
 now, and are not recited here as grievances ; so 
 much as an introduction to inform you, that we 
 are wholly dissatisfied in Serapa Naik’s being in- 
 trusted with the collection of the town wall 
 money, lately ordered by the Governor and your- 
 selves to be received of us ; for his audacious 
 injunctions publicly made to the Conicopolies and 
 Peons (who go about to gather the money) to 
 beat and pull us by the necks with cords to the 
 Choultry, upon refusal of payment ; which has been 
 committed on some who were not in a capacity to 
 launch out so much as demanded. 
 
 “ Such outrages and insults are seldom inflicted 
 under the Moors, therefore we are amazed at Se- 
 rapa’s presumption in giving such orders under the 
 
20 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1703 - 4 . 
 
 English Government ; but they have been redress- 
 ed (upon a complaint made to the Honorable Go- 
 vernor) by punishing two Peons ; though we are 
 since served almost as ignominiously ; being con- 
 strained by those sordid Collectors to stand before 
 our doors a while in the sun, till wrought into a 
 compliance ; and if such sufferings are caused by 
 our backwardness to pay, please be referred to our 
 reasons that makes us so. 
 
 “ First, Serapa Naik, at a General Meeting up- 
 on his summons, told us the Honorable Company 
 having been at a great charge for raising a wall 
 round the Black Town for our security, must be 
 reimbursed, and three thousand Pagodas more 
 added to repay the said Serapa’s charges of pre- 
 sents, etc. during Dawood Khan’s stay here last. 
 
 “ Second. Having well considered the Honorable 
 Company’s indulgent care to protect us, we shall 
 most willingly acquiesce to refund their cost of 
 the Town wall, but then humbly request may be 
 granted, viz. 
 
 “1st. That only the first costs thereof be as- 
 sessed. 
 
 “ 2nd. That an Englishman be appointed re- 
 ceiver or Collector. 
 
 “ 3rd. That no pretence of presents, etc. made 
 by Serapa Naik, be interwoven with the Town wall 
 money. 
 
 “ 4th. That every caste, knowing what each are 
 to pay, have liberty of themselves to bring the 
 same, which they promise to do within any time 
 limited. 
 
 “Third. 
 
 These four requests being granted 
 
1703 — 4 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 21 
 
 will give a general satisfaction, and save the hire 
 of so many Conicopolies and Peons employed as 
 now appointed in this affair. 
 
 “ Pourth. And what further induces us to in- 
 sist on the four requests as aforesaid, are, because 
 we are under some jealousy, that besides the Town 
 wall money, and the 3,000 Pagodas for Serapa 
 Naik, more may still be taken, and appropriated 
 to the present manager’s use. 
 
 “ Ourselves, and fathers before us, have long ex- 
 perienced the quiet and moderate English Govern- 
 ment, and hope our children’s children after us 
 may enjoy the like. But when some by their 
 characters assume to it abuses ; under a presump- 
 tion that their being favourities will protect them 
 against all clamours (which we find too true) ; we 
 have only this expedient left, viz. To represent 
 our calamities. And having so done now, we hope 
 a short time will show us the effects of your wis- 
 dom, by interposing in matters so destructive to 
 the public good ; otherwise we propose to apply 
 ourselves to the Honorable Company, by sending 
 them a copy hereof, with another memorial of 
 farther complaints of this nature. Dated Madras, 
 April, 1703. In behalf of the Native inhabitants 
 of Madras.” 
 
 Notwithstanding the denial on the part of the 
 Natives, of any knowledge or participation in the 
 paper, it is certain that subsequently the amount 
 was only partially collected, and that with the 
 utmost difficulty, as may be gathered from many 
 allusions, which need not be reproduced here. 
 
 The following quaint but graphic narrative of 
 
22 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1708-4. 
 
 an engagement with Pirates is entered in the con- 
 sultations, dated Blst May, 1703, and is well 
 worthy of preservation as illustrative of the times. 
 
 “ A Relation of the taking of the Ship “ Pem- 
 broke Frigate,” by the Pirates at Mayotta, March 
 10th, l?o3, by Mr. Edward Fenwick, the Super- 
 cargo. 
 
 “ On the 9th of March last we made the Island 
 of Mayotta, and as we were standing in with the 
 land about three leagues distance, we discovered 
 two ships under sail close under the land. They 
 had sent their boats off before we could see them to 
 make out where we were; they were full of men, and 
 kept rowing about half a mile to windward of us. 
 After we showed our colours and tired a gun to 
 windward, they each of them put out a flag, which 
 we at first thought to be the King’s flag, not 
 plainly distinguishing it ; but they would not 
 come near us to acquaint us which was the road 
 or the way in ; which we were obliged to endea- 
 vour the finding ourselves, being in extremity ; 
 and with this consideration concerning the ships, 
 that if they should prove Pirates our - loading would 
 be of no use to them, so consequently we might 
 expect good treatment from them, as has formerly 
 been shown to others. AVe steered west and west 
 by south till we came into five fathom water about 
 a league from the shore, and there anchored ; which 
 we had no sooner done, and veered away a little 
 cable, but the most frightful and greatest of dan- 
 gers presented themselves to us, both of the ship 
 and our lives ; breakers on all sides within half a 
 ship’s length, which, because it was dark aud just 
 
1705—4.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 23 
 
 high water, we did not perceive till we were so 
 near them. Whilst we were in this consternation 
 and hurry what to do, the two boats hailed us, 
 lying at a Grappling right ahead within call ; but 
 would by no means come to our assistance, except 
 we first sent our boat to them. Then we im- 
 mediately sent our Yawl with lour hands, two of 
 which they took into their boat, and put two of 
 their own people into our boat. When they came 
 on board they thought we had been fast ashore, 
 and said they were sorry to find us in so bad a 
 condition ; the loss of our ship being unavoidable 
 as they thought ; we lying on a reef of rocks 
 which run out two leagues on each side of us, and 
 would be dry in half an hour’s time, and all round 
 us nothing but breakers. They advised us to let 
 the ship lie till morning dry, and they would all 
 come off then, and see what possibly might be 
 done to save her ; so little hopes had we from them 
 of getting off again ; and indeed we soon perceived 
 they told us nothing but the truth ; for by this 
 time the tide had ebbed very much, and at every 
 hollow of the sea the ship began to strike. There- 
 fore Captain Wcoley considering that delaying 
 longer was but running ourselves into greater 
 dangers, and that there was no other remedy but 
 to cut and stand the same way out as we came 
 in ; so desired the two men to go and send our 
 people on board which were in their boats, which 
 they presently did. Then all hands turned to, 
 and immediately hoved a peck and cut away, 
 having a spring upon the cable to cast her. l?y 
 these endeavours it pleased God everything an- 
 
24 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11703— i. 
 
 swered oiu' expectations ; and before we coidd 
 cast the lead six times were past all danger, re- 
 ceiving no other damage than the loss of our 
 best bower, and about ten fathom of cable. 
 Now after our ship was out of danger, we began 
 to consider the answers made by the two men that 
 came on board, to a few cpiestions we asked 
 them. They said their great ship was a Per- 
 mission ship bound for Muscat, laden with 
 guns, anchors, cables, etc. ; Captain Hillyard 
 Commander. The little ship they said belonged 
 to the Scotch Company, one Captain Drummond 
 Commander, and was bound for Madagascar, to 
 trade for slaves, with small arms, powder, etc. 
 That they had lain there nearly three months be- 
 fore to repair and clean their ships ; and that just 
 as they made us coming in, they were standing out 
 to proceed on their voyage. We acquainted them 
 the great necessity we were in for provisions and 
 water, and that several of our men were down ; to 
 which they answered, they did not doubt but their 
 Captain could assist us with everything, and send 
 their boat betimes to us in the morning. We did 
 not give much credit to what they said, yet there 
 was no way to get clear of them but by fair words 
 and entreaties ; so kept standing off and on all 
 night ; and at 12 o’clock next day, being the 10th, 
 we came to an anchor about a mile from the shore, 
 being low water, at which time we see their two 
 boats lying dry upon the sand. About an hour 
 after, when the water floated them, they rowed to- 
 wards us ; and being come with pistol shot under 
 our stern, they hailed us, asking if they might be 
 
1703— i] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 25 
 
 suffered to come on board, that they were friends 
 and had brought us fresh provisions. Captain 
 Weoley answered, one of them might come, yet they 
 both came rowing on ; and when they were under 
 our quarters, one on each side, they all started up 
 with their arms guarded, swearing if any of us fired 
 a piece they would give us no quarter, and if we did 
 not fire they would do us no harm, nor take any 
 thing from us. Captain Weoley ordered every 
 one to fire, which we all did, and they at us ; 
 Captain Weoley jumping down the after skuttle at 
 the same time, and bidding every one to their close 
 quarters, some into the cabin and some between 
 decks. But we not able to keep either of them 
 long, they firing six shot to our one ; and then 
 perceiving it was impossible for us to do more, 
 they having two ships very near us, we called for 
 quarter ; which they gave us, disarming us, and 
 turning us into the head. Then they began to 
 rummage and rifle the ship everywhere, until their 
 heat was over. In this scuffle we had two men 
 killed, Mr. Gold our Chief Mate, and Cornelius 
 Browne a Foremost man. Of their men they had 
 two wounded ; one of them mortally, the other 
 shot through both his arms. The rest of the day 
 they spent searching about the ship, and swearing 
 to revenge themselves on Captain Weoley, for first 
 bidding them come on board, and then firing upon 
 them as they came along our side ; likewise to 
 burn the ship. The next day they carried Cap- 
 tain Weoley on board one of their ships, and 
 kept him prisoner there ; about forty of them 
 staying on board us till Friday the 12th, when 
 
 4 
 
26 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 
 they put it to the vote whether to burn her 
 or to give her to us again. If this had been done 
 the next day after they took her, she had certain- 
 ly been burnt ; but putting it off three or four 
 days gave us time to make many friends to give 
 their votes in our favour, that we carried it by 
 seventeen votes more to save her than to burn 
 her. After taking several things out of her, they 
 delivered the ship to us again that night about 
 seven o’clock ; they making the best of their way 
 to Madagascar and we for Johanna, giving us six 
 old small arms in lieu of what tliey took out of 
 us. But they would by no means clear Captain 
 Weoley ; forcing him to go along with them to 
 serve as a pilot for the Straits of Malacca, swear- 
 ing to shoot him if he refused it. They likewise 
 detained by force Francisco de Cruz our Car- 
 penter ; yet one of our men, Martin Hogendirk a 
 Dutchman, entered himself and went voluntarily 
 with them. 
 
 “ These two Pirates are very strong, full of 
 men, and one sails excellently well. The biggest 
 carries 40 Guns and near 200 men ; she is called 
 the “ Prosperous,” and was (as they told us first) 
 a Permission ship upon a trading voyage, but 
 surprised and taken about six months before at 
 Madagascar. The then Commander Hillyard died 
 soon after of the wounds he received then, but 
 the new Pirate Captain of her is called Howard. 
 The little ship is called the “ Speedy Return,” 
 and was formerly commanded by one Captain 
 Drummond, but now by one Bowen. She carries 
 12 Guns and 70 men, and is about 100 tons. She 
 
4708-40 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 27 
 
 with another about the same burden were sent out 
 by the Scotch Company.” 
 
 In consequence of this extraordinary relation, 
 those ships in the Madras Hoads which were bound 
 for the Straits of Malacca did not proceed on their 
 destination ; “ which tends,” says the consulta- 
 tion book, “ to the great detriment of the Port and 
 lessening of the customs ; besides it is to be feared 
 that if these Pirates take any of the country ships, 
 it will bring us into new troubles with the Govern- 
 ment, out of which we have but a few months past 
 extricated ourselves.” It may be mentioned that 
 Captain Weoley made his escape from the Pirates 
 a few months afterwards. 
 
 Our next extract is worthy of record as illustrat- 
 ing the mode in which the political department 
 of the Company’s administration was carried on 
 in these primitive times. 
 
 “ Thursday, 12th August, 1703. It being the 
 general report of the country that there will be 
 sudden alterations in the Government by the re- 
 moval of the Nabob, or Dewan, or both, and we 
 having but two spy Brahmins in the Camp, and 
 
 here being who tenders his service, being 
 
 son to Vinkettee Puttee, who procured the firmaun 
 from the king of Golconda for this place, and he 
 seeming to be an intelligible person : — it is agreed 
 he be entertained, if he will serve for five or six 
 Pagodas per mensem, to reside as a private per- 
 son in the Camp, to give us intelligence of all af- 
 fairs of importance, but not to be there as a 
 Vakeel.” 
 
28 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1708 — ♦. 
 
 The following entry illustrates the stringent 
 nature of the laws against duelling. 
 
 “ Monday, 23rd August, 1703. The Governor 
 having confined Captain Seaton and Mr. Strat- 
 ford for going out yesterday to the Company’s old 
 garden to fight a duel, he ordered them to be 
 brought up this day before him in Council to 
 examine into the occasion of it ; when it was 
 found that Captain Seaton gave the challenge 
 without any manner of provocation, so that it was 
 resolved their confinement should be continued 
 till we had considered what punishment we should 
 afflict on them to deter others from doing the like.” 
 The confinement lasted ten days, at the expiration 
 of which Captain Seaton was fined 200 Pagodas 
 and Mr. Stratford 50 Pagodas. Captain Seaton, 
 however, as we have seen on former occasions, had 
 a happy knack of getting out of a scrape as easily 
 as he got into it. Three weeks afterwards we find 
 the following significant entry : — “ Captain Seaton 
 delivering in a petition setting forth his contrition 
 for his offence, for which he was fined 200 Pago- 
 das, and prays that we would remit the same ; 
 which, in consideration of his great charge of 
 children, and his promises of not doing the like, 
 is granted him, and ordered that the Secretary do 
 return him the same.” 
 
 In November this year rumours of coming 
 troubles appear to have reached the Presidency. 
 The Steward of the Port was ordered to buy up 300 
 hogs, and feed them up, “ so that they may be fit 
 to kill and salt up during the cool weather for the 
 
1708 — 4.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 29 
 
 service of the Garrison-.” We also find the follow- 
 ing entry. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 2nd November, 1703. The Gover- 
 nor received advices this day from the Nabob’s 
 Camp, that there was orders given out to the 
 Foujdar of Tripassore to raise forces to come and 
 seize our towns ; which we are resolved to defend ; 
 and in order thereto, it is agreed that the Pay- 
 master forthwith run up a brick wall round the 
 Choultry at Egmore, in such manner as the Gover- 
 nor shall direct, to lodge such forces as we shall 
 send on all occasions to defend the place ; and when 
 the wall is done, to pull down the present Choul- 
 try, which is thatched and ready to tumble, and to 
 build a commodious one for that purpose.” 
 
 Eleven days afterwards the news was confirmed 
 by the receipt of the following letter from the 
 Eoujdar. 
 
 “ Translate of a letter from Tahir Khan, Fouj- 
 dar of Tripassore, received November 13th, 1703. 
 
 “ I wish your Honour all health. About three 
 months past I received a letter from Khan 
 Bahadur to take possession of those villages 
 you have, which are under the Poonainallee 
 country. I was loth to acquaint you with this 
 unwelcome news by reason of our friendship ; 
 but fresh orders are arrived to the Dewan and 
 myself ; and your Honour is sensible that the 
 servant must obey his Master’s orders ; so that I 
 can defer it now no longer. The occasion of my 
 sending you this is to let you understand that if 
 you will send one of your Vakeels to me, my 
 
30 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1703 — *. 
 
 friendship shall not be wanting to accommodate 
 the matter.” 
 
 Mr. Pitt’s reply was cautious, but sufficiently 
 firm. 
 
 “ To Tahir Khan Foujdar of Tripatore, Novem- 
 ber 15th, 1703. 
 
 “ I received your letter and observe the con- 
 tents, and can only return this answer. The 
 towns you mention were given us by Assid Khan, 
 the Grand Vizier, whose punvanna we have, in 
 consideiation of the good services we had done 
 your king ; which was much to the satisfaction of 
 Khan Bahadur who afterwards gave order for the 
 delivering them to us. When we thought it had 
 been in this country, as in all other parts of the 
 world, that whatever the Grand Vizier granted, 
 the king always made it good ; or what reliance 
 can there be on the favour of such great men’s 
 purwaunas. I esteemed you always as you write 
 yourself our friend, and am sorry you are com- 
 manded to execute such unjust orders ; which will 
 occasion no less than a difference between the two 
 nations — Who is the aggressor let the Great God 
 judge. Our Vakeel is sick ; if you send one 
 hither, 1 will immediately give my answer to what 
 he shall propose.” 
 
 The following incident of the war with France 
 respecting the Spanish succession, is interesting 
 from the fact that the Mr. Dolben here mentioned, 
 was our old friend the Judge Advocate in the 
 Court of Admiralty, who had been dismissed from 
 his Office, and engaged in a profitable trade. Not- 
 withstanding the report of the Pirates in the Straits 
 
1708 — 4 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 31 
 
 of Malacca, lie had boldly set out there in the 
 Canterbury, in the pursuit of commerce under diffi- 
 culties. 
 
 “ Friday, 14th January, 1704. Last night the 
 Governor received news by a Portuguese letter 
 from Pondicherry, that the two French ships were 
 returned with an English prize called the “ Can- 
 terbury,” belonging to the New East India Com- 
 pany ; having met her and Mr. Dolben in the 
 “ Chambers” Frigate in the Straits of Malacca ; 
 which is this day confirmed to us by a letter from 
 Pondicherry, copy of which is as follows, viz. 
 
 “ The two French vessels met the “ Chambers” 
 Frigate, and another of the New Company’s called 
 the “ Canterbury” of more than 300 tons, com- 
 manded by Captain Kingston!, came from Eng- 
 land and bound to Surat. The 1 9th December, 
 near the Island of Sambelan in the Straits of Ma- 
 lacca at night, they gave each other broadsides. 
 The “ Chambers” Frigate had her mainyard dis- 
 abled, which he got repaired in the night. The 
 next morning she fought again during four hours 
 against the lesser French ship; after which he made 
 all the sail he could to the bank of Parsola. The 
 “ Maurepas” (French ship) fought against the 
 “ Canterbury” which he took immediately. Mon- 
 sieur de Fontenay was sent against the “ Cham- 
 bers” which seemed the least, but proved the big- 
 gest and best man. We hear from those we have 
 taken, that Mr. Dolben gave CO guineas to each 
 man, and a promise to each that should lie wound- 
 ed to provide for them, to the end they should 
 behave themselves well.” 
 
32 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11709—4. 
 
 About this time a Roman Catholic Patriarch of 
 Antioch arrived at Pondicherry, and subsequently, 
 like the Bishop of St. Thome, executed not a little 
 opposition by endeavouring to interfere in ecclesias- 
 tical affairs in the Presidency. In the previous 
 November, a messenger arrived from this Presi- 
 dency with a complimentary message for Governor 
 Pitt, as will be seen from the following entry in 
 the consultations, dated, 22nd November, 1703. ■ — 
 “ There being arrived at Pondicherry a Patriarch 
 and several Padres, said to be missionaries from 
 the Pope to inspect into ecclesiastical affairs in 
 China ; one of which came this day into town, 
 sent with a compliment from the Patriarch to the 
 Governor, with a small present of Jocoles, oil, and 
 wines ; who was civilly received, and afterwards 
 took up his lodgings in the Portuguese Church.” 
 The following extract shows a determination on 
 the part of the Patriarch to interfere. 
 
 “ Saturday, 22iul January. Padre Michael having 
 applied himself to the Government for leave to go 
 to Pondicherry, for that he that calls himself the 
 Patriarch of Antioch had summoned him thither, 
 and he feared that if he did not go it would tend 
 to his ruin ; the Governor deferred giving him leave 
 till he had consulted his Council, which was this 
 day summoned and Padre Michael sent for, who 
 earnestly insisted for leave to go. Whereupon he 
 was asked by thg Governor whether the Patriarch 
 sent for him as Chief Priest of this Romish 
 Church, or on any other account. He answered 
 that it was as he was Chief Priest. To which it 
 was replied that we could allow of no persons to 
 
1703- 1.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 33 
 
 have any authority over the Priests of this place, 
 so as to send for them away, or return them or any 
 others at their pleasure. And supposing the Abbot 
 to have a hand in this matter we sent for him ; who 
 Jesuitically evaded, and denied that he knew 
 anything of the matter. Whom likewise we ac- 
 quainted with our resolutions that the Patriarch, 
 nor none else, should exercise any power over the 
 Priests that live under our Government. So dis- 
 missed them both, strictly enjoining Padre Michael 
 not to stir out of the town ; besides that orders 
 should be given the officers not to permit him to 
 go without the gate.” 
 
 In our next chapter we shall have occasion to 
 produce further illustrations of these intrigues. 
 
 The following entry will explain itself. 
 
 “ Monday, 3rd February. Ensign Harris, who 
 has often been found drunk, insomuch that he 
 has been incapable of doing his duty, for which 
 he has been frequently reprehended ; but finding 
 it to no purpose, he was this day broke ; but in 
 regard he has a wife and several children, we have 
 permitted him to serve as Serjeant, but that no 
 longer than he abstains from drinking to excess.” 
 
 Early this year a dispute arose between Gover- 
 nor Pitt and the Foujdar of St. Thome, concern- 
 ing an Armenian inhabitant of Madras who had 
 been imprisoned by the latter. It appears that 
 one Coja Timore, an Attorney for an Armenian 
 in Persia, had great demands on an Armenian 
 named Coja Awan who was an inhabitant of 
 Madras. The case was carried to court, but 
 meantime Coja Timore the Attorney had business 
 
 5 
 
34 HISTORY OF MADRAS. [1703-1. 
 
 at St. Tliome, and was followed there by Coja 
 Awan ; and the latter by some means unknown, 
 but which we may reasonably infer to have been 
 bribery, prevailed on the Foujdar to imprison the 
 Attorney. Governor Pitt of course sent to the 
 Foujdar to deliver up both as inhabitants of Mad- 
 ras ; but the Foujdar insisted not only that a free 
 pardon should be granted Coja Awan, which would 
 have been granted, but also that the papers lodged 
 in the Court should be delivered up to him. To 
 have granted the latter demand, would have been 
 to establish a most awkward precedent ; as it would 
 virtually admit of an interference for the future on 
 the part of the Foujdar of St. Thome in all cases 
 pending in the Madras Court of Admiralty. The 
 following letters will throw some light on the 
 dispute. 
 
 “ From Mirusman Foujdar of St. Thome. 
 
 “ I have power over Chiunapatam, and likewise 
 over St. Thome, as it belongs to the king whose 
 grant of Chiunapatam ground to the Company was 
 on no other intent than to make the place fruitful, 
 and bring riches into his kingdom, but not to act 
 anything that should prove unjust or prejudicial 
 to the Merchants interest there. I cannot help 
 putting you in minc^of the Governors of Gokouda 
 and Bijapore, who for their unjust actions and ill 
 behaviour were instantly turned out of then - Pro- 
 vince, notwithstanding all their resistance, and 
 clapped into irons. What reason therefore has the 
 king to value any one, seeing he turns out whoso- 
 ever he pleases ; and who by his great kindness 
 and justice towards his people, has obtained power 
 
1XJ3-40 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 So 
 
 of God to conquer wheresoever he comes ; and 
 knowing me to be one of his Officers, I wonder at 
 the stylo you write me. What can I say more ?” 
 
 The following was Governor Pitt’s answer. 
 
 “ To Mirusman Foujdar of St. Thome. 
 
 <£ I received your impertinent and insolent letter. 
 — We all know your king to be great, wise and just, 
 and many of his nobles to be persons of great ho- 
 nour ; but most of his little Governors, amongst 
 whom I reckon you, to be very corrupt and 
 unjust. We would have you to know we 
 are of a nation whose sovereign is great and 
 powerful, able to protect his subjects in their just 
 rights over all the world, and revenge whatever 
 injustices shall be done them, of which there will 
 be speedy instances given. I am not a little sur- 
 prised at your saucy expressions, as well as actions 
 in imprisoning my inhabitants, when you know 
 that I can fetch you hither and correct you for 
 both. This is an unswer to your letter. 
 
 Thomas Pitt.” 
 
 Meantime the matter had been represented to 
 the Nabob Dawood Khan and his Buxie. A guard 
 had been placed by Governor Pitt over the house 
 of Coja Awati, who had procured the impri- 
 sonment of his Attorney, and who of course 
 remained at St. Thome ; and both the Nabob 
 and Buxie declared that this Coja Awan, was 
 indebted to them for jewels, and required 
 that he should be no further meddled with. 
 Governor Pitt sent very long explanatory letters in 
 reply. Subsequently, as Coja Awan owed a great 
 deal of money in Madras, Governor Pitt resolved 
 
36 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11703 —#. 
 
 to open his house, and to take an inventory of his 
 goods, in the presence of the Armenians, Moguls, 
 and Patans of the place. Accordingly the latter 
 were summoned to appear on the 6th April, 
 1704 ; but on that morning, instead of going 
 to Coja Awan’s house, a number of them appeared 
 before the Governor. The Armenians begged to 
 be excused on the ground that they had goods 
 at St Thome, which the Poujdar would seize 
 directly he heard of their participation in the 
 matter. The Moguls on their part stated that the 
 Buxie’s seiwant had been with them that morning, 
 and charged them in the name of his Master and 
 in the name of the Nabob, not to concern them- 
 selves n the matter. The Patans made no ap- 
 neamnce at all. Accordingly they were aU ordered 
 
 took the subject into consideration. After a little 
 i -i t i ie following decision was arrived at. The 
 Armenians and others were told that if they would 
 f or Coia Awan’s debts, or for the 
 become sect J J r30n within a reasonable 
 
 delnen U P . f, u t otherwise they must 
 
 time. neU « 6 0 f the house and godowns, 
 
 aS T t the taHnS Tn inventory of the Immture, 
 and . at ! fro S the place altogether within three 
 or depa r .,^- g t j ec ^i Ye measure ensured corn- 
 days time. no-reed that eight Armenians, 
 
 “iS & and eight Geatoos 
 
 { ° e t on the following Monday at Coja 
 should meet oi tlie Begistrar of the 
 
 without further difficulty. 
 
1704 — 7-3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 37 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. THOMAS PITT. 
 
 1704—7. 
 
 The Governorship of Mr. Pitt extended over 
 the unusually lengthy period of eleven years, and, 
 as we have already indicated, was marked by some 
 extraordinary incidents. In the years now under re- 
 view it will be seen that though apprehensions were 
 still entertained of Nabob Dawood Khan, yet the 
 foreign relations of Port St. George were tolerably 
 tranquil. This state of things may be generally 
 ascribed to the extreme old age of Aurungzebe, 
 and the inability of the Mogul to subdue the 
 Mahrattas ; and it may here be noticed, what is 
 scarcely noticed in the consultations, that Aurung- 
 zebe died on the 21st of February 1707, in the 
 eighty-ninth year of his life and fiftieth of his reign. 
 The internal events of the Presidency are however 
 unusually interesting. Mr. Pitt had very great 
 trouble in putting a stop to some disastrous con- 
 flicts between the Right and Left Hand castes, 
 which for a long time occasioned an entire stop- 
 page of the country trade, besides leading to the 
 flight of many necessary handicraftsmen from 
 Madras. Mr. Fraser also, who had rendered 
 himself so obnoxious to Governor Higginson 
 as to induce the latter to resign, took advantage 
 
38 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11704—7 
 
 of tlie caste dispute to engage in a quarrel with 
 Mr. Pitt. We however leave our extracts in gene- 
 ral to tell their own story. 
 
 The first refers to the failure of an attempt 
 to rear silkworms and obtain raw silk in Madras. 
 
 “Monday, 1st April 1704. We finding that 
 the experiment of making of raw silk to be very 
 chargeable, the success of which depending entirely 
 upon the well growing of the Mulberry trees, and 
 this country being so excessive hot and dry, there 
 is little hope of effecting the same. It is there- 
 fore agreed that all the Necauds except two, be re- 
 turned to Bengal.” 
 
 The next entry illustrates the losses experienced 
 from the claims of the Native Princes to seize all 
 ships wrecked upon their coast and sometimes to 
 seize vessels which were not sufficiently manned 
 without any pretence whatever. 
 
 “Thursday, 22nd June. In the year 1702, 
 when Dawood Khan was besieging this place, the 
 Governor sent the “ Bedford” sloop to Tranquebar 
 for provisions, but meeting with a long passage, 
 was straitened for water, so that they anchored in 
 the king of Tanj ore’s country, where the people 
 seized the vessel and all the men, and put them in 
 prison, where they lay several months and were 
 used barbarously. The vessel they hauled into a 
 small river, and took out her guns which were 
 four, and also ten candy of China root, and sent it 
 to the king. Upon this the President wrote 
 several letters to his Chief Minister demanding 
 satisfaction ; but all the answer could be had, 
 they pleaded the vessel was a wreck, and so of 
 
1704 - 7 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 39 
 
 course their right. At which time the Merchants 
 of Tanjore had several effects here, which the Pre- 
 sident would have seized, but that a Merchant 
 here, one Sanka Ramana who has great dealings 
 to Tanjore, pretended that he rvould accommodate 
 the matter and procure satisfaction ; but not hav- 
 ing hitherto done anything in it, the President 
 acquainted the Council that he had a few days back 
 seized goods that came from Tanjore for the afore- 
 said vessel and cargo. Unto which the Council 
 unanimously assented, hoping thereby to discourage 
 those country people, and those adjacent to us 
 from doing the like.” 
 
 The Patriarch at Pondicherry and Bishop of 
 St. Thome still continued their attempts to exer- 
 cise ecclesiastical authority within the English go- 
 vernment. 
 
 “ Friday, 15th September. The Capuchins here 
 of the Portuguese Church, being under interdic- 
 tions from the Patriarch and Bishop of St. Thorne, 
 who design to put upon us what Padres they 
 please, which may be the worst of consequences. 
 To prevent which it is agreed, for the satisfaction 
 of many of our inhabitants of that persuasion, that 
 Padre Lorenso a Capuchin, be admitted into town 
 to exercise his functions in their Church.” 
 
 A serious emeute at St. Thome between the 
 ■Moorish Governor and the Portuguese Governor, 
 is thus recorded. 
 
 “ Monday, 25th. Yesterday in the evening we 
 heard that the Portuguese and Moors’ had had a 
 quarrel wherein was killed a Portuguese gentleman 
 Senor John Rebeiro of good fashion, and two 
 
40 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [irow. 
 
 Moors ; occasioned chiefly by the Moors Governor 
 going after a treacherous manner to his house who 
 they call the Governor of tire Portuguese, whom 
 he had designed to have murdered, or used him 
 barbarously by imprisonment. The Governor of 
 the Portuguese received a slight wound, but upon 
 firing some arms, the Moors’ Governor and his 
 people fled ; two more of whose people we hear 
 this day died of their wounds, and three or four it 
 is said are in danger thereof. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 26th. About five this morning the 
 Governor here received a message from the Go- 
 vernor and Portuguese inhabitants of St. Thome 
 being come to the place of our out guards ; who 
 desired admittance and protection, which was ac- 
 cordingly granted them ; and in the evening one 
 of their chief inhabitants, Senor Matthias Cavallo, 
 waited on the Governor and acquainted him with 
 the whole matter ; being much as before recited, 
 only that the original of the quarrel arose from a 
 Moor offering to take a candle from a young 
 woman as they were walking in procession at 
 their feast.” 
 
 The following incident is very curious, as illus- 
 trating the proselyting spirit that prevailed. 
 
 “ Saturday, 12th May 1705. There being 
 never an Ensign now in the Garrison, the Gover- 
 nor proposes Serjeant Dixon and Serjeant Hugo- 
 nin for Ensigns, one in each Company. The ob- 
 jection against Dixon is from an obsolete order of 
 the Old Company that no Koman Catholic should 
 bear command in the Garrison ; but in regard 
 that they have since employed Commanders Su- 
 
1704 — 7 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 41 
 
 percargos to India that have been professed Ho- 
 man Catholics, we hope it may warrant us in 
 making this person an Officer ; he being likewise 
 one of the best soldiers we have in the Garrison ; 
 and it is not unlikely but his preferment may 
 make him return to the Protestant religion. It is 
 therefore agreed that the two aforesaid persons be 
 made Ensigns, and that the Secretary draws out 
 their Commissions accordingly.” If Ensign Dixon 
 did turn Protestant on account of receiving an En- 
 sign’s commission, he must have proved a valu- 
 able convert. 
 
 The next extract will prove interesting to local 
 antiquarians. 
 
 “ Monday, 30th July. The President pro- 
 poses the hedging and ditching of the Island 
 round, in order to the improving of it for pasture 
 for cattle, which may be of great use to this Gar- 
 rison at all times, and more especially in times of 
 trouble from the country.” 
 
 The following entry will explain itself. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 28th August. We having had for 
 above two years past great complaints of ships 
 losing their anchors in the road, and galling their 
 cables : which we impute to the road being very 
 foul by the many anchors lost, which the muck- 
 yard men and all others are discouraged from 
 sweeping for, by reason of the Company having 
 half salvage, and they at all the charge. So to 
 prevent so great a misfortune of any ships driving 
 ashore, it is agreed that all people are free to 
 sweep the Road, and to have whatever they can 
 take up, of anchors or anything else for their la- 
 
 6 
 
42 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 L170W. 
 
 hour ; and no pretensions whatever to be made 
 upon them for account of the Company or any 
 other ; which is to be notified by the Secretary 
 putting up a paper in all languages at the Sea 
 Gate.” 
 
 The following curious incidents in reference to 
 the wills of Homan Catholics are very significant. 
 The Eoman Catholic inhabitants of Madras had 
 been accustomed to prove their wills before the 
 Capuchin Friars ; but complaints had reached the 
 Governor and Council that advantage was taken 
 of this circumstance to convey a large portion 
 of the effects of deceased Roman Catholics to the 
 Partriarch of Antioch at Pondicherry. Accordingly 
 it was ordered that for the future all wills should 
 be approved at the Company’s Court. The fol- 
 lowing successful attempt to evade this law, may 
 be best described in the words of the original entry 
 in the consultations. 
 
 “Tuesday, 7th May, 1706. This day was read 
 a Petition of Donna Johanna Teseira, widow of 
 John Baptista deceased, who was many years an 
 Alderman of this city ; who, by the instigation of 
 the Padres, a little before his death removed to 
 St. Thome ; and leaving a will which his widow 
 proved in the Portuguese Court there, and the 
 estate divided according to the tenor thereof, and 
 the Portuguese customs and laws. But since his 
 death his daughter having married a Portuguese 
 inhabitant of this place, who supposing that his 
 wife had not her just dividend of her father’s 
 estate according to the English laws ; her husband 
 Gregoria De Arangeo has commenced a suit 
 
1 704—70 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 43 
 
 against, the widow in the Mayor’s Court, aud has 
 attached some moneys in this place, against which 
 she prays relief. And that whereas her husband 
 died at St. Thome and the will proved there, and 
 that all papers and accounts relating thereto re- 
 main in that Court according to custom, which 
 they will not permit to be sent hither to make her 
 defence. So upon mature consideration of the 
 whole matter, and the apprehensions we have of 
 the ill-consequences of interfering with the pro- 
 ceedings of the Courts of other nations ; and con- 
 sidering that the daughter of the deceased was 
 content with her dividend before she marrried, and 
 gave discharges for the same : — It is unanimously 
 agreed that an order be directed to the Mayor’s 
 Court to dismiss the cause, and withdraw any at- 
 tachment they may have issued out against the 
 effects of John Baptista deceased, and leave the 
 whole matter to the Portuguese Court at St. 
 Thome, where all relating to this affair has been 
 hitherto transacted.” 
 
 The eccentricities of the Natives with regard to 
 deeds and bonds, are fully illustrated by the fol- 
 lowing entry of the same date. 
 
 “ There often arising in this place great dis- 
 putes and demands upon accounts and bonds of 
 ten, twenty, and thirty years standing, so that it is 
 next to impossible to decide the same ; and it 
 being generally amongst the Natives, most of which 
 stick at no manner of villany, for swearing, lying, 
 forging, or any other vile action to gain their end ; 
 to prevent which it is ordered that from the 1 st of 
 January next ensuing, no bond, bill, or account 
 
•14 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 0704-7. 
 
 shall be sueable for in any of the Courts of Justice 
 or the Choultry of this city, that are of a longer 
 standing than seven years ; provided it can be 
 proved that within the space of the aforesaid seven 
 years, both parties have been resident on the place 
 six months at one and the same time, and no de- 
 mand has been made of the debt in the Mayor’s 
 Court and an action commenced for the same.” 
 
 We must now retrace our steps a little to de- 
 scribe the movements of the Nabob Dawood Khan. 
 In June 170 5 advices had reached Governor Pitt, 
 that Dawood had been on a visit to the king 
 Aurungzebe, and had returned to the Carnatic with 
 additional honours and powers. In March this 
 year the Nabob was in the neighbourhood of Fort 
 St. David, and a letter was received from the 
 Agent and Council there expressing then - appre- 
 hensions of Dawood Khan, and requesting to be 
 informed whether they should make him a present. 
 Governor Pitt replied, — “ We believe it necessary 
 to give the Nabob a present if he comes to your 
 place, and hope to the amount of three or four 
 hundred Pagodas may do, and we would not have 
 you to exceed five ; but if you hear he intends to 
 come to St. Thome, it would be very well if you 
 could evade it, and send him only a present of 
 some liquors ; telling his people that you have no 
 orders from Madras, and that the Governor of 
 Madras will be grateful to him for his civility to 
 vou ; for if you should present and we too, both 
 may be considerable, whereas good part of one, if 
 not all, may be saved if you can manage it as be- 
 fore directed.” 
 
1704-70 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 45 
 
 In April Dawood returned to Arcot and Go- 
 vernor Pitt complimented him with one hundred 
 bottles of liquor. Pive months aftevvards we meet 
 with the following entries in the consultation books 
 which will explain themselves. 
 
 “ Monday, 23rd September. The King’s Dewan 
 who is now at St. Thome, who has all along shown 
 great friendship to the Company’s affairs ; and 
 now being sent for up to the Court to supply the 
 place of his brother deceased, who was Lord 
 Steward of the King’s Household: — we think it 
 for the interest of the Company to make him a 
 present to the value of about two hundred or two 
 hundred and fifty Pagodas in gold chains, or other 
 things that may be most acceptable, leaving it to 
 the Governor to advice therein. 
 
 “Thursday, 31st October. This day the Go- 
 vernor received advises that Nabob Dawood Khan 
 w r as come to Poonamallee, and from thence de- 
 signed for St. Thome ; upon which we immediately 
 despatched our Moolla and Brahmin to him with a 
 compliment. 
 
 “ Saturday, 2nd November. The Nabob ar- 
 riving yesterday at St. Thome, and this morning 
 our Moolla and Brahmin returning to us, saying 
 that the Nabob receive dvery well the Governor’s 
 compliment, and did intend to come and stay some 
 days at a Garden house a little to the southward 
 of the town ; which was ordered to be cleaned up 
 for his reception if he continued that resolution, 
 which we were resolved should not be encouraged 
 to by any invitation. They likewise told us that 
 they believed he came not with a design to give 
 
46 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [i row- 
 
 us any trouble, which they infer from the small 
 force he brought with him, which were not above 
 five or six hundred horse and foot. He also show- 
 ed an earnest desire to dine with the Governor.” 
 
 This intelligence was not wholly satisfactory. 
 Dawood Khan had the whole country at his com- 
 mand, and might have ordered other forces to 
 follow him from Arcot. Moreover he spoke 
 many kind things of the English nation, which the 
 Moors “ usually do of all people, when they are 
 carrying on the worst of designs against them.” 
 Accordingly two members of Council and the 
 Secretary were sent to pay their respects to him at 
 St. Thome ; but were directed to give no answer 
 about the dinner, and to say they had no instructions 
 upon the subject. The next day, being Sunday, 
 the three gentlemen proceeded to St. Thome, and 
 met with “ extraordinary kind reception.” Da- 
 wood Khan presented them each with an emerald 
 ring, worth about thirty or forty Pagodas a piece ; 
 and also sent a jewel to Governor Pitt of the value 
 of a hundred or hundred and fifty Pagodas. But 
 amidst all this ostentation he ardently pressed for 
 an invitation to dinner ; and thougli the deputa- 
 tion postponed their answer, yet Governor Pitt 
 considered it expedient to send an immediate in- 
 vitation to the Nabob, upon the condition however, 
 that he woidd not bring with him more than 
 twenty of his guards. Dawood Khan made the 
 necessary' promise, and the Governor made the 
 necessary preparations for the dinner. The result 
 is fully recorded in the consultations as follows. 
 
 “ Monday, 4th November. Narrain and the 
 
1704—70 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 47 
 
 Moolla went to wait on the Nabob at St. Thome 
 as ordered this day, and the gentlemen of council 
 to the Garden, whither he came about noon ; 
 when Narrain discerning that a considerable part 
 of his forces followed him, at least 200 horse and 
 foot, told him he hoped he did not expect the Go- 
 vernor should admit them all into the Fort, who he 
 was confident would not admit any more than what 
 was agreed on. Therefore he desired the Nabob to 
 keep his promise, to which he answered that- if he 
 went all those must be admitted with him. So 
 lighted at the Garden and bid Narrain go and ac- 
 quaint the Governor with his resolution, and that 
 if he would not be received with all his Company, 
 it should be the same thing to him if we sent the 
 dinner to him where he was at the Garden. With 
 which message Narrain came, and soon after the 
 Secretary confirmed the same ; when the Governor 
 positively refused to receive him with more than 
 twenty men. So ordered the dinner immediately 
 to be carried to him to the Garden, with all other 
 necessaries ; whither the Secretary and Narrain 
 returned, who were to acquaint the other gentle- 
 men with the Governor’s resolution ; and that the 
 Guns he intended to fire they should acquaint 
 the Nabob were for the King’s health, his 
 own, and such of the Great Ministers of State 
 as were Ids friends. About five in the even- 
 ing the English gentlemen returned from the 
 Garden and gave the Governor the following ac- 
 count. That the Nabob first seemed out of hu- 
 mour at the answer that was sent him, when it 
 was believed he would not dine there ; but after 
 
43 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1704 - 7 . 
 
 some pausing he dissembled his resentment and 
 sat down to dinner, and ate heartily, and tasted 
 the liquors sent him which he liked very well. 
 After dinner the present was set before him, 
 which at first he seemingly refused, but afterwards 
 accepted of it ; and soon after he rose up and re- 
 turned to St. Thome.” 
 
 The following entry records another scrape of 
 Captain Seaton’s. 
 
 “ Thursday, 27th February, 1707. The Gover- 
 nor lays before the Council the insolent action of 
 Captain Seaton, who on Sunday last marched part 
 of his Company (and had all had not the Gover- 
 nor commanded them off) over the Company’s 
 calicoes that lay a dyeing ; notwithstanding there 
 was much more than room enough to have march- 
 ed the men clear of them as usual. Aud after- 
 wards when the Governor sent for him to demand 
 his reason for doing so base an action, he had the 
 impudence to tell him he did not understand it. 
 Upon which, when he came for the word in the 
 evening, the Governor told him that he was sus- 
 pended till he had advised with the Council ; for 
 that he thought him not fitting to serve the Com- 
 pany any longer, nor would he bear any more 
 with his insolencies. It is agreed that he stands 
 suspended, and that the consideration of breaking 
 him be referred to another time.” A year after- 
 wards Captain Seaton having appealed to the Di- 
 rectors on the strength of his twenty years service, 
 and pleaded some extenuating circumstances, was 
 reinstated in the command of the garrison. 
 
1/04—7-1 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 49 
 
 The following curious entry will explain, itself. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 17th June. The Governor produces 
 a letter from Robert Berriman of Tort St. David, 
 wherein he declares that he had contracted mar- 
 riage with Mrs. Wilson who lately died here, to 
 whom he had made several presents, which were 
 found in her lodgings at her death, when the Pay- 
 master took an account of her effects. So consi- 
 dering the low circumstances of Berriman, it is 
 agreed that upon his taking his oath to the list of 
 the things he demands, that they were presented 
 her upon account of the intended marriage, that 
 the Paymaster delivers him the same.” 
 
 We now have to draw attentioir to the quarrel 
 which broke out between the Right and Left Hand 
 Castes,* and which is fully described in the follow- 
 ing extracts. 
 
 * The distinction between the two Hands is said to 
 be of recent origin, as no mention is made of them in 
 any of the ancient books. Moreover it is almost un- 
 known in the North, and is indeed chiefly confined to a 
 part only of Southern India. In the latter districts, 
 most of the Hindoo castes are thus separated. The left- 
 hand includes the whole tribe of the Vaisya or mer- 
 chants, the Panchala or five castes of artisans, together 
 with some other mean tribes of the Sudras, and espe- 
 cially the caste of Chakili or cobblers. The Right-hand 
 includes the most distinguished castes of the Sudras, but 
 its strongest bulwark is the Pariah caste, which still 
 glories in the title of “ Friends of the Right-hand.” 
 
 The opposition between the two bands arises from 
 certain privileges to which they both lay claim. The 
 matter is generally some trifling violation of mamool or 
 custom, but not unfrequently leads to bloody disputes. 
 Dabors mentions a contest so dreadful, that many of the 
 
 7 
 
50 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 urow- 
 
 “ Thursday, 26th June, 1707. There having 
 been lately a dispute between the Right aud Left 
 Hand Castes, that live in the Pettah, about pass- 
 ing some streets on occasion of their weddings, 
 insomuch that the Governor was obliged to order 
 Guards to lie out to keep the peace. To prevent 
 further disturbance it is agreed that Mr. Raworth 
 the Paymaster takes with him the Gunner, and 
 Serampa and Narrain, Heads for the Right Hand 
 Caste, and Colloway and Yinkettee Chitties Heads 
 for the Left Hand Caste ; and that they survey 
 the Pettahs, and consider of what method may be 
 taken to prevent any further disputes of the like 
 nature, aud report the same to the Governor and 
 Council. 
 
 “ Thursday, 17 th July. Mr. Raworth and the 
 Gunner, as also the Heads of the Right and Left 
 Hand Castes, report that they had surveyed the 
 Pettali, and produced a draught of all the streets 
 and buildings in the Pettah, which showed us 
 what streets were chiefly inhabited by the Left 
 Hand Caste, being Eridge Gate street, and that 
 which is called the Chief Peons street ; wherein 
 lives but few of the Right Hand Caste. So to 
 preserve the peace between the two aforesaid 
 Castes for the future, we hereby order that those 
 few of the Right hand Caste in the aforementioned 
 
 peaceful inhabitants began to leave their villages, just as 
 if a Mahratta invasion were impending. This terrible 
 commotion arose from a member of the Left-hand stick- 
 ing red flowers into his turban. To this day nothing but 
 the strong arm of the police prevents Madras itself from 
 being frequently the scene of similar disturbances. 
 
1701—70 
 
 HISTOllY OF MADRAS. 
 
 51 
 
 streets sell their houses, and go and live in the 
 streets amongst their own Caste ; and that those 
 two streets are peculiarly appropriated for the 
 Left Hand Caste to pass in at their making their 
 weddings and Festivals ; and that none of the 
 Right Hand Caste give them the least disturbance 
 in that precinct at their utmost peril. And it is 
 further ordered that neither Caste may pretend 
 ignorance of these limits, that the Paymaster sets 
 up four Stones at the cost of the Left Hand Caste, 
 according as we have directed him in the draught, 
 and insert thereon in English and Gentoo the 
 purport of this our order.” 
 
 “ Thursday, 14th August. The Governor ac- 
 quaints the Council that on the 12th at night 
 some disaffected persons to the Government had 
 placed papers on the Stones set up in our Pettah, 
 which stinted the bounds of the Left Hand Caste ; 
 which papers were wrote in the Malabar language 
 and now produced. 
 
 “ Since the foundation of this city’- no such thing has 
 been known. By the authority of the Government and 
 prevalence of money this Pillar was erected, in con 
 tempt and derison of the Right Hand Caste, who will 
 forfeit the rights of their caste if they do not destroy 
 the others like dogs and tumble them down. If it be 
 demanded by whose order this was written, it is by the 
 will of the King of England and the Company, who will 
 not fail to bring these things to pass ; and this by way 
 of caution.” 
 
 “ The persons unknown also laid at the foot of 
 the Stonej a sort of an enchantment as is esteemed 
 in tliis country, pieces of skulls with rice and other 
 mixtures. From the translate of the paper it is 
 
52 HISTORY OF MADRAS. [17M-7. 
 
 easily to he inferred that some Europeans have had 
 a hand in it ; there being expressions that these 
 people are wholly strangers to. Of whieli we 
 having considered are come to the following re- 
 sult, that a paper be fixed on each stone in all lan- 
 guages, as also on the Gates in the English and 
 Black town ; that if any person shall come and 
 'n form us of what person or persons have fixed the 
 aforementioned paper on those Pillars, they shall 
 have one hundred Pagodas reward, and his pardon 
 if concerned therein. The Heads of the R ight 
 Hand Caste were sent for before us, who being 
 charged with having a hand in writing these pa- 
 pers, which they denied ; agreed that a month’s 
 time be given them to find out the person or per- 
 sons who wrote them ; and that if they do not 
 find them, they are to be fined such a sum of money 
 as the Governor and Council think fit ; and this 
 they were acquainted with. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 19th August. The Governor ac- 
 quaints the Board that on Sunday last, being the 
 1 7 th instant, that the Bight Hand Caste with a 
 Wedding went in great pomp through the street 
 which was ordered lately by the Governor and 
 Council for the Weddings of the Left Hand Caste ; 
 and that upon hearing of which, he sent out a 
 party of soldier's who seized nineteen of them, who 
 are now in prison in the Choultry, who he resolves 
 to punish and make examples. 
 
 “ The Eight Hand Caste came to the Fort this 
 day in a considerable body, and delivered in a 
 Petition as entered after this consultation ; with 
 the heads of which we had a long debate, and 
 
1704 — 7 -] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 53 
 
 what they, said tended, as well as the purport of 
 their Petition, for us to retract what we have done, 
 and that we would give up the Left Hand Caste a 
 sacrifice to them. 
 
 “ The Petition of the eighteen sorts of people 
 of the Eight Hand Castes belonging to Chinna- 
 patam. 
 
 “ Humbly Sheweth, 
 
 Whereas upon the first settlement of the Eng- 
 lish in this place, the liberty was granted your 
 Petitioners’ Castes to have their streets and habi- 
 tations from Tom Clarke’s Gate and the Bridge 
 Gate, both within and without ; and to the Left 
 Hand Caste was granted from Mud Point Gate, 
 both within and without ; two streets which was 
 kept and observed by each Caste till broken by 
 the troubles which happened to the French at 
 St. Thome. At which time several people retired 
 hither, and without knowledge or permission from 
 the Government, built their houses one amongst 
 the other in both the Pettahs ; which being- 
 complained of to Sir Willliam Langhorn, and 
 the ill effects of the falling out of the two 
 Castes being taken into consideration, it was 
 ordered that they should not live together ; but 
 that the Eight Hand people should go to the place 
 that was first granted them to inhabit, and that 
 the Left Hand should go to theirs. Accordingly 
 to which order the Eight Hand people did obey, 
 and likewise some of the Left Hand people ; but 
 others did desire leave to stay till the rains was 
 over, which was granted, but after to retire to 
 their own streets ; which to this day they have not 
 
54 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 or ow. 
 
 done, but rather have encroached more upon your 
 Petitioner’s liberty. Likewise the Weddings that 
 were made by the Left Hand people that lived 
 amongst your Petitioners, were ordered to be kept 
 always in their own streets ; but if it happened that 
 they did make any Weddings in your Petitioners’ 
 streets, it was to be done privately in their own 
 houses, without any music, or any such ceremony. 
 But they now very unreasonably desire your Peti- 
 tioners’ streets, which never was done before ; and 
 they having complained to your Honour, but upon 
 what account or reason we do not know. Now in 
 the streets wherein the Stones are erected, there 
 are one hundred of your Petitioners houses, with 
 several Wells, Churches, Gardens, and Choultries ; 
 all which belong to your Petitioners the Right 
 Hand people. Being very many, being twenty-one 
 Castes in all of these people, we cannot tell every 
 one’s mind. The country people have sent let- 
 ters to us, but what they can do for us we do not 
 know. We all living under your Honour’s protec- 
 tion, are afraid to disoblige your Honour, there- 
 fore stay very quiet. From the beginning of the 
 world to this day it never was known that any 
 Government did take away your Petitioner’s streets, 
 and give them to the Left Caste people, which 
 they know to be true. Now they (the Left Hands) 
 having made many false complaints to your 
 Honour, which is the occasion of all this 
 trouble ; for the streets where the Stones are 
 erected are the first streets of the Right Hand 
 Castes for all strangers that come from the 
 country. For these streets that your Honour 
 
1704 — r.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 55 
 
 has given to the Left Hand Castes is a very great 
 dissatisfaction to all the Right Hand Caste people. 
 Therefore your most humble Petitioners desire 
 your Honour would he pleased to take into con- 
 sideration, and they shall as in duty bound ever 
 pray.” 
 
 “Friday, 22nd August. The foregoing con- 
 sultations of late mention several passages relating 
 to the Right Hand Caste and Left. Of the for- 
 mer many have deserted us, and the others have 
 locked themselves up in their houses in town ; 
 which, chiefly consisting of Boatmen, Washermen, 
 Fishermen, and other necessary handicrafts, the Go- 
 vernor summoned all his Council except Mr. 
 Fraser ; who he was jealous had betrayed us in 
 what wc had done, as to settling the dispute be- 
 tween the Castes. And the Governor gave us 
 this instance of it. That when on the 19th past, 
 he acquainted the Board of the insolence of the 
 Pariahs who went through the Left Hand streets 
 with a Wedding and what he had done thereon ; 
 when immediately Mr. Fraser according to his 
 custom made a long senseless speech, the purport 
 shewing that he was now against what had been 
 transacted in consultation about the Castes ; which 
 no notice was taken of, as coming from him. But 
 then the next minute the Right Hand Caste deli- 
 vered their Petition, which was presently read, and 
 entirely agreed with the purport of what just be- 
 fore Mr. Fraser spoke. When the Governor im- 
 mediately charged him with making or reading of 
 it, which he then denied in great confusion, and 
 the same was taken notice of by Messrs. Raworth 
 
56 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11704 — 7 - 
 
 and Frederick present in Council. So the Governor 
 this day laying before the Board the worst of con- 
 sequences that might attend the Company’s affairs, 
 as well as our own persons, to have one amongst 
 us to betray our counsels ; of which the Council 
 being equally sensible, desired Mr. Fraser might 
 be sent for ; which was accordingly done. When 
 he was charged with what before mentioned, and 
 told by the Governor that it was impossible that 
 he could make a speech so coherent with a Petition 
 that was just after delivered in, without having 
 made or read it ; to which he made no other de- 
 fence than that we should prove it if we could. 
 The Governor at the same time charged him with 
 directing the Malabar inscription that was put 
 upon the Stones, which he denied with strange 
 asseveration and execrations, but to the making 
 or reading the Petition only a plain denial. So 
 after he told us he had no more to say in his de- 
 fence, the Governor desired him to withdraw, which 
 he refused to do, but afterwards obliged him to it. 
 
 “ When we debated the nature of his offence, 
 and the ill consequences of any of the Council en- 
 couraging Petitions against our proceedings in 
 general, or such in particular as he himself seem- 
 ingly agreed to, without the least hesitation to 
 anything that was done relating to the castes : — - 
 the Governor to prevent his doing further mis- 
 chief, pressed the necessity of his being suspended 
 the Company’s service ab officio et beneficio ; al- 
 leging that no inconveniency could accrue from it, 
 for that his abilities were so little considerable, 
 that all of us knew in our consciences that he 
 
" 704 - 7-1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 57 
 
 never merited rice and water from the Company ; 
 but yet with, liis malice, pride, and envy, he has 
 often made strange progress in mischief, and 
 wholly incapable of doing good. And it is not 
 amiss to insert one or two passages, though 
 foreign to this present matter. Some time past, 
 upon a suspicion that there was a difference be- 
 tween the Governor and Mr. Raworth, an impu- 
 dent Dubasli, that was often trusted with Mr. 
 Fraser’s whispers, came up to Mr. Raworth in his 
 chamber, and told him that he heard there was a 
 difference between the Governor and him, and that 
 he treated him as he did others ; but if he would 
 stand against him and come and join with Mr. 
 Fraser and his party, he was sure they would be 
 able to suppress him : upon which Mr. Raworth 
 treated him as became him by kicking him down 
 stairs. About five years past there came from Goa 
 a Theatine Padre, an Englishman, Milton by name, 
 who often passed between this place and Fort St. 
 David, and several times came to the Governor for 
 leave to build a Chapel here or at Fort St. David ; 
 which he positively refused him, considering that 
 the worst of consequences must attend it, or that 
 it would be to the great dislike of the Company to 
 have an English priest here of the Popish religion, 
 for that being such he ought to die by our law. 
 Yet nevertheless one Joseph Hiller, a great consort 
 of Mr. Fraser, bought a piece of ground here 
 (without any leave or knowledge of the Governor) 
 for Milton ; on which he immediately erected a 
 fabrick after the model of a convent, and had made 
 considerable progress therein, before the Governor, 
 
58 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11704 — 7 - 
 
 who was going to the Garden one morning, knew 
 anything of it. When he immediately sent for 
 Padre Milton, and demanded of him how he came 
 by that ground, and who gave him leave to 
 build on it ; who answered Mr. Hiller bought 
 it for him. Upon which the Governor order- 
 ed him immediately to desist from building, 
 and by six. at night to depart the place ; which 
 he accordingly did to St. Thome ; where a little 
 time after, Mr. Fraser and others went to dinner 
 with him, and has often been seen conversing with 
 him at that end of the town. Thus whenever the 
 Governor has frowned upon any one for crimes 
 and misdemeanors, whether white men or black, 
 it is well known they 'were always cherished 
 by Mr. Fraser ; who has been the pest of the 
 Government, as well as the ridicule and scum 
 of the place. Yet notwithstanding all before 
 mentioned is well known to be great truths to 
 every man that sits at the Board, who desired the 
 Governor to leave him out in the sorting Summons, 
 for that he was so impertinent and troublesome 
 that no business could be done ; yet they were 
 generally unwilling to suspend him the service, 
 till the Governor solemnly averred that he would 
 sit no more with him in Council, nor give his 
 opinion in any affairs more of the Company’s 
 where he was present ; which induced the Council 
 unanimously to suspend him the Company’s ser- 
 vice officio et beneficio till their pleasure was 
 known in this matter ; which the Secretary is or- 
 dered to acquaint him therewith, and that we will 
 give him a copy of what we write home to the 
 
J 701-7.7 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 53 
 
 Company relating to him, that so his defence and 
 answer may go therewith.” 
 
 The following extract from a General Letter 
 from the Court of Directors, dated -1th February, 
 1708, will show how Mr. Fraser fared, notwith- 
 standing the abuse bestowed on him by Governor 
 
 Pitt. 
 
 “ The charge against Mr. Fraser we have con- 
 sidered, and would hope no Englishman, especial- 
 ly none of our servants, would be guilty of such 
 pernicious practices, which strike at the root of the 
 well being of the place ; and are more inclined to 
 this opinion, because we find in the consultation 
 of the 22nd August, that the Council were gener- 
 ally unwilling to suspend him, which we cannot 
 think they would be if they apprehended he was 
 justly taxed ; and that it was Mr. Pitt’s solemn 
 averring he would sit no more with him, that pre- 
 vailed with them. We have therefore reinstated 
 him, as thinking it not fit to give so much counte- 
 nance to any Governor whatsoever, as to approve 
 his single opinion, against all the rest of the Coun- 
 cil, in a case of this nature, which if it was true 
 does not fully appear to us to have been proved ; 
 though we shall always lodge a power in our Presi- 
 dent and Council to suspend any of the Council or 
 other subordinates, when they have or think they 
 have a just reason ; and if it be of great crimes 
 they are charged with that deserves confinement, 
 we shall approve it.” 
 
 For the sequel of the dispute between the Eight 
 and Left Hands we must refer our readers to our 
 next chapter. 
 
60 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS, 
 
 H7W. 
 
 CHAPTER XXL 
 
 QUARRELS BETWEEN TIIE RIGHT AND LEFT 
 HANDS IN THE GOVERNORSHIP OF 
 MR. THOMAS PITT. 
 
 1707. 
 
 The quarrel between the Right and Left Hand 
 Castes, which resulted in the flight of the former 
 to St. Thome, is one so extraordinary in its nature, 
 and so illustrative of the character of the people, 
 that we have deemed it advisable to tell the whole- 
 story as much as possible in the language of the 
 Records, only abridging those portions which 
 are mere recapitulations. These extracts are all 
 taken from the consultation books during the 
 latter half of 1707, and are arranged in strict 
 chronological order 
 
 “Monday, 25th August, 1707. This morning 
 early the Governor summoned twelve of the princi- 
 pal of the heads of each Caste, who were shut up 
 in a room to adjust matters now in dispute between 
 the Castes ; which they acquainted him about 
 noon they had done. Upon which at four this 
 afternoon the Council was summoned, when the 
 number of each Caste appeared ; when unanimous- 
 ly and in a most solemn manner they declared they 
 had agreed on the following terms. 
 
 “ 1st. That none but the Right Hand Caste 
 
■* V^'Ut/ 
 
 * 
 
 17070 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 61 
 
 should live in the Pettali commonly called the Ped- 
 da Naik’s Pettali. 
 
 “ 2nd. That the Pettah called Mootel Pettali 
 sliould be inhabited by none but the Left Hand 
 Caste. 
 
 “ 3rd. That whereas there are a great many 
 of the Left Hand Caste in the Pedda Naik’s 
 Pettah, and so likewise of the Right Hand Caste in 
 Mootel Pettah, it is agreed that each Caste com- 
 mence removing their Houses on or before the 1st 
 of December to their respective Pettalis before men- 
 tioned ; and that the same be all completed on or 
 before the 1st of June, 1708 ; and if any that have 
 houses in either of the Pettalis can agree upon the 
 sale or exchange thereof, they are at liberty to do 
 it, or pull down and carry the materials to the 
 Pettah appointed for them to live in. 
 
 “ 4 tli. That no Weddings by either Caste 
 shall be made in the streets in the Pedda Naik’s 
 Pettah lately in dispute between them, till that 
 Pettah be wholly inhabited by the Right Hand 
 Caste. 
 
 “ 5th. That in Mootel Pettah they shall keep 
 their Weddings there according to custom, till the 
 Right Hand Caste are removed out of it. 
 
 “ 6th. That in neither of these Pettalis before 
 mentioned, no one shall sell his house but to one 
 of his own Caste. 
 
 “ 7th. That whereas there are Boatmen, Las- 
 kars, and Fishermen that have their houses by the 
 sea side in Mootel Pettah, it is agreed that they 
 remain there as they now are, without giving any 
 molestation to the Left Hand Caste. 
 
62 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1707 - 
 
 » 
 
 J | 
 
 “ 8th. That as we ordered in Consultation of 
 the 17th July Stones to be erected for stinting the 
 limits of the Left Hand Caste making their Wed- 
 dings in the Pedda Naik’s Pettah, and a suitable 
 inscription thereon ; —we now at the request of 
 both Castes agree that the inscription be cut out ; 
 but the Stones remain for such inscriptions to be 
 made on them as the Governor and Council shall 
 think fit hereafter. 
 
 To all the foregoing articles the Governor and 
 Council do now agree ; with which the Right 
 Hand Caste are ordered to acquaint their people 
 that are now withdrawn, that they now return to 
 their obedience without further delay ; which they 
 readily promise to do. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 27th. Notwithstanding that all 
 matters seem to be so fairly adjusted before us on 
 the 25th past between the two Castes, we have 
 seen no good effect of it by the people returning to 
 their duty. So the Governor ordered this day to f> 
 
 ^ to be brought before him in Council, Serapa, : Y 
 r #37ara Verona, Sunka llama, and Andee Chuty, 
 
 — and charged them as chief instruments in 
 raising the present rebellion ; and the informa- 
 tion of which he had had from one of their own 
 Caste, who was in the conspiracy, who said they 
 had a great difficulty to stir up the poor Handi- 
 crafts ; and that the Pariahs who are the most 
 numerous, refused to stir unless they sent with 
 them one of their heads of the Caste with one 
 thousand Pagodas to pay their subsistence, which 
 they accordingly complied with ; and the Go- 
 vernor was informed who had contributed thereto ; 
 
1707 .) 
 
 HISTORY OR MADRAS. 
 
 03 
 
 and when they proposed it to the Boatmen, 
 Washermen, and Fishermen, they likewise refused, 
 saying they would not leave the livelihood they 
 had there for an uncertainty ; but with much per- 
 suasion they prevailed with them, upon giving 
 them a note under their hands that they would pay 
 them in proportion for the days they were absent, 
 according to what they usually got here ; and that 
 they would allow Batta or subsistence money to all 
 that should desert us (of which the Governor had 
 daily intelligence from St. Thome) which was paid 
 them. They (the four Natives summoned) denied all ; 
 knowing that whoever of their Caste came in as 
 evidence against them was in' no small danger of 
 their life. So the aforementioned prisoners the 
 Governor ordered to be kept in safe custody, and 
 used suitable to their crimes. 
 
 “ Friday, 29th. This day were before us 
 Serapa, Kara Verona, Sunka Bama, and Andee 
 Chittyofthe Bight Hand Caste, and Colloway 
 Chitty, Yinkettee Ghitty, Petombee Chitty, and 
 Cornapa Chitty of the Left Hand Caste ; when 
 having a Brahmin present, they swore to be 
 true to the Company’s interest, and to lay 
 aside all animosity between them relating to their 
 castes, or any other dispute ; and that they would 
 use their utmost influence to compose the present 
 differences on that account ; as also to stand by the 
 agreement made in Consultation the 23th instant ; 
 and for the security of Serapa and the other three, 
 four of the Bight Hand Caste, the Pedda Naik, 
 and ten Cuomities were bound for their personal 
 appearance. 
 
64 HISTORY OF MADRAS. fiyor. 
 
 J-k. 
 
 “ Tlie Governor a cquainting that none that 
 had deserted were come in since the agreement 
 between the two Castes, which he impaired- to 
 their fear as well as shame. So advised that a 
 paper might be published in the nature of a gene- 
 ral pardon ; which he now produced, and was 
 read, and accordingly agreed to, and ordered to 
 be set up in the Gates and Mettows in the Gen- 
 too and Malabar, and one in English at the Sea 
 gate as follows : 
 
 “ Whereas some wicked and evil designing 
 people of the Right Hand Caste, seduced by 
 others as wicked in the Government,* have went 
 about for some sinister ends to make an insurrec- 
 tion and rebellion in this Government ; and the 
 better to effect their hellish designs, have deluded 
 the poor and ignorant with a false notion that we, 
 the Governor and Council, had favoured the Left 
 Hand Caste to prejudice theirs ; whereas nothing 
 was done by us but by the advice and consent of 
 the principal of their heads ; and since this dispute 
 has happened, matters have been thoroughly can- 
 vassed by twelve of each heads of the Caste, and 
 all differences adjusted and finally ended before us 
 in Council ; yet nevertheless, we hear that some 
 people are still carrying on their ill designs to dis- 
 turb the peace and tranquillity of the Government, 
 which induces us to publish this our order and 
 intentions. 
 
 “ That whereas we have always showed great 
 tenderness of the welfare of our inhabitants, and 
 
 * A hit at Mr. Fraser. 
 
1717.1 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 65 
 
 took especial care to provide for the poor and la- 
 bouring people, who three or four of the rich and 
 crafty have imposed upon them, so as to make 
 them desert us, and to terrify them from return- 
 ing to their duty, give out the Government will 
 punish them suitable to their crimes. 
 
 “ We therefore have thought fit to publish this 
 our General Pardon to all such who have been 
 concerned in this insurrection ; promising and 
 declaring that such who return to their habitations 
 and duty on or before the 10th of September next, 
 are pardoned hereby to all intents and purposes, 
 as if they had not been concerned therein ; and 
 such as do not comply herewith, their houses anil 
 estates shall be seized for the Company’s use, and 
 their persons when and wherever apprehended, 
 within the Company’s jurisdiction, shall be pro- 
 ceeded against with the utmost rigour ; and more 
 particularly such who shall after the date hereof 
 contribute any money or otherwise towards the 
 upholding, maintaining, or employing any that shall 
 not come in by the time herein limited. Sealed 
 with the Company’s seal, and dated at Fort St. 
 George, this 29th day of August, one thousand 
 seven hundred and seven.” 
 
 Nothing appears to have transpired between, 
 the 29th of August and the 10th of September 
 specified in the General Pardon ; but on the latter 
 date we find the following significant entry. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 10th September. The Governor 
 summoned the Council to acquaint them, that he 
 was just then informed that in the night the Stones 
 were stolen away ; which we considered of, and 
 
 9 
 
66 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 (KW. 
 
 though the impudence of the action deserves the 
 strictest enquiry and punishment, and the im- 
 mediate erecting others, yet it was unanimously 
 agreed that we desist from doing either till these 
 troubles are over ; though obliged the Pedda Xaik 
 to give twenty thousand Pagodas for his personal 
 appearance, who must doubtless have a hand in it, 
 or at least knows of the taking away the Stones. 
 
 “ Those of the Right Hand Caste that have de- 
 serted, retiring to St. Thome, have sent for the 
 heads of their Caste out of the country, who wrote 
 us this day a most saucy and impudent letter, the 
 translate of which is entered after this consultation, 
 wherein is a clause that they cite former Consulta- 
 tions ; which is a plain indication that some of 
 our people had the penning of that letter ; and 
 though they qnote is as a precedent for us, it is a 
 sign they do not understand it, we having acted 
 in this matter exactly according to that clause. 
 
 “ From Dellaway Donne Paulo Chitty, etc., of 
 the Right Hand Caste, of the four corners and fifty 
 six countries of the world, to the Hon’ble Thomas 
 Pitt, Esq. and Council. 
 
 “ From the first foundation of Madi as it was 
 never known that the Left Fland Caste should be ad- 
 hered to by wrongly informing your Honours to the 
 prejudice of the Right Hand Caste ; upon whose as- 
 sertions you have erected Stones in our streets, and 
 given the same from us ; concerning which an ad- 
 dress was made to your Honours by way of Petition, 
 upon perusal whereof you directed that your Peti- 
 tioners were at liberty to stay or go where they 
 pleased, which you repeated three times. Ac- 
 
17070 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 67 
 
 cordingly they came to St. Thome, from whom 
 they wrote your Honours ; and we hearing the 
 matters are come hither. 
 
 “ From the beginning of the world it was never 
 before known that the Left Hand in the fifty six 
 countries thereof, ever erected a Stone in the ltight 
 Hand Street, nor was it ever allowed by any Go- 
 vernment. 
 
 “ One of your predecessors with Timmia and 
 Verona did appoint certain streets for the Left 
 Hand Caste, and directed how they should act, as 
 upon your Consultation does appear ; upon exa- 
 mination whereof advantage would accrue to the 
 Company, which you have hitherto omitted to do. 
 
 “ From your first settlement justice and equity 
 have been distributed with an equal hand in your 
 place ; which has occasioned many to resort to 
 you, and to increase in wealth under your protec- 
 tion ; but upon this occasion of erecting Stones 
 we must have recourse to the customs of the coun • 
 try ; this we write to a charitable people who we 
 know will observe the same. 
 
 St. Thome, September 9th, 1707. 
 
 “ Sunday, 14th. The Armenians, Persians, 
 and Pataus, perceiving that the Governor and 
 Council was not fairly dealt with in this dispute 
 between the Castes ; and that the persons who are 
 employed and confided in to accommodate it, are of 
 the Light Hand Caste, all of whom had been either 
 active or passive in raising this difference ; and 
 knowing we had no other, they came in a body 
 of fifty or sixty, and tendered their service. 
 When tlm Governor summoned what of the Ccun- 
 
*5C - 
 
 ’ '•Z 
 
 GS 
 
 HISTOKY OF MADRAS, 
 
 t JOT 
 
 cil were to be found, and we accepted of their ser- 
 vice and mediation who promised to-morrow to 
 go some of them to St. Thome, to which place the 
 flight Hand Caste have retired and sent for seve- 
 ral of their heads out of the country, who are come 
 to them ,- and they promised to take with them 
 Narrain our Brahmin and Moolla, when they will 
 demand of them the reason of their desertion, and 
 accommodate matters as well as they can, and as 
 soon as possible. 
 
 “ Monday, 1 5th. The Governor with the Secre- 
 tary beiug writing a General Letter to the Com- 
 pany in the Consultation Room, there came a 
 / Gusbardar, or messenger, to him from St. Thome, 
 who was sent by the Nabob to turn out the old 
 Governor there, and put in a new one. He had 
 been here two or three times before, and seemed 
 to be concerned at the troubles we had about the 
 Castes ; which he said were frequent in the coun- 
 try, and sometimes grew to such a pitch that the 
 Government found a great deal of trouble and dif- 
 ficulty to quell them ; and he said that, by some 
 discourse he had had with them, he found them 
 very impudent and saucy ; and that the source of 
 our troubles was not from them in St. Thome, but 
 from our own inhabitants that remained in town, 
 who not only gave them directions, but also sent 
 them their subsistence. He also added, saying to 
 the Governor, you are likewise betrayed by some 
 people that sits with you at this Table. So asking 
 him by the Linguist what he meant, he answered 
 that yesterday, talking with three or four of the 
 heads of Castes, they told him that the Second of 
 
1707 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 69 
 
 Council (Mr. Fraser) was of their side ; and that 
 without he was restored to his employ they would 
 not return on any terms ; but if he would come 
 they would meet him anywhere, and return with 
 him without insisting on any pardon ; for that 
 they were assured he was their friend, and that he 
 never consented to what the Governor and Council 
 had done in favour of the Left Hand Caste, and 
 that he was against putting up the Stones ; which 
 belief in them had gained him such a reputation 
 amongst the mob, that they went up and down 
 the streets in his hearing, crying out “ Chinna 
 Captain,” “ Chinna Captain,” which implies in 
 their language the Second. On which the Go- 
 vernor asked him (the Gnsbardar) whether he had 
 heard such discourse more than once from the 
 heads of the Caste, lie answered three or four 
 times, and the mob crying out as before mentioned. 
 Upon which the Governor told him that in the 
 evening there would be several of his people there 
 to talk to them, when we desired him to aver what 
 he was told before by the heads of the Castes ; to 
 which he readily answered he would. This man 
 seemed to be a very sober judicious person, a 
 stranger in these parts of the country, and could 
 have no manner of interest in saying what he did. 
 There was present at this discourse the Secretary 
 whom the Governor ordered to take Minutes ; and 
 for Linguist was present the Moolla Narrain, and 
 Paupilia Brahmin ; who all averred that whereas 
 they had been several times to St. Thome about this 
 business, they had often heard the mob cry out for 
 the Chinna Captain. 
 
70 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 U707. 
 
 “ Tuesday, lGtli. The Governor summoned 
 this Council, when he reported to them what dis- 
 course he had with the Gusbardar, as entered in 
 a diary note of yesterday, in the presence of the 
 Secretary, Moolla, Narrain, and Paupilia Brahmin, 
 who all confessed the same. The three latter now 
 accpiainted us that yesterday in the afternoon they 
 accompanied several of the Persians and Armenians 
 to St. Thome, in order to accommodate this dif- 
 ference between the Castes ; who were stopped by 
 the mob at the Gate, whilst they sent in word to 
 their heads for admittance ; where they continued 
 near two hours, and no answer but several affronts ; 
 and whilst there heard the mob cry out, as the 
 Gusbardar told us, for the Chinna Captain, and 
 who asked Narrain and several of our people why 
 he did not come, for nothing could be done to- 
 wards their return without him. The heads of the 
 ltight Hand Caste at St. Thome wrote several let- 
 ters to those of their Caste remaining here (at 
 Madras) ; threatening their lives and being turn- 
 ed out of their Caste, if they did not come 
 to them. This much intimidated the poor people, 
 but those of any substance little regarded it, 
 since that we kept so good guards to defend 
 them from the threats ; and what is to be ob- 
 served and generally believed that all the people 
 who have left us are not worth five thousand Pago- 
 das. Narrain likewise acquainted us that all the 
 heads of the Bight Hand Caste remaining in town, 
 met last night and wrote a letter to our inhabi- 
 tants of their Caste in St. Thome ; the purport of 
 which was to let them knew they were satisfied in 
 
1707 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 71 
 
 all matters relating to their Caste ; and therefore 
 whatever ill consequences attend further disputes, 
 they cleared themselves of it and laid it wholly at 
 their doors. The messenger that carried the letter 
 just now arriving was brought in before us, who 
 acquainted us that they at St. Thome had returned 
 no answer to their Caste in writing, but bid him 
 tell them that they would accept no Cowle than 
 what was signed by Mr. Fraser, and that the Stones 
 must be brought to St. Thome or put into the 
 Pagoda. We were also at this time speaking of a 
 report that had run about town for two or three 
 days, that the Castes were rose one against the 
 other at Fort St. David, where several had been 
 killed, amongst which four or five of our soldiers 
 and an officer mortally wounded. The Governor 
 said he believed it not, though he had heard of it. 
 Mr. Frederick said he had heard it from several, 
 but being also told it by his dubash, who said he 
 had it told him from Mr. Fraser’s dubash, who was 
 sent for, when denied it. But the other confronting 
 him with naming the time and place, where and 
 when he had told it him, caused the Governor to 
 give credit to it, and punished him immediately 
 for spreading false reports. This was done to 
 encourage the Right Hand Caste, and doubtless 
 by order of his master, or some of his accom- 
 plices ; whose chief dubash one Fango, a crafty 
 profligate villain, is actually now at St. Thome, 
 holding with the Right Hand Caste in all their 
 counsels. So hearing all before mentioned in this 
 day’s consultation, and what passed yesterday 
 with the Gusbardar, rivets in us a belief that the 
 
HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 tiro;. 
 
 Right Hand Caste lias got Mr. Fraser among 
 them for their tool, or they durst not have adven- 
 tured to have done what they have. So consider- 
 ing that if this quarrel between them increases, it 
 will be an unspeakable prejudice to the Company, 
 and effectual ruin to the place ; and to agree 
 to their insolent and saucy demands may in futu- 
 rity be attended with the like ill consequences : — 
 to prevent all which it is agreed to send for Mr. 
 Fraser, when the Governor charged him with 
 what before mentioned, and telling him, from 
 which we are sufficiently confirmed, that he was 
 at the head of this vile and base action, which oc- 
 casioned the dispute between the Castes, that no 
 less than threatened the destruction of the place. 
 To which he answered that it was all a grand 
 suppose, and flatly denied all. So being ordered 
 to withdraw we considered of the whole matter ; 
 when it was unanimously agreed that Mr. Fraser, 
 who is now removing out his lodgings in the 
 Fort to a house in the town, that he be continued 
 therein and confined, without permitting any one 
 to come to discourse him, but in the presence of the 
 sentinel. The Captain of the Guard was sent for, to 
 whom the Governor gave a charge accordingly.” 
 “ Tuesday, 23rd. The Governor and Council 
 having granted a pardon to the Right Hand Caste 
 (now at St. Thome) being at the request of several 
 Persians and Armenians, who desired that Doctor 
 Lewis and Padre Michael may go with them to 
 deliver the pardon and accompany them in their 
 return. Accordingly the refractory members of the 
 Right Hand Caste came out of St. Thome all to- 
 
17W.J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 73 
 
 gether about nine this morning. But when they 
 came near the town, they took disgust at something 
 or other, the certainty unknown to us, and returned 
 again to St. Thome ; the Pariahs surrounded the 
 inhabitants and forced them to go with them. So 
 Narrain, being in hopes of giving them satisfac- 
 tion, went with them, who they abused in several 
 respects and confined ; but was the next day dis- 
 charged upon a threatening letter from the Go- 
 vernor that he would fetch him by force.” 
 
 The pardon which had proved so nearly success- 
 ful in bringing the Bight Hand Caste from St. 
 Thome was as follows. 
 
 “ A Cowle granted by Thomas Pitt, Esq., Go- 
 vernor of Fort St. George, and Council to the 
 Bight Hand Caste. 
 
