3RARY FACILITY > CDOO) ^ r^ z;'y \ f:ti;/niy,-it fy/i /■■,„,/,,, FHE DESPATCHES, MINUTES, AND CORRESPONDENCE, MARQUESS WELLESLEY, K. G. DURING HIS ADMIXISTKATION IN INDIA. EDITED BY MR. MONTGOMERY MARTIN. VOL. I. LONDON JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET. MDCCCXXXVr. »vn<>; : •■ivrn-i 1- j tf-f /^^^ ,*^ i> DtDICATKJN'. Sire, it must be equally grateful for those subjects to know and to feel that, whether their efforts be crowned with suc- cess or otherwise, they are certain to receive a protection, encouragement and reward, proportioned to their deserts, which neither fiiction nor envy can withhold, and the con- ferring of which forms one of the purest sources of enjoyment of a patriot King. But, Sire, high and great as are the sentiments of loyalty and patriotism which prompted and sustained the efforts of the British Nation, for the acquisition and maintenance of dominion in the East, there are yet higher and holier feelings connected witli this important subject. No lust of power, no ambitious tliirst, no mercenary thoughts, have led to the con- quests which these pages record; — an unseen, yet ever pre- sent, Providence has given to a small island in the w^estern Atlantic supremacy over millions of our fellow creatures in another hemisphere; myriads of brave and intelligent men have been rescued from the ignominious bondage of ages; the clang of arms has changed into the busy hum of industry ; the arts of peace have followed in the track of our footsteps ; science and literature are every where expanding ; and the barbarous riles of fanaticism and superstition are yielding to the mild and humanizing influence of Christianity. Sire, it was the hope of accomplishing these truly great objects that guided the Councils of Anglo-Indian policy, and nerved our gallant countrymen to deeds of unwonted hero- ism ; and that Omnipotence which presides over man in his collective, as well as individual capacity, gave fortitude and wisdom to our statesmen, and strength and humanity to our soldiery. Tn place on irrefutable record the noble deeds of Britons, while many are yet living who can attest tlieir accuracy, iii the DEDICATION. V main object of the present work, so that when the impartial historian shall ponder in amazement on the Anglo-Indian ter- ritories, he may be enabled to judge with correctness, and to declare with truth, the motives for our acquisition of these territories, and the means by which they were accjuired. Let me also. Sire, be permitted to express a wish that the bright example which these pages hold forth may not be without its effect on the rising generation ; that the remembrance of the past may opei'ate as a stimulus to future exertions for the honour and glory of the British crown, for upholding in its integrity this vast and unparal- leled maritime empire, and for diffusing the incalculable ad- vantages of order and of peace, of freedom and of happiness, throughout the most distant regions of the earth. With an ardent hope that our constitutional monarchy, which has been productive of so many and such beneficial results, may long continue in its purity and strength ; and with a sincere prayer, that He who governeth the hearts of kings, and sways the destinies of nations, may vouchsafe to your Majesty a full enjoyment of all the blessings derivable from a conscientious exercise of the exalted power, which your Majesty so mercifully wields, — I have the distinguished honour and gratification to subscribe myself, Sire, Your Majesty's dutiful subject, Robert Montgomery Martin. London, March 17 fh, 1836. INTRODUCTION. The publication of the official despatches and correspondence of the Marquess Wellesley, during his administration in India, originated in the suggestion contained in a letter from Mr. Montgomery Martin to his Lordship, of which the following is an extract : — London, 8t/i Sept. 1835. " In preparing the second Edition of my ' History of the British Colonies,' (Vol. 1, Asia,) I have been more strongly than ever impressed with the importance of your liOrdship's eventful career, as Governor-General of British India, while re- gretting that the public are so much in error as to the events of that momentous period. Several friends of India have ex- pressed their regret that your Lordship's despatches have never been made public ; I am, therefore, desirous of ascer- taining whether your Lordship would aid me with copies of your despatches and official correspondence, which, combined with those obtainable from the East India House, Board of Controul, &c., would, I think, form an important portion of the history of the British empire." Lord Wellcsleys assent to this proposal is contained in a letter to Mr. Martin, of which the following is an extract : — " Fulham, 13M Sept. 1835. " it i.s perfectly true, that the public has received erro- ntous impressions of the system of policy, which I pursued in India. " I liavc neither had leisure nor inclination to rectify those INTRODUCTION. Vll errors ; although I certainly must agree with you, that it is highly proper to clear such important transactions from misunderstanding. I shall be happy to furnish you with any materials within my reach for this laudable purpose." The collection of official and other documents in Lord Wellesley's possession relative to India, was ascertained to be very great, and of the highest importance, since it sup- plies information which could not be obtained, with equal advantage, from any other source. In order to preserve the spirit of the correspondence, it was deemed preferable to give the documents chronologically rather than according to the events to which they refer ; for by this means the reader is better enabled to judge of the motives which prompted various actions ; and the nature of the policy pursued is rendered more apparent than by the perusal of letters written after the completion of the transac- tions to which they advert, and necessarily receiving some colouring from the success or failure of the undertaking. The work commences with the Governor-General's corres- pondence from the Cape of Good Hope*, while on his voyage to India, and the first volume terminates with the fall of Se- ringapatam ; thus embracing the origin and conclusion of the war in Mysore. [■ * Lord Morning-ton was appointed Governor-General of India on the 4th, and sworn in on the 6th, October, 1/97 ; sailed from England on the 7th November following ; arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in February, 1798; at Fort St. George on the 26th April, 1798 ; sailed from thence on the 9th May, and arrived at Fort William on the 17th May, 1798. f The Editor has much pleasure in acknowledging the attentions and kind assistance with which he has been favoured by the Earl of PoAvis, Lord Viscount Melville, the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, and Secretary of the East India Company, N. B. Edmonstone, Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel Meyrick Shaw, Sir Robert Campbell, Bart., Sir Charles Forbes, Bart., the Right Honounihle S. R. Lushington, M. P., T, Cockburn, Es(i., and l)y several otiier distinguished individuals, whose names will be more par- ticularly acknowlc. of Malabar 10 Apr! — , , 523 175 Do. . Lieut.-Gen. Harris . 17 April — . 527 176 Do. . Sir Alured Clarke . 17 April — . 528 177 Do. . Court of Directors , 20 April — . , 528 178 Do. . Secret Committee of the Hon. Crt. of Directors 22 April — , , 535 180 Do. . Lieut.-Gen. Harris . 23 April — . , 538 Note. Do. . General Harris . 23A]ril — . . 581 181 Do. . Nabob of the Carnatic . . 24 April — , . 541 182 Do. . Hon. Jonathan Duncan . 24 April — . , 555 183 Do. . Colonel Palmer , 25 April — . , 556 164 Do. . Major Rannerman 25 April — , . 558 185 Do. . Lieut.-Gen. Harris 26 April — , . 558 188 Do. do. 28 April — , . 561 189 Do. . Hon. Jonathan Duncan . 30 April — , . 562 190 Do. . Lieut.-Gen. Harris 30 April — . 565 191 Do. . Lt.-Gen.SirAluredClarki e 30 April — , , 565 195 Do. . Hon. Jonathan Duncan . 8 May — . 574 198 Do. . Hon. Court of Directors 11 May — , . 577 199 Do. . Lieut.-Gen. Harris 12 May — 578 201 Do. do. 15 Mav — . 584 203 Do. . Right Hon. H.Dundas . 16 May — . 587 207 Do. . Secrt. Com. Ct. Dirctrs. 19 May — . 591 211 Do. . Hon. Court of Directors . 6 June — , 596 219 Do. . Rt. Hon. H. Dundas June — , 616 220 Madras Inhabitants Ad- dress (with Reply) . Earl of Mornington . 26 June — . 621 Intrd. Malartic, General . (Proclam., Mauritius) 71 Nizam, The . Earl of Mornington . 27 Sept. — . 270 11 North, Hon. Frederick do. . 3 June 1798 50 xvi ( ONTENTS. 12 North, Hon. Frederick . Earl of Morninffton ffJunc 1798 .'il 24 Do. do. 7 July — 93 89 Do. do. 2y Oct. — . 319 15G Read, Lieut.-Col. do. 12 Mar. 1799 . 491 Note. Selim Sullaun . Tippoo Suitaun 20 Sept. — . 414 Note. Shore, Sir John . Earl of Morningtou 7 Mar. 1798 . <;02 93 Smith, Spencer do. 7 Nov. — . 324 154 Smart, Lieut.-General do. 8 Mar. 1799 . 483 29 Tippoo, Sultaua do. recd.lo.Iuly 1728 .127 41 Do. do. recd..Au!?. •-', & dated 18 July l-gf reed. 2S Sept. & }l49 }273 72 Do. do. dated 2 Sept. 1798 84 Do. do. 24 Oct. 1798 . 310 103 Do. . Governnr-General If, Dec. — . 347 114 Dp. . Karl of Mornington . 18 Dec. — . 381 120 Do. do. 2 Jan. 1799 . 393 136 Do. do. 13 Feb. — . 433 Do. . Sir John Shore Intrd. Do. . French Directory 5 Wales, Prince of . Nabob of Arcot 14 Oct. 1797 . 35 21 Wcbbe, Mr. Josias . Lt. -General Harris 6 July 1798 . 72 APPENDIX. A. — Major Kirkpatrick's Answers to Lord Mornington's Queries . p. 637 B. — I^etter from J. Bo.sanquet, Esq. to the Hon. J. Duncan, dated 1 June 1798 651 C. — Capt^iin Malcohn's present state of Tippoo Suitaun ibid. D. — Letter from Zemaun Shah to Sir John Shore, received 3 June 1798 — from Zemaun Shah to Mr. Lumsden, received 27 May 1798 670 E. — Memoir, with (Observations on the probable invasion of Zeinaun Shah, by Major-General Sir James Craig; ...... 671 ?.•— Hyderabad Treaty, 1 September 1798 682 F. — Memorandum relative to the late French corps in the Deccan, by Captain Malcolm ......... 685 G. — Buonaparte's Letter to Tippoo Suitaun 686 H. — Proclamation du General Buonaparte, at Cairo, — Mr. Udney to Lord (Jrenville — Mr. Secretary Dundas to do. — Secret Intelligence from IVankfort — Importance of Egj'pt to the French — Earl of Morning- ton to Scirdiah — Militia Orders, Fort William, Dec. 21, 1798^- Right Hon. H. Dundas to the Governor General 687 I. — Major-General Baird to Lieutenant General Harris . 697 K. — Statement of the force composing the grand army unrler Lieutenant- General Harris .......... 700 L. — General return of the troops belonging to the Presidency of Bombay 703 M. — General return of killed and wounded near Sed.isesr, March 6, 1799 704 N. — General return of killed and wounded near Mallavillv, March, 27, 1799 ' ... 705 O. — Abstract of the returns of the army under Lieutenant-General Harris 706 P. — General return of killed and wounded before Seringapat un 707 Q. — Abstract of ordnance, &c. in Seringapatam .... 707 R. — Memorandum respecting prize property captured at Seringapatam 710 S — The Sircar Condadad to the Executive Directory — Note of the I'ropoRals of the Ambassadors to the Executive J)irectorv 711 ILLUSTRATIONS. Portrait to face Title-page. Map of India to face Dedication .- Plan of Seringapatam to face First page. DESPATCHES, MINUTES, AND CORRESPONDENCE, Sfr. &;c. &;c. INDIA. No. I. To the Right Hon. Henry Dtindas, President of the Board of Control, 8fC. My Dear Sir, Cape of Good Hope, 23 Feb. 1798. Among the subjects which you recommended to my early consideration upon my arrival in India, you particularly urged the necessity of my attending with the utmost de- gree of vigilance to the system, now pursued almost uni- versally by the native princes, of retaining in their service numbers of European or American officers, under whom the native troops are trained and disciplined in imitation of the corps of sepoys in the British service. By accident I found at this place, on account of his health, Major Kirkpatrick lately Resident at the Court of Hyderabad, and formerly at that of Scindiah, and I have endeavoured during the period of my detention here to collect from him whatever informa- tion he could furnish respecting the European or American officers and the corps commanded by them in the service of the Nizam. For this purpose after several conversations on the subject, I requested Major Kirkpatrick to return detailed answers in writing to several questions which I drew with the intention of bringing under your observation not only the actual strength but the original object of this part of the Nizam's military establishment, its rapid increase, the con- sequences to be expected from its continuance or further growth, as well as the means which either had been or might be suggested for averting any danger which those conse- quences might threaten to our interests in India. I transmit VOL. I. B 2 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 23 Feb. witli this Letter a copy of my questions and of Major Kirk« Patrick's answers,* and although I am aware that the sub- stance of both must be famihar to you, yet imagining that it may liitherto liave come under your notice only incidentally in detached despatches and advices from India, I think it may be useful to lay before you in a more regular and con- nected form a view of this most material and (in my judg- ment) formidable branch of the system to which you have directed my attention. In this Letter, I shall endeavour to recapitulate the most important facts stated by Major Kirkpatrick, adding such observations as have occurred to me upon them, in the hope of receiving from you at an early period, your instructions upon such points as the materials before you can enable you to determine. It appears that the Nizam had recently at different periods retained in his service, exclusive of our detachment, three distinct corps of sepoys under the command of European or American officers : one commanded by a Frenchman of the name of Raymond, another by an American of the name of Boyd, and a third by an Irishman of the name of Finglass, ftn- some time a Quarter-Master in the 19th Regiment of Dragoons. The corps of Boyd and Finglass were taken into the service of the Nizam during the residence of Azim ul Omra at Poonah, at the suggestion of our Resident at that Court, acting under the sanction of the Government of Bengal. This measure was taken by our Resident and by that Govern- ment principally with a view of forming a counterpoise to the corps of Raymond. Boyd's corps consisted of about 1800 men, it is no longer in the service of the Nizam, and has prolxibly passed into that of the Mahrattas. Finglass's cori)s still remains at Hyderabad, but consists of only one battalion of about 800 men. Both these corps appeared to be will affected to our interests, as may be judged by their willingness to assist our detachment in repelling an expected attack from the corps of Raymond. The corps of Raymond had l)ceu in the service of the Nizam before the last war with Tippoo Sultaun, and in 1792 its strength was not more th.ir) I.">{)0 men at the highest estimation, at the battle of • See Appendix A. 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. S Khurdlah in 1795 its strength amounted to no less than 11,000 men, it now consists of 10,000 men, and the order has actually been given for augmenting it to the number of 14,000 men. Attached to this corps is a train of artillery of about 30 field pieces, and a troop of 80 native dragoons. The discipline of the corps does not appear to be by any means good, and accordingly it has never yet rendered any distin- guished service in the field. The pay of the corps is now secured by the assignment of a large district of country, part of which borders the Carnatic ; at this particular station is a fortified post, and constant com- munication is maintained between it and the port of Narpilly, as well as with Ongole and other parts of the territories of the Company and of the Nabob of Arcot. The corps is re- cruited in the proportion of one-third of its total numbers, from our territories and from those of the Nabob of Arcot, and partly from deserters abandoning our service. The chief officers are Frenchmen of the most virulent and no^torious principles of jacobinism ; and the whole corps constitutes an ' armed French party of great zeal, diligence and activity. The efl:brts of this party are continually directed to the object of magnifying the power, resources, and success of France in the eyes of the Court of Hyderabad, and of depreciating the character, force and credit of Great Britain by every possible means. The detachment of this corps stationed on our frontier has been very assiduous with great success in seducing from their duty our sepoys quartered in the neighbourhood — a consider- able desertion lately took place in one of our native regiments on its march from Masulipatam to the southward, and many of the deserters on that occasion are to be found in Raymond's corps. No positive proof has yet appeared of a direct cor- respondence between the leaders of this corps and the French Government, but it seems to be unquestionably certain that they communicate with Tippoo Sultaun and with the French corps in his service. Whatever may be the discipline or military skill of this corps, it now forms by far the most con- siderable part of the Nizam's military establishment. In this corps consists the main strength of the army of our ally ; and it possesses the influence which usually belongs to an army in the councils of the native princes of India. This influence / 4. THE EAKL OF MORXINGTOX, TO 23 Feb. seems to have alarmed Azini ul Omva the first minister of the Nizam; neither the origin nor the subsequent augmentations of this corps appear to have been at all connected with any liostile disposition in the Court of Hyderabad towards the British interests. The institution of the corps proceeded from p.n admiration of the successful policy of Mahdajee Scindiah and the subsequent augmentation was directed prin- cipally if not solely against the Mahrattas. There is reason to believe that the orders lately given for a further increase /bf the corps to the number of 14,000 men arose from a desire ' in th'' mind of Azim ul Omra of drawing us into a more inti- mate connection with the Nizam, by exciting our jealousy of the growing influence of the French party at Hyderabad. Such is the state of the leading facts communicated by Major Kirkp;itrick. The result in my mind is a decided opmion, that the continuance, and still more the further growth of the corps of Raymond ought to be prevented by every means within our power, consistent with the respect due to the Court of Hyderabad, and with the general prin- ciples of moderation and justice, which ought to form the rule of our conduct in India. The dangers to be apprehended from the existence of this corps are not to be estimated by a consideration of its actual state of discipline, or even of its actual numbers, or degree of present influence over the coun- cils of the Nizam. I consider it as the basis of a French party in India, on which, according to the opportunities of fortune and the variation of events, the activity of the enemy may found a strength of the most formidable kind either in l)eace or war. If we are to look to the settlement of peace ; can it be possible to provide a more ready channel for the intrigues of France, than would be offered by the existence of a body of 10,000 men, united by military discipline, and stationed in the dominions of one of our principal allies, and on the borders of our own ? If the war is to continue in I'^urope without extending to the continent of India in the first instance, the danger of French intrigue acting with such an instrument as I have described, would l)e greatly aggra- vated. But if the war should extend to the continent of India, and if we should be under the necessity of calling forth the >^'r('ii;:th of our allies to assist us in any contest with Tippoo, what assistance could we expect from the Nizam, tlie 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 5 main body of whose army would be officered by Frenchmen, or by the agents of France, and the correspondents of Tippoo himself.* In such a situation it would be difficult to deter- mine whether our danger would be greater from an entire desertion of our cause by the Court of Hyderabad, or from our acceptance of the only species of support which its mili- tary force could offer us in the field. But I confess I carry my opinion upon this subject still farther. I have no doubt that the natural eff^ect of the unchecked and rapid growth of such a party at the court of one of our principal allies must be in a very short period to detach that Court entirely from our interests, and finally to fix it in those of our enemies, to subject its councils to their control, and its military establish- ments to their direction. However despicable the corps of Raymond may now be in point of discipline or efi^ect in the field, would it be wise to leave such a large body of men in readiness to receive whatever improvements the ability, assi- duity and zeal of French officers, sent from Europe for that express purpose, might introduce into the constitution of a corps, so prepared by correspondent principles and objects to meet the most sanguine expectations of their new leaders. Under these circumstances, the corps, which perhaps now has little more efficiency than that of a political party, might soon become in the hands of our enemy as efficient a military force, as it is now in that view wholly useless either to the Nizam or to us. I desire to add one more consideration ; must not the con- tinuance of such a corps in the service of our ally tend to raise the hopes of Tippoo, and in the same proportion to dis- parage us in the eyes of all the native princes of India ? That it has tended to encourage Tippoo, I have no doubt, and his correspondence with the leaders of the corps will sufficiently shew in what light he views them. Perhaps I have dwelt too long on this part of the subject, where the proof of the weak policy of suffering such an evil, as I have described, to in- crease without check or disturbance seems to require no la- bour of argument. A more interesting and difficult consideration will be to * The correspondence of M. Raymond with Tippoo was subsequently proved by means of a letter found in the palace of Serinijtipatam among the other papers, after the death of Tippoo. n THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 23 Feb. devise for remedying this evil some means which shall not expose our interest to as great a danger as that which we wish to avoid. In the paper transmitted with this letter four distinct measures are proposed for consideration with a view to the desirable object of subverting the French party at the Court of the Nizam. The first is to introduce British sub- jects, or others (being the subjects of friendly powers) into tlie military service of the Nizam for the purpose of forming a balance against Raymond's corps. This measure has al- ready been partially attempted by the introduction of the corps of Boyd and Finglass at Hyderabad, but it has failed of success in the case of Boyd, who upon some quarrel with the Court has left the service of the Nizam. I do not think this measure likely to be effectual to any good purpose, and it might even aggravate the evil which it is proposed to re- move. A party so consolidated and united as that of Ray- mond's, which has been strengthening itself for a period of several years at Hyderabad, and has established the means of recruiting and augmenting its members will not be coun- teracted by the irregular and desultory opposition of such adventurers as might be induced by our encouragement to seek employment in the service of the Nizam ; persons of this description (and we cannot expect that any other will engage in such an undertaking) would want the system and concert necessary to give vigor to their operations. It is also difficult to suppose that the Nizam would at once retain in his service such a number of these persons, as could in any degree enter into competition witli the numerous corps of Raymond and his adherents. But even if these objections did not exist against the introduction of a crowd of European adventurers at Hyderabad, there would remain a difficulty which appears to me insuperable. The impossibility of finding a sufficient number of such adventurers on whose principles any reliance could be placed ; in such circumstances, our at- tempt to subvert the French ])arty at Hyderabad might only serve to fiirnish it with additional recruits of other nations ; and I much fear that many British subjects might be found ill India whose spirit of adventure would rather direct them to seek a new order of things, than to contribute to the main- tenance of our power. Lord Hol)art has declared his objec- tion to thi.s measure, but as well as I recollect his letter, his 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. T principal ground is the danger of improving the mihtary dis- ciphne of the armies of the Native Princes by furnishing them with European officers : unfortunately this objection now comes too late; the system which Lord llobart very justly dreads, has been suffered gradually to gain such a strength, that there is scarcely a native court in India without its esta- blishment of European officers. The second measure proposed in the annexed paper, is nothing more, than that we should endeavour by representa- tion and demand to induce the Nizam to disband Raymond's corps; I recommend Major Kirkpatrick's observations on this head, to your particular attention. Certainly no representa- tion from one friendly state to another could ever be more solidly founded than ours might be to the Nizam in the case before us. But besides that Major Kirkpatrick expects no benefit from representation and demand unconnected with the offer of some advantage to the Nizam ; I doubt whether our manifesting in the first instance the extent of our anxiety for the dismission of Raymond's corps, might not embarrass us in the progress of the most effectual measures for that desirable end ; at present the Court of Hyderabad seems willing to purchase a closer connection with us by great sacri- fices, and if that connection should not appear objectionable on other grounds, it may probably take place on much more advantageous terms to us, if we grant it as a matter of favour to the solicitation of the Nizam, than if we commence the negociation by demanding the dismission of any part of the Nizam's military establishment. This observation will be better understood, when I come to take notice of the fourth measure proposed by Major Kirkpatrick. Before I leave this article I must however remark that I should not be satisfied by obtaining the modification hinted by Major Kirkpatrick, namely, that the French officers or other Euro- peans in Raymond's corps should be dismissed, and their places filled by British subjects nominated by ys. This modification would leave the corps precisely in its present form with the exception of the European officers only : although the European officers are certainly the most objec- tionable part of the establishment, it may be doubted whether the habits and dispositions of the native officers and sepoys formed under their French leaders would be at once broken 8 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 23 Feb. by a mere change in the command, while every other circum- stance of the corps remained the same ; seeing then no pros- pect of success from official representation or demand alone, and thinking it imprudent to anticipate the expected applica- tion of the Court of Hyderabad for a more intimate connec- tion with us by urging to them at this period any proposition the concession of which they might deem a favour, I proceed to examine Major Kirkpatrick's third suggestion. This he states to be of a nature justifiable only by the case of an actual rupture with the Nizam, or of open violence on the part of Raymond against us; the measure is no other than to induce Raymond's officers by pecuniary compensation to abandon the corps, on this measure it is unnecessary to say anything, because the cases alone to v/hich it is meant to apply, neither have existed nor are now likely to happen, I own that I should never think it worth while, even in the cases supposed of a rupture with the Nizam, or of an attack from Raymond, to repel the aggression by corrupting the officers of the hostile enemy ; I trust that in either case, we should soon find a more certain as well as a more honourable mode of effectually destroying this French party and its adherents. The fourth proposition contained in Major Kirkpatrick's paper, is that to which I wish to call your most particular attention. The desire of the Court of Hyderabad to obtain from us an increase of our detachment now serving the Nizam, and also an extension of the power of employing the force fur- nished by us, has appeared on several occasions, and you Avill find allusions to this disposition in the last secret des- patches from Bengal. There seems to be no objection to the first part of this proposition provided our consent to it shall secure to us equivalent concessions on the part of the Nizam. In another Letter which I shall forward to you on the general subject of the political state of India in the pre- sent moment, you will find my reasons for entertaining an opinion that it would be a wise policy for us to check by timely aid the rapid declension of the Nizam's weight among the powers of Hindostan; this could be done in no manner so effectual or unobjectionable as by furnishing him M'ith a largo increaf^e of our force now in his pay; the pay of the 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 9 augmented force to be secured in the manner best calculated to prevent future discussion and embarrassment. In granting this force to the Nizam, we ought not only to stipulate for the disbanding of Raymond's corps, but we ought to take care that the officers should be immediately sent out of India. There are perhaps other points which on this occa- sion might be obtained from the Court of Hyderabad. The great difficulty which would obstruct such an arrangement would be, that the Nizam would probably be unwilling to part with Raymond's corps, which he has the power of employing against any enemy, unless he could obtain powers equally ex- tensive with respect to the employment of any force furnished by us* You are aware that the British detachment now in the pay of the Nizam is not only restricted from acting against the Mahrattas in any possible case, but also from acting against certain Polygars tributary both to the Mahrattas and to the Nizam, and even from passing, without a formal permis- sion, certain parts of the Mahratta Territory which are in- termixed with the dominions of the Nizam. The object of the Court of Hyderabad would of course be to obtain our guarantee of its possession generally, against the Mahrattas, accompanied with the assistance of a large force, to be employed with the same extensive powers as now apply to the corps of Raymond. For this object I have little doubt that the Nizam would sacrifice the whole French party at his court, and even the peiscush now paid by us on account of the northern circars. But such an alteration of our con- nection with the Nizam would naturally raise the jealousy of the Mahratta powers, and might involve us in discussions of a very disagreeable nature if not in a war with them. The result therefore of this view of the subject would lead us to enquire, whether some arrangement might not be framed, founded on a modification of the views of the Court of Hyderabad, and comprehending certain favourite objects of the Mahratta States, which while it secured for us the destruction of the French party at Hyderabad, should tend to restore to the Nizam his due weight among the Indian powers, without exciting the animosity of the Mahrattas against the British Government. It appears to me that the only eflfectual mode of eradicating the French party at Hyderabad would be to furnish to the 10 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 2o Feb. Nizam such a force as should be a just equivalent to Ray- mond's corps; considering the superior disciphne of our sepoys, I beheve that 3,000 men under Britisli command, not only would be, but would be deemed by the Court of Hyderabad, a force fully equal to that of Raymond in its present state. The instruction by which our detachment is prevented from acting as the troops of the Mahrattas and of the Nizam now act against the Poly gars who pay joint tribute to the two powers might probably be removed by a full previous explanation with the Mahrattas ; as that restric- tion does not appear to be founded on any solid principle, nor could the removal of it open the way to any real incon- venience or danger to the interests of the Mahratta State. The power of mutually passing their intermixed boun- daries is now constantly exercised by the troops both of the Mahrattas and of the Nizam ; and there is no reason to suppose that a formal permission would have been refused to our detachment for the same purpose, had it ever been demanded. But the Nizam never would allow any applica- tion to be made for a permission to do that, which he held to be his right, and which was constantly done without question both by his own army and by that of Poonah. It is very improbable that we should find great difficulty in engaging the Mahrattas to place our detachment in this respect on a footing with the other branches of the Nizam's military force, and with their own ; nor can I foresee any tenable ground of argument on which this point could be maintained against us. The settlement of these two points only, would, I under- stand, be considered as a great acquisition by the Nizam, and would go a great way towards inducing him to substitute a British force in the room of Raymond's corps. The third point is of much more importance and of much greater delicacy and danger, I speak of the desire of the Court of Hyderabad to obtain our guarantee of their possessions against the Mahrattas as well as against Tippoo, together with a right of employing defensively the troops furnished by us against the former as well as against the latter of these powers. This point perhaps might be reconciled with the interests of the Mahrattas, if it were thought prudent to 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 11 enter into similar engagements with them, or in other words, to guarantee their possessions against any attack from the Nizam. The effect of such an engagement with both powers woiikl be to place us in the situation of arbitrators between thein ; and perhaps their mutual apprehensions of our inter- position in the case of any aggression on either side might tend to restrain the resentment and ambition of both. In this view such a system of treaty with the Mahrattas and with the Nizam, so far from being liable to the objection of an undue interference in the disputes of the native powers of India, or of that description of officiousness and intriguing spirit which tends to foment divisions, and to occasion war, might be deemed the best security for the maintenance of the peace of India, as well as the strongest pledge of our disposition to preserve it from disturbance. It would also tend to preserve unimpaired the strength and resources of the two powers, on whose cooperation we must depend for assistance against any future attempt on the part of Tippoo : it cannot be a wise policy to suffer the Nizam and the Mah- rattas to weaken themselves by repeated contests, while Tippoo remains at rest ; and any measure deserves attention, the tendency of which is to restore to the Mahrattas and to the Nizam their relative consideration and power as they stood at the conclusion of the treaty of Seringapatam. You will find by the last secret despatches from India,* that some opening has been given for our arbitration in settling the dis- putes between the several Mahratta chiefs, and that the Government of Bengal has agreed to undertake the mediation proposed, under the condition of a previous formal agreement signed by all the parties, binding themselves to accept our award as final and conclusive upon their respective claims. If any such proceeding should take place, it will give a na- tural opening to such further engagements as may appear advisable. The same despatches will inform you of the anxiety of the Mahrattas to obtain our agreement to a general defensive treaty against Zemaun Shah. The Government of Bengal have postponed the consideration of this proposition to a * The opening of these Despatches is explained in Letters, Nos. II. and III. 12 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 23 Feb. period of time, which I confess I should think the most un- favourable for the examination of this difficult question, and still more unseasonable for the negociation of a treaty with such a power as the Mahratta states ; this period of time is no other, than the monv.nt when Zemaun Shah shall again approach the frontiers of Ilindostan. Without giving any decisive opinion on the wisdom of entering into the treaty proposed, I shall certainly think it my duty upon my arrival in India to proceed without the delay of one moment to the examination and decision of the proposal made by the Mah- rattas : if it should appear expedient to engage with them in a defensive system against the threatened invasion of Ze- maun Shah, there is no doubt that such a measure would tend greatly to reconcile to tliem any propositions, which we mit^ht wish to offer with respect to the arrangements at the Court of Hyderabad. The inclination of my opinion at present rather leads me to think, that a general defensive alliance between all the existing powers of Hindostan (Tip])oo perhaps alone excepted) against the expected invasion of Zemaun Shah, would not only be the best security against the success of such an invasion, if attempted, but might have the effect of deterring that Prince from an undertaking which must end in his own disappoint- ment and ruin, if our Government in India, and our allies do not neglect to make seasonable preparations of defence. If a treaty can be formed at an early period so as to unite the Mahratta powers with us in a cordial and systematic plan of vigorous opposition to the supposed projects of Zemaun Shah, without binding us to advance farther from our own frontiers, than the real exigency of the case may appear to demand upon his approach, I should think such a treaty a solid ac- quisition of strength in the present critical situation of India, you will observe from this detail, that I consider the fourth measure suggested by Major Kirkpatrick to be the only one, from which it is reasonable to hope that the effectual destruc- tion of the French army at Hyderabad can be accomplished, but that I view that measure as connected with considerations of the most serious nature, and involving consequences of the utmost delicacy and importance. I have laid before you the wliole train of my thoughts on this subject, as I shall think it my duty to do on every question affecting those interests. 1708. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 13 which I know to be not only highly valuable in your estima- tion, but the most particular and anxious objects of your un- remitting solicitude and care. I will conclude this long letter by stating the pi*ecise questions on which I wish to receive your instructions, and by submitting to you the plan of mea- sures which I propose to pursue with relation to this subject, in the interval which must elapse, before I can receive your opinion. In the first place I wish to be informed whether you think a closer connection than at present subsists between us and the Nizam advisable for our interests on general grounds, provided such a change of our engagements with the Nizam can be rendered acceptable to the Mahrattas. Secondly, whether you would approve of our entering into treaties with both the Mahrattas and the Nizam ffuaranteeinir the dominions of each power respectively against the aggres- sion of the other. Thirdly, whether you would approve of our taking mea- sures for acting in concert with Azim ul Omra in support of the succession of Secunder Jah, the eldest son of the Nizam? whether we should endeavour to obtain the cooperation of the IMahrattas in securing this sviccession ? and what should be our conduct, if the Mahrattas should differ from us in the choice of the successor to the Nizam? Fourthly, whether you would approve of a general defensive treaty against any invasion from Zemaun Shah, and what limitations would you propose to the powers which the other allies might require of employing our troops beyond our own frontiers ? You will observe that the determination of all these ques- tions is necessary, in my view of the subject, in order to en- able me to carry into effect the only measure which I can rely upon as a sufficient check to the growth of the French interest at the Court of Hyderabad and as a permanent barrier against any future revival of that interest in the same quarter. But I am aware that I cannot receive your opinions for a long time. In that interval circumstances may compel me to decide some of these important questions upon my own judg- ment ; my wish however is to reserve them all for yours, and with this view, I propose to pursue a system of measures, which, while it shall leave all the most delicate parts of tlie 14< THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 23 Feb. situation of affliirs in India open to your decision, shall tend to clieck in some degree the progress of the French party at Hyderabad, and to furnish me with such materials as shall enable me to form a competent opinion of the effects to be expected from any decision of the points reserved for your judgment. I propose to direct the Resident at Hyderabad to suffer no augmentation of Raymond's corps to take place, if it can be prevented by the strongest and most pointed representations. This step may probably check the increase of the corps, al- though from this step alone I cannot hope for its final annihi- lation. I mean also to direct that any proposals from the Nizam's ministers for an increase of our detachment shall be favourably received ; and I shall increase the detachment accordingly on the first practicable occasion ; but I shall stipulate that for every man we grant, there shall be a proportional reduction made in Raymond's corps. This proportion shall be calcu- lated upon the relative estimation of our sepoys (in the opinion of the ministers of the Nizam themselves) when compared with Raymond's corps ; and I believe that on this ground, I shall not find it difficult to contend that a reduction of 3,000 men should be made for every 1,000 men granted by us. In re- ducing the army of Raymond, I shall endeavour in the first instance to disband the most obnoxious and dangerous officers with their corps. I have reason to believe that I may be able to effect this species of partial reduction of Raymond's corps, without entering upon any of the difficult points involved in the general questions stated in the letter. In the meanwhile however I shall direct the Resident, at Poonah and with Scin- diah, to ascertain as speedily as possible the views and dispo- sitions of those powers with respect to the same points and especially with respect to any alteration of our connection with the Nizam, to his eventual successor, and to the proposed defensive engagements against Zemaun Shah. In submitting the whole of this extensive subject to your consideration I have been obliged to leave many parts of it open to doubt, for want of the information which may be expected from the residents with Scindiah, and at Poonah ; I beUeve however that it will not be difficult for you to answer the questions which I have proposed, framing your answers 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 15 in such a manner as may admit of any variation of opinion, which the information from those Courts may require. The state of the mihtary estahUshment of the Mahratta powers did not properly come under Major Kirkpatrick's view, and I propose to transmit to the residents at Poonah and with Scindiah a copy of my questions to Major Kirkpatrick M'ith such alterations as the several cases may require, in order to obtain for you a full statement of the corps disciplined by Europeans or Americans in the service of the Mahrattas. I am at present able to give you no fuller information on this part of the subject, than that Scindiah employs about 20,000 sepoys disciplined by Europeans or Americans. The com- mander is named Perron, a Frenchman ; most of the officers are British subjects. The discipline of this corps is said to be superior to that of Raymond's, but the disposition of its officers to be much more favorable to the British than to the French interests. This was De Boigne's corps, whose history you probably know : De Boigne was lately in London, if he should not have left it, he can give you the fullest information of the state of Scindiah's army. There was a small corps of about 2,000 men commanded by European officers in the ser- vice of the Peishwah, and another of about the same number in that of Tuckagee Holkar ; they are both inconsiderable, if they still exist, and the dissentions which have broken out between Holkar's two sons since the death of their father, have left that branch of the Mahratta power in a situation from which little danger is to be apprehended. There is a fourth corps commanded by a Frenchman of the name of D'Agincourt in the service of Azim ul Dowlah at Hyderabad. This corps is paid by the state. It consists of 1,500 men. The commander is a determined jacobin. The Rajah of Berar is said to have a corps in his service commanded by British officers, it is said to consist of above 2,000 men. I am, my dear Sir, &c. MORNINGTON. 16 THE EARL OF .MORNINT.TON, TO 2.) Feb. No. II. To the Secret Committee of the Court of Dirrctorx. Honourable Sirs, Cape of Good Hope, Feb. 25th, 1798. In mv letter dated the 19th instant, addressed to the Honourable the Court of Directors,* I have stated the cir- cumstances which induced me to open the secret packet addressed to your Honourable Committee, on board the ship Houghton. In addition to the circumstances stated to the Honourable Court of Directors, I think it necessary to submit to you that I had learnt, by vague reports, the outline of the important events which have happened in Oude, the apprehensions entertained of the return of Zemaun Shah towards the fron- tiers of that province, the several movements of Tippoo Sultaun, and the sudden suspension of the expedition em- barked for the attack of Manilla. It appeared to me on every ground to be an indispensable article of my duty to obtain, as speedily as possible, the most authentic account of events so deeply affecting the interests committed to my charge, and of which any false impression might render me less equal to the execution of my public trust. But whatever may have been my view of my duty, or my conception of the propriety and necessity of the step which I took in opening the several despatches and packets, I shall not be satisfied with my conduct until it shall have received the sanction of your approbation, as well as that of the Ho- nourable the Court of Directors. To both, in your joint and several capacities, it will always be my desire to pay every mark of deference and respect. I have the honour to be, &c. MoRNINGTON. • The Letter here adverted to does not require insertion, the observa- tions beini^- similar to those contained in the present Letter. 1798. THE RICxIIT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 17 No. III. To the Right Honourable Henry Dundas. My Dear Sir, Cape of Good Hope, Feb. 28th, 1798. During my detention at this place the ships, of which I enclose a list, arrived with despatches from Bengal. My anxious desire to learn the actual state of affairs in India from the most authentic sources induced me to open the public and secret packets, the contents of which I have examined with great attention and care. I flatter myself that this step, proceeding from a wish to enable myself to do justice to their service, will meet with the approbation of the Court of Direc- tors, and that they will be satisfied with the reasons which I have offered in my letter to them on this subject. The contents of these despatches have led me to a very ^ serious review of the opinions which I had formed under yovu' direction with regard to the relative situations of the several native powers of India, and the system to be pursued with respect to their interests by the government committed to my charge. The leading principle of your instructions to me as appli- cable to our external policy in India, was, that I should en- deavour, as nearly as possible, to preserve the balance of power between the native princes upon the same footing on which it was placed by the Treaty of Seringapatam. It would be a waste -of your time to state, at any length, the precise nature of the relative conditions of those states whose interests were affected, and whose power was ascer- tained by the operation of that treaty. It will be sufficient to remark, that one part of the policy of the treaty was, by strengthening the Mahrattas and the Nizam to the extent and in the manner provided by the articles of the treaty, to esta- blish an efficient check upon the future ambition or resent- ment of Tippoo, and to secure to us an efficient support against him whenever we might have an occasion to call for it. The plain question, to which my attention has been di- rected by the inspection of the late despatches, is this : — Are the Mahrattas and the Nizam now in the same condition in VOL. I. c 18 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO ^8 Feb. which tlie Treaty of Seringapatam left them ; and can we now look to both, or to either of those powers, for that degree of support against Tippoo which it was the intention of that treaty to provide ? I am afraid that a very short examination of the present position of the Mahrattas and of the Nizam will furnish ample proof that neither of those powers remain in the same state in which they stood in 1793, either with relation to each other or to the general balance of power in India; and above all, that their means of assisting us against Tippoo are considerably diminished. Since the conclusion of the peace of Seringapatam the credit and resources of the Court of Hyderabad have been constantly declining. The disgrace which fell upon the Nizam's army in the unfortunate contest with the Mahrattas at Khurdlah, reduced the military character of the Court of Hyderabad to the lowest point of degradation. The treaty in which that defeat terminated completed the humiliation of the Nizam : you will remember that he was compelled to sa- crifice a large portion of territory, to engage to pay a fine of three crores of rupees, and to submit to the captivity of his minister Azim ul Omra, who was carried a prisoner to Poonah. Azim ul Omra resided at Poonah during the late convulsions in the Mahratta governments, and bore a very distinguished part in supporting Nana through the various revolutions which followed the sudden death of the Peishwa Mahda Rov/. For these services Nana had agreed to sacri- fice all the benefits acquired for the Mahratta state against the Nizam by the Treaty of Khurdlah. But the event has been, that after the recovery of his own power, Nana has insisted on the cession of one-fourth part of the territory, and on the payment of one-fourth part of the fine stipulated by that treaty. So that the final result is a considerable dimi- nution of the territory and resources of the Nizam, added to all the effects which might naturally be expected to be pro- duced upon his domestic peace and foreign consideration by so heavy a loss both of power and honour. The two rebel- lions of the Nizam's son Ali Jah, and of the son of Dara Jah, are stated to have arisen from the contempt into which the Nizam's authority had fallen at home; and although those rebellions have been quelled, the collections of the revenue have been so severely affected, as well by them as by the 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 19 detention of Azim ul Omra at Poonah, that the resources of the country are not likely to recover the shock for some time. The eflfect of these causes has been very much to lower the value of the Nizam's power in the scale of the neighbour- ing states. He has been obliged to submit implicitly to the will of the government of Poonah ; the Rajah of Berar has exacted large contributions from a part of his territory, and Tippoo (although endeavouring to gain him as an ally,) has omitted no occasion of expressing the utmost contempt for his abject situation. But the most striking feature of change in the state of the Nizam's affairs since 1793 is the alteration which has taken place in his military establishment. This, at first view, might appear an improvement of his political strength ; but whatever may be your judgment on that question in a general view of it, you v/ill, I am persuaded, concur with me in opi- nion, that the alteration which has taken place in the Nizam's military establishment, since the peace of Seringapatam, has nearly disqualified him from co-operating with us as an ally in the cases for which that treaty meant to provide. The Nizam since the peace has greatly reduced his cavalry and other troops, and in the meanwhile has considerably aug- mented the corps of Raymond, of the nature and principles of which I have given a description in my Letter No. I. The corps of Raymond now forms the great force of the Nizam's army ; and although very deficient in point of discipline and skill when compared with our troops, is stated to be more capable of performing useful service in the field than the whole army furnished to us by his Highness in the late war with Tippoo. On the other hand, perhaps the existence of this corps, united as it is in the cause of France, connected with Tippoo, and animated by that spirit of intrigue which would lead it to mix in every distraction of the state, if not to disturb the internal peace of the country by originating the causes of confusion, may be considered as a circumstance of positive weakness in the frame of the Nizam's government. Azim ul Omra certainly has felt the force of this argument, and by consenting to the introduction of the corps of Boyd and Finglass, appeared to be aware that the corps of Raymond might eventually gain the ascendancy, which it might be difficult to reduce within any bounds of moderation, and 30 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 28 Feb. which might hereafter overthrow the power of a minister, or dictate tlie succession to the throne itself. But with respect to our alliance, and to the value of the guarantee under the treaty of Paangul, the altered state of the Nizam's army places him in a condition worse than that of absolute inefficiency. In a war with Tippoo, or in the still more aggravated case of a war with him and France, the forces of the Nizam must become useless (if not dangerous) to us, precisely in proportion to the exigency of the case in which our cause should demand the aid of our allies. I have stated this argument already in my Letter No. I., to which I refer you ; with this additional observation, that I cannot conceive the case in which we could take the Nizam's French troops with us into the field, without the utmost hazard of treachery, nor the case in which we could leave them behind us, without providing an equal force to watch their move- ments. Recollecting that this corps is the only military force of any kind of efficiency which we can expect from the Nizam in the event of a war with Tippoo and France, you will judge without difficulty what answer should be given to the question which I have proposed upon this part of the subject. I have already observed how much the posture of the Nizam's affairs is altered with relation to the balance of power between him and the Mahratta states, and how much he has been weakened and degraded by the Treaty of Khurdlah, and by the manner in which it has been carried into execution. In this view it has been a favourable circum- stance to the Nizam, (and is perhaps that cause to which alone he is indebted for the preservation of any degree of strength, or even of his throne,) that the distractions of the INIahratta empire have so shaken the power of the Peishwa, and disturbed the unity of the confederation of the principal chiefs, as to have very much impaired their means of carrying on any considerable joint military operation. Notwithstand- ing this circumstance, 1 still consider the Nizam to be in a much weaker state, even with relation to the Mahrattas, divided and broken as their power now is, than he was at the conclusion of the peace of Seringapatam. This leads me to submit to your consideration my ideas on the actual condition of the Mahratta empire. I am aware 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 21 that some opinions have been thrown out from very respect- able quarters, the tendency of which appears to lead towards a sentiment approaching to satisfaction in the dissentions and divisions which have lately taken place among the Mahrattas. I always considered the precise situation in which the Mah- ratta empire stood, after the peace of Seringapatam, as the most favourable to our interests. The powers of the different co-estates were then sufficiently balanced amongst each other to prevent any danger of that degree of union which could at any time bring the whole of their force to operate in one consolidated mass against the British possessions. On the other hand, the influence of the Peishwa, or head of the co-estates, and of his minister Nana, was such as to enable them to bring into the field a respectable force, whenever their engagements with us might require such an eflfort. This appears to me to be the position in which we ought to endea-w vour to maintain the Mahratta states ; in which neither the government of Poonah, nor any branch of the empire, should obtain such an ascendancy as might enable it to concenter the formidable strength of the whole against us, while the head of this great body should still preserve such a degree of power over several of the leading chiefs, as to become a respectable ally to us in the moment of necessity. The pre- sent posture of the Mahratta power is directly the reverse in one respect of that which I have described. Fortunately no one of the co-estates, nor the head of the empire, has yet acquired the means of wielding the united force of the whole body ; but while some of the chiefs have made great and valuable acquisitions of dominion, and considerably increased their military strength, the authority and influence of the Peishwa has rapidly declined ; and it could not now be ex- pected that any respectable body of chiefs would be disposed to prosecute, under his direction, any common view or joint operation with any degree of zeal or vigour. This has been the effect produced by the late series of revolutions at Poonah. Looking to the most important question for our consideration — namely, the extent of the assistance which we may expect from the Mahrattas, if we should have occasion to call for their aid under the engagement subsisting between us, I have viewed those revolutions with regret, and I cannot now see their consequences in any more favourable light» as 22 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 28 Feb. far as they regard us, than that of a positive diminution of the strenirth of those barriers which it was the policy of the Treaty of Seringapatam to raise against the power of Tippoo. I have avoided entering into a detailed account of the respec- tive positions of each of the great Mahratta chiefs, wishing to call your attention to the more essential and pressing part of the subject. But I beheve you will find the circumstances of each Ijranch of the Mahratta power to have varied since the year 1793 nearly according to the following state- ment : — Scindiah has made large acquisitions of territory, and im- proved the discipline of his troops; he has also acquired great influence at Poonah, but it may be doubted whether the death of Mahdajee Scindiah has not been a greater loss to the power of this branch of the empire than will be compen- sated by any of these advantages. The character of Dowlut Row Scindiah and of his ministers is such as to render the power of this branch much less formidable than it was in the lifetime of Mahdajee Scindiah. The Rajah of Berar has made some progress in power since the peace of Seringapatam, at the expense of the Peishwa, of the Nizam, and of some Patau princes in Malwa. His strength and consideration are said to be upon the increase. Tuccojee Holkar's power was on the decline even before his death, since that period the political weight of this family has been greatly diminished by intestine divisions between the successors of Tuccojee. The chiefship of Purseram Bhow is extinct, and that of Hurry Pundit has lost the greater part of its credit and power. I have already spoken of the Peishwa ; the events which have reduced his importance are familiar to you. I will only add this remark, that the jealousy which must naturally sub- sist between the present Peishwa and his minister Nana (who at one period of the late revolutions at Poonah supported Chimna Appa, the younger son of Bajerow, the present Peishwa) is a circumstance likely to present additional obsta- cles to any vigorous exertion of the force of the government ot Poonah, if it does not produce some new convulsions in its frame. 1 believe it may justly be said, that since the founda- 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 23 tion of the government the power of the Peishwa never was so inconsiderable in the general scale of the Mahratta states as it is at this moment. Having thus stated to you my reasons for apprehending that the efficiency of both the allies on whom we are to depend for aid in any future contest with Tippoo is so much impaired since the year 1793, that we could not look to them at this juncture for the same degree of assistance (whatever that may have been) which Lord Cornwallis derived from their cooperation in the late war with that prince. I now beg leave to call your attention to certain circumstances in our situation, intimately connected with our political weight in India, and with our means of encountering again, at any early period, the pressure of war. The despatches which accompany this letter will inform you of the death of the Nabob Vizier Azoph ul Dowla, and of the very extraordinary scenes which have passed in Oude since that event. The event itself I should have considered in the abstract as highly favourable to our interests, being persuaded that under the reign of Azoph ul Dowla it would ever have been impracticable to have carried into permanent effect any reform in the disordered finances and undisciplined army of that prince. With the assistance of Tofuzul Hussein Khan, the new minister of Oude, it might have been hoped that the succession of a new prince might have opened more favourable prospects. But the strange and unfortunate cir- cumstances attending the succession of Vizier Ali seem to lead to a situation of affairs in Oude which, for some time, nmst impair the strength of that frontier, and render the country more open to the impression of a foreign enemy. Almas Ali is said to be ready to take the field with a very respectable force ; and the Rohilla chiefs, of whose persever- ing spirit we have had a recent experience, are also men- tioned as being upon the point of an insurrection : the whole country is represented to be in a state to require the presence of a large military force, for the maintenance of internal peace and good order. This state of our affairs in Oude must be deemed a positive diminution of our disposable force ; I trust that the activity (perhaps even the mere presence of our troops) may reduce the insurgents to submission. But while any ambiguity remains respecting the permanency of the set- 24 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 28 Feb. tlement made in favour of Vizier AH — while the same turbu- lent spirit shall exist among the Rohillas, and the military power of Almas Ali continues undiminished, it can never be safe to withdraw our troops ; and it must be remarked that the danger of withdrawing them would be increased exactly in proportion to the pi-essure of the necessity of employing them against any foreign enemy. You will find that the Governor-General states his conviction, without reserve, that the approach of Zemaun Shah towards the frontier of Oude would become the signal of general revolt and plunder in that province. In the meanwhile I cannot consider the call for the employment of our troops in quelling the spirit of in- surrection in another quarter to be yet so little urgent as to leave us free to act against an enemy on that side without apprehension of our own subjects. I allude to the present state of the coast of Malabar. I find that a treaty has been signed with the Pyche Rajah ; but as far as I can collect from the despatches, it does not appear to me that his submission has been so complete, or his power so broken, as to warrant a sentiment of security either in his weakness or in his sin- cerity. This circumstance again must operate as a diversion of our force in the event of war. With respect to our financial resources I refer you to the same despatches for an account of the general embarrassment both of public and private credit, and the difficulty of raising money for public credit, even at the exorbitant interest of 12 per cent., with the combined advantage of a remittance. The great expense of the long intended and suddenly relinquished expedition to Manilla, must of necessity increase both the difficulty and the exigency of raising further loans. To this view of our situation must be added the state of our dependencies of Arcot and Tanjore, as represented by the Madras government, both with respect to the disaffection and refractory spirit of the Nabob and Rajah, and to the dechne of the permanent sources of pubUc revenue. I hope I shall not be suspected of wishing to draw a gloomy or exag- gerated picture of the altered aspect of our affairs since the peace of Seringapatam ; my only wish is to fix your attention, as I have fixed my own, on the true points of our weakness, for the purpcjse of considering the speediest means of reco- vering our strength. I know that the fortunate events of 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 25 this most glorious war have given us an ascendancy over every European nation in India, such as we never before possessed ; but I cannot shut my eyes to the diminution which our weight in the scale of the country powers has suifered, and is likely to suffer still more, if the means of checking the pro- gress of the evil be much longer neglected. Nor can I refuse my assent to the truth of a proposition which I now think it my duty to urge to you with great earnestness, that unless effectual and vigorous measures be taken for quelling the disturbances in our own provinces and in those of our dependencies, I do not see how we can again be prepared to meet an enemy of any respectable force in the field. To the distress of our finances I am persuaded your most anxious attention will be given without delay, and you may rely on receiving from me the most ample communications on that subject upon my arrival in India. In reviewing our political situation in India, particularly with regard to our comparative power of curbing the attempts of Tippoo, I ought not to omit the consideration of the rela- tive strength of that prince as it exists in the present mo- ment, and as it stood at the conclusion of the peace of Seringapatam. Since that period of time he has enjoyed perfect internal tranquillity : While our allies all around him have been dis- tracted and exhausted by domestic rebelhons, successive revolutions, and mutual wars, he has been employed in re- cruiting the sources of his strength, improving his revenues, and invigorating the discipline of his armies. It is true that he must now have nearly lost all hope of assistance* from France, or from any other European power ; but that hope was long cherished by him, and it encouraged him to the great exertions which have unquestionably added to his mili- tary strength. He has been very active for some time past in his applications to the Courts of the Native Powers, endeavour- ing to stir them up against us. He certainly applied for that purpose to the Nizam, and (during the absence of Azim ul * It is true there were no French Troops disposable at the Mauritius, and France seemed at that time too much engaged in Europe to spare troops for the East ; but Tii)poo was not aware of these circumstances, and had sent Ambassadors to the IMauritius at this very period, of which Lord Mornington could not then be apprised. 26 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 28 Feb. Onira at Poonah) he made a very strong impression upon the poHtics of the Court of Hyderabad, where he now has a \'akeel, and where he certainly has many partizans, as well in the corps of Raymond as in the service of Umjid ud Dowla, a chief of a considerable faction called the Paungah party, and in that of Imtiaz ud Dowlah, nephew to the Tsizam. Tippoo has also sent Vakeels to Poonah, with the same object of raising a spirit of hostility against us. His success, I believe, has not answered his wishes . in that quarter. But the most remarkable step which Tippoo has lately taken, is his communication with Zemaun Shah. The de- clared projects of Zemaun Shah, added to the attempts which he has recently made towards carrying them into execution, must, in their general impression and effect, be considered as an accession of strength to the cause of Tippoo. If an invasion of Hindostan shovUd ever seriously be attempted by Zemaun Shah, the diversion of our force, which would be occasioned by such an event, would offer the most favourable opportunity to an attack from Tippoo on our possessions in the Peninsula. No mode of carrying on war against us could be more vexatious or more distressing to our resources than a combined attack upon Oude and the Car- natic. It is not impossible that the late intercourse between Tippoo and Zemaun Shah had for its object, on the part of the former at least, some such plan of joint operation. I know that it is the fashion to treat the projects of Zemaun Shah very lightly. In the despatches you will see an account of his force, and you will find a detail of all the intelligence obtained respecting his future intentions, as well as of the causes likely to obstruct their execution. The result of an examination of these materials upon my mind is a conviction that Zemaun Shah has not abandoned his project of invading Hindostan, and that the safest means of rendering that pro- ject abortive will be to consider it as practicable, and to take the best precautions against it which the advantages of our situation and the interval of time can furnish. The fact is that Zemaun Shah was able to advance to Lahore without opposition from the Seiks : whatever circumstances recalled him into his own dominions, the above-mentioned fact well deserves attention, because it contradicts all the conjectures 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 27 and opinions which had been so confidently formed with respect to the obstacles which Zemaiin Shah would meet in his passage from his own dominions to ours. The nation of the Seiks was said to be the first barrier against him, and it was asserted this barrier alone would be insuperable. He conti'ived, however, to pass through the country of the Seiks unmolested, and, if I am rightly informed, he has since endea- voured, not without success, to negociate a treaty with some of the leaders of the various factions which distract that nation. Should he succeed in establishing an amicable inter- course with any large body of the Seiks, it would greatly facilitate the success of his supposed project of invasion. Between the country of the Seiks and the frontier of Oude no obstacle remains but the Mahratta Power. It is perfectly well known that when Zemaun Shah reached Lahore the Mahrattas were by no means in a condition to check his pro- gress. They had no army in that quarter which could have been opposed to him in the field. Scindiah was at that time at Poonah with the greater part of his force deeply engaged in the intrigues and revolutions of which that place has been so long the scene. If Zemaun Shah had not been recalled by some domestic cause (of which the true nature does not seem yet to be thoroughly understood), there cannot be a doubt that he might have penetrated through the possessions of Scindiah, in the neighbourhood of Delhi and Agra, with- out difficulty, if not without opposition. From the accounts which I have received of the military force of Scindiah, I do not believe that he alone would be able to cope with the army of Zemaun Shah, and therefore I do not feel that we should be secure at any time if we relied on his single eflforts to check the approach of the invading force. With the experience of this critical state of affairs in my mind, I cannot consider the idea of an invasion from Cabul as a mere visionary dan- ger. It does not appear to have been so considered by the present Government of Bengal, who have stated it as one of the leading circumstances which called for an augmentation of their native infantry. To recur, therefore, to the view of the political balance of power in India, which I was endeavouring to submit to you, I think myself compelled to estimate the force of Tippoo with reference to the projects of Zemaun Shah, and to the possi- 28 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 28 Feb. bility of their (at least limited) success ; and on this ground I must conclude that Tippoo's consideration has received addi- tional weight since the year 1793. If the facts be true which 1 have stated on both sides of this enumeration of the comparative circumstances of our situation in India, and of those which affect the situation of Tippoo, it must be admitted that he has rather gained than lost weight in the period of time described, and that the con- sistency, unity, and efficiency of our side of the balance has suffered no inconsiderable degree of diminution. In my Letter No. I., from this place, I have opened to you some parts of the general outline of those measures which appear to me to be best calculated to restore the Native Powers of India and ourselves to the same position in which we stood in 1793, as far as the change of times and circumstances will admit. So far from viewing any plan tending to this object, as an innovation upon our system of Indian government, I feel it to be my duty to state such a plan, in conformity to the instructions which I had received from you at the time of my departure, and to every principle which I have at any time imbibed from you on this interesting subject. The balance of power in India no longer exists upon the same footing on which it was placed hy the peace of Seringapatam. The question therefore must arise, how it may best be brought back again to that state, in which you have directed me to maintain it. My present view of the subject is, that the wisest course would be to strengthen the Mahrattas and the Nizam, by entering into a defensive alliance with the former against Zemaun Shah, and by affording to the latter an addition of military strength, and the means of extricating himself from the control of the French party at Hyderabad. In framing a treaty of defensive alliance against Zemaun Shah, the object to be sought would be the securing an effi- cient force to be in the field in due time to check the progress of Zemaun Shah in the Mahratta territory of Delhi, or at least of Agra : the danger to be avoided would be the draw- ing our troops farther beyond the line of the frontier of Oude than might be necessary for securing the fair common objects of tile aUiance. To this treaty 1 would make the Nizam a party. The treaty should not contain a hostile word against 1798. THE RIGTIT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 29 Zemaun Shah, excepting only with reference to the single case of his projects of invasion ; and it should be communi- cated to him with assurances of our determination never to molest him in his own dominions, nor to suffer him to ap- proach ours. I have sufficiently stated all that relates to the Nizam in my Letter No. I., to which I refer you also for my opinion of the possibility of removing the grounds of jealousy between him and the Mahrattas, or at least of checking the hostile attempts of either party upon the power of the other. You will perceive that the course of my opinions would also lead me to take every step consistent with the rules of caution and moderation for restoring to the Peishwa such a degree of power as might render him able to fulfil the sub- sisting engagements between us and the Mahratta empire. The most pressing part of the whole subject seems to be the state of Oude, of the coast of Malabar, of the Carnatic, and of Tanjore. With respect to the disturbances in Oude I trust that the exertions of Lord Teignmouth and of Sir Alured Clarke will have done a great deal before my arrival. I think this the occasion to remark to you, that I have met no person who does not complain of the insufficiency of our force in cavalry in Bengal and Oude. Our new native regiments are yet scarcely formed, and there is but one regiment of European dragoons in that quarter, which also is nearly ineffi- cient, from having been imprudently and unnecessarily ex- posed to the violence of the heat. There is a very good and more than complete regiment of dragoons here (the 8th), which, having been here for near two years, is well seasoned for the Indian service. It would be a very acceptable guest in Bengal, and might become very useful, not only in the event of any attempt of Zemaun Shah, but also in quelling the disturbances in Oude, and in serving as a model to our newly-raised native cavalry. 1 confess, that under all the present circumstances of India, I shovdd be glad to see one or two more King's regiments of infantry in Bengal. There is a very fine regiment now here (the 84th), which has been thoroughly seasoned, and is extremely strong in point of num- bers. At all events I hope you will reinforce our cavalry without delay, and at the same time send us some good cavalry officer to form the new corps. 30 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 28 Feb. With respect to the coast of Malabar I shall never think our aftliirs safe in that quarter until the whole tribe of pecu- lators and plunderers has been severely punished, and until the Pyche Rajah has been reduced to unconditional submis- sion. Our possessions on the coast of Malabar will become an incumbrance to us if they are not speedily brought into some condition of order. A more active and vigorous con- trol is necessary. I cannot speak of Arcot and Tanjore until I have been upon the spot. You will find by the despatches, that in consequence of a failure in the pay- ment of his kists, a part of the Rajah's country is fallen into our hands. The present state of India does not perhaps, on the whole, offer the most favourable occasion for the new settlement of the Musnud of Tanjore. If I should see cause for delay I shall not hesitate to postpone the deposition of the present Rajah to a more convenient time, according to the discretionary powers vested in me by the orders of the Secret Committee. The only point which remains for consideration is the con- duct to be observed towards Tippoo. You will find in the despatches that the Supreme Government still retain their opinion respecting our right to the district of Wynaad ; but as they have directed that an amicable inquiry should take place on that question, the execution of your orders will be- come more easy.* I have adverted in this Letter to the increased assiduity with which Tippoo has endeavoured to raise animosities against us among the Native Powers, and to his intercourse with Zemaun Shah. I wish to know from you, whether w^e ought to suffer, without animadversion and spirited represen- tation, such open acts of hostility on the part of Tippoo ? My ideas on this subject are, that as on the one hand we ought never to use amj Jiigh Icmguage toivards Tippoo, nor ever attempt to deny kbit the smallest j^oint of his just rights, so on the other, where we have distinct proofs of his machin- ations against us, we ought to let him know that his treachery does not escape our observation, and to make him feel that he • Mr. Dundas's verbal orders to Lord lAIornington (given at Waliiier Castle, in presence of lAIr. I'itt, in October 1797) were to restore Wynaad to Tippoo without requiring any equivalent. 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 31 is within the reach of our vigilance. At present it appears to me that he is permitted to excite ill will against us wherever he pleases, without the least attempt on our part to repre- hend either him for the suggestion, or the Court, to whom he applies, for listening to it. This examination of the political state of India leads me to look at the situation in which we should find ourselves in that quarter in the event of the speedy conclusion of a peace with France. The best peace we can expect will restore to the French all, and to the Dutch (whom I conceive as French under another name) a great part of their former possessions in India. The condition of the several Native Powers, both with relation to each other and to our interests, is more fa- vourable to the success of French intrigue than it has been at any period since the peace of Seringapatam. We must therefore expect to be assailed on all sides by the combined operations of every species of instrument which can be set to work for the purpose of undermining the foundations of our credit, character, and power. You can best judge whether it may be possible to introduce into the Treaty of Peace any restrictions which shall tend to check, in any degree, the vio- lence of this evil. But if there be truth in the views which I take of the state of India, and of the probable conduct of the French whenever they shall again obtain even their former footing in that country, how powerful an argument arises against permitting them to receive any addition of strength which might render them more respectable in the general scale of Indian power. I am persuaded that the possession of Ceylon, either in the hands of France or of her bond-slave Holland, would enable the French interests in India to rise, within a very short period, to a degree of formidable strength never before possessed by them. On this subject I find no difference of opinion in the minds of any person acquainted with India. The possession of Ceylon is universally held to be indispensable to the preservation both of our power on the Continent and of our commerce on the seas of India. I am led by this observation to add a very few words with relation to this place : — Before my arrival here I had formed very high ideas of the intrinsic value of the Cape as a colony, but I had not esti- 32 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 28 Feb. mated so highly its value with reference to the defence of our trade to the East, and of our territories in India. You will have received from Lord Macartney such ample details with respect to the real value of this colony in point of revenue, and of every species of resource, that I shall say no more than that 1 am convinced it would require a long tract of time to render the Cape an object of any considera- tion in this \iew. You must consider it as a possession which cannot furnish the means of maintaining its own expense, and you must look for its value in the positive advantages it would afford to the enemy as a military and naval station for offensive purposes against you, and in the relative advantages which can be imagined to a power compelled to maintain a large European force in India. The climate is remarkably healthy, so much so that the appearance both of the officers and sol- diers stationed here bears striking testimony to the fact ; you will hardly see regiments in England of so healthy an appear- ance as those which have been here for any time. The heat is however frequently very severe, so that a soldier who has been here for a year or two is well accustomed to be exposed to a very ardent sun, and receives a sort of preparation for the climate of India. The advantage of this circumstance has lately been proved in India, where the regiments which had passed through the seasoning of this climate have arrived and continued in much lietter health than those which proceeded thither directly from Europe, or which remained here but for a very short period of time. As a depot, therefore, for the maintenance of a military force in India, the Cape is invalu- able ; and to the enemy, in this view, it would furnish easy means of pouring in troops either upon the coast of Coro- mandel or of Malabar, in such a state of health as to be able to encounter at once all the inconveniences of an Indian cli- mate. With this opinion you may judge with what serious apprehension I should see this place in the hands of the enemy, to whose political consideration in India such a pos- session would always be a powerful accession, but at no time so formidable as in the present disturbed state of the Native Powers. As a naval station I look upon the Cape to be still more important. Many sliips in the Indian and China trade make the land upon the outward, and all upon the homeward- 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENllY DUNDAS. 