 “ Whereas you deserted us by reason of our 
 giving your streets to the Left Hand Caste, which 
 we have again returned to you ; and whereas you 
 say we have given a writing to them on that 
 account or any other, we say it is forged and 
 false, if any such one be produced. Therefore 
 you may depend upon this Cowle, and re- 
 turn to your duty, and enjoy your ancient 
 privileges according to salabad ; giving this before 
 the Great God above and Jesus Christ that we will 
 righteously perform, and that none shall be pun- 
 ished on this account hereafter. Given under our 
 hands and the Hon’ble Company’s seal in Fort St. 
 George, this 22nd of September, 1707.” 
 
 The failure of this pardon seems to have driven 
 Governor Pitt frantic, if we may judge from the 
 
 10 
 
74 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [T7«7. 
 
 following extraordinary resolution, which he ar- 
 rived at the following day. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 24th. We finding no likelihood 
 of putting an end to these troubles between the 
 Castes, for that the insolency of the Pariahs daily 
 increases, a particular instance of which we had 
 yesterday by their forcing the inhabitants to return, 
 and imprisoning and abusing Narrain. The Go- 
 vernor proposed the attacking of St. Thome the 
 26th at break of day (where they are harboured) 
 and put as many of them as possible to the sword, 
 but no inhabitant of any Caste else ; which was 
 unanimously agreed to in Council, and prepara- 
 tions immediately made accordingly ; resolving to 
 march two hundred and fifty soldiers, two hundred 
 talliars, and two hundred peons, as also eighteen 
 hundred peons which the Left Hand Caste have 
 raised since the troubles for their security ; and 
 the Governor disposed matters to effect the same. 
 
 “ Thursday, 25 th. The preparations being made 
 for attacking our Pariahs in St. Thome to-morrow 
 morning, which alarmed several inhabitants, more 
 especially Armenians, Moors, etc. who nightly 
 importuned us to desist ; for that many ill conse- 
 quences would attend it, and that they were sure 
 we could not effect our ends in cutting off the 
 Pariahs, who would certainly fly into the country ; 
 besides our Pedda Naik who pressed us to desist 
 from our intended enterprise ; saying that the new 
 Governor of St. Thome would be there to night, 
 with whom he was well acquainted, and could 
 prevail with him to turn them out of the town, or 
 else he would be obliged to bring the Governor 
 
17*7! 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 75 
 
 twenty or thirty of their heads. So considering 
 the numerous importunities, we deferred our design 
 two or three days to see whether milder means 
 would oblige their return. 
 
 “Wednesday, 1st October. The Governor ac- 
 quainted the Council that he observes the new Go- 
 vernor of St. Thome is weary of our mob, and 
 seems to endeavour what he can to persuade them 
 to return. Yesterday our people going in hopes 
 to have brought them back, they then insisted 
 upon signing a paper amongst themselves, and 
 that those we sent should join them ; which they 
 refused, telling them they could not do it without 
 the Governor’s leave ; the purport of which paper 
 is that they may have leave to rebel when they 
 please ; the translate of it is as follows. 
 
 “ All the inhabitants of the Right Hand Caste 
 of Chinnapatam have entered into an agreement in 
 the presence of the Right Hand Caste of the 
 country, viz. 
 
 “ Whereas the Left Hand Caste have broke the salla- 
 bad by erecting Stones in our streets, upon which we 
 deserted the place, and are come hither ; since which 
 the Governor and Council have taken away the Stones, 
 and given us their Cowle that all shall be settled and 
 go according to sallabad, which we will unanimously 
 endeavour to maintain ; and notwithstanding, should 
 the Governor act contrary to his Cowle, or that 
 the Left Hand Caste should take upon them more 
 than their duty, we jointly agree to stand by one another 
 for the saving our credit ; and whoever of us act con- 
 trary to which herein mentioned shall be turned out of 
 the Caste, and the iniquities shall light upon them as 
 befalls such who sacrifices a cow, woman Brahmin, and 
 their mother before the River Ganges. Dated October 
 1st, 1707.” 
 
 v- 
 
76 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 • 1707 . 
 
 “ So upon our shewing a detestation and abhor- 
 rence to give leave to their signing such a paper, 
 it was laid aside ; and, as the Governor is credibly 
 informed, that that paper, as well as others we 
 have received during these troubles from the 
 Right Hand Caste, were drawn up and framed by 
 that notorious miscreant Timapa, a fellow adapted 
 to all manner of villany, and always a great favour- 
 ite and privy counsellor of Mi - . Fraser, and a com- 
 panion of his chief dubash.” 
 
 “ The heads of the Castes and mob which de- 
 serted us, having accepted of our pardon the 22nd 
 last month, and still every day starting new de- 
 mands, and refuse to return, we unanimously 
 agreed this day to send to them our Moolla and 
 Brahmin, to demand of them their final answer, 
 whether they would return upon our pardon or not, 
 and if not to demand it of them. 
 
 “ Thursday, 2nd The Moolla and Brahmin 
 returning last night from St. Thome, acquainted 
 us that according to our order they had demanded 
 our pardon given our inhabitants that are fled 
 there ; who have refused to return it, promising 
 that they would come back to-day, but that it was 
 not a good day ; but to-morrow or next day they 
 would not fail, if those of their Caste here came to 
 meet them. At last, as will be seen by the fol- 
 lowing entry, the refractory Right Hands w’ere 
 induced to return. 
 
 “ Saturday, 4th. This evening about seven 
 o’clock the Governor of St. Thome, being a Gentoo 
 and of the same Caste that deserted us, came with 
 our people that went hence this morning, and 
 
1707 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 77 
 
 brought back all the deserters. The heads ap- 
 peared before the Governor and were dismissed to 
 their habitations, with assurances that their pardon 
 should be kept inviolable. 
 
 “ Monday, 6th. Muttornbee, the Governor of St. 
 Thome, having to all appearance taken a great 
 deal of pains to effect the returning of those that 
 deserted ; — it is therefore agreed that the following- 
 present be made him ; the amount of which, in a 
 seasonable time, to be paid the Company by the 
 Right Hand Caste. 
 
 “ Scarlet 1 piece. . . Aurora, 1 piece... Ordinary Red, 1 
 
 [piece. 
 
 Green 1 piece... Looking Glasses... Swords 4, 
 
 1 Pair Pistols 6 Pair Spectacles. Knives and pen- 
 
 1 piece of Serge. [knives. 
 
 “ The deserters or rebels returning the 4th at 
 night, who for some time refused to accept our 
 pardon, or any proposals but what should be made 
 by Mr. Fraser ; for which reasons therein he was 
 confined ; after which they never so much as men- 
 tioned his name, so that none can believe but that 
 they moved by his direction ; but being returned 
 again, agreed that his confinement, be taken off, 
 and he set at liberty ; when the Captain of the 
 Guard was sent for, and the Governor acquainted 
 him therewith.” 
 
 A fortnight’s quiet passed away, and the storm 
 having subsided, we find the following entries. 
 
 “ Monday, 20th. The Washermen that desert- 
 ed upon the late dispute between then- Castes, 
 who on their return freely declared that they were 
 forced away by the heads of their Caste, who had 
 
'V S) zl 
 
 78 HISTORY OF MADRAS. [1707. 
 
 combined with the Belljawarr ; besides they com- 
 plained of great iiijustiees^that they had received 
 from the heads of their Caste, and desired they 
 may have other four heads ; and they would not 
 only pay what the Washers pay, but also sign a 
 paper that they would not desert again on any pre- 
 tence whatever. Upon which they presented four 
 heads of their own choosing, which we approved 
 of and tasherift them when the whole body signed 
 the paper as agreed on. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 21st. The officer at Bridge Gate 
 bringing in this morning to the Governor a Cajan 
 letter that he found hung upon a post near the 
 Gate, which when translated seemed to be from a 
 body of the Bight Hand Caste ; the purport of 
 which was to disown the villany which had been 
 done in the name of their Caste, and charging the 
 contrivers of it to be Narrain, Serapa, Timapa, 
 Sunka llama, and Andee Chitty ; upon which we 
 sent for the five persons before mentioned, to whom 
 our Brahmin read the letter, which as we expect- 
 ed they disowned knowing anything of it. So we 
 agreed that they five should go to the Pagoda 
 with our Brahmin, and there send for the heads of 
 all their Castes, to whom they should read the 
 letter, and find out if possible the truth and 
 author of it. But in the evening the five persons 
 with the Brahmin returned, and acquainted the 
 Governor that they had all been at the Pagoda, 
 where the letter was read to their Caste, who 
 disowned they knew anything of it. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 22nd. This morning was brought 
 in four papers that were fixed on the outside of 
 
1707.) 
 
 1IISTOHY 01' MADRAS. 
 
 70 
 
 the bastions of the inward Fort ; the purport of 
 which being full of the most opprobious language 
 against the Governor ; charging him to be the 
 author of the Cajan letter read yesterday. The 
 authors of which are doubtless the live persons, 
 Narrain, etc., who we in our consciences believe 
 were the sole contrivers of the late rebellion, and 
 are not a little nettled in fearing that that villany 
 will in a little time be proved upon them. 
 
 “ Thursday, 30th. The Governor produces a 
 paper in the Gentoo language signed by President 
 Baker, Agent Greenhill, and Mr. Gurney, dated 
 in the year 1052,* for composing differences 
 amongst the Bight and Left Hand Castes ; which 
 he had from the latter, and doubtless the other 
 had the same ; by which it appears that the Go- 
 vernor and Council now acted as they did then ; 
 the translate of which is as follows. 
 
 “ In Fort St. George belonging to the Bight 
 Honorable English Company, before the Honora- 
 ble President Baker, agent Greenhill, and Mr. 
 Gurney, were present Connaree Chitty, and 
 Sheshadree Naik, inhabitants of Chinnapatam. 
 There having of late been several differences and 
 disputes between the Castes about their streets, 
 which this day is settled ; and in case it be not 
 observed by each Caste in regard to their Wed- 
 dings and Burials, the first breaker of it shall for- 
 feit a thousand dollars. 
 
 * This reference is worthy of especial notice. It 
 refers to a period within thirteen years of the founda- 
 tion of Fort St. George, and of which no records are 
 preserved in the Madras Record Office. The earliest 
 record in Madras bears date lt>70. 
 
80 
 
 IIISTORX Of MADRAS. 
 
 H707 
 
 “ The Right Hand Castes are to reside in the 
 particular streets appointed for them, where are 
 to live or come none of the Left Hand Caste ; and 
 the same with the Left Hand Caste, where are to 
 be none of the Right Hand Caste. 
 
 “ The Great street from before the Tort as far 
 as Taggapa Chitty’s Garden, and all the streets to 
 the westward of that street, are allotted to the 
 Right Hand Caste ; and the Great street from Mr. 
 Porter’s reaching to Halley Carjun’s old Pagoda, 
 with the New street (being two streets) are allot- 
 ted to the Left Hand Caste. 
 
 “ The Market street opposite to the Choultry as 
 far as the Committee’s shops, is appointed to the 
 Right Hand Caste ; and as far as the Chitties 
 shops in the same street to the Left Hand Caste ; 
 where either Caste may pass with their Weddings 
 or Burials ; and if either of the Castes act contrary 
 to this Agreement shall pay one thousand dollars. 
 
 “ The Pattnawars and Carialwars are to pass 
 ruth their Weddings and Burials from the back 
 side of Mr. Porter’s house to the middle of the 
 Quarter Porter’s house, and so to proceed to the 
 Portuguese Church ; they may likewise go through 
 the Great street. 
 
 . .“.Before the Tort is free for all. 
 
 “ Sheshadree Chittv is mediator to each Caste. 
 His servants, nor the Company’s servants and 
 painters, cannot pass these streets. Dated Novem- 
 ber 5th, 1652. 
 
 “ Signed by 
 
 Aaron Baker. Cannaree Chetty. 
 
 Henry Greenhill. Sheshadree Naik,” 
 
 William Gumev. 
 
 
1707.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 SI 
 
 We have thus reproduced in full the more in- 
 teresting papers connected with this remarkable 
 dispute between the Eight and Left Hands. 
 There are however other entries, far too lengthy 
 to be extracted here, from which we gather that 
 the dispute was aggravated by other circumstances, 
 which were not permitted to rise to the surface. 
 In the first instance there had undoubtedly been 
 a fierce quarrel between the two Hands about the 
 streets in which each Hand might celebrate its 
 Weddings and Burials. But about this time a com- 
 mercial rivalry arose. The Merchants belonging to 
 the Eight Hand had generally purchased the Com- 
 pany’s goods exported from England ; but now 
 the Merchants of the Left Hand contrived to out- 
 bid them. As the Eight Hand was said to be 
 favoured by Mr. Eraser, so the Left Hand was 
 evidently favoured by Governor Pitt. The viru- 
 lence of the hatred between Governor Fitt and 
 Mr. Fraser seems to imply something more than a 
 mere difference of opinion as regards the mode of 
 mediating between the two Hands. That Mr. 
 Fraser was the champion of the Eight Hand 
 is sufficiently proved by what has gone be- 
 fore. That Governor Pitt was the champion 
 of the Left Hand seems also proved by a Pe- 
 tition presented by the Left Hand after the 
 return of them enemies to Madras. We are sor- 
 ry that this Petition should be far too long 
 to be reproduced in these columns ; but a careful 
 perusal of it has strongly impressed us with the 
 idea that though it may have been presented by 
 he Left Hand it w r as originally from the pen 
 
 11 
 
83 
 
 HISTOKY OF MADRAS. 
 
 
 of Mr. Pitt. It recapitulates at very great length 
 the whole history of the disputes, and employs 
 exactly the language and style which Mr. Pitt 
 would himself have used to clear himself before 
 the Court of Directors ; and it contains a petition 
 that the Left Hand might be permitted to leave 
 Madras peaceably at the end of six mouths, and 
 seek for employment elsewhere ; and that a notice 
 of their intention of doing so might be made pub- 
 lic, so that they might have the opportunity of 
 paying up every debt they owed before leaving 
 the town ! 
 
 In December mattere were restored to tranquil- 
 lity ; and during the following year a final ar- 
 rangement was made between the two Hands for 
 removing into separate streets. But flip quarrel 
 between Governor Pitt and Mr. Fraser con- 
 tinued to be as virulent as ever. Mr. Pitt 
 drew up eight charges against the latter, with 
 which however the reader is generally ac- 
 quainted ; but we make the following ex- 
 tract for.the sake of its style. “ That it is well 
 known by most upon the place, as also by what 
 appears upon the Consultation Books, that he 
 (Mr. Fraser) has ever been found a person of a 
 factious and turbulent temper ; and though weak 
 in contriving, yet industrious in promoting mis- 
 chief and confusion ; of a capacity unfit for any 
 business or advice ; impatient of peace, and only 
 pleased when factions run high ; wherein he has al- 
 ways made one to the great prejudice of the Com- 
 pany’s affairs ; during the time of our presentGover- 
 nor always herding and siding with such persons 
 
1707 .) 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 83 
 
 as are under the frowns of the Government let their 
 crimes be ever so black ; and at the beginning of 
 these troubles it was observed he was very inti- 
 mate with his old acquaintance Timapa, a pro- 
 fligate and wicked wretch, but a bird of the same 
 feather, notorious for mischief, and one of the 
 chief contrivers of the rebellion.” 
 
 Mr. Fraser was promised a copy of the whole 
 of the charges, but notwithstanding his repeated 
 applications, he could not get one till just before 
 the ships were about to sail for England, and then 
 it was only signed by the Chief Secretary. Ac- 
 cordingly he wrote a short protest couched in tole- 
 rably decent terms, but which led to the follow- 
 ing entry in the Consultation Book. 
 
 “ Saturday, 6th December. Fraser this morn- 
 ing sending an impudent and saucy paper to the Go- 
 vernor and Council, it was agreed that it should 
 be delivered to the Marshall to be burned under 
 Gallows, which was accordingly done.” 
 
 In our last chapter we recorded the opinion of 
 the Court of Directors upon the conduct of Mr. 
 Fraser ; and we here extract from the same Ge- 
 neral Letter, a copy of their judgment upon the 
 quarrel between the two Hands. After some re- 
 marks on the investments, the Court wrote as 
 follows : 
 
 “ This naturally leads us to the many and long 
 paragraphs in your letters relating to the differences 
 between the Bight and Left Hand Castes ; because 
 the heads of them are the men by whom you make 
 your investments ; and without entering into a 
 
Si HISTORY OF MADRAS. [1707. 
 
 particular detail of the matter, we say in general, 
 that the generality of men in all countries are na- 
 turally disposed to be at ease and live peaceably, 
 if they have a quiet possession of liberty and pro- 
 perty ; and the most turbulent spirits will in a good 
 measure lie still unless they have a specious handle 
 given them on account of hardships done or 
 offered to be done them. Nor does it appear pro- 
 liable to us that either of the two Castes would 
 have ventured to fly in the face of Government, 
 which is or should be power, without a real or ap- 
 prehended great provocation ; nor can we think 
 that the Eight Hand Caste would have carried 
 things to that extremity on the single quarrel of 
 the Left Hand Caste making a wedding in their 
 own streets. It seems to us that the seeds of dis- 
 cord lay deeper, and that things growing ripe for 
 a rupture, this handle was taken to begin the 
 quarrel and set fire to the fuel that was before 
 preparing for it. We should have esteemed it a 
 praiseworthy management in our President and 
 Council to have foreseen and prevented this muti- 
 nous disposition before it broke out, or at least to 
 have quenched it when it first began to flame. 
 
 “ Nothing more does better bespeak the ability 
 and diligence of Governors than keeping their sub- 
 jects and dependents in quiet ; and they can never 
 do that without an impartial administration of jus- 
 tice to all under them ; for whether they them- 
 selves, or others by their authority or connivance, 
 oppress or injure the subject, it comes to all one 
 in the upshot ; that is to say, first the people se- 
 cretly murmur and complain, then they break out 
 
1707 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 85 
 
 into more open reproaches, and at last into down 
 right mutinies and rebellions ; and this seems to 
 us to be the true reason why those scurrilous 
 papers were fastened upon the Stones set up, and 
 afterwards on the walls of the town ; whereas the 
 Wise Man’s remark will be found to be eternally 
 true, “ That the Throne can only be established 
 in righteousness.” 
 
 “ It was very surprising to us to read that so 
 many of the handicrafts, and other useful hands, 
 went away on this quarrel ; and gave us but ordi- 
 nary apprehensions of the conduct of the then ad- 
 ministration. Surely they were too' valuable to 
 be parted with without the last extremity. All 
 nations and times have agreed in this, that useful 
 people are the riches as well as the strength of a 
 city or country ; and although we readily agree 
 that neither the one or the other Caste are over 
 honest, or will scruple laying hold of any handle 
 for their own benefit ; yet it seems plain to us 
 there must be something more than ordinary at 
 the bottom, that should make the Right Hand 
 Castes go away in general in a body, and the heads 
 of them consent to be at the charge of maintain- 
 ing the handicrafts people at St. Thome. 
 
 <: On the whole matter we heartily recopinmen 
 to you all to endeavour in your stations to reventd 
 such like quarrels in future ; and to that ned to 
 take care the established ancient privileges of both 
 Castes be preserved to them, and the like to all 
 other the inhabitants ; and that all of them have the 
 free possession of their liberty and property ; that 
 
 Cnof 
 
86 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11707. 
 
 justice be administered equally and impartially, 
 and no real cause given of discontent ; and then 
 if you find any makebates that would be putting 
 the people in a ferment, make them public ex- 
 amples as their faults deserve, and remember in 
 such cases “ too much pity spoils a city.” 
 
'.70S — O.j 
 
 HISTORlf OV MADRAS. 
 
 37 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. THOMAS PITT. 
 
 1708—9. 
 
 The Governorship of Mr. Pitt, which extended 
 over the unusually long period of eleven years, 
 was suddenly brought to a close in 1709. The. 
 later years of his government are distinguished 
 by events which emphatically belong to the his- 
 tory of the British rule in India. Hitherto the 
 English Governors had only carried on their com- 
 munications with the Nabobs in their neighbour- 
 hood, but circumstances now brought them into 
 more immediate communication with the Great 
 Mogul. During the later years of the reign of 
 Aurungzebe the Governor of Madras had been 
 brought into communication with the Grand Vizier 
 Assad Khan, and with his son Zulfikar Khan. After 
 the death of Aurungzebe, circumstances, as we 
 shall presently see, brought Mr. Pitt into direct 
 communication with the new Emperor himself, 
 Shah Aulum, known in Mahomedan history under 
 the title of Bahadur Shah. 
 
 Before how'ever noticing these events, we lay 
 before our readers the following extracts illus- 
 trative of the internal state of Madras. The first 
 is a copy of agreement between the Right and Left 
 Hand Castes, dated 14th January, 1708, which 
 
88 
 
 history of madras. 
 
 nos— e. 
 
 appears to have settled for awhile the dispute be- 
 tween the two. 
 
 “ Whereas there has lately been differences in the 
 Streets between both parties occasioned by a wedding 
 going in procession in the Pedda Naik’s Pettah ; and it 
 being brought before your Honour, who ordered us to 
 chose out twelve Heads of each Caste to meet in the 
 Geutoo Pagoda, and make matters up, and then report 
 what done to your Honour. (Names of the twelve Heads 
 of each Caste omitted). These twenty-four agreed and 
 confirmed as follows. 
 
 “ The Left Hand Caste co-habiting in several streets 
 that belong to the Right Hand in the Pedda Naik's Pet- 
 tah, so that they cannot safely make their weddings ; 
 therefore from this day all the Left Hand that live i:i 
 the Pedda Naik’s Pettah, shall have the following 
 streets to live and make their weddings, viz. Eastward 
 of Eccombre Sheraloo Pagoda, as you go in the back 
 side corner street of Vencata Namapa’s stone Choultry, 
 and go from that place along the Southward Street as 
 far as the well before Gulla Annitches house, where be- 
 sides the South Street there is another North Street as 
 you come from Brahmin Appelia’s Garden which joins 
 to the Well ; and from the well westward as far as 
 Dubash Ruggaua’s house ; thence as you go northward 
 of Nautowary Pillary Pagoda as far as Mr. Empson's 
 Garden ; in which streets the Left Hand Castes shall 
 live and make their weddings. But if the aforesaid 
 streets are not enough to hold them all, some of those 
 houses that lie to the westward which belong to the 
 Right Hand, we will supply them with ; and in case 
 those are not enough too, we will find some houses out 
 either of the east, north, or south : and Eccombre 
 
 Sheraloo’s Pagoda, and Vencata Namapa’s Choultry, 
 shall belong to both Castes. And the Left Hand shall 
 cany their dead towards the westward of Bangana 
 Rama’s Garden Street. Those of the Right Hand that 
 were living in the abovesaid streets shall now change with 
 the Left Hand that did inhabit the Right Hand street, 
 
itos-o.: 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 8'J 
 
 and henceforward live there. Both parties having thus 
 agreed, we shall keep our Customs and weddings in our 
 own streets. The Left Hand shall not buy those gar- 
 dens to the westward of the street that fronts Mr. Emp- 
 son’s garden, without the owner’s consent, nor shall the 
 Right Hand build any houses there. If any of the 
 Castes act contrary to this agreement, shall be fined 
 twelve thousand Pagodas to the Hon’ble Company, and 
 receive punishment according to the custom of their 
 Caste. To this we both agree and confirm. All the 
 eastward from Nautowarry Pillary Pagoda shall belong 
 to the Right Hand : all the westward to the Left 
 Hand.”* 
 
 The following curious account of the knaveries 
 ■of the Madras boatmen, and the strong measures 
 taken in consequence, will be found very illustra- 
 tive of the character of the times. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 20th. The Governor this morning 
 summoned this Council to acquaint them, that just 
 then the Pcdda Naik informed him that he dis- 
 covered a villainy in the Boatmen, in opening the 
 Company’s bales sent on board the Duchess ; 
 which he hearing of in the night immediately 
 secured the head Boatmen and two Peons, at the 
 watching places by the sea side, on whom he found 
 two pieces of middling longcloth. The Governor 
 immediately sent for the Conieopoly of the Godown 
 to enquire what peons were sent off in the boats, 
 that day they loaded fifteen boats ; which to his 
 great surprise he told him no Peons at all ; though 
 often at the Council Board he ordered that no 
 goods of the Company’s should go off or come 
 
 * This agreement was recapitulated and confirmed on 
 the 23rd June, 1/08. 
 
 12 
 
00 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1709 — 9. 
 
 asliore without Peons in the boats ; and the same 
 he had often ordered the Conicopoly when with 
 him, and twice or thrice thrashed him himself when 
 that he found he neglected it.* 
 
 “ The Chief of the boatmen were before us 
 when the Pedda Naik charged them with the 
 knowledge of this villainy, and brought one of their 
 servants to their face to prove it ; who did not 
 only do that, but sent some of his people with 
 their servant to one of the Chief’s houses, and 
 found four pieces of Bettelees buried underground. 
 Upon which orders were given to apprehend all 
 the Boatmen that were ashore, and those that 
 were gone off in boats when they returned ; and 
 as soon as the Governor was informed of it, and 
 knowing four boats were gone off this morning 
 with bales, he sent for Captain Baymond, whom 
 he desired to write to his Mate to search the four 
 boats as soon as come on board, to see whether 
 they had not played the same tricks with those 
 bales. TVhen some of those boats off returned 
 near the surf, their associates in this villany made 
 them some private sign, so that they returned 
 again as far as the Paddy boats, and there consult- 
 ed one another ; from which we apprehended they 
 would run away to the northward or southward. 
 So presently sent two boats with the Vizagapa- 
 tam boatmen with soldiers to prevent it ; which 
 as soou as they discovered, ten boats run away 
 
 * We wonder what would be said now if a Governor 
 of Madras gravely recorded in the Consultation Book, 
 that he had more than once thrashed a Conicopoly with 
 his own hand for neglect of duty. 
 
1703 - 9.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 91 
 
 to the southward ; upon which the Governor 
 ordered the Gunner to fire shot from the 
 Battery and sink them if possible ; several of 
 which fell very near, but had not the good luck 
 to do executionf ; and the ship observing it sent 
 their Pinnace, who cut off the flight of four and 
 brought them back, but the other six got to St. 
 Thome, whither the Government sent Peons with 
 our Brahmin to secure them as they came ashore 
 and bring them hitherto ; which, if the Governor 
 refused, to charge them with them ; both which 
 they (the St. Thome authorities) refused ; upon 
 which it was thought fit to fetch them with a 
 Company of soldiers ; but upon consideration, we 
 then heard the Nabob was at Conjeveram and 
 expected every day at St. Thome, we desisted, be- 
 lieving the consequence would be embroiling the 
 Company’s affairs for the present. Upon which 
 it was agreed to write the Nabob a letter, and 
 another to the Governor of St. Thome, who is 
 now at Poonamallee ; and if we have not imme- 
 diate redress, then to apply ourselves to other 
 courses to procure it. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 21st. This morning the Go- 
 vernor severely punished all the sea side Peons, 
 and we ordered the two Peons that were taken 
 with the pieces of cloth to be whipped round the 
 town, and to-morrow morning to be put in the 
 Pillory with ears nailed thereto, and at twelve 
 o’clock at noon to be cut off. 
 
 “ Though we are apprehensive that these vil- 
 
 t From this and other allusions, Governor Pitt does 
 not seem to have been very fond of the natives. 
 
92 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 liras-? 
 
 lains have stole out of the bales on board the 
 Duchess to a great amount, and that we cannot 
 come at the certainty without unloading the ship, 
 which will not only augment the demurrage, but 
 lose so much time as may endanger her passage. 
 Upon which consideration we have resolved to dis- 
 patch the ship, and to take an obligation from the 
 Warehouse and Sea gate Concopolies, sea side 
 Peons, and Boatmen, to pay what shall be found 
 wanting when opened in the Company’s Ware- 
 houses in England.” 
 
 The following little piece of borsedealing on the 
 part of Governor Pitt, appears to be rather a 
 doubtful transaction. The Nabob was at this time 
 at St. Thome. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 16th February. The Nabob being- 
 very pressing for a Persia horse of the Governor’s 
 for which he has been often offered 430 Pagodas ; 
 but the Nabob being willing to give no more than 
 400, it is agreed the Company allows the 50 
 Pagodas.” 
 
 Mr. Pitt’s quarrels were about this time very 
 much on the increase. Mr. Frederick, member of 
 Council, incurred his wrath, from the following- 
 circumstance. Captain Seaton had been cashiered 
 for marching his troops over some cloths. Mr. Pitt 
 subsequently nominated a Mr. Roach to the vacant 
 commission. Mr. Frederick, who had married a 
 daughter-in-law of Captain Seaton, objected to the 
 appointment on the ground that Mr. Roach had 
 been in France without leave, and was subject to 
 certain penalties. Thereupon Mr. Pitt made a 
 rather warm entry in the consultation book, in 
 
1708 — 9 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 93 
 
 which he upheld the character of Mr. Itoacli, and 
 thus commented on the objection of Sir. Frederick. 
 
 “ We cannot but think it a severe reflection on us, 
 t he Governor and Council here, that we should 
 not be thought by Mr. Frederick to be better 
 judges of those matters than himself ; and that he 
 should be the only person amongst us that is fit 
 to judge of men and their capacity, when it is no- 
 toriously known by all in this place, that profound 
 ignorance and pride are his only qualifications.” 
 
 We have now to narrate the progress of events 
 which brought Sir. Pitt info more immediate com- 
 munication with the Great Slogul. Aurungzebe 
 expired in the camp at Ahmednuggar on the 21st 
 of February, 1707. lie left behind him three 
 sons, viz. Sloazzim, better known as Shah 
 Aulum, who was Governor of Cabul ; Azim Shah, 
 who was Subahdar of Guzerat ; and Kam Buksh, 
 who was Governor of Bijapoor. By his will he 
 recommended that Shah Aulum should be recog- 
 nised as Emperor, but that he and Azim Shah 
 should divide the empire ; Shah Aulum taking the 
 northern and eastern provinces, with Delhi for his 
 capital ; and Azim Shah taking all the country to 
 the south and south-west, including all the Dekkan 
 excepting Goleonda and Bijapoor. These last 
 mentioned kingdoms were assigned to Kam Buksh. 
 
 The decease of Aurungzebe was followed by a 
 war between his sons. The moment the second 
 son Azim Shah heard the news of his father’s 
 death, he had hurried to the camp at Ahmednuggar, 
 and was immediately proclaimed Emperor of all 
 India in perfect disregard to the will of Aiming- 
 
94 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11703 — 0 . 
 
 zebe. Meantime Shah Aulum had assumed the 
 imperial crown at Cabul. Azim Shah inarched 
 against him, and a bloody battle ensued in the 
 neighbourhood of Agra, in which Azim was 
 slain.* 
 
 Shah Aulum was now joined by Zulfikar Khan, 
 and Assad Khan ; both of whom, as we have seen, 
 are frequently mentioned in the records connected 
 with the later years of Aurungzebe ; Zulfikar Khan 
 as commander-in-chief of the army against the 
 Mahrattas, and as predecessor of Dawood Khan 
 in the Nabobship of the Carnatic ; and Assad 
 Khan, as father of Zulfikar Khan, and Grand Vizier 
 of Aurungzebe. Another contest still remained. Kam 
 Buksli was not contented with Golconda and Bija- 
 poor, but aspired after the imperial throne. Shah 
 Aulum attempted to win him over by concessions 
 but in vain. At last Shah Aulum marched an army 
 into the Dekkan to oppose him. After a consi- 
 derable delay a battle took place near Hyderabad 
 in February, 1709,f at which Kam Buksli was 
 mortally wounded. 
 
 In 1703, when Shah Aulum was anticipating a 
 conflict with his younger brother Kam Buksli in the 
 
 * Elphinstone dates this battle in June 1707. 
 
 + Elphinstone says the battle took place in Februaiy 
 1708, but it must have taken place in January 1709, 
 or rather in January 1708-9. The exact date we are 
 enabled to give from the records. It is very probable 
 that the previous date of the defeat of Azim Shah, is 
 fixed a year too early ; and indeed Mr. Elphinstone ap- 
 pears from the records to have confounded the old and 
 new styles. In the present publication we have invari- 
 ably given the new style for the sake of clearness. 
 
jros— o-3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 95 
 
 Dekkan, the Steward of his household dispatched a 
 letter to the Governor of Fort St. George, “ pro- 
 fessing great kindness and tendering his service in 
 any affair.” The reason for this advance is obvi- 
 ous. ICam Buksh was then in command of the 
 Dekkan, and the continued allegiance of the Eng- 
 lish might prove of importance to Shah Aulum. 
 Governor Pitt determined to take every advantage 
 of the crisis to secure a better understanding with 
 the Mogul’s Government. Accordingly he wrote 
 an answer to the Royal Steward, requesting that 
 Shah Aulum would be pleased to confirm the privi- 
 leges granted the English by his father Aurungzebe. 
 The progress of affairs can now be best explained 
 by the following extracts from the Consultations. 
 
 “Saturday, 31st July, 1708. This evening at 
 four o’clock the Governor summoned the Council, 
 and most of the Company’s servants, with the 
 chiefest of the European inhabitants, to accom- 
 pany him to the garden, where he was met by all 
 the Armenians, Persians, Moguls, Patans, and 
 Head Merchant Gentoo inhabitants of this place, 
 there to receive a Husbulhookum from King Shah 
 Aulum to the Government here, procured by Zoo- 
 dee Khan, Lord High Steward of said King’s 
 household, which was received with all ceremonies 
 usual on such an occasion, by firing of great guns, 
 etc. 
 
 “ Saturday, 7th August. The purport of the 
 Husbulhookum from Shah Aulum seems to invite 
 us to make our addresses to the King for a confir- 
 mation of our privileges : which opportunity we re- 
 solving to take hold of, believing we shall accom- 
 
96 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [170S-!.. 
 
 plish it for a much less to the Company, than if 
 we defer it till the contests between the brothers 
 are over ; wherefore it is agreed that the Governor 
 draws out a petition to the King, a letter to the 
 Grand Vizier, and another to Zoodee Khan, and 
 lay them before the Council for their advice therein. 
 
 “ Zoodee Khan’s .Lady (by whose Husband’s 
 means the Husbulhookum was sent us) living still 
 at St. Thome, to whom it is agreed to send a pre- 
 sent of Persia fruit, rosewater, etc. and some filla- 
 gree work of Manilla, with a piece of Persia cloth 
 of gold, all to the value of 120 or 130 Pagodas, 
 or thereabouts.” 
 
 The Husbulhookum was said to be from Khan 
 Khanau Bahadur the Grand Vizier ; but the real 
 Vizier at this time was Monaim Khan. Khan 
 Khanan merely signifies “ Khan of Khans.” 
 
 “From Khan Khanan, Bahadur Zephir Jung, 
 Grand Vizier. 
 
 “ The Governor of Chinnapatanam may depend 
 upon his Majesty’s Royal Favour. 
 
 “ The good and faithful services you have done 
 his Majesty’s subjects has been represented to 
 him by some of his Chief Ministers of State, 
 upon whose recommendation of your merits, 
 a mark of his favour to you, he has order- 
 ed this Hosbulhookuin to be sent you to certify 
 the same ; not doubting but your deportment will 
 continue to be such as to increase in fame and 
 reputation ; and according as you observe this 
 Husbulhookum you may expect further marks of 
 his Majesty’s grace and countenance. Hated June 
 1st. Received July 31st, 1703. 
 
1708—00 DISTORT OF MADRAS. 97 
 
 “ Friday, 13 th August. The Governor lays 
 before the Council this day for their opinion and 
 advice, a Petition lie had drawn up to King Shall 
 Auluin, a Letter to the Grand Vizier, a letter to 
 Zulfikar Khan, and another to Zoodee Khan ; 
 which were all read, and agreed to be put in the 
 Persian language, and to be dispatched with all 
 expedition, that so they may arrive before the King 
 comes to Golconda.” 
 
 Petition to the King Shah Aulum. 
 
 “ God grant the great King Shall Aulum may 
 live for ever, is the hearty Prayers of the Governor 
 of Chinnapatam, and of all the English Nation in 
 your Majesty’s Dominion, who have been here lately 
 blessed with your Majesty’s most Gracious and 
 Royal Husbulhookum ; and for your Majesty’s 
 commands therein, they shall always be kept as 
 sacred as they were in the time of your Majesty’s 
 Royal Predecessors, who were pleased to bestow 
 their Royal favours on us in granting us several 
 Privileges to encourage us in our trade ; for a con- 
 firmation of which we humbly Petition your Ma- 
 jesty to grant us your royal Firmaun, with what 
 additional favours your Majesty in your Royal 
 Wisdom shall think fit ; which we shall not only 
 record in our books but in our hearts also ; and 
 as in duty bound shall ever pray for your Ma- 
 jesty’s long and prosperous reign, and that you 
 may be always so victorious as to lay your feet 
 on the neck of your enemies.” 
 
 “ To his Highness Khan Klianan, Bahawdec 
 Zephir Jung Grand Vizier. 
 
 “ Your Highnesses noble qualifications and 
 
 13 
 
9S 
 
 HISTORY or MADRAS. 
 
 uros-9. 
 
 virtues being known to all the world, which in- 
 crease by your daily giving instances of your jus- 
 tice and mercy, and particularly your favours and 
 protection which you so liberally bestow on all 
 strangers in your Kiug’s dominions ; of which we 
 here have a late instance in receiving the blessing 
 of his Majesty’s royal Hosbulhookum ; which we 
 must attribute to your Highness’s favour and great 
 care of us ; for which we return our most hum- 
 ble thanks ; and humbly request that as we now 
 send our Petition to the great King Shah Aulum, 
 humbly desiring his royal Firmaun for a confirmation 
 of our privileges according to Sallabad throughout (Wvrt^ ^ // 
 his dominions ; that your nigimesTwould be pleas- %\ 
 
 ed to countenance and assist us in procuring the , ' 
 
 same ; for which you shall not only find ns grateful 
 but dutiful ; and shall always pray for your High- 
 ness’s health and prosperity, and for ever to be 
 blessed with the favour of your great king.” 
 
 “ To Zulfikar Khan, etc. 
 
 “ The many obligations we lie under to your 
 Highness are never to be forgotten, being rivetted 
 in our memories as well as recorded in our books ; 
 which we should have often acknow ledged, but 
 prevented by the great distance and troubles of 
 the country ; yet nevertheless we never failed to 
 enquire after your Highness’s health, which God 
 continue. 
 
 “ ’l our Highness is well acquainted with the 
 privileges our nation enjoyed in the reign of 
 the great Aurungzebe of blessed memory ; 
 which we are endeavouring to get confirmed 
 by ;i royal Firmaun from the great King Shah 
 
1708 - 9.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 99 
 
 Aulum ; that wo and our trade may go on in 
 all parts according to Sallabad ; to effect which 
 we humbly petition that your Highness will con- 
 tinue your constant favours to us in speaking in our 
 behalves as an opportunity presents, for which we 
 shall be always grateful, and pray for your High- 
 ness’s health and prosperity.” 
 
 t: To his Excellency Zoodee Khan Lord High 
 Steward of the King’s Household. 
 
 “ It is your noble and generous mind that have 
 drawn this trouble of our application to you ; and 
 as I wrote you in my last Letter, which 1 delivered 
 ' Aga Makeem, I now send our humble Petition to 
 the King, and Address to the Grand Vizier ; copies 
 of which I here enclose to Your Excellency ; hum- 
 bly requesting that you will favour us with the 
 management thereof. 
 
 “ We are not ignorant of what should accom- 
 pany such Petitions and Addresses ; but the ha- 
 zards and troubles in the way prevent us from per- 
 forming that part at present ; in which I humbly 
 desire your Excellency’s advice and direction as to 
 what would be acceptable to his Majesty, t he Grand 
 Vizier, and such others where you think it is 
 necessary ; and we shall endeavour to procure it 
 if possible. 
 
 “ Your Excellency will see that we desire a 
 , Firmann to confirm our privileges a ccording; to 
 
 , ^ Sa llabad in all his dominions ; unless his Majesty 
 
 shall, out of his Itoyal bounty, bestow some new 
 favours on us. Your Excellency cannot but know 
 that Miliapore (St. Thome) is a troublesome neigh- 
 bourhood to us, creating always disputes and quar- 
 
100 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 U70S — 9. 
 
 rels, of little advantage to the king nor will it ever 
 be more ; which could we obtain, and the town of 
 Trivatore on the other side of us, it would make 
 us easy, and increase the riches of the king’s 
 country. 
 
 “ And whereas the goods we import are general- 
 ly carried to the capital cities of Golconda and 
 Bijapoor, etc., which trade we should much increase 
 if there was no custom paid upon them between 
 this place and those cities ; and that the Mettas 
 about us, which of late years have been increased 
 to the plague and ruin of trade, were laid aside ; 
 which only find employs for some little people, 
 who destroy trade by their vexation and extortion, 
 and in the main very much lessen the King’s re- 
 venue. 
 
 “ And we humbly desire that you woidd get it 
 inserted in a Fir maun, that whenever we are so 
 unfortunate as to lose any ship in any part of his 
 Majesty’s dominions, we shall have the liberty to pre- 
 serve what we can of the wreck, without any mo- 
 lestation from the Government ; which is not only 
 practised throughout the world, but the inhabitants 
 are generally commanded to assist therein. For 
 it is a great hardship that, after the great risk that 
 our people have run of their lives, they shall not 
 be at liberty to save what they can of their estates. 
 AVe must own with great thankfulness that this 
 justice have been granted us by former pur- 
 wannas from Khan Bahadur and the present Nabob ; 
 but as it has been formerly disputed it may again, 
 which nothing but the King’s gracious grant can 
 prevent. 
 
1708-0.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 101 
 
 “ We extremely want the King’s blessing and 
 favours to give new life to our trade ; for since 
 your Excellency went hence this place has lost 
 nearly three lakhs of Pagodas by misfortunes and 
 most by pirates ; so that it is become poor ; and 
 nothing can contribute to the retrieving our losses 
 but God’s blessing, the King’s favour, and Your 
 Excellency’s continuance in assisting of us. 
 
 “ Here are ships in a few days that will depart 
 for Pegu, when we shall write the King what you 
 advised in your former letter, that an Ambassador 
 was coming to him. Khan Bahadur always showed 
 himself a friend to our nation ; whose favours we 
 cannot but retain with great thankfulness ; so have 
 wrote him a letter which comes herewith, and a 
 copy of it for your Excellency ; we leave it to your 
 pleasure whether it shall be delivered him. 
 
 “ If please God we are so fortunate as to be 
 blessed with the King’s favour, as to obtain his 
 Royal Firm aim, we humbly entreat Your Excellen- 
 cy to appoint some able person to see it so fully 
 penned as that it may not admit of any dispute 
 from Nabob’s and Governors, where the same is 
 to be executed. Our dependence is entirely on 
 Your Excellency’s friendship, for which we shall be 
 always full of our acknowledgments, and heartily 
 wish Your Excellency and all your family health 
 and prosperity.” 
 
 The following extracts will explain themselves. 
 
 “ Thursday, 19th August. There having come 
 some people belonging to Zoodee Khan, our great 
 friend at the King’s Court, to acquaint the 
 Governor that his Lady at St. Thome extremely 
 
102 
 
 HISTORY or MADRAS. 
 
 [l-cs-o- 
 
 wanted money for her charges ; not being able to 
 get bills upon her husband, nor could he remit 
 any, by reason of the great troubles in the way ; 
 so desired of the Governor to lend 500 Pagodas 
 for his account ; who answered them that it was the 
 Company’s positive orders to lend none of their 
 money to any people whatever ; nor that their 
 Governors nor any in their service should lend 
 any money to any in the country Government, 
 upon the penalty of being discarded their service ; 
 but considering our dependence to procure a 
 Firmaun is upon the friendship of the aforesaid 
 Lady’s husband, the Government acquaints the 
 Council that he promised to procure a merchant 
 to lend that money, if Aga Makeem, a merchant 
 of this place, would give his bond for it, which he 
 had done for 500 Pagodas to be repaid in four 
 months without interest ; which bond being now 
 produced, it was agreed that the 500 Pagodas be 
 on the Company’s account and repaid the Govern- 
 ment out of the cash ; being a thing absolutely 
 necessary at this time, though not to be drawn 
 into a precedent for the future.” 
 
 The following entries are in the Consultations 
 of the same day ; and are worth preserving 
 though they do not illustrate the current history. 
 
 “ The Company having a sorrel Persian horse 
 good for little, and there being some people about 
 to buy him, it is agreed the Governor sells him 
 for what he can get.” 
 
 “ We having lately more thefts and robberies 
 committed in this city than usual, and finding 
 they daily increase, to prevent which it is agreed 
 
1708 - 0 .] 
 
 HISTORY OT MADRAS. 
 
 103 
 
 that till persons as soon as convicted shall be 
 punished by being whipt at a cart through all the 
 streets in Black Town, and afterwards lie in prison 
 till an opportunity presents to send them to the 
 West Coast, where they are to be the Company’s 
 slaves for ninety-nine years ; and this order to be 
 published by setting it up on every Gate of the 
 Black town. 
 
 “ The Governor being advised from Pegu that 
 ^ _ Va C onicopoly , one Ansapal, that went hence on 
 * & jP ne of the slnps _ hither, had the impudence to 
 counterfeit a letter to the king of that country, as 
 if it came from the Governor here, and with it 
 sent a present ; for which he had an advantage- 
 ous return in Elephants as usual ; so to prevent 
 the pernicious consequences which attend such 
 vile practices, the Governor seized him as soon as 
 he returned, and put him in prison, and intended 
 to have punished him severely ; but having been 
 there a Factor for several Merchants of this place, 
 to whom he had not yet rendered any account, 
 and it is thought he never would if he is disgraced 
 by a punishment ; it is therefore agreed that he 
 be fined for his crime 200 Pagodas, to be paid into 
 the Company’s cash, and give security he never 
 more goes to Pegu.” 
 
 In September this year, the Government of Fort 
 St. George was informed that the Nabob was 
 about to proceed to join the King Shah Aulum at 
 Golconda, and accordingly a member of Council 
 and the Secretary were sent to him with a present 
 of about 200 Pagodas. In return the Nabob pre- 
 sented the Company with a Perwanna for the five 
 
104 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1708 - 9 . 
 
 following towns, the names of which are spelt as 
 follows. 
 
 “ Trivetore town itself. 
 
 Vasalawada under Peruinbore. 
 
 Santunganda under Trivetore. 
 
 Lungumbaca ( ! Nungumbaukum) under Egmore,' 
 Cutteewauca under Trivetore.” 
 
 These Towns were valued at fifteen hundred 
 Pagodas. Subsequently the King’s Officers at St. 
 Thome raised a clamour against this present of the 
 King’s towns, and declared that their real value 
 was as much as three thousand Pagodas ; upon 
 which the Nabob ordered the King’s books to be 
 searched, and the real value to be laid before him. 
 Prom the following entry it will be seen that the 
 dispute was hushed up in the Oriental fashion : — 
 “ It is agreed that our Moolla and Brahmin return 
 again to St. Thome with about two hundred Pago- 
 das, which is ordered to be distributed amongst the 
 King’s Officers who keep the Records in order to 
 settle this matter.” 
 
 The next extract is also interesting. 
 
 “ Saturday, 1 6th October. We having large ex- 
 perience that it is impossible for us to manage the 
 income of villages, so as not to be imposed upon, 
 and lose at least half the produce ; to prevent 
 which it is agreed this day to let or to rent 
 the five villages, lately given the Company by 
 the Nabob, for twelve years to Colloway and 
 Vinketty Chetties, at 1200 Pagodas per annum, 
 to commence from this day ; who are obliged 
 to repair all tanks belonging thereto, which have 
 been let run to ruin, as customary, by those who 
 
1708 - 9 .] 
 
 IIISTOUY OF MADRAS. 
 
 105 
 
 have been lately the renters of them ; and the 
 Secretary is ordered to draw out a lease for them.” 
 
 Towards the end of the year another Husbul- 
 hookum arrived from the King Shah Aulum, with 
 answers penned in the usual oriental style from 
 the Koval Officers to the letters sent them by 
 Governor Pitt. It would be wearisome in the 
 extreme to reproduce these compositions here. In 
 return Governor Pitt engaged to forward the neces- 
 sary presents to the King Shall Aulum and his 
 principal Officers ; and sent numerous fidsome 
 letters to the various Ministers of State, all of 
 which are recorded at full length in the Consulta- 
 tion. The following extracts from a letter to the 
 Royal Steward will sufficiently illustrate the tone 
 of the whole. 
 
 “ To Zoodee Khan, Lord High Steward of the 
 King Shah Aulum’s household, January 5th, 1709. 
 
 “ By your faithful Chobdar Cossae, by whom 
 Your Excellency sent the Royal llusbulhookum, 
 and Vest, and Purwannas, I now send this hum- 
 ble address, which doubtless you expected sooner, 
 and had been sent but for the two following 
 reasons. Your Excellency enjoining secresy, I 
 was obliged to commit the translating of them to 
 some particular friends, which took up fourteen 
 days. AYhen fully apprised of the purport thereof, 
 I could not but be surprised at your unparalleled 
 expressions of friendship and invaluable honours 
 you have done us ; which so confounded my 
 thoughts for some days that I almost despaired of 
 being able to acknowledge them by my pen or 
 otherwise ; but then considering what a generous 
 
 14 
 
106 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 :i703-?. 
 
 friend I had. met with, who had been so lavish of 
 his favours to one who had as little power as 
 merit to oblige you ; I could no longer refrain from 
 blessing my stars, who were so propitious to me 
 as to give me the honour of your first acquain- 
 tance ; which I esteem the happiest fate that has 
 attended me through the whole course of my life 7 
 which I shall ever remember, and that posterity 
 may do the same, I humbly request, that when 
 you come to Golconda you will honour me 
 with sending me your picture ; which I will send 
 to England and have copied by the most ex- 
 quisite limner in the world, and order it to 
 be sent me hither ; beside I will erect your effigy 
 finely cut in marble, with such an inscription 
 on it that the world may know the author of 
 our happiness in these parts Your Ex- 
 
 cellency writes that there must be presents for all 
 the princes and some of the great men. If you 
 mean such as are suitable to their birth and quali- 
 ty, it is impossible for us to purchase them with 
 our Company’s estate ; who you know are mer- 
 chants who run great risk to get a little, and who 
 often meet with loss instead of gain. We hope as 
 the presents we intend are suitable to our circum- 
 stances, that they will meet with a gracious ac- 
 ceptance from the great king and princes ; which 
 puts us in mind of what we read in history that 
 upon many persons making very rich presents to 
 a king, there happened a poor man to come with a 
 drop of water, which was acceptable as any of their 
 presents, being according to his ability.” 
 
 Shortly afterwards the following Firmaun ar- 
 
; 70S— 91 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 107 
 
 •rived from King Shah Aulum, by which it will be 
 seen distinctly that the conflict with Kam Buksh 
 was the cause of such demonstrations of friendship. 
 
 “ Let the chosen of his Caste and Nation, the 
 Governor of Chinnapatam, know that he may be in 
 hopes of the King’s favour. Seeing that Kam 
 Buksh doth purpose to fly from the powerful arms 
 of our victorious army ; for that reason the com- 
 mand of the sovereign of the world, worthy of all 
 submission and obedience is due, is issued forth ; 
 that in case he, Kam Buksh, should come wander- 
 ing, not knowing where to go, into those parts, 
 and desire to embark himself on some ship in order 
 to get away ; that the chosen of his nation shall 
 use his utmost endeavours to procure that he be 
 either killed or made a prisoner ; and to effect 
 this let him know that the command from the 
 Royal Throne is strict in the strictest manner. 
 Written the 17 th of the moon Ramazan the Bless- 
 ed in the second year of the King’s Reign.” 
 
 In reply Governor Pitt’s promised obedience in 
 general terms, but on the 18th January, 170'J, 
 intelligence was brought to Madras that Shah 
 Aulum had obtained a complete victory over his 
 brother, and that Kam Buksh had died of the 
 wounds he had received during the battle. 
 
108 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [Uflfr-ia 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIPS OF PITT, ADDISON, MONTAGUE 
 AND FRASER. 
 
 1709—10. 
 
 The period upon which we are now about to 
 enter will be interesting to all who are fond of 
 historical coincidences. The rapid succession of 
 Governors, in the years 1709,1710, and 1711, 
 bears a curious resemblance to the similar changes 
 which took place in 1859, 1860, and 1S61 after 
 the exact interval of a century and a half. AYithin 
 two years Fort St. George saw five successive 
 Governors, viz. Mr. Pitt, Mr. Addison, Mr. Monta- 
 gue, Mr. Fraser, and Mr. Harrison ; and now 
 within the last two years of our history we have 
 seen the same event repeated in the rapid succes- 
 sion of Lord Harris, Sir Charles Trevelyan, Mr. 
 Morehead, Sir Henry Ward, and Sir William 
 Denison. 
 
 In the middle of the year 1709, Mr. Pitt’s go- 
 vernment was fast drawing to a close ; but 
 though it is apparent from the records that he 
 had some suspicions of the probability of his being 
 recalled, yet he evidently had no idea of the sud- 
 den way in which the recall would be carried out. 
 Before however noticing this event, we make the 
 following curious extracts which seem to have 
 
1709— 10. J HISTORY OF MADRAS. 100 
 
 some reference to the great Pitt diamond to 
 which allusion has already been made. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 3rd August, 1709. The Go- 
 vernor this day acquainted the Council, that he 
 having lately heard of some villainous and scanda- 
 lous reflections that had been made upon him by 
 the late Lieutenant Seaton, who he yesterday sent 
 for from the Mount, and examined thereon ; who 
 with his usual impudence averred to him the most 
 notorious falsities that ever could be thought or im- 
 agined. Upon which he (the Governor) said, he 
 had confined him, Seaton, to the Ensign’s room ; 
 and he desired that he might be sent for up, and 
 examined thereto. Which accordingly was done, 
 and when he came into the Consultation Boom 
 before us, without first hearing what the Governor 
 had to charge him with, and the reasons of his con- 
 finement,— he immediately addressed himself to the 
 Council, saying, “ I am come here to accuse the 
 Governor for buying a great diamond to the Com- 
 pany’s prejudice.” When the Governor answered 
 and told him, “ we would discourse of that by 
 and by and demanded of him whether he had 
 said, that he had received of Paupia to make him 
 Chief Dubash, five hundred Pagodas ; and that 
 Bamapa offered seven hundred to be continued, 
 which was refused. This he acknowledged 
 to have said, but being commanded to prove 
 the same, he answered he had it from a 
 black fellow, but could not remember who 
 he was. After which the two Dubashes before 
 mentioned declared they never gave the Governor 
 a Pagoda, or that ever he asked or hinted to them 
 
no 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 tiros— 10. 
 
 of any such thing ; and to this they took the most 
 solemnest oath in the Pagoda. Then the Gover- 
 nor demanded what he knew of his buying a 
 diamond. He answered in general terms, that he 
 knew even, 7 particular of it ; when he was com- 
 manded to acquaint the Council with it, which he 
 said he would then do, knowing that there would 
 be a change of Government this month, and there- 
 fore for what this Governor said to him did not 
 signify a farthing, with many such insolent and 
 villainous expressions. He further said that to his 
 knowledge the Governor was betrayed by all the 
 Black servants about him ; insomuch that he knew 
 every thing that was done and said, nay as much 
 as in his Counting house ; and to give an instance 
 thereof, said, that the great diamond he had 
 bought was entered in his books folio 64. He 
 further told us that one Kogers, w ? ho went hence 
 in October last for Bombay, had earned papers 
 along with him, signed by Black people, that 
 would do the Governor’s business ; which Sir 
 Nicholas Wait had got translated and carried home 
 with him. 
 
 “ The Governor also acquainted the Council that 
 he had very good reason to suspect that this Seaton 
 was turned Informer to the Government, and held 
 a correspondence with them, and promised in a 
 few days to prove the same ; in expectation of 
 which, and what the Governor charged him with, 
 and he confessed before us, — we now unanimously 
 confirm his confinement till other means can be 
 considered of ; and for what discourse passed be- 
 tween the Governor and him yesterday in the Con- 
 
1709 — 10 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 Ill 
 
 sultation Room after his coming from the Mount, 
 is as entered as follows, the truth of which we 
 shall always be ready to justify by oath or other- 
 wise.” 
 
 Copy of what passed between the Governor and 
 
 Lieutenant Seaton in the Consultation Boom on 
 
 the day before. 
 
 “ This evening being the 2nd of August about 
 five o’clock, I discoursed Captain Seaton in the 
 Consultation Room, when charged him with his 
 having said that 1 had 500 Pagodas given me to 
 make Paupia Chief Dubash ; which he owned, and 
 he told me that I was betrayed in whatever I did 
 or spoke by all my servants about me ; and that 
 I had not a friend upon the place, whatever I 
 thought. 
 
 “ Then I asked how he durst presume to talk 
 up and down of what I bought or sold, and how 
 it was possible for him to know anything of it ; to 
 which he answered that he had so good intelli- 
 gence that there was not the least thing said 
 or done by me, but that he knew ; and to 
 convince me desired leave to ask me some ques- 
 tions, which I permitted him to do and were as 
 follows. “ Whether Mr. Roberts did not write to 
 me, requesting that he might be concerned in a great 
 diamond I had bought ?” Answered : “ False.” 
 “ Whether a person did not come and wish me 
 joy of its being sold for 500,000 dollars ?” False. 
 “ Whether two persons did not come from the 
 Dekkan to demand a great diamond, and that I 
 gave one of them at coming eleven rupees, and the 
 
112 
 
 HISTORV OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1709 — 10 . 
 
 other at going away, a hundred and fifty.” All 
 false, only that one man came. Upon which I told 
 him that I found him (Seaton) a villain ; and as 
 I found him endeavouring to betray me, doubt- 
 less he would do the same to the Government ; so 
 ordered the Captain of the Guard to confine him 
 to the Ensign’s room, none to come to him but 
 the Council. 
 
 “Thursday, lltli August. If is unanimously 
 agreed that Lieutenant Seaton be confined till the 
 first ship goes for England, and on her to be sent 
 home a prisoner to the Company.” 
 
 In the following month Governor Pitt was 
 suddenly recalled, as will be seen by the following 
 entry. 
 
 “Sunday, 18th September. Yesterday evening 
 appeared a ship to the northward of this Port, 
 and about nine at night came ashore Captain 
 Tolson, who acquainted the Governor that he 
 was commander of the Ship “ lleathcote” come 
 directly from England ; and that he had brought 
 the Company’s packet which he produced direct- 
 ed as follows : — 
 
 “ To the Hon’ble Gulstone Addison, Presi- 
 dent, Messrs. Fraser, Montague, Martin, 
 Eaworth, Frederick, Hunt, Bulklee, and 
 Jennings, Fort St. George.” 
 
 And withal told linn there was great alterations 
 here, and that he was dismissed the service ; there- 
 fore pressed that the Council might be immediately 
 called. The Governor told him that it was impos- 
 sible to be done, not only from the lateness of the 
 
1 “ 09 — 10.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 113 
 
 night, but that several of them were at the Mount ; 
 so desired the Captain to strictly observe in what 
 condition he delivered the packet, and be here to- 
 morrow morning at eight o'clock, against when 
 the Council should be summoned, that so he might 
 see it in the like condition he delivered it. This 
 morning accordingly all the late Council met, 
 whenthe Governor refused to surrender the Govern- 
 ment by virtue of the superscription on the packet, 
 but demanded a supercedent to his Commission, by 
 virtue of which he had been Governor of this 
 place upwards of eleven years. So after some 
 hesitation the packet was opened, wherein there 
 was a Commission which superceded his. He also 
 demanded the reading of the General Letter, 
 which was refused him ; but in the packet there 
 being a Letter from the Managers to him, wherein 
 it was fully expressed his dismission from their 
 service, the constituting Gulstone Addison, Esquire 
 in his room, so he immediately read the cash and 
 tendered the balance thereof ; but the new Gover- 
 nor desired the payment for that time be deferred, 
 for that he was very much indisposed. So the 
 Governor just as he left the Chair, challenged 
 the whole Board, or any upon the place, to charge 
 him with an unjust action during the whole time 
 of his Government, or that he had ever refused a 
 kindness to any one that asked it, and that it lay 
 in his power ; or that ever he acted arbitrary in 
 . any one matter, notwithstanding some villains of 
 this place have had the impudence to represent 
 him otherwise ; so rose out of the chair and 
 placed the new Governor in it." 
 
 15 
 
114 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 UTW-IO. 
 
 The recall of Mr. Pitt, at the moment he had 
 succeeded in establishing friendly relations between 
 the Company and the court at Delhi, proved any- 
 thing but advantageous to the English ; and the 
 Directors on more than one occasion had cause to 
 regret their precipitancy, and quoted the govern- 
 ment of Mr. Pitt as an example to his less politic 
 and less energetic successors. The following ex- 
 tract from a general letter of this period will alone 
 warrant this inference. 
 
 “ We read witli pleasure that when Messrs. 
 Haworth and Davenport visited the Nabob at St. 
 Thome with a present of two hundred pagodas, 
 he gave you for us the grants of five towns adjoin- 
 ing to ours, worth about fifteen hundred pagodas 
 a year, which you are now in possession of ; and 
 that you preserve a good understanding with the 
 government, notwithstanding some little jangling. 
 This we take to be the effect of your good conduct 
 and President Pitt’s interest with the great men ; 
 and shall be glad you, our present President and 
 Council, will follow in the same steps, which is 
 now so much the easier because the path is ready 
 trodden.” 
 
 The administration of Mr. Gulston Addison, 
 who was brother to the greatest of English essay- 
 ists, did not extend over a month. On the Sun- 
 day morning that he succeeded to the government, 
 lie was too much indisposed to receive the balance 
 of the cash from Mr. Pitt ; and his signature is 
 wanting to the proceedings. On the Monday he 
 made his appearance and stated that he had 
 “ laboured under most severe pains, which almost 
 
T09-10J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 115 
 
 rendered liis limbs in a manner useless to him 
 and the trembling signature which appears in the 
 consultation book seems to indicate that he was 
 still suffering from the attack. He only attended 
 five consultations afterwards ; and at the last one 
 to which his signature is appended, he signed the 
 instructions to the Captain of the “ Heathcote” to 
 receive Mr. Pitt on board, and to treat him with 
 all the respect due to an ex-Governor during the 
 voyage to England. Mr. Addison died at noon 
 on Monday, the 17th of October, 1709. The 
 event is interesting from its connection with the 
 fortunes of his more celebrated brother. Whilst 
 Gulston had been toiling away in the Company’s 
 service at Port St. George, the fame and fortune 
 of Joseph had been rapidly rising in England. 
 Literature in those days was on a different footing 
 to what it is now. The Battle of Blenheim in 
 1701, had been celebrated with a chorus of such 
 wretched poems, that the government had actually 
 routed out Joseph Addison from his little garret 
 in the Ilaymarket, to write “ The Campaign.” The 
 poem met with vast applause, and the subsequent 
 promotion of its author was rapid. In 1708 he 
 was chief secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of 
 Ireland on two thousand a year, and keeper 
 of the Irish records on four hundred a year. 
 About the very time that Gulston died, Joseph 
 furnished his first contribution to the Tatler. But 
 shortly afterwards the Whigs went out and Joseph 
 lost his chief secretaryship. This was unfortunate 
 as he had deemed it expedient to fall in love with 
 the dowager Countess of Warwick ; a lady of ma- 
 ture charms, who considered Mr. Addison as the 
 
116 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 uroo-io. 
 
 cliief secretary and Mr. Addison as the mere lite- 
 rary man, to be two totally distinct individuals. 
 Accordingly though she had smiled on the secretary 
 she now frowned upon the author. It was at this 
 juncture that Joseph inherited his brother’s for- 
 tune, and the inheritance seems to have won back 
 the heart of Chloe. In due time the pair were 
 married ; but poor Gulston’s wealth had better 
 have been left at Fort St. George. Henceforth, 
 as the story goes, Mr. Joseph Addison was far 
 happier over a bottle of claret at a tavern, than in 
 the company of his magnificent countess dowager 
 at Holland House. 
 
 But to return to Madras. The succession to 
 the Governorship belonged to Air. William Fraser, 
 the enemy of Pitt and Higginson ; but as Fraser 
 was at that time Deputy Governor of Fort St. 
 David, Air. Edward Alontague took the post of 
 provisional governor until his return. The ad- 
 ministration of Air. Alontague only lasted a fort- 
 night, and was distinguished by only one incident 
 worthy of notice. The government had at last re- 
 solved to send Captain Seaton to England on board 
 the “ Heathcote.” The Captain however refused 
 to leave his house, and the Governor was obliged 
 to send Ensign Dixon with a file of soldiers to 
 carry him on board. AY hat transpired is best de- 
 scribed in Ensign Dixon’s own narrative of the 
 proceedings, addressed to the Governor and Coun- 
 cil on the 25th of October, 17 09, which was 
 follows : — 
 
 “ Honourable Sirs, 
 
 According to orders, I carried your prisoner 
 Captain Seaton alongside of the Ship “ Heath- 
 
1700 — 10-3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 117 
 
 cote,” and laying there some time I found no 
 person appear to hand us a rope or any to assist 
 us. Then I went on board and delivered your 
 Honor’s and Council’s order to Captain Tolson, 
 desiring him to receive the prisoner. I informed 
 him that the said prisoner was carried from the 
 Sea Gate, and that he refused to come on board, 
 unless he were hoisted in. Captain Tolson replied 
 that all his passengers came on board willingly, and 
 would not hoist him in, nor sutler anybody else 
 to do it, nor would he overhale the least tackle in 
 his ship ; and that he would not suffer any 
 gentleman lying alongside of his ship to be forced 
 on board or ill used. Captain Tolson asked the 
 prisoner, if he would come on board, which the 
 said prisoner refused. Then the prisoner demand- 
 ed of Captain Tolson, whether he had any further 
 commands for him. Captain Tolson answered no. 
 1 waited for a note, but at last he told me 1 might 
 go, for he would give none.” Subsequently Cap- 
 tain Seaton appears to have left the Presidency of 
 his own accord. 
 
 On the 2nd of November the new Governor, 
 Mr. Fraser, reached Madras from Fort St. David ; 
 the members of Council and other English Gentle- 
 men, together with the chief inhabitants of the 
 place, going out as far as St. Thomas’ little Mount 
 to receive him. The next day a council was held, 
 as will be seen by the following extract. 
 
 “ Thursday, 3rd November, 17U9. The Coun- 
 cil being duly summoned met in Consultation, and 
 having taken their places, the President, rising up 
 from the chair, exhorted the Gentlemen of the 
 
ns 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 0700—10. 
 
 Council to forget and forgive whatever hitherto 
 had given cause and occasion to the difference that 
 had formerly happened amongst them ; and that 
 all such piques might for ever he buried in oblivion, 
 and that they might henceforward agree amongst 
 themselves, in the Unity of Love and firm Friend- 
 ship, with all reciprocal respect to each other ; 
 in testimony of which they were desired to shake 
 hands all of them ; which was accordingly done 
 with all promises of sincerity to the performance 
 of the promises.” 
 
 The Governorship of Mr. Fraser lasted little 
 more than eighteen months, being brought to a 
 conclusion on the 11th of July, 1711, when Mr. 
 Harrison came out as President of Fort St. 
 George. The records connected with the ad- 
 ministration of both Mr. Fraser and his successor 
 are much occupied with two or three discussions 
 which it is impossible to treat in detail. In the 
 first place there was air interminable correspon- 
 dence with Zoodee Khan, concerning the present 
 intended for the Court at Delhi, and which was 
 detained for years on its way. It seems that Go- 
 vernor Pitt had intended to forward it to the King 
 whilst the latter was staying at Golconda after the 
 victory over Prince Kham Buksh ; but part only 
 was sent by sea to Masulipatam, and there got no 
 farther ; the King having by that time been called 
 back to Delhi and the North-west in consequence 
 of the rising of the Sikhs. 
 
 Many consultations were held, not only with 
 the members of Council, but with also the chief 
 merchants and inhabitants of the place, as to how 
 
1700 — 10 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 119 
 
 the present was to be conveyed. To send it over- 
 land to Delhi was declared to be a Herculean 
 labour, the imperial city “ being little less than 
 2000 miles off,” which would occasion “ an im- 
 mense charge to the Company.” Subsequently it 
 was determined to send the portion that was at 
 Masulipatam to the Subah at Golconda, there 
 to remain until the King’s pleasure could be 
 known ; whilst the remaining portion was to be 
 sent on to Bengal, thence to be forwarded to 
 Delhi. Very many months however after this de- 
 cision was recorded, we still find Zoodee Khan 
 applying for the present, and the Governor of 
 Fort St. George sending every kind of excuse and 
 apology for the delay. 
 
 Another subject of endless correspondence be- 
 tween the Governor and the Nabob of the sur- 
 rounding country, was the five new villages which 
 had been granted to the Company by the Nabob 
 Da wood Khan. Notwithstanding the present to 
 Dawood Khan, and the judicious bribe administered 
 to the keepers of the records, the Mogul govern- 
 ment determined to recall the villages, on the 
 ground that they belonged to a jaghire which had 
 been granted to Zulfikar Khan, now styled Khan 
 Bahadur. There were also troubles both at Vizaga- 
 patam, and Fort St. David ; but these subjects will 
 bo sufficiently explained as we proceed. We shall 
 now produce our extracts in chronological order. 
 
 The first refers to a severe storm which broke 
 out about a fortnight after Mr. Fraser’s accession, 
 and is thus described in the consultation book. 
 
 “ Saturday, 19th November 1709. Saturday 
 
120 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1700 — 10 . 
 
 in the evening, it rained very much, and about 8 
 at night began to thunder and lighten, which was 
 very violent (for about an hour), by which the 
 Flag Staff was rent and shattered from the top to 
 the ground. Some pieces flew near 600 feet, and 
 thousands of small pieces strewed the curtains and 
 other places. A large iron hoop was burst from 
 the mast, and flew near 200 feet, and two holes 
 struck through the truck as though it had been 
 with a shot. 
 
 “ The Company’s house at the Garden was 
 likewise damaged at the Southernmost end, one 
 leaf of a window being shattered to pieces and 
 one side of the Frame much rent ; the door pierced 
 through in several places, and the upper part of 
 the Frame much scorched, whereby it was render- 
 ed unserviceable. The wall was pierced through 
 in two places ; one hole just above the Terrace, 
 being about 5 inches diameter ; and the other, 
 which went beneath the beams that bear up the 
 Terrace, was about 7 inches diameter, and the 
 beam next the wall was likewise pierced through 
 in two places, and all this with little or no wind.” 
 
 "We may here add that the season of 1709-10 
 proved in other respects a remarkable one. The 
 monsoon rains returned in January with considera- 
 ble violence, a circumstance which we believe is of 
 very rare occurrence on the Coast of Coromandel. 
 
 The next extract will be interesting to our 
 Armenian readers, for notwithstanding the com- 
 plaints recorded against one of their community, 
 the following story plainly indicates that the Arrneni- 
 
170J--100 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 121 
 
 ans had gained considerable wealth and were aiming 
 at independent power. 
 
 “ Thursday, 13th January, 1710. Lewis Meli- 
 que, an inhabitant of this place, presents a petition 
 setting forth the abuses and insolencies of Cojah 
 Saffur, an Armenian, also an inhabitant here, who 
 hath for some years past lived at St. Thomas’ 
 Great Mount, where he hath impudently assumed 
 a power to himself, as if he was llavildar there , 
 insomuch that in a controversy between the said 
 Lewis Melique and Antonio Soares about a piece 
 of ground, the said Saffur concerned himself so 
 far, though not belonging to him, that he threaten- 
 ed to beat the said Lewis Melique, and send him 
 a prisoner to the Catwall of St. Thome; which 
 he had certainly done, had not the said Lewis 
 Melique made his escape. 
 
 “ On which the Governor sent for the said 
 Saffur yesterday, who appeared before us this day, 
 and the matter being put close to him did stiffly 
 deny every thing, notwithstanding the evidence 
 that was brought against him ; and it being well 
 known that the said Saffur has been an insolent 
 troublesome fellow to all the English in general, 
 who have resorted to the Mount for their health ; 
 of which there has been several instances, too many 
 to be enumerated here. 
 
 “ And that there is cause to believe, that the said 
 Cojah Saffur, with others of his nation, intend to 
 associate and form themselves into a Factory at 
 the Mount, and make St. Thome their port, as ap- 
 pears by their having in the late Governor Pitt’s 
 time bought and built several houses there, which 
 
 1G 
 
122 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1~0S — lOl 
 
 they ought not to have clone without leave of the 
 Governor and Council ; and that they intended to 
 build a Gate at the end of the lane to stop up all 
 avenues, and prevent all others having any entrance 
 there but themselves ; to prevent which growing 
 evil, it is thought expedient to pull up their inso- 
 lent weed of ill humour by the root. 
 
 “ Agreed and ordered that the said Cojah Saffur 
 be confined to the Fort, until he give security of 
 Pagodas 5000, for his forthcoming and good be- 
 haviour for the future ; for which none of his own 
 nation would engage for him, and therefore was 
 committed.” 
 
 The following entry illustrates the war between 
 Great Britain and France which had extended to 
 the Bay of Bengal. The false intelligence by 
 which Governor Fraser proposed to deceive the 
 French will be found creditable to that gentle- 
 man’s invention. It will be seen that Mr. Mon- 
 tague, the late provisional governor of Fort St. 
 George, was now Deputy Governor of Fort St. 
 David ; and that he and his Council were anxious 
 to dispatch theship “ Somers” to Europe, but were 
 afraid to do so whilst the French ships were at 
 Pondicherry. Accordingly the design of Governor 
 Fraser was to induce the French ships to leave 
 Pondicherry, so as to leave the coast clear for the 
 “ Somers.” 
 
 “Tuesday, 31st January. This morning re- 
 ceived a general letter from the Deputy Governor 
 and Council at Fort St. David, dated 28th in- 
 stant , and the President found matter enough 
 contained therein to summon the Council to meet 
 
a-oo — 10.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 123 
 
 immediately. They, at Fort St. David, advise the 
 Ship “ Somers” to have been full laden that day. 
 They likewise advise of their great fears and ap- 
 prehensions they have of the St, Malo’s ships at 
 Pondicherry, of their having some ill design in 
 agitation against the “ Somers.” For which 
 reason they think it not adviseable to despatch 
 her though full laden, and therefore do earnestly 
 desire our orders and directions in that matter. 
 
 “ The President propounding to the Council what 
 they thought might be the best ways and 
 means to be used to prevent the “ Somers” 
 being in danger of the French. Upon the whole we 
 come to this following resolution, that a letter should 
 be devised as from Bengal, advising the great 
 troubles the English were in there, by reason of 
 the country Government stopping their goods 
 from coming down the river ; which occasioned a 
 warm skirmish, in which a great many Moors were 
 killed and some English ; and that the Council 
 there thought the Company’s affairs in great dan- 
 ger, and forthwith desired our utmost assistance. 
 As also to write the Deputy Governor and Coun- 
 cil (and send them copy of said devised letter) for 
 to send for Captain Peacock and endeavour to 
 agree with him on further time according to a New 
 Charter party, that he might be unladen and sent 
 to Bengal ; with the intent that the same might 
 be industriously diffused and spread abroad, in 
 hopes it might occasion the French Ships depar- 
 ture the sooner thence, wdio had lain full laden 
 for some days. It w'as also agreed, we should 
 write our joint letter to Deputy Governor Mon- 
 
124 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11709 - 1 *. 
 
 tagiie, Mr. Haworth, and Captain Peacock to unra- 
 vel and explain to them the mystery of our general 
 letter to the Deputy Governor and Council, and 
 that it was only feigned with a design in hopes, it 
 might hasten the despatch of the French.” 
 
 By subsequent entries we learn that this device 
 proved unnecessary, but it nevertheless received 
 the warm approval at the Court of Directors. 
 
 The following petition will explain itself. 
 
 “ To the Honorable William Fraser, Esq. etc. 
 
 “ The petition of the Ministers and Churchwar- 
 dens of the Parish of St. Mary’s in Fort St. 
 George. 
 
 “ Humbly represeutetk, 
 
 That whereas the monuments of the dead, and 
 the ground where they are interred are held by 
 most people in some measure sacred, and not light- 
 ly applied to any common or profane use, yet it is 
 our misfortune that the English burying place in 
 Fort St. George (where so many of our relations, 
 friends and acquaintants lie buried) is not kept in 
 that decent and due manner it ought to be, but 
 every day profaned and applied to the most vile 
 and undecent uses ; for since the year 1701, when 
 an old building that stood in the bury ing place 
 (and in which the Buffaloes used to be shut up) 
 was taken dowm to build lodgings for the soldiers 
 at the Gate adjoining, the Tombs have been 
 made use of for stables for the Buffaloes ; which is 
 not only a thing very undecent, but also a very 
 great damage to those buildings, by having so 
 many stakes drove into the pavement and with 
 the walls to fasten the Buffaloes to. 
 
1700 — 100 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 125 
 
 “ Another occasion of onr complaint on this 
 subject is the Cocoa-nut trees standing in the bury- 
 ing place ; the profit arising from them, we know 
 is inconsiderable, but the nuisance accruing to the 
 place thereby, we are sure is very great. For the 
 Toddy men have people employed there all the day 
 and almost all the night in drawing and selling of 
 Toddy, so that we are obliged on their account to 
 keep the Gates always open, both by day and by 
 night. And there about eight o’clock at night 
 after work is done, is such a resort of basket 
 makers, Scavengers, people that look after the 
 Buffaloes, and other Bandars, to drink Toddy, that 
 all the Bunch houses in Madras have not half the 
 noise in them ; and by reason of the gates lying 
 open, beggars and other vagabonds (who know 
 not where to go) make use of the tombs to lie in, 
 and what unclean uses the neighbours thereabout 
 do make of that place we forbear to tell. We 
 hope, what is here urged, together with the reflec- 
 tion it must cast on our Church and nation to 
 have so little regard to the repositories of our dead, 
 when all other nations who live among us have so 
 just a regard to theirs, will prevail with your 
 Honor &c. to take this matter into your considera- 
 tion, and to find out some method to redress these 
 abuses. And your petitioners as in duty bound 
 
 shall &c. 
 
 George Lewis. 
 Robert Jones. 
 
 ^ Ministers. 
 
 Fort St. George, i 
 February 1 9/4 1710.$ 
 
126 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 L1709 — 10. 
 
 We are glad to inform our readers that the 
 matter was taken up by Governor Fraser, and the 
 profanation removed. The Kev. George Lewis, 
 who has signed his name to the .above petition, 
 appears to have been an active Chaplain, and we 
 shall have occasion to mention him in a future 
 issue in connection with some Missionary proceed- 
 ings. 
 
 The following letter from Zoodee Khan to the 
 Governor of Fort Saint George, is not only in- 
 teresting as illustrative of the new relations which 
 at this time began to spring up between the 
 Mogul’s government and the English, but it seems 
 to indicate the commencement of a new com- 
 mercial policy on the part of Shah Aulum. 
 
 “ From Zoodee Khan, Ameny and Phoujdar of 
 Ilooghly and other seaports under the Subah of 
 Bengal, as also of Orissa, Masulipatam, Peddi- 
 polle, Chinnapatam, St. Thome, Pulicat, Chicacole, 
 &c., under the Subah of Golcondah, received May 
 16th 1710. 
 
 “ I lately wrote your Honor by your peons that 
 the King had granted me the above mentioned 
 Ameny and Phoujdarship, and therefore I have ap- 
 pointed Mirza Mahomud Zaman, son-in-law of 
 Aloudabeeg, and Mahomed Salaubeeg, Deputies 
 under me for Masulipatam and Peddepolle and my 
 friend Aga Mookeem, Deputy at Chinnapatam, 
 St. Thome, Pulicat and Chicacole, and have sent 
 them their commissions with a copy of mine at- 
 tested by the Codjee at Court. 
 
 “ As there is a great friendship between us, and 
 you have often informed me that it was your opi- 
 nion that if all the seaports under the King’s 
 
1709—100 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 127 
 
 dominions were under the Admiral (as a Company) 
 lie might settle the sea affairs, destroy the pirates, 
 enrich the seaports and encourage the sea Mer- 
 chants to come and depart, which will increase 
 their profit ; and you desired me to use my ut- 
 most endeavours to obtain this ; which 1 have 
 done ; and on account of our friendship have under- 
 taken this great business myself, and if it hap- 
 pens otherwise, the discredit will be the same to 
 us both. For I have no other hopes than the 
 safety of all subjects, the security of ships and 
 merchants going or coming by sea, extirpation of 
 pirates and the enrichment of the King’s sea- 
 ports. So your honor must use your endeavours 
 in this matter likewise, and advise all your Gom- 
 astas and merchants every where to trade freely, 
 without suspicion of any danger, and augment 
 their trade. 
 
 “ I want your advice if you think it proper to 
 send some of (he King’s ships to bring Elephants 
 from the other coast.” 
 
 “ The King has ordered me to build a Fort at 
 Ballasore and enrich your Factory.” 
 
 “ After 1 arrive at llooghly I will observe how 
 affairs are managed and advice your honor.” 
 
 “ And now T must desire you to think of means, 
 how things may best be carried on for the King’s 
 advantage and your Company’s ; that so all per- 
 sons may live happy and serve their Maker. For I 
 have neglected other business, and undertaken this 
 on your account, in hopes to get a great name by 
 it; and within 5, G, or 12 months’ time, if it is 
 

 I2S HISTORY OF MADRAS. [1709-10. 
 
 your request that I should take in the other sea 
 ports, as also Surat, I can procure it ; and we 
 must endeavour to promote both our fames. For 
 if we agree we can conquer the whole world, and 
 clear the seas of all dangers for the merchants. 
 
 “ As to the present, I have wrote you lately to 
 send it to Bengal, according to the king’s order, 
 which be sure you do. For it is very necessary 
 that you send a present, and when I come to 
 Hooghly, I will advise you of all other matters ; 
 and you should send a Yakeel to be with me ; 
 which if you approve of, you may send such a one 
 as Cojah Hamud, or Surapa, or write your people 
 at Calcutta to send one. For I shall want him 
 on several occasions. I heartily wish you all 
 health and prosperity.” 
 
 We are sorry to add that this arrangement 
 proved to be only a temporary one, and that after 
 a few months the seaports on the coast of Coro- 
 mandel were again placed under the ordinary 
 jurisdiction of the Subah of Golconda. 
 
 We now return to the subject of the five new 
 villages which had been obtained by Governor 
 Pitt. It must here be remarked that the purwan- 
 na for the out towns had been received from the 
 Nabob Dawood Khan, and subsequently confirm- 
 ed. The Nabob had also given to the Company 
 a piece of ground of about forty acres at the 
 Mount, in order that a house with a garden at- 
 tached, might be built there as a sanatarium for 
 the Company’s servants. In April 1710 the 
 Nabob recalled the villages, and ordered them 
 
1709—10.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 129 
 
 to be delivered to Zulfikar Khan’s* officers, on 
 the ground that they belonged to his Jaghire. 
 About the same time Dawood Khan was 
 himself recalled to Delhi, in consequence pro- 
 bably of the rise of the Sikhs. The Govern- 
 ment of Tort St. George suspected that the Nabob 
 had been persuaded to this action by Yeavellappa, 
 the Manager of Poonamallee, otherwise the Renter 
 of the country surrounding the English dominions ; 
 and for a long time they deferred giving them up. 
 In May the same year, a letter arrived from Dewaii 
 Sadatulla Khan at Arcot, who is described as the 
 new Nabob, demanding not only the five villages 
 recently granted, but also the three old towns ot 
 Egmore, Tandore and Pursewaukum, which had 
 been granted some years previously by the Nabob 
 Zulfikar Khan. The following letter from President 
 Eraser to the Dewan Sadattulla Khan, puts the 
 whole matter in a clear light. 
 
 “ To Dew'an Sadatulla Khan, Health. 
 
 Fort St. George, Magl'bth, 1710. 
 
 “ About some three days ago a servant of yours by 
 name Muzzadeen brought me a letter, said to be 
 from you, which I gave my Brahmin to be trans- 
 lated, at which I desired your servant to go and 
 rest himself after his journey, until I had given an- 
 swer to said letter ; when he insolently and very 
 pertly, as void of all manners and respect, insisted 
 on the delivering up the villages. Else he woidcl 
 carry back your letter ; which he did. I told him 
 
 * W e continue the old name to prevent confusion ; but 
 henceforth Zulfikar Khan is styled Khan Bahadur in the 
 records. 
 
 17 
 
13a 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [iroo— 10 . 
 
 my business was not with him but with his mas- 
 ter yourself. 
 
 “ But, supposing the purport of said letter was 
 to demand back the new villages, because they be- 
 long to Zulfikar Khan’s Jaghire, which may be 
 true. But you cannot but at the same time 
 know that my noble great friend, the late Dawood 
 Khan, gave an equivalent out of his own Jaghire to 
 the great Zulfikar Khan which makes that matter 
 even, and thus far I am in the right ; and you 
 likewise know that I gave away more than those 
 villages brought in, so that the English here 
 lived in all friendly tranquility with the late 
 Nabob, until Yeavellapa, that plague of the poor 
 and Cockatrice of all venom, when at Cudapa, 
 never let the Nabob be quiet till he had gained 
 his point to revoke the several former as well 
 as late Perwannas, which confirmed those villages 
 to our Company. So that one Perwanna is not 
 sufficient to take away the force and power of 
 all our former grants under the Nabob’s signature 
 and great chop ; by which you would make 
 the promise^ faith, and truth of a great man 
 of no more value than that of an ordinary man ; 
 which is a great derogation to the honor of a great 
 personage. 
 
 “ Yeavellappa deals treacherously with Madras, 
 a place he is so much beholden to, where he stores 
 up so much paddy and grain to await a scarce and 
 dear season to increase the misery of the poor ; 
 and borrows large sums of money at the same 
 time to enable him to pay his rent at the time 
 due, else he must have been necessitated to sell 
 at the market price which would be cheap. 
 
J70D-10.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 131 
 
 “ As for the four old villages, they were granted 
 and confirmed to us about twenty years ago by 
 the then Prince Khan Buksh, the great Assad 
 Khan, and the then Zulfikar Khan, now Khan 
 Bahadur, under their several and respective larger 
 seals. 
 
 “ My friendly council and advice to you is that 
 you would consider and value the English as 
 being the king’s fiiend and in his favour, as may 
 appear by his Boyal Ho sbullko okum from the 
 throne to my late predecessor ; and that you 
 would keep the king’s peace, by not committing 
 any manner of hostility. I hope you will do 
 nothing misbecoming, so wise a man as yourself, 
 in so great a post and place of trust ; and then 
 you and I may come to have a better understand- 
 ing at least till I hear from the Great Zulfikar 
 Khan to whom I am now going to write, and 
 have his answer ; till when 1 shall be awake I 
 need say no more.” 
 
 About the same time Governor Eraser wrote 
 another letter to Zulfikar Khan reminding him 
 that the old villages had been granted to the 
 English in consequence of the services render- 
 ed to the army of Aurungzebe by President Yale 
 during the siege of Ginjee, and that the grant in 
 question had been signed by his Zulfikar Khan’s 
 father, namely Assad Khan, the grand vizier. The 
 remonstrance however was of no avail. Zulfikar 
 Khan merely sent a short pu rwan na ordering 
 that the villages granted by the Nabob Dawood 
 Khan out of his j aghire should be delivered up 
 to the Manager of the Poonamallee district. 
 
 f 
 
 r 
 
 ux-ny 
 
 w Ctyr 
 
 -7 
 
 , » 
 
 tc 
 
132 
 
 HISTORY or MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1710 - 11 . 
 
 » 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. WILLIAM FRASER. 
 
 1710 — 11. 
 
 The administration of Mr. William Fraser was 
 short and unhappy. It only lasted from Novem- 
 ber 1709 to July 1711, and was distinguished by 
 circumstances which excited much animadversion 
 from the Directors or Managers at home. It was 
 through Mr. Fraser’s intrigues and inveterate op- 
 position, that Mr. Nathaniel Higginson had re- 
 signed and Mr. Thomas Pitt had been recalled ; 
 and now that he had obtained what appeared to 
 be the object of his ambition, disorders arose at the 
 Presidency and out-stations ; and whilst quarrels 
 broke out between the subordinate chiefs and the 
 country authorities, the accounts were neglected, 
 the consultation books were badly kept, and the 
 advantages obtained by Mr. Pitt as regarded the 
 out-villages were wholly lost, and the latter were re- 
 tained for a while by the Renter of Poonamallee. 
 
 In the first place we must notice the troubles 
 at Yizagapatam, which had their origin in circum- 
 stances that took place twelve years previously, but 
 which reached a climax during the Governorship 
 of Mr. Fraser. It seems that about the year 169S, 
 two neighbouring Rajahs, Ananterauz and Pycrow, 
 had borrowed large sums of money from Mr. Hol- 
 combe, the Deputy Governor of Yizagapatam. 
 
1 710-1 l.J 
 
 HISTORY’ OF MADRAS. 
 
 133 
 
 
 Mr. Holcombe had been induced to enter into 
 these transactions by a Brahmin named Juggapa, 
 who had been largely bribed by the Rajahs to exert 
 his influence in this direction. Unfortunately Mr. 
 Holcombe had not lent his own money, but had 
 borrowed for the purpose 44,000 pagodas of 
 Puckerla Khan, Nabob of Calinga. Seven years 
 elapsed, but Mr. Holcombe had only repaid 37,500 
 pagodas, leaving a balance of 6,500 pagodas of the 
 principal ; and thus the debt due to the Nabob, 
 inclusive of arrears of interest, amounted to some 
 sixty or seventy thousand rupees. The following 
 letter, written to Mr. Holcombe by Puckerla Khan 
 as far back as 1705, exhibits the then state of 
 
 “ Prom Fuckerla Khan to Mr. Holcombe chief 
 at VizagapalanTdated the 10th May 1705. 
 
 “ You wrote me that you have received Pagodas 
 
 44000 principal of me. 
 
 “ An account of what paid. 
 
 To a merchant upon my hill and order for 
 a Jewel I bought of him Its. 16,000 is Pagodas... 4600 
 
 Sent me to Vellore 28000 
 
 To a bill payable to Govindaus and Veresedaus 4100 
 To Sundry bills amounting to 800 
 
 The total amount of what paid is... 37, 500 
 The balance is Fagodas 6500 
 
 Together is... 44000 
 
 “ It is true you have receipts under my seal for 
 all the above mentioned accounts, excepting the 
 balance 6,500 Pagodas out of the principal money 
 lent, which amounts to Rs. 23,000, 
 
 
131 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 tmo-i I. 
 
 “ Other people in the world allow 3 or 24 per 
 cent., but you gave me a bond allowing me but 
 one per cent ( ? per mensem) ; notwithstanding that 
 being pretty tolerable interest, I agreed to it, and 
 now it is above six or seven years past ; for which 
 time there is due to me 60 or 70 thousand rupees 
 with principal and interest. Likewise 10 or 15 
 thousand rupees more or less, which together 
 amounts to a hundred thousand rupees. 
 
 “ I have showed a great esteem for you, and 
 had that confidence in you as to intrust my estate 
 into your hands. Therefore 1 am satisfied that no 
 person of any other religion would have dealt so 
 uncivilly and unrespectfully by me as you have 
 acted. Likewise now you unreasonably defer the 
 payment in telling me you will discharge the debt 
 as soon as you receive money, and at my arrival in 
 your place ; but in the meantime you have traded 
 with the money, and make at least 25 or 50 per 
 cent, profit. Besides is it proper or handsome you 
 should occasion me so much trouble in perpetually 
 writing to you, and sending my people up and 
 down, who always return without satisfactory an- 
 swer ? My money is like bread as hard as iron, so 
 not easily digested. Perhaps you may imagine I 
 cannot come to your place, so intend to wrong me 
 of my money. But if I live I will certainly come 
 into that part within the space of 4, 6, or 12 
 months, if 1 meet with any convenient opportunity; 
 and then how can you hope or expect to have my 
 favour, having rendered yourself so unjust and un- 
 civil. Perhaps you may intend to give me the 
 slip, and go for Madras or some other sea port 
 
1710 - 11 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 135 
 
 town ; but go where you will, you are still in king 
 Aurungzebe’s country. So I can procure order- 
 sent by the 0usbadars to the Subali of that couns 
 try, and seize upon your house and goods, and 
 therewith clear my money or debt. Then after- 
 wards take no further notice of you, which you will 
 not digest, or well approve of. For according to 
 any law I can demand my money, and will have 
 it by fair means or foul. Therefore fear God and 
 consider I must have my money. So draw bills 
 upon Masulipatam, or else you shall repent it as 
 long as you live. I write you this, as likewise 1 
 wrote you before by Phauntee Mahomed, which pray 
 peruse and consider well of it. You must not think 
 I only threaten you. For God knows, I am very 
 impatient so expect a full and satisfactory answer ; 
 or else you shall find I w r ill send orders with Gus- 
 badars to Meida Khan and will wait no longer.” 
 
 Shortly after this Mr. Holcombe died without 
 paying the remainder of the debt ; and Fuckerla 
 Khan claimed the amount from the Company, as 
 Mr. Holcombe had actually affixed the Company’s 
 seal to the obligation. The question was still 
 unsettled when Mr. Fraser succeeded to the Go- 
 vernorship of Fort St. George. Meantime there 
 had been a competition between Fuckerla Khan 
 and another chief named Habib Khan for the 
 Nabobship ; and the successor to Mr. Holcombe 
 had been imprudent enough to acknowledge the 
 latter, and thus to increase the exasperation of 
 Fuckerla Khan. The following extracts from the 
 consultation books shortly after Mr. Fraser’s ac- 
 cession will exhibit the progress of affairs. 
 
 “ Monday, 27.th March 1710. From the 
 
136 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 0710-11. 
 
 chief and Council at Yizagapatam dated the 2nd 
 and 7th instant, advising the great troubles they 
 have had with Fuckerla Khan, by their having 
 been so closely besieged by his people stopping up 
 all avenues of their bounds. For remedy of which 
 they advise us that they resolved to make pro- 
 posals to accommodate matters in a friendly way 
 with him, intending him a present of 5000 rupees 
 in Europe goods ; in order to which they sent a 
 Portuguese Padre and a Dubash, in hopes thereby 
 to appease him, or obtain his patience for some 
 days. But he refused their offer, and sent back 
 the messengers in a very angry manner, and wrote 
 the chief that he must immediately pay the money 
 (due from Mr. Holcombe), or leave the place or 
 prepare to fight.” 
 
 “ Tuesday, 15th August. General letter from 
 the Chief and Council at Yizagapatam read : 
 wherein we observe that their troubles are rather 
 suspended than any way accommodated, by Fucker- 
 la Khan’s being gone up to the Dasheroon’s country 
 to adjust accounts, and agree with Habib Khan 
 for the Government of those countries ; and they 
 still continue to urge their arguments for the Com- 
 pany’s paying that debt of Mr. Holcombe’s. They 
 advised that they have supplied Habib Khan 
 with ten candy of country gunpowder and five 
 candy of lead, and that the said Nabob desires a 
 further supply of thirty candy of powder and 
 twenty of lead, which they desire may be sent 
 them down.” 
 
 “ Monday, 11th December. Received general 
 letter from the Deputy Governor and Council at 
 Yizagapatam assuring us that they had sent 
 
1 710-11 ■] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 137 
 
 the Moollah and a Brahmin to Fuckerla Khan’s 
 camp, to have a sight of the seal affixed to 
 Mr. Holcombe’s obligation. But after wait- 
 ing for some days they returned with an- 
 swer that Fuckerla Khan was enraged to the 
 last degree, and would not hear any more propo- 
 sals about his money without prompt payment, 
 but was coming himself within a day or two with 
 guns, ammunition & c. to besiege their town ; and 
 had placed guards on the roads to prevent their 
 sending or receiving any letters and provisions 
 coming to them ; and that Fuckerla Khan refusing 
 to show the obligation, they are of opinion and be- 
 lieve that Mr. Holcombe’s seal is affixed thereto 
 and not the Honorable Company’s. 
 
 “ That on the 8th past the said Nabob with his 
 army, consisting of about 7000 foot and 800 
 horse, encamped behind a great sand hill near the 
 Town, and the 0th at night fired on their out 
 guards ; which being returned again by the Eng- 
 lish, made the enemy retire further and turn their 
 siege into a blockade by stopping all provisions of 
 which they were in great want ; that they have 
 made a Brigantine of the “ Eising Sun” smack, and 
 fitted her up in order to secure what may be put 
 aboard in time of extremity.” 
 
 “ The foregoing being a recital of their said 
 general letter almost verbatim. 
 
 “ First. We observe that the Chief has strange- 
 ly erred in his politics (not to say worse) ; that he 
 having by his former frequent letters advised us, 
 what he had then foreseen, as what might be the 
 result and issue of not paying Mr. Holcombe’s old 
 
 18 ' 
 
138 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 CI710 — 1 1. 
 
 debt to Fuckerla Khan, as the event now proves, — 
 that the Chief in that case should not sooner and 
 earlier get sufficiency of provisions for the use of 
 their Garrison, at least until the monsoon should 
 serve for our sending them supplies hence. 
 
 “ Secondly. That the Chief should supply 
 Nabob Habib Khan and Fuckerla Khan with so 
 large a quantity of gunpowder and lead, when the 
 said Nabobs and the Chief were on so precarious 
 terms ; and not only so but by their general letter 
 of the 27th July last write us to send them 30 
 Candy of powder and 20 Candy of lead for a further 
 supply to the said Nabob ; notwithstanding the 
 frequent cautions we gave them, or without ever 
 considering they were strengthening the hands of 
 said Nabob, who were then contriving of the means 
 and ways of laying that siege, they have since form- 
 ed against that Factory. 
 
 “ Thirdly. It being now the Northerly mon- 
 soon, it is strange that the Chief should not have 
 wrote to Bengal to the President and Council 
 there to be supplied thence with whatever they 
 wanted. 
 
 “ Fourthly. That Juggapa the Brahmin, that 
 arch knave and villain, who was the chief cause 
 and instrument by the powerful bribes he received 
 from time to time from the Bajahs Ananterauz and 
 Pycrow, by whose means and persuasions he pre- 
 vailed so far with Mr. Holcombe, as to induce him 
 to lend those large sums of money at high interest 
 to those said Bajahs ; which is still a debt, which 
 we may reasonably suppose to have been most or 
 all Fuckerla Khan’s money, and has been the 
 
1710-UO 
 
 HISTORY OP MADRAS. 
 
 139 
 
 original cause and first spring, whence all these 
 troubles are derived and devolved upon us ; and 
 notwithstanding our having so often or frequently 
 wrote to Mr. Hastings, the Chief there, to send 
 us up the said Juggapa either by sea or by land, 
 which has never been complied with ; and being 
 credibly informed Fuckerla Khan does demand of 
 the Chief the said Brahmin, and that on the deli- 
 very up of him all the causes of their troubles 
 shall cease. 
 
 “ And now upon the whole, it is unanimously 
 agreed that we write the Chief and Council, that 
 upon the reading the said intended letter to them, 
 that they had that instant seized the said J uggapa, 
 and put him in irons, and secure all his books, 
 papers and accounts ; which if the Chief should 
 oppose or hinder the same, it is our positive and 
 peremptory order that the Council, or any one of 
 them, do execute this our order, and that the 
 military and peons be assisting to him or them in 
 this matter. 
 
 “ It is likewise agreed that the President write 
 his letter to Fuckerla Khan relating to the premis- 
 es, and desire him to send us up a person fitly 
 qualified to accommodate all matters and that in 
 the meantime to withdraw his forces from the 
 Factory.” 
 
 Next year this troublesome business was brought 
 to a close through the mediation of Habib Khan ; 
 the money demanded being paid to Fuckerla Khan, 
 and the obligation which was found to have the 
 Company’s seal affixed, being forwarded to Fort 
 St. George. The record is chiefly remarkable as 
 
y 
 
 
 'XJL 
 
 
 J.-'-K'-f 4 
 
 M 
 
 f"' * ► f 
 
 O^v 
 
 “S-** 
 
 
 74) HISTORY OF MADRAS. [1710-11. 
 
 exposing the evils which arose at this early period 
 from pecuniary dealings between the Company’s 
 servants and Native authorities ; and it is worthy 
 of note as being the origin of a standing order 
 which strictly prohibited all such dealings for the 
 future. 
 
 We now turn to a curious entry which is very 
 /- suggestive. 
 
 “ Monday, 4th December. They having wrote 
 us from Fort St. David that it has been usual for 
 us at the festival times of the year to send them 
 one of the ministers of this place, and Christmas 
 being now approaching they request that one may 
 be sent. It is, therefore, agreed and ordered that 
 Mr. Jones do proceed thither, as soon as con- 
 veniently he can ; and that the paymaster do take 
 care to tit him out for his journey accordingly.” 
 
 Cases of breach of promise of marriage are al- 
 ways interesting, but we are rather inclined to 
 regard the one we are now about to place before 
 our readers as somewhat unique in its character. 
 The matchmaking tendencies of the mamma and 
 daughter, and the “ interested” nature of the 
 gentleman’s affection, are plainly evident through- 
 out the papers. Moreover the record is valuable 
 as illustrating social life as it actually was at the 
 commencement of the last century. The extracts 
 will explain themselves. 
 
 “ To the Honorable William Fraser, Esq. Gover- 
 nor of Fort St. George and to the Gentlemen of 
 the Council. 
 
 “ The petition of Anne Foquet and Elizabeth 
 Brown doth humbly set forth the unworthy 
 
1710— U.] 
 
 niSTORV OF MADRAS. 
 
 141 
 
 treatment your Petitioners have met with from 
 Captain Henry Cornwall, Commander of the 
 “ Sherborne.” Your Honor is no stranger to this 
 story, nor the rest of the Gentlemen at this Honor- 
 able Board ; therefore shall be as brief in relating 
 it as we can. In the year 1707 and before he 
 went last for England, Henry Cornwall aforesaid, 
 and your Petitioner Elizabeth Brown, did enter 
 into a contract of marriage, and that in as solemn 
 a manner as such contracts usually are, or can be 
 done ; for we plighted our faith either to other in 
 the most binding terms, and changed rings in the 
 presence of competent witnesses ; Anne Eoquet 
 your petitioner, Mr. James Wendey, then one of 
 the ministers of this place, and Mr Bernard 
 Benyon, merchant being present. And for the 
 due performing of the aforesaid contract, the said 
 Henry Cornwall and Elizabeth Brown did enter 
 into articles in writing, and did both of them sign 
 and seal the same in the presence of the Bev. Mr. 
 James Wendey and Mr. Bernard Benyon aforesaid, 
 who hath been sworn in Court. And moreover, 
 the said Captain Henry Cornwall did bind himself 
 in a bond of one thousand pounds sterling for the 
 due performance of those articles ; and further to 
 confirm us in the reality of his intentions, he made 
 a gift to your petitioner Elizabeth Brown of what 
 estate he had in India and left a will in her hands ; 
 wherein he bequeaths her his whole estate and 
 makes her sole Executrix. But notwithstanding 
 all the vows, ties, and obligations he had brought 
 himself under, Captain Henry Cornwall in a short 
 time after his arrival in England marries himself to 
 
142 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1710 - 11 . 
 
 another woman ; and after all this iuj urious and un- 
 fair dealing towards your petitioner, the said Henry 
 Cornwall, to prove himself the same man through- 
 out, would have his bonds and obligations under 
 his hand and seal to go for nothing, and to be of 
 as little force and validity as his words and vows. 
 We, therefore, your petitioners humbly apply our- 
 selves to your Honors for redress, hoping you will 
 oblige him to satisfy his bond for one thousand 
 pounds, which he hath forfeited ; a poor repara- 
 tion for all the injustice he hath done us. There 
 hath been a suit commenced upon this Bond, for 
 some time depending in the Mayor’s Court, but 
 deferred to be brought to a judgment upon advice 
 that Captain Henry Cornwall was designed for this 
 place ; presuming, as may be supposed, he would 
 either comply with his bond, or offer such terms 
 as would be accepted of ; and the Bevd. Padre 
 Lewis did before and since the arrival of the 
 “ Sherborne,” speak to your petitioners to ac- 
 commodate matters amicably with Captain Corn- 
 wall (if it might be done) and not drive things to 
 extremity. To which your petitioners did not seem 
 averse. But instead of offering to come to an ac- 
 commodation, Captain Henry Cornwall, the second 
 day after his arrival, sent a letter to your Petitioner 
 Elizabeth Brown, of which she cannot better, nor 
 more modestly give you the contents, than by 
 saying, it was made up of all the ill nature and iff 
 language he is master of ; and after so much un- 
 worthy and base treatment as we have met with 
 from this man, for him to think at last to run us 
 down, and to carry his point by calumny and 
 
1710 - 11 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 143 
 
 slander is so vile a thing, that no man who hath 
 the least sense of honor or the least grain of 
 honesty would be guilty of. We shall not be 
 further troublesome to your Honors, but only beg 
 leave to observe, that if such principles and such 
 practices be connived at, no man’s honour, per- 
 son, or estate can be any longer safe. We hope 
 your Honors will take things into your serious 
 consideration, and do us that justice which to your 
 wisdom shall appear our due. The reason of our 
 addressing your Honors at this time is, that 
 Mr. Mayor hath refused his warrant to arrest 
 Captain Cornwall in an action of one thousand 
 pounds, at the suit of ycur Petitioner Elizabeth 
 Brown, and we as in duty bound shall ever 
 pray. Fort St. George, February 12th, 1711.” 
 
 Captain Cornwall’s answer to these charges is 
 still more interesting. 
 
 “ Monday, 19th February. To the Honorable 
 William Fraser, Esq. Governor of Fort St. George 
 and Council. 
 
 “ Gentlemen — “ You were pleased on Thurs- 
 day last to summon me to answer to a petition, 
 preferred by Mrs. Elizabeth Brown and Anne 
 Foquet of this place, touching a designed marriage 
 between the said Elizabeth Brown and self, a per- 
 fect account of which I gave at that time, and 
 comes inserted in this narrative. 
 
 “ The motive that induced me to enter into an 
 obligation of that nature was the assurances Mrs . 
 Anne Foquet gave me of preferment from England 
 by her and her friends’ recommendations home ; 
 which proved no ways serviceable, but rather the 
 
144 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 lino— u. 
 
 contrary. I often repeated to tier and daughters, 
 if I could not better myself by post or fortune, I 
 would by no means think of complying with that 
 obligation. When Mrs. Foquet’s friends proved 
 of no use, I solicited my own relations, that en- 
 tirely refused all merchandize, being strangers 
 to trade. Then the time drawing near for the 
 India Shipping to depart that year, I petitioned 
 the Honorable United Company to come abroad 
 a passenger on Captain Phrip, which they granted 
 and he refused, being full and my circumstances 
 not able to permit me to pay for my passage. I 
 then solicited both the Captain Hudsons who re- 
 fused the same. I then advised with my friends 
 what method to take that might be of service to 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, and a sufficient acquittance 
 to me. First, I declared my circumstances, so 
 miserable when in England, I was forced to run 
 in debt and that considerably. Secondly, I had 
 no interest in the Company then governing to 
 serve me by recommendation abroad. Thirdly, I 
 presume the most of this place knows Mrs. Foquet 
 not able to better any one’s circumstances by 
 interest or fortune. Notwithstanding her present 
 encouragement in this affair, these circumstances 
 considered on both sides, if any one gentleman 
 can see the least appearance of any thing but com- 
 plete misery, in case of that marriage, I should 
 willingly submit to the several sentiments. I 
 cannot perceive that Mrs. Anne Foquet ever de- 
 signed a marriage, because she declared to Robert 
 Eaworth Esq., Mayor of this place, that she refused 
 me marriage before I went home, because she was 
 
1 / 10 — 11.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 145 
 
 assured I would marry in England, when she would 
 have the opportunity of prosecuting this obligation. 
 Further, why did Mrs. Anne Foquet and Brown 
 give me an obligation of Captain Lee’s, now Com- 
 mander of the “ Litchfield,” to prosecute him for 
 not complying with the marriage according to his 
 obligation, not out of date at the commencing of 
 mine, if she designed her daughter my wife. T 
 can give several instances wherein Mrs. Foquet 
 has showed herself a designing woman of no sin- 
 cerity. She and her daughter are pleased to 
 term the penalty of the obligation, a poor repara- 
 tion for injuries 1 have done them. If they were 
 as just in their aspersions as I have been in this 
 proceeding, they would not have troubled your 
 Honor and Council with their petition on this oc- 
 casion. 
 
 “ I think, since I could not procure a passage 
 out occasioned by my miserable circumstances, 
 Mrs. Foquet and daughter are under obliga- 
 tions to me, that I advised them of it in order 
 to Mrs. Elizabeth Brown’s not refusing any offer 
 to her advantage. I did at my first arrival at the 
 West coast, order my attorney here to make 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Brown a considerable present 
 for the favours received when last here. But 
 since my arrival at this Port, I found so many 
 malicious reports from her, that it has entirely re- 
 moved the thoughts of any such thing. My cir- 
 cumstances are miserable enough, having lost all 
 1 was worth, by my misfortune in Ceylon ; and 
 the balance of my accounts for four years’ service 
 in this place amounts to so small a sum that I fear 
 
 19 
 
146 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS, 
 
 [1710-1 i. 
 
 I shall go off a debtor from this place. 1 am 
 ready to make oath in every particular here in- 
 serted ; hoping your Honor and the Council will 
 take it into your serious consideration ; then doubt 
 not but you will perceive my actions on my side 
 justifiable ; otherwise I must refer myself to the 
 Courts at home, by whose verdict 1 must rest 
 satisfied. I am, with due respect, 
 
 Tour Honor’s and Council’s most humble Servant, 
 Henry Cornwall.” 
 
 The Judgment of the Governor and Council 
 upon this case is worthy of record. 
 
 “ Monday, 19th February 1711. Pursuant to 
 the order of last Consultation, Mrs. Foquet, and 
 her daughter Elizabeth Brown, as likewise Captain 
 Cornwall appear now before us ; where after all 
 parties were fully heard, more especially' Captain 
 Cornwall, all persons being desired to withdraw : — 
 it is the unanimous opinion of the Board (Mr. 
 Haworth excepted), that Captain Henry' Cornwall, 
 having married a wife in England notwithstanding 
 his preengagement with Mrs. Brown, he has for- 
 feited his obligation and thereby become liable 
 to the penalty therein expressed ; but in regard 
 we ought to weigh matters in the scales of Equity 
 and right reason, and considering the present 
 circumstances of Captain Cornwall which are but 
 moderate, having met with great losses, and 
 he generously offering a moiety of what he has in 
 the world, and he having cleared the reputation of 
 said Mrs. Brown ; both parties being called in, 
 
t7ii)-no 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 147 
 
 were reconciled and made friends, and the said 
 Captain Cornwall’s proposal accepted of.” 
 
 About this time the Kin? of Pegu appears to 
 have been very anxious to obtain some articles, of 
 European workmanship, particularly clocks, as ap- 
 pears from the following letter to the Governor of 
 Fort St. George, dated 24th February, 1711. 
 
 “ In the jurisdiction of Sunapranda and Thama- 
 diha, the precious kingdom of Ava and Golden 
 Court, Kajah of Ni and king of twenty and three 
 kingdoms and Monarchies, Lord of Silver, Gold, 
 Amber, Ruby mines, and red and gold Palaces 12 
 in number made of Gold, Lord of the Elephant of 
 great value, Lord of many homes of great price, 
 Lord of all nations, Lord of all manner of arms, 
 Lord of many armies, Lord of this world, the ex- 
 cellent High and Mighty Lord, 
 
 “ His order to the Governor of Madras, being 
 informed, that amongst the English nation, there 
 are many able men, and that without much trouble 
 a clock may be had. I desire that it may be thus, 
 viz. that it strikes the hours distinctly, beginning 
 in the morning by one and so on till twelve ; 
 having two images to strike the hours on the bell 
 or clock. This and another clock of Malta, with 
 a woman’s image pouring oil in a vessel which 
 runs all the hour ; and when it is out the said 
 image tills it again and so every hour. The king 
 having heard of these things will have much to be 
 done to get them ; and if not to be got, to send a 
 man here to make them and shall then return to 
 his country. I have sent by the Captain of my 
 Ship, Cojah Simon, to the Governor of Madras 
 
14S 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [T7I0-1I. 
 
 two Ruby rings ; if amongst tbe English or Por- 
 tuguese there is any curiosity to be got, let it be 
 sent. If my desire is accomplished there shall be 
 great rewards according to my piety, &c.” 
 
 The governorship of Mr. Eraser was, as already 
 indicated, brought to a sudden close by the arri- 
 val of a successor, as appears from the following 
 entry. 
 
 “Wednesday, 11th July. This morning about 
 8 o’clock, came ashore the Honorable Edward 
 Harrison Esq., who produced hisGommission, dated 
 the 22nd December 1710, appointing him Presi- 
 dent for the Right Honorable United East India 
 Company’s affairs on the coast of Coromandel and 
 Orissa, and of the Ginjee and Mahratta country, 
 and Governor of Fort St. George, Fort St. David, 
 and the Island of Sumatra. Which being read, 
 the late President William Eraser Esq. did resign 
 the chair, and deliver the keys of the Fort to the 
 said Edward Harrison Esq.’’ 
 
1711-U-J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 H'J 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. EDWARD HARRISON. 
 
 1711—12. 
 
 The commencement of the Governorship of Mr. 
 Harrison is a fitting moment for reviewing the 
 contemporary state of Southern India and the 
 Dekkan. The declining condition of the Mogul 
 power had led to the establishment of new re- 
 lations between the English and the Native 
 authorities ; and at the same time we are ap- 
 proaching the period when our historians gene- 
 rally have commenced what they have been pleased 
 to term the history of the British empire in India. 
 Henceforth therefore the new facts we shall bring 
 forward from the official records will rapidly in- 
 crease in value. They will serve to throw a clear- 
 er light upon one of the most obscure portions of 
 the history of the Mogul rule ; and thus they will 
 form a connecting link between the dry Native 
 annals of Southern India, and the delightful and 
 picturesque history of Robert Orme. 
 
 The death of the great Aurungzebe in 1707, 
 and the subsequent struggle between his three 
 sons which led to the establishment of Shah 
 Aulum on the throne of Delhi, have already been 
 noticed ; and it will be remembered that a large 
 portion of the Mahomednn conquests in the Car- 
 natic, including the country round Madras, had 
 
150 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11711 — 1 !- 
 
 been granted as a jaghire to the celebrated gene- 
 ral Zulfikar Khan. The rising of the Sikhs to 
 the west of Delhi had called away Zulfikar Khan 
 to the assistance of his royal master Shah Aulum. 
 For a brief period Dawood Khan had acted as 
 Soubali of Golconda, in behalf of Zulfikar Khan ; 
 but in his turn was called away by the troubles 
 in the North West.* 
 
 In 1710 theDewan Sadatulla Khan was appoint- 
 ed Nabob of the Carnatic, and appears to have 
 retained the government until his death in 1732. 
 He is briefly mentioned by Orme as having been 
 a regular and acknowledged Nabob of the Carna- 
 tic ; and appears to have been noticed by that 
 historian in consequence of his being the first 
 Nabob who attempted to render the office heredi- 
 tary. Orme says that Sadatulla Khan, “ having 
 no issue, adopted the two sons of his brother ; 
 appointing the elder. Dost Ali, to succeed in the 
 Nabobship ; and conferring on the younger, Boker 
 Ali, the government of Vellore.” This Sada- 
 tulla Khan has already been mentioned as having 
 required Governor Fraser to deliver up the 
 five out-villages to the Renter of Poonamallee ; 
 and his further intercourse with the English will 
 be fully illustrated in future chapters. 
 
 As regards the general state of the Mogul era- 
 
 * From entries in the Consultation Books, respective- 
 ly dated 2nd of October and 24th of November, 1710. 
 we learn that Isuph Khan held the post of Subah of 
 Golconda at this time, but that in consequence of some 
 troubles caused by the Mahrattas in the neighbourhood 
 of Golconda, Dawood Khan was again appointed Subah 
 in his room. 
 
1711—12., 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 151 
 
 pire during the reign of King Shah Aulum, but 
 little need be said. Shah Aulum sacrificed the 
 prestige of his sovereignty for the sake of a hollow 
 peace. He effected a compromise with the Raj- 
 poots and Mahrattas, but though he thus ap- 
 peared to secure his throne from their attacks, he 
 was wholly unable to repress the growing dis- 
 orders, which in the end produced the downfal of 
 the Mogul dynasty. He died in 1712, after a 
 short reign of five years. 
 
 The great event in the governorship of Mr. 
 Harrison, namely the rupture between the English 
 at Fort St. David and the Mussulman Governor 
 of Ginjee, is strikingly illustrative of the con- 
 temporary state of Southern India. Sixteen 
 miles south of Pondicherry and a hundred miles 
 south of Madras, was the English settlement of 
 Fort St. David, to which we have already had 
 frequent occasion to allude. In 1091 the 
 English had bought the settlement, previously 
 named Tegnapatam, of Ram Raja, the Mahratta 
 sovereign who was at that time in possession of 
 Ginjee. The plot of Dr. Blackwell to deliver up 
 Fort St. David to Zulfikar Khan in 1693 has been 
 mentioned in its proper place. The celebrated 
 fortress of Ginjee is worthy of a passing notice. 
 It is seated on the declivities of three detached 
 rocky mountains, of very difficult ascent and from 
 four to COO feet in height, which were connected 
 by lines of works enclosing an extensive triangle 
 in the plains between them ; and for centuries this 
 place had been regarded by the natives of Southern 
 India as the strongest Fort in the Carnatic. Its 
 
152 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 0711 - 15 . 
 
 origin dates far back in immemorial antiquity. 
 Somewhere about the time of the wars of the white 
 and red hoses, it appears to have been the great 
 stronghold of the kings of Chola (Tanjore) against 
 the famous old Hindoo sovereigns of Bijanugur. At 
 length about I). 1500, — about the time of the 
 battle of Bosworth Field and the accession of the 
 house of Tudor, — the kingdom of Chola, and with 
 it the fortress of Ginjee, was transferred to the 
 possession of the Bnjahs of Bijanugur ; and long- 
 after the kingdom of Bijanugur had been over- 
 thrown by the Mussulman sovereigns of the 
 Dekkan, the Hindoos still retained possession of 
 Ginjee. About 1G69 the Fort was captured by 
 the Mussulman king of Bijapore ; but in 1677 it 
 was taken by Sevajee the great Mahratta. For 
 four or five years it held out under Bam Raja 
 against the whole force of the army of Aurungzebe ; 
 but was finally captured by Zulfikar Khan in 1698. 
 A series of Rajpoot governors were then appointed 
 by the Mogul, and ruled the surrounding country 
 in his name ; but during the anarchy which fol- 
 lowed the death of Aurungzebe, these Rajpoots af- 
 fected independence and assumed the rank of 
 Rajahs. 
 
 At the time of Mr. Harrison’s accession to the 
 Government of Fort St. George, Serope Singh was 
 Governor or Rajah of Ginjee. It is difficult to 
 assign the exact limits of the country under the 
 jurisdiction of Serope Singh ; but it was probably 
 bounded on the north by the territory under the 
 Nabobs of Arcot, and on the south by the Hindoo 
 principalities of Trichinopoly and Tanjore. Fort 
 
1711-tt.] 
 
 HISTORY Of MADRAS. 
 
 133 
 
 St. David was thus included in the country under 
 Serope Singh, in the same way that Fort St. 
 George was included in the country of Sadatulla 
 Khan. It appears that a former Deputy Gover- 
 nor of Fort St. David, Mr. Roberts by name, had 
 in some sort of way, not sufficiently explained in the 
 records, become security to Serope Singh for the 
 sums collected by the Renters. Subsequently the 
 Renters had run away with the money, and Serope 
 Singh held the English Company responsible for the 
 amount. By way of expediting a settlement, 
 Serope Singh had carried away two European Offi- 
 cers of the garrison of Fort St. David, and confined 
 them and treated them with the greatest barbarity 
 at Ginjee. In February 1711, an attempt was 
 made by the Government of Fort St. David to 
 seize some Chief men of the Ginjee government, 
 who happened to be in the neighbourhood of Fort 
 St. David. No prisoners were taken, but three 
 Moormen, and one of the Fort St. David Garrison 
 were killed on the spot. Great troubles were 
 therefore to be anticipated from this direct act of 
 hostility on the part of the English ; and as it ap- 
 pears that the Government of Fort St. David had 
 acted in many cases most injudiciously, and that 
 the utmost disorder prevailed in the Garrison, Mr. 
 Raworth, a member of the Council of Fort St. 
 George was dispatched to the scene of action, 
 accompanied by five European ships whose 
 presence it was hoped would bring the enemy 
 to terms. Mr. Raworth set off in July 1711. 
 The following extracts will illustrate the state of 
 affairs. The enemv’s force from Ginjee had 
 
 20 
 
154 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 Lin;— 12 
 
 blockaded Fort St. David by land, so that am- 
 munition and provisions could only be forwarded 
 by sea. The first extract is entered in the con- 
 sultation on Sunday evening 19th August, 1711, 
 and is entitled “ A true narrative of an action that 
 happened between Captain Roach’s party and our 
 enemy this day, being the lltli of August, 1711.” 
 It is related in Captain Roach’s own words, and 
 describes a desperate encounter in which he was 
 engaged with the forces of Ginjee. The narrative 
 is as follows : — 
 
 “ I was ordered to possess myself of a part of 
 the bounds, where the enemy were seen to be firing 
 very briskly from last night ; which I did this 
 morning by break of day. I ordered about 200 
 peons that belonged to the outguards to attend 
 me. The coolies began to work abont the de- 
 molishing the walls by six in the morning, and 
 continued till 12 at noon ; but could not hear of 
 any of the enemy’s to be near our bounds, only a 
 few peons about a mile off. But about 12 o’clock, 
 intelligence was brought that Mahobat Khan, with 
 all the force of Ghinjce, was within a mile of our 
 bounds. Upon which I despatched immediately 
 a peon to the Governor and Council, who was not 
 arrived in two horns. In the interim, before I 
 had any relief from the rest of the bounds, they 
 attacked me with about 409 horses and 1090 foot. 
 It was a great misfortune to me their attacking 
 the party Captain Coventry had the command of, 
 and Ensign Somervile ; the latter proved such a 
 coward, that he was the occasion of the ruin of 
 the whole party, in showing them an example by 
 
1711 - 12 . 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 155 
 
 running away first, which cost him his life, and 
 abundance more of the same party. But I must 
 do Captain Coventry that justice, that he behaved 
 himself extraordinarily well, and would have made 
 a very good officer, if please God he had lived. 
 He received several wounds before he dropt. I 
 had my horse shot under me, and was charged 
 several times by the whole party of horse upon 
 both flanks and rear, and kept them in play till 
 they were glad to leave me master of the field with 
 less than forty men. There was not one of the 
 200 peons I carried with me, would stand, neither 
 officers, nor peons ; but when the horse charged 
 me, they presently ran aw T ay. If they had but 
 stood by me, I would have mounted as many 
 horses of the enemies as would have made a good 
 troop for the Company. For there was not less 
 than seventy or eighty of them running about 
 the field, without riders, their masters being dis- 
 mounted. We compute that the enemy could 
 have lost not less than 140 and 150 men killed 
 and wounded, besides horses. I have buried the 
 dead all in the field of battle, excepting Captain 
 Coventry and Ensign Somervile whom I sent to 
 the fort. I leave any impartial person to judge 
 what the loss of the enemy must be, when they 
 were at the push of the pike for two hours to- 
 gether, and applied with our bullets and swan shot 
 as fast as possibly we could. This is the true nar- 
 rative of what happened.” 
 
 The next extract, dated 10th September, 1711, 
 will show the disorders which prevailed at this time 
 amongst the soldiers of the garrison. It is entitled 
 
156 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 ;i7i 1 — is. 
 
 “ An account of the murder of Thomas Parsons, 
 Serjeant, by Jacob Yanbashiyson, Centinel, one of 
 the Bengal men, but at present belonging to Cap- 
 tain Boach’s party.” 
 
 “ Thomas Kirk, John Buck, and Abraham Clark, 
 belonging to Captain Viver’s company at Cudda- 
 lore, by his permission came to the Tort to visit 
 some of their comrades, particularly Thomas Par- 
 sons who had the command of the party at Tcve- 
 napatam Gate. On meeting him they went in 
 company to a punch house near the said gate, 
 where they found several more of their vocation 
 drinking ; but being none of their accpiaintance, 
 they passed by them, saluting them with their 
 usual ceremony, “ Good morrow to ye brothers,” 
 and so went into another yard, where they stayed 
 no longer than to drink a dram each man. Then 
 they were returning, when Jacob Vaubashayson, a 
 Dutchman, without any manner of provocation 
 given, attacked the said Serjeant Thomas Parsons 
 with his naked sword, and struck him several blows 
 over his head. Secondly, without giving him time 
 to defend himself, he gave him a thrust 
 into his body, on which he immediately fell. 
 John Kirk abovementioned was the person next 
 to the Seijeant, who the said Jacob Yanbashayson 
 attacked in the same manner he did Parsons. But 
 seeing the fate intended him, he defended himself 
 so well with his sword (which was not drawn!, 
 that though he cut his scabbard in six places and 
 made several thrusts at him, yet he received no 
 harm ; but had certainly been murdered, had not 
 John Buck stept into his assistance. John Buck 
 
1711 - 12 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 157 
 
 immediately called Jacob Vanbashayson, and seized 
 his sword, which — notwithstanding he drew through 
 his hand and gave him some strokes over the head, 
 and at last made a stab at him which just touch- 
 ing his thigh, — for safety of his life he was obliged 
 to quit his hold ; when the said Jacob Van- 
 bashayson still pursued him, and to save his 
 life, having no weapon, he was forced to dodge 
 him round some pillars which were in the yard, 
 till he found an opportunity to go out of the 
 door ; which he immediately embraced, but as 
 he was going over the threshhold was prevented 
 by Derrick Johnson, who pulled him back by the 
 coat and likewise knocked down John Kirk. By 
 this time the guard from Tevenapatain came, and 
 made the two Dutchmen prisoners. Though they 
 resisted some time with sword in hand, before they 
 would surrender, and the murderer was so very des- 
 perate for fear of condign punishment, that had he 
 not been bound he would open breasted have run 
 upon the bayonets on the muzzle of the guard’s 
 pieces. 
 
 “ Jacob Vanbashayson says nothing more in his 
 defence than that he was drunk and knew not 
 what he did, that he had no malice at all against 
 the Serjeant, and repented sincerely of the fact. 
 Notwithstanding, as lie had imbrued his hands in 
 a fellow soldier’s blood, he thought he deserved to 
 die ; but begged if we could not be merciful, as 
 he had good relations (though he now was no more 
 than a Centiriel) that he might not die the death 
 of a rogue, but a soldier, and be shot to death by 
 a file or two of men of the party he belonged to. 
 
158 
 
 HISTORY OP MADRAS. 
 
 uni- 
 
 “ Derrick Johnson who was with him, is a fel- 
 low that has been publicly scourged at Batavia, 
 and wears the cross on Ids back. He denies he 
 was accessory to the murder, and that he only 
 interfered when he knocked Kirk down, to part the 
 persons engaged. But all circumstances make the 
 contrary appear, and shows his inclinations as 
 good. But it was not in his power to commit as 
 heinous a crime as his companion. 
 
 “ Thomas Parsons was brought speechless into 
 the fort ; but at that juncture more occasioned by 
 liquor than his wound. The Doctor had some 
 hopes at first ; but in six hours they ended with 
 the fellow T ’s life. Upon opening his body we found 
 the wound, very near direct down, and that the 
 sword had penetrated his midriif and wounded 
 several of his intestines. 
 
 “ This is what the three persons first named 
 have declared upon oath before the Deputy Gover- 
 nor and Council.* Tho. Gray. Secretary.” 
 
 “Fort St. David, September 11th 1711. 
 
 About this time a Lieutenant and Ensign were 
 found drunk and incapable whilst on guard at 
 Cuddalore, at a time of imminent danger. Ac- 
 cordingly they were sent to Madras, and the fol- 
 lowing remarks upon their case, as well as upon 
 the murder of Parsons, are entered in the consul- 
 tation book as follows : — 
 
 “Thursday, 20th September, 1711. Lieutenant 
 Yiver and Ensign Williams being sent for up, and 
 
 * The murderer appears to have been subsequently 
 executed. 
 
5711 — 12.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 159 
 
 the charge against them being read by the Secre- 
 tary, they were asked by the President, what they 
 had to say in their vindication ; who making 
 many frivolous excuses, but at last confessing their 
 crime and begging pardon, were ordered to with- 
 draw, and the President offered to the board as fol- 
 lows. That the military in general under this 
 Presidency are, by slack discipline for the past two 
 years, become so intolerably sottish and disorder- 
 ly that it is high time a reformation should be 
 made for the security of our settlements, and the 
 Honorable Company’s estate committed to our 
 charge. 
 
 “ The barbarous murder lately committed on 
 Serjeant Parsons by a drunken Dutchman at Port 
 St. David, is testimony sufficient to what a height 
 of insolence matters are grown ; and it is well 
 known that Mr. Farmer when Deputy Governor 
 of Fort St. David durst not go out of the Fort for 
 fear the Guard should shoot him as he passed the 
 gate. 
 
 “ Add to these instances the daily disorders of 
 drunkenness in this garrison, which though severe- 
 ly punished, yet the seeds still remain, and the 
 cure is not thoroughly perfected. 
 
 “ If the officers themselves, whose business it is 
 by strictness of discipline and good examples to 
 preserve their command and keep their people 
 within the bounds of their duty ; if they shall be 
 found dead drunk upon their posts in a time of 
 service when surrounded by the enemy, what can 
 be expected but ruin and destruction to the affairs 
 of those that employ them. 
 
1G0 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11711— li. 
 
 “ Offered further that the crime in our Eu- 
 ropean Armies is punished in a capital manner ; 
 and then the question was put and unanimously 
 agreed that Lieutenant Yiverand Ensign Williams 
 be cashiered, and that Lieutenant Yiver do prepare 
 to go for England by the Halifax.” 
 
 Whilst Fort St. David was thus in danger of 
 falling into the hands of Serope Singh, Mr. Harri- 
 son thought it advisable to lay the whole matter 
 before Zulfikar Khan, in the hope that the inter- 
 ference of so great a man might have its effect up- 
 on the Rajah of Ginjee. The letter to Zulfikar 
 Khan is dated 11th October, 1711 and is as 
 follows : — 
 
 “ To His Excellency Zulfikar Khan Bahadur, 
 Nurzerat Sing, Backshee of the whole Em- 
 pire, See. 
 
 “ Sir,— Understanding how great a share your 
 Excellency bears in the Government of this mighty 
 Empire, I thought it my duty to acquaint you of 
 my arrival here to preside over the English affairs 
 in these parts ; and I think myself obliged more 
 especially so to do, in regard that my predecessor 
 in this Government (Mr. Hitt) have informed me, 
 before I left England ; that as your Excellency 
 was one of the Chief pillars of the Empire, so you 
 had upon sundry occasions manifested your good in- 
 clinations to the English in these parts ; and that it 
 was under your shadow and by your good counte- 
 nance that they enjoy those privileges and security 
 in their trade, which now they do. While Your 
 Excellency lay with your army at Ginjee, I under- 
 stand you were pleased to issue out your Purwan- 
 
70U-120 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 161 
 
 na for securing to us our privileges at Tevenapa- 
 tam (Fort St. David). Upon my arrival here I 
 found that place in trouble ; Serope Singh 
 having seized some of the English there and car- 
 ried them prisoners to Ginjee, on occasion of some 
 disgust given him by a former Governor. We are 
 but a small handful of people, and our business 
 is trade ; and, therefore, all quarrels with the Go- 
 vernment is extremely prejudicial to us, and dis- 
 troys the end for which we settle in these parts. 
 Since my coming I have laboured all I could to 
 compose this difference, but to my great trouble, 
 it hath hitherto proved ineffectual. If this aff air 
 comes to be represented at Court, no doubt but 
 Serope Singh’s agents will do it as much to our 
 disadvantage as they can. I, therefore, humbly 
 beg of your Excellency, that if any complaint be 
 made against us on this subject that you will be 
 pleased to excuse the matter, and that we desire 
 nothing more than to live in tranquility and peace 
 in our small Factories. And if Your Excellency 
 would be pleased to procure us his Majesty’s 
 Hoosbullhookum to Serope Singh, to let us live 
 in quiet and mend on trade, it will be a singular 
 service to your petitioner, and which he shall al- 
 ways retain a grateful sense of.” 
 
 To this letter no reply appears to have been re- 
 ceived. Zulfikar Khan, now the great Bahadur 
 Khan, was far too much engaged to trouble himself 
 about the affairs of a small Factory of foreign 
 merchants, like those at Fort St. David and Fort 
 St. George. 
 
 Our next extract is a still more curious one, 
 
 21 
 
162 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 tmi— it: 
 
 Mr. Haworth on arriving at Port St. David to 
 take up the duties of Deputy Governor, discover- 
 ed that his immediate predecessor Mr. Farmer 
 had ordered the destruction of a great quantity 
 of grain and a large number of villages belonging 
 to the Ginjee government, simply because he had 
 heard that Mohabat Khan, the commander of the 
 beseiging force, had boasted that the English 
 “ dared not make another attempt by marching 
 out into the country belonging to Serope Singh.” 
 This needless act of destruction and ravage natu- 
 rally increased both the exasperation and the de- 
 mands of the Eajah of Ginjee, who at that time 
 had sent ambassadors to Fort St. David with the 
 terms on which he was prepared to conclude a 
 peace. When these terms were communicated to 
 Fort St. George, together with the cause of their 
 being so much in excess of the Renters debt, the 
 matter was warmly commented on by Governor 
 Harrison and Council as follows : — 
 
 “ Monday, 29th October. A general letter 
 from Fort St. David was read ; in which to our 
 great surprise, we find that Mr. Farmer and the 
 Council in his time have set their hands to the 
 following paragraph. 
 
 “ it is most certainly true that Serope Singh 
 could not before in justice demand more of us 
 than the Renters debt, and not that neither be- 
 cause Mr. Roberts was their security when they 
 run away, not the Company ; but the destruction 
 of fifty or sixty thousand pagodas worth of grain, 
 about' fifty two villages and towns, among which 
 was his favorite town Yembolluin, and killing the 
 
T7U-18.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 163 
 
 Panda mim : these are things which really make his 
 demands carry too much justice with them ; and we 
 heartily wish the differences may be composed, 
 and so happily settled as before the commencement 
 of this war. Without your permission though to 
 disburse something considerable out of the Com- 
 pany’s cash, we shall not ask it till we find an 
 absolute necessity.” 
 
 “ We (the Governor and Council of Fort St. 
 George) cannot but observe with a great deal 
 of concern the unaccountable folly and ill- 
 management of these gentlemen through the 
 whole course of this affair ; but most parti- 
 cularly in this article. For after they had sent 
 out all their forces, without any orders from 
 hence, to burn and destroy all the country 
 and grain round about them, empowered by a 
 single order signed by Mr. Farmer only, — they now 
 as good as tell us in so many words, that the un- 
 lawful depredations they have committed really 
 make Serope Singh’s demands carry too much jus- 
 tice with them ; and shamefully confess that they 
 are afraid they shall be necessitated to ask us to 
 disburse something considerable out of the Com- 
 pany’s cash. Mr. Fanner and his then Council 
 would have done very well to have considered this 
 inconvenience before they proceeded so rashly on 
 their own heads.” 
 
 A few days afterwards some further progress 
 was made in effecting a settlement with the am- 
 bassadors of Serope Singh, as will be seen by the 
 following extracts. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 6th November. The President 
 
164 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11711 — 7 * 
 
 communicates to the Board a letter from the 
 Deputy Governor of Tort St. David ; the sub- 
 stance of which is as follows : — 
 
 “ That the enemy cannot be brought to more 
 moderate demands than thirty thousanu Chuckrums, 
 which is sixteen thousand six hundred pagodas. 
 In consideration of which they will give us three 
 towns, Trevandram, Padre Copang and Coronut- 
 tum, besides their half of all the towns that lay 
 part within and part without our bounds. They 
 likewise agree for ever to renounce all claim to our 
 bounds, and all pretensions upon us whatsoever, 
 with the usual presents of horses and vests upon 
 the like occasion. To all which the Deputy Go- 
 vernor desires a speedy answer ; this being their 
 last result, and that he keeps the ambassadors 
 with very much difficulty from returning to 
 Ginjee.” 
 
 “ Then the state of the Fort St. David war was 
 taken into consideration and fully debated. 
 
 “ Agreed that our Honorable Masters are at 
 four thousand pagodas charge more or less per 
 month for maintaining the war, besides several 
 stores and provisions sent from hence ; and no rent 
 was received for the villages in our bounds since 
 the beginning of the war, which is an intolerable 
 charge ; and no hopes of any ease as long as the 
 war continues, amounting to forty-eight thousand 
 pagodas per annum. 
 
 “ Agreed that if the war continues, our people 
 will be shut up in their bounds, and we must sup- 
 ply them with grain from hence and all other 
 necessaries. Most of their inhabitants out of fear 
 
1711-12.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 165 
 
 would desert them ; and our merchants, though 
 they have made a large contract, will never be able 
 to bring in their goods ; and consequently we 
 shall have our broad cloth left upon our hands 
 when the next year’s shipping arrives. 
 
 “ Agreed likewise unanimously that let us con- 
 tinue the war never so long, we can never hope to 
 be reimbursed one farthing of our vast expenses. 
 It would indeed have been well, if all these things 
 had been duly considered before our predecessors 
 were so far engaged in it. But it is never too 
 late to repent of wrong measures, and now we must 
 make the best of a bad market ; wherefore we 
 have agreed that a letter be wrote to the Deputy 
 Governor and Council of Fort St. David as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 “ To Kobert Haworth, Esq., Deputy Governor 
 
 of Fort St. David and Council. 
 
 “ Sirs, — This morning the Governor has laid 
 before us Mr. Haworth’s letter of the 3rd instant, 
 wherein he writes that the enemy will not come to 
 any agreement uidess we consent to pay thirty 
 thousand Chuckrums, which we take to be sixteen 
 thousand six hundred and odd pagodas. In consi- 
 deration of which they will give the villages of 
 Trevandrum, Padre Copang and Coronuttum, 
 besides their half of all the towns which lie part 
 within our hedge and part without, and that they 
 will entirely renounce all claim to our bounds on 
 any pretence whatsoever. 
 
 “ We have very seriously considered the first 
 article and find it to be so unreasonable a sum of 
 
1G6 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 0711 — 12 . 
 
 money that we can never consent to pay it on our 
 Honorable Masters’ account. 
 
 “ We cannot judge if it be worth while to buy 
 the three villages before mentioned, aud the half of 
 the towns that lie part within our bounds and part 
 without, till you send us a computation of what 
 revenue they will annually yield, and what security 
 we can have we shall continue in quiet possession 
 of them hereafter. For we must be of opinion we 
 have too much ground already at your settlement 
 to defend against an enemy. If Serope Singh 
 dares dispute a grant confirmed to us by Zul- 
 fikar Khan Bahadur, what value ought we to put 
 upon his grant , (or what else he will call it) who 
 is no more in comparison with the other than his 
 Buckslii is to him, and may be not so much. 
 Pray let this point be urged home, and let us have 
 a speedy answer. 
 
 “ An entire renounciation of claim to all things 
 within our bounds is a tender point to be handled ; 
 for his pretending to a claim, after Zulfikar Khan 
 Bahadur’s grant, is an undeniable reason why we 
 should buy no grants of him ; since by the same 
 rule the next Governor of Ginjee may dispute our 
 title to all we possess, and, bv the same forcible 
 means may compel us to pay what sum he pleases, 
 so that our title will always be precarious. 
 
 “ We should consent to paying off the Renter’s 
 debt ; and if we could have good security that 
 even he himself and the rogues about him would 
 not molest us in the possession of these grants 
 he offers, we might though unwillingly consent to 
 pay a sum of money for them, but never the sum 
 
1711 — 11 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 167 
 
 they insist upon. Since upon the best account 
 we can get of the villages here, the rent will be 
 but inconsiderable. 
 
 “ We shall wait your answer to these material 
 points, and in the mean time desire that the treaty 
 may go on in the manner we have mention- 
 ed ; that is to say that the Renter’s debt be 
 kept apart and made up by itself; and if 
 we give any thing more that it may be for some 
 thing that you are satisfied will bring in an equiva- 
 lent in a few years, or otherwise we can never con- 
 sent to buy till we have orders from England. 
 
 “ We leave this management as we did formerly 
 to the Deputy Governor, with the same directions 
 that he lay the treaty before the Board, ere the 
 agreement is perfected.” 
 
 Immediately afterwards further intelligence was 
 received from Fort St. David to the effect that the 
 Company’s merchants and all the chief inhabitants, 
 were determined to leave the bounds if the treaty 
 should break through ; also that the towns offered by 
 Serope Singh were worth six thousand chuckrums 
 per annum ; and that if the ambassadors were once 
 suffered to return to Ginjee there would be no hopes 
 of getting them down a second time ; and if the 
 English should be forced to send their own am- 
 bassadors to Ginjee for a peace, it would cost at 
 least double the money. Accordingly another 
 letter was dispatched to Mr. Haworth, from which 
 we make the following extracts. 
 
 “ We are still of the same opinion for a speedy 
 and honorable peace. We agree that Serope Singh 
 ought to have satisfaction for the Renter’s debt, 
 
168 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1711 — 12 . 
 
 and we should as readily agree to make Mr. Ro- 
 berts pay it, if it was in our power. But since it 
 is not, we must by the necessity of affairs submit 
 to pay it for him ; because he was the Company’s 
 Governor, and it being always customary for the 
 Governors to treat singly with the great men of 
 these parts, that whatever is transacted between 
 them, they look upon it as firm as if done with the 
 Company themselves. We shall apply the money 
 we have attached belonging to Mr. Roberts, for 
 the payment of this matter as far as it will go, and 
 shall take care to debit him for the remainder. 
 
 “ We think this article of our treaty ought to 
 be first settled ; and as to the remaining part of 
 the sum demanded, we had much rather let his 
 precarious villages alone than have any thing 
 to do with them ; though we must confess six. 
 thousand chuckrums per annum is a sufficient 
 rent for the sum we are to pay. 
 
 “ If you can make good what you write in your 
 letter, and can have good security that we shall 
 enjoy the villages peaceably, and be unmolested 
 in our affairs, we are content that you make a 
 peace upon the terms that you mention ; though 
 we hope you will show your dexterity in procuring 
 an abatement. 
 
 “ It will behove you to be very circumspect 
 in the Articles of the treaty, and to part with no 
 money till you have some security. For there is 
 not a more faithless wretch upon earth than the 
 man you have to deal with. We desire that there 
 may be an article inserted for the ease and securi- 
 ty of passengers at Tanapollum, which we think is 
 
1711-120 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 169 
 
 the place where Mr. Haworth formerly met with 
 so much trouble in going to Fort St. David. 
 
 “ You will do well to lay these matters now 
 before your Council ; and before you conclude the 
 treaty, it will be proper that you protest in form 
 jointly against Mr. Roberts as the author of all 
 these troubles, and the person that ought to be ac- 
 countable for all the damages sustained thereby. 
 
 “ As for your merchants offering to leave 
 the bounds, we cannot but think it a great piece 
 of insolence at such a juncture ; and since 
 they would seem thereby to necessitate you to a 
 compliance, it was a very proper time to ask them 
 liow much they could contribute to a peace. 
 When they made their contract, they knew the 
 war was a afoot ; and though you have not yet 
 sent us a copy of your contract, we do not remem- 
 ber you ever mentioned that you had obliged your- 
 selves to buy a peace. 
 
 “ It is a great sum of money we now consent to, 
 and should never have done it upon any terms but 
 the equivalent to re-imburse us. We shall impati- 
 ently expect your answers.” 
 
 We gather from the following graphic account 
 of an attack on the enemy’s entrenchments, that 
 the negociations were for a while broken off. 
 
 “ Friday, 25th January, 1712. A general letter 
 from the Deputy Governor and Council of Fort 
 St. David, dated the 20th instant, was read ; ac- 
 quainting us that they had made an attack upon 
 an entrenchment of the enemy’s at a place called 
 Crimumbaukum, about half way between that 
 place and Pondicherry, in the following manner. 
 
 22 
 
iVaY — — 
 
 170 HISTORY or MADRAS. U7I1-K. 
 
 “ Mr. Raworth being advised that a party of 
 about three hundred Moorish foot detached from 
 their entrenchment at Ciaj&uinbaukum, used in 
 their rounds to pass between Couiquile and ouv 
 hedge. Ordered Captain Courtney and Captain 
 Howson, with sixty Grenadiers, to lay ambuscade 
 for them on the 19 th, in a place that was thought 
 the most convenient, and if possible cut them off. 
 Accordingly at nine they went to the place appoint- 
 ed, where they waited till one o’clock, when per- 
 ceiving none of the enemy appeared they marched 
 directly to their entrenchment, which was immedi- 
 ately alarmed, about forty of them being without 
 the door, who repairing in with a great deal of 
 precipitation on their approach, excluded about 
 twenty-two of their comrades. All which were 
 immediately put to the sword, and then they (Cap- 
 tains Courtney and Howson) ordered Serjeant Au- 
 lin with two tile of men, to mount the wall on the 
 opposite side ; which he did with a great deal of 
 bravery, and forced them to retreat where the two 
 captains were with the main body of the party ; 
 who immediately upon it ordered forty grenadoes to 
 be flung in, which did wonderful execution. And 
 while they were in this consternation, the grena- 
 does flying in pieces amongst them, and the seijeant 
 on the other side firing upon them with swan shot, 
 they forced open the door and entered sword in 
 hand ; where they met with a good stout repulse. 
 But the execution done upon them before had so 
 dispirited them, that in the end every man began 
 to shift for himself ; some making for the door, and 
 others flinging themselves over the wall into the 
 
mi-uo 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 171 
 
 ditch, in order to make their escape ; till what with 
 those that got away, and those that fell, they had 
 in a short time free possession of the place without 
 any molestation ; when they had an opportunity to 
 view the slain which amounted to more than one 
 hundred. Besides which they say the ground was 
 all strewed with pieces of skulls, hands, and kgs, 
 which to be sure was the effect of the grenadoe 
 shells.” 
 
 The disorderly state of the garrison of Fort St. 
 David has already been illustrated, but still we 
 cannot avoid bringing forward the following parti- 
 culars as giving us an insight not only into the 
 affairs of Fort St. David, but into military life in 
 general as it was a hundred and fifty years ago. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 28th January. The President 
 acquaints the Board that the Deputy Governor 
 and Council of Fort St. David have sent up 
 Lieutenant Courtney, Ensign Brooks, and Seijeant 
 Peterson prisoners in two Mussulars, for several 
 crimes set forth as follows in their general letter. 
 
 “ On Tuesday last Captain Courtney having 
 dined with the Deputy Governor (Mr. lfaworth) 
 went as he was accustomed into Mr. Weld’s room, 
 where was sitting Ensign Paddle. He walked 
 backwards and forwards for sometime without 
 speaking a word. But at last attacked him in a 
 very odd sort of a manner, telling him he was an 
 impudent fellow, son of a Skip Jack, and used 
 abundanee of other epithets, very improper for a 
 man that carries a commission, to utter or take ; but 
 Paddle it seems, regarding the place he was in, 
 and not caring to make any disturbance under 
 
172 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 imi-i?. 
 
 Mr. Ra worth’s roof, bore it very patiently, till 
 Courtney at last drew and assaulted him ; and be- 
 fore the guard could come in to quiet the distur- 
 bance, had wounded Paddle about an inch and 
 a half deep in the belly and stabbed him in the 
 left temple. The Deputy Governor immediately 
 secured them both under guards in different ap- 
 partments, and yesterday accpiainted us with it in 
 consultation ; when they were both sent for up, 
 and heard what they could say for themselves, and 
 the declarations of Messrs. Matthew Weld and 
 Henry Cottrel taken. The one of which was pre- 
 sent when some words past between them on Sun- 
 day last ; and the others not only there but like- 
 wise the greatest part of the time they were scuf- 
 fling together. The copies of which we enclose for 
 your Honor’s perusal.” 
 
 “ The Declaration of Air. Matthew Weld. 
 
 “ Sunday the 20th in the Afternoon. Captain 
 Hercules Courtney and Ensign Joseph Paddle 
 being at my lodgings, where also was Air. Henry 
 Cottrel, when Captain Courtney asked Ensign 
 Paddle to give one Richard Pain, a Centinel on the 
 main guard and a drunken abusive fellow, liberty 
 to go out of the Port for two or three hours in a 
 day about some business he had for him. To 
 which Ensign Paddle replied, he coidd not. There- 
 at Captain Courtney paused a little, and then flew 
 into a passion, saying, “ What do you mean 
 Ensign Paddle, D — me, I will have him with- 
 out asking you.” To that Ensign Paddle said, 
 “ If he is a man belonging to your Company you 
 may have him, but as he is upon this guard, I 
 
1711 — 12*3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 173 
 
 must have another in his room to do his duty.” 
 Ilereat Captain Courtney grew very abusive to 
 Mr. Paddle the Ensign of the guard, giving him 
 the lie, calling him an impudent saucy fellow, and 
 threatened to beat him and thrust his cane down 
 his throat, which he shook at him in a menacing 
 manner, uttering many other abusive expressions. 
 To all which said Ensign Joseph Paddle made 
 civil replies and mild, and gave his reason, why 
 he could not permit said Pain to go out of the 
 Fort ; he being so frequently guilty of misdemea- 
 ners when at his liberty, that he feared, he should 
 be blamed if he suffered him abroad ; desiring 
 Captain Courtney not to treat him so scurvily, 
 and that he would not strike him, for he would 
 not suffer it IV lien their difference grew to this 
 
 height I desired them both to forbear quarrelling 
 in my house. Whereat, they then gave over, and 
 I thought all woidd have been past by. 
 
 “But Tuesday the 22nd of January 1712, 
 about three in the afternoon, Captain Hercules 
 Courtney came into my lodgings, where Mr. 
 Joseph Paddle was with me at a table smok- 
 ing a pipe of tobacco ; and after taking some 
 few turns in my room seemingly in a passion, 
 stood by me and demanded of Ensign Paddle, 
 how he came to write so saucy and impudently to 
 him in the parole note ; telling him that his su- 
 periors used him with more respect than barely to 
 conclude after the word with his name only. To 
 this Ensign Paddle replied he wrote it in haste and 
 designed no affront by it, and hoped he w’ould not 
 make this omission occasion of quarelling with 
 
174 HISTORY OF MADRAS. [1711-12- 
 
 him, on account of their late difference about said 
 Richard Pain ; adding that Captain Courtney had 
 then very grossly abused him, who answered he 
 had not, but he very much deserved it ; and im- 
 mediately flew into a passion, and said he was a 
 saucy impudent fellow and would make him 
 know his distance, and let him see he did not 
 make such as him his companion, with several 
 such like scornful expressions. To which 
 Sir. Paddle replied in a very calm manner, “ Sir, 
 I bear a Commission so well as you and 
 then desired he would curb his passion, for he 
 could not bear such abuses. 
 
 “ Upon that Captain Courtney flew into a more 
 violent passion, and stepping back into the mid- 
 dle of the room immediately drew his sword. 
 Whereat Ensign Paddle (whose sword lay with 
 the belt and scabbard about two steps on one side 
 of him upon two chairs) got up and took hold of 
 it. But before he had completely drawn, and put- 
 ting himself iuto a posture of defence, whilst the 
 point of his sword was scarcely out of the sheath 
 and pointing downward, Captain Courtney who 
 drew first and was in a readiness, advanced on him 
 and struck a forcible blow on Ensign Paddle’s 
 sword, which beat it up backward and so struck it 
 out of his hand, pushed Ensign Paddle into the 
 belly who notwithstanding readily got hold of his 
 sword again. But in the very instant as he stoop- 
 ed to recover it, Captain Courtney closed in with 
 him, and shuffled him down into the window ; 
 where Captain Courtney had him under, with his 
 left hand on Ensign Paddle’s sword arm, and his 
 
1711-12.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 175 
 
 own sword pointed at Ensign Paddle’s breast, bid- 
 ding him deliver his sword and beg his life. Upon 
 this I left them, and made what haste 1 could 
 to call a guard ; and on my return found Captain 
 Courtney with both swords in his hands and 
 Ensign Paddle asking for his sword, which 
 Captain Courtney returned. After this a dispute 
 arose about the difference, when Ensign Paddle 
 told Captain Courtney that he used him very 
 scurvily in drawing on him in the Fort and un- 
 awares ; but that now he was so good a man 
 as himself. With that Captain Courtney said 
 
 “D me Sirrah, what after I have given you 
 
 your life and sword, you have the impudence to 
 prate and immediately run furiously upon him, 
 and catching hold of Ensign Paddle’s sword, broke 
 it in two pieces ; and then they fell to cutting, but 
 were parted by Serjeant Wanton. Soon after came 
 the Captain of the Guard, in whose presence Cap- 
 tain Courtney continued to abuse Ensign Paddle in 
 very scurrilous language, calling him “ skipkennel,” 
 “ sorry fellow,” “ just come from waiting at a 
 table and treated him with abundance of such like 
 insufferable expressions ; though at the same time 
 Ensign Paddle desired him to shake hands and be 
 friends. To which Captain Courtney replied, he 
 would not concern himself with any such fellow 
 as he is.” 
 
 Matthew Weld.”* 
 
 * The other deposition is little more than a repeti- 
 tion of the above. Captain Courtney was subsequent- 
 ly recalled. 
 
170 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 
 The troubles at Fort St. David were at last 
 brought to a conclusion in April 1712, through the 
 mediation of M. Hebert, French Governor of Pon- 
 dicherry ; but the peace appeal’s to have cost the 
 Company a sum of 12,000 pagodas iu direct pay- 
 ment to the Kajah Serope Singh and his officers, 
 in addition to the other charges and losses attend- 
 ing the war. This mediation of the French was 
 only accepted after some deliberation, as the war 
 with France was not brought to a final close until 
 the treaty of Utrecht in 1713. It may be men- 
 tioned here that the fortress of Ginjee was captur- 
 ed in 1715 by the Dewau Sadatulla Khan. 
 
1 ) 12-15 3 
 
 Ifl STORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 177 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. EDWARD HARRISON. 
 
 ( Continued .) 
 
 1712—13. 
 
 During the troubles at Fort St. David recorded 
 in the last chapter, but few incidents of importance 
 appear to have taken place at Fort St. George. 
 In 1711 the celebrated Danish Protestant Mis- 
 sionary, Bartholomew Ziegenbalgh appears to have 
 arrived from the Danish settlement at Tranquebar 
 on a visit to Madras ; and in the consultation 
 book of the 13th August, 1711, we find the fol- 
 lowing entry. 
 
 “ The Danes Padre, Bartholomew Ziegenbalgh, 
 requests leave to go for Europe on the first ship ; 
 and in consideration that he is the head of a Pro- 
 testant Mission espoused by the Right Reverend 
 the Lord Arch- Bishop of Canterbury, and the rest 
 of our Episcopal Clergy, and that our Masters 
 were pleased to send out their money freight free, 
 we have presumed to grant him his passage with- 
 out paying permission money.” 
 
 A few days afterwards a member of the Danish 
 Council at Tranquebar arrived at Madras on his 
 way to Bengal, and requested that this permission 
 might be rescinded, as a dispute between Ziegen- 
 balgh and the Danish commandant which had 
 been referred home to the king of Denmark. Ac- 
 cordinglv the passage was refused until the said 
 
 23 
 
178 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1712 — 1 ~ 
 
 Missionary had obtained the consent of the Go- 
 vernor of Tranquebar. 
 
 The following extract from a General Letter, 
 dated February 2nd, 1712, and addressed by the- 
 Hoard of Directors to the Governor and Council of 
 Fort St. George, containing some further informa- 
 tion respecting any Missionary proceedings in 
 Northern India. 
 
 “ It is proper here to tell you that since the 
 entire union of the two Companies, we act on the 
 foot of the new Company’s Charter* which directs, 
 that the Company shall constantly maintain, in 
 every of their garrisons and superior factories, one 
 Minister ; and that all such Ministers as shall be 
 sent to reside in India shall lie obliged to learn, 
 within one year after their arrival, the Portuguese 
 language ; and that they shall apply themselves to 
 learn the native language of the country where 
 they shall reside, the better to enable them to in- 
 struct the Gentoos that shall be servants or slaves 
 of the Company or of their agents in the Protes- 
 tant religion. That in case of the death of any of 
 the said Ministers residing' in the East Indies, his 
 place shall be supplied by one of the Chaplains out 
 of the next ships that shall arrive at or near the 
 place where such Minister shall happen to die ; 
 and that the Company shall from time to time pro- 
 vide School Masters in all their Garrisons and 
 superior Factories, where they shall be found ne- 
 cessary. 
 
 “ We are further to acquaint you that the So- 
 ciety for Promoting Christian Knowledge, which 
 is composed of many of the Reverend Bishops and 
 
Wis-is.) 
 
 HISTORY OT MADRAS. 
 
 179 
 
 other Clergy, together with divers well disposed 
 Gentlemen have addressed to us in behalf of the 
 Protestant Missionaries (at Tranquebar), to give 
 them our protection and encouragement, and to 
 permit them a Charity School or Schools at Mad- 
 ras. They find it difficult to get any English to 
 undertake this service, but hope to be able to do 
 it in another season. We have consented to their 
 sending three persons by this shipping, viz. Mr. 
 Berlin to be a School Master, Mr. Adler a printer, 
 and his brother. They are not certain whether he 
 will reside at Madras, but wherever it is, he is to 
 ■instruct children there gratis. They have printed 
 some small Tracts in Portuguese of prayers, the Ca- 
 techism, and other pious collections, for the use of 
 the scholars. We recommend to you to give your 
 countenance and protection to the said persons, 
 and other Protestant Missionaries ; and to supply 
 them with a few of the Portuguese Liturgies as 
 you find it necessary, and do whatever you think 
 proper lor the strengthening their hands in this 
 difficult but honourable work of spreading the 
 Gospel among the heathens. Some other requests 
 they have made us, among the rest, that von 
 should be empowered to prefer such as they shall 
 instruct, preferable to other natives ; which will 
 be time enough to pronounce upon, when we hear 
 the success of their endeavours, and whether you 
 have any and what objections thereto.” 
 
 About a year after receiving the above, Governor 
 Harrison and Council replied as follows in a Ge- 
 neral Letter, dated lfith September, 1/13. 
 
 “ The design of erecting a Charity School or 
 
180 
 
 HISTORY OR MADRAS. 
 
 (lru-is 
 
 Schools at this place is a very noble one, and 
 worthy that Honorable Society for Promoting 
 Christian Knowledge. We will not only be ready 
 to adjust them with the power you have given us, 
 but also with our purses ; and do not doubt but 
 many of vour inhabitants will do the same, if the 
 persons they send out are of tempers and qualifica- 
 tions fit for the undertaking. But we hope they 
 will be English and not foreigners. The Danish 
 missionaries have not wanted for our assistance 
 on all occasions, though we must still continue of 
 opinion that they spend a great deal of the Society's 
 money to little or no purpose ; and though there 
 may be some good men among them there is one 
 very turbulent person, of whose principles you 
 may please to judge, by his contriving the escape 
 of Mr. Abendana’s widow from her creditors here 
 to Tranquebar, and marrying her though a Jew to a 
 Christian by the way.” To this letter the Direc- 
 tors replied by the next ships as follows. “ The 
 Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge have 
 presented to us, that they have not as yet been 
 able to prevail with any of the British nation to 
 undertake the Service of the Protestant Mission to 
 the East Indies. But are advised to make an ex- 
 periment of two Malabar Christians, educated at 
 Tranquebar under the Danish Missionaries, to be 
 employed as masters of two Charity Schools, one to 
 be kept at Fort St. George and the other at Fort 
 St. David, subject to the inspection of yourselves 
 and direction of our Chaplain at Madras, and of 
 the Deputy Governor and Council at Foi't St. 
 David ; and desiring we would approve thereof. 
 