34 bound, passage. The course of those even which keep farthest to the southward never is more distant from the Cape than two or three degrees of latitude. An enemy's squadron stationed at the Cape, could not fail to intercept the greater part of our trade to and from the East, without being under the necessity of making any very distant cruizes. We should find it impossible to check the operations of such a squadron, unless we could continue to send out with every trading fleet from Europe a convoy of such considerable force as must compel us greatly to increase our present naval establish- ments. The expense of fitting out such large fleets of ships of war, victualled and stored for the whole voyage to India or China, would be enormous ; and here, in my opinion, is the point of the question upon which the whole argument must turn — which would be the heavier expense ? to retain the Cape, keeping up a large naval and militai'v establishment here, and using it as an outpost to your Indian empire, or to leave the Cape in the hands of the enemy, and by so doing incur the necessity of increasing to a vast amount the protecting naval force requisite for the defence of your Indian and China trade? The expense of the Cape in our hands, however large, must not be estimated at so much positive loss. There are two points of view in which that loss may be considered to be compensated by a proportional diminution of expense in other establishments. The army stationed at the Cape might always be looked upon as a part of the Indian force, and a correspondent saving ought to be made in the expense of your European army in India. Your Indian and China ships might, under proper regulations, be victualled at the Cape at a much cheaper rate than in Europe ; consequently, their valuable cargoes both outward and homeward might be increased in proportion to the smaller quantity of tonnage oc- cupied by their provisions. Instead of taking six months' provisions from Asia or Europe, they need not take more than three, and the vacant tonnage might serve for an aug- mentation of their cargoes of merchandize. In this view a great advantage would result to the East India Company from the possession of the Cape. The whole of this com- parative statement might be reduced to calculation, and it would not be difficult for you at once to estimate the several articles of expense which must be incurred by the public in VOL. I. D JJ4 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO 28 Feb, either event, of retaining the Cape or of abandoning it to France. But I doubt whether, with the Cape in the hands of the enemy, it would be possible for you to maintain your Indian trade or empire, unless you could acquire some other settle- ment on the southern continent of Africa. This I know to be Lord Macartney's opinion; and if this opinion be just, the (juestion of the expense of maintaining the Cape will be ma- terially varied. To bring back this discussion to the point from which it proceeded, I trust you will bear in mind the state of the Native Powers in India at this moment ; and recollecting that the greatest advantage which we now possess in the present deranged condition of those interests, which had been so wisely and judiciously balanced by the Treaty of Seringapa- tam, is the utter exclusion of any preponderant European Power from the scale of Indian politics, you will contend strenuously against any concession in the peace with France which may place the security of ovu- Eastern trade and em- pire at her mercy. Believe me, dear Sir, &c. &c. MoRNINGTON. P. S. On reading over my letter I find that I have omitted to state one consideration relating to the value of the Cape as a military station. I believe the necessity of retaining Cey- lon is now admitted universally. With the Cape in the hands of an enemy, would it be possible to retain Ceylon for any long period of time ? 1798. THE NABOB OK ARCOT. 35 No. IV. Lord Mornington to the Nabob of Arcot. April 27th, 1798. May it please your Highness, It has given me great satisfaction to learn from General Harris that your Highness enjoys a good state of health. My first enquiries upon my arrival at Fort St. George were respecting your Highness's welfare. I return your Highness many thanks for the several oblig- ing messages which I have had the honor to receive from you. I am very anxious to take the earliest opportunity of pay- ing you my respects in person, and of presenting to you several letters which I am charged to deliver to you from his Majesty the King of Great Britain, from H. R. H. the Prince of Wales, H. R. H. the Duke of York, and the Marquess Cornwallis. I will wait upon your Highness with great pleasure at any hour that you will be pleased to appoint on to-morrow, or any day that may be agreeable to you. I have the honor to be, &c. Mornington. I date this letter from one of your Highness's houses in which Gen. Harris has placed me. No. V. The Prince of Wales to the Nabob of Arcot. Carlton House, October 14, 179/. The Nobleman who will deliver this liCtter to your High- ness, it is with the greatest satisfaction I inform you, is a par- ticular friend of my own — he is justly celebrated for his great talents ; and his private character being that of honour, mo- deration and mildness, must necessarily recommend him to the confidence and good opinion of your Highness. I could say much more upon this subject, but when I ac- quaint you, that his Majesty had previously bestowed upon him the most eminent marks of royal favour, I am sure it must 36 MARQUESS CORNWALLIS Oct, be deemed useless to suggest any other proof how acceptable such a nomination must be to the interests of your Highness. 1 shall conclude with expressing a hope that your Highness may long continue to enjoy that health and prosperity to which your exalted rank and character entitles you. I am your affectionate Friend, G. P. W. No. VI. Marquess CornwalUs to the Nabob of Arcot. WhitehaU, 17th October, 1797. This letter will be delivered to your Highness by Lord Mornington, who is appointed Governor General, and who will pass some days at Madras on his way to Bengal. Lord Mornington is my friend, and as I know that he en- tertains the same sentiments with myself respecting the affairs of India, I can venture to promise that he will behave towards you with kindness, and endeavour to promote your welfare and happiness. Your Highness must remember the many conversations that we had on the situation of your father and your family, and the condition of your country, and how strongly I repre- sented to you the distresses which your father had brought upon himself by listening to the advice of those Europeans who flattered him only to serve their own purposes, instead of trusting to the friendship and honor of the Company's Government. I have frequently heard you confess that no European ever came to Chepauk House, but with an intention to take your father's money, and you gave me reason to believe that when you succeeded to the sovereignty of the country, you would endeavour to secure yourself from the attempts of a similar nature by removing to a greater distance from the scene of intrigue and corruption. Whatever your present determination may be, I recommend to you to speak your mind openly and freely to Lord Mor- nington, whom you may safely trust, and who has no object in view but your interest and that of the Company, which in 1797. TO THE NAROD OF AKCOT. 37 the opinion of all men who wish well to both parties, must ever be inseparable. I am your Highness's sincere Friend, CORNWALLIS. No. VII. George HI. to the Nabob of Arcot. George the Third, by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Christian Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburgh, Arch Treasurer and Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, &c., — To his Highness the Nawaub OmdatuI Omrah Mayeen ul Mulk, Assad-ud Dowlah, Hussein Ally Cawn Bahawder Z*iifattar Tung Sepah Surdan, Sovereign of the Carnatic, Payenghaut, and Ballanghaut. Your Highness's letter of the 19th of March, 1796, has been safely delivered to us by our faithful servant Admiral Sir George Keith Elphinstone, and we are convinced your Highness will learn with pleasure that, in order to give this excellent officer a proof of our entire satisfaction with the services he had rendered to our Crown, to your Highness, and to the East India Company during his command in India, we have conferred upon him a mark of our Royal favor by raising him to the dignity of the peerage in our kingdom of Ireland. The happiness we at all times derive from your Highness's friendly correspondence has been on this occasion deeply affected on observing the differences which appear to exist between your Highness and our faithful servant Lord Hobart, who, whatever momentary inconvenience your Highness may have experienced from his conduct, we are confident could be actuated by no other motive than an anxious desire to ensure the permanent welfare and honor of your Highness, and the happiness and prosperity of your people. These important considerations we well know to be also the grounds of your Highness's conduct, and we earnestly recommend to you to be assured that the Counsels of our Mi- nisters at home, and the wishes of the East India Company and its Servants, are ever directed to these objects. ^xx::^i^lAV€i 38 GEORGE III. TO Oct The East India Company has appointed our right trusty and right well beloved Cousin and Councillor, Richard, Earl of Mornington, in our kingdom of Ireland, Baron Wellesley in our kingdom of Great Britain, and Knight of the most Illustrious Order of Saint Patrick, to he Governor General in India. Our experience of his conciliatory temper, and many emi- nent virtues and abilities in various offices he has held for many years under our Crown, induced us to recommend him to this high and important station. These distinguished qualities are so many pledges to us, that the exercise of the power vested in him will be such as to conciliate your High- ness's entire confidence and esteem, and that your Highness will endeavour on all occasions to cultivate his friendship and good will, by co-operating with him in all his salutary views for the happiness of your Highness, and of your subjects, and for strengthening and confirming the engagements of amity and union subsisting between your Highness and the East India Company. From our experience of the felicity derived from our con- stant paternal love and care of all our subjects, we are per- suaded your Highness will best promote your individual hap- piness and tranquillity, by shewing yourself on all occasions just, benevolent and merciful to all those whom the Almighty has placed under your protection, by calling to His presence your august Father, His former servant. This line of conduct, an inviolable fidelity in all your en- gagements, and an unreserved confidence in, and support of, the measures the wisdom of the Earl of Mornington may sug- gest, cannot fail to ensure to your Highness the continuance of the most sincere friendship on the part of the East India Company, and of our alliance and protection. We embrace this o])portunity of informing your Highness that, on the 11th of this month, one of our fleets obtained a most brilliant and decisive victory over the grand fleet of Holland, of which more than one half was taken and is brought into our ports. An event so glorious to our arms, and of such importance to the security of all our possessions, and of India in particular, will, we are persuaded, afford your Highness great satisfaction. We have (jnly further to assure you of the lively interest 1797. THE NABOB or akcot. 39 we take in every thing that concerns your Highness, and the happiness we at all times feel when your Ilighness's friendly letters are delivered into our hands. And so we bid you farewell. No. VIII. Memorandum at Fort St. George. Fort St. George, May 8, 179S. His Highness the Nabob of the Carnatic, having expressed his desire, that a new arrangement should take place with respect to the Polygars, and to several other points, commu- nicated by his Highness in conversation and in writing to Lord Mornington, and his Highness having also complained, that under the present arrangement of his monthly payments, he was compelled at a particular period of every year to raise money upon assignments of the revenues of the country, which forms the security for the payment of the Company's military subsidy, Lord Mornington declared his cordial dis- position to enter upon the consideration of his Highnesses propositions, provided his Highness would consent to permit the servants of the Company, to become the managers of the several districts in the Carnatic mortgage for the payment of the annual military subsidy. This condition Lord Morning- ton proposed, as the only effectual remedy which could be applied to the injurious system of anticipating the revenues of the mortgaged districts by loans and Tunkhwahs, or other modes of assignment; a system, which the Honorable the Court of Directors has declared to be contrary to the letter, and subversive of the spirit of the treaty of 1 792. No. IX. From Governor Duncan. My Lord, Bombay, 23rd May, 1798. I beg leave, on the occasion of this first communication, to assure your lordship that it's not having been earlier has cer- 40 GOVEllNOll DUNCAN 1^. Oct. tainly proceeded from no other motive than a reluctance to appear forwardly intrusive on your lordship's time, having otherwise little else to impart than what will hcive much sooner reached you through the correspondence of the Commission- ers in Malabar and of the Board here, with the Government of Fort St. George, and with the acting Governor-General ; nor have our lastest advices from the coast tended hitherto to throw any satisfactory light on what may be the Sultan's in- tentions, but should he have been induced to more peaceable councils, so fortunate a change must, no doubt, have been the happy effect of the influence of your lordship's opportune arrival, and of its consequences. Being still, however, uncertain here as to the event, I think your lordship may consider as meriting some degree of attention, the following memoranda, collected from such information as could be furnished by Captain Smedley and the officers of the Raymond, from the opportunities they had whilst in company with their captors of deriving insight into the views of the French as connected with Tippoo ; all which seems but too corroborative of the other indications on the same subject, which were such as to have induced us very earnestly to convey all the knowledge we possessed on the subject to the Admiral, with the hope of thereby frustrating the arrival of succours to Tippoo by the way of Mangalore, as miglit, no doubt, have been ensured but for the early de- parture of the Suffolk and Arrogant to the other coast, which was immediately followed by the surprise and capture of our Indiamen, the loss from which to the Company will not, including the Amelia destroyed by fire, exceed four lacks and thirty thousand rupees, instead of the very large amount which by the newspapers it appears to have been un- derstood to amount to on the other side of India, and we have taken measures to provide against the recurrence of such a misfortune by fixing the seat of the commercial residency at Cannanore, under the guns of which fortress several India- men may at a time, or separately, find effectual protection from any enemy. With the best wishes for the success and honour of your lordship's administration, and the sincerest desire to contri- bute towards it by every exertion that in my station I can 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 41 make, as well as thence to merit and enjoy the gratification of your lordship's correspondence and advice. I have the honor to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's very obedient humble servant, The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Mornington, K. P, John Duncan. &c. &c. &c., Bengal. [The Memoranda gives the evidence of some English pri- soners on board La Preneuse French frigate, as to a copy of the proceedings at the Isle of France, in reference to Tippoo Sultaun's embassy having been hung up in the state cabin of La Preneuse, vrhose officers repeatedly inquired whether Tippoo had not already declared war against the East India Company.] No. X. Minute of the Governor-General on Tanjore. '6\st of Muy, 1798.' I take this early opportunity of communicating to the Board the annexed Letter, delivered to me by the Secret Committee of the Honourable the Court of Directors, containing the final judgment of the Government at home upon the impoi'- tant question of the succession to the Musnud of Tanjore ; together wath the orders to the Government of Fort St. George, and to myself for executing that judgment. Upon my arrival at Fort St. George I had the satisfaction to learn that the general state of India in relation to the internal si- tuation of our possessions, as well as to external politics, was such as would admit of the immediate execution of the orders of the Secret Committee, but other material considerations occurred to my mind which led me to conclude that some mo- dification in the manner of carrying those orders into effect was necessary, for the purpose of securing the attainment of the substantial ends of justice, to which the views of the Secret Committee were principally directed. By the annexed despatch the appointment of a Commission to examine and report the real state of the country of Tan- jore is ordered, as a step preparatory to the ultimate measure of placing Serfogee upon the Musnud. 42 MINUTE OF THE GOVERNOR- 31 May. From the best information wliich I could collect during my stay at Madras, I am convinced that while a large portion of the country shall remain in the hands of the present Rajah, and M-hile his authority shall be acknowledged to be lawful, the inquiries of such a Commission would be embarrassed in every shape, and frustrated in the end ; and that the final result would prove equally prejudicial to the interests of Ser- fogee, and highly injurious to the prosperity and happiness of the people of Tanjore. To enable the Commission to prosecute their inquiries with any prospect of success, it would be necessary that they should have access to all the accounts of the Palace, and that they should have powers to require the attendance of all persons whom they might deem capable of furnishing them with information respecting the real state of the country. It could not be expected that the present Rajah would wil- lingly give his consent to an inquiry which must terminate in exposing his evil administration, or that, if he could be pre- vailed upon to acquiesce in such a measure, he would not oppose to its progress obstacles which no diligence or ac- tivity could overcome, and which must render the whole in- vestigation abortive. The report of a Commission so embarrassed must have proved insufficient to answer the views entertained by the Secret Committee of founding upon it the basis of a new set- tlement for the country of Tanjore. In addition to this consideration, it would have been impossi- ble to expect that a Commission under such circumstances could have produced a report within any short period of time. The information which I received at Madras convinced me that no report coiUd be made by such a Commission within a shorter space of time than ten or twelve months ; a degree of delay as contrary to the spirit of the orders of the Secret Committee as to the substantial purposes of justice. It could never have been in the contemplation of the Government at home, after the solemn adjudication of the Musnud to Serfogee, to postpone to so distant a day, by an act of their own, his final restoration to his acknowledged rights. l-'or so long a period of time it would not have been pos- siblf. by any degree of vigilance, to have concealed the real 1798. GENERAL ON TANJORE. 43 object of the inquiry from the anxious mind of the present possessor of the Musnutl of Tanjore. Under such circumstances Amer Sing would no longer have felt any interest in the welfare of the country, or in fulfilling the stipulations of the Treaty of 1792 with regard to his payments to the Company ; and it cannot be doubted that he and his adherents would have endeavoured, by every means in their power, to protract the investigation, in order to avail themselves of the interval for the pui'poses of extortion and embezzlement. The consequences to the interests of Serfogee, to those of the Company, and to the welfare of the people of Tanjore, are evident. To have appointed a Commission without the consent of the present Rajah, and to have empowered them to act inde- pendently of his authority, would have been considered by him, as well as by the other powers of India, as a violation of the Treaty of 1792, to which we are bound to adhere so long as we continue to recognize him as the lawful Prince of Tanjore. To obviate these difficulties, I determined previously to my departure from Fort St. George to place Serfogee upon the Musnud with all practicable dispatch, and to direct that the necessary inquiries into the state of the country should be made after his accession ; when I have no doubt that they may be prosecuted with facility, and may furnish materials for a final arrangement of the affairs of Tanjore conformable to the orders of the Secret Committee, and equally beneficial to all parties. The inquiry into the relative rights of Serfogee and Amer Sing having been prosecuted principally at this. residency, and it being necessary for the honour and reputation of the British name to accompany the deposition of the latter with a full explanation of the grounds on which so important a mea- sure was determined, I did not think it advisable to issue my final orders to the Government of Fort St. George until I had been enabled, by a reference to those who had been em- ployed in the conduct of the inquiry in Bengal, to frame a distinct statement of its nature and object. Accordingly I have postponed my ultimate instructions to the Government of Fort St. George until the present mo- 44 MINUTE OF THE GOVERNOR- 31 May. ment ; it is now my intention to direct that Government to place Serfogee upon the Musnud of Tanjore without further delay. I propose to leave it to that Government to make such ar- rangements as they may deem advisable for carrying this measure into execution in the most expeditious manner, and for guarding against any disturbance or insult to the Rajah, Amer Sing, or his family. I trust, however, there are no reasons to apprehend any such event. It will be proper, notwithstanding, before the present Rajah is apprised of the intentions of Government, that pre- cautions should be taken for preventing the removal of any of the public treasure, jewels, or papers from the Palace; and 1 think it advisable that the resident, the commanding officer of the troops, and any other persons whom the Go- vernment of Fort St. George may direct to accompany the Resident for that purpose, should be ordered to fix their seals on the apartments in which such papers or effects are lodged, until Serfogee shall be established on the Musnud. No time should be lost in removing Amer Sing from Tan- jore to whatever place the Government of Fort St. George may think proper, and a suitable guard should be stationed with him for his protection : his future place of residence will be determined l)y circumstances. I have prepared for the Rajah, Amer Sing, to be delivered to him on announcing the decision of the Company, a letter, communicating the grounds of the judgment in favour of the right of Serfogee, and assuring him that his person shall be protected ; and that whatever shall be adjudged to be his private property, and not to belong to the Sircar, shall be se- cured to him, together with a suitable provision for his main- tenance so long as he shall conduct himself in all respects to the satisfaction of the Government of Fort St. George. Immediately after Serfogee shall have been placed upon the Musnud, it will be proper to cause a proclamation (of which I now lay a copy before the Board), with translations in all the country languages, and copies of all the questions stated to the Pundits regarding the succession both here and at Fort St. George, to be fixed up in the most public places in Tanjore. A letter has also been prepared, to be dchvered to Ser- 1798. GENERAL ON TANJORE. 45 fogee on communicating to him the decision in favour of his right to the Musnud ; and the Government of Fort St. George shall be instructed to require, at the same time, his assent to '' the following stipulations, which, however they may be au- thorized to modify in case any circumstance of which I may not at present be apprised, should render such modification necessary : — First, That he will acquiesce in the appointment of a Com- mission, to consist of Company's servants, for the purpose of inquiring into the present state and resources of Tanjore. Secondly, That he will allow the Commission to have access to all the public accounts and records of the country, whether deposited in the Palace or elsewhere. Thirdly, That he will cause the attendance of all persons whom the Commission may require to appear before them for the purposes of their inquiry ; and that he will afford them every assistance in his power for the speedy and successful accomplishment of it, F^ourthly, That until the Commission shall have closed the proposed inquiry, and until the arrangements which may be agreed upon in consequence shall have been carried into effect, the Treaty of 1793 shall continue in full force, in the same manner as if no change had taken place in the succes- sion, and consequently the servants of the Company shall retain the management of the Soubahs, which have been as- sumed in consequence of the failure of Amer Sing in the pay- ment of his kists. Fifthly, That whenever the Commission shall have ter- minated the proposed inquiry, he will consent to such ar- rangements as the Government of Fort St. George, with the sanction of the Governor-General in Council, may deem expe- dient for the better management of his country, and particu- larly for the due administration of justice; and also for secur- ing to the Company the more regular discharge of their ex- isting and future demands on Tanjore. Sixthly, That he, jointly with the Government of Fort St. George, will engage to afford full protection to the persons of Amer Sing and his family, and that he will secure to Amer Sing such property as that Government may determine not to belong to the Sircar; and also that he will pay to Amer Sinf punctually, through the Government of Fort St. George, such 46 MINUTE OF THE GOVERNOR- 31 May. sum for his maintenance as that Government may think rea- sonable, so long as Amer Sing shall conduct himself in every respect to their satisfaction. Considering the disorders that have prevailed in Tanjore since the accession of Amer Sing, the little experience which Serfogee can be supposed to possess with respect to the ma- nagement of his affairs, and his want of proper officers for the conduct of business, added to the heavy demands which he must discharge immediately upon his accession, I am con- vinced that it would be equally conducive to his interests, and to those of the Company, that in addition to the several stipulations which I have now detailed, Serfogee should con- sent to transfer the entire charge of the country of Tanjore to the Government of Fort St. George for a period of one or more years after his accession, that Government engaging to be accountable to him for whatever should be collected from the country beyond the amount of the annual sum due to the Company under the Treaty of 1792, and also affording him a sufficient allowance for the maintenance of his rank. I do not however think it proper to direct the Government of Fort St. George to make any proposition to him to this effect. The Secret Committee have most justly remarked, that as it is our duty to interfere in the settlement of the suc- cession to the Musnud of Tanjore, for the purpose of reme- dying that injustice which originated in our former interfer- ence, so it would afford just cause of reproach against us, if, after such a lapse of time, the Native Powers of India were to observe us interfering in the present instance in order to carry into effect any forfeiture in our own favour. I deem it of the greatest importance to the national honour, that no grounds should be afforded for suspicion, that the change in the suc- cession had been dictated by a desire to extend our influence in the country, or by any other motives than those of a strict regard to justice. Should, however, the Rajah be sensible of his inability to enter on the immediate arrangement of the country, and ex- press a desire to the Government of Fort St. George that they should for that reason assume the temporary charge of it, that Government will have my sanction to acquiesce in his wishes on the terms 1 have already stated. Should the Rajah determine to undertake the charge of the 1798. GENERAL ON TAN.IORE. 47 part of the country which has not been assumed under the Treaty of 1792, I am of opinion that every indulgence ought to be shown to him with regard to his first payments, and that the provisions of the Treaty of 1792, for cases of failure, should not be put in force against him until he has had ade- quate time to effect his payments from the resources of the country. To this indulgence, however, I think it will be proper to annex a condition, that the Rajah shall pay due attention to the recommendation of the Commission in the selection of his ministers, and of his other principal officers, as the only means of convincing us that the indulgence will not be abused. I am also of opinion that, if it should be found necessary, the Government of Fort St. George should assist the new Rajah, by guaranteeing to the Soucars the repayment of such pecuniary advances as they should make to him for the cultivation of the country, provided that the amount of such advances be limited and applied by the advice and under the superintendance of the Commission. The Commission should also be empowered to require from the Rajah such security as they may deem sufficient to preclude the difficulties that might arise from the failure of the Rajah in the repayment of any sum advanced to him by the Soucars upon the credit of the Company. I recommend that the Commission should consist of three persons ; and as I am satisfied that the Government of Fort St. George are equally sensible with myself how deeply the honour of the Company and of the British nation is con- cerned in repairing the injuries which the country of Tanjore and its lawful prince have sustained by the usurpation of Amer Sing, and how much the attainment of this important object must depend on the conduct of the Commission, I have the fullest confidence that they will select for it those servants of their estabhshment who are best qualified to dis- charge so sacred a trust. The Government of Fort St. George will furnish the Com- mission with such detailed instructions as they may think proper. I recommend to their particular attention the follow- ing points, which appear to me of essential importance, but which I would authorise that Government to adopt, with 48 MINUTE OF THE GOVERNOR- 81 May. such alterations as they may think the circumstances re- quire. Besides obtaining the most exact information of the state and resources of the country, the attention of the Commis- sioners should be directed to lay a foundation for its future improvement. For this purpose they should endeavour to recall the inha- bitants, who are said to have emigrated from Tanjore during the administration of Amer Sing, by offers of pecuniary aid or by such other measures as they may deem most likely to prove effectual ; but above all their attention should be di- rected to the repair of the mounds and water-courses, and other works of a similar nature. All oppressive taxes and exactions, and other abuses which may have been introduced under the administration of Amer Sing should be abolished, and such arrangements as local cir- cumstances will admit, should be made for defining, as far as may be practicable, the rights of the cultivators of the lands, and of all other persons, from whom the revenues of the coun- try of whatever nature may be collected. I trust that little difficulty v»ill arise in introducing these arrangements into the districts already under the charge of the servants of the Company, or in obtaining the Rajah's consent to the extension of them to the Soubahs which have not been assumed, should the Rajah retain those Soubahs under his charge. With a view of securing to tlie people the benefit of those arrangements, and the advantages of eff^ectual protection in their persons and properties, the attention of the Commission should be directed by the instructions of the Government of Fort St. George to the speedy establishment of Courts for the Administration of Justice in civil and crhninal cases. Upon this subject, which I deem to be one of the most im- portant branches of the powers to be delegated to the Com- mission, it does not appear to me at present proper, or indeed practicable, to give any detailed orders ; but I shall take the earliest opportunity, after the receipt of the report of the commission, to lay before the Board such a system for the better administration of justice in Tanjore as shall appear suitable to the circumstances of tliat country, and to the manners and customs of the iiibal)itants. 1798. ON TANJORE. 49 With regard to the nature of the further security which it may be proper to require from the Rajah for the more regu- lar discharge of his payments, I am not at present prepared to offer any decided opinion on this important subject until I shall have received the report of the Commission to be ap- pointed for ascertaining the real extent and nature of the re- sources of Tanjore. This subject must, however, form one of the early objects of the attention of the Commission, and I shall be anxious to receive their sentiments, vrith the opinion of the Government of Fort St. George, respecting it. My inquiries during my continuance at Fort St. George were directed through every channel of information which I could discover, to ascertain how far the expectations of the Secret Committee with respect to the improvement of the revenues of Tanjore, and to the consequent augmentation of the Rajah's annual payments to the Company, were likely to be fulfilled. The result of this investigation, which, how- ever, was necessarily incomplete, leads me to apprehend that the Secret Committee have formed rather too sanguine a cal- culation of the expected produce of the revenues of Tanjore. The amovmt of those revenues depends entirely upon the annual price of grain, which fluctuates every year, according to the state of the crops in Tanjore, and to the necessities of other countries. In 1793, the year upon which the Com- mittee found their calculation, the effects of war, and famine in the neighbouring countries, had caused an extraordinary demand for the exportation of grain, which necessarily raised the price in Tanjore far beyond the usual average. What- ever increase may be expected from future improvements in the management of the country, I cannot found, upon the produce of the year 1793, an expectation of a permanent aug- mentation of revenue to the extent supposed by the Secret Committee. I think it my duty to suggest these doubts with respect to the probability of any considerable increase of receipts from the Rajah of Tanjore, for the purpose of calling the attention of the Board to a subject which has anxiously engaged that of the Secret Committee, and which will demand the most ample investigation whenever the report of the Commission shall have furnished sufficient information to enable me to pursue it with effect. Mornington. VOL. I. E 50 THE HON. FREDERICK NORTH JunC, No. XI. To the Earl of Morn'tngton. My dear lord, Bombay, 3d June, 1798. As I left England on the IStli of February, this letter, and those which accompany it, will probably give you the first information of my intended nomination to the Government of Ceylon. I can call it as yet no more than intended, as I received orders from Mr. Dundas to take my departure on board of the first fleet that should sail ; and to wait for my commission and instructions at Bombay. What that com- mission and those instructions may be, I cannot positively say ; I am pretty well assured that Mr. Dundas's intention is to avoid, as much as possible, the inconvenience of giving up the island at present to the Company, and the very great one of rendering it entirely independent of the Company's Government ; but in what manner these ends will be accom- plished, I cannot pretend to guess. By a debate in the India House, which your Lordship will read in the papers, and which took place since I left London, it seems as if Mr. Dundas had given a promise, that in case the island should be preserved at the peace, the Crown would resign it to the Company ; but for this supposition 1 have no authority but the newspapers, and my private opinion of the propi-iety of the measure. All that I know is, that when I left London, three weeks before my embarkation Mr. Dundas had decided that my nomination and that of the other political and mili- tary servants of the Government should derive from the Crown ; but that at the same time I should be put under the direction and controvd of the Governor General. The reve- nues of the island were to be given immediately to the Com- pany, so that in respect to the administration of them, I should be precisely in the situation of the Presidents of Mad- ras and Bombay, but without a Council. Such being (as I hope it will) the spirit of my instructions, the words of my commission can signify very little. For I am so perfectly convinced of the necessity of all the parts of the Great Indo- British Empire being actuated by one spirit, that I shall con- sider myself exactly in the same situation with the Govern- 1798. TO THE RAUL OF MOUNINGTON. 51 ments of Madras and Bombay, not only in effect, but even in form, as far as the consciences of the Crown lawyers, and the King's Ministers will allow. In all probability (whether we keep the island or no), I shall be the last King's Governor of it ; and as I hope to remain all that time under your direc- tion, I trust that the anomalous nature of my situation will not occasion any inconvenience to either of us. I have the honour in the meantime to remain, with the greatest respect and regard. My dear Lord, Your most obedient and faithful Servant, Frederic North. No. XII. To the Earl of Morn'mgton. My dear Lord, Bombay, 5th June, 1798. I have written another private letter to the Governor Ge- neral, who, I suppose, will wish to account for the arrival in India of a person unhouseled, unappointed, unannealed as I am ; with seven or eight more of his Majesty's Servants in embryo, who, like myself, have as yet no security for their employment but the word of Ministers ; a sea voyage of four months, and the expense of necessary preparations. From a conversation which I had with you last summer, I should imagine that my appointment to the government of Ceylon would not surprise you. Mr. Dundas, however, did not com- municate his intentions on that subject to me till very late in November. Too favourable an idea of the resources of that island had at that time made him resolve on keeping it en- tirely in the King's hands ; of which system, however, more mature reflection made him see the inexpediency and, as it was thought impossible to treat about a possession already ceded to the Company, he at length determined to retain the government and the sovereignty for the Crown, but he gave up to the Company the entire administration and disposal of the revenue, instructing at the same time the future Go- vernor to consider himself as under the direction of the Governor General. How this was to be accomplished was taken ad refcrcndtwi ; iiut the unfortunate person destined 52 THE HON. FUF.OrRICK NORTH JuHC, to that employment, together with the Secretary to the Go- vernment, and the Clerks in the office, was obliged to set out from London in January, and from the Isle of Wight in February, under the assurance of finding commissions and instructions at Bombay. As our passage has been rather a short one, I am not surprised at the non-arrival of those very necessary papers ; and as, in the short time of my service, I have had many proofs of the spirit of patience and long suf- fering with which the public officers are blessed, from the chiefs to the lowest clerks, in respect to the expedition of instruments, which vulgar minds would have prepared, writ- ten, and dispatched in half an hour; I cannot say that I shall be much astonished if I do not receive them these three months. What I am more anxious about is the substance and nature of them. There are so many objections to be made to every arrangement hitherto proposed, and such con- siderable changes appear to have taken place in the inten- tions of Government, (if one may judge from the speeches of their friends in the India House) since I left London, that I am perfectly uncertain how the business will be settled. At the same time I have the satisfaction of knowing that I have taken every step in my power to render every possible arrange- ment easy and simple. My appointments are to be ten thou- sand a-year, commencing from the day of my embarkation, which was the thirty-first of January. Those of Mr. Cleg- horn three thousand, and those of the other gentlemen em- ployed, altogether fourteen hundred and fifty. The Com- mander-in-Chief is, I hope, to be Lieutenant Governor; but that is not quite certain. I own that I think the sending out more Europeans than necessary to a Government so little likely to remain with the Crown, may occasion much incon- venience, and I took care in my recommendations to avoid, as much as possible, any incumbrance to the Crown or the Com- pany on that head. Lord Clive was expected to leave England in March or April. I am glad to find that India has so many charms be- sides the beaux yeux de la ca.ssettu, that men with sixteen thousand a-year in possession, and two and twenty thousand in expectancy are enamoured of her ; and I am very glad that those charms were not discovered sooner lest my poor little island of cinnamon should have been carried offby some more 1798. TO THE LAIIL OF MORNINCTON. 