171'- — 13. J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 1S1 
 
 and protect the persons that shall be employed 
 therein. We have promised to recommend this, 
 as we hereby do, to your consideration ; and to 
 give them all proper assistances for propagating 
 the Protestant religion in the way they propose. 
 We have also allowed the Society to send the Mis- 
 sionaries three hundred pounds’ value in pieces 8-8, 
 and fifty-five reams of paper, with a chest of Books, 
 a chest of Beer and a cheese, Freight free.” 
 
 We must add that the Charity School was not 
 founded in Madras until the Governorship of 
 Mr. Collett, the successor of Governor Harrison. 
 
 From the two following extracts from the con- 
 sultation books, it would seem that at this time 
 the morals and manners of the Company’s ser- 
 vants themselves were very far from what they 
 ought to have been. 
 
 “ Thursday, 2nd August, 1711. The Bight 
 Honorable Company’s Servants, Factors, and Writers 
 being summoned, according to an order last Con- 
 sultation do now attend, and being called in, 
 were severally checked by the President, for not 
 giving their attendance at Divine Service ; and told 
 that for the future, whosoever shall be absent on 
 Sundays from morning and evening service shall 
 not only be fined nine fanams to the poor but 
 be under the displeasure of this board and be 
 treated accordingly.” 
 
 “ Monday, 3 Uth June, 1712. Several disorders 
 having been committed at the General Table, 
 which we find to be partly occasioned by the absence 
 of those persons in the service, that arc of a su- 
 perior standing and might awe the young ones 
 
182 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1712 — 13 . 
 
 into better behaviour ; — we have thought fit to ap- 
 point Joseph Smart head searcher, and five others, 
 to take their turns, either weekly, or monthly, or 
 as they shall agree among themselves, to be pre- 
 sent at the Table, and to take care that no inde- 
 cencies or disorders are committed.” 
 
 We must now turn to the history of the Presi- 
 dency. Whilst Fort St. David was warring 
 against the Mussulman chief of Ginjee, Fort St. 
 George seems to have maintained tolerably peace- 
 ful relations with the Dewan Sadatulla Khan, now 
 Nabob of Arcot. The Dewan sent Governor Har- 
 rison the customary vest, turban, and purwanna, 
 all of which were received in public with the usual 
 solemnities. It is a noticeable fact that at this 
 time the authority of the Mogul was declining, 
 whilst the distant authorities were become more in- 
 dependent in the exercise of their power. The follow- 
 ing storv of the arbitrary conduct of the Foujdar 
 at St. Thome fully illustrates this state of things. 
 
 “ Monday, 21st January, 1712. Pier Zud da, 
 Foujdar of St. Thome, is a Moollah of the Serad 
 Caste, which is the chief of all the Moor’s castes in 
 these parts, lie is likewise chief priest to the 
 Dewan Sadatulla Khan; and has such an influence 
 over him that whatever he says is a law, and the 
 Dewan does nothing without his advice. Al lien 
 Pier Zudda visits him, he rises from his seat, and. 
 meets him at the door ; and when the Dewan 
 goes to him he receives him sitting, and frequently 
 suffers him to kiss his feet. 
 
 “ This priest has his Jaghirc in and about St. 
 Thome to the yearly amount of nine thousand 
 
1712-18.] HISTORY Of MADRAS, 183 
 
 pagodas ; and lias by bis cruelty to the Portuguese 
 inhabitants of that place forced most of them to 
 quit it and retire hither, the Bishop among the rest. 
 They found means by a Christian woman in Shah 
 Aulum’s Seraglio to lay their complaints before 
 him ; who ordered Zulfikar Khan to send down 
 a l’erwanna immediately to the Dewan, command- 
 ing him to restore the Portuguese to their habita- 
 tions and privileges, and to see restitution made 
 them. A copy of the said Penvanna was sent by 
 the Christian woman to the Bishop of St. '1 home, 
 who sent several persons with the same to the 
 Dewan at Arcot. But he received them very 
 roughly ; charging them with accusing him falsely 
 to the King, put them in prison, and threatened 
 them till they paid a sum of money for their 
 release ; withal obliging them to sign a paper 
 in the Persian language without reading it, where- 
 in it is said they own all their former complaints 
 to be false and scandalous. This is a piece of 
 roguery that we cannot forbear taking notice of, 
 to show' the weakness of the present Government 
 under Shah Auluin, and the great power of Zul- 
 fikar Khan, whose creatures the Dewan and Pier 
 Zudda are ; and undoubtedly he has directed 
 them what to do in this affair. Hou'ever the 
 Portuguese are preparing for a second complaint 
 by the same hand, by which we shall see if the 
 King will exert his authority or no.” 
 
 In April the news of Shah Aulum’s death had 
 reached the Presidency, as will be seen from the 
 following extract. 
 
 “ Monday, 7th April, 1712. The news of King 
 
184 
 
 HISTORY 01' MADRAS. 
 
 [1712— ■ IS. 
 
 Shah Atilum’s death being duly confirmed, we find 
 the neighbouring countries round about us under 
 a great apprehension ; all the Poligars having 
 long waited this opportunity to set up for them- 
 selves, and assert their ancient rights and privi- 
 leges ; and our Dewan, who is at present Soobah 
 (Nabob) of these parts, being marched away to- 
 wards the Tanjore country to raise money, which 
 is what he chiefly minds, and neglects the welfare 
 and security of the Government committed to his 
 charge. We have just reason to fear advantages 
 will be taken of his absence by the petty Go^ 
 vernors, to the prejudice of ti ade and our invest- 
 ment ; and several considerable persons and in- 
 habitants of Arcot, and other neighbouring places 
 inland, have within these few days past sent con- 
 siderable sums of money to be lodged here for 
 security against the expected troubles. Where- 
 fore it behoves us to put ourselves into as good a 
 posture of defeuce as we can, for the security 
 of our Master’s Estates, our own inhabitants, 
 and all such as shall have recourse to our pro- 
 tection.” 
 
 It will here be necessary to glance at the events 
 which immediately followed the death of Shah 
 Aulum ; and we cannot do so better than by ex- 
 tracting the account sent home _ by the Governor 
 and Council of Fort St. George, in their General 
 Letter to the Court of Directors. It records some 
 circumstances which have not yet been published 
 in leference to the accession first of Jehander 
 Shah, and secondly of Feroksere ; together with the 
 first appointment of the Nizam of the Dekkan. 
 
1715 - 13 .] 
 
 H1ST0HY OF MADRAS. 
 
 1S5 
 
 The first extract is dated October 14th, 1712, 
 and is as follows. 
 
 “ On the 3rd of April 1712, we received advices 
 by way of Golcondah that king Shah Aulura died 
 at Lahore on the 17th February, after very few 
 days sickness, and most people are of opinion that 
 he was poisoned. All his four sons being pre- 
 sent when he died, immediately put themselves at 
 the head of their friends to dispute the Empire. 
 Azim-oos-Shaun, the second of the four who had 
 the Government of Bengal many years, where he 
 amassed vast treasures, was much more pcnveifu! 
 both in men and money than any of the other 
 three. For which reason Zulfikar Khan the Vizier, 
 who was entirely in the interest of Moiz-ad-deen, 
 the eldest brother, found means by fair promises 
 to unite the elder with the two younger brothers 
 against Azim-oos-Shaun ; a verbal agreement being- 
 made between them, that Buft'eh-oos-Shaun the 
 third brother should have the kingdom of Cabul, 
 and Kojesta Acktar, the fourth, the kingdom of the 
 Dekkan. Upon these terms they joined their armies 
 and fought a bloody battle with their second bro- 
 ther ; in which after, a stout resistance, he and his 
 eldest son were slain. Moiz-ad-deen, having gained 
 so complete a victory, and being proclaimed king, 
 the two younger brothers sent to him to make 
 good their agreement by a firmaun, that they 
 might depart to their several kingdoms. To which 
 Moiz-ad-deen returned- answer (as it is said by 
 the advice of Zulfikar Khan) that he was ready to 
 put them in possession of their several Govern- 
 ments ; but that he woidd reserve to himself the 
 
 24 
 
186 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 i1712-U 
 
 stamp of all money coined in his reign, and the 
 I>nrov, — for which we have no word in English, 
 but the sense of it is that he would retain a Su- 
 preme power and command over them. These 
 new terms enraged the two younger brothers to 
 such a degree that they immediately joined their 
 forces and invited the elder to a battle ; declaring 
 that they would be either real kings or die in the 
 dispute. In this second battle fell the two 
 younger brothers and their sons after a very sharp 
 engagement ; and it is said that of the youngest 
 brother, who was a very valiant prince, had not 
 been killed by a chance shot just as he had sur- 
 rounded the eldest, he had taken him prisoner and 
 won the battle. Zulfikar khan having been the main 
 instrument in promoting the interest of Moiz-ad- 
 deen, and behaved himself with wonderful courage 
 in both battles, lie was immediately confirmed Prime 
 Vizier and received other unusual Honors, one of 
 which was permitting him to have a seat in the 
 king’s presence. As soon as lie had established 
 the Government he slew several great Omrahs, 
 who had been in his brother’s interest, and im- 
 prisoned them. After this he marched with his camp 
 away to Delhi, having disgusted most of the great 
 Omrahs, by the honors done to Zulfikar Khan. 
 
 “ Azim-oos-Shaun, upon leaving Bengal to go^ 
 to his father Shall Aulum’s court, left the Govern- 
 ment of that kingdom in the hands of his second 
 son Feroksere ; who no sooner heard the death of 
 his father, but he immediately set up for himself, 
 raising forces and coining money in his own name, 
 and endeavoured to seize upon the king’s treasure 
 
I7K--1S. 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 187 
 
 Ain possession of the Devvan, but we do not hear 
 lie lias yet effected it. The last advices we had 
 from Bengal were dated the 26th July, and give 
 us an account that he was then at Patna with a 
 considerable army ; where he waits for Moiz-ad- 
 deeids son, who is marching against him ; and 
 they were in hopes the affair would be decided 
 before the rains were set in, but that we believe is 
 impossible.” 
 
 The next extracts are taken from a General 
 Letter to England, dated 18th September, 1713. 
 
 “ We wrote your Honors by the last year’s ship- 
 ping the great Revolution that had happened in 
 this Empire upon the death of Shah Aulum. We 
 added that Prince Feroksere, son to Azim-oos- 
 Shaun that governed Bengal, had passed Agra with 
 his army and defeated the king his uncle Jehandar 
 -Shah,* which has been since confirmed as follows. 
 
 “ This young prince, hearing the sad fate of his 
 father, by advice of an old Seiad called Abdulla 
 Khan, whom Aurungzebe had given him for a 
 Tutor, immediately caused himself to be proclaimed 
 king ; and with his father’s .treasure, and what he 
 raised in Patna among the merchants of all na- 
 tions, he got a pretty good army altogether ; and 
 hearing his uncle had disobliged most of the great 
 Omrahs, by his barbarous cruelties and vicious 
 course of life, he marched directly for Agra, near 
 which city the king’s army gave him battle and 
 was entirely defeated, many great men going over 
 
 * Jehandar Sliah was the title assumed by Moiz-ad- 
 >deen on ascending the throne. 
 
183 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1712 — 13 - 
 
 to Feroksere’s side. The king with Zulfikar Khan' 
 lied to Delhi ; but Feroksere with his victorious 
 array followed them close at their heel and sur- 
 rounded the city that immediately surrendered and 
 took them prisoners. Few days after they were both 
 murdered, and Feroksere now remains the peace- 
 able possessor of the Empire. He has made Seiad 
 Abdulla Khan his prime Vizier and Gousdeen 
 Khan, who came over to him in the battle, Nabob 
 of all the Dekkan country, which includes this 
 Carnata, Bijapoor, and Golconda ; he has the 
 character of a brave generous man, and a friend to 
 the Europeans.* We have news of his (the Ni- 
 zam-ul-Mulk’s) arrival at Aurangabad, and ex- 
 pect him to take his residence near Bijapoor, at a 
 place called Burhampoor, where when arrived it 
 will be absolutely necessary for us to address to 
 him, because he has a very great interest with the 
 present king and indeed throughout the Empire. 
 Whatever we are obliged to do shall Ire managed 
 with the greatest frugality. Your Honors will have 
 heard from Bengal that our old friend Zoodee 
 Khan came early into this new king’s interest, 
 and made a very brave defence in Hooghly against 
 
 * The father is here apparently confounded with the 
 son. Gousdeen Khan (more properly Ghazee-ud-din 
 Khau) was the father of Cheen Kulich Khan (Chicklis 
 Khan in the records) ; and it was the latter who was 
 appointed Viceroy of the Dekkan under the title of 
 “ Nizam-ul-Mulk, or “ Regulator of the State.” Cheen 
 Kulich Khan, the “ Nizam,” was the founder of the 
 great independent kingdom of the Dekkan, whose 
 sovereigns still bare the name of their illustrious 
 ancestor. 
 
1712-18.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 18'J 
 
 a much superior force on the side of the former 
 king, lie is now rewarded by being made Dewan 
 of all the Dekkan country under Gousdeen Khan 
 (i. e. the Nizam) ; which is a very great employ- 
 ment. The gentlemen in Bengal, who were very 
 assisting to him under hand at Hooghly, seem to 
 have their chief dependance upon him for intro- 
 ducing our present to the new king. 
 
 “ Zulfikar Khan being cut off, there came imme- 
 diate orders from Court to re-assume all the lands 
 and villages that were granted him in these parts by 
 Aurungzebe, in consideration of his good services 
 in the conquest of the Gingee country. Accord- 
 ingly the Uewan Sadatulla Khan sent us a sum- 
 mons to deliver up Egmore See., villages granted 
 us by Zulfikar Khan on account of the assistance 
 we gave him with ammunition, and what else he 
 wanted to carry on his designs. We have hitherto 
 staved this business off with good words and 
 pleading our rights ; and when the new Nabob 
 (Nizam) comes nearer, we will endeavor to get our 
 grant confirmed. In the mean time, if any force 
 is used to take them from us we resolve to defend 
 them as well as we can. We are in daily expecta- 
 tion that our Dewan Sadatulla Khan will be turned 
 out, as having been a Creature and Vassal of Zul- 
 fikar Khan. For which reason, we avoid pur- 
 chasing his friendship in this matter by presents. 
 
 “ Tlie new king Feroksere is a young man of 
 about twenty-six years of age. He has the char- 
 acter of being brave, prudent and generous ; and 
 is the last of the race of Aurungzebe except some 
 young children imprisoned in the fortress of 
 
190 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1712— IS. 
 
 Gwalior, where when once they have entered they 
 never came out, and have potions given them to 
 destroy their senses. This seems to be the King 
 for whom Providence has designed your present, 
 which leads us to couch upon that affair.” 
 
 The following extract from a Geneial Letter to 
 England dated 14th October 1712 is curious as 
 showing the changes in the trade which attended 
 these revolutions in the Government, as well as the 
 nature of the Native demand for the more im- 
 portant articles of English manufacture. 
 
 “ In obedience to your commands we shall lay 
 before your Honours, the best account we can 
 get concerning the consumption of Broad Cloth 
 and other manufactures in the Mogul’s dominions. 
 The coarse red and green broad cloth is chiefly 
 used among the soldiers and ordinary Moormen 
 for saddles, saddle cloths, sumpture cloth, covers, 
 beds and cushions, for palankeens, carpets to sit 
 upon, mantles to cover them from the rain and 
 sometimes covering for their tents of pleasure. 
 The fine broad cloth as scarlet, aurora, some blue 
 and yellow is used for the inside of tents for vests 
 or mantles in the rainy season among the great 
 men ; covering cloths for the Elephants and hac- 
 karys cloths to hang round their drums ; for 
 shoulder and waist Belts, scabbards to their swords 
 and Jimdars or daggers ; for slippers and for 
 covers, beds and pillows, and for palankeens. The 
 embossed cloth is used to hang round the bottom 
 on the inside of the great men’s tents three feet 
 high ; for spreadings to sit upon, and cushions 
 to lean against ; and for cloths to cover the Elc- 
 
1712 - 13 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 191 
 
 phants and horses. Perpetuanos are only used 
 among the meaner sort of people for caps, coats, 
 and covering cloths to sleep in during the rains. 
 
 “ And now we are upon this subject, we must 
 inform your Honors that at least nine-tenths of the 
 Woollen manufactures vended in these parts is 
 among the Moors ; the Gentoos making very 
 little or no use of them. The greatest consump- 
 tion is in the Mogul’s camp, which when at La- 
 hore or Delhi is supplied wholly from Surat and 
 Persia ; but when at Agra, partly from Surat and 
 partly from Bengal by way of Patna, from which 
 ports the conveyance to the camp is easy and safe. 
 But what is disposed of hereabouts is dispersed 
 among the Nabob’s flying armies in the Carnatta 
 country, Bijapore and Golcondah, seldom reaching 
 so far as Aurangabad, because the carriage is very 
 chargeable, and the roads are difficult and danger- 
 ous to pass. When king Shah Aidum came down 
 to Golcondah with his army in the year 1708 to 
 destroy his brother Kam Buksh, we immediate- 
 ly found a quicker vent than ordinary for our 
 broad cloth ; and indeed for all other sorts of 
 goods consumed among them. And when Dawood 
 Khan was formerly Nabob of these parts, he 
 always kept a good body of horse in pay, 
 which obliged the neighbouring Governors to do 
 the same, being always jealous of each other. 
 And among these horsemen by much the greatest 
 quantity of our broad cloth then imported was 
 consumed ; the trade from this place to their 
 camps being very considerable. But now our 
 Dewan, who is Subah of all this country, seldom 
 
192 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11713— is. 
 
 keeps above live hundred horse with him ; and 
 the Government in general being grown much 
 weaker than in Aurungzebe’s time, none of the 
 great men keep up the number of horse allow- 
 ed bv the king, but apply the money to their own 
 use ; and this has brought a considerable damp 
 to our trade in general, but more especially upon 
 the sale of your manufactures. For we have not 
 only lost the camp trade, but the roads are become 
 impassable for want of these horsemen to scour 
 them as usual ; so that the merchants are discour- 
 aged from coming down with their money and 
 tliamonds to buy up and carry away our Europe 
 and other goods as formerly ; and we cannot see 
 any likelihood of better tunes till the Government 
 is well settled and some active man employed on 
 the Government of these parts.” 
 
 We now proceed with the general current of 
 events at the Presidency. The troubles which 
 accompanied the death of Shah Aulum and Jehan- 
 dar Shah, and the accession of Feroksere, had in- 
 duced a number of wealthy persons to take refuge 
 in Fort St. George. Amongst others came tne 
 Nauvajee, or Collector General of the revenues of 
 Zulfikar Khan, with treasure estimated at five or 
 six hundred thousand pagodas. The following 
 extract respecting this individual will explain itself. 
 
 “ Thursday, 26th March, 1713. The President 
 produces a Purwanna from the Subah Sadatulla 
 Khan, wherein he demands by virtue of an order 
 from Court, that the Nauvajee Collector of Zulfi- 
 kar Khan’s revenues in this Carnata country (who 
 came down hither upon the beginning of the late 
 
1715—180 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 193 
 
 troubles for the security of the treasure under his 
 charge) be delivered up with the said treasure into 
 the hands of Fire Khan his Deputy Governor 
 at Arcot. 
 
 “ The reason of this demand, we take to be, 
 because the new King Feroksere has cut off Zulfi- 
 kar Khan and his father Assid Khan, and would 
 now seize upon all their treasure. 
 
 “ The President further acquaints the Board that 
 immediately upon receipt of the Perwanna, he sent 
 it to the Nauvajee, with the slight intimation that 
 we could not think of engaging ourselves in any 
 disputes with the Country Government, by protect- 
 ing persons employed under the King, contrary to 
 his positive commands. To which he returned 
 answer that he was ready to go directly to the 
 Subah with the treasure, acknowledging the many 
 civilities received during his residence here. 
 
 “ Agreed that a proper answer be returned the 
 Subah, acquainting him that as the Nauvajee 
 came here a stranger upon his master’s business, 
 we were under an obligation to receive him with 
 civility and distinction, but know nothing of the 
 treasure he brought with him, it not being our 
 custom to search strangers. But finding him 
 very willing to return upon the first summons, we 
 had no occasion to use any compulsion ; and 
 whatever he might bring with him he can ies back 
 under charge of the person that brought the 
 Perwanna.” 
 
 Our next extract is a further illustration of the 
 disorderly character of the times. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 16th September, 1713. The Pre- 
 
 26 
 
194 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1712 — 134 
 
 sident acquaints tlie Board that Fleet Aynsworth 
 writer did, on the 14th instant in the evening upon 
 rising from supper at the General table, draw his 
 sword and made several passes at Thomas Wilford 
 writer, one of which entered his body, just under 
 the left pap about three inches. Dr. Hobson being 
 sent for and examined, declares he has hopes the 
 said Wilford may do well but that he is not yet 
 out of danger. Ordered that Fleet Aynsworth 
 writer be kept under strict confinement till further 
 order.” A few days afterwards it was agreed 
 “ that the said Aynsworth always behaved 
 himself in a very disorderly manner, continually 
 drinking, quarrelling with one or other, for which 
 he has frequently been reprimanded to no purpose, 
 as appears by this last bloody action;” and he was 
 therefore dismissed the Company’s service and sent 
 to England by the first ship. 
 
 The following Will, which is entered in the con- 
 sultation book of this period, furnishes a curious 
 picture of social life. 
 
 “ In the name of God, Amen, this thirteenth 
 day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand, 
 seven hundred and twelve, I, Thomas Saunders of 
 Bengal, mariner, make this my last Will and Testa- 
 ment, in manner and form following. First, I 
 commit my soul into the hands of God that gave 
 it, and my body to be decently buried as my Exe- 
 cutors shall think convenient. As for those world- 
 ly goods it has pleased Almighty God to bestow 
 upon me, I give and bequeath in manner and form 
 following ; viz. 
 
 “ To my Uncle Bichard Saunder’s Children, on 
 
I712-1S.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 195 
 
 account of an adventure wliicli was lost in the 
 ship that I came to India, valued at one hundred 
 and ten pounds sterling or thereabouts, sixteen 
 hundred rupees, if they give no further trouble to 
 my estate. Otherwise no more than the Law will 
 give them. 
 
 “ To a slave girl, named Clara, her liberty, with 
 all her jewels and five hundred rupees ; and if 
 brought to bed within eight months and a half 
 after my leaving Bengal, being the twenty-third 
 day of January one thousand seven hundred eleven 
 twelve, I bequeath unto the said child four thou- 
 sand rupees and to be under the care of my Exe- 
 cutors. A slave boy named Pompey I give his 
 liberty, and five rupees per month during his life. 
 A slave bov named Anthony, his freedom. If the 
 said child that I bequeathed four thousand rupees 
 dies afore it comes to age or married, then the said 
 four thousand rupees shall go to my son John 
 Saunders. 
 
 “ The remainder part of my estate I bequeath 
 unto my son John Saunders, after my debts are 
 paid. If my son should die I give my wife, that 
 was now Mi's. Martha Bingley, four thousand ru- 
 pees, and each Executor four thousand rupees ; 
 the remainder part of my estate after the said 
 Legacies above and my debts are paid unto my 
 loving brothers John and Bichard Saunders. 
 
 “ I appoint executors to see this my last will 
 and Testament executed, my esteemed friends Mr. 
 James Williamson of Bengal and Mr. Charles 
 Boone of Madras ; and to manage my estate to 
 the best advantage till my son comes of age. I 
 
196 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11712— IS. 
 
 allow my said Executors the power of remitting 
 money to England for the use of my son, if there, 
 and employing my estate to sea, if they shall think 
 convenient for my son’s best advantage ; I put 
 my son wholly under the care of my said Execu- 
 tors till of age. In witness whereof I have here- 
 unto put my hand and seal in Goinbroone the day 
 and year above mentioned.” 
 
 Thomas Saunders. 
 
 Our next extract will explain itself. 
 
 “ Thursday, 8th October, 1713. The present 
 Nabob Sadatidla Khan, having received a firmaun 
 from the new King Eeroksere, confirming him in 
 the Government of these parts ; upon which the 
 Trench and Dutch have presented him each to the 
 amount of a thousand pagodas or thereabouts ; 
 and having lately received a message by a horse- 
 man from him, that if we do not forthwith deliver 
 up the villages he intends to come and take pos- 
 session of them.” 
 
 “ Agreed that a present be sent to the amount 
 of about five hundred pagodas, and lodged in the 
 hands of Sunka llama at Arcot, to be presented 
 the Nabob by way of congratulation on account 
 of his new dignity ; but that it be a clause in the 
 instructions to Sunka Kama, not to part with it 
 before he gets assurances that we shall have no 
 further troubles about the villages ; and this to be 
 doue as from himself, because we will insist upon 
 the goodness of our title and reserve a right to 
 defend them upon occasion.” 
 
 The year 1713 closed with a singular rebellion 
 at Fort St. David. Our readers will remember 
 
1712 — 18 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 197 
 
 that Mr. Rawortli, the Deputy Governor, had gal- 
 lantly conducted the defence of the place against 
 Serope Singh, Rajah of Ginjee. They will now 
 be surprised to hear that this same Mr. Rawortli, 
 openly rebelled against the authority of Governor 
 Harrison. The story is best told in the following 
 extracts from the consultations. 
 
 “ Monday, 5th October. The President offers 
 to the Board that the Method established by the 
 Right Honorable Company for carrying on their 
 mercantile affairs, and for the Government of their 
 Garrisons and Factories, has been entirely neglect- 
 ed and despised by the Deputy Governor of Fort 
 St. David, who has assumed to himself a liberty 
 of acting as if he was independant of this Board. 
 Consultations are neglected ; Paymaster’s and Cash 
 accounts are fictitious and irregularly passed ; and 
 our strictest orders have been contemned. He has 
 promoted and commissioned officers of the Garri- 
 son unknown to this Board. He has considerably 
 increased the pay and allowances of several per- 
 sons, particularly in Diet money to the Gentlemen 
 of Council, three pagodas per month each, and 
 almost all other expences in general. He has laid 
 out considerable sums in building, and has let out 
 the Company’s bounds to rent without our know- 
 ledge or consent. He has used the Company’s 
 merchants very barbarously, whereby they have 
 been necessitated to seek protection and re- 
 dress from this Board. He returns no an- 
 swers to such persons as have large and just de- 
 mands upon him ; with many other irregularities, 
 which this Board ought not to bear with any 
 
198 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 U712-1J. 
 
 longer, lest the Honorable Company’s affairs 
 should be brought into irrecoverable confusion. 
 
 “ The President further offers to the Board 
 several paragraphs of their general letters, as also a 
 copy of a paper or protest signed by Mr. ltaworth 
 and Council, which were read and considered ; and 
 the Board came to the following Resolution. 
 
 “ That whereas the Deputy Governor in his 
 name, declares our proceedings (in sending for the 
 Company’s merchants up hither at their repeated 
 request) to be highly prejudicial to the Company’s 
 interest, and that of this place ; we are obliged to 
 justify ourselves in as plain and public a manner 
 as possible to our Right Honorable Employers ; 
 though we cannot but think it an inexcusable piece 
 of presumption in Mr. Raworth to send us such a 
 charge in a general letter from a subordinate 
 Factory, which is giving encouragement to those 
 under him by his example to dispute and disobey 
 our orders hereafter. 
 
 “ Agreed that a charge be brought in against 
 Robert Raworth Esq. Deputy Governor of Fort 
 St. David, containing such articles as can be fully 
 proved without any room for dispute. 
 
 “ Monday, 5th October. All the foregoing pre- 
 mises having been fully considered and debated 
 the following question was put : 
 
 “ Q. 'Whether this Board is not obliged upon 
 the charge now read, and other circumstances con- 
 curring, to remove Robert Raworth Esq from the 
 Government of Fort St. David ? 
 
 “ Agreed in the affirmative nemine contradic- 
 ente. 
 
1712 - 13 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 199 
 
 “ Q. Whether lie shall be suspended or dis- 
 missed ? 
 
 “ Agreed unanimously that he be suspended, 
 that his commission be revoked and superseded, 
 the same to be signified in a general letter to him 
 with orders for him to repair hither when his 
 charge shall be delivered liiin.” 
 
 “ Agreed and ordered that Mr. Henry Daven- 
 port be commissioned as commissary and Provis- 
 sional Deputy Governor of Fort St. David, to set 
 out this evening, in order to receive the Govern- 
 ment from Mr. Robert Raworth. 
 
 “ Sunday, 11th October. The President com- 
 municates to the Board a letter from Henry 
 Davenport Escp, advising us, that, upon his arrival 
 at the edge of the bounds of Fort St. David, he 
 dispatched Lieutenant Porrier before with our letter 
 to Mr. Raworth, and a short one from himself. 
 To which Mr. Raworth in a short time returned 
 answer, that he would not allow him any authority 
 to rule there by whatever commission he could 
 receive from us. All the outworks were alarmed 
 with the usual signals for enemies when Mr. 
 Davenport entered the bounds ; and when he came 
 to Teveuapatam gate, he was denied entrance by 
 shutting it upon him, and the officer’s declaring 
 he had an order not to let him in. All the Council 
 came in to Mr. Davenport, except Mr. Richard 
 Harrison. Ensign Hobbs being posted at the 
 Garden with a hundred men, Mr. Davenport sent 
 to him for admittance there ; but he sent word 
 that he would obey no orders but Mr. Raworth’s, 
 and that if he offered to come into the Garden with 
 
200 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1715 - 18 . 
 
 any peons or soldiers, lie would fire upon him. 
 Upon which, finding the whole Garrison debauched 
 from their duty (except old Captain liugonin and 
 some other of the officers which were confined 
 before hand), he was forced to retire out of the 
 bounds to a choultry about five miles distance, 
 for the security of his life and the treasure he has 
 with him ; Mr. Raworth having given out several 
 unaccountable orders to some of the officers, and 
 publicly threatened to cut him off. 
 
 “ This affair being debated, with the greatest 
 concern to see a whole Garrison of five hundred 
 men and upwards, seduced by some false persua- 
 sions from their duty to our Right Honorable 
 Employers, and commanded openly to resist our 
 orders which may be of very ill consequence 
 hereafter. 
 
 “ Agreed that it is not safe for Mr. Davenport 
 to remain where he is, considering the small guard 
 he has with him and the threatening expressions 
 Mr. Raworth has used. 
 
 “ Ordered that he do forthwith return hither 
 and bring with him the Gentlemen of the Eort St. 
 David Council (that cannot safely return into the 
 Bounds), to inform us of several necessary points 
 before we can come to any further resolution.” 
 
 “ Monday, 12th October. A general letter 
 from Henry Davenport Esq. and Council dated the 
 10th instant from Monapa’s choultry ; read also a 
 private letter from Mr. Davenport to the Presi- 
 dent ; advising that Mr. Richard Harrison is as 
 active in this rebellion as any officer in the Garri- 
 son ; that the council now with him (Mr. Daven- 
 
1 713— iso 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 201 
 
 port) affirm that by the promotion of several 
 officers and increasing their pay, Mr. Haworth 
 has the majority entirely at command, and that he 
 openly declares he will stick at -nothing to be re- 
 venged. They add further that he has held no 
 consultation, since August ; transacting the Com- 
 pany’s affairs wholly by himself. 
 
 “ The President’s private letter being wrote 
 after the General advices, that Ensigns Paddle 
 and Handlon were come over to Mr. Davenport, 
 and acquainted him that the Garrison was in 
 great confusion and most of them would follow, 
 if they were sure of a place to resort to ; that 
 they had received no pay for two months past, 
 which is very surprising to us considering that we 
 know they are in cash, though they have kept the 
 account so long from us. 
 
 “ Agreed that orders be immediately sent to 
 Mr. Davenport to remain where he is, and see 
 what the Garrison will do ; that a party of sixty 
 chosen men be forthwith sent away to be landed 
 at Pondicherry for a guard to Mr. Davenport and 
 the others, against any sudden attempt of the 
 desparadoes ; and that a protest be drawn up 
 against Mr. Haworth for this unwarrantable way 
 of proceeding.” 
 
 “Thursday, 15th October. A general letter 
 from Henry Davenport Esq., dated the 13th in- 
 stant read, advising that he has dropped declara- 
 tions and copies of his commission at the several 
 guards, which has had a very good effect and oc- 
 casioned many men coming in ; that whole Gar- 
 rison seem inclinable to return to their duty, and 
 
 26 
 
202 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1712—13. 
 
 that lie has now so many men with him that lie 
 is forced to draw towards Pondicherry for assist- 
 ance to maintain them. 
 
 “ Agreed that it be an instruction to Henry 
 Davenport Esq., and Council to avoid as much as 
 possible coming to blows ; and not to attack any 
 party or post, unless obliged to it for their own 
 safety ; but to use all peaceable methods of re- 
 covering the men to their duty, promising them 
 full pardon and their arrears. 
 
 “ Agreed that Mr. William Warre and the 
 Eevd. Mr. George Lewis be immediately sent 
 down with proper instructions to persuade Mr. 
 Haworth to reason, by representing the ill conse- 
 quences that are likely to attend his rash way of 
 proceeding.” 
 
 “ Monday, 1 9tli October. The President lays 
 before the Board several letters from Henry Da- 
 venport Esq., advising that finding himself strong 
 enough he marched into the bounds on the 17th 
 very peaceably, finding all the out guards desert- 
 ed ; and that he put a serjeant with twenty men 
 into one of the most considerable to protect it 
 from the country enemy. After which he march- 
 ed to the Garden, where he found Ensign 
 Hobbs posted with about fifty men, whom he 
 summoned to their duty. But they absolutely re- 
 fused to surrender, and he would not force them, 
 though it was very practicable, for fear of shed- 
 ding blood. But while they were parleying, they 
 were saluted with a twenty-four pounder from the 
 Fort that fell within twenty yards of Mr. Daven- 
 port. After which he marched away and took 
 
1 7 * 2 — 130 
 
 III3TORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 203 
 
 possession of Cudclalore, that was also entirely 
 deserted ; in their way being open to the Fort, 
 they were again saluted with a twenty-four 
 pounder, which fell among them, but by God’s 
 good providence did no harm. 
 
 “ Agreed that Henry Davenport Esq. and 
 Council remain at Cuddalore, endeavouring to 
 save our bounds without committing any acts of 
 hostility, whilst Mr. Warre and Mr. Lewis are 
 endeavouring to terminate this unhappy affair ; 
 and that they do set the merchants to work as 
 fast as possible to procure Long Cloth and Sal- 
 lampores.” 
 
 “ Wednesday, 21st October. The President 
 communicates a letter from Henry Davenport Esq., 
 advising that he has put men into as many of the 
 out guards as he can spare from Cuddalore. Put 
 that on the 18 th instant Mr. Haworth sent a party 
 of horse to beat the men out ofCondapah Choultry, 
 who dismounted and summoned them within to sur- 
 render ; which being refused they fired upon them 
 and threw in several Granadoes, which wounded 
 some of the men and killed one outright. The Ser- 
 jeant that commanded immediately fired afield piece 
 with partridge shot, which killed two and wound- 
 ed three more of the attackers. Upon which the 
 rest fled, leaving five of their horses behind them. 
 The Serjeant being so near the Fort, and at least 
 six miles distance from Cuddalore, dreading a 
 more dangerous attack in the night, when he could 
 not be supported, withdrew in time to Cuddalore 
 and the five horses with him. Mr. Haworth just 
 before the attack was made, fired three great shots 
 
204 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 un- 2 — is. 
 
 at the Choultry from Tevenapatam, which fell very 
 near them.” 
 
 Friday, 23rd October. “A general letter from 
 Henry Davenport, Esq., and Council, dated the 
 19th instant read, advising that those who remain 
 in the Fort and at the Garden with Mr. Raworth, 
 are already reduced to such necessities that many 
 of them would get away if they could. 
 
 “ A letter from Messrs. YVarre and Lewis, dated 
 the 20th instant, read, advising their reception by 
 Mr. Raworth ; that they had fairly laid all matters 
 before him as recommended in our instructions. 
 Upon which he desired sometime to consider there- 
 on, and he would give them an answer in the 
 evening, seeming in very good temper ; that they 
 went to Cuddalore and returned to him about five 
 o’clock, when he very briefly answered that pro- 
 vided the Governor would come in person, he would 
 immediately resign, upon condition that those who 
 had been faithful to him (as he calls it) shoidd be 
 treated with superior respect to such as deserted. 
 Upon which they desired time to receive our 
 answer, and got his consent to forbear all acts of 
 hostility till then. This matter being debated, 
 
 “ Agreed that as matters now stand here with 
 the Nabob, and considering the necessary prepara- 
 tions to load our shipping that are expected early 
 from Bengal, it is no way convenient for the Pre- 
 sident to leave this place ; especially when Mr. 
 Raworth insists on such terms as are impossible 
 for us to consent to ; since it is no better than 
 confessing ourselves in the wrong, and encourag- 
 
1712 — 13 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 205 
 
 ing others hereafter to follow this wicked and per- 
 nicious example. 
 
 “ It was also considered that if the Nabob 
 should come to St. Thome, as is credibly reported, 
 the President cannot come back hither till Febru- 
 ary by sea ; nor can he come by land without pass- 
 ing through his camp at his mercy, since he can 
 have no body of men with him fit to force his way. 
 
 “ Agreed that a letter be wrote to Mr. William 
 Warre and the Eev. Air. George Lewis, requiring 
 them to see Mr. Haworth once more, and offer him 
 every thing that is in our power to grant, pro- 
 vided he will surrender quietly without any further 
 troubles or mischief. 
 
 “ Agreed that a short commission be given Mr. 
 William Warre to receive the Government at Air. 
 Haworth’s hands, if he should consent, and to 
 make all easy, insisting only upon not seeing Air. 
 Davenport before he comes away hither. 
 
 “ Agreed that if Air. Haworth does not accept 
 the terms offered him in our letter of this date. 
 All - . Warre and the Eev. Mr. Lewis be permitted 
 to return.” 
 
 “ Wednesday, 28th October. General letter 
 from Alessrs. Davenport : Warre and Lewis, dated 
 24th instant read, advising that the two latter 
 having been with. Air. Haworth that same day, 
 found him in much worse temper than ever pe- 
 remptorily declaring that he would resign the Fort 
 to none but the President himself. 
 
 “ A letter from Henry Davenport Esq. singly 
 of the same date read, wherein he says, he is very 
 well assured Air. Haworth will not deliver up even 
 
206 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1712 — 18 . 
 
 to the President himself, and that there is no way 
 but to starve him out. 
 
 “ Sunday, 1st November. The President pro- 
 duces a letter from Mr. William Warre and the 
 Bev. Mr. George Lewis, dated the 27th, wherein 
 they say that though they must acknowledge 
 themselves mistaken as to Mr. Haworth’s sin- 
 cerity, they are still of opinion, the Governor’s 
 presence would soon put an end to all disputes. 
 The foregoing words being considered and debat- 
 ed, and the President acquainting the Board that 
 by the last advices from Sunka llama at Arcot, 
 matters are likely to be fairly accommodated with 
 the Nabob about the villages, 
 
 “ Agreed that there seems an absolute necessity 
 for the President to set out for Fort St. David, as 
 soon as the rivers will permit, in order to put an 
 end to the present troubles if possible before 
 further mischief is done. 
 
 “ Agreed that a party of sixty men be despatch- 
 ed away before hand to Pondicherry, for a guard 
 to wait the President’s arrival ; and that a hundred 
 Pagodas be advanced the ensign to defray their 
 expenses.” 
 
 “ Wednesday, 4th November. This evening the 
 Honorable President attended by the Pev. Mr. 
 Stevenson, Lieutenant Poach, and Messrs. Theo- 
 balds, Bulkley, Maubert, Nanney, Langlier, Tur- 
 ner, and Bichardson set out overland for Fort St. 
 David. 
 
 “ Friday, 6th November. A general letter from 
 the Honorable President and Mr. William Warre, 
 dated the 5th November, read, enclosing several 
 
1712 — 13.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 207 
 
 letters and papers the Honorable President met 
 upon the Eoad, and advising that they have fired 
 six shots into Cuddalore from the Port in one day, 
 but it pleased God they did no damage ; that some 
 deserters daily came in, and that Henry Davenport 
 Esq. has possessed himself of Condapa Choultry 
 and Horse tail point, in order to facilitate the 
 Honorable President’s entry into the Bounds. 
 
 “ A general letter from Henry Davenport, Esq. 
 and Council dated the 3rd instant read, wherein 
 they acquaint us that they were in great hopes Mr. 
 Haworth and his adherents, would by this time 
 have been reduced to a very low condition for want 
 of provisions. But that contrary to their expecta- 
 tions, and to the promise made to the Deputy 
 Governor from the Gentlemen at Pondicherry no 
 ways to assist them, of which he reminded Gover- 
 nor Dusivier in his letters dated 29th ultimo anil 
 3rd instant ; notwithstanding which there was a 
 chelinga sent them full of provisions. They fur- 
 ther advise the sloop, that was sent down with 
 stores for Cuddalore, as she passed by Port St. 
 David they fired three shots at her ; but that she 
 continued her course for the road and that Mus- 
 soolas were gone off to bring the stores ashore. 
 They also remit us their account cash for the month 
 of October, balance being six thousand three hun- 
 dred and ninety-five pagodas. 
 
 “ Thursday, 1 2th November. Another of the 
 10th informs that after the hopes they had of 
 bringing matters to an end that they found Mr. 
 Ilaworth the same fickle and unfaithful man as 
 veer ; that they had sent the same persons in that 
 
208 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 17U-18- 
 
 morning with such terms as they thought he 
 neither could nor would refuse ; but were strangely 
 surprized at their return to find he absolutely re- 
 fused what he gave under his hand the day before ; 
 which was that if the Governor insisted lie would 
 bring the keys of the Fort where he pleased ; that 
 they had offered to venture into the Fort if 
 he would permit Captain Hoad to go in first with 
 fifty men for the Governor’s Guard. For which 
 his answer was under his hand, that he would not 
 suffer the Governor to enter with any guard, and 
 several other extravagancies ; so that they can see 
 no hopes of his being brought to better temper 
 whilst he is able to hold out.” 
 
 “ Sunday, 22nd November. General letter from 
 the Honorable Edward Harrison Esq., Messrs. 
 Davenport and Warre dated 20th instant read, 
 wherein they acquaint us that having perused the 
 Fort St. David cash accounts from April 1712, 
 and by what they can learn from the Council 8:c., 
 Mr. Haworth ought now to have a balance by him 
 of seventeen thousand pagodas, which they took 
 to be one of his chief reasons for acting in 
 this unaccountable manner ; that Mr. Haworth 
 and his adherents being cooped up in the 
 Fort and in want of provisions are very un- 
 easy ; that some desert him daily, but not 
 without the risk of their lives. They add that 
 on the 18th in the morning Mr. Haworth saluted 
 them in the Garden with a fourteen pounder ; but 
 afterwards made an apology that a drunken Dutch- 
 man fired the gun, between sleeping and waking, 
 that happened to be pointed that way ; that on 
 
1712 — 13-1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 r 209 
 
 the 19th at night the President, being accompani- 
 ed with all the Madras Gentlemen, went into 
 Tevenapatam to visit the men posted there ; and 
 having been for sometime in the streets, they were 
 briskly entertained from the batteries with all the 
 guns they could bring to bear, besides their small 
 shot, in the reach of which they happened to be ; 
 but by Good Providence no mischief was done ; 
 that they returned them a Culverin salute from 
 Patcharee hill, which went through Mr. Raworth’s 
 lodgings, as they learn from deserters ; that several 
 of the men sallied from the Fort, but were warmly 
 received, and two very dangerously wounded, which 
 made them return faster than they came out.” 
 
 “ Tuesday, J st December. General letter from 
 the Honorable Edward Harrison, Esq. and Mr. 
 William Warre, dated 29tli ultimo read, wherein 
 they acquaint us that they have not as yet brought 
 Mr. Haworth to an accommodation ; and that they 
 are fearful they must be obliged to consent to his 
 going to Pondicherry to reside there and settle 
 his account ; and if so Governor Dusivier is to 
 give his parole that in case satisfaction is not 
 given us in fifteen days he will deliver Mr. Ra- 
 worth to us at Fort St. George.” 
 
 “ Monday, 7th December. From the Honora- 
 ble President and Mr. William Warre, dated the 
 2nd instant, advising but that that morning the 
 Honorable President entered the Fort, according to 
 articles of agreement passed between him and 
 Council and Mr. Raworth ; who received him at 
 the head of his rebellious crew in such a manner 
 as none but Mr. Raworth could be capable of ; 
 
 27 
 
210 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 0712— IS. 
 
 seeming no ways concerned for the many ill actions 
 lie has committed in this affair. There was a 
 hundred and thirty men under arms in the Fort, of 
 whom eighty Europeans, who seemed to be as 
 stout men as any in the Company’s service. 
 Every thing was found in confusion ; which will 
 require the President’s longer stay than he expect- 
 ed ; as also to settle the Garrison and separate 
 those he found in the Fort, that it may not here- 
 after be in their power to act the like again.” 
 
 “ Monday, 7 th December. Henry Davenport 
 acquaints the Board, that he this afternoon receiv- 
 ed a private letter from the Honorable President, 
 dated the 5th, advising that Thomas Frederick, 
 Esq. arrived at Fort St. David that night ; and 
 that the next day in the evening the Honorable 
 President designed to depart thence for Fort St. 
 George, expecting to reach the Mount to-morrow 
 night, where he desired the Gentlemen of the 
 Council would go and wait upon him. 
 
 “ Monday, 21st December. The following gene- 
 ral letters read. From the Governor of Pondi- 
 cherry dated 30th instant (new style) advising 
 that Mr. Raworth, having publicly demanded 
 their king’s protection and passage upon their 
 ships for France, which they cannot refuse him 
 without exposing themselves to their king’s dis- 
 pleasure. 
 
 “ The President likewise produces a letter from 
 Father Thomas de Poictiers, Capuchin of the 
 Church here, whom he has employed at Pondi- 
 cherry to solicit the Governor and Council on this 
 
2712 — 18.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 211 
 
 affair ; wherein the said Father Thomas advises 
 that one of the principal reasons why Mr. Haworth 
 refused to come hither and settle his account with 
 us, was that he had seen a letter from a member 
 of this Board to a person at Fort St. David, men- 
 tioning that it was resolved to have him assassi- 
 nated. Every member now present solemnly de- 
 clares, and offers to take his oath if required, that 
 he never gave him any such advices, nor ever 
 heard the Governor say auy thing tending that 
 way. 
 
 “ The Governor for himself solemnly protests 
 before God that he abhors the very thought of so 
 barbarous an action ; though he can bring suffi- 
 cient proof that Mr. Haworth, when Deputy Go- 
 vernor of Fort St. David, did more than once 
 threaten the same to him. 
 
 “ It being debated what measures are most 
 proper for us to take upon this extraordinary pro- 
 ceeding of the Governor and Councils of Pondi- 
 cherry ; agreed that we defer coming to a resolu- 
 tion thereupon till Father Thomas returns from 
 Pondicherry.” 
 
 “ Thursday, 24th December. Mr. Haworth’s 
 answer to the proposals made him in the Go- 
 vernor’s name by Padre Thome read which is full 
 of notorious falsities and calumny without any 
 manner of ground or proof and of a piece with all 
 the rest of his behaviour, and upon the whole it 
 appears very plain that he will do or suffer any- 
 thing rather than come to a fair account for what 
 he has had under his charge.” 
 
212 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1712 - 1 *. 
 
 This extraordinary affair ended shortly after- 
 wards in Mr. Haworth’s departure to France ; 
 and it is a singular circumstance that he died at 
 Paris, just as the Directors of the Company were 
 preparing to prosecute him in England. 
 
17U-7.) 
 
 HISTORY 01* MADRAS. 
 
 213 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. EDWARD HARRISON. 
 
 ( Continued,) 
 
 1714—7. 
 
 Before proceeding further with our extracts from 
 the records of the Governorship of Mr. Edward 
 Harrison, it will be necessary to glance at the con- 
 temporary state of India. Shah Aulum, eldest 
 son of Aurungzebe, had died in 1712; and a 
 struggle ensued between his four sons which termi- 
 nated in the establishment of Jehandar Shah on the 
 throne of Delhi. Jehandar Shah owed his eleva- 
 tion to the support of Zulfikar Khan, but his vices 
 rapidly lowered him in the eyes of his subjects, 
 and excited the religious hostility of all who re- 
 spected the precepts of the Prophet. A drunken 
 sovereign, ruled by a concubine who had once been 
 a public dancer, and frequently appearing in the 
 streets of Delhi in a condition which but too 
 plainly indicated his vices, was not the potentate 
 who could long hope to maintain his authority 
 over a distracted empire like that of the Moguls. 
 Two Seiads, or descendants of the Prophet, advo- 
 cated the cause of Feroksere, a nephew of Jehandar 
 Shah. Forces were raised, the imperial army was 
 defeated, and Jehandar Shah and his minister 
 Zulfikar Khan were both taken and put to death. 
 
214 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1714—7. 
 
 Feroksere now ascended the throne at Delhi, 
 and ruled the empire from 1713 to 1720. His 
 reign thus corresponds to about four years of the 
 Governorship of Mr. Harrison, and three years of 
 his successor Mr. Collett. It is remarkable from 
 the fact that a mission was at this time sent to 
 Delhi by the English Governor of Calcutta ; and 
 many advantages, including the disputed out vil- 
 lages near Madras, and the Zemindarship of some 
 villages in the neighbourhood of Calcutta, were at 
 that time obtained from the Mogul. Fortunately 
 copies of most of the original dispatches from the 
 English envoys at Delhi to the Governors of Cal- 
 cutta and Madras, have been preserved in the 
 Madras records ; and these documents throw a 
 hood of light upon the intrigues of the period, and 
 enable us to obtain a clear picture of the court of 
 the Great Mogul. This mission arrived in Delhi 
 in 1715 and left it in 1717, and thus extended 
 over a period of two years. As it is a subject of 
 imperial interest rather than of local interest, we 
 shall not incorporate the narrative embodied in 
 the dispatches with the history of Mr. Harrison’s 
 administration, but reserve it for a future and sepa- 
 rate chapter. 
 
 As regards the changes more immediately effect- 
 ing the Madras Presidency, we may remark that 
 Cliecn Kulich Khan, variously spelt in the records, 
 had been appointed Subali of the Dekkan under 
 the title of Nizam-ool-Moolk ; an individual 
 who is remarkable in the history of Southern In- 
 dia as the founder of the present kingdom of the 
 Dekkan. Our old friend Dawood Khan obtained 
 
17U-7.J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 215 
 
 the Soubahship of Guzerat in place of Golconda, 
 but was killed in a battle a year or two afterwards. 
 At the same time Sadatulla Khan continued 
 Nabob of the Carnatic, and effected the reduction 
 of the great fortress of Ginjee, which had been de- 
 fended by the son of that Serope Singh, who has 
 already been introduced to our readers as the Rajah 
 who nearly succeeded in capturing Fort St. David. 
 
 We now turn to the local annals of the Presi- 
 dency. The records of the remaining period of 
 Mr. Harrison’s Governorship contain but few mat- 
 ters worthy of interest. The reduction of Ginjee 
 in 1 7 1 4 is thus noticed in the consultation books. 
 
 “ Saturday, 9th October 1714. General letter 
 from the Deputy Governor and Council of Fort 
 St. David, dated the 6th instant, advising that 
 our Nabob Sadatulla Khan had drawn all his forces 
 round Ginjee, and summoned Serope Singh’s son 
 to surrender, upon pretence of an order from Court 
 to take possession of that place ; which he refused 
 to do, and making a desperate sally with about 
 300 Rajpoots, was very near killing the Nabob, 
 having cut the harness of his Elephant with his 
 own hands. But timely succour coming into 
 the Nabob’s rescue, Tejah Sing, Serope Singh’s 
 son, with Mohabut Khan and several others of the 
 principal men belonging to Ginjee, were overpower- 
 ed and cut off, so that it is believed Ginjee will 
 surrender in a few days.” On the 15th of Novem- 
 ber the news arrived that Ginjee was captured by 
 Sadatulla Khan. 
 
 The following strange revelation appears in a 
 
216 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1714 — 7 . 
 
 petition addressed by one Dr. Thomas to the Go- 
 vernor in Council, dated 9th November, 1714. 
 
 “ The humble petition of Doctor Thomas. 
 
 “ Showetli, 
 
 “ That your petitioner’s father-in-law Lewis de 
 Melho in his life time held a converse with one 
 of his slaves named Ignacia near the space 
 of thirty years ; living with her in a separate 
 house, and entrusting the greatest part of his 
 estate in her hands, and taking no notice of his 
 wife or daughter. But upon his death bed re- 
 penting himself of the ills he had done, he asked 
 pardon of his wife for his ill usage of her ; and 
 declared that the said Ignacia had been the cause 
 of it by the power of medicines she had given him, 
 and that he had delivered into her charge 2600 
 pagodas in money, besides jewels and medicines 
 of value. And he did appoint and constitute his 
 said wife and daughter heiresses to his estate ; as 
 appears by a certificate under the hand of the Rev. 
 Padre Paschall Perciva de Cuntra. But now so 
 it is, may it please your Honor that the said 
 Ignacia refuses to deliver up or give any account 
 of the said estate ; though it can be proved by 
 witnesses that she has divers things of a large value 
 as well as money in her possession. Wherefore 
 your petitioner, in behalf of his mother-in-law 
 Prancisca and his wife Isabella, humbly prays that 
 your Honor will oblige the said slave to make a 
 true discovery and surrender of all those things in 
 her possession, belonging to the estate of the de- 
 ceased Mr. Lewis de Melho, that so they may 
 
1714 - 7.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 217 
 
 have their right, and he as in duty bound shall 
 ever pray.” 
 
 The Governor and Council ordered that the 
 goods should be secured, but referred the matter 
 to the decision of the heads of their Castes. 
 
 On the 1st of August, 1714, died Queen Anne, 
 and the crown of England thus descended to 
 George I. The event passed off quietly and more 
 than eight months passed away before the news 
 reached Madras. It will be seen from the follow- 
 ing entry, that the Presidency still kept early 
 hours. 
 
 “ Friday, 8th April, 1715. The letter read 
 advising the unfortunate death of Her late Majesty 
 Queen Anne, and the happy accession of His most 
 serene Highness the Elector of Hanover and 
 Brunswick to the Imperial crown of Great Britain 
 under the title of King George ; at nine o’clock this 
 morning the Mayor and Aldermen, attended with 
 the proper officers and a company of soldiers be- 
 longing to the Garrison, proclaimed his Royal 
 Majesty King George ; and at noon there was an 
 entertainment made for the council and all the 
 chief inhabitants of the place, at which his Royal 
 Majesty, the Prince of Wales, the Royal family 
 and the Honorable Company’s healths were drank 
 and guns fired at each.” 
 
 The following extract concerning the Capuchin 
 Friars, is a curious testimony to their character at 
 this time. 
 
 “ Monday, the 12th December 1715. “ Ed- 
 
 ward Harrison Esq., President of and for all the 
 Right Honorable United English East India Com- 
 
 28 
 
213 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [l/U-7. 
 
 pany’s affairs on this coast of Coromandel and 
 Orissa, in the Ginjee and Mahratta countries. 
 Commander in Chief of all the forces, which now 
 are or hereafter may or shall be employed for the 
 Service of the said United Company under this 
 Presidency, and Governor of the Fort St. George, 
 St. David, and Council. To all to whom these 
 presents shall come Greeting. 
 
 “ Know ye, that the Keverend the Capuciu 
 Fathers of the French nation that officiate in the 
 Portuguese Church of this place, and others of the 
 same nation and order at Pondicherry that formerly 
 resided here, having made application to us for 
 our assistance to justify themselves from several 
 aspersions that have lately been cast upon them 
 in France by their inveterate enemies, in order to 
 blast their reputation and render them contempti- 
 ble in these parts of the world, and having in order 
 thereto humbly proposed the following queries. 
 
 1st. Whether the Capuciu Fathers that have 
 dwelt and officiated in this city of Madras from 
 the first settlement to this time, viz. Ephraim de 
 Nevers, Zenon de Bauge, Cosme de Gien, Jacques 
 de Bourges, Esprit de Tours, Laurent d’Engoule- 
 me, Michael Ange de Bourges, Bene d’Engouleme, 
 and Thomas de Poitiers ; they or any of them ever 
 behaved themselves otherwise than became their 
 sacred function as Missionaries and persons in 
 Beligious orders, or whether they have given any 
 cause for scandal by their deportment. 
 
 “ 2nd. Whether they have ever had any quarrels 
 or differences among themselves, which obliged 
 them to have recourse to our Tribunal for an ac- 
 
1714—7] 
 
 711ST0RY OF MADRAS. 
 
 213 
 
 commodation, and particularly Father Esprit de 
 Tours with Father Michael Ange before mentioned. 
 
 “ 3rd. Whether the Capucin Fathers of Madras 
 or those of Pondicherry, particularly Father Esprit 
 de Tours, either now have or ever had any money 
 at Interest or otherwise in the Cash of the Right 
 Honorable Campany our Masters. 
 
 “ 4th. Whether Father Thomas de Poitiers, now 
 residing and officiating here, ever bought or sold 
 bOO chests of Persia wine, as he is accused of 
 having done in the year 1713, or before or since 
 that time. 
 
 “ To the first article we are obliged to declare 
 that the Capucin Fathers above named, who have 
 had the care of the mission in this city of Madras 
 from the first establishment thereof to the present 
 time by permission of our Right Honorable Mas- 
 ters, have always demeaned themselves in so hand- 
 some a manner, both in spiritual and temporal 
 affairs, as to give no just cause of complaint to us 
 their representatives ; their conduct has been regu- 
 lar and agreeable to their profession, nor have wc 
 ever heard of or remarked any action of theirs that 
 could occasion the least scandal to their order. 
 
 “ To the second article, we never heard, nor 
 can we find upon examining our Registers, that 
 any of the said Capucin Fathers, particularly the 
 persons before mentioned in this article, ever 
 had any difference, which obliged them to have re- 
 course tso this or any other Tribunal here for a de- 
 cision. 
 
 “ To the third article, we must declare it to be 
 a notorious falsity that the Capucin Father of Ma- 
 
220 
 
 HISTORY OP MADRAS. 
 
 I17H-7. 
 
 dras or Pondicherry, or of any other place, ever 
 had any money or effects at Interest or otherwise 
 in the Eight Honorable Company’s cash that we 
 know of. 
 
 “ To the fourth article, we know it to be very 
 false that Father Thomas de Poitiers bought or 
 sold 500 chests of wine in 1713, either he or any 
 other of the same order ; and we further certify 
 that, none of the Capucins before mentioned have 
 ever been known to be concerned in any sort of 
 commerce whatsoever. In witness whereof, we 
 have at their humble request given them this our 
 certificate, which could not in conscience be re- 
 fused. Done in Fort St. George this 12th day of 
 December 1715, and sealed with the Eight Honor- 
 able Company’s seal.” 
 
 From this testimony to the character of the 
 Capuchin Fathers we turn to the proceedings of 
 the Protestant inhabitants. The scheme set on foot 
 for a Charity School in Madras has already been 
 noticed ; and the following copy of the Kules will 
 be found curious and interesting. 
 
 “ Rules for the better establishing and manage- 
 ment of the Charity School, erected by the unani- 
 mous consent of the Vestry of St. Mary’s parish 
 in Fort St. George, on the 28th October 1715. 
 
 “ That iu some convenient place wdthin the 
 English town, there be proper accommodation made 
 at first for 30 poor Protestant Children, diet and 
 education gratis. 
 
 “ That the Scholars be trained up to a practical 
 sense of religion, and be particularly instructed in 
 the doctrines of the Church of England as by law 
 
in*-?.: 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 221 
 
 established ; and therefore no person shall be 
 capable of being master of the School unless he be 
 qualified according to the acts of Parliament. 
 
 “ That the children, whether boys or girls, shall 
 be taken into the School house at five years of age 
 or thereabout ; and be put out to service or ap- 
 prenticeships when they are about 12 years old. 
 And while they are entertained in the School, the 
 boys shall be taught to read, write, cast accounts, 
 or what they may be further capable of, and the 
 girls shall be instructed in reading and the neces- 
 sary parts of house wifery. 
 
 “ That no scholar shall be taken in, nor 
 any matter of moment transacted, without the 
 previous consent of the Honorable Governor for 
 the time being. 
 
 “ That besides the Ministers and Church war- 
 dens, who shall always be overseers of the Charity 
 School, there be three others chosen yearly by the 
 Vestry for the better management and more care- 
 ful inspection of the affairs of the School ; and in 
 order thereunto, that the said overseers (or at least 
 four of them) meet every week at the Vestry, and 
 keep Minutes of what they agree upon (if it be of 
 any moment) to be laid before the Governor for 
 his approbation. 
 
 “ That one of the overseers annually chosen by 
 the Vestry shall at the same time be nominated 
 Treasurer to the School, and be obliged to keep 
 exact regular accounts of the School stock and ex- 
 penses ; to be laid before every Vestry, and before 
 the other overseers, or any of the contributors, 
 
222 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 U7U-7. 
 
 when they require it at any of their weekly meet- 
 ings or otherwise. 
 
 “ That when the Cash belonging to the School 
 stock shall amount to the sum of 1,000 pagodas, 
 it shall be employed at sea, or let out at interest, 
 by the treasurer, with the advice of the rest of the 
 overseers, and the cousent of the Governor ; and 
 if the money cannot be thus employed, that it be 
 lent to the Church at the usual interest. 
 
 “ That all Bonds, Deeds of conveyance, and 
 other writs for the use and benefit of the Charity 
 School, shall be drawn and granted in the name of 
 the Treasurer and other overseers for the time 
 being. 
 
 “ That all Legacies, Gifts, and Benefactions to 
 the School, whether of money or other things, be 
 duly entered by the Treasurer in a Book to be kept 
 for that purpose, which he shall sign at the foot 
 of every page. 
 
 “ That no part of the School stock shall on any 
 pretence whatsoever be employed to any purpose, 
 or in any manner, but what is agreeable to the 
 original design and institution above expressed. 
 
 “ That in all difficult cases and disputes about 
 any matter of consequence, the overseers shall 
 make application to the Governor for calling a 
 vestry, wherein all such matters shall be deter- 
 mined by the majority of the contributors. 
 
 “ That the aforesaid articles shall be the standing 
 rules and fundamental constitutions of the Charity 
 School, according to which the overseers shall al- 
 ways be obliged to act. And therefore that the 
 said rides shall be registered in the beginning of a 
 
1714 —“.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 223 
 
 Book, wherein the said overseers shall enter all the 
 subsequent orders and regulations which they may 
 have occasion to make hereafter concerning the 
 said school ; providing that such subsequent or- 
 ders shall be first approved by the Governor and 
 Council for the time being.” 
 
 In connection with this subject we make the fol- 
 lowing extracts, respecting the library in Fort St. 
 George, from a general letter received from the 
 Board of Directors about this time. 
 
 “ We understand that the Library in Fort St. 
 George is worthy our notice, as consisting not 
 only of a great number of Books, but of a great 
 many that are choice and valuable. John Dolben 
 Esq., Mr. Richard Elliot, and others having made 
 a present of their Books (which were considerable) 
 to the Library, besides other augmentations it 
 hath lately received from the Society for Promoting 
 Christian Knowledge. We therefore recommend 
 the care of the Library to our President and 
 Ministers ; ordering that the said Books (such at 
 least as are of value) be put up in close presses to 
 keep them from dust and vermin ; and that none 
 of them be lent or carried out of the Library, with- 
 out the consent of both Minsters, if two shall be on 
 the place ; and the Books so carried out shall be 
 entered in a book kept for that purpose, inserting 
 the day and year when the person to whom it is 
 lent on one side of the folio, and on the other the 
 day and year when returned. 
 
 “ And we order our Ministers to sort the said 
 Books into proper classes, and to take a catalogue 
 of them to be kept in the Library, of which they 
 
224 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1714 - 7 - 
 
 shall deliver a copy to our President, and send 
 a copy home to us ; and we desire our President 
 to order two of our Servants, together with our 
 Ministers, to examine the Books by the Catalogue 
 once a year ; that is to say some few days before 
 the Yes try is held and make their report at the 
 Vestry. It would be very proper also to put our 
 r cliop on the said Books in the title page or first 
 leaf, to show to whom they belong, if they should 
 any of them happen to be stolen, and to stamp 
 our arms on the cover.” 
 
 The next extract refers to an incident already re- 
 corded, from which it seems that at one time the 
 Mussulman inhabitants contributed to the support 
 of the Hindoo pagodas ; an arrangement which 
 was finally abolished during the Governorship of 
 Mr. Harrison. 
 
 “ Monday, lfitli January, 1716. Petition of the 
 Patan Merchants Inhabitants of this place, and 
 several others that trade hither annually from 
 Bengal ; wherein they set forth the hardship of 
 being obliged, contrary to the rules of their religion, 
 to contribute to the maintenance of the Gentoo 
 Idols. 
 
 “ This affair having formerly occasioned great 
 disputes and troubles, particularly once in the 
 time of Governor Pitt, and again since the arrival 
 of the present Governor ; at which time it was de- 
 cided in favour of the Gentoo Pagoda upon ac- 
 count of its having been a custom of long stand- 
 ing, and that our Honorable Masters approved of 
 what was done in the time of Mr. Pitt ; but now 
 the Board being sensible it has occasioned a great 
 
I7U-70 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 225 
 
 heart burning among the Patan merchants afore- 
 said, who annually import great quantities of rich 
 goods from Bengal ; insomuch that we find they 
 begin to leave us and land their goods at St. 
 Thome, where the present Nabob has granted 
 them a Cowle with several valuable privileges, 
 and particularly that they shall pay no more than 
 2 per cent, custom : — it is thought high time to 
 use all means in our power to make these people 
 easy and prevent their forsaking us to settle at 
 St. Thome. 
 
 “ Accordingly agreed that the President make for 
 them a Cowle for collecting that duty themselves, 
 Kanakapilla, of 25 cash for every pagoda, to be 
 applied to the maintenance of their own Mosque ; 
 and to promise them all manner of favourable 
 usuge, and encouragement, if they continue to 
 trade hither as usual.” 
 
 The following extraordinary story of a common 
 soldier, who passed himself off as a Chaplain, and 
 married himself to the daughter of his Captain 
 without her father’s consent, is worthy of preser- 
 vation. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 12th June, 1716. The worshipful 
 the Mayor acquaints the Board that Captain Wil- 
 liam, having entered an action against John 
 Mitchel in the Mayor Court for defaming 
 his daughter and deluding her by a pretended 
 marriage, in which he officiated himself as Priest 
 and husband. Upon which a trial ensued, and 
 due proof being made by several sufficient wit- 
 nesses, as well as from the said Mitchell’s origi- 
 nal letters ; the Court had respited judgment on 
 
 29 
 
226 
 
 HISTORY OP MADRAS. 
 
 tun-r- 
 
 account of his being in the Military service, till 
 the pleasure of this Board be known, what punish- 
 ment shall be inflicted in such a case. 
 
 “ The Board taking this matter into consider- 
 ation, it appears that the forementioned John 
 Mitchel came out a soldier upon the last year’s 
 ships to serve the Honorable Company the usual 
 term of years. But pretending himself a regular 
 clergyman in Holy Orders, and that he had serv- 
 ed some years Chaplain of one of her Majesty’s 
 ships of war, but was forced to abscond and fly 
 for these parts upon account of a debt contracted 
 by being bound for a brother in England ; which 
 circumstances inclining every body to compas- 
 sionate him (though he brought no Orders with 
 him) he was taken otf is duty as a Soldier, and 
 employed as Master to the Charity School lately 
 established in this place, at a handsome salary, 
 with all fitting encouragement, besides a recom- 
 mendation to the Honorable Company in our last 
 general letter. But since that time he has been 
 guilty of many irregularities and scandalous ac- 
 tions, altogether unbecoming the profession he 
 pretends to ; many of w'hich appear under his 
 own hand, and others are proved by undoubted 
 testimony, and particularly his unwarrantable ac- 
 tion of marrying himself clandestinely. Wherefore 
 the Board thinks fit to come to the following re- 
 solutions concerning him. 
 
 “ That the said Mitchel, if in holy orders (as 
 he pretends but cannot prove) has basely scanda- 
 lized the priesthood by an irregular and unheard 
 
1714 - 7.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 227 
 
 of way of marrying himself to a woman, and ab- 
 solutely against her father’s consent. 
 
 “ That the Board is not obliged to regard him 
 otherwise in this case than a soldier, enlisted in 
 the Honorable Company’s service upon the usual 
 terms, and that he ought to be punished accord- 
 ingly. 
 
 “ That however as he has appeared under the 
 notion of a clergyman, and been entertained as 
 School Master, it will not be proper to expose him 
 to public punishment in the eye of the natives ; and 
 not having wherewithal to make just satisfaction 
 to the persons he has injured, it is agreed that the 
 said John Mitchel, Centinel, do give sufficient 
 security for his good behaviour ; or else that he be 
 kept under confinement till opportunity offers to 
 send him off the place for Europe.” 
 
 Mr. Edward Harrison left the Madras Presi- 
 dency on the 8th January 1717, upon which the 
 governorship fell to Mr. Joseph Collett. The last 
 months of his administration and the opening 
 months of the administration of his successor were 
 occupied by another of those strange disputes 
 between the Right and Left Hands, which furnish 
 such curious illustrations of the character of the 
 people. We have already brought forward the 
 narrative of more than one of these caste riots ; 
 but some curious particulars are recorded in con- 
 nection with the present disturbance which are 
 worth preserving. 
 
 It may help the reader somewhat if we mention 
 that in olden times the Chetties and Comatees 
 
228 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 1 1714 - 7 . 
 
 had separate streets and separate idols ; the Chet- 
 ties belonging to the Left Hand Caste and the 
 Comatees to the Eight Hand. A Comatee could 
 never enter a Chetty street except by permission 
 of the Chetties, and then he could not enter it 
 in a carriage, or a palanquin, or even with shoes 
 on his feet. A Chetty was also prohibited in the 
 same manner from entering a street belonging to a 
 Comatee. The present dispute seems to have 
 arisen in consequence of a Comatee having pre- 
 sumed to offer ceremonies to an idol belonging 
 to the Chetties. 
 
 “ Fiictay, 12tli October 1716. A dispute hav- 
 ing arisen between the Chetty and Comatee or 
 Banian castes, about some ceremonies at their 
 feasts, the former pretending that the latter have 
 usurped several titles belonging to them, and per- 
 formed some ceremonies before an image that they 
 have no right to do. The heads of the Eight and 
 Left Hand castes were called in, and acquainted 
 that the Board is very unwilling to intermeddle in 
 any business of this nature, which they cannot 
 pretend to understand ; and therefore they are 
 strictly enjoined to keep the peace among them- 
 selves, and by no means to disturb the quiet of 
 the place, upon pain of forfeiting the 1 2,000 pago- 
 das mentioned in the agreement between the castes 
 in consultation the 21st of June, 1708. They 
 were further required to choose a number of per- 
 sons out of the neutral caste to decide their differ- 
 ences without further delay by fail' arbitration ; 
 which the Left Hand side readily agreed to, but 
 the Eight Hand insist to choose out of their own 
 
1714—70 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 229 
 
 caste, and a number of Brahmins* besides ; which 
 the Board judges to be unreasonable and therefore 
 orders them to choose ten Brahmins for each party, 
 and to enter into arbitration bonds without further 
 delay.” 
 
 “ Monday, 15th October. The President ac- 
 quaints the Board that upon summoning the heads 
 of the Comatee and Chetty castes to sign their 
 arbitration bonds according to order of last con- 
 sultation, they flew off from their agreement ; the 
 Comatees insisting to choose out of all the Eight 
 Hand castes, which are of their own side. Con- 
 sequently the Left Hand would be over-powered 
 by numbers, and therefore refuse to comply. 
 Whereupon we were obliged to confine them all 
 to the Merchants Godowns till they can come to 
 some agreement among themselves ; the distur- 
 bance daily increasing in the Black Town ; and the 
 Painters of Triplicane, that had the Honorable 
 Company’s work in hand, having deserted their 
 habitations.” 
 
 “ The Heads were again called in, and the ill 
 consequence of this foolish dispute fairly laid be- 
 fore them ; but all persuasions being to no pur- 
 pose, they were again remanded to the Godown.” 
 
 “ Thursday, 1 8th October. Colloway Chetty 
 appears as the Head of the Chetty caste, and 
 makes an offer of having the difference between 
 them and the Comatees decided among the heads 
 of all their castes in the country ; by means of 
 
 *The Brahmins are the neutral caste; they belonging 
 neither to the Right Hand nor to the Left Hand. 
 
230 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 117U-7. 
 
 Deputies to be sent from hence ; which appearing 
 to be a reasonable expedient, it is agreed to let 
 the parties concerned have their liberty, in hopes 
 they will come to an accomodation in this way.” 
 
 “ Thursday, 25th October. The President ac- 
 quaints the Board that when all things seemed in 
 a fair way towards an accommodation between the 
 castes, the following accident happened on the 
 21st instant. 
 
 “ A young lad of the Left hand caste having 
 done hurt to a Pariah woman of the Bight hand 
 castes (big with child), the whole caste got 
 together and came in a tumultuous manner to de- 
 mand justice. Upon examining the matter, he 
 ordered the offender to close confinement, promis- 
 ing the heads of the caste to do them justice when 
 it should appear whether the woman would die or 
 live. They seemed satisfied, and the crowd was 
 dispersed. But in the night, without any further 
 provocation, they got together again ; and all such 
 as serve under the Honorable Company and the 
 English Inhabitants, deserted then - Employs ; 
 such as Cooks, water bearers, coolies, palankeen 
 boys, roundel men (umbrella carriers) and other 
 useful servants ; and arming themselves with 
 pikes, daggers, and long staves, made a grievous 
 uproar in the Black Town ; stopping all the water 
 from coming in, and committing many other dis- 
 orders. The Captain of the Guard, with the Stew- 
 ard and several others, were sent to them to de- 
 mand their reasons for making such an uproar ; 
 and finding they were headed hy several peons in 
 the English service, they seized two of the ring- 
 
1714 - 7 .) 
 
 HISTORY OP MADRAS. 
 
 231 
 
 leaders and brought them to the Governor, who 
 are secured in irons till further order. 
 
 “ The Heads of the Eight Hand Caste are or- 
 dered to go immediately and acquaint them that 
 we will make any shift without them rather than 
 submit to such usage ; and not a man of them 
 shall ever be taken into service again, if they do 
 not forthwith disperse and return to their duty ; 
 also to let them know that orders are given at all 
 the guards to fall upon them if they commit any 
 disorder, or draw near in a body where the guards 
 are posted.” 
 
 “ Thursday, 1st November. The Painters that 
 deserted Triplicane, as mentioned in consultation 
 the 15th ultimo, on account of the caste disputes, 
 have made some overtures towards returning to 
 their habitations ; but at present insist on such 
 unreasonable terms, that the Board cannot comply 
 with them, considering that they ran away without 
 any just provocation, and on purpose to distress 
 us in our affairs.” 
 
 “Friday, 16th November. The President ac- 
 quaints the Board that he has intercepted a vilain- 
 ous letter or Cojan, wrote by some of the Eight 64 - 
 hand castes toTFe Painters that deserted Tripli- 
 cane and now reside at St. Thome ; wherein they 
 are encouraged to insist upon unreasonable terms, 
 and promised to be supported with money for their 
 expenses, in hopes of creating further disturbances. 
 Those that write the letter are inconsiderable per- 
 sons, but he hopes to discover those that set them 
 to work, In the mean time all possible diligence 
 
23 2 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1714 — 7 . 
 
 is used to reconcile those unhappy disputes and 
 prevent future trouble.” 
 
 “ Monday, 10th December. The President ac- 
 quaints the Board that though he hoped all things 
 would have continued quiet between the castes, 
 upon a resolution formerly taken to have the con- 
 troversy decided by the heads of them that reside 
 in the country ; the Chetties have this day shut up 
 all their shops, and called all the coolies from their 
 work that belong to their caste ; and that he has 
 employed proper persons to enquire into the mean- 
 ing of it, which he will lay before the Board in 
 next consultation.” 
 
 “ Thursday, 20th December. The President 
 produces a petition delivered last night by the 
 heads of the Chetty caste, that have for sometime 
 shut up their shops and refused to do any business. 
 The substance of the said petition is, that they 
 have already complained of the Comatees singing 
 their Naggarum before the idol named Chindadry 
 Pillarry (Ganesha, the “ Belly God”) ;* and that 
 their caste people in the country have heard of it, 
 and threaten to turn them out if they suffer such 
 abuses. Wherefore they desire the matter may be 
 decided by the Brahmins (who are the fittest per- 
 sons to do it) ; otherwise they cannot continue in 
 this place ; and that a bond of 12,000 pagodas on 
 
 * The Naggarum is the verse which is addressed to 
 Ganesha “ the remover of hindrances,” before under- 
 taking any kind of business or engaging in any affair. 
 Naggaru m-U- p r operl y the i M. i ne of th e , t angnngn ratb ag—. 
 _ tba^ of th e vwiia . The complaint here made was that 
 the Comatees recited their verso before a Chetty Pagoda. 
 
1711-7.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 233 
 
 both sides may be signed to stand to the said Brah- 
 min’s award. 
 
 “ Agreed, that since the Comatee and Chetty 
 castes cannot be persuaded to reconcile their differ- 
 ences by the heads of their own or any other 
 castes, the Board will on Monday morning next 
 hear the opinion of all neutral persons among the 
 inhabitants, and endeavour to determine the matter 
 in dispute so as will best secure the peace and 
 quiet of the place. 
 
 Monday, the 24th December, 1716. “ The 
 
 heads of the Chetty and Comatee castes being 
 summoned made their appearance, and a great 
 number of witnesses were examined concerning 
 the ceremony in dispute, whether the Comatees 
 have a right to cry out their Naggarum (Sanscrit 
 hymn) before the Chindadry Pillary Pagoda or not. 
 After three hours spent in vain endeavouring to 
 persuade them to come to some agreement among 
 themselves, the Board deferred the affair till next 
 meeting.” 
 
 “ Monday, 7th January 1717. The President 
 (Edward Harrison Esq.) being ready to embark 
 for Great Britain, proposes to the Board the best 
 method that he can think of, after having discours- 
 ed with all the principal inhabitants of the place 
 that are not actually engaged in the dispute now 
 afoot between Comatee and Chetty castes, for- 
 putting an end to all future trouble ; and the 
 Board upon reading them came to the following 
 resolutions. 
 
 “ That for anything that has yet appeared the 
 Comatees, may cry out their Pennagundoo Nag- 
 
 30 
 
234 
 
 history of madras. 
 
 Ii-i4 — r- 
 
 garum at their houses, feasts, weddings &c. accord- 
 ing to Salabad, but not before the Pagoda of Chin- 
 dry Pillary, till that matter can be decided in the 
 manner hereafter mentioned.” 
 
 “ That whereas the Comatees did agree before 
 this Board to defer the matters in dispute to 20 
 Brahmins, which are the neutral caste ; ten of 
 which to be chosen by the Comatees and ten by 
 the Chetties ; though they went from their word 
 next morning, and insisted upon joining some of 
 their own Bight Hand caste, when they found the 
 Chetties were willing to comply ; the Board think 
 it just for the Company’s and their own honour, 
 that the Comatees shall be obliged to make good 
 their promise by referring the ceremonies in dis- 
 pute to 20 Bra hmin s as before mentioned. 
 
 “ That in case of any foul play by the 20 Brah- 
 mins that shall be chosen on tins occasion, upon 
 full proof thereof being made, the parties aggrieved 
 shall have justice done them. 
 
 “ That in case the Comatees refuse to comply 
 with their first promise of a reference to the Brah- 
 mins, the image of the Chindadry Pillary Pagoda 
 shall be removed to the great Gentoo Pagoda ; and 
 to prevent all future disputes the Chindadry Pil- 
 lary Pagoda shall be shut up for ever. 
 
 “ That, whereas great numbers of these small 
 Pagodas have been eland estinely built without 
 the knowledge or permission of the Government, 
 and more are daily begun, which tend to raise 
 disputes among the castes, none shall be built 
 henceforward without the permission of the Go- 
 vernor and Council, 
 
1714 - 7.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 235 
 
 “ That no colours for the future shall be used 
 at any feast in Madras, but the English, commonly 
 known by the name of St. George’s colours, with 
 a white field and a red cross. 
 
 “ That the Pedda Naik shall be Overseer of the 
 Pariah caste, and take care to keep them in due 
 obedience ; and that no other person shall pre- 
 tend to summon or have any command over them. 
 
 “ That whoever shall hereafter presume to stir 
 up the castes to mutiny or desert on account of 
 the disputes between the Comatees and Chetties, 
 or any other such frivolous pretence ; such person 
 or persons, upon full proof being made before the 
 Board, shall forfeit the Honorable Company’s pro- 
 tection, be rendered incapable of any employ in 
 their service, and fined at the discretion of the 
 Board. 
 
 “ These resolutions will be pursued by the suc- 
 ceeding President and Council, unless any unfore- 
 seen difficulty should arise to occasion an alter- 
 ation in opinion ; and there is good reason to 
 hope that all matters will be fairly accommodated 
 by the Brahmins.” 
 
 “ Wednesday, 8th January, 1717. Early this 
 morning the Honorable President, Edward Harri- 
 son Esq., embarked upon Ship “ King George,” 
 for Great Britain ; upon which the Government of 
 this place fell to the Honorable Joseph Collett 
 Esq. pursuant to the Honorable Court of Direc- 
 tor’s appointment in their general letters by the 
 last ships.” 
 
 “ Tuesday, 22d January, 1717. The President 
 reports that he has received an answer from Col- 
 
236 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 U7H — 7. 
 
 loway Chetty and Collastry Chetty to the sum- 
 mons affixed yesterday at the gates to this purpose : 
 that they would not return unless we would oblige 
 the Comatees to refer the differences between 
 them to 20 Brahmins as formerly proposed. 
 
 “ Agreed that although we had determined, if 
 the Chetties had stayed for our decision, to have 
 referred the matter as they propose, yet that now 
 it is not tit to mate such an agreement with them 
 in order for their return for the following reasons. 
 
 “ First, the immediate consequence would be 
 that all the Comatees, and probably several 
 other tribes of the Bight Hand caste, would desert 
 the place upon our making such a condescention 
 to the Chetties, on condition of their returning ; 
 by which we should be drove to greater straits 
 that we are or can be by the desertion of the 
 Chetties. 
 
 “ Secondly, such a condescention would so far 
 enervate and weaken our authority, that we should 
 never after be able to govern the several castes 
 with any steadiness ; who would be ready on 
 every occasion to threaten us with a desertion, by 
 which they would govern us at their pleasure. 
 
 “ For these 'reasons we think it necessary to 
 assert our authority, and either to force them to a 
 compliance, or take what satisfaction we can get 
 out of their estates.” 
 
 “ Ordered that the Warehouse keeper, assisted 
 by one of the board alternately, remove the most 
 valuable wares belonging to the said Chetties into 
 the Fort godown ; and take an exact account of 
 them ; there being large quantities to a consider- 
 
1714 - 7 .) 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 237 
 
 able value. By which means we hope to frighten 
 the Chetties into a submission, and return ; or 
 otherwise to obtain some satisfaction out of their 
 estates for the damages that may accrue to the 
 Honorable Company by their desertion. 
 
 “ Ordered that an attachment of moneys due 
 from any inhabitant of Madras, whether Euro- 
 peans or others, to any Chetties now deserted, be 
 affixed at the Sea Gate ; with a declaration that 
 whoever shall pay any such debts after this publi- 
 cation to any of the said Chetties, or their order, 
 shall be obliged to repay the same to the Honor- 
 able Company.” 
 
 These resolutions appear to have brought mat- 
 ters to a conclusion ; and the President according- 
 ly drew up the following agreement. 
 
 Thursday, 7 th February, 1717. “ We, Joseph 
 
 Collett Esq., President and Council of Fort St. 
 George, in order to determine and put an end to 
 the differences which have been for sometime past 
 between the Comatee and Chetty castes, and also 
 to prevent all public disturbance of the like kind 
 for the future, do hereby appoint and order for 
 determination of the present differences, that the 
 Comatee shall have the liberty of saying the Pen- 
 nagundoo Naggarum, or any other of their titles, 
 before the pagoda within the Pillarry or any other in 
 the Right Hand streets; and that the Chetties shall 
 have liberty of rehearsing their titles, or saying 
 their Naggarum, before any pagoda in the Left 
 Fland streets. But that the Comatees shall not 
 say the Naggarum in the Left hand streets, nor 
 shall the Chetties say their Naggarum in the Right 
 
 A 
 
 ( O-A 
 
23S 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 1170 - 7 . 
 
 hand streets. And we do hereby further order 
 that neither the Comatees nor the Chetties 
 shall have the liberty of saying their Nagga- 
 rum or rehearsing their titles before the great 
 Gentoo Pagoda. And for preventing disturb- 
 ance of the like kind for the future, we do 
 hereby forbid all persons whatsoever, building 
 any new pagodas in any part of this city with- 
 out leave first obtained of the President and Coun- 
 cil. We do also forbid any flags to be used in 
 the public procession and solemnities by any of 
 the castes whatsoever, besides St. George’s flag ; 
 that is a flag with a white field and a red cross. 
 We do hereby publish and declare that if any in- 
 habitants of this city do on any pretence, grievance, 
 or any differences amongst themselves whatsoever, 
 desert theii habitations, and go out of the Honor- 
 able Company’s bounds, without leave from the 
 Governor ; before they have applied themselves to 
 the Governor and Council for redress, or before 
 the said differences shall be determined in such 
 manner as shall be appointed by us, and shall re- 
 fuse to return being summoned ; shall forfeit their 
 estates to the Honorable Company and be put out 
 of their protection.” 
 
 Four days afterwards the termination of the dis- 
 pute is thus recorded in the consultation books. 
 
 “ Monday, lllli February, 1717. Colloway 
 Chetty, Collastry Chetty and Mino Chetty, the 
 heads of the Chetties that lately deserted to St. 
 Thome, being come back again appear before the 
 Board, and ask pardon for themselves and the rest 
 of their caste, requesting they may be permitted 
 
171 *— 7-3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 239 
 
 to live under the Honorable Company’s protection 
 and enjoy their ancient liberties as Inhabitants. 
 
 “ Agreed that their request be granted, upon 
 their depositing in the Honorable Company’s cash 
 for 12 months the sum of 4,000 pagodas for their 
 good behaviour ; and the heads of the caste sign- 
 ing the law lately established. 
 
 “ Agreed that an interest bond of this day’s 
 date at 8 per cent, per annum be given to Collo- 
 way Chetty and Collastry Chetty for the 4,000 
 pagodas deposited as before mentioned ; and that 
 the warehouse keeper do deliver them up all their 
 bonds, papers, accounts and goods as soon as con- 
 veniently he can ; and the remainder of their 
 money shall be paid them after the account of 
 charges we have been at on their account can be 
 made up.” 
 
240 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1715 - 17 . 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 ENGLISH MISSION FROM CALCUTTA TO DELHI. 
 
 1715 — 17 . 
 
 Before proceeding farther with our annals of the 
 Madras Presidency, we shall devote a chapter to 
 the consideration of an event, which is not only 
 interesting in connection with the early fortunes of 
 the English on the coast of Coromandel, hut which 
 marks an epoch in the history of all the English 
 settlements in India, — in Calcutta and Bombay, as 
 well as in Port St. George and Fort St. David. 
 This event is one to which Mr. Orme and Mr. 
 Mill have each devoted a page of their respective 
 histories, but yet which we have reason to believe 
 is but little known to the majority of either Eng- 
 lish or Indian readers. It appears that about a 
 century and a half ago, a mission was sent from 
 Calcutta to Delhi, to carry a valuable present to 
 the Great Mogul, and to endeavour to remove cer- 
 tain grievances which affected the several Presi- 
 dencies, and procure such advantages as could be 
 obtained by bribery or cajollery from the Durbar. 
 This mission was entrusted to two of the English 
 Factors at Calcutta, Mr. John Surman and Mr. 
 Edward Stephenson ; and with them were joined 
 an Armenian named Cojee Serhaud, and a surgeon 
 named Hamilton. These gentlemen remained at 
 
1715 - 17 ) 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 241 
 
 the Court of the Great Mogul for more than two 
 years, during which they sent frequent dispatches 
 to Calcutta, and some few to Madras and Bom- 
 bay. Copies of most of them however appear to 
 have been forwarded to Fort St. George, and were 
 entered from time to time in the consultation 
 books. Accordingly it has been the good fortune 
 of the present writer to exhume these mouldering 
 dispatches from the old manuscript records in the 
 Government Office of this Presidency. We shall 
 not however publish them in detail, for whilst a 
 large portion refers to discussions which have long 
 since lost all interest, another portion is wanting, 
 and could only be recovered by a collation of the 
 records at Calcutta with those of Fort St. George. 
 We shall therefore simply review these old letters 
 by the light of contemporary history ; combining 
 our extracts and illustrations in such a manner as 
 will best serve to render the narrative an interest- 
 ing picture of the times. 
 
 But what were the times ? We candidly ex- 
 press our belief that in the present day there are 
 very few who either know or care to know. Indian 
 histories, whether of Hindoo or of Mussulman, are 
 generally regarded with a distaste highly flavoured 
 with contempt. The reason of this is obvious. 
 Our historians generally fail altogether to excite 
 our interest or enlist our sympathies. Many can 
 dwell upon the picturesque pages of old Orme 
 with the liveliest emotions. There the intrigues and 
 treacheries of Native princes derive a powerful 
 interest from the fact that the genius of our own 
 countrymen, and perchance of our own great grand- 
 
 31 
 
242 
 
 history or madras. 
 
 fins-ir. 
 
 
 
 fathers, triumphed over all. Arcot and Plassey are 
 to us still spirit stirring names ; and a host of rich 
 associations still hang round the old Port at 
 Vellore, and the precipitous heights of Giujee. 
 But who .cares to read the history of Ferishta ? 
 Who cares to peruse that dreary clironiele of 
 Mussulman dynasties who have long since withered 
 in their tombs ? We may yet exult in the triumphs 
 of Englishmen over Mussulman, Mahratta, or 
 Pindaree ; but neither Mill, nor Elphinstone, nor 
 any one 'else, has hitherto succeeded in exciting 
 our interest in the old wars between Mussulman 
 kings and Hindoo Kajaks, — in old religious dissen- 
 sions between Sheahs and Sonnealis, Vaishnavas 
 and Saivas,— or even in those seraglio stories of 
 murder and sensuality which pervade oriental his- 
 tory in every direction. Yet the time has been 
 when the annals of historians like Ferishta were 
 the delight alike of people and of princes ; when 
 every Mussulman throughout the land listened to 
 the old annals of Ghazni and Delhi, of Bijapore, 
 Golconda, or Berar, with an enthusiasm only to 
 be surpassed by that with which the Jew listens 
 to the chronicles of the kings of Israel and Judah, 
 and to the inspired traditions of Jerusalem and 
 Samaria. Even the very names of places and of 
 men, names which are a positive torture to Eng- 
 lish eyes and ears, would awaken his feelings and 
 sympathies, in the same way that the hearts of the 
 old Scottish cavaliers warmed at the names of 
 Dundee, Montrose, or Killiecrankie. 
 
 We believe that this evil would be lemedied if an 
 historian possessed larger sympathies as well as 
 
i7»-m 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 24$ 
 
 a larger personal acquaintance with the country 
 and the people ; if he appealed to the affections 
 as well as to the judgment ; if in a word he not 
 only familiarised himself with those differences 
 which are the result of a peculiar history and a 
 peculiar culture, but also with all those complex 
 desires and passions, in which all men can sympa- 
 thize because they are common to all the great 
 family of mankind. 
 
 The story which we are about to relate is one 
 which ought to largely excite the interest of our 
 readers. The year 1715, the very year that the 
 Highlanders and the Pretender rose against king 
 George, the two English Factors, together with 
 the Surgeon and the Armenian, set out from Cal- 
 cutta to Delhi. The character of the honest 
 Eactors is reflected in every page of their dispatch- 
 es. They displayed none of the enlightened curio- 
 sity of a Clavijo at the court of Timour, or of a 
 Bernier at the court of Aurungzebe ; but they 
 were shrewd practical business men ; and they 
 went out like members of a Chamber of Com- 
 merce, eager to obtain certain privileges, which 
 would not only redound to the advantage of their 
 honourable employers, but to their own credit and 
 reputation. In Calcutta they desired some protec- 
 tion against the oppressions of the Nabob of Ben- 
 gal, and permission to purchase more villages. In 
 Madras they desire to recover the out villages, which 
 had been granted in former years, but which had 
 been since resumed by the Nabob of Arcot. In 
 Surat they wanted to pay a fixed yearly rent in 
 view of the customs levied bv the Mogul gover- 
 
244 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1715 — 17 . 
 
 nor. A few other similar privileges they desired 
 to obtain, which were of considerable importance 
 in those days, but which would excite no interest 
 now. In a word they went, not as political envoys, 
 but as petitioners. Neither one of them had ever 
 been to Delhi before, but still they were not without 
 Indian experiences. They had formed an exalted 
 idea of the wealth and power of the Great Mogul ; 
 and they knew something of the character of the 
 Omrahs or nobles at the Court of Delhi. Jaf- 
 lier Khan, the Nabob of Bengal, was himself a 
 good type of an Omrah ; a man who rose from 
 nothing, by that happy mixture of intrigue and au- 
 dacity, which is peculiar to the Asiatic. Originally 
 he had been a mere Tartar adventurer, who had 
 rapidly risen in the army during the wars in the 
 Dekkan, and had subsequently been appointed 
 Dewan, or comptroller of finance, in Bengal. At 
 that time, Prince Azim, the grand son of Aurung- 
 zebe, was Nabob or Subah of Bengal ; and 
 when the sovereign died, Azim and his three 
 brothers plunged into a war for the imperial 
 throne. Azim was slain, and Jaffier seized the 
 happy moment for appointing himself to the Na- 
 bobship ; and this post he managed to retain un- 
 til it was not thought worth while to remove him. 
 Towards the English Jaffier had acted the part 
 of a petty tyrant. He had insisted upon searching 
 their goods which were sent up country, and in 
 levying exactions in that arbitrary manner which 
 is especially offensive to Englishmen. This was 
 one of the grievances for which Mr. Surman and 
 Mr. Stephenson now hoped to obtain redress ; 
 
1715-17-J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 245 
 
 and it was therefore expected that the influence of 
 Jaftier Khan would be exercised to the utmost to 
 impede the success of the mission at Delhi. 
 
 But to return to the narrative of the mission. 
 For some reason not explained, the hottest part of 
 the year had been chosen for the journey. The 
 envoys left Calcutta in April 1715, and reach- 
 ed Delhi on the 7 th of July, after a three months 
 journey. The report that they were carrying a 
 large present to the Great Mogul, secured them an 
 escort from the Governors of the different pro- 
 vinces through which they passed ; and they even 
 travelled through the district of the Jauts, who at 
 that time were regarded as the most dangerous of 
 robbers, without meeting with any serious mis- 
 chance. The. day after they reached Delhi, they dis- 
 patched a letter to Mr. Hedges, the Governor of 
 Calcutta, from which we make the following extract. 
 
 “ We passed the country of the Jauts with success, 
 not meeting with much trouble, except that once in 
 the night rogues came on our Camp, but being repuls- 
 ed three times they left us. We arrived at Phwor- 
 dabad the 3rd instant (July), where we were met by 
 Padre Stephanus, bringing two seerpaws, which were 
 received with the usual ceremony by John Surman 
 and Cojee Serhaud. The 4th w r e arrived at Baora- 
 poola, three coss from the city, sending the Padre be- 
 fore to prepare our reception, that if possible, we 
 might visit the king the first day, even before we 
 weut to the house which was got for us. Accordingly 
 the 7th in the morning we made our entry with very 
 good order ; there being sent a Munsubdar of two 
 thousand Munsub, with about 200 horse and peons, to 
 meet us ; bringing likewise two elephants and flags. 
 About the middle of the city, we were met by the 
 Seiad Sallabut Khan Bahadur, and were by him con- 
 
246 HISTORY OF MADRAS. [1715-17. 
 
 ducted to the palace, where we waited till about 12 
 o’clock till the king came out. Before which time we 
 met with Khan Dowran Bahadur, who received us 
 very civilly, assuring us of his protection and good 
 services. We prepared for our first present, vi z. 1001 
 gold Mohurs, the table clock set with precious stones, 
 the unicorn’s horn, the gold escritore bought from 
 Zoudee Khan, the large piece of ambergreese, the 
 q astoa a nd chelumgie Manilla work, and the map of the 
 "'""world. These, with the Honorable the Governor’s 
 letter, were presented, every one holding something in 
 his hand as usual. John Surman received a vest and 
 Culgee set with precious stones ; and Serhaud a vest 
 and Cunger set with precious stones likewise, amid the 
 great pomp and state of the kings of Hindoostan. We 
 were very well received ; and on our arrival at our 
 house, we were entertained by Seiad Sallabut Khan with 
 dinner sufficient both for us and our people. In the even- 
 ing he visited us again and stayed about 2 hours. The 
 great favour Khan Dowran is in with the King gives 
 us hopes of success in this undertaking. He assures 
 us of his protection, and says the King has promised 
 us very great favours. We have received orders first 
 to visit Khan Dowran as our patron ; after which we 
 shall be ordered to visit the Grand Vizier and other 
 Omrahs. We would have avoided this, if we could, 
 fearing to disoblige the Vizier ; but finding it not 
 feasable, rather than disoblige one who has been so 
 serviceable, and by whose means we expect to obtain 
 our desires, we comply with it.” 
 
 On the seventeenth of the same month, Mr. 
 John Surman dispatched another letter to Go- 
 vernor Hedges, from which we make an extract 
 showing the farther proceedings of the mission. 
 
 “We have lately sent to your Honor the good news 
 of our safe arrival here, the visit of the King, aud the 
 civil treatment we met with, all which will without 
 doubt be very welcome news. We have since visited 
 several Omrahs, as the Vizier (Abdidla Khan) and 
 
1715 - 17 .] 
 
 HISTORY Of MADRAS. 
 
 24 ? 
 
 Khan Dowran, and Tuckrnb Khan ; where we were 
 received with all the respect that could be expected, 
 and gives me some hopes that all will end well ; but 
 what gives me the most encouragement (for I am well 
 acquainted these nobles, as long as they are expecting 
 to get any thing are always complaisant) is that the 
 methods we are at present taking is consistent and 
 with the advice and counsel of Zowdee Khan. We 
 visited that gentleman the 11th current, and met with 
 the same treatment he has always given to English- 
 men, with the highest acknowledgments of the favours 
 lie has received from them, that as yet he had never 
 been able to retaliate any of them, but hoped he had 
 now an opportunity of doing something. He pressing- 
 ly advised us to do nothing without the advice, coun- 
 sel, and order of Khan Dowran (and the main instru- 
 ment of our affairs) Seiad Sallabut Khan ; that the turn 
 of affairs at the Durbar obliged us to it. This, which 
 he told us by word of mouth, he wrote me when I sent 
 your Honor’s letter to him. We are convinced he 
 advises like a friend, and we are intent on the method, 
 but at the same time very cautions, how we any ways 
 disoblige the Vizier ; we being very sure that Zowdee 
 Khan was very intimate there, sent and advised him 
 when we intended to visit, that he would use his 
 interest for our better reception, intending to manage 
 the Durbar by his means. He assured us that we 
 might be satisfied as to the important Durbar. The 
 good prospect we have of our affairs makes Cojee Ser- 
 naud very good humoured, and at present tractable, 
 iu hopes he shall obtain his promised reward and con- 
 sidered that every thing is come to its crisis. I take 
 particular care that he remains so, and as much as 
 possible persuade every one with me to do the like ; 
 which I fear gains me but little good will. But as 
 passion must now be curbed, except we expect to be 
 laughed at, we must be very circumspect in our ac- 
 tions and counsels.” 
 
 Three days afterwards Mr. Surman and Mr. 
 Stephenson dispatched another letter to Governor 
 
24S HISTORY OF MADRAS. [1716-1?. 
 
 Hedges, complaining of the invalidity of their let- 
 ters of credit, and the difficulty they had in ob- 
 taining money, which they felt to be the main- 
 spring of their negociations. But before follow- 
 ing the course of their proceedings, it may be as 
 well to glance at the contemporary state of the 
 court at Delhi. 
 
 The Moguls were Mussulmans, but they were 
 altogether a different race from the first Mahomme- 
 dan conquerors of Asia. They were Tartars, whilst 
 their predecessors were Arabs or Afghans. During 
 the Afghan period the Mussulmans had establish- 
 ed several large and independent kingdoms both in 
 Hindustan and the Dekkan. During the Mogul 
 period, these independent kingdoms were brought 
 under the supremacy of one sovereign — the great 
 Mogul who reigned at Delhi. The Afghan supre- 
 macy dates back to the time of William the con- 
 queror. The Mogul period only commenced in the 
 sixteenth century, about the time of Henry YIII. 
 It reached its zenith in the reign of Aurungzebe, 
 who conquered the last Afghan dynasties in the 
 Dekkan, and who died ini 707, after having flourish- 
 ed from the time of Oliver Cromwell to that of 
 Queen Anne. But at the very moment when the 
 power of Aurungzebe seemed to extend from the 
 Himalayas to Comorin, a new enemy had arisen. 
 The old Hindoo nationality flashed out in the Mah- 
 rattas, and the Mahrattas resisted Aurungzebe until 
 the day of his death. From that hour the Mogul 
 empire was on the decline. It became a prey to 
 disorders of every kind, to wars without and wars 
 within. It was threatened by the Sikhs on one side, 
 
1715 - 17-1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 24<J 
 
 and by the Mahrattas on the other. Meantime 
 the country was desolated by internal struggles. 
 No sooner had Aurungzebe departed this life than 
 his sons plunged into a desperate conflict, for the 
 throne, which terminated in the death of all save 
 his fortunate successor and survivor Shah Aulum. 
 The latter died in 1712, and then another conflict 
 arose between his sons, which likewise terminated 
 in the death of all, save a drunken and depraved 
 wretch named Jehandar Shah. The new sovereign 
 was even too bad for Delhi. A sort of religious re- 
 volution was got up by two Seiads, or descendants 
 of the Prophet, who were brothers ; and after 
 another desperate struggle Feroksere, a nephew of 
 Jehandar Shah, was placed upon the throne. 
 
 Feroksere was thus the reigning sovereign when 
 the English mission arrived at Delhi. His great 
 aim was to escape from the thraldom of the two 
 Seiads, through whom he had obtained the empire. 
 These two Seiads had been amply rewarded. Their 
 names were Abdulla and Hussein. Abdulla was 
 made Vizier, and Hussein was made Bukshi, or 
 paymaster of the forces. We may add that the 
 Omrahs of the Court were as ready as their royal 
 master to procure the ruin of the two Seiads. 
 Amongst these must be especially mentioned a 
 particular favourite of the king, named Emir Jum- 
 la. But as we shall see, all their machinations and 
 intrigues were defeated by the energy and genius 
 of Hussein. 
 
 It will have been seen by the extracts already 
 made from the despatches, that the great friend of 
 the English at the court was an Omrah named 
 
 32 
 
250 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11 715 - 17 . 
 
 Zowclee Khan, the same who had earned on an 
 amicable correspondence with Mr. Pitt, the former 
 Governor of Madras. By his advice, the envoys 
 endeavoured to obtain the favour both of Ab- 
 dulla, the Yizier, and of a powerful nobleman 
 named Khan Dowran. But Khan Dow ran was a 
 strong supporter of Emir Jumla, and a great 
 enemy of the Yizier. This circumstance, and 
 others which will be presently noticed, served to 
 delay the negociation of the English envoys for a 
 very considerable period. 
 
 The intrigues against the two Seiads were in 
 full play at the moment of the arrival of the mis- 
 sion at Delhi. Emir Jumla had made an effort to 
 separate the brothers, but without inflicting any 
 blow upon their- power. Hussein had been raised 
 to the rank of Commander-in-Chief, and sent to 
 reduce Ajeet Sing, Rajah of .Mar war ; — a Rajpoot 
 prince, who had rebelled during the recent trou- 
 bles, and had likewise distinguished himself by 
 destroying Mussulman mosques and erecting 
 Hindoo pagodas. The Court party however was 
 not ashamed to intrigue with this worshipper of 
 idols. Accordingly, private advices were sent to the 
 Rajah, assuring him that the king Feroksere would 
 be infinitely obliged to him, if he would use his 
 best exertions to resist Hussein. But this little 
 plot proved a failure. Hussein triumphed over the 
 Rajah, and the Rajah did not deem it expedient to 
 sacrifice himself for the good of the Court party. 
 Terms were concluded between the two in a man- 
 ner worthy of a passing notice. Notwithstanding 
 the influence of caste prejudices, it had been the 
 
1715—170 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 251 
 
 fashion throughout, all the later conflicts between 
 Mussulman and Hindoo, to cement every peace 
 by a royal marriage ; that is, the defeated Rajah 
 was persuaded, or constrained, to give one of his 
 own blooming daughters as a bride to the Mussul- 
 man sovereign. This custom was followed outlie 
 present occasion ; and the Rajah Ajeet Sing gave 
 not only a large peiscush, but promised also to 
 give his youthful daughter to the king Feroksere. 
 Hussein hurried back to Delhi with the welcome 
 news, and was once again all powerful at court ; 
 and Emir Jumla was compelled to retire to Patna 
 and undertake the Government of Bahar. Ferok- 
 sere however still fretted under the domination of 
 the Seiads, and meditated upon the best means of 
 escaping from the constraint they imposed. At this 
 juncture Hussein obtained the appointment of Vice- 
 roy of the Dekkan ; and about the same time the 
 English Factors reached Delhi and were admitted to 
 an audience. Three days afterwards however, they 
 were astonished by the news that Feroksere had 
 left Delhi ; but the following extract from a letter 
 which they addressed to Governor Harrison at 
 Madras on 4th August, 1715, will sufficiently ex- 
 plain the state of affairs. 
 
 “ Three days after our arrival here, the king left the 
 city, under pretence of visiting a sacred place, about 6 
 coss from thence. But the true reason (we are of 
 opinion) was to clear himself of a kind of confinement, 
 which he thought he suffered whilst iu the Fort. After- 
 wards on the petition of his Omrahs to return to the 
 city, the time of the rains being improper for travel- 
 ling, he showed himself resolved to proceed either to 
 Lahore or Ajmeer. Neither could all the arguments 
 used avert his intended journey. This startled us, 
 
 / 
 
252 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11715—17. 
 
 and considering with how great trouble and risk we 
 had brought the present thus far, and how to carry it 
 on at this time of the year, we were something at a 
 stand. At last we concluded to give the gross of our 
 present in, notwithstanding the king was abroad- 
 But in delivering some of the fine clocks, they were 
 ordered to be returned and kept in good order till he 
 came back to the city, he having now determined 
 only to visit a sacred place about 40 coss from Delhi ; 
 after which he would return. This stopped our pre- 
 senting the remainder of our goods, but we concluded 
 that it was necessary to attend his Majesty in this 
 tour. We now continue in the camp, leaving Mr. 
 Stephenson and Mr. Philips to take care of what goods 
 remain in the city ; and in case that the king should 
 proceed further, that they may concert measures to 
 bring the goods after us. We are in this interval 
 preparing petitions to be delivered to his Majesty, 
 hoping we shall do something for our Honorable 
 Masters that has not been yet obtained. The patro- 
 nage and management of this negotiation is in the 
 hands of the greatest favourite at Court, Khan Dow- 
 ran, and under him Seiad Sallabut Khan. Withal, we 
 being no ways unmindful of an old friend Zowdee 
 Khan, without whose advice, we enter upon nothing. 
 But he being at present in so low a station is not 
 able to obtain the King’s ear. However we are 
 satified tbat in whatever lies in his power, he does and 
 will assist us, but particularly in the Vizier’s Durbar. 
 
 Hussein Ali Khari Bahadur Ameer-ul-Omrah is late- 
 ly gone into the Dekkan country, having the entire 
 command of all that part of his kingdom. Your 
 Honors have undoubtedly heard how great he has 
 made himself even to vie with the command of his 
 imperial Majesty, as lately appeared in the disputes 
 between himself and Emir Jumla whilst at Court, 
 when he obliged his antagonist, contrary to the King’s 
 desires, to remove from Court to Patna, whereby 
 through the interest of Hussein, and his own mis- 
 management, he is quite ruined. Wherefore we hum- 
 
1715 — 17 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 253 
 
 hly recommend a very good correpondence with Hus- 
 sein. Otherwise, whatever vve shall be able to dp here 
 will be of very little service before him.” 
 
 Another pleasant intrigue awaited Hussein Ali 
 in the Dekkan. Emir Jumla had been sent to 
 Patna to undertake the Government of Bahar, at 
 the time that Hussein had set out for the Dekkan. 
 Before leaving Delhi, Hussein had assured the king, 
 that if any mischief were aimed at his brother 
 Abdulla, he would be at Delhi within twenty days 
 to avenge him. But the blow was aimed not at 
 Abdulla but at Hussein. Our old friend Dawood 
 Khan had been appointed Governor of Guzerat ; 
 and he was instructed to pick a quarrel with 
 Hussein and cut him off if possible. The further 
 progress of affairs is fully illustrated in the dis- 
 patches. On the 31st August, 1715, Messrs. 
 Surnam and Stephenson wrote as follows. 
 
 We have advices here that Hussein Ali Khan and 
 Dawood Khan are come to a rupture in Barrampore, 
 so that it is likely a battle will ensue, the latter having 
 engaged many of the Dekkan country to his party. 
 It is whispered at this Court that this is a design laid 
 to involve Hussein Ali Khan in trouble, and retrench 
 his grandeur which of late has not been very pleasing. 
 
 “ The king proceeding no further than Paniput,* 
 returned to the city on the 15th, but being a little dis- 
 ordered iu his health hf s not made any public appear- 
 ance. So that we have not had an opportunity to 
 
 * The shrine of a Mahommedan saint of great re- 
 pute, and famous in history as the scene of two of the 
 greatest battles ever fought iu India ; viz. that which 
 overturned the Afghan dynasty and established the 
 Mogul emperors in 1525 ; and that which nearly crush- 
 ed the Mahrattas in 1761. 
 
254 
 
 H1ST011Y or MADRAS. 
 
 ' 1 / 15 — 17 . 
 
 deliver the remaining part of our present, or commence 
 our negotiation, which shall be done by the 1st proxrn.” 
 
 On the 6th of October, the envoys wrote to Go- 
 t veruor Hedges as follows. 
 
 “ We designed to have presented our petition on 
 the first good opportunity ; but his Majesty’s indispo- 
 sition continuing, and Mr. Hamilton having undertaken 
 to cure him, it has been thought advisable by our 
 friends, as well as by ourselves, to defer delivering it 
 till such time as it shall please God that his Majesty 
 in some measure returns to his former state of health. 
 Which advice, we intend to follow, considering that, 
 whilst he is in so much pain, it can be but a very in- 
 different opportunity to beg favours of him. The 
 first distemper the Doctor took him in hand for, was 
 swellings in his groin, which thanks be to God he is 
 in a fair way of curing ; but within these few days 
 last past he has been taken with a violent pain, which 
 is likely to come to a fistula ; it hinders his Majesty 
 from coming out, so naturally puts a stop to all man- 
 ner of business, wherefore must have patience perforce. 
 
 “ Your Houors will have heard of the death of Da- 
 wood Khan in the Dekkan, slain in a battle with 
 Hussein Ali. (This was a desperate conflict, in 
 which a matchlock ball struck Dawood at the 
 moment when victory had declared on his side.) 
 This has given a great deal of uneasiness to this 
 court, it being quite otherwise laid by the king 
 and his favourites ; and that which was designed for 
 Hussein Ali’s ruin, has proved a great addition to 
 his former glories. The king at first seemed to resent 
 it to his brother Abdulla, who not taking it so 
 patiently, as he expected, he has altered his resolution 
 to sending Hussein Ali Khan a Seerpaw and other 
 marks of favour. We have advised in our letters to 
 the Governor and Council of Madras to have particular 
 regard to the friendships of that great Omrali ; other- 
 wise whatever we shall be able to do here for that 
 coast will be of little service, unless backed with his 
 favour. ” 
 
1715 - 17 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 25 5 
 
 The dispatches are here silent upon a point of 
 considerable interest. The king laboured under a 
 disease, which was not only painful in itself, but 
 which prevented him from completing his marriage 
 with the daughter of the defeated Rajah. After 
 some months Dr. Hamilton succeeded in curing 
 him ; and according to the popular story the gra- 
 titude of the sovereign was unbounded. Ferok- 
 sere is said to have promised to grant any favour 
 which Dr. Hamilton chose to ask ; ami we are 
 told that the generous surgeon requested no re- 
 wards for himself, but simply asked that the re- 
 quisitions of the Company might be complied 
 with. The king it is added, immediately granted 
 this favour, and also directed that all the fees of 
 office should be remitted. No such story however 
 appears in the dispatches ; nor indeed is it likely 
 that the envoys would have given prominence to 
 a fact, which was calculated to deprive them of all 
 the personal credit which would otherwise have 
 accrued from their successful negociations. The 
 following extract of a letter to Governor Hedges, 
 dated 7th December, 1715, contains all they had 
 to say upon the matter. 
 
 “We write your Honors the welcome news of the 
 Kings recovery. As a clear demonstration to the 
 world, he ■yirh-H HnvHf the 23rd ultimo, and accord- 
 ingly received the congratulations of the whole court. 
 As a reward for Mr. Hamilton’s care and success, the 
 King was pleased on the 30th to give him in public viz. 
 a vest, a culgee set with precious stones, two diamond 
 rings, an Elephant, horse, and 5000 rupees ; besides 
 ordering at the same time all his small instruments to 
 be made in gold, with gold buttons for his coat and 
 waist coat, and brushes set with jewels. The same 
 
 krtSi , C-SL^JL- 
 
•236 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1715 - 17 - 
 
 day Cojee Serliaud received an Elephant and vest as 
 a reward for his attendance on this occasion. 
 
 “ We have esteemed this as a particular happiness, 
 and hope it will prove ominous to the success of our 
 affairs, it being the only thing that detained us hither- 
 to from delivering our general petition. So pursuant 
 to the orders we received from Khan Dowran, the 
 King’s recovery was succeeded by the giviug in the 
 remainder of our present (reserving a small part only 
 till the ceremony of his marriage should be over) ; 
 and then delivered our petition to Khan Dowran, by 
 his means to be introduced to his Majesty. Seiad 
 Sallabat Khan, who has all along managed our affairs 
 under Khan Dowran, being at that instant, and 
 some time before much indisposed, we were obliged 
 to carry it ourselves ; not without taking care to have 
 his recommendation annexed. Since the delivery 
 Cojee Serliaud has been frequently with Khan 
 Dowran, to remind him of introducing it to his Ma- 
 jesty; hut has always been iuformed, no business 
 can go forward till the solemnization of the king’s 
 wedding is over, when he has promised a speedy dis- 
 patch. All offices have been shut up for some days, 
 and all business in the kingdom must naturally sub- 
 side to this approaching ceremony, so that we cannot 
 repine at the delay. 
 
 “The Rajpoots are likely to receive great honor by 
 this wedding ; the king having consented to all their 
 desires iu respect to the ceremonials ; and this evening 
 goes on his throne attended by his whole nobility on 
 foot, to receive his spouse. All the Fort and Street, 
 through which he passes will be made resplendent with 
 innumerable lights ; and in fine all will appear as 
 glorious as the riches of Hindoostan and two mouths 
 indefatigable labour can provide.” 
 
 We are surprised that we cannot find in the 
 dispatches any further notice of this celebrated 
 marriage. According to Mussulman historians, the 
 festivities on the part of the bride were conducted 
 
1715—17-3 
 
 1IT STORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 257 
 
 by Hussein Ali, and “ the marriage was performed 
 with a splendour and magnificence till then un- 
 seen among the sovereigns of Hindustan. Many 
 pompous insignia were added to the royal train 
 upon this occasion. The illuminations rivalled 
 the planets, and seemed to upbraid the faint lustre 
 of the stars. High and low shared the festivity, 
 and joy thrilled through the veins of all. The 
 Emperor Eeroksere came to the palace of Hussein 
 Ali, where the ceremony was performed ; after 
 which, he carried the princess in the highest splen- 
 dour of imperial pomp to the citadel, amid the re- 
 soundings of musical instrument and acclamations 
 of the metropolis.* 
 
 It was now to be expected that the cure of the 
 king by Dr. Hamilton, would have led to a speedy 
 consideration of the petition ; but no such good 
 fortune happened to the embassy. The king’s 
 marriage, and the general dilatoriness which pre- 
 vailed, — every Omrah at the Court being far too 
 much occupied in plotting and intriguing to pay 
 any attention to the petition of the Feringhees, — led 
 to a delay which threatened sometimes to imperil 
 the success of the mission. On the 8 th January, 
 1 716, the envoys w r rote to Governor Hedges as 
 follows. 
 
 “ As to the course of our negotiations, we can give 
 but a very slender account of their progress ; for al- 
 though our affairs are fallen into the patronage of one 
 of the most able men in this court to dispatch them, if 
 he pleases, yet his dilatory methods of proceeding are 
 such as must make us pursue our designs with patience 
 
 * Scott's History of the successor of Aurungzebe. 
 
 33 
 
258 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1715 — 17 ' 
 
 for the present. Our petition is returned, after having 
 passed the examination of the books ; the next that 
 follows will be the King’s signing ; after which we 
 shall take care to give your honors a particular ac- 
 count of it. 
 
 “We have lately been surprized with the King’s 
 designs of departing from this place, but God be 
 thanked he is delayed for some days at least. We 
 shall make the best use we can of the delay, if possible 
 to effect our business before his departure, but which 
 we cannot rely on. 
 
 “Two nights ago Emir Jumla arrived in this place 
 from Bahar, attended by about 8 or 10 horsemen, 
 much to the surprize of this city ; for it is but at best 
 supposed that he has made an elopement from his owu 
 camp for fear of his soldiers who mutinied for pay. 
 The particulars of all which we are not yet acquainted 
 with, nor what reception he is like to meet with from 
 his Majesty.” 
 
 On the 10th March, 1716, Messrs. Surman and 
 Stephenson again wrote to Governor Hedges as 
 follows. 
 
 “ Your Honors will doubtless have heard by flying 
 reports the troubles that have possessed this place 
 for the past month, occasioned by the coming of Emir 
 Jumla and all his forces, as it is said without the 
 king's order. All the Tartars mutinously joined to 
 demand their pay, which they gave out they would 
 force either from the Vizier or Khan Dowran. This 
 was certainly the grounds of gathering forces on all 
 sides, the Vizier himself having not less than 20, 000 
 horse ; all which continually filled the streets and at- 
 tended him when he went to the king. Khan Dowran 
 and the rest of the Omrahs, with their forces and all 
 the kings Tope Conna, kept guard round the Fort for 
 about 20 days. The Vizier was obstinately bent not 
 to pay the Tartars any thing, without very particular 
 examinations and accounts to be made up for the plun- 
 dering the towu of Patna ; which conditions the Tar- 
 
* 715 — 17-3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 259 
 
 tars did not think to comply with till such time as 
 they found the Vizier was not to be bullied ; when 
 they seemed to be willing to come to a composition, 
 which was effected by breaking their party, and the 
 king’s orders for Emir Jumla’s procedure for Lahore. 
 The king ordered Chicklis* Khan to go and see Emir 
 Jumla out of the city ; divesting him of all his posts at 
 Court, as also of his Munsu^ Jageers, &c. with his 
 glorious additional titles, which are ordered for the 
 future never to be used. It is the general observation of 
 this city, that this has only been a scheme laid if possible 
 to entrap the Vizier, and take away his life ; but he has 
 been so continually on bis guard, that nothing could 
 be effected. So once more all is calmed, much to his 
 (the Vizier’s) Honors, and the entire disgrace of all 
 Tartars in general ; they being almost all turned out of 
 service, a few great ones excepted. Emir Jumla is 
 now 20 coss off this place in his way to Lahore, at 
 present without any Munsu^or post. But it is report- 
 ed he will enjoy the former by the king’s favour. 
 These troubles occasioned the shutting up all the 
 Cu tcherr ies for this month, so that no business could 
 possibly go on ; in which ours met the same fate, with 
 the rest, being just in the same state as a month ago. 
 Khan Dowran very frequently promises that he will 
 make an end with all possible expedient ; but he is 
 such a strange dilatory man, and withal inacces- 
 sible, that we have occasion to summon the ut- 
 most of our patience. There is no help for it, for 
 with all this dilatoriness, he is the only reiguing man 
 in the King’s Durbar, so that we hope he will at last 
 consider and for his own honor see us handsomely des- 
 patched with all full grant to all our petitions. 
 
 “ The great rebel Gooroo (Band u the Seikh) who has 
 been for these 20 years so troublesome in the Subah- 
 ship of Lahore, is at length taken with all his family 
 and attendance by the Subah of that province. Some 
 
 * This man afterwards became famous as Subah of 
 the Dekkan, under the name of “ Nizam-ool-Mulk.” 
 
260 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ins— 17- 
 
 days ago they entered the city laden with fetters, his 
 whole attendants which were left alive being about 
 730, all severally mounted on Camels, which were 
 sent out of the city for that purpose, besides about 
 2000 heads stuck upon poles, being those who died by 
 the sword in battle. He was carried into the presence 
 of the king, and from thence to a close prison. He 
 at present has his life prolonged with most of his 
 Mutsuddies, in hopes to get an account of his treasure 
 in the several parts of his kingdom, and of those that 
 assisted him, when afterwards he will be executed for 
 the rest. There are 100 each day beheaded. It is 
 not a little remarkable with what patience they un- 
 dergo their fate, and to the last it has not been 
 found that one has apostatised from the new formed 
 religion.”* 
 
 It is scarcely possible to conceive of a more 
 wretched state of affairs than that depicted in the 
 foregoing extracts. The leading events are al- 
 ready known to the historical student ; but these 
 notices, written on the spot by Englishmen who 
 were probably eye witnesses of many of the 
 scenes they describe, seem to bring the events 
 more clearly to our eyes. The revolt of a Tartar 
 army in the streets of Delhi is bad enough ; but 
 that terrible procession of 7 SO Sikh prisoners, 
 noth two thousand bleeding heads elevated on 
 poles, is something too terrible to contemplate. 
 We may add that the whole 780 were subse- 
 quently beheaded on seven successive days. 
 We learn from Elphinstone that Bandu the chief 
 was reserved for greater cruelties. “ He was 
 
 * This religion was a sort of compouud of Hindooism 
 and Mahommedanism, in which the leading doctrines 
 of both were reconciled by a strange kind of com- 
 promise. 
 
1715-17.J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 2G1 
 
 exhibited in an iron cage, clad in a robe of 
 cloth of gold, and a scarlet turban ; an executioner 
 stood behind him with a drawn sword ; around 
 him were the heads of his followers on pikes, and 
 even a dead cat was stuck on a similar weapon 
 to indicate the extirpation of everything belonging 
 to him. He was then given a dagger, and ordered 
 to stab his infant son ; and on his refusing, the 
 child was butchered before his eyes, and its heart 
 thrown in his face. He was at last torn to pieces 
 with hot pincers, and died with unshaken con- 
 stancy, glorying in having been raised up by God 
 to be a scourge to the iniquities and oppressions 
 of the age.” 
 
 Eut to proceed with the story of the English 
 mission. The following extract from a letter 
 dated 21st March 1716, is a singular description 
 of the procrastination which generally pervaded 
 the court of the Mogul. 
 
 “ We have frequently complained to your Honors 
 of the strange dilatoriness of our patron Khan Dowran. 
 He is never known to sit out in public, and returu 
 answers to any manner of business ; so that what can 
 be said to him in the way from his apartment to liis 
 palankeen, is all that can be got ; which is so very 
 little for a man of a great business, that many days 
 pass before an opportunity can be had even for the least 
 answer ; and that his own servant, Seiad Salabut 
 Khan, who has the management of our affairs under 
 him, and is as intimate as any one with him, can do as 
 little that way as other people. Wherefore the main 
 part of all our business has been managed by notes. 
 This has been a great occasion of the dilatoriness of 
 our affairs ; all which we were obliged to bear with 
 
262 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 H715-17. 
 
 abundance of patience ; still having very fair promises 
 that our business should be done to ',our satisfaction. 
 Nay Khan Dowran himself, very often both by word 
 of mouth, and in several notes, promised to do it. A 
 few days ago when Serhaud went to pay his respects 
 as usual to Khan Dowran, and put him in mind of our 
 petition, he was very surprizingly asked what peti- 
 tion ? “ Have not I done all your business ?” To which 
 Cojee Serhaud answered ; but the time and place not 
 allowing of a further explanation, he got into his pa- 
 lankeen and went away. This strange forgetfulness 
 made us in very pathetic terms enquire of Salabut 
 Khan, what we might expect after so many promises 
 of having our busiuess effected to our satisfaction, 
 when we had so long and patiently waited, and been 
 at so great an expence, to be thus answered was very 
 surprizing, and what we did not nor could not expect 
 in the least. We were answered that daily experience 
 might convince us of the strange carriages and forgetful- 
 ness of that great man. Still bidding us not to despond, 
 but that every thing would go very well after so many 
 fair promises as we before had received. This gave 
 us but small satisfaction, and the rather made us the 
 more inquisitive, which gave us this further light, 
 viz. that Khan Dowran had been advised by his 
 own Mutsudd ies that it was not Ills business to 
 persuade the king to sign our petition, but that 
 it was better to get the Vizier to advise the king 
 what things were proper to be granted us. Wc 
 were in hope that in case we would have got those 
 petitions granted us by the means of Khan DowraD, 
 that afterwards the Vizier would not gainsay it, as at 
 least by a little bribery it might have passed. There 
 has been several endeavours made to get au opportuni- 
 ty to speak with Khan Dowran so as to convince him ; 
 but more has been procurable. We fear the petition 
 in this interim may be gone in, and will come out 
 signed by the Vizier as before mentioned. 
 
 “ Yesterday the King contrary to the advice of the 
 Vizier, and purely on his own will, went out a hunt- 
 
1715 - 17 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 203 
 
 ing ; and all the Omrahs to tlieir tents. The place at 
 present mentioned is about 1 8 coss off ; but God 
 knows what may be the designs of it, or where he will 
 march to. This obliges us to follow him to-morrow 
 or next day, leaving Mr. Edward Stephenson and Philips 
 behind to take care of the Honorable Company’s 
 effects here. Should the petition come out signed as 
 above mentioned, we shall be obliged to make a new 
 address to the Vizier ; which will not only protract 
 this negotiation, but must lay us open to a denial, and 
 at the best very expensive. We shall advise your 
 Honors as soon as we have any hopes of success (which 
 God send) or what we shall be obliged to recede from.” 
 
 It would be useless to inquire into the various 
 motives which induced Khan Dowran to hand the 
 English embassy over to the Vizier Abdullah. 
 Sometimes it was supposed that the bribes to the 
 subordinate officers had been insufficient ; some- 
 times that Khan Dowran was desirous of escaping 
 from the responsibility of advising the king. One 
 rumour reached the ears of the English envoys, 
 and seems to have been more likely a cause than 
 any of the others. It was said that the mysteri- 
 ous disease with which the king had been attacked 
 the preceding year, had again made its appearance, 
 and threatened to become annual ; and that the 
 king had given private orders that the business of 
 the embassy should be delayed, in order that he 
 might retain the services of Dr. Hamilton. Mean- 
 time the results were most unfortunate to the em- 
 bassy. Mr. Surman and Mi-. Stephenson, strong- 
 ly objected to being handed over to the Vizier as 
 the “cast-off favourites” of Khan Dowran. At 
 this moment an incident occurred, which so plainly 
 illustrates the disorderly state of the court, that we 
 
264 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 nns-ir. 
 
 extract the account from one of tlie dispatches, 
 dated 20th April, 1716. 
 
 “ Whilst the king was encamped 14 coss from Delhi 
 in order to hunt, there happened a quarrel between 
 the people of Khan Dowran and Maliamud Amilkhan 
 .as they came from the Durbar ; which, after their 
 masters got into their tents, ended in a downright 
 fight, herein they fired with small arms, boms and 
 great guns for about 2 hours, notwithstanding the 
 king’s repeated command to forbear, yet was it at 
 last made up after about 100 men were killed and 
 wounded. The king was highly displeased with the 
 liberty they took, and resented it to both of them. 
 But the munsal of all the actors took the trumpet 
 from his favourite ; who was not admitted to his 
 presence for three days, and threatened much more. 
 But at present all is made up and his Majesty again 
 reconciled to them.” 
 
 Tlie story of the delays which followed in ac- 
 complishing the business of the embassy, would 
 be somewhat amusing were it not also intermina- 
 ble. Khan Dowran was at last induced to stir him- 
 self ; but again the envoys were disappointed, for 
 their petition was only in part granted, and then 
 was only signed by the Dewan. At length the news 
 reached the Court that the English at Bombay in- 
 tended to withdraw from Surat altogether, in con- 
 sequence of the oppressions of the Mogul Governor 
 of the district ; and fears were entertained that 
 the English fleet would immediately appear in 
 those seas, and retaliate upon the Mogul ships, as 
 it had done on a previous occasion. This intelli- 
 gence appears to have had an extraordinary etfect. 
 The Vizier Abdulla, began to take an active in- 
 terest in the petition ; and accordingly he is men- 
 
ins-17.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 2G5 
 
 tioned in the dispatches as the “ good Vizier.” 
 All the forms of a royal firmaun were gone through 
 as rapidly as could be expected. The petition was 
 signed without any further demur, by the Vizier, 
 and finally by the king Feroksere. But when the 
 royal firmaun was an accomplished fact, and the en- 
 voys prayed to be permitted to return to Calcutta, 
 another difficulty arose. In consequence apparent- 
 ly of another unaccountable exhibition of dilatori- 
 ness on the part of their patron, Khan Dowran, 
 they could not obtain permission to leave Delhi. 
 At length even this difficulty was apparently sur- 
 mounted, and the envoys were admitted to a fare- 
 well audience with the king. But the event is best 
 described in a letter addressed by the envoys to 
 Governor Hedges, dated 7th June, 1717. 
 
 “ The 23rd ultimo, John Surman received from his 
 Majesty an horse and Cunger, as was pre-appointed ; 
 and the 30th ult. we were sent for by Khan Dowran 
 to receive our dispatches, which we had accordingly ; a 
 se erpaw and culgee being given to John Surman, and 
 seerpaws to Serhaud and Edward Stephenson, as like- 
 wise to the rest of our companions. We were ordered 
 to pass one by one to our obeisance ; then to movo 
 from the Dewan. We did so. But when it came to 
 Mr. Hamilton’s turn, he was told the king had granted 
 him a vest as a mark of his favour, but not for his dis- 
 patch. So he was ordered up to his standing again. 
 Whilst he was performing this the king got up. We 
 were highly surprized at this unexpected motion, not 
 having the least notice of it till that minute, either 
 from our Patron or any of authority ; it being near 
 a twelve month since Mr. Hamilton had been in private 
 with the Majesty, and in all this time not the least 
 notice taken. We were very much concerned at his 
 detainment, and the more because we were assured of 
 
 34 
 
 
IIISTOHY OF MADRAS. 
 
 Ll 715—17- 
 
 
 2 :g 
 
 his firm aversion to accepting tlie service, even with 
 ail its charms of vast pay, honour &c. ; that if the king 
 ilid detain him by force, if he outlived the trouble of 
 his esteeming imprisonment, he might Ire endeavour- 
 ing at an escape, which every way had its ill conse- 
 quenees. To free our Honorable Masters from any 
 damages that might accrue to them from the pas- 
 sionate temper of the king, our patron Khan Dowran 
 was applied to for leave, twice or thrice ; but he posi- 
 tively denied to speak or even have a hand in this 
 business, till our friend Seiad Sallabut Khan had an 
 opportunity to lay the case open to him, when he 
 ordered us to speak to the Vizier, and if by any means 
 we could gain him to intercede that he would back it ; 
 nay if the Vizier refused, he would make one effort 
 for the doctor himself. Xay Sallabut Khan promised 
 to convince the king himself in case of any delay, pur- 
 suant to our patron’s directions. We made a visit to 
 the Vizier the 6th instant, and laid the case open to 
 him in a petition from Mr. Hamilton, of how little 
 service he could be without any physic, language or 
 experience in the country medicines, or then - names ; 
 besides which the heart breaking distractions of 
 being parted for ever from his wife and chil- 
 dren would be insupportable, and entirely take 
 away his qualifications for the king’s service ; 
 that under the favour of his Majesty’s clemency, 
 with the utmost submission, he desired that he might 
 have leave to depart with us. From ourselves we in- 
 formed the Vizier that we should have esteemed this 
 a very great honour, but finding the Doctor under 
 these troubles not to be persuaded, we were obliged 
 to lay the case before his Majesty, and we hum- 
 bly desired he would use his intercessions to the king, 
 that his Majesty might be prevailed upon to despatch 
 him. The good Vizier readily offered to use his utmost 
 endeavours ; and since the case was so, the business 
 was to gain the Doctor’s dispatch without displeasing 
 the King ; and he ordered a petition to be drawn up 
 to his Majesty in the same form as that given to 
 
1715 - 17 .: 
 
 HISTOKY OF MADRAS. 
 
 267 
 
 himself. It was sent him and the Vizier was as 
 good as his word ; writing a very pathetic address 
 to his Majesty, enforcing Mr. Hamilton’s reasons, 
 and hacking them with his own opinion, that it 
 was better to let him go. The King returned 
 an answer which came out the 6th as follows : since 
 he is privy to my disease, and perfectly under- 
 stand his business, I would very fain have kept him, 
 and given him whatsoever he should have asked, lint 
 seeing he cannot be brought on any terms to be con- 
 tent I agree to it ; and on condition that after he has 
 gone to Europe and procured such Medicines as are 
 not to be got here and seen his wife and children, he 
 return to visit the court once more, let him go. We 
 hope in God the troublsome business is now blown 
 over.” 
 
 Such then is the history of this curious embassy. 
 We leave our readers to moralize upon the contrast 
 of those days with the present ; and merely conclude 
 our narrative, by dismissing the dramatis personae. 
 Dr. Hamilton died of a putrid fever soon after his 
 return to Bengal ; and a curious anecdote respecting 
 his memory was told to Jonathan Scott, the trans- 
 lator of Ferislita,by the celebratedWarrenllastings. 
 The emperor Feroksere was not satisfied with the 
 account of Hamilton’s death, which he received 
 from the Governor and Council at Calcutta. Ac- 
 cordingly he sent an Officer of rank to Calcutta to 
 examine the truth from the Natives, whose solemn 
 testimony and that of the Europeans were carried 
 to the emperor. This circumstance was afterwards 
 engraved on the tombstone of the deceased sur- 
 geon. The other English envoys returned in safety 
 to Calcutta, and we trust “ lived happy ever 
 afterwards.” The end of the principal actors 
 
268 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1715 - 17 . 
 
 in the Mogul court forms a part of the tragical 
 history of the times. Three years after the visit 
 of the English embassy, Feroksere was suddenly 
 placed under confinement by the two Seiad 
 brothers, Abdulla and Hussein ; but the story of 
 his death belongs to a future chapter. During the 
 succeeding reign Hussein was assassinated by the 
 connivance of the then sovereign ; and shortly 
 afterwards Abdulla was also thrown into hopeless 
 captivity, and his life is said to have been only 
 spared out of respect for his descent from the 
 prophet. Thus ends our story of the English 
 embassy from Calcutta to Delhi a century and a 
 half ago. 
 
1717 - 18 .] 
 
 1IIST0RY OF MADRAS. 
 
 21)9 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. JOSEPH COLLET. 
 
 1717—18. 
 
 Mr. Collet succeeded Mr. Harrison as Gover- 
 nor of Madras on the 8th of January 1717. His 
 administration only lasted three years, for on the 
 18th of January 1720, Mr. Collet retired in his 
 turn, and was succeeded by Mr. Francis Hastings. 
 The annals of those three years, 1717-20 are marked 
 by events, which are well worthy of preservation. 
 The English at that time possessed a great many 
 slaves, and accordingly two Charity Schools were 
 erected for the children of those slaves. Then 
 again the reception and proclamation of the Fir- 
 maun, granted by the emperor Feroksere to the Eng- 
 lish envoys at Calcutta, was evidently regarded as a 
 most important affair ; and it is interesting to note 
 the ceremonies and rejoicings which took place on 
 the occasion. We have also a lively account of some 
 serious and sharp fighting which took place re- 
 specting the possession of the out-villages which 
 had been guaranteed by the Firmaun ; together with 
 notices of various incidents which serve to enlarge 
 our picture of those primitive but stirring times. 
 
 Before however wc proceed with the annals of 
 Madras, it will be necessary to briefly explain the 
 position of affairs in Southern India. Sada- 
 
270 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1717 - 18 . 
 
 tulla Khan was still Nabob of Arcot ; but Cheen 
 Kulich Khan, better known as the Nizam-ul-Mulk, 
 had been recalled from the Dekkan, and the Seiad 
 Hussein Ali Khan, had been appointed in his 
 room. Hussein Ali, as Subah of the Dekkan, 
 thus exercised supreme authority over the whole 
 of Southern India in the name of the Mogul em- 
 peror Feroksere. 
 
 We shall now place our extracts before our 
 readers in chronological order. The first refers to 
 a curious case of forgery, one however which ap- 
 pears to be more common in our own times than 
 in the generation which has just passed away. 
 
 “ Thursday, 4th April, 1717. The President 
 acquaints the Board that on Monday in the after- 
 noon, Captain John Powney having made a com- 
 plaint to him of Mr. John Kichardson, writer in 
 the Honorable Company’s Service, for counterfeit- 
 ing his hand, by drawing out a false invoice of 
 goods ; pretending to have sent them by the said 
 John Powney on Ship “ Britannia” to Siam ; writ- 
 ing a receipt on the bottom of said invoice, and 
 counterfeiting Captain Powney’s name thereunto. 
 That he, the President, had upon the said John 
 Richardson’s acknowledging of the fact, closely 
 confined him to his room. The said invoice, with 
 another note, whereunto Richardson forged Mr. 
 Benjamin Walker’s hand, being given to Soon- 
 dram, a Conacapily, in pawn for the sum of 200 
 pagodas lent to Richardson ; Soondrum is called 
 in, and produces the true notes to the said John 
 Richardson ; who being shown the same, and ask- 
 ed whose hand writing the notes were of, and the 
 
•* Cork' try ccc k • ^ ,<x ' c ' ^ cx^/cc^ 
 
 /vf e-< cj-vy~ \ J cx u. <t_r\ 4.^- M ^vTvV^ ^ "^ rvL ^ ^ VV , '^ A ' 
 
 ^ <5/<x^ * ^/ CAo^/jla *1 ! >£j- ^ \j e/ 
 
 1717-19.] HISTORY OF MADRAS. 271 
 
 names signed thereunto, acknowledged both the 
 notes and the names to be of his own hand writing ; 
 only excusing himself, by saying he was greatly 
 put to it for money, and hoped to have recovered 
 his notes before they were due. The said John 
 Richardson being thereupon ordered to withdraw, 
 the Board came to the following resolutions in 
 relation to him. 
 
 “ That he be immediately discharged from the 
 Honorable Company’s service ; that he be close 
 * confined to the cock house, and sent for Great 
 Britain (with the 'consent of his creditors) by the 
 first ship ; anil the Secretary is ordered to endorse 
 the said John Richardson’s true counterfeited notes 
 on the back side of them, declaring they have 
 passed this Board’s examination, and are found 
 to be forged.” 
 
 The next extract explains itself. 
 
 “ Monday, 2 ( Jth April. The President reports 
 to the Board, that he has been acquainted with 
 very great inconveniences which the soldiers suffer, 
 by being obliged to give their whole pay to the 
 Steward of the Hospital, for sustenance during the 
 time of their continuing sick in it ; and being 
 also obliged to pay half a pagoda per month to- 
 wards their clothes, as many months as they 
 stay in the Hospital for recovery of their healths. 
 
 By paying so many half pagodas, they of course 
 become in debt, which is so great a hardship upon 
 them, that when they leave the hospital, the pay- 
 ment of the debts they thereby contracted takes 
 away great part of what they should buy provi- 
 sions with. To avoid which, many poor fellows 
 
272 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 H717— IS. 
 
 have ruined their healths rather than go into the 
 Hospital to be cured, when their distempers have 
 been but in their infancy. 
 
 “ Ordered that for the future the soldiers be 
 obliged to pay the Steward no more than two 
 pagodas per mensem for sustenance, during the 
 time they continue in the hospital ; it being found 
 upon a scrutiny into the matter, fully sufficient to 
 furnish the men with good provisions.” 
 
 The next extract refers to a piece of im- 
 morality we should have hesitated to publish, were 
 it not curious as illustrating the light in which 
 such proceedings were regarded five or six gene- 
 rations ago. 
 
 “ Monday, 6th May. Petition from Benjamin 
 Skinner, Serjeant at Yizagapatam, complaining of 
 Thomas Wilford, Factor in the Honorable Com- 
 pany’s Service for having used too much familiarity 
 with his wife ; as fully appears bv the deposition he 
 now produces, taken upon oath before Mr. Bobert 
 Symonds, Chief, and Mr. John Emmerson, Second 
 of Council at Yizagapatam, which is entered after 
 this consultation. 
 
 “ Agreed that the said Thomas Wilford be sent 
 for up from Yizagapatam, and that he be suspend- 
 ed the Honorable Company’s Service till their 
 pleasure be known concerning him.” 
 
 “ The deposition of Stephen Whinship taken be- 
 fore the Chief and Council of Yizagapatam. 
 
 “ The deponent declares upon examination in 
 the case between Benjamin Skinner and his 
 wife Anne, that he, the above said Stephen 
 Whinship, with his wife, Mary, inhabiting in 
 
iri'-is.i 
 
 HISTORY or MADRAS. 
 
 273 
 
 the house with the above said Benjamin Skin- 
 ner and his wife Anne ; that Mary the wife of de- 
 ponent did tell him her husband, that Anne the 
 wife of the above said Benjamin Skinner held a 
 familiarity and an unallowable communication with 
 Mr. Thomas Wilford, one of the Bight Honorable 
 Company’s Factors ; and that said Mr. Thomas 
 Wilford used to climb over the wall at unreasonable 
 hours, and enter into the apartment of Anne, wife 
 to the above said Benjamin Skinner ; which the 
 deponent taxing her with, .and threatening to ac- 
 quaint her husband of her evil practices, when she 
 with tears confessed the fact, entreating him to 
 conceal it from her husband’s ears. Afterwards, 
 upon some difference between the wives of the de- 
 ponent and the abovesaid Benjamin Skinner, Mary 
 the wife of the deponent revealed it to the above 
 said Skinner.” 
 
 Our next extract is far more pleasing. It refers 
 to the erection of the two Charity Schools for the 
 education of the children of the slaves. 
 
 “ Monday, 27th May. The President lays be- 
 fore the Board a paper of proposals delivered him 
 by Mr. Grundler, one of the Danish Missionaries 
 lately arrived from Tranquebar, for erecting two 
 Charity Schools in this city. It is agreed that 
 liberty be given for erecting two Charity Schools, 
 one for Portuguese in the English town, and 
 another for Malabars in the Black-town. The 
 proposals arc as follows : — 
 
 ]. Whereas the slaves belonging to the Eng- 
 lish Inhabitants of this place have a great many 
 children, who have no manner of care taken of 
 
 35 
 
271 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 'J717-IJ- 
 
 thern, but are kept entirely ignorant of the Chris- 
 tian Eeligion ; it is humbly proposed that a 
 Charity School be erected, wherein such poor chil- 
 dren shall be taught to read and write the Portu- 
 guese language (which is the only one they under- 
 stand) aud be fully instructed and trained upon 
 practical knowledge of religion and the true doc- 
 trines of the Gospel. 
 
 2. There being some reason to hope that the 
 knowledge of Christianity may also be propagated 
 among the Natives of this country, it is likewise 
 proposed that a Malabar Charity School be erect- 
 ed in some convenient place in the Black-Town, 
 for instructing poor children in the principles of 
 Eeligion, and to teach them to read, write, and 
 cast accounts, after the way and manner used 
 among the Mala bars. 
 
 3. That these two Schools be allowed the pro- 
 tection and patronage of the Honorable Governor 
 and Council, without whose consent and approba- 
 tion nothing of moment relating to the said 
 Schools shall be transacted. 
 
 4. That the immediate care and directions of 
 the said two Schools shall be committed to two 
 or more Trustees, to be appointed by the Honorable 
 Governor for the time being. 
 
 5. That leave be given to such Trustees to 
 build or buy two School houses, one for the 
 Portuguese School within the English town, and 
 another for the Malabar School in the Black-Town. 
 
 6. That what money, gifts or legacies shall 
 be given by Charitable persons for the support 
 of the said two Schools, or cither of them, shall 
 
1717 - 1*1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 275 
 
 duly be registered by the Trustees in a book to be 
 kept for that purpose. 
 
 7. That the Trustees shall have power to make 
 what particular orders and regulations shall be 
 found necessary for the better management of the 
 said two Schools, provided that said regulations 
 shall be approved of by the Honorable Governor 
 and Council.” 
 
 We now come to the all-important event, the 
 reception and proclamation of the imperial 
 Tirmaun. The history of the embassy from Cal- 
 cutta to Delhi, by means of which the Pirmaim 
 was obtained, has already been given in the preced- 
 ing chapter. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 24th July. This day being ap- 
 pointed for proclaiming the lloyal Tirmaun or 
 charter, granted by the Great Mogul King Pe- 
 roksere to the Honorable English East India 
 Company, for enjoyment of several privileges in 
 his dominions (received from Bengal the 21st in- 
 stant) the following orders for the ceremony are to 
 be observed. 
 
 “ All the Soldiers of the Garrison are to be upon 
 duty, and one company to be drawn up under 
 arms before the Port gate. 
 
 “ The Mayor with all the Aldermen and city 
 officers to attend on horseback at the Port Gate, 
 where the Pinnaun will lie in the Governor’s state 
 palankeen, till the Governor comes down and 
 orders the Secretary to read it in the English lan- 
 guage, and the Chief Dubash in the Moors and 
 Gentoo languages, in presence of all the inhabi- 
 tants of the city. After which, the palankeen with 
 
276 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11717 - 1 !- 
 
 the Firmaun, attended by the Mayor, Aldermen, 
 city officers on horse back, a company of foot sol- 
 diers, all the English with music, are to move for- 
 ward down Charles Street to St. Thomas’ Gate, 
 where the Eegistrar is to proclaim Ilis Majesty’s 
 Firmaun. From thence to proceed to the Sea 
 Gate, proclaiming it there ; and soon to the Middle 
 Gate repeating the proclamation over again ; from, 
 which Gate the Mayor, Aldermen and city officers 
 are to return to the Governor in the Fort, and the 
 Firmaun to be carried forward from this Middle 
 Gate through the Black Town to Attapollium Gate 
 in manner following : viz. First the Pedda Naik, 
 or watchman of the city, to be on horse back with 
 all his Taliars and the country music, then one 
 company of the English Guards, next two trumpets, 
 after which the Chief Dubash. on horse back, the 
 palankeen with the Firmaun guarded by six Ser- 
 jeants after him ; and then all the Moors and 
 Gentoo merchants on horse back close after the 
 palankeen to the aforementioned Attapollium Gate ; 
 where the Chief Dubash on horse back is to hold 
 up the Royal Firmaun, and proclaim it by express- 
 ing himself in the following words. 
 
 “ This is His Majesty King Feroksere’s Royal 
 Firmaun, wherein he confirms to the Honorable 
 English East India Company all former grants and 
 privileges, enjoyed by them heretofore ; and further 
 grants many new privileges, with the possession of 
 several lands in many parts of India, with such 
 favour as has never before been granted to any 
 European nation. 
 
 “ Then he, the Chief Dubash, is with the re- 
 
1717-18.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 277 
 
 tinue to go out at the said Attapollium Gate, and 
 enter the town at Tom Clarke’s Gate, proclaiming 
 the Royal Firmaun a second time there ; and thence 
 to proceed within the town at Bridge Foot Gate, in 
 order to proclaim it a third time ; and from the said 
 (irate to return to the Choultry, where the Taliars 
 and Black Music are to stay without, and the 
 guards with the Dubash and palankeen to return 
 to the Fort and deliver up the Firmaun to the 
 Governor ; the Black merchants being permitted 
 on foot to attend it back from the Choultry gate : 
 and for the more regular management of this 
 solemnization the following orders were delivered 
 the Gunner of the Garrison for discharging his 
 part of the ceremony. 
 
 “ To Mr. Frans Hugonin, Gunner, 
 
 “ As soon as the Firmaun is read before the 
 Governor at the Fort Gate, you shall begin to lire 
 from St. Thomas Bastion, and proceed from thence 
 to the Westward and on the Northward till you 
 come round to the said St. Thomas Bastion ; and 
 then to continue tiring round the walls of the 
 Black Town to the numbers of 151 guns. As 
 soon as the fire is gone round the White Town, 
 Captain Matthew Martin, Commander of the “Marl- 
 borough,” must take up the fire ; and when he has 
 done, all the Europe Ships in the road must fire one 
 after another ; and the country ships, upon the 
 Europe Ships finishing, to fire altogether as fast as 
 they can ; the ships being handsomely dressed out 
 with their colours and streamers. 
 
 “ When the Governor and Company come to 
 the garden at Tiffin, the Governor will begin the 
 
273 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 U7ir-is. 
 
 Mogul's health, when you must begin to fire from 
 the Garden point, aud continue the fire round the 
 town to the number of 101 guns ; after which you 
 are to prepare against Dinner to fire 101 guns at 
 King George’s health, 51 guns at the Prince and 
 Princess and Eoyal Pamilies health, and after Din- 
 ner 31 guns for the Honorable Company’s health ; 
 the ships in the road to fire at drinking the Mogul’s 
 and King George’s healths, in the same manner 
 as they did upon proclaiming the Eoyal Pirmaun. 
 
 “ After the ceremony of proclaiming the Firmaun 
 in the English and Black Town was over, the 
 Honorable President with the Gentlemen of Coun- 
 cil proceeded to the Garden house through the 
 Black town, attended upon by all the Gentlemen 
 of the city on horse back with handsome accoutre- 
 ments ; where all they, English, Portuguese, Ar- 
 menian and Moors Inhabitants, were splendidly 
 entertained at Dinner ; aud the day concluded 
 with feasting of the soldiers, with tubs of punch, 
 and a bonfire at night ; and the Black Merchants, 
 to show their joy at the Honorable Company’s re- 
 ceiving so much favour from the Mogul, made 
 abundance of fireworks upon the Island.” 
 
 The next extract refers to the projected occupa- 
 tion of Divy Island, off Masulipatam, by the Eng- 
 lish. Possession had been granted in the Firmaun, 
 but some difficulties rose in the way. The extract 
 is chiefly interesting as illustrating the feelings of 
 the Natives towards the English of that period. 
 
 “ Monday, 26th August. The President de- 
 livers to the Board a translation of their letters 
 from Masulipatam, one by Cunsum Peru, who had 
 

 1717-18.] HISTORY OF MADRAS. 279 
 
 been formerly Chief Dubash to the New East In- 
 dia Company there, the other from Khan Colonoo 
 > Buggawan, an eminent Brahmin in those parts, 
 advising and pressing us to take speedy possession 
 of Divy Island. They both agreed that all the 
 inhabitants wait impatiently for us, and that we 
 may depend upon having an accession of people 
 from the continent ; the inhabitants being very 
 desirous of living under the English Government, 
 and that there are already eighteen towns and vil- 
 lages upon the Island. 
 
 “ After full debating the matter, it is agreed 
 that Cunsum Pera be sent for hither to give us a 
 more full account of the state of affairs there ; that 
 he be taken into the Company’s service and em- 
 ployed in that business ; and that in the meantime, 
 the President do give orders for providing all 
 necessaries ready for taking possession of 
 Island.” 
 
 The following extracts exhibit the operation' of 
 the impeiial Firmaun, as regards regaining pos- 
 session of the out-villages. 
 
 “ Monday, 2nd September. The President pro- 
 duces translates of letters from the Nabob Sada- 
 tulla Khan, Sunka Hamah, and our spy Brahmin 
 at Arcot, relating to the demand he had made of 
 Trivatore and other villages lately granted by the 
 Royal Firmaun. The Nabob’s letter is wrote in ge- 
 neral terms, with a great many compliments, but 
 refers to Sunka Bamah and the spy Brahmin for 
 an answer to the business in hand. They both 
 advise that in conversation the Nabob told them, he 
 could not deliver up possession of the villages 
 
280 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1717— IS. 
 
 without seeing the original Firmaun, but that lie 
 was desirous to maintain good understanding with 
 the English. 
 
 “ On a full consideration of the matter it was 
 agreed that the President should write to the Na- 
 bob, rendering him thanks for the assurances of his 
 friendship and favour, and acquainting him that 
 21 days after this date, he designs to take posses- 
 sion of the said villages ; and together with his 
 letter to send the present, usually made upon a 
 new President’s accession to the Government of 
 this place ; which has been suspended so long, 
 that we might be assured of the Nabob’s keeping 
 his post ; which has been very unlikely, and if a 
 new Nabob had been established, we should have 
 been obliged to have given it over again. The 
 sum agreed on is 500 pagodas, and one piece of 
 superfine scarlet cloth to the Nabob, and 2 JO pa- 
 godas with some cordial waters to Ducknaroy, 
 the Nabob’s Secretary and Son-in-law, who has 
 the chief management of his affairs. To whom 
 also it was agreed the President should write a 
 short compliment. It is further agreed that the 
 President do write to Sunka Kamah to make the 
 several presents ; and at the same time to ac- 
 quaint the Nabob that it is an express grant in 
 the Royal Firmaun, that neither he, nor any of the 
 King’s officers, should demand to see any of the 
 original papers ; but that copies, duly attested by 
 the Cazi, shall be a sufficient claim on our parts 
 for the several privileges and grants bestowed upon 
 us; and that himself and all other officers are ob- 
 liged to yield obedience to such attested copies.” 
 
1717 - 18 .) 
 
 BISTORT OF MADRAS. 
 
 81 
 
 “ Thursday, 19th September. The President 
 proposes to the Board the taking possession of 
 Trivatore, &c. (five villages granted the English 
 Company by the Mogul) on Monday and Tuesday 
 next, and begin with Trivatore, and in case of op- 
 position (which is hardly expected) to repel force 
 by force.” 
 
 “ Monday, 23rd September. Early this morn- 
 ing the Honorable President (attended by most 
 of the Gentlemen in the place) set out for Triva- 
 tore, whereof he took possession, stayed there and 
 dined and returned in the evening, having in the 
 interim taken possession of two more villages. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 24th September. Early this morning 
 Mr. Richard Lordon set out with a party of men, 
 and took possession of the two other villages with- 
 out any opposition, and returned about noon.” 
 
 “ Sunday, 29th September. The President 
 represents that this morning he has received 
 advices from the Nabob’s Court at Arcot, and from 
 Peersada at Poonamallee, that the former would 
 not accept of the 500 pagodas present, we had sent 
 to Sunka Ramah for that purpose ; and that less 
 than 1000 would not content him. That Peersada 
 had stopped the roads to this city from Poonamal- 
 lee, and would not permit merchandize, or the 
 common necessaries of firewood, &c. to be brought 
 into Madras ; and that he had sent to Diaram, the 
 Head Renter of the country under Hussein Ali 
 Khan, for assistance to distress ns further. 
 
 “ On mature deliberation upon these advices it 
 was agreed to make the Nabob’s present 1000 pa- 
 godas for the following reasons. 
 
 Sfi 
 
282 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 cm?— Iff. 
 
 “ First, that we might divide the interest of the 
 "country Government about us, and thereby prevent 
 their joining together to distress U3. 
 
 “ Secondly, the present last made by our late 
 President amounted to that value, and might give 
 them the fairer pretence to demand the same now. 
 
 “ Thirdly, the present is conditional on his giving 
 a letter confirming to us the peaceable possession 
 of the villages we have lately taken.” 
 
 “ Wednesday, 9th October. The President pro- 
 duces a letter which he received from Diaram 
 yesterday, wherein the said Diaram demands by 
 what authority we have taken possession of Triva- 
 tore and the other villages ; and adds that unless 
 we have a sunnud under Sadatulla Khan’s seal or 
 Seiad Hussein Ali Khan’s Perwanna, to warrant 
 our so doing, we must restore the villages to his 
 order. 
 
 “ The President’s answer to the aforesaid letter 
 is also read, signifying to the said Diaram, that 
 what we have done in relation to the villages is by 
 virtue of his Majesty’s authority ; and that we will 
 not give up our just rights on any pretence what- 
 soever, but on the contrary will defend them to the 
 utmost of our power. The President’s conduct on 
 this occasion is approved by the Board. 
 
 “ The President likewise communicates to the 
 Board a letter which he lately received from some 
 of the inhabitants of Divy Island, pressing him to 
 despatch the Deputy Governor thither with all 
 speed, to prevent the countries being laid waste 
 by Apporrow the Benter, who is now plundering 
 the inhabitants, as apprehending their desertion 
 
5717-H] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 283 
 
 from him upon the arrival of our people there. The 
 President’s answer to the said letter is also read 
 and approved ; encouraging them as much as pos- 
 sible to wait with patience till the rains are over, 
 when they may expect the Deputy Governor with 
 a sufficient force to rescue them from the oppres- 
 sions of Apporrow and to redress their grievances. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 16th October. 'The President 
 communicates to the Board a proposal which was 
 made him by Sunka Ramah and the other late joint 
 Stock merchants, to rent the five new villages 
 granted by the Firmaun, viz. Trivatore, Satangodu, 
 Catawaucha, Vezallawarrow and LingamFauca at 
 1200 Pagodas per annum for 12 years. Where- 
 upon the yearly amount of that llevenue. being 
 examined into, when the said villages were grant- 
 ed the Honorable Company in President Pitt’s 
 time, and found to be just the same, it is agreed 
 that they be let to the aforementioned persons for 
 12 years, at 1200 pagodas per annum ; and that 
 the Secretary do prepare a lease against next 
 consultation.” 
 
 Diaram the Head Renter was not disposed to 
 see the villages taken out of his hands, without 
 making an effort to force Governor Collet to give 
 him a present. The following extracts in reference 
 to these proceedings will be found very curious. 
 
 “Friday, 18th October. The President ac- 
 quaints the Board that he has just now received 
 advice from Trivatore, that Diaram’s son has enter- 
 ed that town with 250 horse and 1000 foot, and 
 had cut down our flagstaff and posted himself in 
 the town. He adds that in the morning a Brah- 
 
334 
 
 BISTORT OF MADRAS. 
 
 unr — la. 
 
 min belonging to Diaram had been with him ; and 
 after a very long harangue wide of his purpose, 
 delivered his errand, which was to demand a pre- 
 sent of 1000 pagodas to Diaram, in consideration 
 of which he would quit all pretentions to the vil- 
 lages we were possessed of. He declared withal 
 that unless we would comply with that demand, 
 Diaram’s forces would take possession of them the 
 next day. It appeared in fact that the forces were 
 on their march to Trivatore whilst the Brahmin 
 was delivering his message. 
 
 “ The President then proposed to the Board to 
 consider whether we should comply with their de- 
 mands of money in order to buy a peace ; or whe- 
 ther we should tamely sit down with the affront 
 they had given us in cutting down our flag, and 
 wait to see how much further they would proceed ; 
 or whether we should make a vigorous charge with 
 our forces, and endeavour to drive them out of the 
 Town by force of arms. 
 
 “ After mature deliberation it appeared to be 
 the unanimous opinion of the whole Board, that 
 we should endeavour to drive the enemy out of 
 Trivatore by force, for the following reasons. 
 
 “ First, that Diaram has no pretence to make any 
 demands on us on account of the said town ; that 
 we are not directed by the Firmaun to demand 
 possession of them from him, but from the Nabob ; 
 his business being only to collect the rents for 
 Seiad Hussein Ali Khan ; and that to give him 
 money upon this occasion would be a precedent 
 for him to make demands on any other, or perhaps 
 without any pretence, whenever he should think fit. 
 
1717 - 19.1 
 
 HISTORY OR MADRAS. 
 