53 powerful suitor than an indigent younger brother. But what really gives me great pleasure is that Lord Clive is a very good-natured, right-headed, sensible man, and exactly the person we could wish for — you, as a tributary Prince, I as a neighbouring Potentate. I have little public news to tell you, and that little by no means comfortable ; every body engaged in abusing the as- sessed taxes or the modifications in them. Threats of inva- sion on rafts of half a mile long by a quarter broad, which all but sailors think impossible ; the first peer of the realm toast- ing the sovereignty of the people at a Jacobin meeting, and a great depression of spirits (God knows why) throughout the country, are what I left in England. Since that a Portu- guese ship we spoke with near the Canaries, informed us that the Spanish fleet was at sea, and Lord St. Vincent's gone after it. Your dear country, Ireland, is as troublesome as ever ; though the new Commander-in-Chief seems to be liked both by castle and country. It is reported that the Chancellor and the Government there are no longer very cordial, but I do not absolutely know the truth of that report. In France a new Fructidor was every moment expected, in which Barras and Francois de Neufchateau, the new Mo- deratists, would probably be sent to Guiana. Switzerland had been invaded, made peace with, and invaded again, and Rome was on the point of being devoured by an irruption of Cispadanes, and France, on a pretence of a riot at Rome executed by themselves, in which a French General was mur- rfiered ; the fate of the German Empire was uncertain ; so was the disposition of the new King of Prussia. At first it had a favourable appearance, but politics are so profligate at present, that a share of plunder may overturn the wisest and honestest determinations. Believe me ever with the sincerest regard. My dear Lord, Your most obedient faithful Servant, Frederic North. 54 FINANCIAL MINUTE OF JuilC, No. XIII. To General Harris. My Dear Sir, Fort William, 9th June, 1798. Although I imagine that the enclosed Proclamation must have reached you, I think it most advisable to transmit a copy of it to you. There seems to be so little doubt that the Pro- clamation really was published at the Mauritius, that it must become a matter of serious discussion between this Govern- ment and Tippoo. How such a discussion may terminate it is utterly impossible to say. Perhaps the result of it may be to prove that M. Malartic has exaggerated, or wholly misre- presented the intentions of Tippoo ; but on the other hand, if Tippoo should choose to avow the objects of his embassy to have been such as are described in the Proclamation, the consequences may be very serious, and may ultimately involve us in the calamity of war. I wish you to be apprised of my apprehensions on this subject, and to prepare your mind for the possible event. You will, therefore, turn your attention to the means of collecting a force, if necessity should unfor- tunately require it; but it is not my desire that you should proceed to take any public steps towards the assembling of the army before you receive some further intimation from me. I have the honour, &c. MoRNINGTON. No. XIV. Extract from a Minute of the Gov. General, [Financial] \-2th June, 1798. In urging the necessity of attempting the reduction of our expences, I do not mean to recommend that species of impro- vident economy which in this country, above all others, would ultimately prove real profusion, and the source of every abuse. I do not mean to deprive persons holding laborious and res- ponsible stations of the liberal reward to which they are justly entitled, and whicli ought upon every ground, both of policy and justice, to furnish them with the means of acquiring a com- petent fortune, and of returning to their native country within a moderate period of service. This principle in my opinion is 1798. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. 55 the foundation of the present system of government in India ; and it should always be held sacred and inviolable in every attempt to revise the Indian establishments. On the other hand, it is difficult to believe, that establishments of such magnitude and intricacy as those of the British Empire in India, should not in the course of time require frequent re- vision. Without therefore pledging myself to the amount of any saving which may ultimately appear practicable, I propose immediately to commence a general revision of all public establishments of Bengal, and to direct the adoption of a similar measure at Madras and Bombay, as well as at all our subordinate settlements, and in all our recent acquisitions from the enemy. My intention is that the revision of the Civil Establish- ment of Bengal, should be made under my own immediate superintendence, with the assistance of the acting President of the Board of Revenue, Mr. Bebb, one of the Members of the Board of Trade, and the Accountant General, &c. Mr. Tucker sub-secretary in the Judicial and Revenue De- partment. These gentlemen, I propose to appoint to be a committee for the purpose already mentioned ; Mr. Tucker to act as Se- cretary to the Committee. The proceedings of the Committee may be laid before the Board, either when the enquiry shall be completed, or occa- sionally, as circumstances may require. No better principles can I think be prescribed for the con- duct of the proposed measure, than those laid down in the minute of Lord Cornwalhs, recorded on the proceedings (v. No. 18.) in the secret and separate department of the 31st January, 1788, when the last general revision of the Establishments under this Presidency took place. I recommend, therefore, that the Committee shall be furnished with such parts of those proceedings as relate to the Civil Establishments, together with copies of all papers relating to the alterations which have been subsequently made on them ; in order that the Committee may know the grounds on which all the existing Establishments have been formed, and consequently may be able to judge, how far change of circumstances or any other cause, may have ren- 56 FINANCIAL MINUTE OF JunC, tiered any alteration necessary, either in the constitution of any Department of Government, or in the allowances annexed to any existing office. Any relief in the Military branch of our expences, must arise either from reductions in the effec- tive strength of the Army, or in the number of Troops on field allowances, or from the reform of any Offices or Official Establishments, which may be found superfluous. A reduction of our effective strength, attended with any degree of danger to the public safety, would frustrate its own object. On the other hand, whenever it shall appear, that the circumstances which led to the late augmentation of our Mihtary Estabhshments no longer exist, and that no new causes have arisen to require the maintenance of so large a force, it will be our duty to relieve the finances of this Go- vernment from that part of our heavy Military charge. It will be my care to watch with the utmost degree of anxiety, the favourable moment when this desirable measure may be adopted, without incurring that risk, which might defeat its expected effects. Without entering into any minute detail of the actual state of the Political system of India, it will be sufficient to observe, that, although I perceive no circumstance either in the pre- sent disposition, or in the actual strength and condition of the Native Powers, which shovild afford reason to apprehend the approach of hostilities from any quarter, I do not think it consistent ^vith prudence to reduce our Army, until we shall have been enabled to ascertain with more accuracy the designs of Tippoo Sultan, and of Zemaun Shah, and until the settlement of the Province of Oude shall have acquired more vigour and consistency. In the mean while, however, I re- quest that the Commander in Chief, will undertake on the principles prescribed by Lord Cornwallis in the minute of the 31st January, 1788, the revision of such parts of the Mili- tary Establishments as are neither connected with the effec- tive strength of the Army, nor with the pay and allowances of the different Ranks fixed by the Honorable the Court of Directors, and by this Government. At present, I shall propose to reduce merely two articles of our Military Charges, which rest on grounds entirely distinct from any to which I have adverted. The first, the regiment of Hindostannee cavalry, purchased 1798. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. 57 for two lacs of I'upees from Mr. De Boigne, in February, 1796; which I propose to transfer to the Nabob Vizier on the same terms. I am aware that it is desirable to reduce rather than to aug- ment the force of the Vizier. Whatever troops, however, it may be thought advisable for him to maintain, should be capable of effective service, this regiment may be substituted in the room of any other corps that he may be induced to disband. The troops now quartered in the Fort of Allahabad, are I understand at present upon the Vizier's allowances, and the Commander in Chief has stated to me sufficient reasons, for continuing that indulgence to them until the 1st August next, but from that period I think it would be advisable (and I have the satisfaction to state the concurrent opinion of the Commander-in-Chief, as will appear by his minute upon this subject), that those allowances should cease, and that in future the garrison of Allahabad, should receive the same allowances with that of Chunar. Quarters will of course be provided for the European troops at Allahabad, and no rea- son can exist against placing them in every respect on the same footing with those attached to the garrison of Chunar. The revision of the several branches of our revenue may very properly be referred to the same Committee appointed to revise our Civil Establishments under my inspection. It is not possible to form any accurate estimate of the improve- ment of our resovu'ces which may be the result of such an in- quiry ; I am aware that the demand of Government on the landholders is fixed in perpetuity, and consequently that no addition can be made to the land revenue. Even under dif- ferent circumstances, I would not recommend any additional assessment, considering the land to be already taxed as highly as is consistent with the interests of the Company and the prosperity of the country. Perhaps, however, regulations for accelerating the recovery of outstanding balances might be devised, without injury or oppression to the landholders, or to the cultivators of the soil. The customs, the stamp duties and the tax on spirituous liquors, may admit of considerable improvements either in the mode of collection, or by the variation of the rates, and other 58 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON June, sources of revenue may be devised without injury to the country. In directing the extension of these measures to the Presi- dencies of Fort St. George and Bombay, I shall propose the regulations of their civil and military establishments on the same principles of justice and liberality which constitute the rules of this Government. It will also be a leading object of my propositions on this part of the subject to connect with the reform of the Civil Establishments of Fort St. George and Bombay, and of our territories upon the coast of Mala- bar, the introduction of the system of internal administra- tion of justice and collection of revenue established in Bengal with so much advantage to the Government and to the people. The extension of this system to our possessions upon the coast is an object of great anxiety to the authorities in England. Under all the circumstances of the present moment, I do not think it wovdd be advisable to propose the reduction of any part of the effective strength of our armies on the Coast of Coromandel or Malabar. The Governments of Fort St. George and of Bombay should be directed to revise the several branches of their revenue in the same manner as shall be adopted at this Pre- sidency ; I trust that I shall find in the Governments of Fort St. George and of Bombay, as well as in their Servants se- lected for the execution of these important measures, the same degree of zeal for the public interests and of alacrity in promoting their improvement, which I have had the satisfac- tion to observe in every department of the Company's Service in Bengal. The situation of our affairs, although happily exempt from any immediate danger of the calamity of war, demands the most spirited exertions of every upright Ser- vant of the Company, as well as the cordial co-operation of of every sincere friend to the prosperity of the British in- terests in India. MORNINGTON. 1798. TO TIPPOO SULTAUN. 59 No. XV. To Tippoo Sultunn.— Jrrltten the \Ath June, 179S. Immediately on my arrival in Bengal Sir Alured Clarke communicated to me your friendly letter to him, stating that some people of the Coorgah country, having descended from the woods and mountains, had fixed their residence in the villages of Kauntamunghe and Coloorbdgee, &c. [^Recapitulate the contents of the letter^] Sir Alured Clarke has also communicated to me your answer to the letter from the late Governor-General, Sir John Shore, respecting the claims of the Company and of your Highness to the district of Wynaad, bordering on Tamber- cherry. Being anxious to afford you every proof in my power of my sincere desire to maintain the good understand- ing which had so long subsisted between your Highness and the Company, I made it one of the first objects of my atten- tion to examine all the papers existing on the Company's re- cords, as well respecting Wynaad as the district of Sauleah, in which it appears that Kauntamungle and Coloorbajee are situated. From these papers I find that not only the right to the districts of Wynaad and Sauleah has remained in doubt, but also to the district of Amerah, and Ersawaraseemy, and to some other considerable territories on the side of Malabar. Your Highness is well aware that it is a maxim among states who are sincerely disposed to maintain the rela- tions of amity and peace, to bring all contested points of this nature to a fpeedy determination. A seasonable and tem- perate discussion of those differences of opinion, which must occasionally arise between Powers of the most pacific disposi- tion, tends to prevent quarrels between their subordinate officers, and to obviate the misrepresentations which each party is apt in such cases to make to the respective Govern- ments. This is the most friendly as well as the most prudent course, and will always defeat the views of interested and designing persons, who may wish to foment jealousy, and to disturb the blessing of peace. For this object Lord Corn- walhs, the Nawab Nizam Ali Khaun, and the Peishwa Pun- dit Perd'haun wisely provided in the treaty of peace con- cluded with your Highness at Seringapatam, by establishing 60 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON J line. a regular mocle of bringing to an amicable adjustment, with the knowledge and approbation of all parties, any questions which might hereafter arise between your Highness and any of the allies respecting the boundaries of your adjacent terri- tories. I am persuaded that it is your Highness's disposition to maintain faithfully your public engagements with the Com- pany. On my part you will always meet with a religious ad- herence to every article of the treaties subsisting between us. On this occasion, therefore, it is my intention to depute a respectable and discreet person to meet, upon your frontier, such of your officers as your Highness may please to name, for the purpose of conferring together, of discussing the grounds of the respective claims, and of satisfying each other on all points respecting which any doubts may be entertained on either side. It would not be consistent with your Highness's high re- putation for justice and good faith to refuse to enter into this candid investigation ; I therefore entertain no doubt that as soon as you shall have fully understood the nature of this representation you will afford every facility to the conduct of the necessary inquiries, and will use your endeavours to bring them to a speedy determination ; and for this purpose that you will, without delay, direct your officers at Koual Bunder (or Mangalore) to enter into conference with those deputed by the managers of the Honourable Company's affiiirs on the coast of Malabar. The result of the confer- ences will be communicated to me by the Government of Bombay with all practicable dispatch ; and you may rely upon it, that after regular discussion shall have taken place, according to the established law of nations, and to the prac- tice uniformly observed on every occasion of disputed boun- dary which has arisen between your Highness and the allies since the conclusion of the Treaty of Seringapatam, I will not suspend for one moment the full acknowledgment of whatever shall appear to be your just right. In the meantime, as the districts of Amerah and Souleah have been in the possession of the Coorgah Rajah for several years, your Highness will no doubt see the propriety and justice of recalling the troo])s sent into the neighbourhood of .Souleah. Your Highness nuist l)e sensible that until 1 have been satisfied ot" ilic justice- of \<)ur el.iinis in a regular and 1798. TO TIPPOO SULTAUN. 61 amicable manner, I will never suffer any of the Company's allies or dependants, whose country and interests I consider to be in every respect the same as those of the Company, to be forcibly deprived of territories of which they have so long held possession. With the most cordial disposition to main- tain the intercourse of friendship with your Highness, I trust that I shall always meet an equal return on your part ; and therefore I cannot but lament that your Highness did not immediately resort to the estabhshed channels of peaceable negociation, in place of stationing a military force upon the frontiers of the territory possessed by an ally of the Com- pany. Confident, however, that your Highness, upon a full review of all the circumstances of the case, will be equally inclined with myself to conform to the dictates of justice, I am satisfied that after our respective ofiicers shall have con- ferred together, and explained to each other all matters that remain in doubt, we shall have no difficulty in terminating these long depending questions to our mutual satisfaction. (A true copy) Mornington. N. B. Edmonstone, Persian Translator to Gov. No. XVI. Extract of Letter from the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors, to the Governor-General in Council of Bengal, dated \%th June, 1798.* " We take the earliest opportunity of acquainting you that we have received information from His Majesty's ministers that a very large armament of ships, troops, military stores, &c. has been lately fitted out at Toulon, and that it sailed from thence on the 19th ult. Although the ultimate object of this armament has not been ascertained, it is not impro- bable, from many circumstances that have transpired, and from the spirit of daring adventure by which the French have beedi actuated during the present war, that its destina- ' tion may be for India, either (having first taken possession of Egypt) by way of the Red Sea, or by Bussora. His Majesty's ministers have therefore informed us, that immediate measures * Received by the Governor General in %jrt. 1798. 62 SECRET COMMITTEE TO June, will be taken for a considerable aufrnientationof the European force in the East Indies ; you may therefore expect that not less than 4,000 seasoned and disciplined troops, and perhaps a larger number may be sent to the Company's settlements with all possible expedition, part of which will, we trust, reach India not many months after the receipt of this des- patch. Should the expedition, notwithstanding the measures taken by His Majesty's Government to intercept and defeat it in the Mediterranean, reach Egypt, and be destined for India by either of the routes we have mentioned, a part of His Majesty's fleet, consisting of two men of war and pro- bably a sloop, now under dispatch for India, will be ordered to be stationed in the Straits of Babelmandel, and in the Gulph of Persia, for the purpose of intercepting any force that may be proceeding to India that way. *' A copy of a Proclamation, issued at the Mauritius in the month of March last, has been transmitted to our several presidencies by Mr. Pringle, the Company's agent at the Cape of Good Hope. We are unable to judge whether this Pro- clamation be in reality what its import declares it to be, and Tippoo has really conceived any hostile designs against the British empire in India, or intended merely as a feint, with a view to embroil us with that prince. Our respective Govern- ments will, of course, have taken such precautionary measures in consequence as appeared to them necessary and apphcable to existing circumstances. *' Our empire in the East has ever been an object of jea- lousy to the French, and we know that their former Govern- ment entertained sanguine hopes of being able to reach India by a shorter passage than round the Cape of Good Hope, and we have no doubt that the present Government would risk a great deal, and even adopt measures of a most enter- prising and uncommon nature, for the chance of reducing, if not annihilating, the British power and consequence in that quarter of the world. To effect this, without the aid and previous concert of one of the Indian Powers, seems ahuost impossible, and would scarcely be attempted. In the present situation of India, Tippoo appears to be the fittest instru- ment to be employed in the furtherance of such ambitious projects. " It is ]iiglil\ iiii])robahl(' tiiat Tippoo should have entered 1798. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. 63 into any league with the French without some apparent pre- paration on his part of an hostile nature in furtherance of their designs. If such, therefore, shall have been the case, it would be neither prudent nor politic to wait for actual hosti- lities on his part. We therefore recommend, that if you shall not have adopted the necessary measures for bringing Tippoo to a satisfactory explanation before the receipt of this des- patch, that you should immediately take the proper steps for so doing, accompanying this inquiry with such a disposition of your force as may give effect to it ; and should you judge, either from his answers, or from the steps he is taking, that his designs are such as the French Proclamation represents, and that he is making preparations to act hostilely against us, we think it will be more advisable not to wait for such an attack, but to take the most immediate and most decisive measures to carry our arms into our enemy's country, not failing at the same time to make known to the Powers in alli- ance with us the necessity of such measure, and that we have not in view a wanton attack upon our inveterate enemy with a design to augment our own power, but a necessary and justifi- able defence of our own possessions, and calling upon them for the assistance they are under engagements to furnish us. " But although we have thus recommended energy, firm- ness, and decision in your conduct towards Tippoo, we rely upon your using the latitude allowed you in the preceding para- graph with the utmost discretion, that we may not be involved in a war in India without the most inevitable necessity, of which necessity we leave you to be the sole judges. And as it is impossible for us to conjecture, should either the Pro- clamation circulated at the Mauritius be founded, or the force now in the Mediterranean be i-eally destined for India, what measures the implacable revenge and rash enterprise of the French may induce them to undertake against the British power in India ; we can only exhort our several Governments to be constantly upon their guard, and watchful against sur- prise, by not only keeping the troops in perfect order for action, and our forts and garrisons in constant preparations of defence, but if it shall appear necessary, by encouraging mi- litary associations amongst our civil servants and others, as in this country, which may be prepared to act on any emergency; and in carefully keeping in view every channel through which G4 EARL OF MORNINGTON TO Juiie, it may be possible for France to get an European force out to India, and taking precautionary measures to prevent it. " We have transmitted copies of this despatch to our Go- vernments of Madras and Bombay." No. X\ II. To General Harris. My Dear Sir, Fort WiUiam, June 20, 1798. You have before this time received my letter inclosing M. Malartic's Proclamation, and advising you of the probabi- lity of my l)eing under the necessity of making a serious representation to Tippoo Sultaun on that subject. I now take the earliest opportunity of acquainting you with my final determination. I mean to call upon the allies without delay, and to assemble the army upon the coast with all pos- sible expedition. You will receive my public instructions in the course of a few days. Until you have received them it will not be proper to take any public steps for the assembling of the army, but whatever can be done without a disclosure of the ultimate object, I authorise you to do immediately, in- tending to apprise you by this letter that it is my jwsitive resolution to assemble the army t(pon the coast. I wish to receive from you, by express, a state of the force which you can put in motion immediately, and within what time you can make any large additions to it. By the same express you Avill also have the goodness to in- form me what station you deem the best for assembling a force with a view of marching directly to Seringapatam, and at what period the army must move for that purpose, so as to reach Seringapatam before the coast of Malabar shall become safe for the approach of any naval force. I will send you, as soon as possible, the largest supply in specie which I can procure. If you could dispatch your answers to my ques- tions by any fast-sailing vessel, and could send with your answers any intelligent officer, who might be capable of entering into all the details of your force; of the seasons, and all other circumstances connected with the object of striking a sudden blow against Tippoo before he can receive any fo- 1798. TO GENERAL HARRIS. 65 reign aid, you would greatly assist me in the arrangement of my measures upon this serious occasion. You may rely upon my unremitting attention to whatever communications you may make to me, and upon my most cor- dial support in all your exertions. You will of course feel the absolute necessity of keeping the contents of this letter secret. MORNINGTON. No. XVIII. From General Harris to the Earl of Mornington. My Dear Lord, Madras, 23rd June, 1798. Your lordship's favour of the 9th is just received. Sir Hugh Christian sent the Proclamation to this Govern- ment by the same opportunity as to yours, and we had the honour to forward your lordship our answer to Sir Hugh the 7th instant. For my own part I have no doubt (as matters now stand with the French) but Tippoo will explain away our just grounds of complaints, although I am convinced he has com- mitted himself to the full extent of the Proclamation. His inveteracy to us will only end with his life, and he will always seize any opportunity that offers to annoy us ; but, notwithstanding this, and that the political circumstances of India are now much in our favour, it perhaps still remains a matter of serious consideration whether, in our very great want of cash, and the effect our being engaged in war in this country may have on the affairs in Europe, it would not be better that he should be allowed to make the amende honor- able if he be so inclined, than that we should avail ourselves of the error he has run into, and endeavour to punish him for his insolence. On my part your lordship may depend on my following your instructions most implicitly. In respect of my secrecy on the point, and until I hear further from you I shall only quietly move a battalion or two towards the point of assembly, and one of which was predetermined for the place it now will go to. The 36th might move from Pondi- cherry to Arnee, as we have in the latter unoccupied bar- VOL. 1. F 66 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON JuHC, racks for Europeans ; but for this I must wait Sir Alured Clarke's final determination on that corps. A supply of grain to our garrisons is actually in forwardness according to regulation, and it will be very easy to make additions where necessary, without any suspicions arising. It was very pleasing to hear that your lordship has some cash to send us ; but it is necessary you should understand, that the whole mentioned will not more than make up our known deficiency to the end of September, and our debts are 60 injurious to our credit, that until something is done in liquidation of them, we cannot expect to raise a rupee by loan. With the greatest respect and esteem, &c. &c. George Harris. No. XIX. The Earl of Mornington to Generul Harris. My Dear Sir, Fort William, 26th June, 1798. You will have received my public and private letters re- specting the late conduct of Tippoo Sultaun, and the steps to be taken in consequence. I wish you would furnish to me, without delay, any intelligence which you may have re- ceived respecting the publication of the Proclamation at the Mauritius, or the conduct of the ambassadors of Tippoo durincr their residence in that island. I also wish to receive your latest advices respecting the state of Tippoo's force, and of his actual pi-eparations for war. I am sorry that your Government should have addressed to Admiral Rainier a letter which my public duty compels me to disapprove. You know the sincerity of my wish to support the authority and dignity of the Government of Fort St. George, which I con- sider to be intimately and inseparably connected with my own. But the general protection of India belongs to me, and forms one of the most material branches of my arduous responsibihty. In the discharge of this duty I shall always expect to be assisted by the co-operation of the other presi- dencies ; but if they offer opinions to the commanders of His Majesty's scjuadrons with respect to the distributions of the naval force for the general purposes of delencc, without re- 1798. TO GENERAL HARRIS. ()7 ferencc to me, or any previous knowledge of my intentions, the utmost degree of confusion must be the result, and my views for the public safety must be wliolly defeated. The public letter which I have sent to you in Council upon this occasion is intended as a general rule for the conduct of the Government of Fort St. George on all similar occasions, and I trust that you will have the goodness to recommend the observance of this rule both to your Council and your suc- cessor. Without full previous communication on all points of this natui'e, there can be no hope of our serving the public with advantage or credit. Nothing could have given me more pain than the necessity of authorising a word in any of my public letters which might bear the appearance of a sentiment of disapprobation of the conduct of the Govern- ment of Fort St. George, under your administration ; but I felt it the more necessary, by a public expression of my opinion, to prevent the measure to which I have adverted, from becoming a precedent. You will not suppose that such a feeling of public duty can be at all connected with any dimi- nution of my respect and esteem for you ; sentiments which I shall always retain, and which I am happy on every occasion to avow. MORNINGTON. No. XX. General Harris to the Earl of Mornington. My dear Lord, Madras, 6th July, 1798. I received your Lordship's favour of 20th ult. late on Tuesday evening, the Sd inst., and I must confess that the momentous importance and magnitude of the subject created reflections which for a time totally absorbed every other con- sideration. Adverting, however, to your Lordship's wish of speedy communication, and really myself thinking it of infinite consequence, my first step was to countermand the Bombay frigate, on the eve of sailing as convoy to a transport with stores for the fleet, and which the Victorwiis took charge of. I then directed my thoughts to find such a description of person as your Lordship was desirous should accompany my answer, and did not hesitate in fixing on Major Beatson as 68 GENERAL HARRIS July, particularly qualified to give your Lordship the fullest satis- faction on every point that you may refer to his judgment. Revolving the subject of the 20th June in my mind most part of the night, the magnitude of the difficulties to be encountered in an attempt to strike a sudden blow before he can receive any foreign aid, by the cessation of the monsoon, on the other coast, occurred to me so forcibly, and have by subsequent reflection become so deeply impressed upon my mind, that I should think myself culpable if I did not men- tion my thoughts on the subject, even though your Lordship had not requested information from me. Although the same points have unquestionably occurred to your Lordship, yet the practical experience of them may readily be supposed to have made stronger impressions on my mind than any idea of them that could have been conveyed by a different way to your Lordship, The dilatoriness, indecision, and cowardice of our allies are beyond belief to those who have not been eye-witness to these qualities in them, and there is a moral assurance that not one of them will take the field, or be of the least use to us, even admitting that their own situation presented no obstacle to their joining us at any period, until we have secured a position to cover their advance, or gained a de- cided advantage over Tippoo. Thus they acted with Lord Cornwallis, and as that conduct was governed by principles which have undergone no change, a repetition of it must be expected. From these data it is to be argued that any sudden blow must proceed entirely from ourselves ; and this cannot, I con- ceive, be attempted without a very large reinforcement from Bengal, aided by the Bombay army. When the reinforce- ment from your Presidency could join us I need not speak of, but the Bombay army could not begin to assemble until the cessation of the monsoon on the other coast, the period at which I understand that your Lordship had hoped the important ol)ject in view would be in an advanced state of accomplishment. The last is a difficulty that might perhaps be rendered of less importance by your Ijordship's exertion in despatching a move ain})lc force from Bengal; but the dilhculties which j)rcss here are, 1 fear, insuperable: Diaft .111(1 carriage cattle, even for the defensive army, in 1798. TO THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 69 Statement, No. 1, cannot be collected, to enable us to do more than merely reach the Baramahal before the monsoon in October, or to repel the incursion of an enemy. No. 2, from Mr. Cockburn, the best informed man, perhaps, in India on this subject, fixes nearly the same period for the equip- ment of the defensive army ; but such a force as should be capable of undertaking the siege of Seringapatam with a reasonable prospect of success, could not in all probability reach the place before the 1st of February. The last point I have to observe on is certainly the most material, — the feeding the army when it has arrived at the point we v/ish. This difficulty obhged Lord Cornwallis to relinquish the idea of besieging Seringapatam the first time he marched against it, and but for the almost despaired of co-operation of the Mahrattas, it would have been doubtful whether he would ever have been able to return to it again. These considerations, the little dependence to be placed on our allies, and the facility of communication with the Bombay army by Puligautchery, with the importance of possessing the Coimbatore country, incline me at present to be of opinion, that when we engage in this momentous un- dertaking, it will be advisable to do it to the southward, by attempting the Cauveryporam Pass ; but this point, and the seasons for the junction of the armies of the different coasts, and for the final enterprize to be undertaken ; — how far the aid of the Nizam and Mahrattas, or one or other, may be essential to our success in the attack ? — whether it may be practicable to subsist an army during the siege with- out any assistance from those Native Powers ? — what posts should be selected for magazines, so as to have the shortest and most secure line of communication by which to receive supplies? — and the grand subject of Brinjaries, whether the Native Powers assist us or not? — are considerations on which there is not now any time for me to enlarge further, but on which I can with confidence refer your Lordship to Major Beatson for solid information. Your Lordship will also find great assistance from Lieut.-Colonel Scott ; and on the sub- ject of feeding and carriage, I know no one who can give more correct information than Captain Sandys, or on whom more dependence can be placed for honest execution of orders in that line. Nothwithstanding, however, the short- GENERAL HARRIS July, ness of time, and the aid your Lordship will otherwise have from the practical knowledge of the three gentlemen I have named, I should have felt it incumbent on me to have stated my sentiments in a more detailed and connected manner, on a subject of such moment to the national interests, if your Lordship had not the advantage of Sir Alured's complete knowledge of this army, and the resources of the Carnatic. Upon the latter subject your Lordship is also perfectly in- formed, from the pressing representations of this Govern- ment and the letter I had before the pleasure to write to you, and both must have convinced you that the whole expense of the war must be borne by your Presidency. Your Lordship may perhaps be inclined to send the Bombay back imme- diately with treasure ; if not, I think it necessary to mention that we had intended to send her for Bombay when the season for making a favourable passage should arrive, in con- sequence of a communication from Mr. Duncan, representing how much they required her assistance on that coast. Now, my Lord, having taken such a range of the subject as I trust you will not be displeased wdth receiving, I have only to assure you that, however I may think it right to point out difficulties, there can be none in such of your orders as it may be my part to perform, which I shall not cheerfully and zealously attempt to overcome. I should not, however, close this letter without informing your Lordship that I have apprized Admiral Rainier of the importance of preventing any communication of the French with the Malabar coast. The various subjects which press upon my mind in deli- berating upon this serious undertaking, and the urgent necessity of a prompt communication, render it far from im- probable but that some points may have been imperfectly stated ; if however, upon more mature consideration, any inaccuracy shall appear to have crept in, your Lordship may depend that I shall have candour immediately to acknowledge and correct the error. Be assured, my dear Lord, I am with esteem, Your Lordship's faithful and obedient Servant, Geo. Harris. 1798. TO THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 71 p, S. — For your Lordship's further information I send Colonel Close's answer to the questions I put to him con- nected with this subject, to which I have subjoined such observations as have appeared to me necessary.* I also send a memorandum I have just received from Mr. Webbe, in consequence of my request that he would state his sentiments in writing upon the possible event of a war with the Sultan, owing to the Mauritius Proclamation, and upon the practicability of striking a sudden blow against him before he could receive any foreign aid. From the hur- ried perusal which I have made of it, I observe that he has taken too partial a view of a question of too great a magni- tude to be decided by our present limited means of know- ledge. That he has assumed as a fact that the choice of peace for some time to come, or war at the present period, rests with us, not adverting to the probability if Azim ul Omra be really disaffected towards us, of his hereafter join- ing Tippoo and the French, and the equal chance of the Mahrattas being induced, when they are able, to unite in the league against us, scarcely noticing the strong circumstance that the Islands can now afford him no farther aid ; passing over the immense benefits that will be secured by success, and the advantage with which we shall enter upon a war having a perfect knowledge of his country, and possessing a strong chain of posts on our frontiers, with a faithful country in the rear ; and, lastly, that the French, at the conclusion of a peace, will possess the desire they now feel of subverting our Indian Empire, and that the Sultan will at that period be fully prepared to assist their purposes, if he should not be now arrested in his progress. These, however, are consi- derations which belong to your Lordship's better judgment to decide, and I should not have troubled you with the memorandum if I did not feel an anxiety that you should be prepared to meet all the arguments which will be stated with so much virulence by the opposition at home against the author of the war, if unfortunately we should be compelled to that calamity. * See Appendix. 