 2S5 
 
 “ Secondly, that to sit down quietly without re- 
 senting the affront, would but encourage the enemy 
 to proceed to greater injuries ; and give them rea- 
 son to apprehend that we were doubtful of our 
 own strength, and must submit to whatever terms 
 they should think fit to impose on us. 
 
 “ Thirdly, our men having of late been pretty 
 well disciplined, and being now completely officer- 
 ed, we do not doubt their being able to drive the 
 enemy out of the town and maintain the posses- 
 sion ; which we hope will have so good an effect 
 as to deter them from attacking us rashly again. 
 
 “ Agreed that the direction of the Alii it ary be 
 left to the Governor singly.” 
 
 “ Monday, 21st October. The President reports 
 that after closing the consultation on Friday even- 
 ing, he held a consultation with the military offi- 
 cers ; the result of which was, that he gave orders 
 to Lieutenant John Itoach to draw out 150 meu 
 of the Garrison, to be in a readiness to march by 
 two o’clock in the morning of the 19th to Trivatore ; 
 that he should endeavour to enter the town about 
 break of day, and if he found the enemy there, to 
 attack them immediately, and endeavour to drive 
 them out of the town, and to keep possession of it 
 till further orders. The President adds that about 
 9 o’clock in the morning he received advices from 
 Lieutenant Roach, that he had entered the town 
 exactly at the time appointed, and found the enemy 
 in possession ; but that after about an hour’s dis- 
 pute he had obliged them to quit the town and 
 take to the plains. That after this they made 
 some attacks, but were constantly drove back ; 
 
28G 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 C1717 — IS. 
 
 and Lieutenant Roach pursuing some of them to 
 the plain, saw a fresh body of horse coming from 
 the northward, which he then guessed by view to 
 be about 500 in number. On these advices the 
 President ordered Lieutenant Fullerton to draw 
 out 100 men more of the Garrison, and with a 
 sufficient quantity of provisions and ammunition, 
 and two held pieces, to march immediately in 
 order to join Lieutenant Roach. By 12 o’clock 
 at noon all things were in a readiness, and Lieu- 
 tenant Fullerton began his march. In the mean- 
 time the President ordered the militia of the town 
 to be raised, who took possession of the White 
 town ; while the out-guards were strengthened 
 by the remainder of the Garrison ; and Gunner 
 Ilugonin, with the Governor’s Horse Guards (being 
 six in the whole), were ordered to patrol about 
 the Washer town and Tondore, to prevent the 
 enemy from burning or plundering on that side. 
 At 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the President receiv- 
 ed further advices from Lieutenant Roach, dated 
 half an hour after 12, advising that the enemy had 
 kept skirmishing with them till near that time, 
 but then were all drawn off, and marched towards 
 Satangodu, after he had recovered the Flag Staff, 
 and Flag, which he again hoisted in the middle of 
 the Town. Soon after arrived further advices 
 that Lieutenant Fullerton had joined Lieutenant 
 Roach with his body, and that the enemy were 
 marched off to some mile distance. On which the 
 President sent order to Lieutenants Roach and 
 Fullerton to inarch back in the evening or early 
 the next morning ; it being difficult to supply them 
 
1717-1S.J 
 
 HISTORT OF MADRAS. 
 
 287 
 
 with necessaries at that distance. They returned 
 the same evening, and arrived at Tort St. George 
 about 8 o’clock. 
 
 “ It appeared that on Lieutenant Roach’s 
 entering the town the boors were not prepared to 
 receive him, presuming we durst not march out 
 of the reach of our own cannon. As soon as he 
 gained the middle of the town, he saluted them 
 with three vollies which did some execution. As 
 fast as they (the enemy) got into order, they pos- 
 sessed themselves of the Avenues which are numer- 
 ous, and endeavoured to regain the middle of the 
 town ; it being a very large square containing a 
 Tank and a Pagoda ; but in about a hour’s time 
 they were obliged to quit the town and take to 
 the plains, though they afterwards made several 
 attempt to re-enter the town but were obliged to 
 retire about noon. 
 
 “ In the whole action, which lasted about six 
 hours, there was not one man of our Garrison killed 
 or wounded by the enemy ; one only of our 
 Europeans was shot in the arm by his comrade’s 
 error in firing ; three of our peons were slightly 
 wounded, but none killed. The enemy left in 
 the place one camel, 6 horses killed ; six horses 
 were taken alive by our men. Tive men only of 
 the slain were left, the rest being earned away ; so 
 that we do not know the certain number, but sup- 
 pose there might be about 10 or 12 killed in the 
 action. 
 
 “ The President adds that he received advices 
 yesterday from Poonamallee, that when the enemy 
 had marched about 3 miles from Trivatore towards 
 
2S3 
 
 HISTOnr OF MADRAS. 
 
 1171T-H. 
 
 Poonamallee, they encamped and continued there 
 till 9 o’clock at night ; and then marched one 
 hour (contrary to their custom) without lights ; 
 fearing, as it appeared, to he attacked in the night ; 
 for when they thought themselves out of reach of - 
 
 pursuit, they light their duties and proceed on U 
 
 their march towards Poona’maHee. Advices from 
 thence further adds that Diaram’s son, who com- tvYw 3 2 
 manded the party, was shot through the shoulder 
 blade and his life endangered ; that the com- 
 mander next to him had several balls in his thigh ; 
 that thirteen more of their men were wounded, and 
 eleven horses, besides one camel and two horses 
 which dropped on the road. 
 
 “ The President concluded that this great suc- 
 cess without any loss must, next to the blessing 
 of God on the justice of our cause, be ascribed to 
 the good conduct of Lieutenant Roach, who had 
 posted his men in such a manner that the enemy 
 was not able to make any attack without certain 
 loss to themselves, as at the same time they were 
 unable to do us the least injury. He, therefore, 
 proposes to the Board to consider of some honorary 
 reward to be given Lieutenant Roach, who to 
 his former merit at Fort St. David, has added this 
 new and eminent service. 
 
 “ Agreed that in consideration of Lieutenant 
 John Roach’s former services at Fort St. David, for 
 which the Honorable Company have in then letters 
 ordered him a gratuity, which has never yet been 
 given, and also in consideration of his eminent 
 service at Trivatore on the 19th instant, in defeat- 
 ing the enemy, with so much loss on their side, 
 
1717 - 18 .} 
 
 1UST0RY OF MADRAS. 
 
 289 
 
 and without the loss of one man in ours ; — that 
 the President by his Commission constituted 
 Lieutenant John Roach, Major of all the Honor- 
 able Company’s forces on the Coast of Coromandel 
 and Island of Sumatra ; and that a Gold Medal, 
 with the Honorable Company’s arms set round 
 with diamond sparks, with an inscription on the 
 reverse suitable to the occasion, (the value about 
 300 pagodas) be given him. 
 
 “ Agreed that his pay as Major be 20 pagodas 
 per mensem. 
 
 “ Agreed that it be left to the discretion of the 
 President to order smart money to the wounded, 
 and some gratuity to the inferior officers, who all 
 behaved themselves very well in the engagement.” 
 
 Thus ended this gallant little affair, which must 
 have created no small excitement amongst the 
 denizens of Fort St. George. 
 
 The following story of a spy is very curious as 
 illustrating the life of an adventurer in the olden 
 time. 
 
 “ Friday, 7th February. The President informs 
 the Board that he had for sometime past kept one 
 Francisco Ferera, a pretended Doctor, close pri- 
 soner in the Fort, on an information lie had re- 
 ceived that the said Doctor had performed the 
 part of a spy, and given information of our circum- 
 stances to the Moors during our quarrels with 
 Diaram. That as to his personal character, he 
 had formerly been a Jew in Italy, and Constanti- 
 nople, and at Grand Cairo ; and that in the latter 
 place he turned Turk, and married and had chil- 
 dren, who now reside there. That he has been 
 
 37 
 
290 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1717-is 
 
 sometime in these parts, and professing himself a 
 Christian, married a Portuguese woman an inhabi- 
 tant of this city. The President adds that he lias been 
 very much solicited to release the prisoner, who is 
 not capable of doing any further hurt with respect 
 to Diaram. He proposes to consider whether the 
 prisoner may not be freed on giving security for 
 his behaviour, and that he shall not go out of the 
 English bounds without leave of the Governor. 
 All the circumstances being considered, it is 
 agreed, that on giving good security as above, that 
 the said Franeisco Ferera be discharged from his 
 imprisonment. 
 
 “ The prisoner proposing one Francisco Gre- 
 gorio, an inhabitant of this place of some substance, 
 to be bound with him in the penal sum of 1000 
 pagodas for his good behaviour ; — it is ordered 
 that the Secretary make out a bond accordingly.” 
 
 The next story of a murder gives us an insight 
 into the working of the police peons under the 
 Pedda Naik. 
 
 “ Monday, 9th June 1713. The President re- 
 ports that some Guzerat Merchants had been with 
 him this morning, to advise him that one Frivadee, 
 a Surat Merchant Inhabitant of this place, was 
 found this morning with his servant hanged in his 
 own house, and that it was supposed they had 
 hanged themselves. That on this information he 
 had ordered the Secretary, in the presence of the 
 Company’s merchants and the Guzerat merchants, 
 to take an account of the deceased’s effects and se- 
 cure them for his relations. 
 
 “ AVednesdav, 11th June. The President ae- 
 
iri7-i9.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 291 
 
 •quaints the Board that yesterday morning lie had 
 discovered that Frivadee and bis servant, who 
 were supposed to have hanged themselves, were 
 murdered by robbers, who had carried off a very 
 large booty in money ; that he had immediately 
 given out orders for a strict search after the mur- 
 derers ; and that just now three persons were 
 brought before him, charged with that murder ; 
 that the case being extraordinary, he had sum- 
 moned them together to hear the examination of 
 the prisoners, and such witnesses as should appear 
 against them. 
 
 “ The prisoners and witnesses, with a considera- 
 ble number of the principal inhabitants, Europeans 
 and Natives, were called in ; and the money and 
 jewels which had been taken by the prisoners flora 
 Frivadee were produced, having been taken in 
 possession of the several prisoners to the amount 
 of five or six thousand pagodas. 
 
 “ On a full examination it appeared to the whole 
 Board that there was sufficient reason to put the 
 prisoners upon trial for their lives for murder and 
 robbery ; and it was accordingly agreed that they 
 should be tried in the Mayor’s Court according to 
 the charter, and that an order be given the Mayor 
 in the following manner. 
 
 “ On a full examination of Cadojee, Perseram, 
 and Kisnados, who stand charged with the murder 
 of Frivadee and his servant on the night between 
 eighth and ninth instant, and several other wit- 
 nesses concerning that murder, — we do find full 
 and sufficient cause to put the said Cadojee, Per- 
 seram and Kisnados on trial for their lives ; and 
 

 292 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [uir— is. 
 
 in order thereto, we do hereby authorize you, the 
 Worshipful John Legg, Esq., Mayor, to summon a 
 court to-morrow, being the 12th instant, for the 
 trial of the said prisoners, and to acquit them, or 
 on their conviction of murder and robbery, to 
 condemn them to suffer death in such manner as 
 shall seem to you most proper to deter others from 
 committing the like crimes.” 
 
 Short work was made of these gentlemen, for 
 two days afterwards we find the following signifi- 
 cant entry. 
 
 “ Friday, 13th June. This morning about 
 9 o’clock Cadojee, Perseram, and Kisnados were 
 executed upon the Island.” 
 
 This event directed the attention of Governor 
 Collet’s attention to the inefficiency of the Pedda 
 Naik. We extract the proceedings at length. 
 
 “ Monday, 7th July. The President reports to 
 the Board that Pedda Naik, the chief Watchman 
 of the town, has forfeited his Cowle by open and 
 notorious transgressions of every part thereof ; 
 that he is become utterly incapable of discharging 
 the duty of that post, having by his extravagance 
 rendered himself unable either to maintain a suffi- 
 cient number of Taliars to watch the city, or to 
 make good any losses that shall happen as by the 
 Cowle he is obliged to do ; that through his in- 
 capacity as a watchman to discharge his duty, 
 frequent robberies have happened of late, and one 
 instance of what is unusual in these parts of a 
 merchant and his servant murdered in their own 
 house by robbers. The President added that if a 
 
1717 — 18-3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 293 
 
 speedy stop was not put to this mischief it would 
 increase upon us till it become past remedy. 
 
 “ The Cowle was then read, and the violation 
 of every part thereof by Pedda Naik was notorious 
 to the whole Board. 
 
 “ The Pedda Naik being called in, and acquaint- 
 ed with the sentiments of the Board on his con- 
 duct, was asked if he had any thing to say in his 
 own defence. He only replied that he was not 
 able to do better, and left himself to the judgment 
 of the Board. 
 
 “ Agreed that Pedda Naik, chief watchman of 
 the city, having forfeited his Cowle, and being in- 
 capable of performing the duty of his office, be 
 dismissed the Honorable Company’s Service. 
 
 “ Agreed that Koonugoree Timapa, Naik of 
 the same cast and family with Pedda Naik, be 
 constituted chief watchman of this city of Madras, 
 under the same obligation of duty, and with the 
 same privileges and revenues as the former enjoyed. 
 
 “ Agreed that the revenues from the Sea Gate, 
 Choultry and Bazar appropriated to the Watch- 
 man, be to the end of this month carried to Pedda 
 Naik account, they being mortgaged to the cor- 
 poration ; and the beginning of the next month 
 delivered up to the new Watchman ; and that all 
 these other revenues be immediately delivered up 
 to the new Watchman.” 
 
 Towards the end of the year 1718, Governor 
 Collet appears to have concluded a definite arrange- 
 ment with Sadatnlla Khan, Nabob of Arcot, as 
 regards possession of the out-villages. The fol- 
 
294 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 D717-IS. 
 
 lowing extracts will sufficiently explain the mat- 
 ter. 
 
 “ Monday, 10th November 1718. The Presi- 
 dent represents to the Board the present state of 
 affairs with respect to the country Government ; 
 that he has been for sometime past, as they know, 
 threatened with forces from the Nabob, in case 
 he would not deliver up Trivatore and the villages 
 granted by the firmaun. But that for about a 
 fortnight past the Nabob had by some of his agents 
 begun privately a treaty of peace with him. The 
 first terms that were offered were that the villages 
 should be delivered into the hands of Sunka Hamah 
 till a sunnud could be procured from Seiad Hus- 
 sein Ali Khan ; which being rejected by the 
 President, the Nabob proposed that the President 
 should write to him in general terms to this pur- 
 pose ; viz, that he had taken possession of the 
 village by virtue of the king’s grant, and that the 
 Company would give orders to return the king 
 thanks for his bounty, and to procure a sunnud 
 from Seiad Hussein Ali Khan. If not that the 
 Nabob was at liberty to act as he should think 
 fit. To which the Nabob was to answer, that if 
 the Company procured a sunnud from Seiad Hus- 
 sein Ali Khan, it would confirm the peace between 
 us. The President adds that the sum insisted on 
 for presents is 2000 pagodas for the Nabob, and 
 1000 pagodas for Jlucknaroy his Secretary, and 
 prime minister ; of which he proposes 1000 to be 
 paid out of the tax levied for building the choul- 
 tries, and the other 2000 out of cash. The Presi- 
 dent further adds that he has not yet returned an 
 
1717-1S.J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 293 
 
 answer to this proposal, being willing first to know 
 the sentiments of the Board concerning it. 
 
 “ After mature deliberation the whole Board 
 unanimously agreed that the President should ac- 
 cept of the Nabob’s proposal, and make peace with 
 him accordingly, for the following reasons. 
 
 First. Hereby we fully assert our right to the 
 possession of the villages by virtue of the King’s 
 grant, without entering into any engagements 
 of receding from that right, even though a 
 sunnud should not be obtained. 
 
 Secondly. That three years time of settled 
 peace (as far as such a thing can be with the 
 Moors) is hereby gained, .and thereby time suffici- 
 ent for the Honorable Company to give their 
 orders for our future conduct. 
 
 Thirdly. We hereby assert the Honorable Com- 
 pany’s right to all the grants made in the Firmaun, 
 in which that of Divy Island is included. 
 
 Fourthly. By making peace on these terms, we 
 effectually prevent all future demands upon us on 
 account of our new fortifications on the Northside 
 of the Town, and of our fortifying Egmore, which 
 used to be always esteemed a ground of complaint 
 and cause of quarrel. It also prevents all claim 
 on account of the goods recovered out of the wreck 
 of the Ship “ Success,” and the manner of our doing 
 it, that is by open force. A peace being once con- 
 cluded without any claim on these accounts, there 
 can be no pretensions raised on them hereafter. 
 
 “The President then told the gentlemen of the 
 Board that this negotiation required the utmost 
 secrecy till it was effected. Besides that, though 
 he does believe the Nabob to be in earnest, yet the 
 

 
 
 296 
 
 IIISTOR'S: OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1717-1S. 
 
 Moors so much affect a mysterious conduct, that 
 it is not to be depended on till perfected. It being- 
 very usual for them to enter on a Treaty when 
 they design a surprizing blow. He added that to 
 prevent any dauger of that kind, he had placed a 
 sufficient Garrison in Egmore Fort, and doubled 
 the guards at all the Choultries ; and that he had 
 employed several spies in the enemy’s camp as 
 well as in the country round about.” 
 
 “ Monday, 15th December. The President re- 
 ports to the Board that this day the peace con- 
 cluded with the Nabob was fully ratified ; that 
 Aga Mogheen, who had negotiated that affair with 
 him, came to the Garden about 10 o’clock this 
 morning with two elephants, fifteen horses, and 
 about three hundred peons ; that one of the ele- 
 phants carried a chair of state with a canopy, in 
 which sat two persons who brought two Seerpaws 
 for the President, with a perwanna in answer to 
 the letters wrote sometime since, expressing the 
 Nabob’s agreement to the terms of peace, and de- 
 siring a sunnud might be procured from Seiad 
 Hussein Ali Khan as soon as it could be done con- 
 veniently. The Nabob sent also a horse which 
 Aga Mogheen delivered to the President. The 
 solemnity was greater than usual on the occasion 
 on the Moors part. We received them with a 
 body of nearly 500 men in arms ; all the Honor- 
 able Company’s servants and most of the inha- 
 bitants being present, with great numbers of the 
 Natives. The presents being received, the Na- 
 bob’s health was drank and 31 guns fired.” 
 During this year Governor Collet was engaged 
 in a long and troublesome inquiry into the con- 
 
1717 - 18 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 297 
 
 duct of the Governor of Sumatra, who by ir- 
 regular proceedings had brought on a war with 
 the Sultan, which had terminated in the forced 
 retirement of the English. The particulars would 
 afford but little interest to our Madras readers ; 
 but the following certified statement of the inhu- 
 man conduct of an English supervisor at this 
 time, furnishes such a sad picture of the atrocities 
 which occasionally occurred, that we cannot pass it 
 over. The entry is to be found in the consultation 
 book of 14th August, 1718; but the event itself 
 had taken place at the beginning of the year. The 
 statement is as follows. 
 
 “ To whom it doth or may concern, 
 
 “ This is to certify that on Sunday the 2nd of 
 February 1718, before noon came on shore at 
 Bantall, Mr. James Morris (supervisor from the 
 Malborough) some thing in liquor. After dinner, 
 he being drunk, he sent for two of the men pri- 
 soners of war out of the cock house ; when having 
 asked a few questions, he ordered them down up- 
 on the parade, himself attending, where he ordered 
 one of them to be beheaded first, and then the other 
 inhumanly to have his fingers and thumbs hacked 
 off joint by joint, and at last his head cut off; 
 after which, or next day, he obliged Sultan Cut- 
 cheel to sign their death warrants ; in attestation 
 of which we have hereunto set our hands this 9th 
 day of August 1717 in Madras. 
 
 Benjamin Graves. 
 
 Robert Wynn. 
 
 Augustus Wynn. 
 
 Robert Barret.” 
 
 38 
 
298 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1719 - 23 ’ 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. JOSEPH COLLET. 
 
 ( Continued .) 
 
 1719—20. 
 
 The closing year of Mr. Collet’s governorship 
 seem to have passed tranquilly away ; and the 
 domestic incidents which occurred at Madras thus 
 present a striking contrast to those tragical 
 revolutions at Delhi which were heralding the 
 fall of the Mogul empire. In a previous chapter, 
 we noticed the state of the court at Delhi in 
 1715-17, when the English embassy was despatch- 
 ed from Calcutta to the emperor Feroksere. We 
 now purpose to bring out in bold relief the con- 
 trast already indicated. Fust stringing together 
 the concluding annals of Madras under Governor 
 Collet ; and then taking a glance at the contempo- 
 rary events which were being enacted in the em- 
 pire of the Mogul. 
 
 Our first incident is simple enough, and the ex- 
 tract will explain itself. 
 
 “ Monday, 5th January, 1719. Augustus Bur- 
 ton, who came out in the Honorable Company’s 
 Service upon the “ Mary” the last year, on 
 his coming on board the ship brought with him 
 clandestinely a young man, named Edmund Massey, 
 his brother-in-law ; without permission of the Com- 
 
1719 - 50 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 299 
 
 pany or Captain, who was ignorant of it till the 
 ship was under sail, when it was too late to send 
 him ashore. The Captain, since his arrival from 
 Bengal, applied to the President for permission to 
 carry the said Edmund Massey back again to Eng- 
 land, to prevent his having to pay the penalty for 
 bringing out any passenger to India without the 
 Company’s permission, which he is obliged to by 
 his charter party. But the said Edmund Mas- 
 sey, having likewise requested to be entertained in 
 the service here as a writer, and being a sober lad 
 And capable of business, — it is agreed that we do 
 give Captain Hobben a permission to leave him 
 here, and that he be admitted into the service till 
 the Honorable Company’s pleasure can be known 
 •concerning him.” 
 
 Our next extract illustrates the peaceful state of 
 the relations between the Government of Fort St. 
 George, and Sadatulla Khan, the Nabob of the 
 ■Carnatic. 
 
 “Wednesday, 11th February. The President 
 represent to the Board that llucknaroy, who is 
 prime minister to the Nabob Sadutulla Khan, and 
 Fyre Khan the Nabob’s general, came to St 1 home 
 last Saturday, with a body of 400 horse and 1000 
 foot, in order to perform a religious ceremony of 
 ■washing in the sea at the time of the Sun’s Eclipse 
 the next day ; and that he (the President) had 
 sent the Company’s black servants and merchants 
 ■to welcome him into this part of the country, and 
 to sound the inclinations of Ducknaroy, whether 
 lie was inclined to accept an invitation to see the 
 (F ort ; and that he had received a very civil answer 
 
300 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1719 - 20 . 
 
 from Ducknaroy and Fyre Khan, with assurances 
 of their friendship, and an intimation that they 
 were inclined to give him a visit. 
 
 “ These two persons having the greatest influ- 
 ence both in the direction and in the execution of 
 the Nabob’s affairs, it is thought convenient to 
 receive them in such a manner as may establish 
 the good understanding between us and them be- 
 gun on making the peace ; and that presents be 
 made them in such a manner as may be most ac- 
 ceptable to them to the amount of 1000 pagodas ; 
 that they may be admitted into the White Town 
 with 20 palankeens, 100 horse, and 200 foot ; 
 that the President receive them at the foot of the 
 stairs in the inner Fort, and lead Ducknaroy into 
 the Consultation Eoom ; that 51 guns be fired by 
 the Fort ; and then taken up by the ships ; that 
 on his departure out of the AVhite town the same 
 number of guns be again fired, and taken up by 
 the ships also ; that the Secretary and Captain 
 Fullerton be sent to St. Thome to invite them to 
 come into Town to-morrow morning.” 
 
 “ Thursday, 12th February. About 9 o’clock 
 this morning Ducknaroy, the Nabob Sadatulla 
 Khan’s Prime Minister and favorite, together with 
 Fyre Khan his General, entered the Town with 
 100 horse and 200 foot (in pursuance to the invi- 
 tation) and came to pay a visit to the President. 
 They were welcomed into Town with 51 guns 
 from the Fort and afterwards from the “ King 
 George” and other ships in the road with a pro- 
 portionable number. The President attended by 
 the gentlemen of Council, covenanted servants 
 
1719—20,] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 301 
 
 and most of the inhabitants of the place, conduct- 
 ed them into the Consultation Room, where the 
 Nabob’s health was drank, and after a shoit con- 
 fabulation, they took their leaves (being saluted 
 with 51 guns from the Fort and afterwards by the 
 ships as above) and went to a house in the Black 
 Town prepared by Sunkali Eamah for their recep- 
 tion ; where they were sumptuously entertained at 
 the Honorable Company’s Expense till 5 o’clock 
 in the evening, when they went to take a view 
 of the Garden house and from thence returned to 
 St. Thome.” 
 
 The following incidents are so simple that we 
 leave the records to tell their own story. 
 
 “ Monday, 23rd February, 1719. The President 
 acquaints the Board that being informed several 
 Patan Merchants were come from Bengal on a 
 ship bound to St. Thome, he had used means to 
 induce them to settle at Madras and to land their 
 goods here ; that he had prevailed with them, on 
 condition they had a cowle granted exempting 
 them from paying the Pagoda or Musquect duty. /y\. cut/ *■ ^ 
 They alledged that to pay to the Pagoda would be ~ 
 
 contributing to the promoting of idolatry ; and 
 that they cannot consent to contribute to the Mus- 
 queet in this place, which belongs to a different 
 sect of Mahommadans. 
 
 “ Agreed that in consideration the granting 
 such a cowle will be no detriment to any part of the 
 Honorable Company’s revenues, but on the con- 
 trary will increase them by the addition of foreign 
 Merchants becoming inhabitants, such a cowle be 
 granted them.” 
 
302 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1719— 2A 
 
 “Thursday, 26th February, 1719. Cliinna 
 Chetty, one of the Chetty Caste, was brought before 
 the Board and charged with the breach of the law 
 made the 7th February 1717, for preventing dis- 
 putes and differences between the several Castes ; 
 wherein it is provided that all the several castes 
 shall, on their public festivals and solemnities, 
 make use of St George’s flag and no other. In 
 violation of which law the said Cliinna Chetty did 
 hoist a Gentoo flag at Trivatore on Sunday last. 
 He confessed the fact, but pleaded ignorance of 
 the law, which could not be true ; that law having 
 been promulgated with the utmost solemnity, being 
 affixed to all the gates of the town for some 
 months, and made on so remarkable an occasion 
 as the desertion of the Chetty caste. 
 
 “ The Board, not being informed of the crimi- 
 nal’s circumstances, fully agreed to defer pronounc- 
 ing sentence till the next consultation ; designing, 
 if he be a man of some substance, to impose a pro- 
 portionate tine upon him ; otherwise to inflict a 
 corporal punishment and turn him out of the 
 bounds ; it being necessary to make an example 
 of such offenders on the first breach of that law ; 
 the preservation of which is so requisite to prevent 
 all disturbances that may otherwise arise on caste 
 affairs. 
 
 “ Monday, 2nd March. The President reports 
 to the Board that according to agreement in last 
 consultation, he had enquired into the circum- 
 stances of Cliinna Chetty, and found him incapable 
 of paying a fine which would be large enough to 
 deter others from committing the like offence. 
 
1719 - 20 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 303 
 
 Wherefore the Board gave sentence that he should 
 stand in jthe pillory for the space of an hour the 
 next choultry day, wjth a label before him to 
 signify his offence, and that then he be expelled 
 the Bounds.” 
 
 The next incident is particularly interesting, as 
 illustrating the growth of religious toleration in 
 the English settlement at Fort St. George. Some 
 of our readers will remember that in the year 1680, 
 when Mr. Streynsham Master was Governor of 
 Madras, the intermarriage of Protestants with 
 • Homan Catholics had excited the attention of the 
 English Government ; and the two English Chap- 
 lains being taking into Council, the following 
 atrocious order was forthwith promulgated. 
 “ That upon the marriage of a Protestant with a 
 Eoman Catholic, both the parties to be married 
 shall solemnly promise before one of the Chaplains 
 of the place, before the Banns shall be published, 
 and also in the Chapel or Church upon the day 
 of marriage, that all the children by them be- 
 gotten and born, shall be brought up in the Pro- 
 testant religion.” How this narrow-minded re- 
 gulation worked for the benefit of the Protestant 
 religion, will be gathered from the following cir- 
 cumstances which transpired some thirty years 
 afterwards. 
 
 “Thursday, 2nd April, 1719. The President 
 represents that the Portuguese priests of St. 
 Thome had very lately taken the liberty to marry 
 some English people belonging to this city with- 
 out leave ; which practice he apprehended to be of 
 dangerous consequence ; many of the young Gen- 
 
304 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 lino -59. 
 
 tlemen in the Company’s Sen-ice being of good 
 families in England, who would be veiy much 
 scandalized at such marriages as were likely to be 
 contracted here, without the consent of the Presi- 
 dent ; particularly that one Crane, late chief Mate 
 of our ship “ Falconbridge”, was married to a 
 French man’s daughter of this place on Sunday 
 last ; and in order to it renounced the Protestant 
 religion, which he had professed all his life till 
 within a few days before. The other was one 
 Dutton, an ordinary fellow, who was married a 
 week before at St. Thome to Ann Kidley, whose 
 father was formerly Governor of the West coast. 
 Her small fortune being in the hands of the Church, 
 the minister, as one of her guardians, refused his 
 consent ; on which they went to St. Thome', and 
 found a priest to marry them there. The President 
 adds that, to show his resentment of such a practice, 
 he had ordered the Mettos not to suffer any of the 
 Portuguese Padres, belonging to St. Thome to 
 come into the English bounds. He further proposed 
 to the Board to consider of some proper orders to 
 be given for preventing the like practices for the 
 future. After some consideration, it was agreed 
 that an order be published in the English and 
 Portuguese languages, and put up in writing 
 at the Sea Gate and at the Portuguese Church, 
 that if any Christian inhabitant of Madras 
 shall be married in this city, at St. Thome, 
 or elsewhere, without leave from the Presi- 
 dent ; that if he be in the Company’s service 
 he shall be liable to such penalty as we shall think 
 fit ; but if the person so offending shall not be in 
 
1718-20.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 305 
 
 the Company’s service, and only a free merchant 
 or inhabitant of the Town, he shall be expelled the 
 English Government on the Coast of Coromandel. 
 Also any parent consenting to, or promoting such 
 marriage, without leave as aforesaid, shall be liable 
 to the like penalty of expulsion.” 
 
 “ Monday, Gth April. The President informs 
 the Board that on a full enquiry into the marriage 
 of the Mate Crane, mentioned in last Consultation, 
 he finds that the said Crane had been bred a Pro- 
 testant, and continued to profess a Protestant re- 
 ligion till within a few days of his marriage ; and 
 then the woman whom he married refused to have 
 the ceremony performed in the English Church, 
 because all Roman Catholics married there are ob- 
 liged to subscribe a declaration that they will 
 bring up their children in the Protestant religion, 
 by an order of Council dated the 25th of March 
 1 G 3 .) ; and that on her refusal there to comply 
 with that obligation, he had renounced the Protes- 
 tant religion and declared himself a Roman Catho- 
 lic in order to marry her. The President therefore 
 proposed to the consideration of the Board, whe- 
 ther that order of Council, dated 25th of March 
 1GS0, should be repeated or not ; which being 
 freely debated, it was unanimously agreed to re- 
 peal the general order, for the following reasons. 
 
 “ First, that the obligation is in its own nature 
 unjust, and a violation of that natural right which 
 all parents have to educate their children in that 
 religion they think most acceptable to God. 
 Secondly, that such a promise can be no obliga- 
 tion on the conscience of anv person, being unlaw- 
 
 30' 
 
306 
 
 H] STORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [17W-20. 
 
 ful in itself. Thirdly, that the requiring such a 
 promise may he atteuded with ill consequences, as 
 in the instance now before us ; the woman re- 
 fusing to be married in the English Church for 
 that reason only ; the consequence of which was, 
 Crane’s renouncing the Protestant religion and 
 declaring himself a Roman Catholic. 
 
 “ Ordered that the Secretary acquaint the Ho- 
 norable Company’s Chaplain of the place in 
 writing, with the repeal of the aforesaid order, 
 and that he is not any more to require such 
 subsciiption.” 
 
 “ The President also acquaints the Board, that 
 the severe methods which he had taken to show 
 his resentment to the Protuguese priests of St. 
 Thome, for marrying any subject of this Govern- 
 ment without his consent, had produced a very 
 good effect ; for that the Padre Governor at St. 
 Thome had sent him a very submissive letter or 
 address, wherein he obliges himself, and those of 
 his fraternity subject to him, not to marry any 
 persons subject to this Government for the future, 
 without asking his previous consent.” 
 
 The following entry refers to the general history. 
 
 “Thursday, 16th April, 1719. General letter 
 from Masulipatam dated the 26th ultimo read, 
 advising that it. is reported that there is an in- 
 surrection amongst the Seiads, who have de- 
 throned and imprisoned King Eerokserc. The 
 said letter further advises, as a confirmation of that 
 news, that the Nabob of Golcondah who was ad- 
 vancing towards Masulipatam, immediately upon 
 
ino-sa.i 
 
 IIISTOKY OF MAD11AS. 
 
 307 
 
 that intelligence returned to Golcondah, in order 
 to draw in his effects with all possible expedition.” 
 
 The Nabob of Golcondah here mentioned, does 
 not appear to have been the Seiad Hussein Ali, 
 Subah of the Dekkan ; for he had gone to Delhi 
 to assist his brother Abdullah, the Vizier, in de- 
 throning Feroksere, and setting up other puppet 
 kings in his room.. Nor could it have been 
 Clieen Kulich Khan, better known as the Nizam- 
 ool-Mulk ; for he had retired from the Dekkan on 
 the appointment of Hussein Ali, and was at 
 this time merely Governor of Malwa. We there- 
 fore infer that by the Nabob of Golconda was 
 meant Mobariz Khan, the local Governor of Hy- 
 derabad. But we shall have more to say upon 
 this subject further on. 
 
 To return to the annals of Fort St. George. 
 The following incident does not speak much for the 
 philological attainments of the English inhabitants 
 at this period. 
 
 “ Monday, 25th May, 1719. The President re- 
 presents to the Board that there is not any person 
 in the Honorable Company’s Service in this place, 
 who is able to translate a letter out of the Portu- 
 guese and French languages into English ; or 
 vice versa, to translate English into those lan- 
 guages ; which has rendered it difficult for him to 
 maintain the necessary correspondence in the 
 Honorable Company’s affairs ; the Portuguese lan- 
 guage being the common language of India amongst 
 all Europeans. He therefore proposes to admit a 
 young man, named George Foriauo, son of Mr. 
 Nathaniel Foriauo (Super Cargo of the Honorable 
 

 fy/^clC Vo - ^ fwr> 
 
 ' (k {{(LVo^r-^ v cv^t-c 
 
 
 A<CV 
 
 -ty 
 
 (X-^v_ 
 
 ^ 03 ^^ /, HISTORY OF MADRAS. [ 1710 - 20 . 
 
 - Company’s Ship “ Hertford” to China), who is 
 
 TJ i^/r- C*~A riS tv\ we ^ qualified for the purpose abovementioned, being 
 jy f />vtAv skilled in both those languages, to be a Factor in 
 
 the Honorable Company’s Service here. 
 
 “ Agreed that Mr. George Foriano be admitted 
 a Factor, Mr. Elwick offering to be security for 
 him, and that the Secretary make out his Inden- 
 tures for three years.” 
 
 The next entry is worth preserving as illustrative 
 of the times. Singularly enough it expresses the 
 same fears on a small scale, as those which have 
 been felt in some quarters in reference to the re- 
 ductions which are now going on in our Indian 
 army. 
 
 tw 
 
 “ Thursday, 9th July. The Honorable Court 
 of Directors having, in the 5tli paragraph of their 
 letters to us by the “ Marlborough,” thought fit 
 to order that the Garrison of this place should be 
 reduced to 360 men and the Garrison of Fort St. 
 David to 340. The manner of doing it is taken 
 into consideration. 
 
 A; ’ V 
 
 '-" vC 
 
 “ It appears to us, — First, that this limitation 
 is only designed for a time of established peace, 
 which is not the case at present ; there being by 
 our last advices from Delhi, two princes with 
 large armies contending for the Empire, the event 
 of which may very probably affect us. 
 
 “ Secondly, it appears dangerous to disband the 
 whole number of supernumerary forces at once, 
 even in a time of peace, much more so in a time 
 of famine. Such number of men must be put 
 upon violent measures, or else be obliged to go in 
 
 /xrk if OjiA 
 
 
1719-20.] 
 
 IIISTOllY OF MADRAS. 
 
 309 
 
 a body into the service of the Moors, which may 
 be very dangerous to this settlement. 
 
 “ It is therefore agreed that the President give 
 orders to the officers to disband gradually the 
 worst of the Topazes, from about twenty to forty 
 in a month as he shall think fit ” 
 
 In the last chapter we noticed that the Pedda 
 Naik, or Chief Watchman, was dismissed from his 
 post on account of neglect of duty. It will be 
 seen from the following entry that it was soon 
 found necessary to restore him to his former 
 employment. 
 
 “ Monday, 17th August. The petition of Coono- 
 gozee Timapa Naik read, desiring liberty to re- 
 sign his employment of Chief Watchman to Coono- 
 gozee Pedda Naik, who officiated in that office be- 
 fore him, and was very capable of executing it, 
 but was dismissed for his extravagance. The said 
 Timapa Naik being unfit to do the duty of that 
 post any longer, by reason of his old age ; and the 
 former Pedda Naik, being very much reclaimed by 
 the hardships which his extravagance brought upon 
 him, promises a faithful discharge of his duty for 
 the future, and tenders the duties belonging to the 
 office of Chief Watchman as a security for his fidel- 
 ity and good behaviour. 
 
 “ Agreed therefore that Coonogozee Timapa 
 Naik be discharged at his request from the office 
 of Chief Watchman of this city ; and that Coono- 
 gozee Pedda Naik be appointed in his stead.” 
 
 Another entry occurs the same day which illus- 
 trates the summary method of proceeding with 
 pirates in Governor Collet’s time. 
 
310 
 
 HISTORY Of MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1719 - 20 . 
 
 “ The President acquaints the Board that on 
 Tuesday 11th instant, he, with the rest of the 
 Commissioners for trying of pirates, did bring 
 Boger Bullmore, one of those that ran away with 
 the “ George” Brigantine, to his trial, by virtue of 
 King George’s Commission ; and that having 
 found him guilty of piracy, felony and robbery, 
 they had passed sentence of death upon him, and 
 that he was ordered to be executed on Wednesday 
 next.” 
 
 The hot winds this season appear to have been 
 too much for Governor Collet and accordingly he 
 determined to retire. But we leave the records to 
 tell the story. 
 
 “ Thursday, 15th October, 1719. The Presi- 
 dent acquaints the Board that having found him- 
 self indisposed during the last season of the land 
 winds ; so that it is with difficulty that he has 
 been able to discharge the duty of his station ; and 
 that therefore he lias determined to return to 
 Europe on the next ship to be despatched from 
 hence ; and acquaints them with his purpose so 
 early that there may be time for settling the Go- 
 vernment according to the Honorable Company’s 
 standing orders. 
 
 “ He then proposed that Mr. Francis Hastings 
 should be sent for up from Fort St. David, as soon 
 as he could conveniently, in order to take the chair 
 upon the President’s going off ; and that Mr. 
 William Jennings, second of Council here, should 
 go down thither with a Commission for Deputy 
 Governor, and that Mr. Nathaniel Elwick, who 
 
1710 — iO.J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 311 
 
 will then be second here, take on him the office of 
 accountant. 
 
 “ The President then produced a letter wrote 
 to himself separately by the Honorable Court of 
 Directors, dated the 8th January 1717, and read 
 the first para ; by which it appears that they de- 
 signed Mr. Elwick for the Export Warehouse- 
 keepers employ particularly, as being well skilled 
 in the sorts of calicoes sent from hence to Eng- 
 land. He therefore, proposed that Mr. Elwick 
 should keep the Export Warehousekeeper’s em- 
 ploy, and that- Mr. llichard Horden Sea Customer 
 should take the Import Warehousekeeper’s em- 
 ploy upon him ; and that this regulation should 
 continue in force till the arrival of the next letters 
 from Europe. 
 
 “ To all which proposals the Board agreed 
 unanimously.” 
 
 The last measures of Governor Collet arc of 
 such a simple character that they require no pre- 
 liminary explanation, and it will be sufficient to 
 lay the entries themselves before our readers. 
 
 “Monday, 2nd November, 1719. According 
 to order of last consultation, Yizago, the Choultry 
 Dubash, was brought before the Board on his 
 trial, for extorting exorbitant fees beyond what 
 had ever been practiced, particularly on the re- 
 gister of slaves. The most that had ever been 
 allowed was 20 fanams in the whole, including 
 the Company’s duty ; whereas he had obliged 
 great numbers of people to pay him 24 fanams, 
 and took the 4 fanams to his own use ; also in 
 house bills registered at the choultry, where the 
 
312 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1719 - 20 . 
 
 true fees are 2 pagodas and 2 fanams per cent., 
 lie extorted 2 pagodas and 18 fanams, and in 
 many instances a larger proportion ; and also in 
 house bills registered at the court, he extorted in 
 general about 1 6 per cent above the usual fees ; 
 and that besides the above mentioned, he has been 
 guilty of great neglect in his office, by putting off 
 the poor people and refusing to do their business. 
 
 “ A great number of persons of all ranks ap- 
 peared to prove the several branches of the charge ; 
 but there was no occasion to hear any witness ex- 
 cept to the last article, he confessing all the rest 
 on their being proposed to him ; some witnesses 
 were called for the proof of that, who very fully 
 convicted him of delay, and putting off their busi- 
 ness from time to time without ar.y reasonable 
 excuse. 
 
 “ The prisoner and witnesses being withdrawn, 
 it was considered that the practice was in itself 
 scandalous and abusive, and particularly oppres- 
 sive to the poor ; many of them being obliged 
 in this time of famine to sell their children 
 for rice ; and the extorting 4 fauams in the fees 
 was a considerable hardship on them ; that, 
 therefore, it was necessary to put a stop to such 
 abuses by making the offender a public example. 
 
 “ Accordingly it was resolved that Yizago, the 
 Choultry Dubasli aforementioned, be turned out of 
 the Honorable Company’s service, and disabled 
 from any future employment therein ; that he 
 stand in the pillory the next Choultry day ; and 
 that he be fined 500 pagodas, one-half to be paid 
 
1719-ao.) 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 313 
 
 to the Charity School, and the other half to the 
 Choultry Stock for the maintenance of prisoners. 
 
 “ The criminal being called in, sentence was 
 pronounced accordingly. 
 
 “ To prevent such abuses for the future, it is 
 ordered that the after written statement of Choul- 
 try fees, being agreeable to ancient custom, be 
 hung up in the Choultry by the Chief Justice, 
 
 “ For registering houses and land in the Mayors 
 Court register, situated in the Black town, pettahs, 
 or out gardens ; for every bill to pay one per cent 
 to the Chief Justice, and half per cent to the Re- 
 gistrar on the value of the house or land. 
 
 “ And whereas most of the buildings in the 
 Christian Town do far exceed those without in 
 value, to prevent the charges running too high : - 
 for every bill value under 500 pagodas, is to pay 
 the same fees as above ; but all bills exceeding 
 that sum are to pay 5 pagodas to the Chief Jus- 
 tice, and 2a pagodas to the Registrar, and no 
 more. 
 
 “ For registering houses and land in the Choul- 
 try Register ; for every bill to pay one per cent, 
 to the Chief Justice, and one per cent, to the 
 Registrar, on the value of the house or land. 
 
 “ For Registering slaves ; for every slave the 
 Honorable Company are to receive 8 fanams, the 
 Registrar S fanams, and the Chief Justice 2 
 fanams. 
 
 “ And all bills, either for houses, land, or 
 slaves, are to pay to the Choultry Dubash one 
 auam, and to the Chief Justice’s Taliars one 
 
 •10 
 
314 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11719-59. 
 
 fauam, for tlieir trouble in getting the bills regis- 
 tered. 
 
 “ And whereas some small houses in the Black 
 Town, not exceeding 5 or 6 pagodas in value, 
 are made over by bills of sale wrote in Gentoo 
 on Cajau leaves, which are entered in the Register 
 kept by the Town Conicoply for that purpose ; for 
 every Cajan bill the Town Conicoply is to receive 
 2 fanams ; besides the one per cent as above to 
 the Chief Justice and Registrar. 
 
 “ The bricklayers for measuring of ground are to 
 receive for their trouble 2 fanams for all valued at 
 100 pagodas or upwards, and one fauam for all 
 under.” 
 
 “ Thursday, 26th November, 1719. The Pre- 
 sident acquaints the Board that he had some time 
 since published an order for registering all houses 
 and gardens in the Black Town, or the adjacent 
 parts, in the Mayor’s Court or Choultry, for pre- 
 vention of frauds in sale and mortgages ; but 
 that some of the poor having complained to him 
 that during the present dearness of grain it would 
 be hard upon them to pay the charges though 
 small, he therefore, proposes that all houses under 
 50 pagodas value should be exempted from the 
 obligation of that order, till plenty returns, which 
 the Board agrees to.” 
 
 “ Wednesday, 23rd December, 1719. The Presi- 
 dent being about to depart for England, demands 
 for his justification hereafter, a certificate from the 
 accountant that he stands not indebted upon the 
 Honorable Company’s General Books. He like- 
 wise demands a certificate from the Sea Customer 
 
 
 
 
1718 - 50.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 315 
 
 that he has paid all their customs due from him, 
 one from the Receiver to the same purpose, and 
 another from the Land Customer. All which are 
 ordered to be drawn out against next consultation 
 and delivered him, the Board being satisfied that 
 he is not in any way indebted to the Honorable 
 Company. 
 
 “ Monday, 28th December, 1719. The Presi- 
 dent delivers in a list of the inhabitants of a new 
 pettah or town raised near Trivatore, consisting of 
 105 houses which are inhabited by 489 persons, 
 male and female, besides children, ranged under 
 the usual divisions of Right hand and Left hand 
 Caste. He acquaints the Board, that the town, 
 in which there is also a handsome pagoda, is call- 
 ed at the desire of the people “ Collet’s pettah 
 and that the inhabitants consist of weavers and 
 painters, which he encouraged by degrees to come 
 and live near this place, that they might be ser- 
 viceable to the Honorable Company. That in 
 order to prevail with them to a compliance, he 
 promised them, so soon as the town was completed, 
 ^ Covvle should be given them to secure to them 
 such privileges and immunities ; and the said Town 
 being now finished, and the inhabitants well settled, 
 he proposes that his promise which is now claimed, 
 should be performed, and a Cowle given them ac- 
 cordingly ; the conditions of which being approved 
 by the Board, as well as the President’s manage- 
 ment in this affair, the Secretary is ordered to pre- 
 pare.” 
 
 “ Monday, 18th January, 1720. Early this 
 morning the Honorable Joseph Collet, Esq., Pre- 
 
31G 
 
 IIISTOBY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1719— SO. 
 
 sident, embarked on Board the “ King William 
 whereon the Goverment fell to the Honorable 
 Francis Hastings, Esq. 
 
 Having thus closed the narrative of the tranquil 
 state of affairs at Fort St. George during the last 
 year of Mr. Collet’s administration, it may be as 
 well to take a brief glance at the contemporary 
 state of the ruling power at Delhi. All those in- 
 fluences which indicate the decline of an empire, 
 were in full play in the empire of the Mogul. Yice 
 and sensuality at the court, frequent rebellions in 
 the provinces, a puppet king struggling for power, 
 overbearing ministers, a mercenary army without 
 theslightest sentiment of loyalty, incessant intrigues 
 ending in open assassinations ; — these, and a thou- 
 sand other significant circumstances, were tran- 
 spiring in India. Indeed it must have been evident 
 to all that ever since the death of Aurungzebe in 
 1707, the Mogul empire had been hastening to its 
 dissolution ; worn out by premature old age 
 brought on by its political crimes, and vainly 
 struggling to retain the appearance of strength 
 and beauty when it was fast sinking into the grave. 
 
 It was during this gradual decay of the power 
 of the Mogul, that a man arose, whose name, and 
 that if his descendants, must ever take a prominent 
 place in the history of this Presidency. This man 
 was Cheen Kulich Khan, better known as Nizam- 
 ool-Moolk, the first Nizam of the Dekkan. His 
 father Ghazee-oo-deen was one of those Tartar ad- 
 venturers, who had migrated into India at a com- 
 paratively recent period, and risen to eminence du- 
 ring the wars in the Dekkan. The future Nizam 
 
1719-50.ll 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 317 
 
 was bom in 1644, and like his father had distin- 
 guished himself in the wars of Aurungzebe. Du- 
 ring the reigns of the immediate successors of 
 Aurungzebe, — Shah Aulum and Jehandar Shah, — 
 he had fallen into obscurity, in consequence of his 
 rivalry with Zulfikar Khan, — that great king maker 
 to whom both the last mentioned princes owed then- 
 thrones. But in 1713, when he was fast approach- 
 ing his seventieth year, his fortunes were again on 
 the rise. Jehandar Shah had been dethroned by 
 the two Seiads ; and both he and Zulfikar Khan 
 were put to death. The two Seiads set up Ferok- 
 sere as a puppet of their own ; and Cheen Kulich 
 Khan, being well known as the enemy of Zulfikar 
 Khan was first appointed Nizam of the Dekkan. 
 
 Most of the intrigues of Feroksere to escape 
 from the thraldom of the Seiads, have already been 
 noticed in the narrative of the English mission 
 from Calcutta to Delhi. But the last of all, the 
 one which led to the downfall of Feroksere, de- 
 serves especial notice ; for it is one which striking- 
 ly illustrates the desperate state of public affairs, 
 whilst it is closely connected with the rising fortunes 
 of Cheen Kulich Khan. But the last and most and 
 important plot of all, the one in which Cheen 
 Kulich Khan was implicated, and which led to the 
 ruin of Feroksere about the very time that Gover- 
 nor Collet left the Madras Presidency, deserves 
 especial mention. 
 
 Very early in the reign of Feroksere, Cheen 
 Kulich Khan had cause to hate the two Seiads, — 
 Abdullah, the vizier, and Hussein, the commander 
 in-chief. He had held the government of the 
 
318 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1710 — SO. 
 
 Dekkan little more than a year, when he was re- 
 moved to the small government of Moradabad, and 
 the Dekkan was handed over to Hussein. Under 
 such circumstances the disappointed Kizam was 
 likely to prove a powerful supporter to Feroksere. 
 Accordingly he was summoned to court, and the 
 emperor promised to make him vizier in the room 
 of Abdullah, provided the Seiads were overthrown. 
 
 A plot was speedily formed, and was soon ripe 
 for execution. Hussein was away in the Dekkan, 
 and Abdullah was alone in Delhi. Accordingly 
 it was determined to assassinate Abdullah at that 
 great festival which terminates the Kamazan ; for 
 on that day the king went in state to the Mosque, 
 attended by a train of nobles and troops far ex- 
 ceeding in number the guards of the vizier. But 
 all went wrong through the criminal weakness of 
 Feroksere. He had a favourite, a low-profligate mi- 
 nion, who was naturally hated by the whole court. 
 The influence of this favourite was all powerful. 
 By his advice Feroksere was induced to postpone 
 the plot. "Worst of all, Feroksere forgot his promise 
 to Cheen Kulich Khan, and actually engaged to 
 make this wretched favourite vizier as soon as the 
 Seiads were overthrown. Lastly the emperor was 
 mad enough to give to this favourite the district of 
 Moradabad as a private jaghire ; being the very 
 district of which Cheen Kulich Khan was Gover- 
 nor. 
 
 These circumstances came out in time, and then 
 Cheen Kulich Khan was more exasperated against 
 such an infatuated king than he had previously 
 been against the Seiads ; whilst the vizier Abdul- 
 
1710 - 20 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 319 
 
 lah saw that Feroksere was incorrigible, and that 
 his own life would be in constant danger so long 
 as Feroksere continued on the throne. According- 
 ly he drew over Cheen Kulich Khan by the promise 
 of the government of Malwa, and immediately 
 summoned his brother Hussein Ali from the Dek- 
 kan. 
 
 The doom of the emperor Feroksere was now 
 sealed. In his alarm he sought a reconciliation 
 with Abdullah, and the vizier engaged with the 
 emperor in mutual oaths of fidelity and at- 
 tachment. Of course such oaths were ut- 
 terly worthless. Abdullah merely desired to 
 gain time for the arrival of his brother ; 
 whilst the cowardly Feroksere continued to lay 
 plots for the assassination of the Seiads. Mean- 
 time Hussein Ali had made a peace with the Mah- 
 rattas, and at last reached Delhi with thirty thou- 
 _ . sand horse, ten thousand of whom were Mahrattas.. 
 
 f ! g l The whole city was now filled with dread. Every 
 
 one felt, fron’Pttie highest Omrah to the lowest 
 dealer in the bazaars, that a terrible convulsion 
 was at hand. The very appearance of the 
 Mahrattas, Hindoo robbers as they were, sug- 
 gested ideas of massacre and plunder to the 
 Mussulmen of Delhi ; whilst no one could foretell 
 who would gain the ascendant, the Seiads or the 
 emperor. Meantime the wretched Feroksere began 
 to see his own folly. He was however far too 
 weak and cowardly to attempt the slightest resis- 
 tance to the two Seiads, and therefore helplessly 
 submitted to their mercy. They demanded that 
 the royal guards should be withdrawn from the 
 
320 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 L1719-S0. 
 
 palace, and that their own soldiers should be post- 
 ed in their room. Eeroksere obeyed. Hussein Ali 
 then paid him a formal visit, and the poor miser- 
 able emperor made a desperate effort to conciliate 
 his enemy. He received the Seiad with the great- 
 est distinction. He burst into tears and placed 
 his own turban on the head of Hussein ; and even 
 took the jewels from his dress and pressed Hussein 
 to accept them. Eut the Seiad refused, and 
 upbraided the fallen monarch with his ingratitude. 
 He then left the palace without paying any of the 
 ordinary ceremonies of respect due to the person 
 of his sovereign. 
 
 In a few days more all was over. On the 15th 
 of February 1719, Feroksere expressed a wish to 
 hunt, but the Seiads suspected him of designing 
 an escape, and obliged him to postpone the inten- 
 tion. The next day the Seiads surrounded the 
 palace with their troops, and the vizier entered 
 the presence of the Emperor, and demanded that 
 all the offices of the palace should be given into 
 his hands. Feroksere promised compliance, but 
 prayed for delay ; and the evasion threw the vizier 
 into such a passion, that the terrified emperor re- 
 treated to the haram, which he hoped would be 
 respected by the rebels. 
 
 The story of the night which followed is one of 
 the most thrilling narratives in all the Mussulman 
 histories. The vizier Abdullah remained in the 
 palace, and so also did Ajeet Sing, II a j ah of 
 Mewar, whose daughter had been given in 
 marriage to Feroksere as a token of submission to 
 the Mogul supremacy. The army of Hussein 
 
1 * 16 — 20 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 321 
 
 Ali, including the ten thousand Mahrattas, re- 
 mained under arms the whole night. Early in 
 the morning a rumour flew through the city 
 that the vizier had been killed by Ajeet Sing, who 
 had resolved to protect the emperor his son-in-law; 
 and accordingly several omrahs prepared to rise 
 against Hussein Ali. Meantime a party of Mah- 
 rattas had engaged with some soldiers whom they 
 had mistaken for an enemy ; and the still more 
 frightful rumour spread through Delhi that the 
 Mahrattas were plundering the city. At once the 
 whole population of fiery Mussulmen arose as one 
 man against the idolatrous Mahrattas. Eifteen 
 hundred Hindoos were massacred in the streets, and 
 the whole city was thrown into frightful disorder. 
 Those omrahs who supported the cause of the 
 Seiads, in their alarm at the supposed death of the 
 vizier, were preparing to make their escape from the 
 scene of anarchy. Plunder, fire, and massacre had 
 already begun, when the news spread that Abdul- 
 lah was still alive. Hussein Ali and his friends now 
 recovered their spirits and restored order. The 
 royal servants were dispersed after a brief resist- 
 ance ; and it was proclaimed from the walls of the 
 citadel that another prince had ascended the 
 throne. 
 
 Whilst these events were being transacted in the 
 city, still darker horrors were being perpetrated in 
 the palace. Feroksere utterly refused to leave the 
 haram. Meantime Abdullah was informed that the 
 people were already in revolt, and that no time 
 was to be lost. In this extremity he commanded 
 some Afghans to force open the doors of the 
 
 41 
 
22 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1719 — 20 * 
 
 liaram. There was a short conflict with the 
 eunuchs and other attendants, and then the vizier 
 and his rude soldiery rushed into the sacred apart- 
 ments. The unhappy emperor, surrounded by his 
 mother, wife, daughter, and other princesses, was 
 soon discovered. The royal ladies filled the air 
 with their shrieks and prayers for mercy, whilst 
 Feroksere himself was in an agony of terror. But 
 Abdullah turned a deaf ear to all entreaties, and 
 pounced upon his prey. The emperor was drag- 
 ged from the arms of the half frantic women, and 
 thrown into a dark chamber. A child was taken 
 from the confined princes, and immediately seat - 
 ed upon the throne ; and the booming of cannon 
 and customary strains of music announced to the 
 people of Delhi that Feroksere was deposed and 
 that another puppet king reigned in his stead. 
 
 The end of Feroksere may be related almost in 
 the very words of the Mussulman historian. For 
 two months he was confined in a dark chamber, 
 enduring various calamities. The hot iron, by 
 which so many princes had been incapacitated 
 from reigning, was drawn over the eyes of Ferok- 
 sere ; but strange to say it did not utterly destroy 
 his sight. He sent the most piteous messages to 
 the Seiads, praying to be restored to the throne 
 on any terms they chose'; but not the slightest 
 attention was paid to his prayers. Then he pro- 
 mised immense rewards to his keepers, provided 
 they would connive at his escape. The Seiads 
 were now alarmed, for Feroksere was still lament- 
 ed by the lower orders amongst whom he had 
 squandered his treasures, and an escape might be 
 
erw-M.] HISTORY OF MADRAS. 323 
 
 followed by a revolt and a revolution. According- 
 ly they resolved on his death. On two different 
 occasions poison was mingled with his victuals, 
 but without effect. The third time lie was thrown 
 into violent agonies, and began to invoke God 
 against his murderers. The bow string was then 
 sent for, but the emperor struggled against his 
 executioners with all the violence of desperation. 
 He seized the bow string with his hands, and it 
 was only after he had been beaten down with 
 clubs, that the string was passed round his neck, 
 and he at last expired. On the following evening 
 the body was interred in the tomb of Hutnayun, fol- 
 lowed by a large crowd, cursing the Seiads and 
 lamenting their beloved Feroksere. 
 
 The new child emperor only reigned four 
 months, and then died of a consumption. Another 
 child was taken from amongst the confined princes, 
 but he shared the same fate. At last a healthier 
 young prince was selected, who ascended the 
 throne under the name of Mohammed Shah. He 
 began to reign before the end of 1719, and 
 before the end of 1720 the power of the Seiads 
 was entirely over. This event is so intimately 
 connected with the final establishment of Cheen 
 Kulich Khan as Nizam of the Dekkan, that we can 
 scarcely avoid narrating it here. 
 
 On the deposition of Feroksere, Cheen Kulich 
 Khan had obtained his promised reward, namely, 
 the government of Malwa. There he found every- 
 thing lapsing into anarchy; — the Zemindars as- 
 serting their independence, and the people either 
 suffering from robbers or becoming robbers them- 
 
324 HISTORY OF MADRAS. [171»-20. 
 
 selves. These disorders justified him in raising 
 and maintaining troops ; but the Seiads soon sus- 
 pected that he was aiming at something far beyond 
 the mere defence of his province. Accordingly 
 they tried every friendly means to remove him. 
 Hussein Ali was still viceroy of the Dekkan, and 
 they hinted to Cheen Kulich Khan, that as 
 Malwa lay half way between the Dekkan and 
 Delhi, so it would form a very convenient re- 
 sidence for Hussein Ali ; inasmuch as from that 
 spot Hussein could both superintend his vice royal- 
 ty in the Dekkan, and watch the progress of 
 affairs at the capital. Accordingly they offered 
 Cheen Kulich Khan four other Subahs, any one 
 of which he might have in exchange for Malwa. 
 He sent back an insulting refusal, and then march- 
 ed an army over the Nerbudda into the Dekkan, 
 where he had many old connections both amongst 
 ■the Mussulmans and the Mahrattas. There he 
 achieved a brilliant success, and the Seiads became 
 alarmed. An army was sent against him, but he de- 
 feated it. At the same time, the new king Moham- 
 med Shah, saw in Cheen Kulich Khan, one who 
 might deliver him from the thraldom of the Seiads. 
 Accordingly he sent secret messages assuring him 
 that he should receive royal support in his resis- 
 tance to the Seiads. 
 
 In this extremity the Seiads resolved that Hus- 
 sein should march against the self-constituted 
 Nizam of the Dekkan, whilst Abdullah remained 
 at Delhi. To make matters doubly sure, it was 
 also resolved that Mohammed Shah should ac- 
 company Hussein. This circumstance proved the 
 
17U-2U.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 ruin of the Seiads. A conspiracy was formed 
 for assassinating Hussein during the march. 
 A savage Calmuck named Hyder Khan was 
 pitched upon to strike the blow. Whilst 
 Hussein was passing along in his palankeen, 
 Hyder attracted his attention with a petition ; and 
 when Hussein commanded him to present it, he 
 drew out liis dagger and inflicted a mortal blow 
 upon the Seiad. Hussein suspected the author 
 of the conspiracy, and cried out “ Put the emperor 
 to death.” But it was too late. The necessary 
 preparations had been made for the defence of Mo- 
 hammed Shah, though the assassin himself was 
 cut in pieces on the spot by a hundred swords. 
 
 Here closes the story of the famous usurpa- 
 tion of the Seiads. Mohammed Shah returned to 
 Delhi, and Abdullah was utterly defeated, and im- 
 prisoned for life. How the Mogul empire rapidly 
 faded away, until it seemed to expire in the funeral 
 pyre heaped up by Nadir Shah, belongs to a future 
 episode in our annals of the Madras Presidency. 
 
326 
 
 history or Madras. 
 
 n 720-51. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. FRANCIS HASTINGS. 
 
 1720—21. 
 
 The Governorship of Mr. Francis Hastings, the 
 successor of Mr. Collett, was short and turbulent. 
 It lasted little more than a year and a half, name- 
 ly, from the 18th of January, 1720, to the 15th of 
 October, 1721. The foreign relations were quiet 
 enough at this time, and for some years afterwards, 
 as both Sadatulla Khan, Nabob of the Carnatic, 
 and Cheen Kulick Khan, Subah of the Dekkan, 
 were far too busy in establishing themselves in 
 their several governments to pay much attention 
 to the little Factory at Fort St. George, so long 
 as it paid the annual rental on the day it was due. 
 But the internal affairs of the settlement were 
 marked by many irregularities and disorders during 
 the administration of Mr. Hastings, and of his 
 successor Mr. Elwick ; and thus necessitated those 
 rigid inquiries and thorough reforms which were 
 subsequently carried out by one of the most re- 
 markable of all the early Governors of Fort St. 
 George, namely, Mr. James Macrae. 
 
 The first incident under the rule of Mr. Hastings 
 is connected with an extraordinary dispute with an 
 Havildar in the neighbourhood of Egmore, which 
 was brought to a tragical conclusion ; the Havildar 
 
1720 — 31. J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 327 
 
 being shot dead in the midst of the quarrel by the 
 Company’s Chief Peon. The following is the offi- 
 cial narrative of the affair. 
 
 “ Saturday, 20th February, 1720. The Presi- 
 dent acquaints the Board, that last night the 
 U i' ■ ' ' - Havildar of the Met to nea r Egmore had stopped 
 
 some oxen, loadelTmlh Hnicks and straw, which 
 belonged to the Honorable Company, which were 
 coming into Town. This morning, being com- 
 plained to about it by the Paymaster, as also of 
 the people being beat and imprisoned that were 
 driving the oxen and refused to pay some money, 
 which the Metto people would have extorted from 
 them ; — he (the President) sent the Chief Dubash, 
 with some others, to know the reason of such 
 an insult, and to demand the delivery of our people 
 whom he had imprisoned. The President adds 
 that instead of receiving answer to that message, 
 the Havildar returned him a very saucy one, and 
 refused to let the Honorable Company’s goods and 
 people pass ; though the Cliief Dubash used many 
 mild persuasive arguments with him for that pur- 
 pose, At length, not being able to prevail, the 
 Chief Dubash returned and gave the President an 
 account of what had passed ; whereupon he order- 
 ed the Chief Peon, with some others, to go and 
 expostulate with the Havildar further, and in case 
 of any resistance to force the Havildar to a com- 
 pliance. But when the Chief Peon w'ent to him, 
 he found him at the head of about 50 of his peons 
 and people in a fighting posture ; and upon going 
 up to him to deliver the President’s message, 
 the Havildar drew his scimetar and struck at 
 
S x. <7 o 
 
 323 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 1172 * - 11 . 
 
 him, which he warded off with his target, 
 and thereby evaded being cut down. The Chief 
 Peon immediately drew a pistol from his side, and 
 shot the Havildar ; which when he had done, he 
 with his people fell upon the rest and killed two 
 more, which terrified them all so much that they 
 ran away. 
 
 “ The President adds that he thinks the Chief 
 Peon has by this action showed himself a trusty 
 servant to the Honorable Company, and deserves 
 encouragement ; that if he had sat tamely down 
 under this first insult, we should not have failed 
 of receiving many more of a higher degree ; and 
 that our showing our resentment upon this occa- 
 sion will have a good influence upon all the Metto 
 * people, and J unkameers for the future ; that lest 
 the matter should be represented to our prejudice 
 to the Nabob, he has taken care to transmit an ex- 
 act account of it to our Vakeel at Arcot ; and for 
 the security of the garrison has given orders to the 
 Officers to be upon a very strict guard for fear of 
 surprise.” 
 
 “ Monday, 14th March, 1720. The President 
 acquaints the Board that he has received very 
 friendly letters from the Nabob and Ducknaroy 
 upon the subject of the Metto Havildar being 
 unfortunately killed by our peons ; and that appre- 
 hending no disturbance will ensue, he has ordered 
 in the guards which he had joined to those at 
 Egmore and the Choultries, in order to put a stop 
 to the expenee occasioned thereby.” 
 
 The next event is narrated at a length far ex- 
 ceeding its importance, and can be best told in a 
 
1720— no 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 329 
 
 few words. It seems that a discovery was made 
 that some sort of correspondence had been going- 
 on between the principal Chetties in Madras and 
 the Portuguese Viceroy of Goa. From a perusal 
 of the papers it would seem that this correspond- 
 ence only referred to some presents that the Viceroy 
 of Goa wished to send to Hussein Ali, the previ- 
 ous Subah of the Dekkan ; but Governor Hastings 
 appears to have suspected that the correspondence 
 had for its object the “ revolt of the Chetties,” or 
 in other words their removal from the English Go- 
 vernment of Fort St. George to the Portuguese 
 Government of St. Thome. The matter assumes 
 an undue importance in the records, inasmuch as 
 it was the cause of a tremendous quarrel between 
 Governor Hastings, and Mr. Nathaniel Elwick, 
 who was at that time third in Council ; Governor 
 Hastings being inclined to deal harshly with the 
 Chetties, whilst Mr. Elwick declared that no proof 
 whatever had been furnished that they were really 
 guilty. Under such circumstances Governor Hast- 
 ings placed the Heads of the Chetties under con- 
 finement, and then ordered the following proclama- 
 tion to be posted on the Sea Gate, with the view 
 of obtaining further evidence against them. 
 
 “ Monday, 25th April, 1720. Whereas a dis- 
 covery hath lately been made of a design sometime 
 since formed by the inhabitants of the Chetty 
 caste of this place, to revolt from this Government 
 and to take protection under the Portuguese at St. 
 Thome; and whereas there is just reason to sus- 
 pect, by the Viceroy of Goa’s letters to the Heads 
 of the Chetty caste, that they signified under theii 
 
 42 
 
330 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 D720— 2!. 
 
 liands their resolution to desert this place and shel- 
 ter themselves under the Portuguese at St. Thome, 
 in case he could have obtained a grant of that 
 place from the Nabob ; and whereas, furthermore, 
 the said Chetties upon examination have confident- 
 ly denied then- engagement in any such conspi- 
 racy ; — the Honorable Governor and Council have 
 therefore thought fit to issue out this proclamation, 
 that if any person or persons concerned in the 
 said conspiracy will make discovery to the Presi- 
 dent, or to any one of the Council, so as that the 
 rest of the persons concerned may be fully con- 
 \icted, such person or persons shall receive a 
 handsome reward aud full pardon for themselves.” 
 “ By order of the Honorable Governor 
 and Council.” 
 
 The Proclamation had no effect whatever. No one 
 came forward to volunteer evidence, aud the Chet- 
 ties themselves obstinately denied all knowledge of 
 such a conspiracy. Accordingly Governor Hastings 
 desired them to sign a paper, in which confiscation 
 of all property and the forfeiture of all protection 
 were declared to be the penalty of desertion. This 
 however the Chetties refused to do, and then the 
 Governor proposed that the two head Chetty 
 merchants, who conducted the Company’s invest- 
 ments, should be suspended from their office. The 
 following extract from the consultation of the 
 30th May, 1720, will show the nature of Mr. 
 Elwick’s opposition. 
 
 “ Mr. Elwick offered security for the two Chetty 
 Merchants, as far as 10,000 pagodas, for their 
 appear me six months hence ; but being asked if 
 
1720 - 21.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 331 
 
 lie would sign the security paper in their behalf 
 aforementioned (involving the pain of confiscation 
 and forfeiture) ; and being also asked if he would 
 suffer the penalty which the Chetties must suffer 
 in case their accusation should hereafter be turned 
 into a conviction he refused them botli ; and 
 being told by some of the Board, that the security 
 which he offered was no more than bail for their 
 appearance six months hence, and that according 
 to the laws of our nation all persons taken up 
 upon suspicion of treason are forthwith imprison- 
 ed without bail or mainprize, Mr. Elwick’s notion 
 was thereupon rejected.” 
 
 Mr. Elwick continued to be very earnest in his 
 opposition to the suspension of the two Chetty 
 Merchants, and declared that the sorting of the 
 cloth, and the business of the Company generally, 
 could not go on whilst they were in confinement. 
 The records of the dispute are far too voluminous 
 for publication, but the following extract from the 
 consultation book of the 19th of July " ill suffi- 
 ciently illustrate the party spirit which prevailed. 
 
 “ The President acquaints the Board that Mr. 
 Elwick, the Warehouse keeper, has been very re- 
 miss in his business in not having given in any 
 account of the contract ever since it was made, 
 and in not having sorted any quantity of cloth 
 since the “ Dawson’s” dispatch ; though out of 
 perverse, obslinate humour Mr. Elwick pressed 
 him once or twice, while the merchants were con- 
 fined, for their releasement in order to go to sort- 
 ing. Mr. Elwick, finding his plea for not sorting- 
 proved to be nothing else but an excuse for idle- 
 
HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 U'JO-tl- 
 
 ness, began to be much enraged ; and told the 
 President that it would draw very strange stories 
 on the stage, and that the consequence must take 
 its course, desiring those words might be minuted 
 verbatim ; to which the President made no reply, 
 but ordered the Secretary to minute them ac- 
 cordingly.' - ’ 
 
 About this time the attention of the Govern- 
 ment was excited by the murder of a Chetty whose 
 name is not mentioned. It was a cold blooded 
 affair. The murderers were two soldiers, named 
 Robert Grott and Eicliard Eighting, who appear 
 to have killed their victim for the sake of drink. 
 The depositions are lengthy, but the following 
 extract will suffice to show how such cases were 
 adjudicated on in the Council Eoom. 
 
 “ Monday, August 1st, 1720. The affair of the 
 murder is now resumed. The President acquaints 
 the Board, that a Dubash boy (belonging to one 
 of the prisoners suspected to be guilty of the mur- 
 der) was apprehended at St. Thome ; who being 
 sent for iu, deposes that he went with Ecbert 
 Grott, his master, from his house in company with 
 two white men, and a woman, whose names he 
 could not tell, to drink toddy at a toddy house ; 
 where they stayed till past 1 2 o’clock at night, at 
 which time the two men and the woman left them. 
 Then the prisoners Grott and Eighting went to a 
 choultry and earned a bottle of arrack ; where they 
 saw a man covered over with a clout, fast asleep ; 
 whom soon after they awaked by giving him a 
 blow with a cane, and at the same time asked for 
 fnnams to buv arrack. The man answered he had 
 
1720 - 21 .] 
 
 HISTORY Of MADRAS. 
 
 333 
 
 none. But receiving a blow or two more from 
 them, he gave them one fanam, then another, and 
 afterwards a third. Upon continuing their usage 
 to him, and repeating their demands, he drew 
 down his purse and bid them look if there was 
 any more. Then the prisoner Righting told him if 
 he had no more than three fanams, he would give 
 him more if he would go with him to the Gover- 
 nor’s Garden ; but instead of carrying him thither, 
 they led him to another garden near the Choultry, 
 where he afterwards heard him cry out. The 
 Dubash further deposes that when he would have 
 followed them, they struck him and bid him be 
 gone ; and as he was going away he saw Righting 
 take the club from Grott. After this they went 
 to Town, and a soldier, by name Clark (whose 
 house they were in) asked them, how came they so 
 bloody ; who said they had been fighting. The 
 Dubash afterwards went to look for a mat to sleep 
 on, and saw Righting look over some silver things ; 
 and upon demanding leave to go home, he denied 
 him. Clark again asked them how came they so 
 bloody ; who replied as before that they had been 
 fighting. 
 
 “ Righting being sent for in and interrogated 
 concerning what the boy had deposed against him, 
 says that he never had the club in his hand, but 
 carried the C'hetty into the Garden ; upon which 
 he was ordered to withdraw ; and Grott being- 
 called in says that Righting took the club away 
 from him and killed the man. 
 
 “ Righting being brought in again, and ac- 
 quainted with what his comrade had alleged 
 
33i 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11720—21. 
 
 against him, declared that they had been drinking, 
 anil that the Dubash boy told Grott that this 
 Chetty fellow had money ; upon which Grott went 
 to him and asked him for some, when he gave 
 him two fanams ; then he demanded two more, 
 but he would not give it them. The deponent 
 ltighting, seeing that, took him into a garden, and 
 told him if he would not comply he would carry 
 him to the Governor’s Garden ; and as they were 
 talking together Grott struck him with the club 
 and killed him. Grott being called in, again denies 
 what is laid to his charge ; and being asked where 
 the Chetty’s silver girdle, his earrings, and other 
 things were, avers that flighting took them and he 
 his heard nothing of them since. Upon which 
 Righting was again sent for and asked the same 
 question ; who answered that the Dubash boy 
 took them off, which is all that he knows of the 
 matter.” 
 
 “ The prisoners being all dismissed the Room, 
 the Board debated upon the affair for some time, 
 and then unanimously pronounced them guilty of 
 the murder. But the Honorable Company, hav- 
 ing not yet procured a power to bring to an Exe- 
 cution, it was agreed they should be continued in 
 prison and whipped very severely every week as a 
 punishment for the disorders they committed as 
 soldiers.” 
 
 The murder case being thus deposed of, Go- 
 vernor Hastings poured out the vials of his 
 wrath upon Mr. Elwick. He brought forward a 
 declaration that he would no longer sit at the 
 Council Board whilst Mr. Elwick was present. 
 
17M-M.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 333 
 
 But the story is best told in the language of the 
 records. 
 
 “ Monday, 8th August, 1720. The President 
 acquaints the Board, that he has called this con- 
 sultation on a very extraordinary occasion, in order 
 to lay before us a declaration concerning the re- 
 peated affronts that he had received from Mr. 
 Nathaniel Elwick, a member of this Board, and 
 also his incapacity for the service of the Honorable 
 Company. The said declaration being read before 
 the Board, and duly considered ; Mr. Elwick was 
 ordered to withdraw ; in pursuance of the Honor- 
 able Company’s orders, that no member of the 
 Board should continue sitting while such cases 
 relating to himself were examining. 
 
 “ Mr. Elwick being withdrawn the President’s 
 declaration was more maturely considered ; and 
 most of the members of the Board agreed that 
 one or other of them was assured of the truths of 
 all the facts charged on Mr. Elwick by the Presi- 
 dent, in relation to his behaviour at this Board as 
 well as in this place. 
 
 “ The facts alleged to prove his incapacity were 
 then considered, and thereupon Mr. Draper the 
 Secretary delivered in a report, which was read 
 and observed to prove one article of Mr. Elwick’s 
 remissness. All the other instances of his negli- 
 gence were well enough known to most of the 
 members of the Board, and therefore did require no 
 other proof. 
 
 “ The latter clause of the President’s declarations 
 was then considered, wherein he pleased to publish 
 his full resolution to sit no longer as President at 
 
336 
 
 history of Madras. 
 
 [1720-!!. 
 
 tliis Board, if Mr. Ehviek should continue as a 
 member of it. 
 
 “ Upon recourse to the Honorable Company’s 
 letter in order to find out some directions in such 
 out of the way cases, no such appeared ; and there- 
 fore, we judged it a case of an extraordinary na- 
 ture. We observed, however, that suspension is 
 made the penalty of a refractory disorderly beha- 
 viour, as well of negligence and remissness in 
 business ; and therefore the President desired the 
 opinion of the Board, if Mr. Ehviek had not in- 
 curred the penalty of suspension. 
 
 “ The matter being debated for sometime, the 
 Board thought fit to come to the following agree- 
 ment. 
 
 “ That as Mr. Elwick, on account of his refrac- 
 tory disorderly and insolent behaviour to the Pre- 
 sident, has most justly incurred the penalty order- 
 ed by our Honorable Masters to be inflicted in 
 such cases, as well as on account of his negligence 
 and remissness in his business, which penalty is 
 no less than suspension. And as the Honorable 
 President has been pleased to put the matters 
 upon so important an issue, as to declare to us all 
 that he will not sit any longer as President, if Mr. 
 Ehviek is continued at this Board ; we think 
 ourselves under a necessity of suspending Mr. 
 Ehviek, who has been guilty of remissness in 
 his business as well as of indecent behaviour 
 to the President and to the rest of the 
 Board ; rather than to part with the President, 
 who has so long suffered Mr. Elwick’s inso- 
 lence and passed by his remissness, as well as 
 
1720 — 21 .) 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 337 
 
 behaved himself to us all with the greatest candour, 
 mildness and decency imaginable. It is therefore, 
 agreed and resolved that Mr. Nathaniel Ehvick be 
 suspended forthwith from the Honorable Com- 
 pany’s Service (officio et beneficio) till the Honor- 
 able Company’s pleasure be known concerning him. 
 
 “ As every Member of the Board was allowed 
 to give his opinion on this, as well as on all other 
 occasions very freely, Messrs. Turner and Benyon 
 declared that they could not agree to suspend Mr. 
 Ehvick ; because they thought the Honorable 
 Company’s orders did not allow of a sufficient 
 latitude for so doing, although they could not 
 but confess that he had not behaved himself to the 
 President so respectfully as he ought to have 
 done.” 
 
 Mr. Nathaniel Ehvick subsecpiently protested 
 against the proceedings, and then the matter ended 
 for a while. 
 
 The next incident to which w r e have to draw at- 
 tention is a very curious one. Charles Davers, a 
 young gentleman who came out as a writer in 
 17 17, died this year; and left an extraordinary 
 will so illustrative of the times that we give it at 
 length. Mr. Davers had come out in his eighteenth 
 year, and was not twenty-one at the time he died, 
 lie was the fourth son of Sir Robert Davers, Ba- 
 ronet. His salary appears to have been only £5 
 a year, and yet he seems to have been already en- 
 gaged in several commercial adventures. The de- 
 sire of the young man to have his name and me- 
 
 43 
 
338 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 0720—21. 
 
 mory perpetuated is very striking ; but we leave 
 the will to tell its own story. 
 
 “Thursday, 22nd September, 1720. In the 
 name of God, Amen, I, Charles Pavers, now of 
 Fort St. George in East India, Merchant, being 
 of sound and perfect mind and memory, do make 
 and ordain this my last will and testament in man- 
 ner and form following. 
 
 “ Imprimis, I recommend my soul to God who 
 gave it, hoping through the merits of a crucified 
 Saviour to obtain a joyful resurrection ; and my 
 body I commit to the earth to be decently interred ; 
 and for all such worldly estates, as these which it 
 has pleased God to bless me with, I give and 
 becpieath as follows ; viz. 
 
 “ Imprimis, I leave unto the Charity School of 
 this place 200 pagodas ; and desire the boys belong- 
 ing to this School may attend me to the place of 
 burial. Item, I leave unto the Master and Mistress 
 of said School 20 pagodas each for mourning. I 
 wish all piety and learning may attend them, and 
 that they may infuse the same into the children, by 
 the help of our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ, Amen. 
 
 “ Item, I leave unto my friend Mr. Thomas 
 Wright 20 pagodas for mourning. I wish all 
 health may attend him in this world and happiness 
 in the next. 
 
 “ Item, I leave 200 pagodas for a tomb to be 
 erected in the burial place in form as follows. 
 Four large pillars, each to be six covids high, and 
 six covids distance one from the other ; the top to 
 be arched, and upon each pillar a cherubim ; and on 
 
5750-310 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 339 
 
 the top of the arch the effigy of Justice. My body 
 to be laid in the middle of the four pillars, with a 
 handsome stone a top of me, raised about four feet ; 
 and this inscription in the stone : — “ Here lyeth 
 the body of Charles Davers, fourth son of Sir 
 Kobert Davers, Bart, who departed this life 
 
 the of Anno Domini aged .” 
 
 The four pillars to be encompassed in with iron 
 rails, which are to go from pillar to pillar ; and 
 at every square, steps to be raised with stones, so 
 as people may read the inscription. 
 
 “ Item, I leave the Hono.able Governor, Coun- 
 cil, and Secretary of this place, each a Gold ring 
 of one pagoda and a half eaeh value, with these 
 words to be engraved in them, “ Charles Davers, 
 obiit,” etc. To whom I wish all tranquility, 
 health, and prosperity. 
 
 “ Item, I leave unto Dr. Pitchers, the sum of 
 30 pagodas in ease I die of my present illness, 
 and that I did not pay him before 1 died. 
 
 “ Item, I leave unto my friend, Mr. Paul Pox- 
 ley 20 pagodas for mourning ; to whom I wish all 
 health in this world, and happiness in the next. 
 
 “ Item, I leave unto the Minister that attend 
 me 20 pagodas for a ring. 
 
 “ Item, I leave unto my friend Mr. John Mau- 
 bers 20 pagodas for mourning. 
 
 “ Lastly, I leave my two trusty and beloved 
 friends Mr. George Sittwel and Mr. Catesby 
 Oadham, my two executors of this my last will 
 and testament, and desire them to see me carried 
 to the place of burial in the manner following viz. 
 
 “ My Corpse to be carried from the Town Hall 
 
340 
 
 history or madras. 
 
 [i720-a. 
 
 at seven o’clock at night. I desire that all the 
 free merchants of my acquaintance to attend me 
 in their palankeens to the place of burial ; and as 
 many of the Company’s servants as I have had 
 any intimacy within my life time ; that all that 
 attend me may have scarves and hat bauds decent. 
 I desire that Mr. Main, and the Charity Boys, 
 may go before my corpse, and sing a hymn ; my 
 corpse to be carried by six Englishmen or more ; 
 if occasion, the minister and the rest of the gentle- 
 men following. I desire of the Honorable Gover- 
 nor that I may have as many great guns fired as 
 I am years old, w hich is now almost twenty-one. 
 I u case it is customary to pay the great guns firiug 
 I desire you to do it. I desire the favour of the 
 Captain of the guard to attend me ; and that you 
 present him with a gold ring the same as the Go- 
 vernor and Council. And now as to my Estate. 
 1 have 10S6 ounces of silver, which my father sent 
 me out this year. I am concerned with Mr. Thomas 
 Theobalds in a respondentia bond in the “ George” 
 Brigantine. 1 have also an adventure with Cap- 
 tain James Ilurdis, the prime cost being 72 pa- 
 godas and a half. I have at this time in my escri- 
 tore about 100 pagodas, besides clothes and 
 linen ; an account of which 1 ahvays keep in my 
 escritore. I desire of my turn executors to accept 
 of 30 pagodas each for mourning ; and each a ling 
 of 15 pagodas value, with my name and time of 
 death engraved upon it. 
 
 “ After my corpse is buried, which I desire may 
 be done very handsomely, the remainder of my 
 estate I desire may be laid out in rice, and be 
 
1720 — 21 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 341 
 
 given to the poor at the burial place, as long as it 
 lasts. This I declare to be my last will and 
 testament.” 
 
 Charles Davers.” 
 
 Intheearly part of 1721, an event transpired in 
 Black Town which appears to have given no little 
 trouble to the Governor. The Warehouse Conico- 
 pily had seduced a Kajpoot woman residing at 
 Madras ; and the strictness of the ideas of honour 
 prevailing among the llajpoots, led her relations 
 to demand the severest punishment against the 
 offender. The story is sufficiently told in the fol- 
 lowing extract from the consultations. 
 
 “Thursday, 2ord February, 1721. Petition 
 from Tenkatarauze, an inhabitant of this place of 
 the Uajpoot caste, was presented to the Board ; 
 the import of the said petition, being a complaint 
 against Davaroy, tlv: Warehouse Conicopilly for 
 seducing his sister from her lawful husband, and 
 forcibly detaining her when she was demanded by 
 himself and her said husband. The President 
 thereupon acquainted the Board that this complaint 
 had been made to him singly a few days since ; 
 whereupon he confined him to the Choultry, with 
 a resolution to re-examine the case at the Board ; 
 the complainant being very pressing and impor- 
 tunate for justice ; and being so much exasperated 
 at the shame and disgrace which their family was 
 like to suffer on the occasion, that they could 
 scarcely be restrained from murdering themselves 
 as well as the woman ; the caste or tribe to which 
 they belong being so nicely strict in their rules 
 with regard to matters that concern their honour. 
 
34w 
 
 history or madras. 
 
 ( 1720 - 51 . 
 
 that they choose much rather to suffer death than 
 ignominy or reproach. Davaroy being brought be- 
 fore the Board, and examined upon the occasion ; 
 he replied that Venkatarauze came about ten days 
 ago to him and told him that his sister had 
 returned from the place, to which he sent her up 
 in the country, but that he could not find her. 
 Devaroy added that thereupon he sent to one 
 Eyamoi-Villevochum a Washerman’s wife and bid 
 her look for the girl ; and when she had found her 
 she told her that her brother desired she might be 
 carried to Davaroy’s house. Davaroy added that 
 when the girl was brought thither it was very late, 
 and that therefore he asked the Washerwoman why 
 she brought her at that unseasonable time of night, 
 and bid her go away ; but that they desired to 
 lodge in the house that night, for fear of being 
 taken up by the rounds. That in the morning, just 
 before he went to the Tort, he enquired which was 
 the Rajpoot woman ; who when she saw him de- 
 sired his protection from her friends, who, she 
 said, would use her ill whenever she returned to 
 them. He affirmed that he then bid her go a 
 second time, but she replied, she was afraid and 
 could not go ; and then the Washerwoman told him 
 that if he did not keep her from her relations she 
 should sutler very much. Whereupon he came to 
 the Fort. Davaroy further declared that he could 
 not deny but that Venkatarauze came to his house 
 the next day, and demanded his sister, as having 
 heard that she was there ; and that he replied that 
 it was not in his power to deliver her up, but that 
 he might go to his master. That the third day 
 
1720-51.) 
 
 HISTORY Of MADRAS. 
 
 343 
 
 the said Venkatarauze met him in the street, 
 and demanded his sister again ; and that lie 
 replied, that he had been hard at work in the 
 Fort, and was very much fatigued, but that he 
 would talk with him in the morning ; when the 
 said Venkatarauze went and made his complaint 
 to the Governor. 
 
 “ Venkatarauze, the Complainant, being called 
 in, and asked concerning the matter in dispute ; he 
 declared that about four months since, having 
 heard that his sister frequently w r ent to the afore- 
 mentioned Washerwoman’s house who bore no 
 very reputable character, he began to be ap- 
 prehensive, lest his sister should be seduced by 
 her, if he did not timely prevent it ; and that 
 therefore he sent her up in the country to some 
 relations there, but that lately returning again 
 very privately (which however came to his know- 
 ledge) he sent to the aforesaid Washerman’s to 
 enquire where she was. The Washerwoman at first 
 replied, that she knew not ; but afterwards assur- 
 ed him she was in the house of Davaroy ; whither 
 he accordingly went, and meeting him at home, in- 
 treated him to deliver up his sister in order to 
 prevent shame and infamy from falling upon their 
 whole family, which the detention of his sister 
 would unavoidably occasion. The said Venkata- 
 rauze further declares, that the defendant Davaroy 
 then returned him for answer, that she was not 
 in his house, but some where in the street ; 
 that thereupon being exasperated, he persisted in 
 his demands of the girl ; telling him without that 
 if he was resolved, himself and family should kill 
 
344 
 
 HISTORY or MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1730 - 21 . 
 
 themselves or leave the bounds ; they would do 
 either of the two. To which Davaroy replied, 
 they might do what they would, but that lie could 
 not make up the matter in less than eight or ten 
 day’s time, when the Ships were gone for Europe. 
 
 “ The Washerwoman being called in, and asked 
 concerning this matter, she declared that the Plain- 
 tiff Venkatarauze did go to Davaroy and demand 
 his sister ; and that thereupon she herself was sent 
 for by him, who bid her look amongst the cooly 
 washerwomen for the girl ; which she did accord- 
 ingly, found her, and brought her to Davaroy’s 
 house, who bid her go away ; that they replied it 
 was late, and that they were afraid of being taken 
 up by the rounds ; for which reason they desired to 
 lie there that night. This deponent further al- 
 leged, that then Davaroy permitted them to stay, 
 but ordered her to take care of the girl, and stay 
 with her. In the morning they asked Davaroy 
 what they should do with her ; who replied she 
 might go. The deponent added that she told 
 Davaroy, that if the girl returned to her relations 
 they would murder her. Whereupon Davaroy 
 gave them leave to continue in his house for three 
 days ; two of which, this deponent adds, she re- 
 mained with the girl ; but confesses that the third 
 day she was absent. 
 
 “ The sister to the Plaintiff Venkatarauze, be- 
 ing brought before the Board, was asked if Dava- 
 roy was guilty of the several particulars where- 
 with he now stood charged. In answer whereto, 
 the woman declared in the affirmative and offered 
 her oath to the same. 
 
1790 — 11.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 345 
 
 “ The foregoing depositions being heard and 
 fully considered ; Davaroy was remanded to the 
 Choultry, and the several persons concerned in 
 this affair, dismissed the room.” 
 
 This affair was debated at very great length, 
 and occupies an important place in the records. 
 The case was subsequently handed over to the ar- 
 bitration of the heads of the castes, and Davaroy 
 was sentenced to pay the sum of four hundred 
 pagodas. 
 
 Our next extract refers to the general state of 
 affairs in the Dekkan. It has already been men- 
 tioned that Hussein Ali Khan had been assassi- 
 nated, and that Cheen Kulick Khan, abas Nizam- 
 ool-Moolk, was Subah of the Dekkan. The entry 
 though short may be useful to the historian. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 21st March, 1721. The President 
 acquaints the Board that he has received repeated 
 advices from our spy peons at the Nabob’s Camp, 
 relating to Cheen Kulick Khan’s coming this way 
 with a very powerful army ; that he (Cheen Kulick 
 Khan) had summoned all the Nabobs of this coun- 
 try to come to him to give an account of their 
 management ; and that it is thought he will come 
 to Ginjee. The President therefore proposes to every 
 one to consider, whether his coming this way may 
 not prejudice the Honorable Company’s affairs, if 
 we do not send a present, attended with proper 
 persons to treat with him. The President further 
 acquaints the Board that it is reported Diaram is 
 with him ; but as there is no certainty of it at pre- 
 sent, he intends to make further enquiry.” 
 
 About this time Governor Hastings was en- 
 
 44 
 
340 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 iirio-n. 
 
 gaged in an enquiry into the murder of two Eng- 
 lishmen at Syriarn in Pegu. The event excited 
 considerable attention at the time, but has long 
 since been devoid of interest. The main features 
 however may be related as illustrative of the mode 
 in which the British traded with Pegu about a 
 century and a half ago 
 
 In 1720 a Captain Heron resided at Syriarn, a 
 few miles to the south-east of Kangoon, in the 
 character of British Besident ; and it had been 
 customary on the arrival of any of the Company’s 
 ships at the Syriarn river, for Captain Heron to 
 transact all the necessary business with the Prince 
 of Syriarn, or even the King of Pegu, and to give 
 the supercargo such aid and advice as lay in his 
 power. About this time the Company’s ship “ Lusi- 
 tania,” with Air. Stephen Orme as Supercargo, ar- 
 rived at the Syriarn river. For the first day or two 
 Mr. Orme lodged at Captain Heron’s house, and all 
 things went on smoothly. Air. Orme however re- 
 fused the proffered assistance of Captain Heron, and 
 acted for himself. He made his own presents to 
 the Prince of Syriarn, and rejected the aid of Cap- 
 tain Heron’s overseer whilst conducting the re- 
 pairs of his vessel. A coolness naturally sprung up 
 between the two, which was greatly increased 
 when Air. Orme not only took a separate house, 
 but hoisted the English flag in his compound. 
 The quarrel soon extended to the subordinates ; 
 and whenever the Lascars of the “ Lusitania” went 
 ashore they were obstructed and affronted by the 
 Lascars of Captain Heron. The former requested 
 Air. Orme that they might be permitted to resent 
 
1720 — 2X0 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 347 
 
 these affronts ; but he replied that he should 
 severely punish any one of his crew who should 
 make any attack upon Captain Heron’s men unless 
 he had received the first blow. 
 
 Under these promising circumstances the time 
 came round for the Mussulman feast called “ Hossein 
 Jossen,” and the “ Feast of Jamsee better known 
 as the Mohurrum. This festival is celebrated by 
 dancing round large fires in the vicinity of the 
 Mosque, together with mock fighting which gene- 
 rally ended in real blows. Accordingly Captain 
 Heron had never permitted any Englishman to go 
 near these festivities, and had very often prevented 
 the Lascars from doing so. Above all it was strictly 
 forbidden that any one should carry English colours 
 on the occasion. It seems however that a number 
 of Lascars from the “ Lusitania,” together with 
 others from some Moors ships, went to the feast, 
 followed at a distance by five Europeans. Whether 
 colours were carried or not appears to be uncertain. 
 But an affray broke out, in which Cojee Zackary, 
 an Armenian merchant at Syriam, interfered at the 
 head of his Lascars ; being also accompanied by the 
 Lascars of Captain Heron. It was in this affray 
 that the Chief Mate and Gunner were murdered at 
 the direct instigation of Cojee Zachary. We quote 
 the deposition of one of the witnesses as a sample 
 of the whole. 
 
 “ I, the under written Mauoel DeMonte, inha- 
 bitant and married in this city of Madras, do 
 hereby declare that 1 being in Syriam in the time 
 that the Moors made their feast ; we, the Lascars 
 belonging to the Frigate called the “ Lusitania,” 
 
* / 
 
 rv\ <V'v t - r 
 
 348 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 '.17JO-M • 
 
 and some Moor’s Ships, joined at night and were 
 going to the place where the feast was kept ; and 
 when we came to the Street wherein lives the 
 < Moors Calafa, we met the Lascars of Cojee Zachary 
 and Captain Heron. The streets being very 
 narrow, we could not pass by them in a body, and 
 the Pilot of the Frigate (who was in our Com- 
 pany) went and desired them friendly to go for- 
 ward, or grant us liberty to pass them. Instead 
 of hearing his petition, one of the Moors insulted 
 him and gave him many blows. We seeing that, 
 we all arose against them and made them pre- 
 sently run away ; and so continued our march to 
 the place where the feast was kept. A little while 
 after came Cojee Zachary on horse back, with a 
 lance in his hand (made after the country fashion) ; 
 and after him his Lascars, and some of the natives, 
 all armed with sticks and stones. The Pilot of the 
 Frigate perceiving Zachary, he went to him and 
 took the reins of his bridle in his hand, and beg- 
 ged of Zachary not to take notice of what had 
 happened. Zachary gave him no answer, and 
 shaking his head he went round the lire cry- 
 ing, “ Beat the dogs and immediately 
 the quarrel began, which grew so great that 
 our people all run away, except the Pilot and 
 Gunner of the Frigate. Zachary, spying them out 
 ordered his people to beat them ; and he went 
 himself to assist them, and with the lance that he 
 carried in his hand, he wounded the Pilot, of 
 which wound the Pilot fell on the ground. 
 Zachary perceiving that, and that the Gunner was 
 yet safe and running away, he ordered his people 
 

 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 349 
 
 to run after him and bring him back ; which they 
 did and beat him in the presence of Zachary till 
 the Gunner fell dead ; which Zachary perceiving, 
 and it being near the fire round which the Moors 
 celebrated the ceremony of their feast, he ordered 
 to bring a light ; and looking on and examining 
 the two corpses, and finding they were dead, he re- 
 tired to his house. To the truth of which, being 
 acted in my presence, I standing all the while in 
 a house near the place, where all this was acted, 
 
 I do hereby declare and certify, and take my oath 
 on the holy Evangelist in Madras, this 8th day of 
 May, 1721.” 
 
 The next day Mr. Orme, appealed to the Prince 
 of Syriam for justice against Cojee Zachary, but 
 appears to have been greatly obstructed by Cap- 
 tain Heron. The information was transmitted to 
 the king of Ava, and the latter ordered “ that 
 Zachary should be in the sun three days, be bored 
 through his cheeks and cut in his back seven times, 
 and pay a hundred viss of silver ; and that each 
 one of all the others concerned should receive one 
 hundred blows ; provided that Captain Heron 
 would declare in the public Eonda that the whole 
 story was true.” It would seem that Zachary es- 
 caped punishment ; and on reaching Madras Mr. 
 Orme charged Captain Heron before Governor 
 Hastings with having been bribed to screen the 
 murderer. It will be sufficient to say that the 
 charge of bribery fell to the ground, but that Cap- 
 tain Heron received a severe reprimand from the 
 Court of Directors. 
 
 It was soon after this inquiry that the Cover- 
 
350 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1720—31. 
 
 norship of Mr. Francis Hastings was brought 
 abruptly to a close. The quarrel with Mr. Elwick 
 was brought to an unfavorable termination ; for 
 instead of his suspension being confirmed, he was 
 appointed Governor of Fort St. George and Mr. 
 Hastings was removed. The proceedings are some- 
 what obscure, the General letters from the Court of 
 Directors being missing. We can therefore only 
 extract the following entry, after which Mr. Na- 
 thaniel Elwick took his seat in the President’s 
 chair. 
 
 “ Sunday, 15th October, 1721. Ships “ Heath- 
 cote” and “ Marlborough” (belonging to the 
 Honorable Company), arrived this afternoon from 
 Great Britain ; by whom received two packets from 
 the Honorable Court of Directors, directed to the 
 Honorable Nathaniel Elwick, Esq., President and 
 Governor, William Jennings, Nathaniel Turner, 
 Richard Benyon, Catesby Oadham, John Emmer- 
 son, Randal Fowke, James Hubbard, and George 
 Drake. All except Mr. Jennings immediately met 
 in the Consultation Room in the Fort ; where all 
 the Company’s servants, both Civil and Military, 
 and other inhabitants, were summoned ; and on 
 their appearance the packet was opened and the 
 Commission read to them, after which they 
 withdrew.” 
 
I7SI-54.) 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 351 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. NATHANIEL EI.WICK. 
 
 1721 — 24. 
 
 Our readers will already have remarked that 
 during the period now under review, Fort St. 
 George was singularly free from any interference 
 on the part of the Nabob of the Carnatic or Subah 
 of the Dekkan. This tranquil state of affairs con- 
 tinued for some years. The rent was paid regular- 
 ly, and at intervals compliments and presents were 
 interchanged, but no differences appear to have 
 arisen like those which mark the early annals of 
 Madras. A change also is perceptible in what 
 may be called the domestic history of the Presi- 
 dency. Much of the roughness of the early period 
 had passed away. Manners became less quaint 
 and simple, but more refined ; and altogether there 
 is a better tone in the consultations. Decorum 
 was more strictly preserved, whatever doubts may 
 be entertained as to any real improvement in the 
 morality of the times. 
 
 The first event in the new administration was 
 however an extraordinary one. On the very Sun- 
 day, the 15th of October, 1721, that Mr. Elwick 
 took the place of Mr. Hastings in the President’s 
 
352 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1711 - 51 . 
 
 chair, the new Governor asked the Secretary for 
 the Cash book, in order that he might see the 
 balance ; but found that it was closed up only to 
 the end of the previous month, and that no entry 
 of receipts or disbursements had been made for 
 the month of October. Accordingly, as it was too 
 late to examine the actual state of the cash 
 that evening, the cash chest was sealed up, and 
 the key of the Godown in which the silver was 
 kept, called the Silver Godown, was delivered up ; 
 and Mr. Hastings, the late President, and Mr. 
 Cooke, the Secretary, were requested to be present 
 in the morning to see them both opened. 
 
 On the following morning the council assembled 
 in the Consultation Hoorn. Mr. Hastings was not 
 present, but Mr. Cooke was sent for to see the 
 Silver Godown opened. The proceedings may 
 here be described in the language of the official 
 entry. 
 
 “Monday, lGth October, 1721. Mr. Thomas 
 Cooke being sent for, pursuant to an order of 
 yesterday’s Consultation, to see the Silver Godown 
 opened and the treasure delivered, acquaints the 
 Board that there is none at all in the Godown ; he 
 having sold the last 29 chests by an order of Mr. 
 Hastings, since the Consultation of the 2nd in- 
 stant, at 1 4 dollars per 1 0 pagodas ; which he in- 
 tended to have reported the first Consultation 
 that should have been held. He was asked to pay 
 in the produce of the silver, but he answered he 
 had not received it. The Board then told him 
 that, as he had sold it without any authority, they 
 looked upon him to be accountable for it ; and de- 
 
H711-24.1 
 
 HISTORY 01’ MADRAS. 
 
 353 
 
 mantled what security he could give for the pay- 
 ment of it. In answer to which he desired time 
 till the afternoon, when he doubted not he should 
 be able to give security to our satisfaction. He 
 was then ordered to withdraw, and acquainted we 
 should want him by and by.” 
 
 “ The President then acquaints the Board that 
 he sent to Mr. Hastings, to desire to speak with 
 him upon the matters of his cash account. Ac- 
 cordingly Mr. Hastings attended the President at 
 the Fort, where they had a private conference in 
 the President’s room ; the result thereof from Mr. 
 Hastings was, that he was deficient in the cash ac- 
 count, but that he would in seven days time make 
 it good and deliver in the cash account with the 
 balance. In the mean time he desired to reside at 
 the garden for his health and convenience ; and 
 likewise desired leave to retire to the Mount till 
 the next ship sails for England, on which he hopes 
 to embark. 
 
 “Mr. Thomas Cooke was again sent for to the 
 Board, and the money for the 29 chests of silver 
 demanded of him. He answered he could not at 
 present comply therewith, but that in twenty day’s 
 time he would make good the amount of what the 
 29 chests sold for. Upon which the Board insisted 
 on security till he has paid the money. He an- 
 swered at present he had not any to offer, but that 
 he would go and get security. Accordingly he 
 was acquainted we should meet again at four- 
 o’clock, and that then we shall expect he brings it 
 with him.” 
 
 45 
 
354 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 :ra-2«. 
 
 Four o’clock came, when the following discus- 
 sion took place in the Consultation Room. 
 
 “ Mr. Cooke attends the Board (according to 
 order in this morning’s consultation), and acquaints 
 the Board that the late President will be auswer- 
 able for the amount of the sale of the 29 chests of 
 treasure ; and if the Board does not think the late 
 President’s bond for the same sufficient security, 
 that he is willing to enter into the bond with him 
 for the amount of the same ; and being pressed for 
 a sum of money forthwith in part, he answered, he 
 hoped in fire or six days to be able to pay in on 
 account of the said silver about ten or twelve 
 thousand pagodas. Upon which he was ordered 
 to withdraw till the Board had considered further 
 on the affair. 
 
 “ Agreed that the late President and Mr. Cooke’s 
 joint bond is no security to the Honorable Com- 
 pany for the 29 chests of treasure; for a bond, 
 without assets being joined with it and made over 
 to the amount of the said treasure, is no more 
 than an acknowledgment of the debt. 
 
 “ Agreed that as the President designs this 
 evening to return Mr. Hasting’s visit to him this 
 morning, that he does discourse Mr. Hastings on 
 the subject of his debt on his cash account, and 
 Mr. Cooke’s debt account, viz. the 29 chests of 
 treasure ; and that the President desires to know 
 of Mr. Hastings if he will give security for his 
 debt on account of the cash ; as also for Mi-. 
 Cooke’s debt on accouut the 29 chests of silver ; 
 and that the Board do wait the President’s return. 
 
1721 — 54.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 355 
 
 in order to debate further on this matter which 
 has already taken us up a great deal of time.” 
 
 Late in the evening there was another consulta- 
 tion, the proceedings of which are thus recorded. 
 
 “ The President reports to the Board, that he 
 having been with the late President Mr. Hastings 
 to return his visit of the morning, did according 
 to agreement discourse Mr. Hastings on the 
 affair of his cash account, and the 29 chests of trea- 
 sure disposed of by Mr. Thomas Cooke ; and that 
 having demanded the money, or sufficient security 
 for each, the late President did thereupon reply to 
 him, that he would certainly on the day after to- 
 morrow (which he said was as soon as an affair of 
 that nature could be transacted) pay him the ba- 
 lance of the cash account in money, diamonds, or 
 other sufficient security ; and that as to the affair of 
 the 29 chests of silver, he desires till the time is 
 elapsed which the said silver was sold at ; and con- 
 cluded with desiring that no unkind expressions 
 or entries be made upon our Consultation Book to 
 slur his reputation. To which the President re- 
 plied, he found no member of the Board any way 
 inclined thereto. _ 
 
 “ Agreed that the Board will wait till the day 
 after to-morrow, and expect the late President 
 Mr. Hastings’ performance of his promise, unless 
 in the meantime there should appear cause for the 
 contrary.” 
 
 During the interval Mr. Hastings was taken 
 dangerously ill. Accordingly on the Wednesday, 
 
356 
 
 HISTORY or MADRAS. 
 
 ! 1731— 34 
 
 being tlie day fixed for paying the balance of the 
 cash, the following entries are recorded. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 1 8th October, 1721. The Pre- 
 sident reports that upon hearing of the late Presi- 
 dent’s dangerous illness, he sent for Mr. Cooke, 
 and demanded of him security for the 2 9 chests of 
 treasure which he has disposed of out of the Ware- 
 house. He replied he could not give in security 
 for the same. Whereupon the President thought 
 himself obliged to deliver him to the Captain of 
 the Guard’s charge ; but that upon his request, he 
 had permitted him to remain in the lodgings of the 
 "Warehouse under sentinels.” 
 
 Mr. Cooke being thus confined as security for 
 the 29 chests of silver, the next thing to be con- 
 sidered was what was to be done about the cash 
 balance. On perusing a rough draft of the cash 
 book, it was discovered that Mr. Hastings was 
 indebted to the company more than seventy-two 
 thousand pagodas ; whilst the amount of cash 
 actually remaining in the treasury may be gathered 
 from the following extract of the same date as the 
 foregoing. 
 
 “ Wednesday, continued. Mr. Walsh brought 
 the key of the cash chest and opened it ; upon 
 which there was found, in money one Fanam, and 
 ■ ^ some Firm auns and Husbulhookums "being 29 
 from the Mogul, and the Commission for trying 
 the pirates ; also a paper with blue seals, said to 
 be a purse belonging to Dalton deceased in Pegu. 
 These were all the things found in the chest, ex- 
 cept some empty pagoda bags. Mr. Walsh being 
 
1731 — 24.J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 357 
 
 asked if lie brought any message from Mr. Hast- 
 ings, answered he had none. 
 
 “ Agreed that to-morrow morning the late Pre- 
 sident’s cash account be drawn out, sent to him, 
 and the balance demanded to be forthwith paid ; 
 and after having had a long debate upon the mat- 
 ter, it was also agreed that the President do give 
 orders to the Captain of the Guard for securing 
 the person of the late President from making his 
 escape from the place till such time as that he has 
 paid the Honorable Company, what he owes them 
 on his cash account and the 29 chests of silver re- 
 ported to be sold by Mr. Cooke.” 
 
 Notwithstanding this singularly empty state of 
 the Silver Godown and Treasury Chest, Mr. Hast- 
 ings scarcely appears to have been a dishonest 
 man ; and it was only the sudden manner in which 
 he was required to vacate the chair that caused the 
 deficiency. On the next day he paid in ten thou- 
 sand pagodas ; on the Saturday following he de- 
 posited diamonds to the value of twenty thousand 
 pagodas more, and a few days afterwards gave 
 ample security for the remainder. Unfortunately 
 for him the illness with which he had been attack- 
 ed proved fatal. The following simple entries tell 
 their own story. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 12th December, 1721. Mr. Prancis 
 Hastings, late President, desires leave to go home 
 on the “ Marlborough,” which is granted, believing 
 the security we have on the Honorable Company’s 
 account more than sufficient to answer then- de- 
 mands ; the very ill state of health he is in, and 
 the little likelihood of his life if he continues here, 
 
358 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1721 - 24 . 
 
 being sufficient motives thereto. We have also 
 permitted his servant, Thomas Newton, to go 
 with him ; he being as Mr. Hastings says a very 
 useful servant to him, and has long since served 
 his time to the Honorable Company'. 
 
 “ Friday, 15th December, 1721. This evening 
 died the late President, Francis Hastings, Esq.” 
 
 The year 1721 was rendered memorable by a 
 great storm, which took place during the North 
 East monsoon, and occasioned very great damage. 
 The records describe exactly the same kind of 
 weather which still visits the coast of Coromandel 
 at intervals ; but in addition to the terrors of the 
 storm, it would seem that in cases of shipwreck 
 some fears were entertained of the Moors, though 
 not to the same extent as in former years. The 
 following extracts will describe the commotion 
 which attended such an event a hundred and forty 
 years ago. 
 
 “ Monday, 13th November, 1721. The Captain 
 of the “ King George” having yesterday in the af- 
 ternoon received his dispatches, was this morning 
 to take his leave of the President, who went with 
 him to the Sea Gate to see him off ; but the surf 
 running very high, he could not get over, but 
 hoped for meeting with an opportunity in the 
 afternoon ; but the wind and weather increased 
 rather than abated, growing very thick to the 
 north east. As the evening approached rain came 
 on and wind in greater abundance, which prevent- 
 ed him from going off that night. 
 
 “ 14th November. All last night and this day 
 the wind and rain continued with more violence 
 
/ /lias? ^* vv 
 
 17*1—34-3 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 359 
 
 than yesterday, and increased towards noon to a 
 great storm. The rapidity of the waters out of 
 the country was so great that it broke two of our 
 bridges, that next to the Fort and the other on the 
 road towards Triplicane. At the former of these 
 there was at least two feet fall, which must be a 
 prodigious stream to so small a bridge ; and as to 
 the other it was hardly dry, so consequently the 
 more liable to this disaster. The whole Island 
 was overflowed, and nothing all round us to be 
 seen but water, tops of hedges and trees. The 
 rains and floods have carried away most of the 
 v' Macquaw and poor peoples’ houses in the suburbs 
 of Madras. The weather at one o’clock in the 
 afternoon was so thick and hazy that we could 
 not see a stone cast round us ; and notwith- 
 standing we are extremely alarmed at frequent 
 brings from the ships in the road all this afternoon, 
 yet we cannot do anything for the security either 
 of our Honorable Masters’ goods, ships or treasure ; 
 the surf flying quite up to the gates, and impossi- 
 ble for almost anything to live upon the sea. 
 
 “ 15th November. This morning the wind be- 
 gan to abate and the weather to clear up ; but 
 on our looking out into the road we could perceive 
 only one ship remaining, which in the afternoon 
 we heard was the “ Heathcote.” The Chief Mate 
 writes ashore that the brigantine he had not seen 
 all yesterday, nor the “ King George,” nor the 
 “ Dartmouth” since that day at noon. As for the 
 “ Marlborough” she drove about 5 in the after- 
 noon ; and he judged that ship which was then 
 at an anchor within half a mile of the surf off St. 
 
 
 
 Y 
 
360 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 0721 — 24 * 
 
 Thome, to be her. Captains Elliston, Warden, and 
 Crossing, and Mr. Bates, Chief Mate of the 
 “ Marlborough,” desired horses to go down and 
 see her, and look if any more were to be seen to 
 the southward, but after all that they could do it 
 was impossible for them to get over the river, so 
 they were obliged to return. We endeavoured 
 immediately after that to send off anchors and 
 cables to the “ Marlborough,” who made frequent 
 signals of distress ; but the boat we put the cable 
 into (and in which the Chief Mate was going) fill- 
 ed and split to pieces. However we with much 
 ado got off a cable that afternoon, and the Chief 
 Mate went aboard. As soon as he was there he 
 hoisted his Ensign in the fore shrouds, the signal 
 agreed upon in case of another ship in distress 
 below there ; but notwithstanding all that we could 
 do, we were obliged to defer sending an anchor till 
 the next morning. 
 
 “ We also ordered three boats to be got ready 
 and seven soldiers to go in each boat ; Captains 
 "Warden, Elliston, and Crossing, whose ships and 
 brigantine were missing, went one in each of 
 them. But an accident prevented that wherein 
 Captain Warden was from proceeding, which was 
 her oversetting ; by which misfortune a Seijeant 
 and three men were drowned. 
 
 “ The Honorable President in the morning, per- 
 ceiving the ships were missing, dispatched 1 00 
 peons to the southward along the sea side to see 
 if any wrecks came ashore ; but the rivers being so 
 very deep and rapid, and the country under 
 water, that the peons could not pass : so that had 
 
1721 - 24 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 301 
 
 not any intelligence till the 17 th in the afternoon 
 from the Chief of Covelong. However it was 
 judged necessary to have an account of the above- 
 mentioned signal, in order to send the men as be- 
 fore related. Captain Crossing was in the first 
 boat that went off that evening ; when he got 
 aboard the “ Marlborough” fired one gun, which 
 was agreed to be done if the signal on the fore 
 shrouds in the evening was not a mistake. 
 
 “ A Letter from Captain Tolson’s Chief Mate 
 to him, of this day’s date, giving an account of the 
 storm is hereunder entered. 
 
 “ Ileathcote,” November 17th, 1721. 
 “ Captain Tolson, 
 
 “ Sir, 
 
 These are to inform you that the ship has 
 met with no further misfortune than the loss of the 
 Long boat and the parting of our small Bower 
 Cable ; though I must confess it is less than ex- 
 pected. It is impossible to relate the extremity of 
 weather we had as to the Ships. 1 cannot tell 
 further of them than that ship to the Southward of 
 St. Thome I take to be the “ Marlborough.” The 
 “ Dartmouth” 1 see drive yesterday in the after- 
 noon ; the weather coming on so thick saw no 
 more of her. The “ King George” I saw yester- 
 day noon. The brigantine we saw nothing of, 
 which impute to the thickness of the weather at 
 that time ; but heartily wish they may be well, 
 which 1 much doubt. The “ King George”, she 
 being a very pestered ship, or indeed the rest, I 
 cannot see what they could do by going to sea 
 
 46 
 
362 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1721 — 2 *. 
 
 with the wind at north east, and north east by 
 cast, and such a grown sea. 
 
 I am Sir, 
 
 Tour most humble Servant, 
 
 Roger Hale.” 
 
 “ 16th November. The Honorable President 
 received a letter from Captain Elliston on board 
 the “ Marlborough,” acquainting us she rode in 
 six fathom water, and that since eight o’clock 
 Tuesday morning sire had seen neither of the other 
 Ships, but she has lost four anchors, and had only 
 their sheet anchor left ; but that they had one of 
 the Company’s stocked, and desired timber to 
 stock another, and a large Cattamaran to carry 
 their anchors out to work further off shore. The 
 President forthwith sent them an anchor of 25 tons 
 weight ready stocked, on a large Cattamaran, ac- 
 cording to their desire, and they have immediately 
 gone out in deeper water, and now she is very safe. 
 
 “ Captain Tolson also communicated to us a 
 letter that he received from his Mate, importing 
 the ship laboured prodigiously during all that 
 Hurricane, which has forced all the oakum out of 
 her upper works ; that they rode almost under 
 water which had damaged very much their provi- 
 sions ; that their sheet cable and best bower were 
 both rubbed very much, and the outward cable to 
 the best bower anchor \ ery bad ; that she had 
 rvorked down all the cabins in the steerage, and 
 the bulk head, and broke all Iheir hen coops to 
 pieces. Late at night the President received a 
 letter from Captains Elliston and Crossing, two 
 miles off - Covelong, importing they had met nothing 
 
1721 — 24 .] 
 
 history of madras. 
 
 363 
 
 like a wreck in tlieir way, but a Long boat and 
 David which they believed belonged either to the 
 “ Marlborough” or “ Heathcote.” 
 
 “Friday, 17th November, 1721. The Presi- 
 dent acquaints the Board that, by peons sent from 
 hence, he received advice about noon from the 
 Chief of Covelong, that a ship is drove ashore 
 about eight miles to the Southward of said place ; 
 and that 5 chests and 20 Europeans are come 
 ashore and seized by the Moors ; but what ship is 
 stranded, the peons could not tell the name of. 
 
 “ Agreed that the “ Heathcote” be forthwith or- 
 dered under sail to the wreck ; that twenty Euro- 
 peans and Captain Sutherland be sent upon her to 
 protect the wreck, with ten Lascars and ammuni- 
 tion, as also sixty spare arms for the Ship’s Com- 
 pany ; with all other necessaries and as many 
 Mussoolas as can be spared, together with such 
 as we can borrow from St. Thome. Fourteen 
 Europeans are already at Covelong, under com- 
 mand of Captains Elliston and Crossing, as also 
 twenty Lascars.” 
 
 “ Friday, 17th November, 1721. Received a let- 
 ter from the Chief of the Flemings at Covelong, 
 advising that an English Ship was stranded at 
 Mauvelipuram, and that the people that we sent 
 down were arrived there ; that the Moors at his 
 intercession treated them very well ; let them have 
 two palankeens and a horse to go to the wreck, 
 and enquire news of the others that were missing ; 
 that they had secured all the sailors, but upon the 
 Captain’s request had released them again ; and 
 
364 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1721 — 2*. 
 
 he assures us that the Moors will not in the least 
 hinder but rather be assisting to us in this affair.” 
 We now turn to an incident, which is by no 
 means without a parallel in the early history of 
 Madras, and which at the same time is very signi- 
 ficant. The Governors of Fort St. George appear 
 about this period to have each had some very 
 clever Native acting for them under the name of 
 the Dubash ; and this Governor’s Dubash not only 
 transacted all the private business of his master, 
 such as sales and purchases, but was frequently 
 guilty of extortion and oppression towards his 
 fellow countrymen, of which no one can have the 
 slightest conception who is not intimately ac- 
 quainted with the native character. Of course 
 after the death or departure of a Governor many of 
 these acts of tyranny came out, and the Dubash was 
 made to disgorge a portion of his ill gotten gains. 
 Thus some time after the death of Mr. Hastings, 
 his Dubash Mar Kistna, got into trouble ; though 
 we may remark in passing, that his evil deeds were 
 subsequently left in the shade by another Native 
 who afterwards acted as Dubash to Governor 
 Macrae. 
 
 The story of Governor Hasting’s Dubash is 
 however somewhat singular from the fact of this 
 clever extortioner being of a jocular and musi- 
 cal turn ; and indeed seems to have been a 
 type of a character but little known to the 
 European, namely that of a convivial Hindoo. 
 Dickens tells a story of a London cabman who was 
 sentenced to solitary confinement for six weeks 
 for having “ thrashed a fare and who there- 
 
1721 — 24 .] 
 
 HISTORY Of' MADRAS. 
 
 365 
 
 upon lay upon his back and sang comic songs 
 all day. It does however seem somewhat strange 
 that a similar character should have turned up in 
 the records of this Presidency. We give the 
 original entry. 
 
 “ Saturday, 8th September, 1722. We have ac- 
 quainted the Honorable Court of Directors that 
 we had secured Mar Kistna, Mr. Ilasting’s Du- 
 bash, whom we had severe complaints against 
 for large debts owing to sundry persons, and other 
 indirect management. He hath now either made 
 full satisfaction, or given security for all the de- 
 mands that have appeared against him, except 
 a debt to Amerasli Tacca, a company’s merchant, 
 and to the estate of his master Hastings. His 
 crimes are so enormous that they call for public 
 punishment, that lie may be an example to future 
 Dubashes how they make use of their Master’s 
 power in an unwarrantable manner. He at pre- 
 sent complains of a lameness in his limbs, how 
 real we cannot determine ; but shall leave the de- 
 termination of his case till the Europe ships are 
 gone. He always had a lodging in the Fort, and a 
 sentry upon him, and had the liberty of his ac- 
 quaintance, till the Company’s Merchants reported 
 that he lived so jocular with his singing master 
 attending him, that he would never think of pay- 
 ing him his money ; which was above two months 
 since, when the President ordered him into the 
 Ensign’s room upon the Main Guard, and the 
 door to be shut ; though however he still ob- 
 serves a constant levee at his window every 
 morning.” 
 
366 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1721-54. 
 
 The following extract will furnish a sufficient 
 illustration of Mar Kistna’s proceedings. 
 
 “Saturday, 8th September 1722. 
 
 “ A Declaration of Tombee Chetty and Moota 
 Venkitta Chetty. 
 
 “ We, Tombee Chetty and Moota Venkitta 
 Chetty, do hereby declare that Mar Kistna sent 
 for and told us, that as we had entered into a con- 
 tract with the Honorable Company, we ought 
 to give the Governor 5000 pagodas, which 
 he then demanded. Upon our refusing to give 
 the said money, he went and told the Governor 
 some false stories, which occasioned us to be con- 
 fined one day at the Gardens. About 12 o’clock that 
 night the peons carried us to Mar Kistna’s house, 
 when we asked why we put him to so much trouble 
 without any reason, lie answered, that if we 
 would lay down 5000 pagodas we may go free, or 
 else we should be confined in the Choultry. Not- 
 withstanding those threats we still refused to give 
 any money. Then he sent us to the Choul- 
 try, and put us in a close prison, where two men 
 can scarce stand ; and ordered the peons not to 
 let us go out without the door upon any account 
 whatsoever, but made us eat and drink and live 
 entirely in that little place. About four or five 
 days after he gave orders that we should not have 
 any provisions whatsoever, but ouce in four days, 
 and then only a little rice and water, and of that 
 not half enough to satisfy our appetites. One day 
 we lighted a lamp in the said godown ; which Mar 
 Kistna saw, and ordered it immediately to be put 
 out. Sometime after, we sent a man to the said 
 
1721 — 24.J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 367 
 
 Mar Kistna to ask him how he could be so barbar- 
 ous to us. He answered, that we should not be re- 
 leased unless we would give the said 5000 pagodas ; 
 telling the said servant that if we would give the said 
 money, to come and tell him ; if not, not to come 
 to hi in again; and then he ordered the peon to push 
 the said man out of his house. Sometime after he 
 sent a man to us to tell us that if we would give 
 3000 pagodas we should be free ; which we refused. 
 Sometime after 2000 pagodas ; then that we should 
 be released for 1500 pagodas. Lastly he sent 
 word, if we would directly lay down 1000 pagodas 
 we should be set at liberty. But finding he 
 could not get any thing from us he increased his 
 barbarity to the utmost of his power, and then 
 released us, all which was by the persuasion of 
 Mar Kistna. Therefore we hope this Honorable 
 Board will examine this affair.” 
 
 The subsequent treatment of Mar Kistna may 
 be gathered from the following extracts. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 10th October, 1722. Agreed 
 that Mar Kistna be, as he has petitioned, permit- 
 ted to go about Town under a guard of peons and 
 Talliars in the day time, to gather in his effects, 
 in order to satisfy what he owes to the estates of 
 Messrs. Hastings, Wright, and other creditors ; 
 that the Petitioners be permitted to sue Kistna in 
 the Mayor’s Court if they please, and that the 
 peons and Talliars every night do return Mar 
 Kistna to his confinement, till he has satisfied all 
 his creditors.” 
 
 “ Tuesday, 11th December, 1722. Petition of 
 Mar Kistna read, setting forth that being under 
 
308 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11721 — 24 . 
 
 confinement at the Fort, and not having con- 
 veniences proper to take the necessary physic for 
 recovery of his health, it is agreed he be delivered 
 to the charge of the Chief Peon, and Taliar, and 
 that he remains at his own house.” 
 
 After this Mar Kistna managed to satisfy all his 
 creditors and obtained his liberty. 
 
 The following 'extracts regarding the Armenians 
 will be found interesting, as throwing light upon 
 the mode in which trade was carried on in the 
 olden time. Our readers will bear in mind the 
 distinction between the Company’s trade, and the 
 trade carried on by the Company’s servants and 
 merchants of the place. 
 
 “ Monday, 27th April, 1724. The President 
 told the Board that the Armenians had for a long 
 time behaved themselves in a very insolent haughty 
 manner ; and had rendered themselves not only 
 undeserving the great privileges granted them, 
 but likewise obnoxious to the Government by 
 several actions, contrary to the rules and regula- 
 tions thereof ; and that he had ordered them to 
 attend the Board to answer to several facts he 
 had to charge them with. The first was that 
 Codejee George, and the rest of the owners of the 
 Ship “ London,” had imported great part of the 
 Ship’s Cargo at Pondicherry, to the amount of 
 12,000 pagodas, contrary to the orders of the 
 Company ; as would fully appear from their letter 
 of the 7th April 1708, where they order the native 
 inhabitants to be expelled the bounds, if they carry 
 the trade to St. Thome to the prejudice of the 
 customs of Madras ; which by parity of reason 
 
5721 — 140 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 3G9 
 
 holds the same with respect to Pondicherry, since 
 wherever the goods are imported, still the customs 
 are lost to them. He, the President, likewise pro- 
 duced the Company’s letter of the 19th December 
 1719, where are these remarkable words, speaking 
 of the French, — that none of our Servants, whether 
 Europeans or Indians, nor any of our Merchants 
 or Brokers, be permitted to buy or sell for them, 
 or otherwise assist them, in their trade or mer- 
 chandize. He added that Codejee Petrus, an 
 Armenian lately arrived from Manilla, and 
 an inhabitant of this place, bad contracted 
 with the French this very year for 30,000 dollars 
 worth of goods upon freight ; and that besides 
 they had encouraged one Bassilio, a subject of 
 Manilla, to come hither and carry away the freight 
 from this place ; all which actions tend greatly to 
 the damage of the Company with respect to their 
 customs, and to the place itself, by encouraging 
 foreigners and destroying the navigation of the 
 English. He added that this evil had been long 
 growing to the height it now is, and that as it is 
 daily increasing, if the Board do not take some 
 measures to prevent it, the commerce of Madras 
 must inevitably fall away to nothing. 
 
 “ The matter being sometime debated, and the 
 privileges granted the Armenians duly considered, 
 they were called in and told that it was the ex- 
 press orders of the Company, that no inhabitant 
 of Madras should be allowed to import goods in 
 any foreign settlement to the prejudice of the cus- 
 toms of this place. Likewise that none under the 
 English protection were to aid and assist other 
 
 47 
 
370 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [I7il-M. 
 
 nations in tlieir trade and navigation, to the detri- 
 ment of the English. They affirmed that they 
 never had done any thing of this kind ; but being 
 presssed with the importation of goods at Pondi- 
 cherry, Codejee George assured the Board that lie 
 knew nothing of the doing of it till the goods 
 were ashore and sold ; aud as to the contract 
 with the French, Codejee Petrus told them that 
 money came from Manilla for account of Spaniards 
 there, and consigned to him and another Armenian 
 upon the French Ship, and that his orders were to 
 return it on the same Ship. 
 
 “ They were then ordered to withdraw, and 
 after some small debate it was agreed to overlook 
 what was past, but to let them know that if they 
 were guilty of such practices for the future, they 
 should be proceeded against with the utmost 
 rigour, in compliance with the orders of our 
 Honorable Masters. They were called in accord- 
 ingly, and told the resolution of the Board ; to 
 which they promised due obedience ” 
 
 “ Wednesday, 20th May, 1724. The Armenians 
 not taking warning by the late orders given them 
 at the Board, but growing more insolent ; and 
 having since engaged with one Agostinho Bassilio, 
 who is a Spaniard and come to this place, where 
 he has offered freight at a lower rate than has for 
 many years been customary, to the vast prejudice 
 of the trade and navigation of this place ; it was 
 proposed to put a stop to such proceedings ; but 
 this being a matter of great moment, after some 
 debate about the methods to be used in such a 
 ease, the Board thought fit to defer coming to a 
 
-J 721 — 14. J 
 
 HISTORY OR MADRAS. 
 
 371 
 
 resolution thereupon till they had more fully con- 
 sidered it.” 
 
 “ Tuesday, 26th May, 1724. The Board then 
 resumed the debate concerning the Armenians, 
 and the Manilla freight, which was deferred the 
 last consultation day ; and it was agreed by the 
 whole Board that, if some measures were not taken 
 to prevent it, the trade of this place would be en- 
 tirely lost to the English and given to Foreigners. 
 But as the Company have given great immunities 
 to that set of men, it was urged that we could not, 
 without infringing those privileges, prevent their 
 trading on the best terms they could. To which 
 it was replied that the contract mentioned was an 
 obsolete one ; and that even at that time it was 
 made the Company complained that the circum- 
 stances of the times obliged them to grant greater 
 immunities than they would otherwise have done, 
 and that probably when those circumstances 
 should be altered they might make some altera- 
 tions therein ; by which it appeared, the Company 
 themselves did not thoroughly approve of the grant- 
 ing such privileges. It was added upon this side 
 that the Armenians had long ago forfeited the 
 privileges granted them, by carrying on their trade 
 to and from Europe on the Danes’ ships, and now 
 more recently by contracting with the French 
 and Spaniards, directly contrary to the con- 
 ditions on which these concessions were made 
 them. It was further added on the same side, 
 that the Company do covenant and agree with their 
 servants, and Free Merchants whom they per- 
 mit to reside in India, that they shall have 
 
572 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 ura— ii- 
 
 all manner of freedom in their trade, but that 
 if ever they think fit to order any of their own 
 ships to freight voyages, they do expect to be 
 first served, and our ships after them. From 
 whence it is reasonable to suppose, if they will 
 insist upon the first plan themselves, we ought to 
 be and are allowed the second ; or otherwise we 
 should be on a much worse foundation than any set 
 of men in India, and obliged to leave off all trad- 
 ing ; being under traded by the natives on the one 
 hand and obliged to prefer the Company’s ships 
 on the other. Upon the whole of the debates, 
 which was continued for a considerable time, it 
 was unanimously agreed and ordered, that the 
 inhabitants of Madras shall not be allowed to freight 
 to Manilla any goods or money belonging to this 
 place on any foreign ship before the English ship 
 is laden.” 
 
 The following complaint addressed to the Go- 
 vernment of Fort St. George on the 8th June, 
 1721, by Mr. Drake, a member of Council, is worth 
 preserving as illustrative of the times. 
 
 “ Honorable Sirs, 
 
 “ I am to acquaint you that on Tuesday night 
 last about 10 o’clock, a Musteez belonging to ship 
 “ Moylip,” did in the open street assault and most 
 barbarously beat one of my servants. As soon as 
 I was informed of the same, I sent a civil message 
 to him by my Dubash, and only desired to be ac- 
 quainted with his reasons; but instead of having the 
 least reply from him he returned to me my Dubash 
 very much beaten, and had the insolence to follow 
 him with blows to mv vcrv door. I then could 
 
 Me sik 
 Coa/sL 
 
1751-51.) 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 373 
 
 do no other than send for the Guard, who accord- 
 ingly came and secured him for the remainder of 
 the night. This no sooner was done, but Captain 
 Hill, the Commander of the Ship this young of- 
 fender belongs to, came to my house and in a most 
 indecent manner addressed himself to me ; telling 
 me I had forfeited all good manners, and had sent 
 a better gentleman than myself on the Guard, and 
 that my Councellorship was my only protection for 
 so doing, and only on that presumption 1 had 
 dared to do it, and that it was well for me I had 
 such a protection to skreen me from his immediate 
 resentment. In short Captain Hills language and 
 manners throughout were very foul and rude, 
 and such as I believe your Honours upon 
 examination will find ought neither to be given 
 or taken, especially as I had only done my duty, 
 and taken no more privilege than the meanest of 
 your inhabitants may, to quell a riot in the pro- 
 perest manner I could. I should have been very 
 glad if Captain Hill would have recollected him- 
 self the next morning, that 1 might not have given 
 your Honors this trouble ; but as he persists, and 
 will make me no acknowledgment, 1 am strictly 
 obliged to make this application, and do believe 
 you will find I merited better usage than Cap- 
 tain Hill was pleased to bestow on me. But this 
 I refer to your determination.” 
 
 It may be gratifying to hear that Captain Hill, 
 after much expostulation, was induced to make an 
 apology. 
 
 The following entries are worth preserving on 
 account of their historical value. They seem to refer 
 
374 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 L1721— *4. 
 
 to a confederation of different Nabobs in Southern 
 India, including Sadatulla Khan, Nabob of Arcot, 
 against the power of Cheen Kulich Khan, Nizam 
 of the Dekkan. Also to a struggle between two 
 Mussulman chiefs for the possession of Ginjee. 
 
 “ Wednesday, 1st July, 1724. The President 
 informed the Board, that yesterday he received 
 private advices from the country that in a late 
 engagement near Aurungabad, wherein the Nabobs 
 of this side of the country were most of them 
 joined against Cheen Kulich Khan, this latter had 
 gained a complete victory. Galib Khan, com- 
 mander of the forces sent against him by our 
 Nabob, being killed ; as was likewise Falum Khan 
 son to Abdul Nabbee Khan, and almost all the 
 Chief Officers in the Army. Sheik Mahmud Khan, 
 Nabob of Hyderabad, was likewise wounded and 
 his life despaired of. These letters add that a de- 
 tachment of Cheen Kulich Khan’s army, amounting 
 to .about 15,000 men, were on then - march to seize 
 Sattingurra, one of the passes into the Carnatta 
 country, which had occasioned our Nabob to 
 march to secure it ; in order to which he was 
 levying forces with the utmost expedition and at 
 very extravagant rates. Further advices say that 
 Abdul Nabbee Khan was marched against Fyre 
 Khan, to take possession of the Ginjee country ; 
 aud that we might shortly expect au account of 
 the engagement from those parts.” 
 
 “ Friday, 16th July, 1724. The President pro- 
 duced another letter, giving us an account that 
 there had happened a very bloody engagement be- 
 tween Abdul Nabbv Khan and Fyrc Khan, in 
 
1711 - 24 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 375 
 
 which the former was killed and the latter mortally 
 wounded, and that there were upwards of 1 2,000 
 men cut off in the engagement. That upon this, 
 our Nabob was marched to take possession of the 
 Ginjee country, imagining that after such a vast 
 loss neither side will be able to oppose him ; that 
 Cheen Kulich Khan* on his march to this side of 
 the country, and a detachment of his army con- 
 sisting of 15,000 men, is now encamped at 15 
 leagues distance from Hyderabad, in their way 
 hither, followed by himself with the main body. 
 
 “ The President added that there are remaining 
 of Abdul Nabby Khan’s family, 23 persons, which 
 are all resolved to maintain their right to the 
 Ginjee country or die, so that there is little likeli- 
 hood of these parts being settled again in peace 
 for a long time.” 
 
 “ Wednesday, 22nd July 172-1. There being 
 a large quantity of Madeira wine in the Godowns, 
 it was proposed to dispose of some part thereof. 
 Put the Persian Empire being so much distmbed, 
 and the Afghansf beseiging Shiraz, it was re- 
 solved, not to sell any Madeira yet, it being very 
 unlikely that we should have any wine from Persia 
 this year, and consequently the price of Madeira 
 will rise which is now very low.” 
 
 About this time a crime was committed at Port. 
 
 * In the records he is styled Nissa Mulmuloch, who 
 is said to be the same as “ Chicklys Khan.” There can- 
 not however be the slightest doubt of his identity. . 
 
 t The Afghans are here entitled “ Ophgoons” in the 
 Records. Of course in this, as in other similar cases, we 
 have modernized the spelling. 
 
3 ? G 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [172t-JC 
 
 St. David, wliicb is worthy of some notice. A 
 Gunner was living with a Portuguese woman ; and 
 one evening an Ensigu of the Garrison made the 
 Gunner drunk apparently for the purpose of seducing 
 the woman. The Gunner however awoke from his 
 drunken stupor, and after much altercation shot the 
 Ensign dead. Many of the details are unfit 
 for our columns, hut the following extracts from 
 the depositions are curious illustrations of the 
 Garrison life of the period. AVe must premise that 
 the Gunner’s name was Jens Pitterson ; the En- 
 sign who was murdered was named Edward Key. 
 
 “ Jens Pitterson declares, that the 2nd of Oc- 
 tober 1724, about 5 o’clock in the afternoon, he 
 came from shooting ; at which time Ensign Edward 
 Key asked him what game he had got ; to which 
 he replied he saw nothing rvorth shooting, and so 
 came home immediately. Afterwards Jens Pit- 
 terson declares he went home to eat, and when he 
 had done Ensign Edward Key asked him, the said 
 Jens Pitterson, to go to his room to drink a dram 
 with him. To which the said Pitterson replied, 
 that he was not used to drink and could not bear 
 liquor, and therefore desired to be excused ; but 
 after many persuasions the said Jens Pitterson 
 declares he went to Ensign Edward Key’s room, 
 and there drank with the Ensign two drams. 
 After which the said Jens Pitterson says he retired 
 into his own room, and that Ensign Edward Key 
 about half an hour after followed him to his own 
 room ; when the Ensign told him, the said Jens 
 Pitterson, that he wanted a companion to go with 
 him to Bengal ; for that his pay was going to be 
 
1751 — 2 - 1.3 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 o i i 
 
 reduced, and he should be obliged to ask for his 
 discharge. To which Jens Pitterson says lie re- 
 plied, that he had no occasion to leave the place 
 while he was maintained ; hut that if he was 
 discharged he must seek his livelihood where he 
 could. Upon which Ensign Edward Key shook 
 the said Jens Pitterson by the hand, and said to 
 him “ Comrade you must go along with me and 
 then they fell to drinking in Pittcrson’s room to 
 such an excess, that the said Jens Pitterson de- 
 clares he knows not what he did afterwards, only 
 that some of the guard told him this morning that 
 the Ensign had beat him. 
 
 “Gulielino I). Rozario, Sentry from 1 2 to 2 o’clock 
 over the gate, deposes that about half an hour 
 after one o’clock in the morning, Jens Pitterson, 
 Gunner of T repopolor e Guard, waked in liquor, 
 and asked Ensign Key what he was doing. Some- 
 time after Jens Pitterson took his cutlace, which 
 the Ensign seeing, retired into his own room and 
 shut the door. Upon which Jens Pitterson enraged 
 called out, and fell a cutting and slashing the bars 
 of the Ensign’s windows. 13ut Jens Pitterson find- 
 ing he could not come to the Ensign with his cut- 
 lace, went to his room and brought a gun. Where- 
 upon the Deponent declares Ensign Key threatened 
 Jens Pitterson, that if he did not retire from the 
 window, he would tire upon him without waiting 
 for orders ; and that he the deponent called 
 out to the Serjeants and Corporals who 
 awaked, but were afraid to seize the said Jens 
 Pitterson because he had a loaded gun in his hand. 
 Whereupon Ensign Edward Key came to the 
 
 48 
 
O'- / 
 
 
 -t 
 
 / y 
 
 l --•.Ax £> 
 
 / 
 
 (p( y'vC't'’* 
 
 -y&V >- 
 
 « J 
 
 '~**y*k^ — 
 
 £A>x.i~ (< /y 
 
 57 S 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [irsi-:<. 
 
 window of his room, and bidding Jens Pitterson 
 be gone to sleep, the said Jens Pitterson fired his 
 gun in at the window, and shot him ; which alarm- 
 ed the guard, but they dared not seize him be- 
 cause he had got another loaded piece by him ; 
 therefore they waited till he fell asleep when they 
 seized and bound him.” 
 
 It came out in the evidence that the pay of the 
 Ensign was only nine pagodas a month, and that 
 of the gunner only six pagodas. It will be suffi- 
 cient to say that the prisoner was sent to Fort St. 
 George for trial, but the judgment subsequently 
 passed does not appear in the records. 
 
 The administration of Governor Elwick was 
 now drawing to a close. The last event in his 
 administration worth recording, is an enquiry 
 into the barbarous conduct of some peons who 
 were sent to St. Thome to arrest a man named 
 Anconah for debt. As all the facts were fully 
 proved, it will be sufficient if we simply publish 
 the complaint of Anconah, and the punishment 
 awarded to the accused. The petition is dated 
 16th November 1724. 
 
 “ The petition of Godee Anconah. 
 
 “ Humbly showeth, 
 
 “ That on Saturday night, three of the Com- 
 pany’s peons came to my lodgings at St. Thome, 
 and told me your Honor sent for me. To which 
 I replied, I would wait on your Honor directly. 
 But one of the peons called Annapah, took hold 
 of my hand, and drew his sword, and wounded me 
 in the side. After that he and the other two 
 carried me into the yard, and one of them put my 
 
3721-24.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 3 7 y 
 
 head under his arm and cut the tip of my ears and 
 took my jewels. My mother-in-law, seeing what 
 they did, asked them why they used me so ill. 
 At which one of them drew his sword and cut my 
 mother-in-law on the neck. Then one of my man- 
 servants, seeing me so cruelly used, begged them 
 to let me alone. One of them presently cut off 
 his hand and gave him a wound on the head ; and 
 after that they gave me several wounds on my 
 belly and breast ; then they beat all my woman 
 servants and brought me into the streets, kicking 
 and beating me on the belly. Then bringing 
 me half way to Madras they overset me, 
 beating and kicking me very basely ; and thinking 
 that they had killed me, they put their hands 
 to my nose to feel if I was breathing, or whe- 
 ther I was dead or alive. Then they brought me 
 before your Honor, who was pleased to order 
 Doctor Pitcher to dress my wounds, who told me 
 that if I had stayed but four hours longer without 
 a Doctor I had been a dead man. 
 
 “ I can assure your Honor and Council that I 
 never wronged the Company, or am indebted to any 
 body ; but am a free merchant, and pay the Com- 
 pany’s customs for my Merchandize. I am still 
 very weak in my body and limbs, therefore leave 
 it wholly to your Honor and Council to see*your 
 poor petitioner righted, and the offenders punished, 
 according to your Honor and Council’s pleasure.” 
 
 Governor Elwick and Council entered upon a 
 long and careful examination of all the circum- 
 stances connected with this outrage. In the first 
 instance they resolved that the effects of An- 
 
380 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1721 — 2 * 4 . 
 
 napali and the two other peons should be confis- 
 cated and sold, in order to recompense the man 
 who had lost his hand ; and that the three cri- 
 minals should stand in the pillory and have their 
 ears cut off, and should then be whipped out of 
 the bounds. Meantime however Aga Mogheen, 
 the Governor of St. Thome, interceded in behalf of 
 the prisoners, and begged that they might be par- 
 doned ; and accordingly, in order to prevent the 
 affair from being represented to the Nabob of 
 Arcot in such a way as might prove troublesome 
 to the Madras Government, it was resolved that 
 the sentence should only be put in force against 
 Annapah ; and that the two other peons, who 
 had only acted under his orders, should be 
 discharged. Annapah however appears to have 
 been an influential member of the Left Hand 
 Caste, and the Heads of the whole of that 
 Caste appeared before the Board and begged 
 that a fine might be substituted for corporal 
 punishment. Accordingly it was determined that 
 Annapah should pay the following. To An- 
 conah, whose jewels had been taken from his ears 
 but whose circumstances were good, and who de- 
 sired a public acknowledgment of the crime, An- 
 napah was required to pay 200 pagodas. The 
 manservant who lost his hand, being a much in- 
 ferior person, would have received less ; but con- 
 sidering that he had been disabled from getting a 
 livelihood, “ it was thought necessary to give him 
 such a sum as might maintain him, or at least put 
 him in a way of living easy for the rest of his 
 life,” and therefore he was to receive 200 pagodas. 
 
1721 - 24 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 381 
 
 Two other persons who were hurt were to be paid 
 50 pagodas pack. Finally, in order that Annapali 
 might make public reparation for his crime, 
 “ it was agreed to fine him further 200 pagodas, 
 to be lodged in the Corporation Cash towards 
 keeping the bridges in repair.” 
 
 On the 18th of January 1 725, Mr. Elwick resign- 
 ed the President’s chair, and shortly afterwards re- 
 turned to England ; and Mr. James Macrae of 
 Glasgow notoriety assumed the Government of 
 Fort St. George. 
 
382 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [1725-28 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF AIR. JAMES MACRAE. 
 
 1725—26. 
 
 Mr. James Macrae, Governor of Fort St. George 
 and all the English Settlements on the Coast of 
 Coromandel from 1725 to 1730, was one of those 
 remarkable men who rose from poverty to affluence 
 at the time when large fortunes were still a novelty 
 in the commercial world. The annals of his Go- 
 vernment will thus derive additional interest from 
 his extraordinary career, especially in the eyes of 
 those of our readers who come from those parts of 
 Scotland where his name and memory are still pre- 
 served in local traditions. Accordingly, before 
 entering upon the records of his government, it 
 may be interesting to glance at such particulars 
 respecting his origin as may be gathered from 
 stories which are still current in Glasgow and 
 Ayr.* 
 
 * Some interesting particulars concerning Governor 
 Macrae and his family, and the mode in which he dis- 
 posed of his fortune after his return from India, were 
 published some years ago in the “ Ayrshire Observer," 
 and have been placed at the disposal of the compiler of 
 these annals. It is curious to notice that all who have 
 attempted to collect the traditions respecting this ex- 
 traordinary man, dwell especially upon the fact that his 
 Governorsliip of Madras, and indeed his whole Indian 
 career, is a perfect blank. This blank will therefore 
 now be filled up for the first time. 
 
1735— iO.J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 333 
 
 Mr. James Macrae was born in Ayrshire about 
 the latter part of the reign of merry king Charles. 
 His parents were of the very lowest class, and he 
 himself whilst a boy is said to have been employed 
 in looking after cattle. His lather ■h w vovur died 
 whilst James Macrae was still very young ; and his 
 mother then removed with her son to the town of 
 Ayr ; where they lived in a little thatched cottage 
 in the suburbs, mul ■■’her*' tlip po m- widow ga iwl- 
 hor l i vin g as a washerwoman. Here young 
 Macrae added something to his mother’s earnings 
 by running messages ; but at the same time seems 
 to have picked up some little education by means 
 only known to Scotchmen. He appears however 
 to have grown tired of this monotonous life whilst 
 still a boy. Ayr was a seaport, and it is easy to 
 understand how a young man, endowed with the 
 energy which Macrae subsequently proved himself 
 to possess, should have imbibed a keen desire to 
 embark in the adventurous trading of the time, and 
 finally have turned his back upon the poverty of 
 home and run off to sea. 
 
 Forty years passed away before Macrae returned 
 to his native land ; and it is generally believed that 
 throughout the whole of that period he held no 
 communication whatever with his relations or his 
 home. Meantime his sister married a carpenter 
 named MacGuire, who was also in great request 
 as a violin player at kirns and weddings, and was 
 consequently known as “ Fiddler MacGuire.” 
 The poverty of these people may be gathered from 
 the fact that the children of MacGuire were on 
 one occasion seen crying for bread, whilst their 
 
3S1 
 
 history or madras. 
 
 [ 1725 — 20 . 
 
 mother had left the house to try and borrow a loaf. 
 But we shall have more particulars of this family 
 to relate hereafter. For the present we must 
 confine ourselves to the career of Mr. Macrae. 
 
 The early events in the seafaring life of the 
 young runaway must we fear for ever remain un- 
 known. We can learn nothing of him till about 
 1720, when he must already have been thirty years 
 in India, and is simply alluded to as Captain 
 Macrae. Most probably he had risen to the com- 
 mand of a vessel in the country trade, and had 
 undertaken voyages to Sumatra, Pegu, and China. 
 It appears however that he had been successful in 
 gaining the confidence of his Honorable Masters, 
 for he was subsequently sent on a special mission 
 to the English settlement on the West Coast of 
 Sumatra, to reform the many abuses which pre- 
 vailed at that settlement. Here he acquitted him- 
 self in such a manner as to ensure his appointment 
 to a high post. He effected savings to the extent 
 of nearly 60,000 pagodas, or about £25,000 per 
 annum ; and at the same time carried out such re- 
 forms as promised a very large increase in the sup- 
 ply of pepper. Accordingly the Directors ordered 
 that on leaving the West Coast he should be ap- 
 pointed Deputy Governor of Fort St. David, 
 and thus stand next in succession to the Govern- 
 ment of Fort St. George. The retirement of Mr. 
 Elwick led to Mr. Macrae’s advancement to the 
 latter post sooner than could have been expected. 
 He returned from the West Coast towards the end 
 of 1721, and without proceeding to Fort St. 
 David, at once took his seat as second Member of 
 
S72B— 20.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 385 
 
 Council at Fort St. George. At last on the 18th 
 of January, 1725, the son of the poor washerwo- 
 man of Ayr took his place as Governor of the 
 Madras Presidency. The proceedings on that 
 occasion are thus recorded in the consultations. 
 
 “ Monday, 18 th January, 1725. The Presi- 
 dent (James Macrae, Esq.,) opened this consulta- 
 tion by telling the Board that, as this was the 
 first time of their meeting since his taking the 
 chair, he thought it would not be improper to ac- 
 quaint them of his resolutions ; of which the prin- 
 cipal was, that he would prosecute the Company’s 
 interest to the utmost, and endeavour to retrieve 
 the abuses that had crept into the management of 
 iheir affairs. He added that he was determined 
 not to interrupt in any manner the commerce of 
 the place, but that all the inhabitants both Whites 
 and Blacks, the Free Merchants as well as the 
 Company’s Servants, should have free liberty of 
 trade, and that he should expect the same freedom 
 from interruptions in what he should undertake ; 
 that he would endeavour to be as agreeable to the 
 Gentlemen as any of his predecessors, but that he 
 was determined to maintain the privileges and im- 
 munities belonging to the President ; and he con- 
 cluded by saying, that he expected a ready assist- 
 ance from them in the pursuit of the above 
 resolutions, which was accordingly promised.” 
 
 Before proceeding with the annals of Mr. 
 Macrae’s administration, it may be as well to re- 
 mark that he was emphatically a commercial Go- 
 vernor and a most laborious administrative re- 
 former. The relations with the Nabob of Areot 
 
 49 
 
38 G 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1725 - 28 , 
 
 remained unaltered, and what may be called the 
 domestic incidents of the Presidency are few in 
 number. But in all matters connected with the 
 trade of the place, the reduction of the expendi- 
 ture, the improvement of the revenues, the super- 
 vision of the mint, and the administration of 
 justice, his proceedings are distinguished by an 
 indefatigable industry, a display of strong sense, 
 and above all by a fullness of record far beyond 
 those of any of his predecessors. Nothing appeared 
 too large or too small for Governor Macrae. 
 Everything received his attention in turn, from 
 such matters of detail as the sorting of cloths and 
 the better preparation of the consultation books, 
 up to the most difficult and complicated questions 
 connected with the coinage, the customs, the quit 
 rent, or the very doubtful cases of appeal from the 
 Mayor’s Court. Like most men who have risen 
 from nothing, he was arbitrary and occasionally 
 harsh towards his subordinates 7 but he proved 
 himself a valuable servant to the Company, whose 
 orders he rigidly respected ; and no records which 
 have as yet fallen into our hands throw more light 
 upon the internal administration of Fort Saint 
 George. 
 
 Our first extract seems to illustrate the deter- 
 mination of the new Governor to support his own 
 dignity. 
 
 “ Monday, 22 nd February, 1725. The Presi- 
 dent acquainted the Board that Pondy Chetty 
 Kistna, a person who was formerly whipped out 
 of Fort St. David for practices against the Govern- 
 ment, and afterwards banished from hence for the 
 
1755-290 
 
 HISTORY OP MADRAS. 
 
 387 
 
 same crime ; but who had lately ventured again 
 without leave, and had wrote a letter into the 
 country, wherein he tells his correspondent several 
 things of the President very much to his dis- 
 honour ; which coming to his knowledge had oc- 
 casioned him to confine the said Pondy Chetty 
 Kistna. The letter was produced, and the Board 
 unanimously agreed that he ought to suffer very 
 severely and his imprisonment was confirmed.” 
 This letter is unfortunately not entered in the re- 
 cords ; otherwise it might have thrown some light 
 upon the assumed faidts of the Governor. 
 
 The first important matter which received the 
 attention of Governor Macrae was that of the coin- 
 age of rupees at the Madras mint. It seems that 
 the Native chiefs had awakened to the profit deriv- 
 ed by the Madras Government from the coinage of 
 rupees ; and accordingly they had not only set up 
 mints of their own, but about this time they con- 
 trived to make more rupees out of the same 
 quantity of silver, than were made by the Com- 
 pany. Por instance out of every hundred ounces 
 of silver, the mints at St. Thome and Arcot turn- 
 ed out to the merchant Rupees 266, annas 14 ; 
 whilst the mint in Port St. George only turned out 
 Rupees 257, annas 7- Thus the merchant obtain- 
 ed nine rupees seven annas more for his hundred 
 ounces of silver at St. Thome and Arcot than he 
 could obtain at Port St. George. In other words 
 the Madras rupee was two per cent dearer than 
 the rupee of Arcot or of St. Thome. The conse- 
 quence was that the merchants preferred coining 
 their silver at the latter mints ; and the Company 
 
388 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1725 - 25 . 
 
 found its customs decreasing. Accordingly Go- 
 vernor Macrae directed Messrs. Pitt, Benyon, and 
 Einmerson, to enquire into the whole matter. Their 
 report is accordingly entered in the consultations, 
 but it is not oidy intricate but devoid of interest 
 to the general reader. The substance of it, ren- 
 dered as clear as we can make it, appears to be 
 as follows. 
 
 At St. Thome, Arcot, and Covelong the charge of 
 custom and coinage had formerly been 85 rupees 
 per thousand ; viz. 15 rupees custom to the 
 Nabob and 20 rupees for mint charges. Both 
 however had been recently reduced, the Nabob’s 
 custom to 10 rupees and the mint charges to 11 
 rupees : thus the custom and coinage were only 21 
 rupees per thousand, instead of 35 rupees as hereto- 
 fore. It seems however that the mint charges were 
 only nominally 11 rupees per thousand ; and that 
 actually they were 14 rupees, as may be seen from 
 the following table. 
 
 Charcoal for making the powder. 
 
 Waste in melting 
 
 Pots 
 
 Flatting the bullets 
 
 Chopping 
 
 Its. 
 
 Ik 
 
 S; 
 
 's 
 
 i 
 
 4 
 
 To which was added 
 
 Brahmins for their care. 
 
 Goldsmiths 
 
 Gold washers 
 
 Its. 14 per thousand. 
 
1725 — 20. J HISTORY OF MADRAS. 389 
 
 This amount was made up thus. Every 300 
 ounces of silver ought to have made 974 rupees, 
 whereas these mints only paid out 971 rupees; 
 the difference of three rupees being about the 
 same as the difference between 1 1 rupees and 14 
 rupees per thousand. Again there was a deprecia- 
 tion of weight of one rupee eleven annas per 
 thousand, and another depreciation of standard of 
 nine rupees per thousand ; making an additional 
 profit of ten rupees eleven annas per thousand. 
 This fraud had been introduced ever since the re- 
 duction of custom and charges from 35 rupees to 
 21 per thousand ; and it had proved successful, 
 inasmuch as these native mints paid out their 
 rupees by tale and not by weight, and the differ- 
 ence was so slight as to render their rupee as good 
 in the market as the rupee of Fort St. George. 
 
 The custom and charges on the Madras rupee 
 were as follows, two per cent, or 20 per thousand 
 to the Company, and two per cent or 20 per 
 thousand to the mint. Thus making 40 rupees 
 per thousand. 
 
 The 20 per thousand mint charges were distri- 
 buted as follows. First lli per thousand for char- 
 coal, waste, pots, flatting, and chopping, as in the 
 St. Thome and Arcot mints ; and the remaining 
 
 as follows : — 
 
 Rupees. 
 
 Brahmins for their care 
 
 H 
 
 Goldsmiths 
 
 31 
 
 Gold washers 
 
 n 
 
 
 81 
 
 Other mint charges as above 111 
 
 Rupees... 20 per thousand. 
 
390 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1725 - 58 . 
 
 It will be seen by the following resolution that 
 Governor Macrae endeavoured to put matters to 
 rights, — 1st, By prohibiting the export of silver from 
 the Company’s bounds, and thus compelling the 
 merchants to coin their silver at Fort St. George ; 
 2iully, By lowering the Company’s custom -j per 
 cent and the mint charges 1 per cent, or altogether 
 10 rupees per thousand. Henceforth then the 
 custom and charges at Madras would be 30 rupees 
 per thousand ; whilst the custom and charges at 
 St. Thome, Arcot, and Covelong would be nomi- 
 nally 21 rupees per thousand, but actually 31 ru- 
 pees 11 annas per thousand. The original entry 
 will serve to render the subject more intelligible. 
 
 “ Monday, 8th March, 1725. Messrs. Pitt, 
 Benyon, and Emmerson deliver in a report of the 
 coinage, together with an account of the charges 
 and customs collected at our Mint, and those in 
 the country ; as likewise an account of the pro- 
 duce of a hundred ounces of silver of the fineness 
 of the Eupee in our and St. Thome Mints. 
 
 “ This matter being fully debated it was upon 
 the whole agreed, that no silver except rupees 
 shall be permitted to be exported to any part of 
 the coast of Coromandel under penalty of confisca- 
 tion, half to the informer and half to the Com- 
 pany ; and the Secretary do give notice hereof at 
 all the public places in the town. 
 
 “ As by the calculates and reports abovemen - 
 tioned, it appears that our rupee is two per cent, 
 dearer to the merchants than the St. Thome and 
 Arcot rupee ; it was further argued that we ought 
 to find out some method to lessen the charge of 
 coinage, that so we may bring it nearer to a par 
 
1725 — 20.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 391 
 
 with the country coin ; and it appearing that the 
 Brahmins actually indisburse 111 rupees per thou- 
 sand, and that they must have something besides 
 for their trouble, it was plain their custom could 
 not be reduced above a 1 per cent ; which not 
 being sufficient it was agreed to strike off a half 
 per cent likewise from the custom paid the 
 Company ; which it is hoped will be approved 
 by the Honorable Court of Directors for the fol- 
 lowing reasons. 
 
 “ First, that the present charge of coinage being 
 4 per cent in our Mint, and but 21 per thousand 
 in the St. Thome Mint, nobody will bring any 
 silver to us, but on the contrary carry it away 
 thither ; but that when our custom is reduced to 
 three per cent, the difference will be so much less 
 that probably we may have the greatest, part of the 
 coinage return to us, especially since our rupee is 
 in greater esteem in the country than theirs. 
 
 “ Secondly, that we shall receive orders from 
 Europe in two years ; and if our Honorable 
 Masters shall disapprove hereof, which we cannot 
 believe they will, it may be laid on again. 
 
 “ Thirdly, that at present the revenue is sunk to 
 almost nothing, so that should no more silver be 
 coined here than has been for sometime past, the 
 difference will be very inconsiderable ; whereas 
 should we hereby regain the coinage it will be 
 very apparently advantageous to the Company. 
 
 “ Lastly, that the Company will save T per cent 
 in the coinage of their own silver ; which as we 
 coin one-third generally of what goes down to the 
 
392 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11725—58. 
 