72 MR. JOSIAS WEBBE's MEMORANDUM July> No. XXI. From Mr. Josias fFebde, Secrctari/ to the Government of Madras. 6th July, 1798. Memorandum for General Harris, in consequence of his late conversation upon the possibility of an early rupture with Tippoo Sultaun. That M. Malartic's Proclamation is genuine I have no doubt, because it is a termination perfectly consistent with an intrigue which, from respectable intelligence at the time, there was reason to believe on foot previous to the departure of his ambassadors for the Mauritius ; but whether we should take measures at this period for punishing or prevent- ing the effect of this negociation, is the most momentous question which can be proposed in this place. Upon this question it is certainly my duty to state my ideas ; but the shortness of time does not admit of any arrangement. As all questions of national war should, I suppose, be de- termined by the national interest, it is natural to advert to the state in which India was placed by the Treaty of Sering- apatam, because that state was considered at the time we had the means of changing it, as most advantageous to the Bri- tish interests. The principle of our policy then was, the pre- servation of Tippoo as a Power of India, and the balance between him, the Mahrattas, and the Nizam by our superior influence and force. Whether this principle has been super- seded by other notions in Europe I know not ; but whether any attempt can now be made to introduce a new order of things without a greater danger of evil than a chance of good, I doubt. Tippoo, if he has not advanced in actual strength, has certainly the vantage ground : the three other Powers have certainly receded from the condition they were in at the Treaty of Seringapatam. The shock which the balance be- tween the Nizam and the Mahrattas sustained from the war- fare that was allowed to terminate in the Treaty of Kurdlah has driven him from his position, and the distractions which have since prevailed at Poonah, incapacitate them from hold- ing thou" ordinary sphere, while the force of the English is checked and retarded by the pressure of the Frencli war. 1798. TO GENERAL HARRIS. 73 In the discussions which took place upon the pohtical state of India, when the expedition against Manilla was under con- templation, it was, I believe, acknowledged that the confusion at that time in the Mahratta empire was such as to render any exertion of their strength improbable, or at least not formidable. The sul)i5equent confinement of NanaFvirnavees, the eccentric irregularity of young Scindia, and the want of power in the Peishwa, certainly corroborated that notion, which, if it then left us little to apprehend from their enmity, can now give us little to expect from their friendship. The only respectable part of the Nizam's force is under the un- controlled command of the French party : that influence has increased, and whether our inertion during the contest be- tween his Highness and the Mahrattas may have alienated the disposition which his ministers once manifested towards ours, whether it is the natural consequence of a prevailing- interest inimical to us, we have much reason, from Captain Kirkpatrick's late correspondence, to apprehend that our weight at Hyderabad is not great. The Nizam's irregular troops proved, during the last war, one of our serious impe- diments : his efficient force could hardly be employed, cer- tainly not trusted, under the command of Perron. In respect to ourselves, a very large proportion of the coast army is detached, our means of resource curtailed by the war in Europe, and our credit in this country, at least upon this coast, bankrupt. If, therefore, with all the advantages we possessed in the year 1790, with the hearty and effectual co-operation of the Mahrattas, and with the friendship of the Nizam, our operations against Tippoo were not made suc- cessful without the greatest difficulty, I am fearful that, under the general change of circumstances which I have men- tioned, and which I believe to be correct, an attack upon him now is more likely to end in discomfiture than victory. But let us descend to more particular considerations. Al- though we have every reason to be satisfied that Tippoo's army has been kept in a state efficient and prepared to meet the events, which there might be reason to expect from the general appearance of convulsion throughout India, yet in the same discussions on the subject of the Manilla expedi- tion, both Sir J. Shore and Lord Hobart were of opinion that he was not likely to hazard a rupture without a very 74 MR. josiAS webbe's memorandum 'July, large reinforcement from the French. Whatever may be the object of Tippoo's embassy to the Mauritius, or whatever may be the event of it in Europe, the late intelligence from the islands, which leaves us no room to doubt that the mili- tary have been sent to France, and the French marine dis- persed, satisfies me that no immediate co-operation can take place; and consequently, that no rupture is to be appre- hended but by our own provocation. This argument I urge in the perfect conviction that during this unprecedented contest in Europe, peace in India is in- dispensably necessary, and that it ought not to be risked without the prospect of positive advantage. If, however, it should be argued, that this very conjunction of circumstances which I have mentioned, should imi)el us to make an inuiie- diate effort against Tippoo, I answer that all our former united and unexampled exertions were made against Tippoo single, and unsupported by the French ; but, single and un- supported as he was, except by the natural obstacles which oppose our progress, the exertions of the allies were only successful. For this I refer to the chance by which Banga- lore fell, to the condition of Lord Cornwallis's army before the junction of the Mahrattas, in May 1791, to the difficulty with which the battering train was advanced to Seringapatam in the second campaign, to the condition of the Bombay army, and to the state in which our own army returned after the conclusion of peace. With the war well advanced, with our preparations and arrangements on foot for twelve months before, and with such a combined alliance as may be now despaired of, it still cost Lord Cornwallis two campaigns before he could besiege Seringapatam. From the intrigues at Seringapatam, and the consequent embassy to the Isle of France, I have no doubt that the French emissaries were employed in persuading Tippoo to hostilities with us, under promises of immediate assistance. This the Sultan appears to have considered insufficient ground to provoke a war ; but if he should be provoked to war by us, I conceive there would be a material difference of circumstances ; for though the French might find great dif- ficulty in persuading him to war, from the great difficulty of furnishing the force he requires, yet if he should be abso- lutely plunged into a war, they would find it easily practicable 1798. TO GENERAL HAKIIIS. 7.') to foment and keep it alive. Hostility witli Tippoo, if it should be known before the conclusion of peace, would ine- vitably tend to protract the war in Europe, or even to revive it if peace should have been made. The French, despairing perhaps of any successful attempt upon England itself, would leave nothing unattempted to subvert, or at least curtail, our Indian empire. This argument is of the more force, because a very small increase of French soldiers is a very material addition to Tippoo's strength. In the event of hostility, I take it for granted the object will be to make it a war of alliance against Tippoo. I doubt that it is practicable to obtain the assistance of the Mahrattas : the present disunion of the chiefs renders a hearty co-opera- tion impossible. The assistance of any party, if even it could be persuaded to risk the danger of absence from its own territories, might have the natural effect of throwing its ad- versaries into the opposite scale. If such an event should take place, the Mahrattas would remain, as they now are, balanced against each other, while Tippoo, freed from the apprehension of their united force, would be at liberty to employ his whole cavalry against us. It is known to every officer in the field, that during the last war the Nizam's cavalry were a heavy incumbrance to us ; and if, notwith- standing the apparent change in Azim ul Omrah's disposi- tions towards us, we should be disposed to rely on the fidelity of his Royal Highness's infantry under the command of M. Perron, it is not extravagant to anticipate an event which has already happened, that marching into the Mysore country with his Highness in alliance, we were compelled to march back again with his Highness in alliance against us. In respect both to the Mahrattas and the Nizam, I think there is no reasonable ground to expect effectual assistance from either until we should strike some signal blow. Neither of them were hearty in the cause during the last war before the fall of Bangalore. Not to dwell upon the possible predicament in which we should be placed by a refusal of the allies to execute their engagements, let us look to our own means of equipping a force sufficient to support a remonstrance to Tippoo upon his embassy to M. Malartic. It must never be forgotten that 76 '^11!. JOSIAS WF.BBF.'S MEMORANDUM July» the army under General Medows in the month of November, 1790, consisted of about 5,500 European and 18,400 native seasoned men, and that even this army was augmented by troops from Bengal before it marched against Bangalore. By the returns you have now received, a body of about 14,000 men can be drawn together, inchiding Lascars and pioneers ; a force so inadequate to an oftensive war, that you could not venture to quit the Carnatic. From Ceylon you could draw no reinforcements ; but, on the contrary, might be called upon to increase the force on that island in the event of our army invading the Mysore country. The whole reinforcement must be sent from Bengal ; of what extent it could be we have no means of judging, but it is obvious that it must be so large as to place its arrival here at a very remote distance. The superiority of Tippoo in cavalry, and the greater rapidity with which he moves, would render it impracticable to proceed to the attack of Seringapatam without establishing a systematic chain of posts for depots of stores and provi- sions. That he has endeavoured to fiaistrate this is evident from his policy in the destruction of Ossoor and Bangalore, and in making Seringapatam his only or principal fortification. By the former it is his intention to increase the difficulty of our approach by lengthening the line of our operation, and by the latter to oppose such impediments as to make the cap- ture of Seringapatam impracticable in the course of one cam- paign. The Cauveryporam pass is yet unexplored ; but I un- derstand that the route from thence to Seringapatam lies through a barren country, so much interspersed with jungle as to be extremely adverse to the march of an army. The Gugulhelts pass is no longer thought of. As nothing there- fore short of the capture of Seringapatam can justly be con- sidered as striking an effectual blow against Tippoo, the achievement of any immediate success appears to me to be utterly impracticable. This idea, then, of striking an immediate blow being aban- doned, let us look to the slow and regular equipment of an army for the invasion of Mysore. The different corps could, I believe, be assembled at Walajahbad in about two months from the time of their being ordered to march. The equip- ment of l)ullock,s for tlie army, with its train of field artillery, 179S. TO GENERAL HARRIS. 77 could not, according to my estimation, be accomplished before the month of January; but in respect to a train of battering guns, sufficient for the siege of Seringapatam, I can form no notion ; nor do 1 believe Mr. Cockburn can, of the time when it could be furnished with cattle. This period of the season (January) is, by the experience of Lord Cornwallis's cam- paign, too late for the establishment of a depot at Bangalore and the siege of Seringapatam in the same season ; for though we should be able to put Bangalore in a state to admit of its becoming a depot, we could not avoid being overtaken at Seringapatam by the monsoon, which sets in in May. Hence the necessity of a second season, and probably of a second equipment of bullocks, before an efficient army could invest Seringapatam. Supposing it however there, and joined by the Bombay army (the difficulty of which it is here unnecessary to consider), I doubt whether there are any well- grounded expectations that they could feed themselves. The experience of Lord Cornwallis's army proves that we were unable to supply ourselves, or to open our rear for the admission of Brinjaries until we had been joined by the Mahratta army, and the whole country embraced. At present there is no grain at Arnee or Vellor, and I be- lieve no considerable quantity could be stored in the forts of the Bara-Mahal before the harvests of November. The vessels which bring grain from the northern ports and from Bengal do not arrive here before the months of September and October. Upon the whole there are sufficient grounds for concludino- that the whole of the coast army which could be assembled would be incapable of offisnsive operations, and that they could not be put in motion before the month of January. How far, and at what period, they may be in a condition to make a serious attack upon Tippoo must depend upon the extent and time of reinforcements from Bengal ; and as nothing of consequence could be undertaken without them, the time of our making any serious impression must be pro- portionably delayed. Meanwhile the movement of our troops and military pre- parations could not escape the vigilance of Tippoo : his re- sources are always more prompt than our own ; and, as great 78 MR. JOSIAS WEBBE's MEMORANDUM July? l)ait of his army is said to be in a state of field equipment, our attempt to strike a blow at him is likely to produce an invasion of the Carnatic before we are in a situation to resist him ; for, as Tippoo can, in my opinion, have nothing to apprehend from the Mahrattas, his whole attention will be directed to us. A comparison between his own and his father's wars, with the late experience of his o%vn misfortunes, has taught him that our strength depends upon our supplies. The crops of the Bara-Mahal would be his first object ; and the consequences of such a policy, which he has manifested by the demolition of Bangalore and Ossoor, might fix the war in the Carnatic, until by the consumption of our sup- plies, and the failure of our resources, we should be com- pelled to accept his terms of peace. When the war of 1790 begun, the funded debt of this Presidency was 17 lacks of pagodas, the Company's credit hicrh, and the rate of interest low. Very large subscriptions were in consequence made witliin the course of a few days to a 12 per cent, loan ; large supplies of dollars brought hither in the Canton ships, and intended for the China investment, were converted to the purposes of the war, and immense remit- tances were made from Bengal, as well in specie as by bills. At present the funded debt of this Presidency is 51 lacks of pagodas ; the Company's credit so low, that their eight per cent, paper bears a discount of 18 and 20 per cent. ; and the scarcity of money so great, that their 12 per cent, bonds do not pass but at a discount of 4 per cent. Every mode has been tried without effect to raise money at this Presidency : our only means of supply is from Bengal. The bills which we have in consequence been long compelled to substitute for ready money payments have overstocked the market, and consequently pass at a discount. After repeated and urgent applications for money, we have been disappointed for want of funds in Bengal ; and at this very moment, when the ex- penses of the military establishment for the ensuing months cannot be provided for without specie from thence, the only sum which we can confidently expect is, as I understand, immaterial in comparison with our wants. The deficit in the present resources of this government is at least 18 lacks of pagodas ; the expense of an army of 1798. TO GENERAL HARRIS. 79 14,000 men in the field is, pag** * , and tlie expense of providing carriage for them, pag** 34,700 per month. Nothing can be more urgent than our representations to Bengal upon the state of our finances, except the necessities which produced them. It is a fact, that without assistance in money from thence, our military expenses, upon the peace establishment, cannot be provided for beyond the month of September. I am afraid, therefore, that far from being in a state to equip an army for the field, we shall scarcely have the means of marching the different corps to Walajahbad, while the state of the treasury renders it utterly impracticable to make any suitable advance for draft and^carriage cattle. I have not studied to exaggerate any part of this memo- randum; but seeing that our resources have, by the mere operation of the war in Europe, been reduced to a state of the greatest embarrassment, and having no hope of effectual relief but in peace, I can anticipate none but the most baneful consequences from a war with Tippoo. If this war is to be a vindication of our national rights, it is clear that we cannot undertake it in less than six months ; and this delay, with a reference to our national interests, may probably admit of its being postponed till we attain sufficient strength to prosecute it with vigour. But if war is inevitable, and the present are judged the most advantageous circumstances under which it can commence, I fear^ that our situation is bad beyond the hope of remedy. This memorandum only reaches to that period at which your military inquiries commence, they will require no less serious reflection, and must occupy the thoughts of those who are to direct as well as of those who are to execute the operations of the war. For myself, I ought to apologize for the freedom of these opinions, but the desultory manner in which they are stated, will acquit me of all premeditated intention to give^ offence, and time does not admit of any amendment. J. Webbe. * Blank ia the original. 80 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON TO July, No. XXII. The End 0/ Mornington to the Right. Hon. Henry Dundus, ^c. ^c. ^-c. My dear Sir, Fort William, July 6, 1798. With my Letter, No. 5, dispatched overland, I transmitted to you a copy of the ProcUimation issued by the Governor of the Isle of France, so long ago as the month of February last.* The first appearance of this Proclamation at Calcutta was in a newspaper of the 8th June, and the apparent im- pudence and rashness of divulging to the world the matter which the Proclamation contains, induced me to doubt its authenticity, until within a few days of the date of my last despatch to you, when I received authentic copies of the Proclamation from Lord Macartney and from Sir Hugh Christian at the Cape. Even in the state of uncertainty which preceded the receipt of the despatch from the Cape, I thought it advisable, by a private letter, dated 9th June, to call the attention of the Governor of Fort St. George to the possibility of my being compelled to assemble the army upon the coast at an early period. Since that time I have received information, the correct- ness of which being corroborated from various quarters, ena- bles me to state the nature and circumstances of Tippoo's late conduct in a connected form. Tippoo dispatched two Ambassadors to the Isle of France, who arrived at that island at the close of the month of January, hoisted Tippoo's colours upon entering the harbour of Port Nord Quest, were received publicly by the French Government with every mark of distinction, and entertained at the public expense during their continuance in the island. Previous to their arrival, no idea existed in the island of the probability of a war between Tippoo and the Company, nor the least rumour of an intended levy of men to be made for Tippoo in that quarter. The Proclamation issued two days after the arrival of the Ambassadors, was assiduously circulated through the town of Port Nord Quest, and publicly distributed at the house inhabited by the Ambassadors. Qne of the Ambassadors spoke the French language, and they were accompanied by a })erson in the Turkish dress who spoke French and English • See Appendix. 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 81 with uncommon correctness and fluency, and also appeared to be master of most of the country languages. This person had been known at Bussorah under the name of Abdoolah, at Surat under that of Dervish, and at the Mauritius passed under that of Talamas : he appeared to answer the descrip- tion of one of the Agents of France mentioned by Mr. Wick- ham. The Ambassadors openly and on every public occa- sion avowed the propositions contained in the Proclamation ; and Talamas's conversation, though with more appearance of caution and mystery, corresponded in substance with theirs. An universal belief prevailed in the Isle of France, subse- quent to the arrival of the Ambassadors, that Tippoo would make an immediate attack on the British possessions in India, but the temerity of his design was the subject of general ridicule. You will observe in the Proclamation a direct reference made to the powers of the Ambassadors with respect to settling the pay and final discharge of the recruits to be raised. The Ambassadors publicly acted under this refer- ence, and concluded engagements with the recruits in the name of Tippoo. Propositions were also made to a large body of the regular troops of France to enter into the service of Tippoo. This was rejected, and these troops some time afterwards were embarked for France,* in consequence of the disturbances which prevailed in the island. But notwith- standing the rejection of the proposition made to the main body of the French force in the island, one hundred officers (few of much experience or skill) and fifty privates of the lowest class of the democratic rabble of the island, were actually inlisted under the Proclamation. With this force the Ambassadors embarked on the 7th March, under every public honour from the Government, on board the French frigate. La Preneuse, declaring an intention of proceeding to the Island of Bourbon for the purpose of obtaining addi- tional levies of men. The force so raised has since been landed at Mangalore, about the middle of April. Accounts vary with respect to their number, but the most probable intelligence is, that it does not exceed two hundred. What- ever may be its amount, the whole force has been received * Batavia was their subsequent destination. VOL. I. G 82 THE EARL OF MORNINGTOX, TO July, into Tippoo's service with public marks of ftivour and honour. But whatever construction may be put upon the pohcy of M. Malartic in this extraordinary measure, the intentions of Tippoo Suhan admit of no question. He has entered into offensive and defensive engagements with the French, col- lected a force under those engagements, suffered that force to land in his country, admitted it into his service, and declared publicly through his Ambassadors that his pre- parations of war are complete, and that their object is the entire subversion of the British empire in India. That he has not yet obtained a force equal to the magni- tude of his design is a fortunate circumstance for our interests, but no justification of his aggression. The rashness, imbe- cility, and consequent ill success of his councils can never be admitted to palliate the unqualified hostility of his actions ; and on every principle of public faith, and of the law of nations, it cannot be denied that he has violated the subsist- ing treaties between him and the Company, and that his pro- ceedings have been equivalent to a declaration of war. Under such circumstances it became not only my right but my duty to take advantage of the moment of his actual weakness, and to strike an immediate blow against his pos- sessions, for the purpose of frustrating his preparations for war before he could receive the succours which it appears by the Proclamation he had demanded from the Executive Directory of France, as well as from the Government of Mauritius. The objects which appeared to me the most desirable, as well as the most easily attainable, were, first, to seize the whole maritime territory remaining in his possession below the Ghauts, on the coast of Malabar, in order to preclude him from all further communication by sea with his French allies. Secondly, by marching the army from the coast directly upon his capital, to compel him to purchase peace by a formal cession of the territory seized on the coast of Malabar. Thirdly, to compel him to defray our whole expense in the war, and thus to secure the double advantage of indemnify- ing us for the expense occasioned by his aggression, and of reducing his resources, with a view to our future security. 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 83 Fourtlily, to compel him to admit permanent residents at his court from us and from our allies, a measure which would enable us at all times to check his operations, and to coun- teract the intricacies of his treachery. Fifthly, to make the expulsion of all the natives of France now in his service, and the perpetual exclusion of all French- men, both from his army and from his dominions, conditions of any treaty of peace with him. Every motive of justice and policy appeared, and still appears, to me to demand the adoption of this or of some similar plan for reducing the power of Tippoo to such a condition as shall render him unable to avail himself of the solicited assistance of France, or of any other collateral aid which the course of future circumstances may offer to him, for the prosecution of his declared design of expelling the British nation from India.* The measure is not less neces- sary for the purpose of applying a seasonable check to the rising influence of France in India. The present state of our army in the opinion of all military men, leaves no doubt of the ultimate success of the plan which I have stated ; and if its speedy accomplishment had appeared to me as certain as its ultimate success, I should not have hesitated one moment in ordering the movement of the troops for that purpose. But upon consulting the per- sons most conversant with military details, I found that the actual state of the frontier fortifications of the Carnatic, of the train of artillery, and of the stores of grain and other provisions, was such, as not to admit of any sudden move- ment of a large force, although it appeared certain that such a force might be collected within a very short space of time. I also found that the expense of making the necessary pre- parations would be very heavy, and that the result was likely to lead to a protracted and expensive, although, according to every opinion, a successful war. The present reduced state of the courts at Poonah and Hyderabad admitted no hope of immediate assistance from either of those powers, and the embarrassment of our finances, which had so lately engaged my most serious attention, now pressed with accumulated weight upon my mind. Under * This was the lang'uag'e of Tippoo's circular to the Princes of India. 84 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO July, all these circumstances, I felt with the utmost degree of pain and regret, that the moment was unfavourable to the adop- tion of the only measure which promises effectual and per- manent security to the territories committed to my charge, and that such a step was absolutely impracticable without a considerable reduction of the commercial investment, attended by all the destructive consequences which such a blow must produce upon tiie trade of the Company, upon their pecu- niary affairs at home, upon the welfare of their subjects in India, and finally, upon the general situation of the public revenue and credit of Great Britain. I was also aware of the evil effects which the mere fact of a war breaking out in this quarter might produce in England, under all the anxiety and pressure of the present moment. These reflections led me to the determination of relin- quishing the idea of making an immediate attack upon the possessions of Tippoo ; but I still felt that our reputation and honour, as well as our future security, demanded that I should not suffer his late proceedings to pass without notice ; and I am persuaded that you will agree with me, that our tacit submission, under an insult and injury of so offensive and aggravated a nature, would greatly elevate the credit and hopes of Tippoo and of France, and occasion a propor- tionate depression of our influence and consideration in the eyes of our allies, and of all the Native Powers of India. On the other hand, the result of his embassy having only served to expose his treachery, and the weakness of the enemy in this part of the world, a remonstrance of a firm but temperate spirit will be sufficient to satisfy our honour, and to convince the Native Powers that our moderation alone induces us to abstain from that more rigorous course of which his conduct would furnish the ample justification, and of which our strength insures the certain success. I have therefore called upon Tippoo to make a public disavowal of the proceedings of his Ambassadors ; to declare distinctly the natui-e of his intentions towards us and our allies, and particularly to explain, witiiout disguise, the destination of the force raised in the Isle of France, and lately landed at Mangalore. 1 luive communicated the Proclamation in question, toge- ther with a statement of all the circumstances attending the 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENKY DIJNDAS. 85 transaction, to the courts of Poonah and Hyderabad ; and 1 have claimed their concurrence in the representation to be made to Tippoo, and the co-operation of their respective forces in the event of Tippoo's refusing to hsten to the joint remon- strance of the aUies, and of his compelhng us to resort to arms. The experience of Tippoo's recent conduct evidently })roves that we may be deceived, if we found our calculation of his movements upon the ordinary principles of prudence and discretion. It is therefore possible that he may reject our moderate requisition, and suddenly involve us in a war. I have therefore thought it prudent to direct the army to be assembled upon the coast of Coromandel, and similar mea- sures of preparation to be taken at Bombay, but with no intention of employing any part of the force in active opera- tions, unless Tippoo should either refuse to make the required explanation, or shoidd at once commence war against our possessions. The nature of the present crisis appears, how- ever, both to demand and to favour the execution of further measures of precaution, which will afford additional security to us in the event of war, and which may contribute to avert that calamity. In my Letters, Nos. 1 & 2, dispatched by Admiral Pringle from the Cape of Good Hope, I submitted to you my appre- hensions with respect to the declining state of our alliances in India, to the unfavourable change which had taken place in the I'elative situations of the several states of India with reference to our interests ; and above all, I warned you of the growing influence of France in the armies and councils of the Native Powers. I now feel the full weight of the evil which I then anticipated. With a due confidence in the single strength of our own arms, we must acknowledge that, without the co-operation of the Mahrattas and the Nizam, and particularly of the latter, at least to the extent of faci- litating our convoys of provisions and stores, a protracted campaign in Mysoor would be attended with great difliculty, if not with danger. The situation of the courts of Poonah and Hyderabad is become much more alarming than I stated it to be in my letters from the Cape. If Tippoo were to attack us in the present moment, we could derive no assist- ance whatever, either from the Nizam or from the Peishwa ; 86 THE EARL OF MOKNINGTON, TO ^uly, both those powers, in their actual condition, being utterly disqualified from fulfiUing their defensive engagements with us. Scindiah, who, with the greater part of his army, has been for a long time in the neighbourhood of Poonah, has imprisoned Nana Furnavese, has usurped the whole autho- rity of the Peishwa, leaving however his person at liberty, and at the same time has threatened the dominions of the Nizam. 1 n the meanwhile the French army at Hyderabad has been augmented to the number of 14,000 men ; and although the death of M. Raymond, and the resumption of the Jaghire granted for the maintenance of the army, have to a certain degree reduced the political power of this faction, yet the command having been conferred on another Frenchman, and the number of the corps greatly increased and its discipline considerable improved, the French party at Hyderabad can- not be said to be in any degree less formidable to the inde- pendance of the Nizam, or to our interests, than I represented it to be in my letters from the Cape ; and I learn by letters received this day from the Resident at Hyderabad, that since M. Perron has taken the command, numbers of French officers have been added to it, and more are expected, al- though the routes by which they are introduced into the Deccan are as yet unknown. The danger to be apprehended from this party is much aggravated by two circumstances which have recently happened; the one that Scindiah has placed the corps lately commanded by M. De Boigne in the hands of a Frenchman ; the other, that Tippoo Sultan (who was supposed to have been apprenhensive of the growth of a French faction at Seringapatam) has manifested a disposi- tion to admit French officers and privates to an unlimited extent into his service. It is probable the expectation of crushing the Nizam and the Peishwa, by a co-operation with the French officers in the armies of the Nizam and Scindiah, as well as the hope of founding upon the ruins of the Courts of Poonah and Hyderabad an influence which might rival if not destroy the British power, may have reconciled Tippoo to the perilous experiment of cultivating French principles in an Asiatic court. Azim ul Omra, the Nizam's minister, is I'ully aware of the present danger of the Nizam's dominions : exposed to the attack of Scindiah on the one side, and to 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 87 the intrigues of the French faction on the otlier, and he has repeatedly apphed for an increase of the British detachment serving with the Nizam, promising that our agreement to that increase shall be immediately followed by the dismission of the whole of Perron's corps. A common apprehension of the designs of Scindiah has produced an union of interests be- tween the Courts of Hyderabad and Poonah ; and negotiations have been in agitation, with a view to their mutual security against that danger which threatens equal destruction to both. On the other hand, the Peishwa has expressed his desire to enter into new engagements with us, and the Resi- dent at Poonah has declared that if, under the circumstances of Tippoo's preparations, it were thought advisable to send a British detachment to Poonah, Scindiah could not on any just ground object to such a movement, and that the mere presence of a British force would effectually restore the power and authority of the Peishwa. There can be no doubt that the inefficient state of our alliances has been one main ground of Tippoo's late proceedings ; and this circumstance may ac- count in some degree for the audacious and confident spirit which marks the character of those measures. In the pre- sent posture of affairs, the position of Scindiah's army operates as an effectual check upon the motions of both our Allies, and prevents either from affording us the assistance to which we are entitled by treaty. Thus Scindiah in reahty renders the most useful service to Tippoo, and frustrates the whole object of our defensive alliance ; in the meanwhile dis- sensions have broken out in the army of Scindiah, whose violence, impetuosity, and injustice have disgusted all the ancient connections of his family. His dominions upon the north-western frontier of India are in a state approaching to general revolt ; and, although in the present weakness of the internal governments of the Nizam and the Peishwa, Scin- diah is viewed with terror by both, there is no doubt that he is not in a condition to oppose any measures which we might think necessary to take for restoring the consideration and strength of either; and it is more than probable that the result of such measures would be to restrain his projects of aggrandizement and ambition, and to induce him to return peaceably into his own dominions. In this conjuncture, there- fore, neither the Nizam nor the Peishwa are likely to view 88 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO July, with any jealousy the assistance which we might chuse to afford to either, while any opposition to such an arrangement on the part of Scindiah would be wholly unjustifiable and ineffectual. The enlargement of our subsidiary arrangements with the Nizam, and the conclusion of similar engagements with the Peishwa under similar restrictions, confined to the case of defence against Tippoo, would have been justifiable measures under any circumstances, but the aggression of Tippoo places the arrangement on the most impregnable grounds of justice with respect to Scindiah or any other Power, while the accidental coincidence of the interests of the Peishwa and of the Nizam affords a reasonable expectation of success. Under all these circumstances, I have thought it advisable to give to the Residents at Poonah and Hyderabad a power of requiring a body of troops from Bombay and from Madras, directing that the dismission of the French army at Hydera- bad should be a necessary condition of the increase of the British detachment at the Nizam's court, and connecting the whole arrangement with various advantages which we may hope to secure by a new system of treaty, both with the Nizam and with the Peishwa. And I have further ordered that no step towards a new arrangement should be taken at either Court without the previous consent and approbation of the other, and without their mutual acceptance of my arbitration for the final adjustment of all subsisting dif- ferences between them. It was necessary on this occasion to instruct the Resident at Hyderabad, with respect to the succession to the Nizam's throne in the event of his death. As the Nizam has lately admitted Secunder Jah, his eldest son, to the personal exer- cise of certain acts of sovereignty, which admission is deemed at that Court a virtual nomination to the succession, as Secunder Jah is a friend to the British interests, and as none of the younger sons can reach the throne by any other means than by the assistance of the French and Tippoo (with whom they are intimately coiniected,) and by the total destruction of our influence, I have directed the Resident to support the right of Secunder Jah. The detail of the principles of this decision will be forwarded to you by the ncx!, despatch. Overtures ol llic most friendly nature have been made to 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 89 this Government by the Rajah of Berar, who has entered into engagements with the Nizam for the purpose of restrain- ing the ambition of Scindiah ; without deciding at present how far it may be advisable to cultivate a closer connection with the Rajah of Berar, it is my intention to send an Ambassador to his Court, with the double view of ascertaining his pre- cise objects, and of checking the motions of Scindiah, who will take alarm whenever the news shall reach him of any intercourse being established between this Government and the Rajah of Berar. I have lately received a letter from Zemaun Shah, contain- ing a declaration of his intention to invade Hindostan, and a peremptory demand of the assistance of the Nabob Vizier and of mine, for the purpose of delivering Shah Aulum from the hands of the Mahrattas, of restoring him to the throne of Delhi, and of expelling the Mahrattas from their acquisitions on the north-western frontier of India. It is very difficult to form a conjecture with respect to the proba- bility of Zemaun Shah's being able to execute his romantic design : That he entertains such a design is unquestionable ; and whatever may be the result, it is prudent to be on our guard, and in the meanwhile to derive every collateral advan- tage from his declaration. I have therefore transmitted the Shah's letter to Scindiah through the Resident at Poonah, with the view of suggesting to Scindiah the possible danger of his hereditary dominions ; and I have expressed my entire disapprobation of the ambitious projects of Zemaun Shah, and my disposition to enter into defensive engagements with Scindiah, for the purpose of frustrating the threatened inva- sion, declaring to Scindiah that, whenever he shall return into his own dominions, he will find the British Resident at his durbar prepared to conclude such a defensive treaty, in which it is my wish to include all the Allies of the British Government. I have also signified to Scindiah, in the most amicable terms, my desire to witness his prosperity within the limits of his own dominions. As Scindiah must be perfectly aware of the disturbed state of his dominions, and must know that we hold his fate in our hands, I have every reason to hope that my endeavours to restore our Allies to the power of fulfilling 90 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO July, their engagements with us, will not be delayed by any oppo- sition from him. But feeling the great importance of pre- venting the destruction of the power of the Peishwa and of the Nizam, whose dominions, in the event of Scindiah's success, would immediately be divided between Scindiah, Tippoo, and the French, and whose ruin would furnish the most solid foundation for the power of the latter, I have directed the Resident at Poonah, if pacific representations should be rejected by Scindiah, to inform him that the British force will be employed for the protection and support of the authority of the Peishwa, and if necessity should demand, the employment of the force for those purposes, I have authorized that measure, provided, in the opinion of the commanding officer of the detachment, the force should be deemed adequate to the service required. I trust, however, that no such necessity will occur, and that Scindiah's sense of his perilous situation and real interest, added to the state of his army and of his dominions, will induce him to abandon his project of annihilating our allies ; and I therefore hope that, in the course of a few months, I shall have the satis- faction to find, that the result of these arrangements will have produced a considerable check to the growing influence of the French in India, will have effected the re-establishment of our allies in some degree of credit and efficiency, and will have restored the general balance of power upon the founda- tions on Mhich it stood at the conclusion of the Treaty of Seringapatam. In any view, the effect of such a change in the face of affairs must be favourable to us, it may induce Tippoo to postpone the execution of his comprehensive plans of vengeance, or if not, it will enable us to frustrate them with more facility and dispatch. A full detail of my communication with Tippoo, with Scindiah, and with the Courts of Hyderabad and Poonah, together with a more particular statement of the principles upon which the whole arrangement is founded, will be dis- patched overland by express to the Secret Committee in the course of a few days ; in the meanwhile I thought it would afford you satisfaction to receive, by the earliest opportunity, the general outline of the system which I have deemed it my duty to pursue. 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENKY DUNDAS. 91 While Tippoo shall possess the means of a ready inter- course with the French by sea, our possessions in India must for ever be exposed to alarm and danger, unless we are always careful to maintain our preparations for war in such an advanced state, as will at any time afford us the facihty of sudden and rapid movements of our military force ; 1 have therefore directed the government of Fort St. George to take immediate measures for placing in a respectable posture of defence such of the frontier fortresses as Lord Cornwallis directed to be maintained ; and I have ordered that a provi- sion of grain, sufficient for a large army in the field for three months, be constantly stored in these fortresses, and that monthly returns of their state be forwarded to me. I have also ordered that a large train of artillery be immediately provided, and constantly kept in readiness for use in the field, either at Arnee or Vellore, and that periodical reports of the condition of this train of artillery be made to me. I propose that these two regulations, although they must be the source of considerable expense, should be permanent, until some material alteration shall take place, either in the appearance of affairs in Europe or in India. Having thus submitted to you the general view of the steps which I have taken for providing against the event of a war with Tippoo, I should think myself guilty of a breach, both of public duty and of private friendship, if I witliheld ray conscientious opinion, that the interests of the Company in India can never be secure while Tippoo Sultaun shall retain the ready means of intercourse by sea with the French Government. His remaining territory on the coast of Malabar is his most powerful instrument of war ; and in my decided judgment, it would be the most economical policy which could be adopted to seize the first just occasion of depriving him of so formidable an engine of hostility, even at the sacrifice of a temporary suspension of the investment, and of a considerable present expense. Upon this important sub- ject I wish to receive your instructions without delay. If the war should continue in Europe, there is little doubt that the impetuosity of Tippoo will afford frequent justifiable oppor- tunities to this Government of reducing his power. My wish is to know distinctly whether the Company be prepared to encounter the temporary inconvenience which must be en- 92 GENERAL HAKKIS, TO July, dured before they can obtain permanent security for their possessions in India. The orders of the Court of Directors, and the opinions of this Government, have uniformly concurred in declaring, that " the landing of any considerable French force in Tippoo's country must be the signal for an attack upon him." I wish to know exactly, whether the term " considerable," whicii I observe is constantly used, is to be construed as a limitation of my discretion. It appears to me that the land- ing of any French force in Tippoo's country is a sufficient ground of war, upon every principle both of justice and of policy ; but more especially, after the public declaration which he has made of his designs against our possessions. Any other construction will compel this Government to re- main an inactive spectator of his preparations for war in conjunction with France; provided only that these prepara- tions be made gradually, and that the French force be in- troduced into his country in small detachments. The systematic introduction of French officers into the service of all the Native Powers of India, which Mr.Wickham describes as the fixed policy of France, has been pursued with unremitting assiduity and extensive success ; if Tippoo should at any time be enabled to derive succour from France, his movements might be seconded by the general co-operation of large bodies of French adventurers, who are known to maintain a concert in all parts of India. The destruction of the French army at Hyderabad would certainly operate as a considerable check to the growth of this formidable evil : the corps of Perron being the mainspring of all the designs of the French party in India. But the only effio'ctual barrier against the irruption of France into India would be our possession of the whole of Tippoo's maritime territory. I am, ike. MoRNINGTON. No. XXIII. (ieiirrril I/arrix to the Earl of Mornington. Mv Lord, 6th July, 6 o'Clouk, P.M. At the instant of our closing the packet, a letter is arrived from Mr. Torin, saying that the Rajah agrees to the treaty 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 98 of 1792, and to such other arrangements as may be mutually agreed upon for the honour and interest of both parties. After this the Rajah adverted to his youth ami inex- perience, to the difficulties he should have to encounter, and expressed a wish for assistance for a time from the Honour- able Company. Mr. Torin informed the Rajah, that upon that subject, as no interference could take place but what was formally and explicitly specified by himself, he, Mr. Torin would post- pone the subject for a few days, as the Company would wish this application to spring from his full conviction of the benefit to be derived from it. Yours, faithfully, Geo. Harris. No. XXIV. Hon. Frederic North to the Earl of Mornington. My Dear Lord, Bombay, 7tli July, 1798. I have not as yet received any letters from England, at which I am more angry and afflicted than surprized ; as I know, and you will find, that business in our offices at home loses its importance in proportion to its distance. I am, how- ever, much less uneasy than I could imagine I should be in a state at once so uncertain, so embarrassed, and so ridi- culous. Governor Duncan keeps me most ho&pitably in his house, and I find many objects of amusement in the languages and customs of the people here. How much more interest- ing must they be in your great capital, where so many men of learning and genius are employed in elucidating them. Mr. Duncan tells me that the celebrated Captain Willford, now at Benares, has prepared for the press a long and very learned dissertation on the knowledge which the Hindoos had of geography, and that he proves from the Puranas that they had an intimate acquaintance with Britestan or Britain, with the rivers Thames and Severn, and with the history of the Island as given by Geoffery of Monmouth. As Captain Will- ford is extremely modest, and wants encouragement to pro- duce the fruits of his labours, Mr. Duncan is afraid that the departure of Lord Teignmouth, who was his declared patron, may have reduced him to silence, but I took the liberty of 94 THE EARL OF MORMNGTON, TO July, assuring him that such a man as Captain Willford, and such a production as his, will certainly he encouraged and protected by your Lordship. Your most faithful and obedient humble Servant, Frederic North. No. XXV. Tlie Earl of Mornington to J. A. Kirhpatrick, Esq. Acting Resident at Hyderabad. (Secret.) Sir, Fort William, 8th July 1799. I transmit to you an authentic copy of a Proclamation published by the Governor General of the Isle of France, during the residence of two Ambassadors from Tippoo Sul- taun on that Island. The Proclamation purports to be a de- claration of certain propositions communicated to the French Government, in the name of Tippoo Sultaun, by his Ambas- sadors, then on the spot. It enumerates those propositions with a particularity of detail which would not have been hazarded in the presence of the Ambassadors, had it not corresponded with the sub- stance of the communications made by them to the French Government. In addition to the arguments founded in the nature of the Proclamation, and in the facts of its pubUcation under the eyes of the Ambassadors, I am in possession of evidence which leaves no doubt upon my mind of the concurrence of the Ambassadors in every part of the Proclamation ; and I cannot suppose that they would have ventured to exceed the limits of their instructions from Tippoo Sultaun in a matter of such serious importance as the conclusion of offensive and defensive engagements with the French Government. Under this Proclamation, 1.50 officers and privates were actually raised in the Isle of France for the service of Tippoo, and for the purposes avowed in the Proclamation ; and that force has since been landed at Mangalore, and received into Tip- poo's army with peculiar marks of honour and distinction. 4. This circumstance is sufficient to prove that the pro- ceedings of the Ambassadors have obtained the sanction of their Sovereign, who has thus confirmed and avowed the pro- 1TD8. J. A. KIKKPATRICK, E^Q. 95 positions made tlirough them to the enemy, by a solemn, pubHc, and personal act. Having thus entered into an offen- sive and defensive alliance with the French Government ; having collected^in conjunction Math that Government, a force openly destined to act against the British possessions ; having avowed, through his public Ambassadors, that he has actually made preparations of war for the express purpose of attempt- ing the subversion of the British power in India ; and having declared that he only waits the eflfectual assistance of France to prosecute his design, Tippoo Sultaun has violated the treaties of peace and friendship subsisting between him and the Allies, and has committed a direct act of hostility against the British Government in India. That he has yet obtained no formidable assistance from the enemy, is undoubtedly a fortunate circumstance for the British interests, but the temerity and consequent ill success of his councils, in no degree palliates the offensive nature of an aggression so unprovoked, and of a violation of faith so public and undisguised. It is not improbable, that he may still expect to receive a more effectual succour from France ; but there is every reason to hope, that any attempt to furnish him with assistance from that quarter, would be frustrated by the vigilance and superior power of his Majesty's fleets. It is, however, difficult to ascertain the precise motives which may stimulate the violence of his temper to action ; and his late embassy to the Isle of France is a sufficient proof, that revenge against the British Nation in India, is an object which he is capable of pursuing with more zeal than discretion. Under such circumstances, it is prudent to be prepared to repel the attack which he has openly menaced, and as our future security, our reputation, and our honor, demand that he should be reduced to the alternative, either of makina, and you will assure Dowlut Rao Scindiah that I feel the most sincere desire to maintain and improve the rela- tions of amity and peace with him, and that it will always give me pleasure to receive accounts of his prosperity within his own dominions, and to witness the stability of his just authority and power over his own subjects. At the same time you will represent to him that the continuance of his army in its present position renders our allies, the Peishwa and the Nizam (especially the former), unable to fulfil their defensive engagements with us in the actual crisis of Tippoo Sultaun's preparations for offensive war ; and that it would therefore be esteemed a testimony of friendship and good will towards this Government if Dowlut Rao Scindiah would return within the limits of his own domi- nions. You will at the same time deliver to Scindiah the ac- companying letter from me communicating a paper lately received by the Resident at Lucknow from a Vakeel of Ze- maun Shah. I forward to you a copy of my letter to Scin- diah, and of that paper; by which you will perceive, that Zeniaun Shah has announced his intention of invading Hin- dostan, and has demanded the cooperation of this Govern- ment and of the Nabob Vizier for the purpose of delivering Shah Allum from the hands of the Mahrattas, and of ex- pelling them from their possessions on the north-western frontier of Hindostan. 1 authorize you to assure Scindiah that I will use every effort to counteract the desiijns of Zemaun Shah, being re- 1798. COLONEL WILLIAM PALMER. 121 solved to resist to the utmost extent of the power vested in me, the attempts of any invader, who shall endeavour to dis- turb the established States of India in their actual posses- sions. You will further suggest to Scindiah that as soon as he shall arrive in his own dominions, he will find the British Resident at his Durbar prepared to enter into defensive en- gagements with him for the mutual protection of his terri- tories, of those of the Nabob Vizier, and of the Company against the threatened invasion of Zemaun Shah, and that it is my intention to propose a similar defensive treaty to all the British allies in India. You will inform Scindiah that if contrary to my expectations he should not return to Hindos- tan for the purpose of assisting in person in the protection of his dominions against the menaced attack of Zemaun Shah, I will take no concern in the security of a country abandoned by its own sovereign, and I will limit the opera- tions of the British troops exclusively to the defence of our own territories and of those of the Vizier. In addition to whatever Scindiah may apprehend from Zemaun Shah, he must be sensible, that in the present disturbed state of his dominions and of his army, his fate is in our hands ; but it would not be proper to make any direct intimation to him of our sense either of his danger, or of our own power with relation to the internal condition of his Civil and Military Government. This instruction is not meant to apply to the cases of Scindiah's obstructing the march of the British de- tachment from Bombay, or of his entering into engagements with Tippoo either against the Peishwa or the Company. In any of those cases, I empower you to state distinctly to Scindiah that I shall deem myself justified in acting offen- sively against his dominions in Hindostan. The proposition to be made to Dowlut Rao Scindiah appears to be so reasonable, that I have formed a strong ex- pectation of its success. If he should be induced by your representations to retire from Poonah, it is my intention upon his arrival in his own dominions to offer to him my mediation between him, the Peishwa, and the Nizam, for the purpose of establishing peace between those powers. You will ap- pi'ize him of my intentions in this respect, at the moment which shall appear to you most favorable to such a commu- nication. I now proceed to give you my instructions with 122 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Jul} , respect to the employment of the force which I have autho- rized vou to require from Bombay. If Scindiah should dis- regard the representations which I have directed you to make to him, you will apprize him in the first instance that you have power to employ the British force for the protection of the Peishwa's person, and for the support of his authority. Accordingly, if Scindiah should attempt to obstruct the march of the British detachment from Bombay to Poonah ; or if, after its arrival at Poonah he should not conform to the orders of the Peishwa, enjoining him to retire to his own territories ; or if (according to the suggestion stated in the 11th paragraph of your letter to me, No. 19, of the 12th of June) he should manifest an intention of soliciting the suc- cour of Tippoo in the prosecution of hostilities against the Peishwa ; or if he should enter into any engagements with Tippoo, of a nature dangerous to our safety, I authorize you, in eacli of these cases, to employ the British troops in active operations against Scindiah, provided that the force de- tached from Bombay shall in the judgment of the command- ing officer be deemed adequate to the service required. You will communicate my letter to Scindiah to the Peishwa at such time as you may think most proper. Although I have entered into so particular a detail witli respect to the communications to be made to Dowlut Rao Scindiah, placing great reliance on your discretion, I autho- rize you either to vary the mode of those communications or wholly to omit them, and to withhold my letter to Scindiah, according to your judgment, on all the circumstances of the case, and you may look with confidence to my approbation of any measures which you shall pursue for the purpose of re- moving Dowlut Rao Scindiah from his present position, pro- vided those measures be not inconsistent with the general spirit of my instructions. I concur with you in opinion that the treaty of triple alliance is very defective, inasmucli as it does not specify the amount of the aid to be furnished by each of the contracting parties in the event of hostilities with Tippoo Sultaun. Your letter of the 1st of June states that, " the Peishwa is very desirous of entering into new engagements with us, and that a new treaty with him might comprize many new objects." 1 am readv to enter into the coni?idciation of a new 1798. COLONEL WILLIAM I'ALAIER. 123 treaty with the Peishwa, provided it be founded on the basis of his present engagements with us, that it be consistent with the tenor of our treaties with other powers, and that it con- tain no stipulation of an offensive tendency, or calculated to disturb the general peace of India. But before I can consent to contract any new engagements with the Peishwa, I must require his full and unqualified acknowledgment of the bind- ing force of the treaty of Poonah upon him, and upon that State. Should he attempt to evade the obhgations of that treaty, under the pretence stated in your letter of the 1st of June, I never will place any reliance on his faith, nor will I enter into any engagements with him of any kind. But as I am persuaded that you will, without difficulty, convince him of the injustice and danger to his own interests of endeavour- ing to shake an acknowledged principle of public faith, I trust no obstacle will occur to the commencement of the pro- posed negociation, which I authorize you to open under the reservations and exceptions already stated. I refer you to the correspondence in the years 1792 and 1793, relative to the guarantee treaty then in agitation be- tween this Government and those of Poonah and Hyderabad, and I desire that you will communicate to me such articles of a new engagement as you think would be either acceptable to the Peishwa, or desirable for us, before you make any formal propositions to the Ministers of the Peishwa. You will understand that I do not mean to prevent your opening conferences for the purpose of collecting the general sentiments of the Court of Poonah respecting a new treaty, but merely to caution you against either making or receiving any formal propositions of detail before you shall have apprized me of the nature and extent of the Peishwa's views and of your own. There is one point however, upon which you may make a direct offer at the moment which may appear to you most favourable. You may inform the Peishwa that I am disposed to enter into the same subsidiary engagements with him, which now exist or shall hereafter be contracted between this Government and the Nizam. You will however take care in negociating any subsidiary treaty not to agree to furnish any European troops, ex- cepting the requisite proportion of artillery men, and also not 124 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO July, to demand in any case, nor to accept without previous refer- ence to me any assignment of territory, or of revenue for defraying the payment of the troops to be furnished. It is entirely contrary to the whole object and policy of the ar- rangement proposed in this letter to extend the territory of the Company at the expense of any of the parties concerned. It would be injurious to our character that any circumstance attending the negociation should betray the symptoms of that species of irregular ambition which is utterly repugnant to the disposition of this Government. It would be desirable that the Nizam should be made a party to any new engagements which we may contract with the Peishwa ; the Isizam's participation might facilitate the restoration of harmony between the two States, tend to secure their future union and cooperation, and strengthen the re- vived authority of the Peishwa. You will communicate to the Resident at Hyderabad with all practicable dispatch, the result of your endeavours to obtain the Peishwa's consent to the several conditions pro- posed in this despatch. The Resident at Hyderabad will be directed to govern his conduct by the nature of the information which he shall receive from you with respect to those important points. The whole scope of my views is to establish our means of defence against the avowed designs of Tippoo, by restoring to our allies that degree of consideration and strength which they possessed at the conclusion of the treaty of Seringapa- tam, and which it was the object of that treaty to secure on solid and permanent foundations ; an object inseparably con- nected with the security of the British possessions in India. Since the conclusion of the peace of Seringapatam a mate- rial change has taken place in the situations of almost all the States of India both with relation to each other, and to the interests of the British Government. The revolutions at Poonah have impaired the influence of the constitutional head of the Mahratta Empire and deranged the whole system of the balanced powers and interests of the several confede- rate Mahratta States. Both the Peishwa and the Nizam, wbose respective power it was the object of the treaty of Seringaj)atam to strengthen and uphold, are now depressed and weakened, the former by the intrusion of Scindiah, and 1798. COLONEL WILLIAM PALMER. 125 the latter by the threatened hostihties of the same chieftain and by the estabhshment of a French faction in the centre of the Deccan. The cooperation of these two members of the triple aUiance has been rendered impracticable by the progress of their mutual contentions and intrigues, at the same time that the internal convulsions of each State have diminished the resources of both. In this scene of general confusion, the power of Tippoo Sultaun alone (to restrain which was the policy of all our alli- ances and treaties) has remained undisturbed and unimpaired if it has not been augmented and improved. The final result to the British Government, is the entire loss of the benefit of the treaty of triple allance against Tippoo Sultaun, and the establishment of a French army of fourteen thousand men in the dominions of one of our allies, in the vicinity of the territories of Tippoo Sultaun, and on the confines of the Carnatic and of the northern Circars. It is now become an urgent duty to make an effort for the arrangement of a system, the disorder of which already me- naces our safety by exposing us to the hazard of a war, with- out the aid of an ally, while on the other hand, the influence of France acquires daily strength in every quarter of India, under the progressive system of introducing French ofiicers into the armies of all the native powers. The principle of justice, good faith, and moderation enjoined by Parliament, and by the orders of the Honorable the Court of Directors, must form the basis of those comprehensive measures, the execution of which is demanded by the exigency of our pre- sent situation, and is favored by the peculiar circumstances of the moment. Pursuing no schemes of conquest or extension of domi- nion, and entertaining no projects of ambition or aggrandize- ment either for ourselves or for our allies, it is both our right and our duty to give vigor and effect to our subsisting alli- ances and treaties, by restoring to our allies the power of fulfilling their defensive engagements with us. Through the means of moderate and pacific representations, confirmed by the force of our own example, it must also be our policy to convince the several powers of India, that their real interest consists in respecting the rights of their neighbours, and in cultivating their own resources within the limits of their 12G THE FAKL OF MORMNGTON, TO July, several territories. To these efforts, we must add a firm resistance against the intrusion of any foreign power, which shall endeavour (to the prejudice of our alliances and in- terests) to acquire a preponderant influence in the scale of Indian politics, either by force or intrigue. But the primary object of all our vigilance and care must be, the destruction of every seed of the French party already grown to so dan- gerous a height ; and still encreasing in the armies and coun- cils of the Nizam, of Scindiah, and of Tippoo. The exclusion of the influence of France from the dominions of the native states, is not more necessary to the preservation of our own power, than to the happiness and prosperity of this part of the world. In this first communication with you, I have thought it ad- visable to apprize you of the leading principles, which will regulate my conduct towards the native powers ; and I have taken a general view of the actual state of our political rela- tions, in order to enable you to act with more confidence and dispatch upon such questions of detail, as may occasionally call for the exercise of your judgment, in promoting the objects of your mission. Having received overtures of a very friendly nature from the Rajah of Berar, who has requested the presence of a British Resident at his court, I have dispatched an ambas- sador to Nagpore, with full powers to ascertain the precise nature of the Rajah's views. You will make such use of your knowledge of this circumstance, as you may think most advantageous in the present state of affairs. Without decid- ing what benefits to the common cause of the allies may result ultimately from this embassy : it may be expected that the appearance of an established intercourse between this Go- vernment and that of Berar, may lead Scindiah to form serious reflections upon his own situation, and may tend to give ad- ditional confidence to the adherents of the Peishwa and of the Nizam. You will consider this letter as an answer to all those ad- dressed by you to this Government, down to the date of your despatch of the 19th June. I am, &c. See, MoRNlNGTON. 171)8. LIEIIT.-GENERAL STUART. 127 No. XXIX. From Tippoo Sultaun to the Governor General. Received 10. July, 1/98. Your Lordship's friendly letter* containing the agreeable intelligence of your arrival at Calcutta, and your taking charge of the Company's affairs, reached me at the happiest of times, and afforded me a degree of pleasure and satisfaction that cannot be adequately expressed upon paper. May the Al- mighty prosper to your Lordship this event ! By the divine grace, the exalted fabric of union and attachment, and the firm foundations of friendship and harmony between the two states, are in full strength. To adhere to the obligations of existing treaties, is a constant object with me. Your Lord- ship is from your heart a friend and well wisher, and I am confident will hold in mind the observance of union and con- cord. I hope you will continue to gratify me by letters noti- fying your welfare. No. XXX. Tfie Earl of Mornington to Lieut. -General Stuart. Sir, Fort William, July 14, 1/98. Mr. Duncan will have communicated to you the instruc- tions of this Government of the 13th of July. Knowing your zeal for the public service, as well as the superiority of your military talents, I have the fullest confidence that you will execute that part of the important arrangement in question which shall come within your department, with alacrity, vigour, and dispatch. You will soon be apprized of the whole extent and tendency of the plan in agitation ; until that period I must request you to give me ci'edit when I assure you, that I consider its success to be indispensable to the security of our possessions in India. There is another point which appears to me to call for your vigilant attention, and although it is my intention to forward, by an early opportunity, the directions of this Go- vernment on some parts of the subject, I should be glad in * The letter alluded to being merely complimentary, is omitted. 128 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO July, tlie first instance to receive the advantage of your opinion and of Mr. Duncan's. It appears nearly certain, by the last accounts from Europe, that the French will soon either conquer Portugal or compel that power to sign a disgraceful treaty of peace. In either case it is more than probable that the French will endeavour to obtain possession of Goa, either by directing a force against it, or by a formal cession, which perhaps may be made a secret article of the peace with Portugal. Should Portugal fall into the hands of France, either by conquest or by treaty, I have no hesitation in declaring that I would make every effort to secure Goa from the same fate ; and with this view I would offer to the Portugueze Governor of that settlement, the same terms proposed to the several Dutch Governments in India ; if these terms should be re- jected, I should immediately attempt the reduction of Goa, provided such a measure appeared practicable. I wish to know whether you have any reason to hope that the Portugueze Governor would admit a British garrison into Goa, and if he would, what force you think necessary for that purpose, and what means you would suggest for furnish- ing it. I should also wish you to state to me, without reserve, any measure which appears to you likely to frustrate the supposed designs of the French against Goa, and what force you would think necessary for the reduction of that place in its present state. I need not urge the importance of the settlement in ques- tion to a person of your experience and knowledge in the affairs of India. It will give me great satisfaction to have the advantage of your correspondence, and your free opinion upon every sub- ject within the reach of your observation will be received by me as a personal favour. I have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. 1798. COLONKL WILMAM PALMKR. 129 No. XXXI. The Earl f>f Mormngton to Colonel William Palmer, Poonah. (Private.) Sir, Fort William, July 14, 1798. In addition to the suggestions offered in my last letter, I wish to recommend two points to your attention ; the first will be best stated by the following extract from my letter of this date to the Acting Resident at Hyderabad : — " In framing the new subsidiary engagements with the Peishwa, I desire you will endeavour to restrict the employ- ment of the British troops within his Highness's dominions, to those important cases in which his person or authority shall really be endangered, and that you will provide effec- tually against the use of the British force in those disgraceful services against petty renters and Zemindars, which more pro- perly belong to Sebundy corps." You will attend to this suggestion, which applies equally to the employment of the British force to be detached to Poonah, if it should continue there under a subsidiary treaty. The second point will also be explained by another extract from the same letter : — " It is very desirable that a body of the Nizam's troops shall be stationed upon the frontier of the Peishwa's domi- nions, for the purpose of co-operating with our detachment in the restoration of order at Poonah. You will urge this measure to Azim ul Omra, but you will not advise the march of the troops until you have learnt from Colonel Palmer that such assistance is both necessary and acceptable to the Peishwa." This extract requires no comment ; you will regulate your conduct according to the intimation which it suggests. I am, &,C. MoRNINGTON. No. XXXII. The Earl of Mornington to Captain Kirkpatrich. (Private.) Sir, Fort William, July 14, 1/98. I return you many thanks for your several private com- munications, and I am happy^ to avail myself of an early op- VOL. I. K 130 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Jul)', portunity to express my approbation of your diligence and activity in the discharge of the hnportant duties of your mission. I shall always acknowledge with gratitude the assistance which I received from the extensive knowledge, experience, talents, and integrity of Major Kirkpatrick, during the period of my continuance at the Cape. As he expressed a desire of being near my person, it is my intention to offer him the situation of my Military Secretary whenever he shall arrive in India ; and as it is probable that he may touch at Madras, I mean to despatch a letter to meet him at that Presidency, suggesting to him the service which he might render to the public, by adding the exertion of his talents to yours in the present crisis of affairs, and by visit- ing you for a short time, if his health should admit of such a journey. My detailed instructions to you and to Colonel Palmer, which accompany this letter, will make you fully acquainted with the whole plan, of which the abstract was forwarded to you on the 8th of this month. A few points remain to be re- commended to your attention. It is very desirable that a body of the Nizam's troops should be stationed upon the frontier of the Peishwa's domi- nions, for the purpose of co-operating with our detachment in the restoration of order at Poonah. You will urge this measure to Azim ul Omra, but you will not advise the march of the troops until you have learnt from Colonel Palmer that such assistance is both necessary and acceptable to the Peishwa. In framing the new subsidiary engagements with the Nizam, I desire you will endeavour to restrict the employment of the British troops within his Highness's dominions, to those im- portant cases in which his person or authority shall really be endangered, and that you will provide effectually against the use of the British force in those disgraceful services against petty renters and Zemindars, which more properly belong to Sebundy corps ; this is an essential point. Your own dis- cretion will sufficiently warn you of the caution and secresy to be observed in the first step towards the ])roposed general plan. Above all, you must take care to provide for the effectual dispersion of Perron's corps at the earliest possible period. Tlie (iovernnieiit of Fort St. George have my orders 1798. CAPTAIN KtRkPATKICK. I . J 1 to apprize you of the station appointed for assembling tlie two regiments intended for Hyderabad. The officer who will command the regiments sent from Fort St. George will l)e senior to Lieut.-Colonel Hyndman, and will take the com- mand of the whole force. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. No. XXXIII. General Harris to the Earl of Mornin0 THE HON. JONATHAN DUNCAN, TO AugUSt, Vour Lordship lias written that " subordinate officers are naturally inclined to make misrepresentations to their respec- tive governments in such trivial cases, and to foment jealousies and disturbances." — It is certain, then, that in plain and simple cases, the representations of interested people will not have any weight or credit whatever with your Lordship. Nevertheless as your Lordship is desirous of obtaining an explanation and removing doubts, orders have been issued to the officers of Koriaul to confer with the persons who may be appointed from the Malabar side ; and fairly to ascertain and remove all doubts, a person of rank shall also be deputed by me for this business. By the favour of God the bonds of friendship and union are firmly drawn between the two States, and I am to the last degree disposed to give addi- tional strength to the beneficial system of amity and peace. Believing me gratified by the agreeable intelligence of your Lordship's welfare, I hope you will always continue to rejoice me by your exhilarating letters. A true Copy, N. B. Edmonstone, Persian Translator to Govt. No. XLU. The Hon. Jonathan Duncan to the Earl of Morning-ton. My Lord, Bombay, 2d August, 1/98. I lose no time in acknowledging the honor and gratifica- tion 1 have experienced in the receipt of your Lordship's communication of the Gth ult., that reached me on the 30th of last month ; and from the obliging expressions in which I am encouraged, and shall certainly feel every inclination to dis- charge the particular duties dependent on me in a manner to afford satisfaction to your Lordship, whose instructions and advice, whenever I may be favored with either, can never fail to have their full operation on my conduct. Having imparted to the Commander-in-Chief, as well as to the Hon. Mr. North, the particulars relative to the mea- sures in deliberation respecting Tippoo, the former has furnished me with the state and disposition of our forces, whence it appears that the present garrison of Bombay consists of the King's 75th regiment, two companies and 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 151 a half of artillery, one regiment of native infantry, six com- panies of the grenadier battalion of N. I. and about half the marine battalion, composing an eifective force of 815 Euro- peans, and 2,820 Natives, besides 360 gun-lascars, without arms ; and of the Sepoys, about seven hundred are at present unlit for field service ; neither can the marine battalion be relied or reckoned on, as a part of the garrison, because their numbers are constantly fluctuating, and are no more than sufficient for their proper duties. Tannah, in Salsette, is garrisoned by invalids, and a de- tachment of two companies of native infantry from Bombay ; Surat, by one company of Europeans from the Company's regiment in Malabar ; half a company of artillery, and the local battalion of Sepoys. In Malabar, we have the 77th regiment, and the Company's European regiment (excepting the company detached to Surat, and the detachment on board of the Bombay frigate) three companies of artillery, and three regiments and a half of native infantry, exclusive of the pioneers, gun-lascars and Sebundy corps. Thus by the present distribution of our forces, the far greater part of our army is in the province of Malabar, and so situated that, from the season, it cannot im- mediately be called up to service in the northern quarters. Under these circumstances, General Stuart (whose zeal for the service and professional ability I dare say your Lordship is fully aware of) thinks that, without much hazard, so large a force can hardly be detached from the garrison here, as to the greatest number your Lordship's letter adverts to ; or of more than 500 men from the 75th regiment, with one com- pany of artillery and complement of gun-lascars, and also the six companies of the grenadier battalion, making 350 men, with the 2d battalion of the 4th regiment, consisting of 900, composing in all 1250 sepoys ; it being at the same time fur- ther observed by our Commander-in-Chief, that the emer- gency of the case could perhaps alone warrant our sparing- such a great proportion of the force, which is not even now deemed adequate to the defence of this place were it attacked, and it will consequently be necessary to supply and replace them, without delay, by drafts from Malabar. The General also intimating that, in the intermediate time, and until the arrival of tlie reinforcements (which can hardly be looked to 152 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO AugUSt, before the end of September or middle of October), he will not be inclined to hold himself responsible for the conse- (luences, in case of any attack on Bombay, which, although not a probable event, seems still within the range of possi- bility ; and desiring likewise to notice, for your Lordship's observation, that we should have found less difficulty in send- ing a force from Malabar, where the greatest part of our army is stationed, and the troops ready for field-service, all, except what must be left in the garrisons of Cannanore, Cochin, and Paulghaut, with one native regiment (as I calculate) to preserve the peace throughout the districts, to which the Sebundies alone are not adequate ; so that I hardly suppose we could safely send from Malabar above 3,000 Native In- fantry from the force at present stationed there, whether to come up here, or to act in that quarter in co-operation with the Madras army, and there is certainly more material danger in withdrawing any part of our force from Malabar, at this mo- ment, than might be probably incurred by sending all the 3000 men in question to act against the Sultaun's territories in that quarter ; for, whilst the troops were acting within the obser- vation of the Malabar chieftains, these latter would, at least, be quiet, during our successful progress ; but if they see the troops withdrawn, as it Avere altogether, by bringing them up to Bombay, they will be apt to ascribe it to our necessities and weakness ; and to presume accordingly ; for they one and all continue still uneasy under the yoke, we have been endeavouring to impose on them, and are only manageable by policy, aided by the appearance, at least, of a competent mi- litary force. Having thus submitted to your Lordship the General's opi- nion and my own, as it is our duty ; — be assured I shall, when your further instructions arrive, leave nothing undone to give them the fullest possible eftect, and shall in the mean time, write to Fort St. George, as your Lordship has suggested. Your Lordship may in this and in all other instances rely on my secrecy ; but there will, 1 fear, be no disguising the ob- ject of our preparations ; because, the notoriety of Malartic's l)ul)lication (which I long prevented getting into the news- l)apers here, and until they were ])i-inted in the Bengal ones) leaves but one general belief, that your Lordship must unavoid- ably adojit tlic measures now in meditation ; and which I do 1798. TlIK RESIJJENT AT LUCKNOW. 