 Bay, will very near if not over compensate for the 
 reduction of the custom on other silver. 
 
 “ These being the causes why it is thought ne- 
 cessary to lessen the charge of the coinage, it was 
 recommended to the President to talk with the 
 Mint Brahmins, and bring them to an agreement 
 for lowering the charge agreeable to the above 
 resolve, which he accordingly promised.” 
 
 How far the Government order respecting the 
 exportation of silver was regarded by the Madras 
 merchants may be gathered from the following 
 entry. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 30th March, 1725. Two parcels of 
 silver having been seized last night upon some 
 shroffs, who were carrying it out of the bounds, 
 contrary to the late order affixed at all the gates 
 and in all the languages, so that the proprietors 
 could not pretend ignorance : — agreed that it be 
 confiscated ; and Mr. Hubban offering to take it 
 at 15f dollars for ten pagodas, the Secretary was 
 ordered fcf weigh it off to him and receive the 
 money, which is to be divided agreeably to the said 
 order at the gates, half to the Company and half 
 to the informer.” 
 
 The following petition is interesting from * illus- 
 trating the mode Jn which private property was 
 originally acquired in the Madras Presidency. It 
 was received by the Government on the 30th of 
 March, 1725. 
 
 “ To the Honorable James Macrae, Esq. 
 
 President and Governor of Fort St. George. 
 
 “ The humble petition of Maria Pois, Widow, 
 showeth, That a few years after the Honorable 
 
17 : 15 — 20 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 393 
 
 Company’s settlement here, a great many inhabi- 
 tants, and your petitioner’s grand father, planted 
 gardens without any title thereto from the then 
 President and Council. Some of their posterity 
 have sold this ground and gardens as their own, 
 some part to the inhabitants to build on, and 
 some still enjoy it themselves ; several have also 
 since his Honor Harrison’s time planted gardens 
 without auy title, and enjoy them as their own. 
 Eut your petitioner’s grand father, believing it 
 proper to have a title to his garden, and having 
 then an interest with the Honorable the President, 
 Council, and Gentlemen in the place was promised 
 the title ; but in the interim he died, and his son 
 his successor, being soft and illiterate, lost his 
 father’s interest, but got a cowle from the Honora- 
 ble the President and Council for thirty-one years, 
 contrary to his father’s request and desire ; and if 
 he had not troubled the Honorable President and 
 Council for a cowle, might have enjoyed it as 
 the rest have done, him and his heirs for ever. 
 All this your petitioner was unacquainted with 
 till the time was expired. Your poor petitioner 
 having built a house, planted trees, and brought 
 the garden to a vast perfection, this your petitioner 
 laid before the then President, how simply the son 
 of the deceased managed it ; to insist on a cowle 
 but for 31 years, when the rest have ever since 
 enjoyed the same as their own and heirs for 
 ever. 
 
 “ Now the Honorable President and Council 
 compassionately took this, your petitioner’s case, 
 into consideration ; and rented said house and 
 
 50 
 
39-i 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 ' 1723 — 26 . 
 
 Garden to your petitioner ; it being extremely 
 hard, after having built the house and brought 
 the garden into perfection, to lose all, your peti- 
 tioner having no other subsistance. This Garden 
 your petitioner has rented of the Honorable Com- 
 pany ever since the expiration of the cowle. 
 
 “ Your petitioner is now informed that said 
 house and garden is to be put up at outcry to 
 rent ; if so it is an immediate ruin to your poor 
 petitioner, it being your petitioner’s only subsist- 
 ance ; she, having no habitation or place of abode, 
 most humbly begs your Honor will, out of your 
 abundant clemency and goodness, look upon this 
 your petitioners case with compassion, and suffer 
 her to rent said house and garden as usual, as she 
 answers yearly the income of the garden to the 
 Honorable Company. If not your petitioner will 
 be reduced to extreme want and misery. There- 
 fore humbly begs your Honor will continue your 
 poor petitioner to rent said house and garden, and 
 as in duty bound shall ever pray.” 
 
 Governor Macrae however showed himself to be 
 a stern man, not easily moved by petitions whether 
 from widows or from any one else. Accordingly 
 the prayer of Maria Pois was rejected, and it was 
 agreed that her farm should be put up to public 
 outcry. 
 
 Our next extract shows that the arbitrary order 
 for prohibiting the exportation of silver was now 
 extended to gold. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 6th April. The President acquaint- 
 ed the Board that several shoes of gold* had been 
 
 * A “ shoe of gold"’ was ten thousand pagodas. 
 
1,-25 -Mi 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 395 
 
 lately carried out of the bounds, which he believed 
 was to be coined at St. Thome ; and therefore he 
 proposed that an order should be made prohibiting 
 any gold, except what is wrought or ready coined, 
 shall be carried out of the bounds under penalty 
 of confiscation, the one half to the Company and 
 the other to the informer ; which is agreed to and 
 the Secretary ordered to affix a note at the gates 
 accordingly.” 
 
 It will be seen from the following entry how the 
 occupations of the Governors in the olden time 
 differed from those of the more aristocratic Presi- 
 dents of modern times. 
 
 “Monday, 21st June. The President and 
 Council met in the Sorting Godown, and examined 
 the Port St. David Cloth, which proved pretty 
 good. They also examined several parcels of what 
 was brought to be sorted here, which they found 
 for the generality amended in the number of 
 threads, but so thin that it was not fit for the 
 Company’s use.” 
 
 The following extract shows that Governor 
 Macrae was learning a lesson in free trade. 
 
 “ Saturday, 3rd July, 1725. The prohibition 
 some time since laid on the exportation of silver 
 and gold into the country, which was then thought 
 for the benefit of our Honorable Masters, having 
 been now found to occasion a general stagnation 
 of trade, and likewise to have fallen the price of 
 silver very considerably, which will in the main 
 vastly overbalance the gain by the coinage. 
 
 “ Agreed that the said prohibition be taken off, 
 
396 
 
 HlSTOllY OF MADRAS. 
 
 1 1725— K. 
 
 and that the Secretary do give public notice there- 
 of at the gates.” 
 
 Our next extracts, referring to the renting of 
 the three out villages, will explain themselves. 
 
 “ Saturday, 3rd July, 1725. The Lease of the 
 Farms ofEgmore, Persewauk, and Tandore being 
 expired, the President informed the Board that he 
 had received proposals from the present Kenters, 
 who had agreed to take them at the rent of 14,000 
 pagodas, provided they might have them for ten 
 years. But that if they could not have them for 
 longer time than the former lease, they would 
 give but one thousand pagodas per annum, be- 
 cause that they actually lost in the last three 
 years, though very plentiful ones, six hundred pa- 
 godas ; but that having a long lease, they might 
 have some encouragement to improve the lands, 
 which they shall not have in taking them only for 
 three years, which being considered, it was agreed 
 that they be let on the above terms.” 
 
 “ Monday, 12th July. The President informed 
 the Board that he had got the old Kenters of Eg- 
 more, Persewauk, and Tandore, to give 1,450 
 pagodas per annum for the rent of those villages 
 for ten years next ensuing ; and that Poncala 
 Kishna, the tobacco farmer, was security for the 
 performance of agreements ; which being the ut- 
 most he could raise the rent to, the Cowle was 
 produced and signed to Kishna Keddee Chandra 
 seaca, and Chittombee.” 
 
 'i az following extract refers to almost the only 
 difference which ever arose between Governor 
 Macrae and the native powers. 
 
1725 - 20 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 397 
 
 “Monday, 23rd August, 1725. Sometime since 
 eight bales of goods being brought hither on one 
 of our ships belonging to a Moorman, were at- 
 tached for a debt due to Mr. Sitwell from the said 
 Moorman, who is since run away to Covelong ; 
 and the goods have been claimed by the Nabob as 
 his, and bought for his account ; which demand 
 being now again repeated, it is agreed that since 
 the Nabob declares the goods are his, it is better 
 to let them go, than make any dispute thereupon. 
 Wherefore the President is desired to write him 
 that upon giving up the Moorman, and paying the 
 Company’s customs, the goods shall be delivered 
 to his order.” 
 
 The Nabob however seems to have refused to 
 deliver up the Moorman, or to pay the Company’s 
 customs. A correspondence accordingly ensued 
 which spread over the greater part of a year ; and 
 was at length brought to a conclusion on the 21st 
 July, 1726. We give the extract from the con- 
 sultations of that day. 
 
 “ The President represents to the Board that lie 
 had been long importuned by Nabob Sadutalla 
 Khan, by pressing letters and frequent messages, 
 to deliver up the eight bales of goods mentioned 
 in Consultation held the 23rd August 1725, to 
 have been attached here by the creditors of Slmak 
 Bonlaki for the payment of his debts, as belong- 
 ing to the said Shaak Bonlaki ; but that the Na- 
 bob continues to claim them as belonging to him- 
 self, and insists peremptorily upon their being de- 
 livered to him ; and that without his demand 
 is complied with, he, the President apprehends a 
 
398 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 U/35-26. 
 
 breach with him unavoidable ; which in our pre- 
 sent circumstances would be of very great prejudice 
 to the Company’s affairs. 
 
 “ This matter having been considered by the 
 Board, and the consequences a breach at this time 
 with the Nabob might produce having been duly 
 weighed ; and it having likewise been admitted 
 that the creditors of Shaak Bonlaki might have had 
 reasons to believe that the eight bales in question 
 did belong to him, yet the Nabob’s right to them 
 could not be disproved ; and he continuing to in- 
 sist so very peremptorily upon having them de- 
 livered to him, notwithstanding the President 
 endeavours by repeated messages and many letters 
 to prevail with him to suffer them to be sold 
 for account of Shaak Bonlaki’s creditors. There 
 being no prospect of prevailing with the Nabob, it 
 is ordered that Mr. Turner do deliver to Nabob’s 
 order the said eight bales of goods in dispute.” 
 
 The following perjury cases are worthy of being 
 preserved, as showing how false witnesses were 
 punished in the olden time. 
 
 “ Friday, 10th September, 1725. In the exa- 
 mination of Anconah’s affair one Magdulla Kistna 
 confessed himself perjured, by a declaration under 
 his own hand, whereupon he was ordered into con- 
 finement ; and it is now ordered that he be Pillo- 
 ried to-morrow at the usual hours, and afterwards 
 whipped at the Choultry, and then released from 
 his imprisonment.” 
 
 A year afterwards we find Governor Macrae 
 still determined to put down perjury with a strong 
 hand. He had been engaged upon deciding upon 
 
1725— M.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 399 
 
 a long list of appeals from the Mayor’s Court, 
 chiefly equity cases connected of course with wills, 
 bonds, and disputes about property of all kinds. 
 These interminable and complicated cases may 
 have been interesting to the parties concerned, but 
 present not a particle of interest now, beyond the 
 fact that they are marked by contradictions, palpa- 
 ble perjuries, forgeries, and oppressions of all kinds. 
 Many of the cases were reversed by GovernorMacrae, 
 whilst others were sent home to be adjudicated 
 on by the Directors, and even to be tried in West- 
 minster Hall ; from which we may infer that the 
 old stories of corruption in the Mayor’s Court, so 
 frequent in the narratives of old travellers, were 
 not without some foundation in truth. How far 
 Governor Macrae was exasperated at this state of 
 things may be gathered from the following punish- 
 ment ordered upon another perjurer. 
 
 “ Monday, 29th August, 1726. Ordered that 
 Arnagery for punishment of his crime of perjury, 
 and for terror to all such abandoned villains, be 
 remanded to the Choultry prison, and be thence 
 conveyed to the Pillory every first day of the 
 month for the next six months, and set upon it 
 from ten to twelve o’clock ; and immediately after 
 he is taken down from the Pillory to receive thirty- 
 nine lashes each time at the whipping post, and 
 be afterwards turned out of the bounds with order 
 never to return again under severe punishment.” 
 
 The following extract respecting the circulation 
 of false pagodas will explain itself. 
 
 “ Monday, 27th September, 1725. The Presi- 
 dent informed the Board of a complaint the 
 
M & dtu 
 
 *> * 
 
 crv 
 
 /HaJhfU, n'a/^L , 
 
 / t ctm 
 
 4 IK) HISTORY OF MADRAS. I1725-K. 
 
 Shroffs had made to him, that vast quantities of 
 pagodas had been brought into the place lately, 
 which were worse than Pagodamatt, and bore the 
 Xegapatam stamp so nicely counterfeited, that it 
 was almost impossible to distinguish them ; and 
 therefore he proposed that some method should 
 be taken to stop this evil, which being for some 
 time debated, it was agreed that the Secretary do 
 affix a note at the gates to give notice, that who- 
 soever should be found bringing in such bad pa- 
 godas, or offering them in payment, should be 
 punished at the discretion of the Governor and 
 Council, and the money be forfeited, one half to 
 the informer and one half to the Company ; and 
 that whatever shroff should find such pagodas 
 should be obliged to carry them to some one of 
 the Justices of the Choultry to be defaced, or if he 
 did not, he should be pilloried and whipped out 
 of the bounds.” 
 
 Governor Macrae was far too fond of Commit- 
 tees of inquiry to let such a matter pass without 
 the most searching investigation. Accordingly 
 about three weeks afterwards we find the follow- 
 ing report entered in the consultations, which 
 will be found interesting as illustrating the condi- 
 tion of the couutry generally. 
 
 “Monday, 18th October, 1725. The following 
 report was presented to the Honorable James 
 Macrae, Esq., the President and Governor of Port 
 St George and Council. 
 
 “ Honorable Sir and Sirs, 
 
 “ The committee you were pleased to appoint, 
 
1725 — 2d.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 401 
 
 to enquire into the business of the present current 
 pagodas, and put a stop to an abuse which will 
 at last be attended with such dangerous conse- 
 quences, do now humbly lay before you their pro- 
 ceedings and opinion of the most proper remedy 
 effectually to prevent this mischief without giving 
 a shock to commerce. 
 
 “ We find upon examining the shroffs that this 
 has been a growing evil, introduced by the corrup- 
 tion of the country Government in conniving at 
 the circulation of any sort of pagodas, provided 
 their profits from those who have the liberty of 
 coining them are answerable ; and as this is so 
 considerable an advantage to them it is not 
 from the Nabob we are to expect any relief. There- 
 fore we thought it most proper to have the opinion 
 of the merchants in general which method we 
 should pursue ; who on a meeting came to this re- 
 solution, which we offer to your honors as what 
 we likewise think sufficient to answer the design, 
 without risking a stagnation in the circulation. 
 
 “ That five shops shall be appointed in the most 
 convenient parts of the town, for the exchanging 
 of all money which is necessary for the currency 
 of the Bazar ; in each of which must be placed, 
 two shroffs, a gold smith, and a Company’s peon, 
 whose stations are to be changed every day 
 with power to cut or deface all such pagodas as 
 are found to be bad. As to payments of large 
 sums the merchants themselves will undoubtedly 
 be cautious for their own security, and take such 
 care as not to be imposed upon in what they re- 
 
 51 
 
402 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 0725—26. 
 
 ceive, by employing such shroffs in whose fidelity 
 they may confide. 
 
 “ George Mortan Pitt. 
 
 “ Nathaniel Turner. 
 
 “ Richard Benyon. 
 
 “ John Emmerson.” 
 
 “ The most convenient places for the shops 
 are Jappa Chetty’s Street, Choultry Street, 
 Mutala Pcttah, Pedda Naick’s Pettah, Jaga Mulla 
 Street.” 
 
 Another point which attracted the attention of 
 Governor Macrae at this time is also worthy of 
 some notice. For some years past, different sums 
 of money had been lodged in the Company’s cash 
 chest at Fort St. George on account of the Jesuit 
 Missionaries in China ; for which the Government 
 * of Fort St. George, under orders from the Court 
 of Directors, had allowed interest at the rate of six 
 per cent, per annum. In September 1725, Father 
 Moriset at Fort St. David wrote to Governor 
 Macrae respecting a further deposit of cash, on the 
 same terms ; but the economical President, having 
 plenty of money in hand, considered that this 
 would be a favorable moment for reducing the 
 yearly interest from six per cent, to five. The 
 matter led to a Committee of inquiry into all the 
 monies lodged in the Company’s chest at various 
 times by the Jesuit Missionaries in China. The 
 following extracts from their report will be suffi- 
 cient to explain the state of affairs. It will be 
 seen that the sums deposited were not to be re- 
 turned ; the yearly interest paid being supposed to 
 be a sufficient return, without any repayment of 
 
1725—23.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 403 
 
 the principal. We must therefore suppose that 
 the sums lodged at Fort St. George were of the 
 nature of an endowment to provide for the perpe- 
 tual support of the Jesuit Missionaries in China. 
 Our report from whence the following extracts are 
 taken is dated 21st July 1726. 
 
 “ To the Honorable James Macrae, Esq., 
 
 President and Governor and Council of 
 Fort St. George. 
 
 “ Honorable Sir and Sirs, 
 
 “ In pursuance of an order of Council, we lay 
 before your Honors what orders have been re- 
 ceived from the Honorable Court of Directors, re- 
 lating to the receiving into the Company’s cash 
 money from the Jesuit Missionaries in China at 
 interest ; together with an account of the several 
 sums that have been hitherto received into cash 
 for their account, and what has been writ by this 
 Board to the Honorable Court of Directors on 
 that subject. 
 
 “ We find that the sum of 10,000 pagodas was 
 received into cash for their account the 31st 
 August 1721, but no interest to be paid them 
 thereupon till the Company’s order should be had 
 for that eflect. 
 
 “ The Honorable Court of Directors in their 
 general letter dated 26th April 1722 say as fol- 
 lows. 
 
 “ We have had application made us by Monsr. 
 Labbe, agent for the French Jesuit Missionaries in 
 China, to receive 10,000 pagodas of theirs into 
 our cash at Fort St. George ; that President Hast- 
 ings had received the money conditionally to await 
 
404 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11725 — 26 . 
 
 our orders, though he had no occasion for any 
 having a flowing cash ; that said agent desires the 
 money may remain in our cash and the proprietors 
 to be for ever dispossest of the property thereof, 
 on the Company’s yearly allowing them a reason- 
 able interest. We have considered of the whole, 
 and in regard we sometimes have and at other times 
 have not occasion to borrow money at Fort St. 
 George ; therefore we are willing to allow them a 
 certain interest of six per cent, though it is one 
 more than we pay here per annum, and hope it 
 will be to their satisfaction.” 
 
 “ In consequence of which general letter a bond 
 was executed by the Governor and Council, and 
 delivered to the Agent to the said Missionaries, to 
 pay them interest 600 pagodas per annum upon 
 the sum of 10,000 pagodas received. 
 
 “The 25th February 1724 their agent paid 
 into cash the further sum of 2,000 pagodas ; and 
 the same day the Governor and Council delivered 
 him a bond for six per cent, interest per annum 
 upon it. 
 
 The receipt of this sum was advised to England 
 to which the Honorable Court answered as follows : 
 
 “ Your letter advises that the Jesuits in China 
 have by their attorney offered to deposit in our 
 cash with you a sum of money, which you intend 
 to receive and give bond to pay six per cent, per 
 annum for it. Padre de Goville, lately returned to 
 Europe, has by writing requested of us to receive 
 10,000 pagodas into our cash, and to pay the 
 Missionaries for it 600 pagodas a year, which we 
 have agreed to.” 
 
1755 - 28 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 405 
 
 It would thus appear that at this time the Com- 
 pany had agreed to receive in all the sum of 
 20,000 pagodas on behalf of the Jesuit Mission- 
 aries in China, for which they were to pay a per- 
 petual interest at the rate of 6 per cent, per 
 annum, the principal not to be returned. Accord- 
 ingly it would seem that the China Missionaries 
 paid in that amount, and derived from the Com- 
 pany alone a yearly income of twelve hundred 
 pagodas, or about five hundred pounds sterling. 
 
40G 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1726 - 57 . 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 GOVERNORSHIP OF MR. JAMES MACRAE. 
 
 1726—27. 
 
 The commercial character of the administration 
 of Mr. James Macrae has been already noticed, 
 and the very lucid manner in which commercial 
 transactions are recorded in the' consultation books 
 of the period, induces us to pay more attention to 
 such extracts as serve to illustrate the mode in which 
 the Company carried on their business with Native 
 merchants, either for providing a sufficient number 
 of bales of Native cloth for exportation to Europe, 
 or for disposing of broadcloth, iron, and other arti- 
 cles of home produce which had been imported from 
 England. These extracts however we shall not group 
 by themselves, but simply arrange them, together 
 witli other selections, in strict chronological order ; 
 by which means the reader will be enabled to 
 form a better idea of the miscellaneous character 
 and general scope of the records themselves, than 
 by any other method. 
 
 Our first extract refers to the supervision of 
 native goods maintained in old time by the Govern- 
 ment of Fort St. George. 
 
 “ Thursday, 6th January, 1826. The Ware- 
 house-keeper reported to the Board, that the 
 chintzes being brought from painting (dyeing) had 
 
1729-27.] 
 
 HISTORY Of MADRAS. 
 
 407 
 
 been examined at tlie Sorting Godown, and that it 
 was the general opinion of the Sorters that both the 
 cloth and paintings were worse than the musters ; 
 wherefore they had resolved, if the Board approved 
 thereof, to allow the merchants only 35 pagodas 
 per corge, instead of 40 for the cloth ; and the 
 painter 47-J- pagodas per corge, instead of 60, which 
 they used to have. This being approved, the mer- 
 chants were called in and told the resolution of the 
 Board.” 
 
 “At the same time the Warehouse-keeper re- 
 ported that the Pu'licat Betillas, brought in by the 
 merchants upon the muster, for which in the con- 
 tract we were to give 120 pagodas per corge, were 
 vastly inferior to the muster ; and that it had been 
 agreed in the Sorting Godown that 100 pagodas per 
 corge was the value of them ; so that he (the 
 President) desired the order of the Board for bring- 
 ing them to account at that price, which was agreed 
 to, and the merchants accordingly told these re- 
 solutions.” 
 
 The Native merchants appeared to have submitted 
 to the reductions very quietly, for no demur on 
 their part is entered in the proceedings. When 
 however the Board desired to make a contract with 
 the same merchants, as to the quantity of Europe 
 cloth they should purchase, or the quantity of native 
 cloth they should supply, it was not always found 
 so easy to deal with them, as will be seen by the 
 following extract. 
 
 “ Thursday, 3d March 1726. Our Merchants were 
 called in, and a proposal made, to them as follows. 
 
 “ That they shall engage in a contract at Fort 
 
40S 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 1 1720-27 
 
 St. George for 2000 bales of cloth, to be delivered 
 to us one half in August, and the remainder by 
 the last of January next.” 
 
 “ That they shall take all the broad cloth (from 
 Europe) at the usual advance, to be kept under 
 two keys, one of which to be left with themselves 
 and the other with the Warehouse-keeper ; that 
 before they take any out of the warehouses, it shall 
 be paid for in ready money ; and that the whole 
 amount shall be paid off by the 1st of April 1727. 
 In consideration of which the Board (they were 
 told) would abate the penalty of 30,000 pagodas, 
 to be inflicted for breach of the last contract, to 
 10,000 pagodas ; but if they would not do this 
 they must expect to pay the whole amount of the 
 penalty. 
 
 “ Upon the hearing these proposals, the Mer- 
 chants immediately declared they could not engage 
 by any means, either to take the broad cloth, or 
 contract for above 800 bales ; and to this they 
 adhered for a considerable time, but at last after 
 near two hours debate, finding the Board determin 
 ed to exact the whole penalty if they did not agree 
 to the terms proposed, and being excused from any 
 contract at Eort St. David, they consented ; having 
 first obtained a promise of the Board that if they 
 complied within 300 bales, no penalty should be 
 exacted.” 
 
 Our next extract refers to a forged bond, found 
 amongst the papers of a deceased Company’s ser- 
 vant named Woolley. 
 
 “ Thursday, 30th June, 1726. Captain Richard 
 Upton, representing that a forged note, men- 
 
1726-27 ] IIISTOUY OF MADRAS. 40'J 
 
 Zoning that he had received of Robert Woolley 
 deceased 1000 ounces of Silver, for which he was 
 to be accountable, having been found amongst said 
 Woolley’s papers, whereof payment had been de- 
 manded, signed as by him and witnessed as by 
 Messrs. Samuel Harrison, and Richard Stephens ; 
 and that he and the said pretended witnesses were 
 ready to make solemn oath, that neither he nor 
 they ever had any knowledge of any such note, 
 nor ever signed the same. Therefore craving that 
 he and they might be sworn to the truth of what 
 he affirmed, in order to prevent any demand being 
 made upon him for the said 1000 ounces of Silver. 
 
 “ Captain Upton and Messrs. Harrison and 
 Stephens being called in, were interrogated as to 
 the signing and witnessing the said note ; and 
 affirmed each of them that it was forged and 
 without their knowledge ; that there was no simili- 
 tude of hand writing, and severally made oath to 
 what they affirmed. Whereupon it was ordered 
 that the said note appearing to be forged be can- 
 celled ; which was done.” 
 
 The next entries which we consider worthy of 
 preservation are still more curious. It has been 
 seen that the revenues of Trivatore, and of the 
 other out villages belonging to the Company, were 
 farmed out to some of the Company’s Merchants, 
 on their engaging to pay a certain sum (1450 
 pagodas) per annum. The Merchants in their 
 turn rented the villages to a man named Mahadin, 
 and this Renter appears to have treated the inhabi- 
 tants in a barbarous and oppressive manner. Ac- 
 cordingly two of the villagers sent in the follow- 
 
 52 
 
410 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 U7»-i7. 
 
 ing petition to Governor Macrae in which all their 
 grievances are specified. The petition will be 
 found to form an admirable illustration of Native 
 administration in the olden time. 
 
 “ To the Honourable James Macrae, Esq. Presi- 
 dent and Governor of Fort St. George, The humble 
 petition of the inhabitants of Yessa Caward, 
 
 “ Showeth, — That the Company has let outTriva- 
 tore and the other out villages to the Company’s 
 merchants, who during five years that they kept 
 them in their own hands, allowed your petitioners 
 all their privileges and allowances as usual, and 
 they lived very happily. Then one Mahadin took 
 these villages of these merchants, and promised to 
 allow your petitioners the same privileges and 
 allowances as the said merchants had done ; but 
 lie has acted contrary, and not given them any 
 privilege or allowance. * Upon whch they asked 
 him the reason ; and he replied that the Company 
 had sold those villages to him, and he could do 
 what he pleased. The said privileges and allow- 
 ances due to your petitioners for these six years 
 amounts to about 100 pagodas. Besides this he 
 has distressed your petitioners and laid many hard- 
 ships on them. He set one of their Pariahs half 
 way in the ground, where he kept him three hours 
 and fined him. Another Pariah he c haubuck ed 25 
 blows, put him into the stocks, and kept him there 
 an hour. He tied one of their shepherd’s neck 
 and heals, for four or five days, an hour each day, 
 and beat him very much and fined him. He broke 
 a Talliar’s back, and turned him out of the village. 
 He tied a shopkeeper of the village, neck and heels, 
 
I7M-27.J 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 411 
 
 putting a heavy stone on his back, and kept him so 
 an hour and then fined him. He served another 
 shopkeeper in the same manner. He has done too 
 many other barbarous actions to your petitioners 
 to give your Honor in writing an account of. There- 
 fore they humbly implore to take their case into 
 consideration, and order them satisfaction. They 
 cannot go on with their business if he be con- 
 tinued the Renter. Your petitioners hope your 
 Honor will do them justice, and they as in duty 
 bound shall ever pray.” 
 
 To this petition, a Native named Chandarasaha, 
 who seems to have been the steward of Mahardin, 
 sent in a counter-petition, denying or explaining 
 away the charges. This also is a gem in its way. 
 
 “ The petition of Chandarasaha. 
 
 “ Humbly showeth, — Whereas your petitioner 
 has been falsely accused that he has punished the 
 inhabitants beyond reason, and as to his burying 
 the man half under ground is utterly false ; for 
 the man having, contrary to order, let the water 
 run the wrong course, was punished according to 
 custom ; that is by laying his hand in the water 
 course, which filled with sand and the Company’s 
 chop put thereon. And as for your petitioner’s 
 forcing of unreasonable forfeits from the inhabi- 
 tants, it is also false ; for the inhabitants having 
 complained to your petitioner that a milkman’s 
 measure was less than it should be, which your 
 petitioner by examining found true ; therefore fined 
 him 6 fanarns ; and to a seller of tobacco and 
 betel, for selling contrary to the renter’s order, was 
 fined 6 fanams. As to the Talliar, he stole away 
 
412 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 n rift- it. 
 
 above three pagodas worth of Mangoes, for which 
 lie paid 48 l'anams ; and when the Talliar had 
 found the thief, your petitioner told him that he 
 might do what he would. Also the said Talliar (i. e. 
 the Talliar who was the thief not the Talliar 
 who had arrested him) took more than his right 
 of the paddy, and took it away without leave ; 
 for which fault he was tied neck and heels two 
 hours. And as for your petitioner’s out ting any 
 body in irons, it is false ; but a Pariah being taken 
 stealing paddy, was by your petitioner’s order put 
 in the stocks. That the three persons before men- 
 tioned have sold the Company’s ground, which 
 when the Buyer came to take possession, your 
 petitioner refused to let him take it without your 
 Honors leave. That your petitioner for the good of 
 the inhabitants did lend them money, and let them 
 have paddy to the value of pagodas 260 ; and 
 when your petitioner demands his money then 
 they begin to make a disturbance. Now three of 
 the inhabitants being come to this place, they have 
 taken opportunity to say that all the inhabitants 
 will leave the place. The Pedda Naik’s allowance 
 of ground in the said village is 4440 yards, but 
 now he has taken 14,400 yards, which is more 
 than his due by near 10,000 yards ; which for 
 these four years he has not sown, nor would he let 
 any body else, to the loss of about pagodas 229 ; 
 and now about a thousand yards which he sowed, 
 the paddy now lies there and he refuses to divide 
 it. Therefore your poor petitioner most humbly 
 requests your Honor to give him justice, and as 
 in duty bound shall ever pray.” 
 
1726— 87-J 
 
 H1ST0RV OF MADRAS. 
 
 413 
 
 Governor Macrae’s action upon tliese two peti- 
 tions will be gathered from the following extract. 
 
 “ Friday, 26th August, 1726. The President 
 delivers into the Hoard two petitions which had 
 been presented to him ; one from some inhabi- 
 tant of Vessa Cawarda, against Mahadin the pre- 
 sent Renter ; the other from Chandarasaha, who 
 acted as steward to the said Mahadin, and put his 
 orders in execution. Which being read, the Pre- 
 sident acquaints the Board that both parties had 
 been before him ; that he had heard them separate 
 ly and also given then a joint hearing ; that he 
 had examined witnesses to the truth of the facts 
 charged against Mahadin, and heard the Company’s 
 Merchants upon the affair. That from the whole, 
 it appeared to him, that the said Mahadin had 
 been guilty, and was fully convicted by evidence, 
 of the charge delivered against him in the first 
 petition ; which is even acknowledged by the said 
 Chandarasah in his petition, who acted by order 
 and authority from Mahadin in all these matters, 
 as is by Mahadin owned. 
 
 “ This affair being taken into consideration, 
 particularly the presumption of Mahadin in tak- 
 ing upon him to levy fines and inflict corporal 
 punishments upon the Honorable Company’s sub- 
 jects without authority ; which had actually fright- 
 ened several inhabitants out of the bounds, as the 
 President further informs us had been proved be- 
 fore him, and would deter others from coming out 
 of the country to secure themselves and properties 
 under the protection of English Law as usual. 
 To prevent any such violences and extortions in 
 
414 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [i72«— 87- 
 
 time to come, it is resolved that no Renters or 
 Farmers of Villages have authority to levy fines, or 
 inflict corporal punishment upon the inhabitants ; 
 and that for an example Mahadin be ordered to 
 resign his Cowle of Trivatore and the other villages 
 into the hands of the Company’s Merchants ; 
 having forfeited the same by his unwarrantable 
 actions ; and for a further punishment to him and 
 example for others, he be fined in the sum of 50 
 pagodas, to be paid into the Company’s Cash, and 
 that the Secretary do demand the same,” 
 
 This decision was rigidly carried out, for three 
 days afterwards we find an entry to the effect that 
 Mahadin had given up the Cowle and paid the fine 
 of fifty pagodas. 
 
 Perhaps few entries are more illustrative of the 
 character of Governor Macrae, than the following 
 attempt at reduction in the matter of Hospital 
 charges. The decision of the canny Scot is wonder- 
 fully suggestive. How far it contributed to the 
 comfort of the sick we leave to the judgment of 
 our readers. 
 
 “ Saturday, 17th September, 1726. The Presi- 
 dent represents to the Board that, upon reading 
 the particulars of the article of Hospital charges, 
 lie apprehends there are several of them too large, 
 and others unnecessaiy, and ought to be reduced 
 aud discontinued ; which being taken into consi- 
 deration, and the several particulars again read 
 and enquired into, it was represented that the 
 Surgeon, who has the immediate direction of the 
 Hospital, always insists that the present charge is 
 
1720 — 27-j 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 415 
 
 necessary for entertaining and recovering the sick, 
 and that no reduction can be made of it. 
 
 “ Ordered, that whereas it hath been for some 
 time the custom for one of the Surgeons to have 
 the immediate care of the Hospital solely, they do 
 in future act each six months by turns ; that by 
 their acting thus interchangeably, we may make 
 the experiment whether the one cannot reduce the 
 charge of the Hospital lower than the other, 
 which it is believed out of emulation to recom- 
 mend themselves, they may do.” 
 
 Next follows a curious entry respecting the 
 horses sanctioned by the Company for the use of 
 the President. 
 
 “ Monday, 7th November, 172G. The Presi- 
 dent represents to the Board, that their being now 
 remaining alive only two Chaise horses belonging 
 to the Company, and these so weak that to save 
 them he had been obliged for above a twelve month 
 to make use of a pair of Manilla horses of his own 
 for his Chaise ; that the Honorable Company had 
 allowed his predecessor three horses for his Chaise, 
 one of which had been dead some time, and the 
 other two so much wore that they are not now fit 
 to do the service of one ; that the Company’s 
 piebald horse was lately dead, and that the horses 
 for his guards were very old, and some of them 
 quite worn out, that he was now obliged to 
 allow two Pegu horses of his own for that service. 
 Wherefore he proposed to the Board to purchase 
 the said two Pegu horses for the use of his guards, 
 and the two Manilla Chaise horses for his Chaise, 
 
416 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1720 — 27 . 
 
 on the Company’s account ; being all of them 
 young, well broke, and seasoned to the country. 
 
 “ Resolved that the foresaid four horses be 
 purchased for the Company for the service above 
 mentioned, at 150 pagodas each ; and that the 
 Paymaster do pay for the same ; and that one of 
 the worst of the guard horses be sold at pub- 
 lic outcry as soon as the season permits the usual 
 concourse of people at the sea gate.” 
 
 Whilst Governor Macrae was thus attentive to 
 his own interests, he was by no means unmindful 
 of the interests of the younger servants of the 
 Company, as will be seen by the following extract, 
 which is well worthy not only of preservation but 
 of more general imitation. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 15th November, 1726. The Presi- 
 dent represents further to the Board, that lie thinks 
 it a great discouragement to the subordinate ser- 
 vants, and inconsistent with that emulation we 
 ought to excite amongst them to distinguish them- 
 selves by merit in order to their advancement, that 
 some should be continued so long in laborious sta- 
 tions without any profit, while others enjoyed 
 places of profit and that required little application. 
 Particularly that Paul Foxley had served under 
 the Export W'are housekeeper above five years, and 
 discharged that trust faithfully to the approbation 
 of his superiors ; and that Edward Croke, had con- 
 tinued several years Writer at the Sea gate, in which 
 station he had had but very little opportunity of 
 exerting himself in the Service. Therefore moved 
 that Mr. Foxley be appointed in Mr. Crokc’s room 
 W riter at the Sea gate.” 
 
1730 - 57 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 417 
 
 “ Resolved that Paul Poxley do enter upon the 
 employ of Writer at the Sea gate the first of 
 January next, and that Ralph Mansell do succeed 
 him in the Export Warehouse at the same time. 
 Edward Croke being Senior in standing to all the 
 Servants under the Council, it was judged reason- 
 able that he should be advanced to a station of a 
 higher trust in the Service. Wherefore resolved 
 that he be employed in the station of Receiver of 
 the Honorable Company’s customs, and that he 
 do enter upon the same the first of January next.” 
 
 The following petition is simply an illustration 
 of the times. 
 
 “ The humble petition of Hirdaram. 
 
 “ Sheweth, — That your petitioner’s brother* 
 Nundaram, brought 2773 rupees from Arcot, and 
 procured therewith a Bill of Exchange on Bengal 
 from Governor Collet. Your petitioner’s brother 
 being murdered by robbers on his way to Bengal, 
 the Bill has not yet been paid ; which your Peti- 
 tioner hearing came to Madras with the Nabob’s 
 perwanna to demand the repayment of the said 
 money from Governor Elwick and Mr. Benyon, 
 attorneys to Governor Collet ; who told your peti- 
 tioner that if he could bring a sufficient security 
 to indemnify them they would pay him. Your 
 petitioner has now brought an attestation, signed 
 by many great Gentlemen at Arcot, witnessing 
 that your petitioner is the next heir to the said 
 deceased Nundaram ; which your petitioner hopes 
 is a sufficient authority for receiving the said 
 money ; and that vour Honor would please to give 
 
 53 
 
418 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 'Xi6-K. 
 
 such orders therein as your Honor shall think 
 meet.” 
 
 It will be sufficient to say that the security 
 offered by the gentlemen of Arcot, some of whom 
 stood high in the favour of the Nabob, was 
 deemed sufficient, and the money was accordingly 
 paid. 
 
 Our next extract is another curious illustration 
 of the times ; like the previous one it will explain 
 itself. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 6th December, 1726. Mr. Emmerson, 
 Chief Justice of the Choultry, reports to the Board 
 a late instance of a woman slave having attempted 
 to poison a whole family ; that the poison had 
 actually been given, but operating very violently 
 quickly discovered itself, and the effect was prevent- 
 ed by immediately administering proper emetics, 
 and that the criminal had confessed the fact. That 
 in order to strike terror into such abandoned 
 mind’s and for securing the lives of the inhabitants 
 in future from atrocious attempts, the Justices of the 
 Choultry were come to a resolution to punish the said 
 criminal in the most public and exemplary manner, 
 the approbation of this Board being first had ; and 
 that he was further empowered from the Justices 
 of the Choultry to represent to the Board that, con- 
 sidering how easily poisons are procurable here, as 
 in the late instance by low miscreants, even Subli- 
 mate Mercury, it will be highly necessary to pub- 
 lish a prohibition of selling or delivering poisons 
 of any sort, but under a proper regulation ; that 
 therefore they were of opinion that no person 
 should be permitted to sell or deliver poison, with- 
 

 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 418 
 
 out first acquainting one of the J usticcs of it, under 
 the penalty of confiscation of half of their estate, 
 and being further liable to corporal punishment at 
 the discretion of the said Justice. 
 
 “Approved the proceedings of the Justices in 
 their affair, and agreed with them to prohibit the 
 selling or delivering poison without the consent of 
 one of the Justices, and under the penalty above 
 mentioned, and that a prohibition be forthwith pub- 
 lished accordingly.” 
 
 Strange to say we can see no entry of the punish- 
 ment which was inflicted on the woman. She was 
 probably treated in such a fashion that the Govern- 
 ment did not care to place it upon record. 
 
 Our next extracts will be found interesting, as 
 exhibiting the amount of expenditure and revenue 
 at Fort St. George and the other settlements on 
 the Coast of Coromandel. We give an extract 
 from the consultation first, and the Accountants’ 
 report afterwards. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 6th December, 1726. Nathaniel 
 Turner, Accountant, delivers into the Board a 
 Report of the state of the Honorable Company’s 
 expenses and customs at their settlements upon 
 this coast, at the balancing and closing the general 
 books ending April last ; which is read and ordered 
 to be entered after this consultation. 
 
 “ The said Report being maturely examined 
 and considered, the Board are agreed that the 
 reduction of the charges of their settlement, and 
 of Fort St. David, has been carried as far as it 
 has been hitherto practicable. 
 
 “ That the increase of the expense of Yizaga- 
 
HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 II72&- 
 
 120 
 
 patam last year, was owing to the additional 
 number of soldiers we were obliged to send and 
 continued there, for the security of that factory, 
 while the country round it w r as ravaged and they 
 threatened by contending armies ; that alter the 
 reduction made as advised by Mr. Symonds and 
 Council in their letter to us dated 7lh May last, the 
 charge of that settlement will appear to have been 
 considerably diminished upon the next years books. 
 
 “ That we must likewise refer to next years 
 books for the reduction of expense at Masulipatam 
 and Madapallnm. 
 
 “ That the decrease of the Sea Customs, and the 
 increase of the Land Customs here at Madras last 
 year, are owing to one and the same cause ; - they 
 having ordered the whole 5 per cent custom to 
 be paid at the Choultry upon goods imported from 
 the country ; whereas formerly only 21, per cent 
 was accounted for there and the other at the 
 Sea gate upon exportation of said goods.” 
 
 “ That the decrease of the Customs is general 
 last year, here and at Fort St. David, and from there 
 account of the proceedings, seems indeed totally 
 owing at Fort St. David to the five per cent charged 
 in said preceding year upon so large a quantity of 
 turned out cloths, that had been brought in there 
 upon former investments ; and here in part to the 
 like five per cent custom having been charged our 
 Merchants upon a considerable quantity of turned 
 out cloths. Besides which the customs have been 
 considerably lessened in this fort last year, and 
 will more considerably this, by the great decay in 
 the trade to Manilla, and the almost total loss of 
 

 17*0—27-] HISTORY OF MADRAS. 421 
 
 the trade of the Patans from Bengal ; both which 
 trades being principally in fine goods, and form- 
 erly to a great value, were very considerable 
 branches of the Sea Customs.” 
 
 Here follows the report of the Accountant to 
 the Governor and Council. 
 
 “ Honorable Sir and Sirs, 
 
 “ The General Books of this settlement ending 
 April, 1726 being balanced and closed, and the sub- 
 ordinate Factory’s Books, ending April 1726 beng sent 
 up, I am to lay before your Honors the last years ex- 
 pense of this settlement and its subordinates on the 
 coast, that you may please to consider whether any 
 part of the charges can be saved to the Honorable 
 Company. 
 
 “ The Expense of this settlement of 
 Fort St. George on the balance of our 
 Books ending April 1725 amounted 
 
 to Pagodas .. 39034 34 28 
 
 u The expense as per our Books end- 
 ing April 1726 is as follows : 
 
 " Charges Garrison. . .. Pagodas.. 15779 26 77 
 
 ** Presents 174 18 20 
 
 “ Charges cattle 800 0 O 
 
 “ Charges Extraordinary .. 173 21 10 
 
 “ Fortifications and repairs . . . . 1495 29 7° 
 
 “ Charges Diet 7000 0 0 
 
 " Account Salary 3265 34 67 
 
 “ Charges Hospital. . .. .. 769 35 20 
 
 " Charges General . . . . . . 6086 22 44 
 
 35546 8 68 
 
 
 
 u Lessened the expense of this place 
 
 this year 3488 25 40 
 
 “ The expense of Fort St. David on 
 the balance of their Books ending 
 
 April 1725 amounted to Pagodas. . . . 29268 28 15 
 
 “ The expense as per their Books 
 ending April 1726 is as follows : 
 
 " Charges Garrison 13082 7 62 
 
 " Charges Extraordinary. . . . 342 26 35 
 
 *' Peons and Servants wages . . 3285 6 0 
 
 “ Charges cattle . . . , 600 0 0 
 
 “ Fortihcations and repairs,, . . 96 34 10 
 
 " Charges Diet . . . . , . 2966 4 0 
 
 “ Account Salary 941 30 40 
 
 “Presents .. 12 33 0 
 
 “ Charges Hospital 219 28 26 
 
 “ Charges General SG68 3 58 
 
 24215 ?9 61 
 
 Lessened the expense of that place this year. . Pagodas... 5052 34 34 
 
22 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 .17M-57. 
 
 “ The Expense of Yiragapatam on 
 the Balance of their Books ending 
 
 April 1725 amounted .to. . Pagodas. 583S 1 61 
 
 “ The expense as per their Books 
 ending April 1726 is as follows. 
 
 “ Charges Garrison. . 
 '* Presents 
 
 . . 2103 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 
 6 
 
 69 
 
 " Charges Diet 
 
 " Charges Extraordinary 
 
 
 30 
 
 0 
 
 .. 151 
 
 33 
 
 35 
 
 " Fortihcations and repairs 
 
 336 
 
 33 
 
 3 
 
 " Account Salary 
 
 400 
 
 34 
 
 19 
 
 " Account Gardens 
 
 . . 35 
 
 19 
 
 41 
 
 "Account Wax 
 
 46 
 
 34 
 
 64 
 
 " Servants’ wages 
 
 . . 1492 
 
 25 
 
 77 
 
 " Factors' provisions 
 
 25 
 
 1 
 
 16 
 
 “ Account repairs 
 
 
 6 
 
 68 
 
 " Charges General 
 
 .. 373 
 
 13 
 
 39 
 
 -6065 29 31 
 
 “ Increased thcExpence of that place 
 this year Pagodas. 227 27 60 
 
 “ Which is occasioned by 20 European 
 Soldiers being sent down to that set- 
 tlement on account of the troubles 
 in the country in the beginning of the 
 year; ten ( 10 ) of which soldiers 
 are still continued there, and adds 
 to the expense of that place ; but 
 since Mr. Syraonds going down he 
 writes us that he has in pursuance 
 to your Honors’ orders made a con- 
 siderable reduction in the Peons’ 
 and servants’ wages, which reduc- 
 tion will appear in their next general — . , 
 
 Books ending April 1727. «• 8313 32 24 
 
 *' The Expeuse of Ingeram for one year 
 
 ending April 1725, was Pagodas. 1315 19 18 
 
 “ The Expense of Ingeram from April 
 
 1725 to May 1726 is 1182 13 63 
 
 Lessened the Expense of that place 
 
 this year, .. . 233 5 35 
 
 The Expense of Masulipatam and 
 
 Madapollum was last year . . Pagodas. 628 34 40 
 I)o. this year ending April 1726 . . . . 623 28 43 
 
 " Decreased this year in their expenses 6 6 77 
 
 “ The Expenses of these two factories 
 ■will next year be considerably de- 
 creased by the regulation your 
 
 Honors have lately made therein. — . ■ 
 
 " Lessened this year in the expenses of 
 this settlement and its subordinates , , . . Pagodas. R 553 7 56 
 
 “ Thus having given your Honors account of the Ho- 
 norable Company’s annual expenses on this coast, I 
 shall proceed to lay before you an account of the 
 
1726 — 57 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 423 
 
 produce of their customs in this place and at Fort St. 
 David ending April 1726. 
 
 " The Sea Customs of Fort St. George. 
 
 “ On the balance of our Books end- 
 ing April 1725 amounted to. . . 36051 8 29 
 
 “ The amount Ditto for one year end- 
 ing April 1726. . . . . . . . 28560 7 46 
 
 Decrease in this revenue. . .. ..7491068 
 
 “ The amount of the Land Customs of 
 Fort 8t. George. 
 
 44 On the Balance of their Books end- 
 ing April 1725 was.. .. 4455 8 28 
 
 Do. .. April 1726 was 10185 33 76 
 
 Increase in this revenue. . 5730 25 48 
 
 “ Less this year in the Customs of 
 
 Fort St. George than last.. .. .. 1760 11 15 
 
 41 The Revenue of Fort St. David 
 eudiDg April 1726 amounted to .. 11941 24 73 
 
 Do. 1725 98 77 0 38 
 
 “ Less this year in the Customs of 
 Fort St. David than last . . . . . , 2004 24 37 
 
 The Customs of Forts St. George and 
 8t David have on the balance of 
 our general books ending April 
 
 1726 Decreased Pagodas. 3824 35 62 
 
 I am with respect, 
 
 Honorable Sir and Sir3, 
 Your most obedient humble servant, 
 Fort St. George, ) Nathaniel Turner, 
 
 6th December 1726. \ Accountant. 
 
 The following record of an enterprising project 
 in the olden time is very curious. 
 
 “ Monday, 26th December, 1726. Petition read 
 of Stephen Newcome, requesting leave to build a 
 Sawmill, and a lease for a space of ground to the 
 northward of the White Tower along the sea side, 
 for building the said mill and proper sheds upon. 
 And he being called before the Board, and heard to 
 the benefit he proposes his mill will prove to be to 
 the Company and the Corporation, gave sufficient 
 
424 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS, 
 
 [ 1726 — 37 . 
 
 reasons to believe that it will be of public advan- 
 tage, and affiimed that he would saw timbers and 
 planks 50 per cent, cheaper upon the cooly hire now 
 usually paid. Besides that he could saw blocks of 
 timber to much greater advantage, and prevent the 
 waste occasioned by the unskillfulness of the pre- 
 sent sawers.” 
 
 “ Granted his petition for the space of ground 
 therein mentioned, and ordered a lease to be pre- 
 pared for the same for 2 1 years ; he paying before 
 signing it 2 0 pagodas tine into the Company’s 
 cash, and annually one pagoda Quit rent during 
 the term of his lease ; and in consideration of the 
 expence of preparing the ground, and building the 
 mill and necessary conveniences, and the benefit it 
 will prove to be to the Company and the place,— it 
 is resolved that the sole privilege of sawing tim- 
 ber and plank by a mill be vested in him for 21 
 years next ensuing, and no other person have that 
 liberty but upon an agreement with him during 
 that time.” 
 
 We hope that we shall find in future records 
 that this Sawmill proved a successful speculation. 
 
 That Mr. Macrae was a most vigilant Governor 
 is further proved by the following entry. 
 
 “ Monday, 9th January, 1727. The President 
 represents to the Board, that he had observed in 
 the Sorting Godown that a great deal of cloth 
 had been turned out this year, which he was per- 
 suaded would upon a re-examination be found as 
 good as muster ; that as he would never counte- 
 nance the taking in bad cloth, so he thought 
 it was not serving the Honorable Company well 
 
JjSft-27.] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 425 
 
 to turn out any that was as good as their musters ; 
 that all he proposed or desired was, that justice 
 might be done our Masters and the Merchants 
 likewise, that they may not be discouraged from 
 contracting with us again. He therefore moves 
 that in order to do justice both to our Masters 
 and to their Merchants the cloth turned out 
 this year may be restored.” This was of course 
 agreed to. 
 
 The following consultation respecting the best 
 mode of improving the declining trade of Madras, 
 is very interesting. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 31st January, 1727. The Board hav- 
 ing taken into consideration the declining state of 
 the trade of this place, which appears by the 
 customs to be greatly diminished ; and if expe- 
 dients are not found for its support must in con- 
 sequence affect every other branch of the Hono- 
 rable Company’s ltevenue, and utterly ruin the 
 inhabitants ; — It principally appears to be owing 
 to the following causes. 
 
 “ That whereas heretofore the trade was en- 
 tirely carried on by the shipping of this port, it is 
 now in part in the possession of the French, 
 Armenians, and Moors, who traffic on other bot- 
 toms and import their Cargoes into other Settle- 
 ments ; which they are enabled to do by the 
 money taken up here by Uespondentia bonds, 
 and without which they could not carry on so 
 extensive a trade. It seems most probable that 
 the preventing this evil will most conduce to 
 the recovery of the customs, and make all 
 other ports on this coast dependent on us, though 
 
 54 
 
426 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS, 
 
 [ 1726 - 27 . 
 
 the duties are less elsewhere ; and whereas several 
 of our English Supra-Cargoes take up large sums 
 of our inhabitants at Respondentia, and afterwards 
 proceed to Bengal, where they take up as much 
 more of persons who are ignorant of their engage- 
 ments here ; so by thrusting into their private 
 adventures greater quantities of goods than the 
 markets where they are bound can possibly con- 
 sume, they are forced to be in those ports two 
 seasons to dispose of their own private effects ; 
 to the great prejudice of those concerned in the 
 stock, and puts a stop to the quick circulation ; 
 which will effectually be prevented by letting the 
 Gentlemen in the Bay know what engagements 
 those Supra-Cargoes lie under here, and by degrees 
 reduce trade to its proper bounds, which by this 
 licentious practice has been quite overdone. 
 
 “ In order therefore, to support the Honorable 
 Company’s Revenue, and to prevent the injuries 
 this place receives from these clandestine prac- 
 tices ; — it is resolved that in future all Responden- 
 tia bonds, notes, or writings at Respondentia for 
 money lent by the inhabitants of this place, — 
 Company’s servants as well as others, — upon all 
 ships trading from this or any other port in India, 
 shall be duly and regularly registered in a book to 
 be kept for that purpose. 
 
 “ That in case of any Supra-Cargo, Merchant, 
 Commander, Mariner, or other, shall have borrowed 
 money at Respondentia of any of the said inhabi- 
 tants proving Insolvent, all such bonds so register- 
 ed shall be accounted and deemed a preferable 
 claim to such as are not. 
 
1720—270 
 
 HISTORY 01 J MADRAS. 
 
 427 
 
 “ That the Sub-Secretary (lo keep the said Book 
 of Register, and that he shall receive 9 fanams for 
 registering each Respondentia bond or note under 
 100 pagodas principal, or 18 fanams for each such 
 bond or note for 100 pagodas or upward ; that 
 after having registered the said Bonds or notes 
 he shall sign them registered, the day of the 
 month and year ; and that the Secretary do put up 
 at the Sea Gate a publication of this resolution in 
 writing in the usual languages for the notice and 
 observation of all the inhabitants.” 
 
 Our next extracts are curious, as clearly show- 
 ing how the business between the Government 
 and the Native Merchants was transacted in the 
 Olden Time. 
 
 “Saturday, 1 1th February, 1727. The Presi- 
 dent acquaints the Board that, after a great deal of 
 management with the Company’s Merchants, he 
 had engaged them to agree to a contract for taking 
 off the woollen goods expected upon the next ship 
 from Great Britain, and for providing goods for Eu- 
 rope this season ; and delivers in the Contract and 
 the counterpart to the Board. Which being read 
 are approved, and the said Merchants being called 
 in, were interchangeably signed and delivered ; and 
 they promise their utmost endeavours to comply 
 with their engagements. 
 
 “ The President represents to the Board, that 
 the Merchants having received no tasharief accord- 
 ing to custom at signing the contract with the 
 Company the two preceding years, and that they 
 now insisted upon their being now tashariefed for 
 die three contracts : — it is ordered that the Ware- 
 
428 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 [17-2S-2X. 
 
 housekeeper deliver seven pieces fine scarlet cloth 
 for that use. Ordered also that 10,000 pagodas 
 be advanced them out of the 20,000 promised 
 them in the terms of the present contract.” 
 
 Tiie following is a copy of the contract as enter- 
 ed in the Consultation Book. 
 
 “ Saturday, 11th February, 1727. A contract 
 made, concluded, and agreed upon this 11th day 
 of February 1727, between James Macrae, Esq,. 
 President and Council of Fort St. George in be- 
 half of the English East India Company on the 
 one part, and Sunca Hamah and Tomby Chetty 
 etc. Joint Stock Merchants on the other part. 
 
 “ The said Merchants do hereby covenant, 
 promise and agree, that they will buy of the said 
 President and Council all the Woollen goods that 
 they shall receive upon the next expected shipping 
 from Great Britain, for the said Company’s ac- 
 count, at thirty per cent, advance upon the Eu- 
 ropean price ; that it shall be deposited in a Ware- 
 house under two keys, one of which to be kept 
 by the Warehousekeeper and another by the said 
 Merchants ; that before they receive any Woollen- 
 goods out of the Warehouse they will pay the 
 amount thereof to the Warehousekeeper, and fur- 
 ther that they will so receive and pay for the 
 whole quantity on or before the 1st day of Octo- 
 ber 1728. 
 
 “ The above said Merchants do further promise, 
 covenant and agree, to and with the said President 
 and Council, that they 'will provide 3000 bales 
 of cloth of the sortments ; to be delivered at 
 least 1,500 bales thereof on or before the 20th 
 
1720 - 27.1 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 429 
 
 day of September next, and the remainder on or 
 before the last day of January following. All the 
 cloths now remaining in the Company’s godown 
 unmeasured to be counted in part of the said 
 3000 bales now contracted for ; and the said Pre- 
 sident and Council do promise to receive the same, 
 provided it be agreeable to our musters. 
 
 “ The said Merchants do further covenant and 
 agree that they will not demand any money upon 
 account of this contract until the goods are de- 
 livered to the Company and embaled ; excepting 
 only the sum of 20,000 pagodas which the said 
 President and Council do hereby promise and are 
 obliged to advance to the said Merchants upon 
 this contract ; which said sum shall not be by 
 them accounted lcr until the conclusion hereof, and 
 the closing their accounts with the Company. 
 
 “ The said Merchants do likewise covenant, 
 and are hereby obliged in case they shall fail in 
 complying with the terms of this contract, to pay 
 a penalty of 20 per cent, for all the bales that they 
 shall deliver short of the number agreed upon ; un- 
 less it shall be manifestly made appear that troubles 
 in the country have hindered them ; provided al- 
 ways, and it is hereby agreed that in case the mer- 
 chants shall comply with this contract within 500 
 bales of the whole 3000, that then the President 
 and Council will remit the penalty for the said 500 
 bales. 
 
 “ In witness whereof the said President and 
 Council have to one part hereof set their hands, 
 and caused the Company’s seal to be affixed ; and 
 to the other part the said Merchants have set their 
 
430 
 
 HISTORY or MADRAS. 
 
 [ 1 / 26 - 27 . 
 
 bauds and seals the day and year first above 
 written.” 
 
 “ Sunca Hamah. 
 
 “ Nairo Ball Chetty. 
 
 “ Tomby Chetty. 
 
 “ Collastri Chetty. 
 
 “ Moodc Yexkata Chetty.” 
 
 The following story of attempted fraud will ex- 
 plain itself. 
 
 “ Monday, 3rd April, 1727. Goodapilla Pran- 
 gappah, having brought a large diamond from the 
 mines to be sold here, and being a stranger, and 
 recommended to Graapah a goldsmith, to assist 
 him in disposing of the said diamond, he had trust- 
 ed him with the sale of it. But the said Gruapah, 
 with intentions to defraud Goodapilla of the real 
 value of the diamond, persuaded him upon several 
 delusory pretexts to retire to Conjeveram. In the 
 mean time, that he might carry on the fraud with 
 the greatest security, he possessed the ignorant 
 stranger with several groundless calumnies, to the 
 prejudice of the President’s character and to the 
 trade of the place. Goodapilla being thus removed, 
 Gruapah applied himself to Gopaul, a Diamond 
 Merchant ; and they entered into an agreement 
 to have the Diamond cut without the owner’s 
 knowledge or consent, and afterwards sold it like- 
 wise without acquainting him to Mr. Parkes for 
 4150 pagodas, of which Gopaul and Gruapah re- 
 received each one half ; though Gruapah had been 
 to Conjeveram, and affirmed to Goodapilla that the 
 President had taken the stone from him, and had 
 
37 * 20 — 27 .] 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 431 
 
 given him only 1500 pagodas for it ; and told him 
 that he must not come to Madras, that if he did 
 he would be in danger. But Goodapilla suspect- 
 ing the fraud, came at last to Madras ; and having- 
 information that his diamond had been sold as 
 above, made his complaint thereupon to the Pre- 
 sident, aud craved that justice might be done him. 
 Whereupon the President had ordered the 
 said Gopaul and Gruapah to be committed to 
 prison ; of all which he now acquaints the Board ; 
 and they and Goodapilla being called before the 
 Board, and the whole affair being particularly en- 
 quired into, it appears evident that Gruapah had 
 imposed upon, and defrauded Goodapilla llung- 
 apah, and aspersed the President very grossly as 
 above narrated. Mr. Parkes being called, declared 
 he paid so much for the diamond. Gopal and Gru- 
 apah acknowledge that it was the same diamond 
 that Goodapilla had trusted Gruapah with to 
 sell for him, and that they had received each one 
 half of the money. Gruapah affirms he had paid 
 Goodapilla 17,000 pagodas ; but the other per- 
 sists to affirm that he had received only 15,000 
 pagodas for his diamond. It being likewise evi- 
 dent that Gopaul was concurring with Gruapah 
 in this cheat, and that he knew the diamond was 
 Goodapilla’s, and had treated with Mr. Parkes 
 about the sale of it, the Board came to the follow- 
 ing resolution. 
 
 “ That, after deducting the charge of cutting the 
 said Diamond, and the sum already paid by Gru- 
 apah to Goodapillah, Gopaul and Gruapah do 
 make up to him the sum it was sold for, each one 
 
432 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 11728-27. 
 
 half ; that Gruapah being in low circumstances, 
 the Secretary do make an inventory of his effects 
 and sell them at the Sea Gate by public outcry, 
 for payment of his half of the said money ; and 
 that if the amount of all his effects shall not 
 prove sufficient, that Gopaul shall make up 
 the sum that shall be wanting ; and that he shall 
 recover of Gruapah the sum so made good if ever 
 he shall be found to have effects ; that both be 
 remanded to prison until the judgment is complied 
 with, and that Gruapah be exemplarily punished 
 for groundlessly aspersing the President’s character 
 in so gross a manner.” 
 
 Here the matter ended, and we can only presume 
 that the money was subsequently paid. It is how- 
 ever a significant fact that Goodapilla should be so 
 easily induced to believe in the oppression charged 
 against the Governor. Mr. Macrae’s proceedings 
 as regards interlopers may be gathered from the 
 following extract. 
 
 “ Tuesday, 25th April, 1727. The President 
 represents to the Board that several persons, 
 without indentures or license to trade as free 
 Merchants, thrusting themselves into the several 
 branches of the trade of India, are a great prejudice 
 to the trade in general, and to the Company’s 
 Covenanted Servants and others that have license 
 particularly in Pegu. That we are directed by the 
 Honorable Court of Directors in their letter dated 
 7th January 1726, to send home all such Traders. 
 "Wherefore the President moves that Miles Barne 
 and Thomas Pritchard, both now here and intend- 
 ed to return to Pegu, and Lewis Tornery and James 
 
1720—270 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 433 
 
 Lander, who are now there trading (though none of 
 the four has the Company’s Indentures) may be 
 served with an order to return to Great Britain, 
 conformably to our Honorable Masters’ directions 
 in that respect. 
 
 “ Resolved that the orders for Lewis Tornery 
 and James Lander be sent in a general letter to 
 Captain Bereyman, Resident at Syrian, by a con- 
 veyance that now offers ; with directions to him 
 to serve the said orders and see them complied 
 with ; and that the Secretary do serve Miles Barne 
 and Thomas Pritchard who are on the place, with 
 the like orders.” 
 
 These orders were evaded. Miles Barne and 
 Thomas Pritchard obtained to go to Pegu for one 
 year to recover their effects, promising faithfully 
 to return and embark for England at the expira- 
 tion of that time. ITow r ever they broke their word 
 and stayed at Pegu ; and the resident at Pegu 
 appears to have avoided taking any action in the 
 matter. 
 
 We close the present chapter and the present 
 volume with the following entry, which serves to 
 illustrate the nature of the trade with China carried 
 on by the Company’s servants at Madras, and at 
 the same time indicates the state of existing re- 
 lations between Port St. George and Pondicherry. 
 
 “Wednesday, 1st June, 1727. The President 
 represents to the Board, that he proposes to send 
 a ship to China this year, and is on that account 
 in want of some silver to send on her ; that as the 
 French at Pondicherrv have lately sold their silver 
 
 55 
 
434 
 
 HISTORY OF MADRAS. 
 
 1 1720-87. 
 
 at fourteen and three eights dollars weight per ten 
 pagodas, he is willing to take the Company’s at that 
 price, with the allowance of a quarter more as usual 
 for ships that go for China. Agreed to deliver the 
 President thirty Chests of silver at those rates.” 
 The concluding years of Governor Macrae’s ad- 
 ministration will be treated in the next volume. 
 
 END or THE SECOND VOLUME. 
 
JUST PUBLISHED. 
 
 MADRAS IN THE OLDEN TIME: being a 
 history of the Presidency from the first founda- 
 tion of Fort St. George to the Governorship of 
 Thomas Pitt, Grandfather of the Earl of Cha- 
 tham, 1639 — 1702 compiled from Official Re- 
 cords, by J. Talboys Wheeler, Esq., mina- 
 ture quarto, with Fac similies of the autographs 
 of the early Governors of Madras Rs. 5-0. 
 
 HAND-BOOK TO THE MADRAS RECORDS, 
 with Chronological Annals of the Madras Pre- 
 sidency from 1639 to 1861, 8vo. cloth. ..Rs. 2-8. 
 
 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 
 
 “ It affords us much pleasure to observe that 
 two very interesting and valuable publications are 
 on the eve of being given to the world by Mr. Hig- 
 ginbotham. We allude to Mr. Talboys Wheel- 
 er’s volume entitled “ Madras in the Olden 
 Time,” and his “ Hand-Book to the Madras Re- 
 cords, preserved in the Government Office.” The 
 former of these works is a re-print of that admira- 
 ble series of papers which have for some time past 
 enriched the columns of the Indian Statesman. 
 Those papers are so widely known and highly ap- 
 preciated, that we need say nothing more about 
 
436 
 
 them. In the meantime we have immediately to 
 deal with Mr. Wheeler’s Summary (i. e. Hand- 
 Book) of the Becords of the Presidency, which 
 lies beside us. Mr. Wheeler has had a rich 
 mine opened to him, and has made the best of his 
 opportunity. He was appointed last year to search 
 through the Government Becords, and to give an 
 opinion as to the value of them, nor could the task 
 have been placed in better hands. His report on 
 them has been pronounced perfectly satisfactory 
 by the Madras Government. — Athenaeum , March 
 2d, 1861. 
 
 “ The Beporter has performed his task with so 
 much ability, as we said on a previous occasion, 
 and has so condensed the voluminous documen- 
 tary matter submitted to his treatment, that, to 
 use a pithy old Scotch proverb, we have “ great 
 gear packed in little bulk,” and can make extracts 
 invitingly short. Mr. Wheeler’s toil in wading 
 through the Becords above mentioned, with a view 
 to that re-classification of the whole effected by 
 him, must have been enormous. — Athenaeum, 
 March 12 th, 1861. 
 
 “ We have been favoured with a copy of Mr. J. 
 Talboys Wheeler’s entertaining work, entitled, 
 “ Madras in the Olden Timed ’ a history of this 
 Presidency from its first foundation to the Go- 
 vernorship of Thomas Pitt, Grandfather of the 
 Earl of Chatham. This interesting work, com- 
 piled from official records in the Government 
 Office, had already afforded us a good deal of 
 amusement, and no little instruction, as it appeared 
 
437 
 
 in a fragmentary state in the Indian Statesman. It 
 comprises the annals of our Madras Commonwealth 
 during a period hitherto little known or studied, 
 extending from 1639 to 1702 : and we must con- 
 fess we did not imagine that old Madras could 
 have furnished any thing so interesting. Had the 
 prospectus of such a work been set before us, we 
 should have smiled incredulously at the promise 
 of entertainment ; but we can assure our readers 
 that a perusal of this little history will amply re- 
 pay them both with valuable information and 
 amusement. Mr. Wheeler has eliminated what is 
 dull and commercial, and has thrown a charm over 
 the early records of our Presidency by his easy 
 and pleasant style, whilst he has also exhibited his 
 subject in connection with the history of the times 
 in a most instructive manner. 
 
 “ Madras has reason to be grateful for the la- 
 bours of Mr. Wheeler, and we hope erelong to 
 see a continuation of his researches into times of 
 still increasing interest and importance . — Madras 
 Observer, March 14th, 1861. 
 
 “ Madras in the Olden Time,” a compilation 
 from the records of Government by Mr. J. T. 
 Wheeler, has just been published in convenient 
 form by Mr. Higginbotham. The student of 
 Indian history will find much to interest him in 
 the old Records for the first time disinterred and 
 arranged chronologically by Mr. Wheeler, for 
 the Indian Statesman, and now placed before the 
 public in a compact volume by Mr. Higginbo- 
 tham. The compiler appears to have laboured with 
 
43S 
 
 great zeal and industry, wading through hundreds 
 of volumes of consultations,” and we think it must 
 be admitted by all who perused the several chap- 
 ters as they appeared in the Statesman that the 
 permission accorded by the Government to Mr. 
 Wheeler has been used very judiciously. So far 
 as we are able to judge, we should say that no event 
 of any importance in the history' of the infant Pre- 
 sidency has been omitted, whilst the extracts refer- 
 ring to the quarrels of the Governors with one 
 another, with their servants and subjects and with 
 the native chiefs from the Naik of Poonaraallee to 
 the great Mogul himself, convey the most vivid 
 description of the position, manners and character 
 of the first settlers, and of the people by whom 
 they were surrounded. As to Mr. Wheeler the 
 least we can say of him is that whilst he has fur- 
 nished the public with some very interesting and 
 amusing reading, he has added a valuable contri- 
 bution to Indian History. — Examiner, March 2d, 
 1861. 
 
 “ The whole period about which Mr. Wheeler 
 writes is between 1639 and 1702, corresponding, 
 as he remarks, almost exactly with that of Lord 
 Macaulay’s History. The materials for the nar- 
 rative have been collected after an amount of la- 
 bour, which few would voluntarily undertake, from 
 the old Government Records. It was well known 
 that, amidst very much that was uninteresting and 
 having reference only to mercantile transactions, 
 much that was valuable and amusing might be dis- 
 covered if any one sufficiently indefatigable would 
 
439 
 
 undertake the work. A few scraps of valuable 
 matter had been disinterred from among the rub- 
 bish which surrounded them, but it was left for Mr. 
 Wheeler to gather up all these fragments, sepa- 
 rate them from the worthless material by which they 
 are encrusted, and work them into one, continuous 
 and readable narrative .” — Madras Crescent , March 
 23d, 1861. 
 
 The Hurkaru writing of Mr. Wheeler’s work 
 says:— 
 
 “ We have to acknowledge the receipt of “ Mad- 
 ras in the Olden Time,” from 1639 to 1702 a 
 seemingly very interesting work, by J. T. Whee- 
 ler, Esq. Every page of it into which we have 
 had time to look contains matter of much interest 
 to any settler in the East.” 
 
 “ In conclusion, we may notice the fact two works 
 have issued from one of the local presses of great 
 interest to all who are connected with Madras, and 
 of considerable importance to the student of Indian 
 History. They are both written by Mr. J. Tal- 
 boys Wheeler, the Editor of the Indian States- 
 man, and are deservedly spoken of in the highest 
 terms in two reviews which we quote elsewhere. 
 One is “ Madras inpthe Olden Time” being a his- 
 tory of this Presidency from its first foundation to 
 the Governorship of Mr. Thomas Pitt, Grandfather 
 of the Earl of Chatham, that is, from 1639 to 
 1702. This Period has been almost ignored by 
 Mill, and where alluded to by him is in many in- 
 stances inaccurately treated. As the present 
 work is compiled from the Government 'Records, 
 
440 
 
 which were placed at Mr. Wheeler’s disposal 
 by the Madras Government, all the facts connected 
 with the early history of the Presidency have been 
 for the first time brought to light in a handy and 
 well printed volume. The other work is a Hand- 
 Book to the old Records of Madras which has 
 been prepared for Government. It deals with the 
 same subject of Madras in the Olden Time, but is 
 of course more official in style : it is nevertheless 
 highly interesting .” — Overland Athenaeum March 
 29th," 1861. 
 
 “ We have now beside us the publication referred 
 to, in the form of a “ Hand-Book to the Madras 
 Records,” a pamphlet in boards extending to the 
 length of 94 pages, (with Chronological annals ex- 
 tending over 40 pages,) and full of most interesting 
 matter connected with the past history of our Presi- 
 dency, which we heartily commend to the notice of 
 our readers, as a valuable addition to their libraries. 
 They will learn from it much that even the most 
 studious among them, and those best acquainted 
 with extant books relative to India, never knew 
 before, because he has wisely been permitted to 
 open to them sources of information hitherto con- 
 cealed, and the nature and value of which was 
 unknown to the possessors of the treasure so long 
 kept under lock and key, in the arcliieves of Fort 
 Saint George. Regarding the excellence of the 
 Report, and the amount of labour bestowed on the 
 preparation of it, we need add nothing to what we 
 have said already, but we must particularly men- 
 tion in addition to the Report, as now printed, of 
 
441 
 
 thirty-one pages, which are perhaps more valuable 
 for the purposes of reference, although less directly 
 instructive and amusing, than the Report itself, as 
 they contain “ Chronological Annals of the British 
 Government at Madras, from the earliest period to 
 the present day ; 1631 to 1861.” In those “ An- 
 nals” Mr. Wheeler has brought his work down 
 to the 5th of March 1861, his record concluding 
 with a notice of the late lamented Bishop of Mad- 
 ras. He has furnished a minute and correct chro- 
 nological series of past events, not to be found 
 elsewhere, which every one who wishes to learn 
 the past history of Madras will do well to con- 
 sult. — Atlienceum , April 13th, 1861. 
 
 “ Madras in the Olden Time ; being a 
 history of the Presidency from the first foundation 
 to the Governorship of Thomas Pitt, Grandfather 
 of the Earl of Chatham — 1689 — 1702 ;” such is 
 the title of a work compiled from official records, 
 by J. Talboys Wheeler, Professor of Moral 
 Philosophy and Logic, Madras Presidency College. 
 The work first appeared as a series of papers in 
 one of the ablest of our Indian journals, the In- 
 dian Statesman. Many of our readers will remem- 
 ber that a similar work, entitled “ The English in 
 Western India,” by the late lamented Phillip An- 
 derson, a Chaplain on this Establishment, appear- 
 ed as a series of papers in our own columns. The 
 two works are the best we have on ‘ the Olden 
 time in India.’ They are replete with information, 
 amusement, and interest 
 
 We could give our readers, if our space permitted, 
 
 56 
 
442 
 
 many more amusing pictures from the work before 
 us. We shall, however, conclude by supplying 
 them with a tableau meant of Fort St. George at 
 the end of the seventeenth century. “ They will 
 hear the gun fired at early morning, — and they will 
 see the gradual stir of the inhabitants, — the mea- 
 sured tramp of the European soldier, — the little 
 stately peon with his sword and buckler, — the rush 
 of noisy and naked coolies, — the appearance of ap- 
 prentices, writers, factors, and merchants in half- 
 Hindoo costume, — the assembly for morning pray- 
 ers in the little chapel, good master Patrick War- 
 ner officiating in his gown and bands, and indig- 
 nant at the smallness of his congregation, — the 
 opening of the Factory and jobbering crowd of 
 Native traders, — the grand displays of European 
 goods for sale, and packing up of Native Mer- 
 chandise for export home, — the little school-room 
 and long array of little boys and girls, — the order- 
 ly dinner shortly after noon, where all are assem- 
 bled at the general table from the apprentices to 
 the Honorable Governor himself, — the return to 
 the labors of the desk and ware-house, until the 
 joyous hour of closing has arrived, and the jaded 
 Europeans recruit their exhausted spirits with the 
 pleasures of punch, tobacco, and other persuits 
 which we need not and cannot name. If it is 
 Sunday, all would be changed ; for in old times 
 English Sundays were rigidly observed as little 
 festivals. Then Europeans, civilians as well as 
 soldiers dropped their half native attire, and were 
 apparelled in the European fashion of the time. 
 Then for a brief hour or two the Chaplain would be a 
 
443 
 
 greater man than the Governor. Then he would 
 denounce vice and popery to his heart’s content, 
 and expound the Scriptures by the light of a theo- 
 logical learning which was almost general in those 
 days when the Church was a living reality, but 
 which is fast passing away now. Then the Church 
 could boast of literary giants, such as Walton, 
 Lightfoot, Stillingfleet, Beveridge : thousand time- 
 honored names. She has few men to boast of 
 now .” — Bombay Gazette, 
 

 
 
 , • 
 
 
 
 
Books Relating to India &C .— Continued. \ . 
 
 ' v-Es/A. 
 
 ^Ritchie’s British World in the East, 2 vols. ... ... 10 0 
 
 .Tone’s Recqlleptions of a Winter Campaign in India, ... 130 
 
 Gouger’s Personal Narrative of Two Years’ Imprisonment in Burmah, 9 0 
 
 The Institutes of Menu, by Professor Haugkton, 4to., very scarce, 20 0 
 
 Allen’s (Oapt.) Dead Sea — a new route to India, 2 vols.... ... 14 0 
 
 Atkinson’s Travels in the Regions of the Upper and Lower Amoor, 35 0 
 
 Cobbold’s Pictures of the Chinese, ... .... ... 6 8 
 
 Conder’s Modern Traveller, 18 vols. ... ... 45 0 
 
 Perrier’s Caravan Journeys and Wanderings in Persia, Afghanistan, &c. 16 0 
 
 Mills’ Muhammedanism, ... ... ... 5 0 
 
 Martin (Dr.) on Tropical Climates, new edition , recently published .,. 12 0 
 
 Martin’s China, Political, Commercial and Social, 3 vols. ... 9 0 
 
 Marryat’s Borneo and Indian Archipelago,... ... ... 10 0 
 
 Martineau’s Eastern Life, Present and Past, ... ... 4 0 
 
 Chamber’s History of the Indian Revolt, prof usely illustrated, ... 10 8 
 
 Case’s (Mrs.) Day W Day at Lucknow, ... ... 7 12 
 
 Cave-Brown’s (Rev. J.) The Punjab and Delhi in 1857, with Portraits 
 
 of Lawrence, Edwardes and Montgomery, 2 vols. ... 12 0 
 
 Cooper’s Crisis in the Punjaub, ... ... ... 512 
 
 Coopland’s a Lady’s escape from Gwalior and Life in the Fort of Agra. 8 0 
 
 Defence of .Lucknow ; Diary of a Staff Officer, ... ... 1 14 
 
 Edward’s Personal Adventures during the Indian Rebellion, ... 4 8 
 
 Hutchinson’s Narrative of the Mutinies of Oude, ... ... 8 0 
 
 Lady’s (A) Diary of the Siege of Lucknow, ... ... ... 3 4 
 
 Medley’s (Capt.) A Year’s Campaigning in India, ... ... 8 0 
 
 Mutiny of the Bengal Army, ... ... ... ... 4 0 
 
 Raike’s Revolt in the N. W. Provinces of India,... ... ... 6 0 
 
 Robertson’s District Duties during the Revolt, ... ... 7 0 
 
 Ree’s Siege of Lucknow, ... ... .... _ :.. * ... 7 3 
 
 Taylor’s (Dr.) History of Mahomedanism,... " .,. 4 8 
 
 Luard’s (Col.) Views in India, illustrated, ... ... ' ... 13 O 
 
 Malcolm’s Political History of India, 2 vols. ... .... 10 *0' 
 
 Kingsmill’s British Rule and British Christianity in India, ... 7 8 
 
 Max Muller’s Survey of Languages, ... ... ... 312 
 
 History of Ancient Sancrit Literature, ... ... 16 0 
 
 Heeren’s Historical Researches into the Politics, Intercourse, and Trade . 
 
 of the principal Nations of Antiquity, 2 vol. ... 14 0 
 
 Bishop Heber’s Journey through the Upper Provinces of India, 3 vols,, 12 0 
 
 Cunningham’s (Capt.) Bhilsa Topes of India... .... ... 21 0 
 
 Seely’s Wonders of Elora , illustrated scan e, ... ... ... 7 0 
 
 Briggs on the Land Tax in India, ... ... ... 4 0 
 
 Rural Life in Bengal, profusely illustrated,... ... ... 14 0 
 
 Elliot’s Flora Andhrica, Madras ... ... ... ... 2 0 
 
 Riddell’s Manual of Gardening in general for Southern & Western India, 3 12 
 Porter’s Tropical Agriculturist, scarce i bound, ... ... 8 0 
 
 Martin’s (Montgomery) Eastern India, 3 vols. ... ... ... 20 0 
 
 Baker’s the Rifle and the Hound in Ceylon, coloured illustrations, 6 0 
 
 .Tudson’s Burman Dictionary, Second-hand, scarce ... ... 10 0 
 
 J. Higginbotham, Bookseller, Publisher and Stationer.