153 also most fervently join my own wishes to those of your Lord- ship, may yet terminate in the confirmation of the jmbhc peace. I must still add the farther opinion of General Stuart, that, if so great a draft of troops be made from this Presidency, it will be absohitely necessary to raise another native regiment. He at the same time doubts, whether the Madi'as Govern- ment will be able to spare us a man; in which case, I might perhaps obtain one or two battalions from the Rajah of Tra- vancore, on the terms of the treaty with him, if your Lordship approves of that expedient. I have the honor to remain with the utmost consideration, My Lord, your Lordship's Most obedient and very humble servant, Jonathan Duncan. No. XLIIL The Earl of Mornington to the Resident ut Luchmic. Sir, Fort William, (jtli Aug-ust, 1/98. I have received your letter of the fiTth ultimo. Considering the advance of Golaum Mahommed Khan to- wards Rohilcund without my sanction, as a decisive proof of his intention to create disturbance, I have communicated the intelligence which you have transmitted respecting him to the commanding officers at Futtehghur and Cawnpore, and have desired them to hold in readiness such part of their force as they may judge necessary for suppressing any com- motion which may be excited by Golaum Mahommed and his adherents. You will also apply to the Nabob to furnish a body of his troops to be stationed at Nujeebadad or at v.hatcver place may be found advisable, and you will, in concert with the Vizier, direct Nussur Ullah Khan to have recourse to every means in his power for preventing any of the Rohillahs from joining Golaum Mahommed. Nussur Ullah Khan must be ordered to apprehend and send to Lucknow any persons who may be detected in favoring the views of Golaum Mahommed. You will communicate to Major Generals Craig and Stewart such farther information as you may receive respecting the designs of Golaum Mahommed Khan, and you v/ill concert 154- THE EARL or MOKNINGTON, TO AugUSt, with those officers and with the Vizier the detail of the mea- sures which may be necessary for preserving the tranquiUity of the country. In the meanwhile no time should be lost in obtaining the Vizier's consent to the removal of the whole of the family of Golaum Mahommed, including his sons, together with any treasure which the family may have in their possession to Benares. You will have received my letter to the Vizier pressing him for the payment of the arrears of his subsidy. As I am per- suaded his Excellency possesses ample means of discharging the whole arrear without waiting the receipt of the collections from the country, I desire that you will urge to him, in the strongest terms, my expectation that he will immediately re- sort to whatever resources of any description he can command for the purpose of fulfilling his engagements. My intention of visiting Lucknow has suspended my answer to your several letters, but as I have thought it advisable to postpone my visit to that place for some time, I shall proceed without delay to the consideration of the various points on which you have desired my instructions. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. No. XLIV. The Earl of Mornington to Tippoo Sultaun. Fort William, /th August, 1/98. Your Highness's Letter gave me great satisfaction ; at the same time that it reached me, I received from the Commis- sioners in Malabar, their final opinion upon the subject of Wynaad. After a full examination of every circumstance relating to your rights and to those of the Company, I am now convinced that Wynaad was not ceded to the Company by the treaty of peace, and therefore that it belongs to your Highness. As it never will be my wish to contest the small- < est particle of your Highness's rights, I have directed the Commissioners to make a formal acknowledgment of the jus- tice of your claim to Wynaad, which district you will occupy whenever it may suit your pleasure. As some doubts how- ever remain -.vhcthcr the Tambacherry Pass be not included i'^^'^S. 'IIPHOO SULTAUN. 155 in the cessions made to the Company, by the treaty of peace, I have directed the officers of the Company to confer on that subject, with the person to be appointed by your Highness. All question between your Highness and the Company with resj^ect to Wynaad, is now brought to a happy conclusion : — The right to the Tambacherry Pass, and to the Talooks of Ameerah and Souleah and Ersawaraseemy still remains for discussion. You will find me sincerely disposed to consider the several questions relating to these districts, with the same impartiality, of which I have endeavoured to afford your Highness an unequivocal testimony in the final settlement of your claims upon Wynaad. I have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. A true Copy, N. B. Edmonstone, Persian Ti-anslator to Govt. No. XLV. General Harris to the Earl of Morning-ton. My Dear Lord, Madras, 7th August, 17^8. My last letter to your Lordship, of which I now transmit a duplicate, was in a more desponding strain than you were probably prepared to receive ; but if it had been my wish to soften the truths which it contained, I should have deemed it treacherous to your Lordship to have done so, for as the responsibility of the orders rests exclusively with your Go- vernment, it was especially incumbent on me to apprize you of the difficulties which opposed their execution, that you might be enabled to send us early and effectual succour. The situation of a person to command the detachment* has been justly considered an object of the greatest importance; after the fullest enquiry my choice has fallen upon Lieut.- Colonel Robarts commanding the 11th native regiment; he was at Hyderabad with it till relieved by the Bengal detach- ment, and gave great satisfaction to the Nizam and his Mi- nisters. Lieut.-Colonel Dalrymple, the brother-in-law of Lieut.-Colonel Robarts is the second in command, and an * This refers to the portion of troops which the Governor General or- dered to be assembled in the Guntoor Circar (see Map) for the purpose of inarching on Hyderabad, in order to disarm the French legion of 11,000 men then in the service of the Nizam. 156 GENERAL HARKIS, TO AugUSt, officer of high military character : he was also before at Hy- derabad, and is the officer who so much distinguished himself at the taking of Raibor. But as Sir Alured Clarke is per- fectly acquainted with their characters, I beg to refer your Lordship to him for more particular information. It M'ill appear somewhat extraordinary to your Lordship (upon a perusal of the accompanying minute read in Council the 13th instant, but withdrawn for the present) that the required de- tachment would have been nearly ready at this time if the want of money had not afforded so serious an objection, and if I had not been much importuned to refrain from the mea- sure, and ])erhaps convinced that I should have met with much counteraction which in my present temporary situation it would have been troublesome to overcome. The receipt of your instructions placed the measure in a stronger point of view, and yesterday I delivered to the Council the minute No. S. Objections were, as I expected, enumerated, but as I de- clared my resolution to take the measure upon myself; and execute it with my own funds if no public money could be obtained, the opposition was silenced, and my arrangements were instantaneously put in execution. I must confess to your lordship, that this minute has relieved the disquietude of mind under which I wrote my last letter ; because I feel that I have done my duty towards the public and myself, in adverting to the difficulties to which we are exposed ; whilst I have at the same time, placed your lordship's wishes in the best possible train of accomplishment, and write this letter under a determination to use my unceasing endeavours for their effectual and speedy completion. In the various consi- derations that will engage your Lordship's mind in deliberat- ing upon the great question, that of the limited powers al- lowed to the Commander-in-Chief on the coast, will not escape you. In the event of hostilities, I should most earnestly wish your lordship to be here, and the Commander- in-Chief in India to be in command of the army ; for although 1 have no doubt your Lordship would endeavour to prevent the certain bad consequences of placing me in the command, without an extension of my previous powers, I am thoroughly convinced, that the service would most essentially benefit by xour Lordsliip's presence at Madras. 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 157 The outline of your Lordship's ideas for the defence of the Carnatic, appears to me perfectly correct ; and so sensible am I of the necessity of stores and a train in advance, that you will have a plan immediately laid before you, for putting the Pettah of Kistnagherry into a state for a depot. The unusual swelling of the rivers at Trichinopoly, and our total want of preparation in every way, not a boat being ready, and the Nabob's people doing nothing, has caused a delay in that quarter, which might have been most fatal, had Tippoo come down when he first received intelligence of our prepara- tions. I am my Lord, Your very faithful and obedient servant. Geo. Harris. No. XLVL Tlie Earl of Mormngton to Lieut. -Col. IV. Palmer, Resident at Poonah. Sir, Fort William, 9th August, 1798. Your letter of the 13th July, No. 28, is now before me. In the 11th paragraph, you state the probability of the Peishwa's endeavouring to save his person by joining the forces of the Nizam ; but you add your apprehension, that he may find it difficult to effect his retreat if Scindiah should determine to seize him in the city. Under such circumstances, it is possible that the Peishwa might be able to effect his retreat with more facility, if he were to direct his motions towards Bombay, and to join our troops. If therefore the Peishwa shall have consented to the pro- positions contained in my instructions to you of the 8th July, I authorize you to offer him a retreat at Bombay, and to assure him, that he will be received with every mark of res- pect and friendship, and that his person will be protected with the most exact attention. You will take care to give sufficient notice to the Govern- ment of Bombay, if the Peishwa should be likely to avail himself of this offer, in order that they may prepare for his reception. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. 158 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO AugUSt, No. XLVII. The Earl of Mornington to Captain J. A. Kir kpat rick, acting Resident at Hyderabad. Sir, Fort William, ilth August, 1798. I have received your letter of the 24th July, to which I now return my answer. By referring to my detailed instructions of the 8th July, you will perceive that the arrangements which I propose, are not hmited to a mere enlargement of our existing subsidiary engagements with the Nizam. I collect from your letter, that Azim ul Omra would be likely to require three conditions in addition to those stated in the abstract of my instructions of the 8th July, before he would consent to accede to my propositions. The first, an engagement to support the succession of Se- cunder Jah. Secondly, the power of employing the British detachment, in carrying into effect various measures of internal reform in the Nizam's dominions. Thirdly, the extension of my proposed arbitration of the existing differences between the courts of Poonah and Hyde- rabad, to any cases of difference which may hereafter arise. It is my decided intention to support the succession of Se- cunder Jah. But I have directed you to conceal that inten- tion from Azim ul Omra for the pi*esent, under an apprehen- sion that the disclosure of it might excite suspicion and jealousy in the mind of the Nizam. If, however, you should be of opinion that this communica- tion could be made to Azim ul Omra, without any danger of the nature which I apprehend, I authorize you to act accord- ing to your own discretion in this respect. With regard to the employment of the British detachment within the Nizam's dominions, it appears to me that I have already laid down the rule with sufficient clearness in my letter of the 14th July ; in which I have directed, that the employ- ment of the British troops, in his Highness's dominions, shall be restricted to those important cases in which his person or authority shall be endangered, and shall not be extended to those services, which more properly belong to Sebundy corps. 1798. CAPTAIN J. A. KIRKPATRKK. 150 This rule would certainly admit of the employment of the detachment in the cases stated in your letter of the 24th July, nor am I aware of any objection to the use of the British troops, under the direction of the Nizam's ministers, in ser- vices connected with the introduction of a system of internal reform into his Highness's dominions. If the Courts of Poonah and Hyderabad, shall concur in accepting my arbitration of their subsisting differences, there will be every reason to hope, that they would be prepared to receive a similar security against the effects of any disputes which may hereafter arise. It never was my intention to confine my interposition to the circumstances of the present moment, my object being to unite the interests of the two courts, upon a permanent basis. My wish unquestionably is, that the Company should for the future, be placed in the situation of a mediator between the other two branches of the triple alliance, and should here- after by a timely interposition of good offices, prevent them from engaging in contests, which must eventually impair the strength of both parties, and defeat the ends of the triple alliance. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. No. XLVIII. [Minute of the Governor-General in the Secret Department.] The Governor-General. Fort William, August 12, 1 798. In communicating to the Board an authentic copy of the proclamation issued by the Governor-General of the Isle of France, during the residence of the Ambassadors of Tippoo Sultaun in that island, I informed the Board that I would prepare the detail of such measures, as appeared to me most advisable for the purpose, of frustrating the united efforts of Tippoo Sultaun and of France. Accord- ingly I have laid before the Board, for that necessary pur- pose, a number of propositions, connected in their prin- ciple as well as in their object, and I have endeavoured to carry the proposed system of measures into execution with every practicable degree of diligence and despatch. When it 160 MINUTE OF August, is remonibered that I did not take charge of this Government until the 18th of May, that the proclamation did not make its first appearance at this Presidency until the 8th of June, and was not authenticated here until the 18th of June, I trust it will appear that 1 have proceeded with as much expedition as was compatible with the due consideration of the various and important questions which demanded my decision.* Although the leading objects of the several propositions which have been adopted by this Government may be col- lected from my late correspondence with the Governments of Fort St. George and Bombay, and with the Residents at Poonah and Hyderabad, it may be useful to review, with more particularity, the circumstances which have suggested this system of measures to my judgment. My present inten- tion, therefore, is to explain and illustrate the principles upon which that system is founded, the means by which I hope to carry it into effect, and the ends which I expect to accom- plish by its ultimate success and permanent establishment. In this retrospect of my conduct, I shall disclose, without hesitation or reserve, the whole train of reHections which has passed in my mind during the agitation of this intricate and extensive subject ; and I shall avow, without disguise, every successive variation of my opinion, and every instance in which I have reluctantly submitted my unaltered judgment to the pressure of practical difficulties ; nor shall I deny that I have ultimately pursued a course, far within the limits of that, to which the sense of my own duty and character, the clearest principles of justice and of policy, the unquestionable rights and interests of the Company, and the honour of the British name in India, would have directed me, if the obsta- cles to my progress had not appeared absolutely insur- mountable. The various considerations which have successively en- gaged my attention may be stated in the following order : — • The Minute of the Governor-General, (see p. 54) respecting the finan- cial distress of India, bearing date 1 2th June 1/98, demonstrates that it re- (|uired dclil)crution l)efure increased expenses were to be incurred ; and it alho proves that Lord iMornington liad attentively examined tiie uiiole cjucstioii ol the pcc\ini;iry enil)arrassments in which his Lordship found the East Iiidi;! roinp.inv'> territories involved. 1798. TUB ftOVRRNOK GENERAL. 161 First, — The nature and character of the recent proceedings of Tippoo Sultaun. Secondly, — The rifjhts and interests of the Company, and the principles of my duty arising out of those proceedings. Thirdly, — The circumstances which might suspend or limit the actual exercise of those rights, the immediate and com- plete establishment of those interests, and the satisfactory discharge of that duty. Fourthly, — The intermediate precautions which might be adopted during the suspension of more effectual measures, and the securities which might now be provided against the return of our actual danger. The first consideration required an attentive examination of the proclamation issued at the Isle of France, together with all the collateral circumstances accompanying that extra- ordinary publication. The proclamation made its first ap- pearance at Calcutta in a newspaper of the 8th of June. Upon the first view of the subject, I was much inclined to doubt the authenticity of the proclamation. It seemed in- credible that, if tlie French really entertained a design of furnishing aid to Tippoo, they would publicly declare that design, when no other apparent end could be answered by such a declaration, excepting that of exposing the project in its infancy to the observation of our Governments, both at home and in India, and of preparing both for a timely and effectual resistance. It did not appear more probable that Tippoo (whatever might be his secret design) would have risked so public and unguarded an avowal of his hostility ; however, even under these circumstances, I thought it ad- visable to transmit a copy of the proclamation to the Governor of Fort St. George, in a private letter of the 9th of June, apprizing him that, if the proclamation should prove authentic, it must lead to a serious remonstrance from this Government to Tippoo, the result of which remonstrance must be uncer- tain ; my letter, therefore, directed him to turn his attention to the means of collecting a force upon the coast, if necessity should unfortunately require such a measure. The first regular authentication of the proclamation which I received was contained in the letter from Lord Macartney, of 28th March, and in that from Sir Hugh Christian of the same date, received on the 18th of June. It could now no VOL. I. M IG'3 MINUTE OF August, longer be doubted tl-.at the proclamation actually had been issued by the Governor General of the Isle of France. Still, however, it might have remained a question whether this step might not have been taken without the concurrence of Tippoo Sultaun, and for the promotion of some separate object of the French Government, unconnected with his in- terests and unauthorized by his consent. From the accounts which I had received of the state of the Isle of France, I was led to believe that the object of Mr. Malartic might have been to clear the Island of the adherents to the cause of the present Government of France, rather than to afford any effectual assistance to Tippoo. It appears, however, from a more accurate investigation of evidence, that the ship (which first conveyed to the Isle of France those accounts of the last revolution in France, and of the violent measures projected against the Isles of France and Bourbon, which occasioned the late disturbances at Port Nord Quest, and the expulsion of the French national troops from thence) did not reach the Isle of France until Tippoo's Ambassadors had departed from thence on their return to Mangalore. The assistance afforded to Tippoo cannot therefore have been connected with the recent commotions in the Isle of France. However, I do not apprehend, unless some new revolution shall happen in the Isle of France, that Tippoo Sultaun will be able to derive any considerable aid from that quarter. But whatever may have been the motives of Monsieur Malartic in this transaction, the object of Tippoo Sultaun was always plain and clear, although, fortunately for our interests, his success has not yet been answerable to the extent of his design. Of the object of that design, I soon possessed ample proof, arising from the best evidence which the nature of the case could admit. In the first place it appeared, by the general tenor of the letters from the Cape, as well as by every public ac- count which had been given of the transaction, to be an undisputed fact, that Tippoo despatched two Ambassadors to the Isle of France, and that the proclamation in question was published subsequently to their arrival and during their resi- dence in that island. These facts would perhaps have been sufficient, without further inquiry, to warrant a strong pre- sumption that this proclamation, purporting to declare the oi)ject of the emba^sv, must have l>eeii framed with tlie con- 1798. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. 1()3 sent and knowledge of the Ambassadors of Tippoo, then on the spot, and must have corresponded with their instructions from tlieir sovereign, whose orders they would scarcely have ventured to exceed in a matter of such serious consequence as the conclusion of an alliance, offensive and defensive, with the French. In order, however, to obtain the most accurate in- formation with respect to the circumstances attending the reception of the embassy, the publication of the proclamation, and the conduct of the Ambassadors, I examined, upon oath, some respectable persons who were present in the Isle of France during the residence of the Ambassadors at Port Nord Ouest. From the concurrent testimony of these persons, since corroborated by intelligence from various quarters, I obtained a connected account of the whole transaction. Tippoo despatched two Ambassadors, who embarked at Mangalore for the Isle of France, and arrived there at the close of the month of January 1798. They hoisted Tippoo's colours upon entering the harbour of Port Nord Ouest, were received publicly and formally by the French Government with every circumstance of distinction and respect, and were entertained during their continuance on the Island at the public expense. Previously to their arrival, no idea or rumour existed in the Island of any aid to be furnished to Tippoo by the French, or of any prospect of a war between him and the Company. The second day after the arrival of the Ambassadors, an advertisement was published of the same purport as the proclamation, and immediately afterwards the proclamation was fixed up in the most public places, and circulated through the town. One of the Ambassadors was perfectly conversant with the French language. A person accompanied the embassy from Mangalore, who was habited in the Turkish dress, who spoke French and English with uncommon correctness and fluency, and who appeared to possess considerable knowledge and talents, and to be well acquainted with most of the country languages of India. This person had been known at Bussorah by the name of Abdoolah, at Surat by that of Derwish, and in the Isle of France passed under that of Talamas, under which last name he had also passed in Bengal, where he resided for some years. The Ambassadors (far from protesting against the matter or style of the proclamation) held, without reserve, in the mo:^t public 1G4' MINUTE OF August, manner, the same language which it contains with respect to the offensive war to be commenced against the British pos- sessions in India ; they even suflered the proclamation to be publicly distributed at their own house. Talamas's conversa- tion, though with more caution and mystery, corresponded in substance with theirs. In consequence of these circumstances, an universal belief prevailed in the Island, that Tippoo would make an immediate attack upon the British possessions in India, which opinion had gained so much force, that the per- sons who gave this evidence, and all those who arrived at that period in India from the Isle of France, expected to find us at war with Tippoo, but they all concurred in declaring, that the temerity of Tippoo's design had excited general ridicule in that Island. The Ambassadors were present in the Island when the French Government proceeded to act under the proclamation in question, and they aided and assisted the execution of it, by making promises in the name of Tippoo for the purpose of inducing recruits to enlist ; they proposed to levy men to any practicable extent, stating their powers to be unlimited with respect to the numbers of the force to be raised. The Ambassadors aided and assisted in the levy of 150 officers and privates for the service of Tippoo, under the terms and for the purposes of the proclamation. Few of the officers are of any experience or skill, and the privates are the refuse of the lowest class of the democratic rabble of the Island. Some of them are volunteers, others were taken from the prisons and compelled to embark, several of them are Caffres and people of half-cast. With such of these troops as were volunteers, the Ambassadors entered into several stipulations and engagements in the name of Tippoo. On the 7th of March, 1798, the Ambassadors embarked on board the French frigate La Preneiise, together with the force thus raised, and they publicly declared an intention of proceeding to the Isle of Bourbon, with the hope of obtaining more recruits for the same service. The proclamation, therefore, originated in the arrival of the Ambassadors at the Isle of France, was distributed by their agents, wns avowed in every part by their own pul)lic declara- tion, and finally was executed according to its tenor by tiieir personal assistance and co-operation. The proclamation itself furnished the most powerful in- 1798. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. \G5 ternal evidence of the concurrence of the Ambassadors in all its essential parts, the principal facts stated therein are — " That Tippoo Sultaun, through two Ambassadors des- patched for the purpose to the Isle of France, had addressed letters to the colonial assembly of the Isle of France, to all the Generals employed there, and to the Executive Directory of France, and had made the following propositions : — " 1st. That he desired to form an alliance, offensive and defensive, with the French, and offered to maintain at his expense, during the continuance of the war in India, whatever troops should be furnished by the French, and to supply (with the exception of certain stores) every necessary for carrying on the war. " 2d. That he had given assurances that all his prepara- tions were already completed, and that the generals and officers would find every thing necessary for carrying on a species of war, to which Europeans have not been accustomed in their contests with the Native Powers in India. " 3d. That he only waited for the succour of France to declare war against the English, and that it was his ardent desire to expel the English from India." Upon the ground of these facts, the proclamation recom- mends a general levy of men for the service of Tippoo ; and it concludes by assuring " all the citizens who shall enlist, that Tippoo will give them an advantageous rate of pay and allowances, which will be Jixed by his Ambassadors, who will also engage, in the name of their sovereign, that the French- men who shall have enlisted in his army, shall never be de- tained there after they shall have expressed a desire of return- ing to their native country." The avowed purport of this proclamation is to acquaint the inhabitants of the Island with the propositions made by Tippoo Sultaun, through his Ambassadors then on the spot. It enumerates those propositions with a particularity of detail which could never have been hazarded in the pi'esence of the Ambassadors if the facts stated had not been correctly true, or if the propositions enumerated had varied in substance from those communicated by the Ambassadors under the orders of their sovereign. But the last paragraph of the pro- clamation connected with the conduct of the Ambassadors as already described, establishes in the clearest manner their 166 MINUTE OF August, participation in the whole transaction. That paragraph con- tains a direct reference to the powers of the Ambassadors, and engages on their behalf that they shall enter into certain stipulations in the name of their sovereign with respect to the pay and final discharge of such French subjects as shall enlist in his army under the conditions of the proclamation. The accounts which I have received from the Isle of France con- cur in stating, that the Ambassadors openly acted under this part of the proclamation, and in the name of Tippoo entered into engagements and stipulations with the recruits according to the assurances specified in the proclamation. Monsieur De Bue, now master attendant at Mangalore, stated to one of the witnesses whom I examined, the whole substance of the engagements which had passed personally between him and the Ambassadors, all of which engagements referred imme- diately to Tippoo's intention of commencing war upon the Company, with the aid of the French force then about to be levied ; and it is certain that without some such engagement not a man would have been raised in the Isle of France for the service of Tippoo. It appears from the evidence which I have collected, that the Ambassadors had not brought to the Isle of France a supply of treasure sufficient for advancing bounty money to the recruits. It was stated that an appre- hension of the English cruizers had prevented the embarka- tion of treasure for this purpose, and no doubt was enter- tained that if the Ambassadors had been better provided with money, they might have raised a much greater number of men, who refused to engage on the mere security of pro- mises in the name of Tippoo. The Ambassadors, together with the force thus collected during the time of their mission in the Isle of France, landed from the frigate. La Preneuse, at Mangalore, on the 26th of Aj)ril, 1798. Accounts vary with respect to the exact number of the force landed; the most probable are that it did not exceed 200 persons. Tippoo (far from manifesting the least symptom of disapprobation of the conduct of his Ambassadors in any part of the transaction) formally received them, and the officers and leading persons so landed with public marks of honour and distinction. One of his Ambassadors resided for some time with the French recruits in a fortress near Manga- lore, and the Sultaun has admitted the whole levy of officers 1T98. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. 1G7 and men into his service. Referring, therefore, to the conduct of the Ambassadors in the Isle of France to their arrival at Mangalore with the force levied in consequence of their mis- sion, and finally to the reception of the Ambassadors and of the French recruits by Tippoo Sultaun, the following conclu- sions appeared to me to be incontrovertibly established : — First, — That the Ambassadors despatched by Tii)poo Sul- taun to the Government of the Isle of France proposed to that Government an alliance, offensive and defensive, against the British possessions in India, which alliance was accepted by that Government, and its acceptance formally notified by a pubhc proclamation. Secondly, — That the Ambassadors were charged with let- ters from Tippoo Sultaun to the Executive Directory of France, which letters were stated to contain the same propo- sition, and that the Ambassadors delivered these letters to the Governor General of the Isle of France for the purpose of transmission to France. Thirdly, — That the Ambassadors, in the name of Tippoo Sultaun, gave public assurances that he had actually com- pleted the necessary preparations for commencing immediate hostilities, and that he only waited the arrival of succours from the French to declare war against the Company, for the express purpose of expelling the British nation from India. Fourthly, — That the Ambassadors demanded unlimited mi- litary succour from the French, and levied a military force in the Isle of France with the declared object of commencing immediate war against the British nation in India. Fifthly, — That this force has been actually landed in Tippoo's country, and publicly admitted into his service with signal marks of approbation; and that the Ambassadors have been received with similar distinction. Sixthly, — That Tippoo Sultaun (by receiving with public marks of approbation his Ambassadors, who had concluded in his name an offensive and defensive alliance with the French ; and by admitting into his service the military force raised for effecting the objects of that alliance) has personally ratified the engagements contained in the proclamation of the Go- vernor General of the Isle of France, and has proceeded to act under those engagements conformably to the tenor of that proclamation. 168 MINUTE OF August, Seventhly, — That although the succour actually received by Tippoo Sultaun under his offensive alhance with the French is inconsiderable, yet the tenor of the proclamation, the pro- position made to the French Government for unlimited mili- tary aid, &c. &c., and the declarations of the Ambassadors prove, that it was the intention of Tippoo Sultaun, to receive into his service the largest force which he could obtain, for the purpose of commencing a war of aggression against the Company in India. Having thus entered into offensive and defensive engage- ments with the enemy, having proceeded to collect in con- junction with the enemy, a force openly destined to act against the possessions of the Company, having avowed through his public Ambassadors, that he has compleated his preparations of war for the express purpose of attempt- ing the entire subversion of the British Empire in India, and having declared that he only waits the effectual succour of the French to prosecute offensive operations ; Tippoo Sul- taun has violated the treaties of peace and friendship sub- sisting between him and the Company, and has committed an act of direct hostiUty against the British Government in India. Before I proceeded to apply the principles of the law of nations to the conduct of Tippoo Sultaun, it appeared pro- per to enquire what had been the conduct of the Company towards him for some years past, and whether he had re- ceived any provocation to justify or to palliate his late pro- ceedings. Since the conclusion of the Treaty of Seringapatam, the British Governments in India, have uniformly conducted themselves towards Tippoo Sultaun, not only with the most exact attention to the principles of moderation, justice, and good faith ; but have endeavoured by every practicable means to conciliate his confidence, and to mitigate his vin- dictive spirit. Some differences have occasionally arisen with respect to the boundaries of his territory bordering upon the confines of our possessions on the coast of Malabar ; but the records of all the British Governments ui India will shew, that they always manifested the utmost anxiety to promote the amicable adjustment of every doubtful or disputed point; and that Tippoo Sultaun has received the most unequivocal proofs of the constant disposition of the Company to acknow- 1798. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. IGD ledge and confirm all his just rights, and to remove every cause of jealousy, which might tend to interrupt the continu- ance of peace. The sei'vants of the Company in India, have not however been ignorant of the implacable sentiments of revenge, which he has preserved without abatement since the hour of his last defeat. It has always been well understood, that Tippoo Sultaun's resentment was not to be appeased by any conci- liatory advances on our part, nor by any other means than the recovery of his lost power, the disgrace of the British arms, and the ruin of the British interests in India. With such views it was expected that he would eagei'ly embrace the first favorable occasion of striking a blow against our possessions ; and his intrigues at the Courts of Hyderabad and Poonah, together with his Embassy to Zemaun Shah, (although managed with such a degree of caution as to avoid the appearance of direct acts of aggression,) were svifficient indications of an hostile mind. But none of these circumstances have in any degree affected the conduct of the Company's servants towards him, and the correspon- dence between him and the late Governor General, and the letters from Bombay on the subject of the district of Wynaad, furnish ample proofs of a sincere desire to bring that ques- tion to a fair issue, " with the consent and knowledge of both parties^'' according to the tenor of the 7th article of the treaty of Seringapatam ; I appeal to the letter which I des- patched to him soon after my arrival in Bengal, proposing an amicable adjustment of the same question, as well as of his recent claims upon certain parts of the district of Coorga, for a testimony of the pacific spirit which has marked my first communication with him ; although, perhaps, a less mild representation might have been justified, by his unwarranta- ble precipitation in stationing a military force on the frontier of Coorga, before he had made any trial of the prescribed and regular channels of negociation. Tippoo Sultaun cannot therefore alledge even the pretext of a grievance to palhate the character of his recent acts ; he has indeed alledged none, but has constantly professed the most sincere desire to main- tain the relations of amity and peace with the Company. In his letters to Sir John Shore (written a short time before the return of the Mysorean Ambassadors from the Isle of France, 170 MINUTE OF August, and received at Fort William on the 26th April, 1798, the day on which the French force landed at Mangalore) Tippoo declares, " that his friendly heart is disposed to pay every regard to truth and justice, and to strengthen the foundations of harmony and concord established between the two states." And he signifies his desire that " Sir John Shore would im- press Lord Mornington, with a sense of the friendship and unanimity so firmly subsisting between the two states." This is not the language of hostility, nor even of discon- tent. From what disposition in the friendly heart of Tippoo these amicable professions have proceeded, how^ they are connected with a regard to truth and justice, or calculated to strengthen the foundations of harmony and concord, and to impress me with a sense of the Sultaun's friendship, can now admit of no question, since it is now proved, that these letters were written at the very moment, when Tippoo was in an- xious expectation of the hourly arrival of that military suc- cour, which he had solicited from the enemy for the express purpose of commencing a war of aggression against the Com- pany's possessions. The motive therefore of Tippoo Sultaun, was no other than that avowed in his correspondence with the enemy, and published under the eyes of his own Ambassadors, " an ar- dent desire to expel the British nation from India." It appears highly probable, that he was instigated by the promises and exhortations of the Government of France, (whose emissaries have reached his councils) to hasten the execution of a project, in which every consideration of in- terest, and every sentiment of passion would induce the French to embark with a degree of zeal, ardour, and rancour not inferior to his own. The importance of these possessions to all the most valua- ble interests of Great Britain, has pointed the particular at- tention of the Government of France to the destruction of our empire in India. The prosperity of our settlements in India, has long been the primary and undisguised object of the jealousy of France, avowed by all her ministers in every negociation, and by all her rulers in every stage of her iiuiu- merable revolutions; Tippoo therefore might reasonably hope, that if the cessation of hostilities on the continent of Europe, should at any time enable the French directory to 1798. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. 171 turn their views to the disturbance of the peace of India, such an adventure would be among the earliest of their oper- ations. The conclusion of a peace upon the continent of Europe, the weak state of the internal Governments of Poonah and Hyderabad, the existing dissentions, apparently precluding all co-operation and concert between those two powers, added to the growing strength of a French faction in every part of India, may have appeared both to Tippoo and to the French to offer a favorable opportimity for the prosecution of their joint design. The premature disclosure of this design may perhaps be imputed rather to the policy of M. Malartic, than to the imprudence of Tippoo ; whether the scope of that policy was to involve us in a war with Tippoo, or to ex- pose his treachery to our view, is yet a matter of doubt ; but whatever circumstances occasioned the premature disclosure of the design, whether the design was wisely or rashly con- ceived ; whether it has partially succeeded, or entirely failed, are questions, the solution of which in no degree affects the offensive nature of an aggression so unprovoked, and of a violation of faith so flagrant and unqualified. The history of the world scarcely furnishes an instance, in which any two powers have united in confederacy or alliance precisely with the same motives. The party proposing an offensive alliance against the Company, cannot be absolved from the conse- quences of such an act, by any apparent or real indifference in the party accepting such a proposal. The conduct of Tippoo Sultaun, therefore, cannot be correctly estimated by reference to the supposed motives of Monsieur Malartic. From the application of the acknowledged principles of the law of nations to the facts of this case, I formed my judgment of the rights of the Company, and of my own duties with re- ference to the aggression of Tippoo. The course of reason- ing which I pursued may be stated in the following manner. The rights of states applicable to every case of contest with foreign powers, are created and limited by the necessity of preserving the public safety; this necessity is the founda- tion of the reciprocal claim of all nations to explanation of suspicious or ambiguous conduct, to reparation for injuries done, and to security against injuries intended. In any of these cases, when just satisfaction has been de- \'r2 MINUTE OF August, nied, or from the evident nature of circumstances cannot otlierwise be obtained, it is tlie undoubted right of the in- jured party to resort to arms for tlie vindication of the pubHc safety; and in such a conjuncture, the right of the state becomes the duty of the Government, unless some ma- terial consideration of the pubhc interest should forbid the attempt. If the conduct of Tippoo Sultaun had been of a nature which could be termed ambiguous or suspicious ; if he had merely increased his force beyond his ordinary establishment, or had stationed it in some position on our confines or on those of our allies, which might justify jealousy or alarm ; if he had renewed his secret intrigues at the Courts of Hydera- bad, Poonah and Cabul, or even if he had entered into any negociation with France, of which the object was at all ob- scure ; it might be our duty to resort in the first instance to his construction of proceedings, which being of a doubtful character, might admit of a satisfactory explanation. But where there is no doubt, there can be no matter for explana- tion. The act of Tippoo's ambassadors, ratified by himself, and accompanied by the landing of a French force in his country, is a public, unqualified and unambiguous declaration or act of war, aggravated by an avowal, that the object of the war is neither explanation, reparation, nor security, but the total destruction of the British Government in India. To affect to misunderstand an insult and injury of such a com- plexion would argue a consciousness either of weakness or of fear ; no state in India can misconstrue the conduct of Tippoo ; the correspondence of our Residents at Hyderabad and Poonah sufficiently manifests the construction which it bears at both those Coui'ts ; and in so clear and plain a case, our demand of explanation would be justly attributed either to a defect of spirit or of power, the result of such a demand would therefore be, the disgrace of our character, and the diminution of our influence and consideration in the eyes of our allies, and of every power in India. If the moment should aj)i)ear favourable to the execution of Tippoo's declared de- sign, he woidd answer such a demand by an immediate at- tack ; if, on the other hand, his preparations should not be sufHcicntly advanced, he would deny the existence of his en- gagements with France, would persist in the denial until he 1798. THE GOVCUNOR GENER M,. 173 had reaped the full benefit of them ; and finally, after having completed the hnprovement of his own army, and received the accession of an additional French foi'ce, he would turn the combined strength of both against our possessions, with an alacrity and confidence inspired by our inaction, and with advantages redoubled by our delay. In the present case the idea therefore of demanding explanation must be rejected, as being disgraceful in its principle, and frivolous in its object. The demand of reparation, in the strict sense of the term, cannot properly be appHed to cases of intended injury, ex- cepting in those instances, where the nature of the reparation demanded may be essentially connected with security against the injurious intention. Where a State has unjustly seized the property, or invaded the territory, or violated the rights of another, reparation may be made by restoring what has been unjustly taken, or by a subsequent acknowledgment of the right which has been in- fringed ; but the cause of our complaint against Tippoo Sul- taun, is not that he has seized a portion of our property which he might restore, or invaded a part of our territory which he might again cede, or violated a right which he might here- after acknowledge ; we complain, that, professing the most amicable disposition, bound by subsisting treaties of peace and friendship, and unprovoked by any offence on our part, he has manifested a design to effect our total destruction ; he has prepared the means and instruments of a war of extermi- nation against us ; he has solicited and received the aid of our inveterate enemy for the declared purpose of annihilating our Empire : and he only waits the arrival of a more effectual succour to strike a blow against our existence. That he has not yet received the effectual succour which he has solicited, may be ascribed either to the weakness of the Government of Mauritius, or to their want of zeal in his cause, or to the rashness and imbecility of his own Councils ; but neither the measure of his hostility, nor of our right to restrain it, nor of our danger from it, are to be estimated by the amount of the force which he has actually obtained ; for we know that his demands of military assistance were un- limited j we know that they were addressed not merely to the Government of Mauritius, but to that of France, and we can- not ascertain how soon they may be satisfied to the full ex- 174 MINUTE OF August, tent of his acknowledged expectations. This, therefore, is not merely the case of an injury to be repaired, but of the public safety to be secured against the present and future designs of an irreconcileable, desperate and treacherous enemy : against an enemy of this description, no effectual security can be obtained otherwise than by such a reduction of his power, as shall not only defeat his actual preparations, but establish a permanent restraint upon his future means of offence. To this species of security our right is unquestionable, upon the grounds already stated. But it cannot be supposed that Tippoo Sultaun will voluntarily concede to us a security of this nature against the effects of his own resentment, treachery and ambition, and against the success of the most favorite projects of his mind. Since, therefore, the principles of justice and of the law of nations entitle us to such a security, and since we cannot possibly obtain it by the voluntary concession of Tippoo Sul- taun, it is the right of the Company to compel him to yield it ; and it is equally my duty to use that compulsion without delay, provided the interests of the Company committed to my charge be not more endangered by the attempt, than by the unrestrained progress of his preparations for war. In proportion to the continual progress of Tippoo's prepa- parations, he will acquire more decisively the advantage of holding in his hands the issues of peace and war, together with the power of selecting the time and mode of his long meditated attack upon our possessions. He has not yet ob- tained any formidable accession of strength from his alliance with France, nor is it probable that any such accession will reach his country within a short period, certainly not before the close of the monsoon on the coast of Malabar ; while he shall retain the ready means of intercourse by sea with the French Government, it cannot be doubted that they will use every endeavour to assist him with military aid, and to insti- gate him to war. The arrival of one or two French regiments would probably induce Tippoo to commence offensive opera- tions, and the assistance even of so small a body of French- men might become alarming in the actual state of the native armies of India. The systematic introduction of French oflicers into the service of all the native powers, is described 1798. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. 175 by Mr. Wickham as the fixed policy of France, adopted with a view of estabUshing the most certain means of subverting the foundation of our power. Tliis system has been pursued in the armies of the Nizam, of Scindiah, and of many other inferior powers with unremitting assiduity, and extensive suc- cess. If Tippoo should be allowed to derive from France such succour as would induce him to act offensively against us, his earliest movements would probably be seconded by the general insurrection of the various bodies of French adven- turers, who are incorporated in the service of the several native powers, and who maintain a concert and correspon- dence in every quarter of India. Under such circumstances, it would be prudent to take advantage of the actual crisis, in wdiich the hostile design of Tippoo has been clearly mani- fested, but the means of accomplishing it have happily disap- pointed the ardor of his hopes. In this moment of his com- parative weakness, of his disappointment, and of his probable dejection, no policy could be more wise than to strike such an instantaneous blow against his possessions, as should effec- tually frustrate his preparations for war, and should render him unable to avail himself of the aid of France whenever it may arrive. The inconsiderable amount of the force which he has al- ready received from France, while it cannot limit our just right to reduce his power, affords a strong argument of policy in favour of an immediate attack. It is therefore evident that the rights and interests of the Company concur to demand from this Government every practicable effort to anticipate the execution of his projects of vengeance by attacking him on all sides without delay. In this train of reasoning I was confirmed by adverting to the general tenor of the orders of the Court of Directors, and of the proceedings of this Government with reference to the contingency of a French force landing at any time in the terri- tories of Tippoo Sultaun. The orders of the Court of Directors uniformly enjoin that the landing of a French force in Tippoo's country should be *' the signal for our attack upon him." The construction of those orders by the late Governor General in his instructions to the President in Council of Fort St. George of 12th Sep- tember, 1796, appears to have been, that the number of tlie 176 MINUTE OF August, French force should he considerable in order to justify our attack. But I am persuaded that the real intention of the late Governor General in those instructions, could not have been to declare, that the justice or policy of attacking Tippoo was hereafter to be measured solely by the magnitude of any French force landed in his country. It is certainly true that, on the one hand, the landing of a considerable French force in Tippoo's country would be an unquestionable indication of his hostile intentions against the British power, while on the other hand the landing of a few French officers and privates, and even their admission into the service of Tippoo, might, under certain circumstances, be supposed to manifest nothing more than a disposition to im- prove the general discipline of his armies, without imply- ing any formed design of war against the Company or their Allies. This, I am persuaded, is the only view in which the late Governor General in Council could consider the magni- tude of the French force landed in Tippoo's country as the foundation of a rule for limiting the discretion of the Com- pany's governments in such a contingency. On the present occasion, the hostile intentions of the Sultaun are unequi- vocally manifested by the proclamation, by the declarations and conduct of his Ambassadors, and by their demand of French troops to an unlimited extent. Connected with these circumstances, the landing and admission into the Sultaun's armies, even of a less considerable force than that which he has received, would be deemed, under the just construction of the opinions both of the Court of Directors and of this Government, " a signal for our attack upon him." My determination, therefore, was fixed to attack Tippoo with every degree of practical despatch. The objects which appeared to me the most desirable, as well as the most easily attainable, were,— First, To seize the whole maritime territory remaining in his possession below the Ghauts on the coast of Malabar, in order to preclude him from all future communications by sea with his French allies. Secondly, By marching the army from the coast of Coro- mandel directly upon his capital, to compel him to purchase peace by a formal cession of the territory seized on the coast of iNIalabav. 1798. TIIK GOVERNOR GENERAL. 177 Thirdly, To compel him to defray our whole expense in the war, and thus to secure the double advantage of indem- nifying us for the expense occasioned by his aggression, and of reducing his resources with a view to ovir future security. Fourthly, To compel him to admit permanent Residents at his Court from us and from our Allies, a measure which would enable us at all times to check his operations, and to counter- act the intricacies of his treachery. Fifthly, That the expulsion of all the natives of France now in his service, and the perpetual exclusion of all French- men, both from his army and dominions, should be made con- ditions of any treaty of peace with him. With this plan in view, I directed that the army upon the coasts of Coromandel and Malabar, and at Bombay, should be immediately assembled ; and I entertained a very sanguine hope that active operations might have been commenced so early as, with the co-operation of his Majesty's squadron on the coast of Malabar (which Rear-Admiral Rainier had pro- mised), might have secured the effectual reduction ofTippoo's power before any assistance could have reached him from France. But I never proposed to undertake any attack upon him, of which the success could be doubtful in the judgment of those whose opinions must always govern my discretion in every question of military detail. The avowed designs of Tippoo, the state of his preparations for war (which, notwithstanding his late disappointment, was certainly forward as far as regarded his own troops), the uncertainty of the motives which might impel the violence of his temper to action, and my knowledge of the indiscreet zeal with which he has frequently pursued his favourite object of revenge against the British power, all concurred to urge the necessity of placing ourselves in a state of preparation for war at least equal to that of his army. These measures ap- peared to me not matters of choice, but of indispensable duty. I could not suffer the security of the Carnatic to rest on so precarious a foundation as the forbearance of Tippoo Sultaun and of his French allies. To resume the power of meeting him in the field, and to replace in our hands the option which he then possessed, of accommodating the time of attack to circumstances and events, appeared to me to be the most prudent step which could be immediately adopted, whatever VOL. I. N 178 MINUTE OF August, might hereafter be the service to which our force might be api)Hed. The orders, therefore, which I gave for assembhng the army (akhough pointed more particularly at the execution of the plan of operations, which I have just now detailed) were founded upon principles independent of the practicability of that plan, and were connected not only with the immediate defence of the Carnatic, but with other comprehensive mea- sures of permanent precaution and security, to which my views have been extended at every period of this crisis. A\ hen I submitted my ideas of the time and objects of the proposed attack upon Tippoo to those military authorities, which I shall always consider with respect, it seemed to be their opinion, that the state of our army admitted no doubt of the ultimate success of the plan which I had proposed. If its speedy accomplishment had appeared to them as certain as its ultimate success, I should not have hesitated a moment in directing the commencement of offensive operations ; but I found that, instead of deriving to the interests of the Com- pany the inestimable advantages of a sudden and rapid re- duction of Tippoo's means of offence, the result of such an attempt was likely to lead to a tedious, protracted, and ex- pensive, although ultimately successful, war. The obstacles which arose were of a nature not to be surmounted by any degree of present activity or resolution, although they ori- ginated in causes which I trust may be removed by future diligence and perseverance. The result of my earliest inquiries convinced me that radical defects existed in the miUtary establishments on the coast of Coromandel, which would render it impossible to ])ut our army in that quarter in motion soon enough to effect the object which I proposed. The opinions which I received from military authorities here, with respect to the impossibility of making any sudden or speedy military move- ment on the coast of Coromandel, were afterwards confirmed by the concurrent testimony of the Governor of Fort St. George, and of the Adjutant General of that establishment. 1 have entered into a particular consideration of this testimony in a Minute recorded in the Secret Dei)artment of the 20th July, to which I desire to refer on this part of the subject. The letter* of the Government of Fort St. George of the 10th • See Appendix. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. 179 of July proceeds far beyond the limits of any opinion which I had ever formed or heard with respect to the difficulty of restraining the hostility of Tippoo ; in that letter the Presi- dent in Council even deprecates the ordinary precautions of defence, lest they should draw down the resentment of the Sultaun upon our unprotected possessions. The expense of a protracted war, and the evil effects which such a calamity must produce on the trade of the Company, upon their pecuniary affairs at home, upon the welfare of their subjects in India, and upon the general state of the public revenue and credit of Great Britain, now pressed with great weight upon my mind, and the embarrassment of our finances aggravated all the difficulties of my situation. The question was now entirely changed ; the plan which I had originally had in contemplation was nothing more than a mili- tary expedition of short duration, of no heavy expense, and of certain success, with the additional advantage that success would certainly exonerate our finances, and throw the whole expense of the undertaking upon the enemy, who had pro- voked it. But it now appeared that I could not hope to effect any of my proposed objects without encountering the expense and inconvenience of a long war. In this state of the question, the condition of our Allies occurred as an insuperable obstacle to our progress. Although the assistance of the Peishwa and of the Nizam might not have been deemed indispensable in an expedition of the nature which I have described ; I have always been apprized that an offensive war of any long duration in Mysore would be difficult, if not impracticable, without the effectual aid of the Peishwa and of the Nizam, in facihtating the supplies of provision to our army in the field. The state of the Courts of Hyderabad and of Poonah aftbrded no hope of their early cooperation with us ; and although I had determined to take the most expeditious mea- sures for restoring both our Allies to the power of fulfilling their defensive engagements with us, I could not expect to derive any benefit from those measui'es for a considerable period of time ; and it would have been imprudent to have undertaken offensive operations, with the prospect of a con- tinued war, until the efficiency of our alliances had been pre- viously secured. Under the accumulated pressure of all these 180 MINUTE OF August, difficulties, I felt, with the utmost degree of disappointment and regret, that the moment was unfavourable to the adoption of the only measure which appeared to me sufficient to satisfy the rights and interests of the Company and the exigencies of my own duty ; I was therefore compelled to relinquish the idea of striking an inunediate blow against the possessions of Tippoo Sultaun. But the circumstances which thus suspended the actual exercise of the rights and the immediate establish- ment of tlie interests of the Company, could not absolve me from the duty of providing, without delay, every degree of inter- mediate security which might now be attainable, by adopting such a system of preparation and defence as might enable us to repel any attack which Tippoo might make upon us, or to support any demand of satisfaction, which we may eventually deem it advisable, in concert with our Allies, to make to him. The sense of this duty induced me to propose to the Board the several orders and instructions which have been forwarded to the Governments of Fort St. George and Bombay, and to the Residents at Poonah and Hyderabad, from the 8th of July to the present time. The principles upon which these instructions and orders are founded will be best illustrated by referring to the nature of our actual danger, as well as to the causes which have con- tributed to produce it. No comprehensive or satisfactory view can be taken of this subject without adverting to the whole system of our defen- sive alliances with the Native States, and to the various cir- cumstances which have affected or which now influence the general balance of power in India. The primary objects of the Treaties of Poonah and Paun- gul, combined with the Treaty of Seringapatam, were to diminish Tippoo Sultaun's means of future aggression, by re- ducing his resources and territory, and to provide an efficient defence against him l)y strengthening the Peishwa and the Nizam, by uniting their interests with ours, and by securing their cooperation in any future war with Mysore. On the other hand, a part of the policy of the Treaty of Seringapatam seems to have been to jireserve to Tippoo Sultaun that degree of power which might enable him to maintain a balance with the Mahrattas and the Nizam in such a manner that the inter- position of our force might always turn the scale. 1798. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. 181 It is evident that the poHcy of this system has been entirely frustrated by the course of recent events, and that neither the Peishwa, the Nizam, nor Tippoo Sultaun now retain the same relative position whicli they held at the conclusion of the Treaty of Seringapatam, either with respect to one ano- ther or to our interests. Since the conclusion of the peace of Seringapatam, the power and resources of the Court of Hyderabad have been constantly declining. The disgrace vhich fell upon the Nizam's arms in^ the unfortunate contest with the Mahrattas at Kurdlah reduced the military character of the Court of Hyderabad to the lowest point of degradation. The treaty in which that defeat terminated completed the humiliation of the Nizam ; he was compelled to sacrifice a large portion of territory, to engage to pay a fine of three crores of rupees, and to submit to the captivity of his minister, Azim ul Omra, who was carried a prisoner to Poonah. Azim ul Omra re- sided at Poonah during the late convulsions in the Mahratta Government ; and, although a prisoner, bore a very distin- guished part in supporting Nana through the various revo- lutions which followed the sudden death of the Peishwa, Mahda Row. For these services Nana agreed to relinquish all the benefits acquired by the Peishwa against the Nizam, under the Treaty of Kurdlah. But the Peishwa, Bajee-row, having called in the assistance of Scindiah to check the overgrown power of Nana, Scindiah persuaded the Peishwa to violate the engagements concluded with Azim ul Omra ; and the event has been, that the Peishwa has insisted upon and obtained from the Nizam a cession of one-fourth part of the territory, and the payment of one- fourth part of the fine stipulated by the Treaty of Kurdlah. In addition to so heavy a loss, both of power and honour, the internal resources of the Nizam's Government have not yet recovered the derangement occasioned by the rebellions of AH Jah, and the son of Dara Jah ; by the unfortunate con- test with the Mahrattas ; and by the detention of Azim ul Omra at Poonah. The effect of these causes has necessarily been to reduce the consideration of the Nizam in the scale of the neighbour- ing states ; and in this weak and degraded condition he has been for some time past menaced by the army of Scindiah, 182 MINUTE OF August, stationed in the neighbourhood of Poonah. But the most striking feature of change in the state of the Nizam's affairs since 1793, is the alteration which has taken place in his military establishment. The Nizam, since the peace of Se- ringapatam, has greatly reduced his cavalry and other troops, and considerably augmented the body of infantry commanded by French officers, and known by the name of Raymond's corps. The corps of Raymond had been in the service of the Nizam before the last war with Tippoo Sultaun, and in 1792, when it served with Lord Cornwallis's army, its strength was not greater than 1,500 men at the highest estimation, and its discipline very defective. At the battle of Kurdlah, in 1795, its strength amounted to about 11,000 men. During the rebellion of Ali Jah, and in a variety of service in which the corps has since been employed, it has acquired experience and skill, and it is now composed of thirteen regiments of two battalions each, amounting in the whole to upwards of 14,000 men. Its discipline, according to every recent account, is very considerably improved, insomuch that, although inferior to our native force, it is said to be superior, in nearly an equal proportion, to the ordinary scale of the infantry in the service of any of the Native Powers. Besides field pieces to each regiment, a park of 40 pieces of ordnance, chiefly brass, from 12 to oC) pounders, with a well trained body of artillery men (including a number of Europeans) is attached to the corps. A foundation has also been laid for raising a body of cavalry to act with the corps of infantry. The chief officers of this corps are all Frenchmen of the most virulent principles of jacobinism ; many of the privates served originally with the French native force at Pondicherry, and the whole corps con- stitutes an armed French party of great power, zeal, and activity. The efforts of this party are continually employed to magnify the power, resources and success of France, and to depreciate the character, force, and credit of Great Britain in the eyes of the Court at Hyderabad ; and it appeal's by authentic intelligence, that wherever any detachment of this corps has been stationed for any considerable time, a most unfavourable impression has been produced against the cha- racter of the British nation. Tlie death of INIonsicur Raymond, which happened a few months past, appeared likely to impair the influence of this 1798. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. 183 corps at the Court of Hyderabad; and accordingly Azim ul Omra took that opportunity to resume the large Jaghire which had been allotted for the pay and maintenance of the corps, but another Frenchman of the name of Peron has suc- ceeded to the command : his disposition is described to be violent and brutal ; and his principles do not appear to differ essentially from those of Raymond. The corps, as now con- stituted, forms the most considerable and only efficient part of the Nizam's military establishment, and retains such a de- gree of ascendancy over the councils of the Nizam, as to be an object of serious alarm to Azim ul Omra.* This corps has been recruited, in the proportion of one-third of its total numbers from our territories, and from those of the Nabob of Arcot, and partly from deserters abandoning our service. Distinct proof has been given of the assiduity and success of the emissaries employed by Monsieur Baptiste (the second in command to Monsieur Peron, and stated to be of a very designing and artful character) for the purpose of exciting mutiny and sedition, and of inviting desertion amongst our sepoys stationed on the frontier of the Nizam's dominions. A considerable desertion of our troops took place in that quarter some time ago, and nearly 500 men, with several native officers, who deserted on that occasion, are now serving in Monsieur Peron's corps. The repeated applications of our Resident for the surrender of these deserters have hitherto been frustrated by the prevailing influence of Monsieur Peron and of his army, and by the weakness of the Nizam's Govern- ment, which Azim ul Omra has declared to be unable to control the overbearing spirit and formidable power of the French faction. After a protracted negociation, Azim ul Omra has at length, with much difficulty, and by an extra- ordinary effort, obtained the surrender of two Subadars, who were the principal contrivers of the desertion. Monsieur Peron and his officers maintain a correspondence with a faction at the Nizam's Court denominated the Paugah * In addition to the command of this corps, M. Raymond had the entire conduct of the Nizam's Ordnance, with an allowance of 50,000 rupees monthly ; the Ordnance has since been placed under the com- mand of M. Peron, and he derives great influence from so important a charge. 184 MINUTE OF August, party, being composed principally of the officers of his High- ness's body guard of cavalry. The Paugah party has long been connected with Tippoo Sultaun, and is entirely adverse to Azim ul Omra, and to all the friends of the British interests at the Court of Hyderabad. It must not be forgotten, that in the year 1796, during the detention of Azim ul Omra at Poonah, the French faction, with the assistance of the Paugah party, prevaded upon the Nizam to dismiss the British detachment, and took such measures in concert with Tippoo (a large body of whose army marched in this crisis to the frontier of the Nizam's domi- nions) as would have enabled them to dispose of the succes- sion to the Musnud according to their pleasure, if the Nizam's death had happened in that critical conjuncture. At this period of time, the French contrived to obtain the grant of the large Jaghire, since resumed; this grant (which com- ])rized the district of Maiduck, containing* 2,142 square British miles, situated to the northward of Hyderabad, and producing an annual revenue of eighteen lacs of rupees) may be considered as the first step towards the establishment of a territorial revenue ; and there can be no doubt that it would have led to that necessary foundation of European power in India, if the death of Monsieur Raymond had not enabled Azim ul Omra to frustrate the project. The French officers at Hyderabad maintain a direct correspondence with their countrymen in the service of Tippoo Sultaun, and of Scin- diah. The latest accounts from the Resident at Hyderabad state, that French officers and adventurers arrive continually at Hyderabad to reinforce Monsieur Peron's corps, although the routes by which they gain access to the Deccan are as yet unknown. This French party, connected as it is with the prevailing factions in the Court of the Nizam, corresponding with Tip- poo Sultaun, zealous in the cause of France, and actuated l)y a spirit of intrigue, which would lead it to mix in every distraction of the State, if not to originate internal confusion, must l)c considered as a circumstance of positive weakness in tiie frame of the Government of Hyderabad. Azim ul Omra • 'I'lif Coiiijiaiiy'ti Jaghii r in the Caniatic rontains 2,-1.y the immediate execution of your Lordship's orders, we beg leave to repeat our assurances of the most hearty co- operation, in any plan which you may determine to adopt, in the present conjuncture. We have the honour to be, iVIy Lord, your Lordship's, Most obedient, humble servants, George Harris. Edward Saunders. E. H. pAMiOKIELD. * Sec Appcnflix. 171)8. GENERAL HARRIS. 217 No. LI. The Earl of Mornington to General JIarrh. My Dear Sir, Fort Willunu, 19th August, 1798. I have just now received your letter of the 7th of August,*" with the extracts inclosed ;f and I am anxious to avail myself * See page 155. t The following is the Minute of General Harris, referred to : — Secret Department, 31st July, 1798. The President lays before the Board a letter from Bengal, which he recommends may not at present be entered on the records, directing that immediate orders may be issued for assembling, with all practicable des- patch, two native regiments of infantry, witli lield pieces, each battalion completed to the war strength of 1,000 men, and intimating that it is probable this force will shortly be required for the service of the Nizam. The President delivers in the following Minute : — If the present order had been given after the receipt of our letter to the Supreme Government of the 10th instant, there would have been no cause to doubt what conduct we ought to pursue, because the Governor General in Council would have issued his directions under a knowledge of the dif- ficulties in which we should be involved by the execution of his first in- structions for assembling the coast army, \vith the ultimate view of march- ing to Seringapatam. In that letter we stated our utter inability to undertake any offensive operation ; that our whole collected force was barely sufficient to repel any invasion of our own territories ; and tliat, without large aud imme- diate supplies of money, we could not put it in a state of field equipment, it follows, then, that by preparing and detaching so large a part of our army (and which it is probable will shortly be entirely Avithdrawn from our protection) as 4,000 effective native infantry, with their complement of field artillery, that a very serious reduction is made from our means of defence, and that the very measure which we were before scarcely in a condition to repel is proportionably provoked. The question, therefore, for our consideration is, whether these conse- quences shall be risked by the execution of the present order. If I believed that the stipulated force was required only for the ordi- nary service of the Nizam, I would not hesitate to recommend that the execution of the order should be suspended until a reply was received to the representation which has been made to the Supreme Government of our difficulties ; but, judging from the very pressing private retjuest of the Earl of Mornington, that the detachment may be ecpiipped with the utmost promptitude and caution, that its formation is of great importance to the British interests in India, I should deem myself culpable if I thwarted any general plan which may have been formed by the Supreme Government, bv delaying, for a moment, to propose to the Board the mode 218 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO AugUSt, of the earliest opportunity to return you my most cordial thanks for the zeal and resolution with which you have car- ried my suggestions into effect; my letter of the 16th July will have informed you how essential a plan to the very exist- ence of the British empire in India would have been defeated if your honorable firmness had not overcome the suggestions of an opposition, which would have persuaded you to violate the law under the specious pretence of executing the spirit by disobeying the letter of the orders of the Governor-General in Council. This opposition I am resolved to crush ; I pos- sess sufficient powers to do so ; and 1 will exert those powers to the extreme point of their extent, rather than suffer the smallest particle of my plans for the public service to be frus- trated by such unworthy means. With this view, my earnest request to you is, that you will communicate to me without delay the names of those who have arrogated to themselves the power of governing the empire committed to my charge : the ignorance and weakness of this self-created government have already appeared to you from the papers which I transmitted to you on the 18th July. In addition to that information, I have now the satisfaction to tell you, that the Nizam has agreed unequivocally to cooperate with us in the event of a war with Tippoo, and has also cordially united in all the measures which I have proposed for the relief of the Peishwa. In the meanwhile a revolt in the army of Scindiah has so reduced his power, that there remains no doubt of the complete resto- ration of the Peishwa, and consequently of the immediate revival of our defensive alliances against Tippoo in (at least) which I deem most proper for the speedy and etfectual accomplishment of tlie part with which we are charged. I am aware that difficulties of great magnitude oppose the arraiigement I shall propose, but feeling that tlicy ought to yield to the more imme- diate object in view, it would be superfluous to dwell upon them, and cul- pable to shrink from the responsibility which may attach to us in meeting them. The public and private promise of a supply from Bengal in specie lessens my apprehensions on this account; and as I have again, in the most urgent terms, pressed the immediate necessity of its performance, I am confident that his Lordship in Council will be as forward to alford etfectual relief to our particular difficulties, as we may be to manifest a cordial coojjcration in his plans for the general safety. (lEo. Harris. 1798. COLONEL WILLIAM PALMER. 219 their original vigour. The dismission of the French corps at Hyderabad will take place immediately after the arrival of our increased subsidiary force. I leave it to you to judge whether this state of the Courts of Poonah and Hyderabad, cemented by my authority and power, is more likely to tempt Tippoo to move into the Carnatic, or to turn his eyes seri- ously to the danger of his own dominions. It is extremely necessary that you should not divulge this information, until I am enabled to transmit you a more exact state of our nego- ciations, which I will not fail to do by the first favourable op- portunity. The Virginia will sail to-morrow or the next day with about 13 or 14 lacs of rupees. The marine battalion will embark in a day or two. You may rely on my employing every exertion to send you a further supply of treasure and of men, if the latter should become necessary. I am not aware of having omitted any point of importance on which you appear to desire my opinion, excepting that part of your letter which relates to the necessity of the Com- mander-in-Chief and myself visiting Fort St. George in the event of a war ; the Commander-in-Chief long ago expressed to me his intention to take the command on the coast in that event ; and I shall not hesitate one moment (if necessity should require such a step) in carrying to the coast such power as shall soon repress the faction, which I perceive is already formed for the purpose of embarrassing my Govern- ment. Indeed I will not wait the moment of war (which I trust is distant), if the spirit which has arisen at Madras should appear to gain strength ; the activity of that spirit will very soon bring me to Fort St. George. I am, &C. MORNINGTON. No. LII. TTie Earl of Morning (on to Colonel fFilliani Palmer. SlR^ August I9tli 1/98. Your letter No. 31, dated the 26th July, reached me yesterday. The present situation of Scindiah, will probably dispose him to consider our interposition rather in the hght of a friendly and seasonable assistance, than in that of an authoritative act of compulsion. 220 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Augllst, Under such circumstances, which I am persuaded you will improve to the utmost possible degree of advantage, I think it might be practicable to enter into details with respect to the precautions, which become every day more necessary for the defence of Scindiah's dominions, against the threatened invasion of Zemaun Shah. You are aware, that the injustice and violence of Scindiah have disgusted the Rajahs of Jyna- gur and Joodipour, and other Chiefs of the Rajahpoot tribe, who would form most useful allies to Scindiah and to the Company, in the event of the Shah's approach. I wish you to endeavour to convince Scindiah of his deep interest in making such early concessions to the Rajahpoots, as may conciliate them towards him ; at present I am afraid that his outrages have thrown them into the scale of their natural enemy Zemaun Shah, and have entirely separated them from the Mahratta interest, to which they are attached by every natural tie. I enclose a paper of intelligence respecting Ze- maun Shah, which appears more authentic than any which has hitherto reached me. By a copy which I have received of the Persian paper, delivered by Captain Kirkpatrick to Azim ul Omra, I find that Captain Kirkpatrick has departed very widely both from the spirit and letter of my instructions to him. Not having yet received from him any explanation of the motives of his conduct, I cannot yet form my judgment upon it ; but it is necessary that you should take the earliest precautions against the effect to be apprehended from two passages in the Persian paper, to which I have adverted. The first relates to Tippoo Sultaun, with whom it would be supposed from the tenor of that paper, that war was in my opinion become not only inevitable, but desirable. The pri- mary object of all my present measures is to prevent war, by convincing Tippoo on the one hand, that we are perfectly prepared to meet him in the field, and on the other, that we are equally ready to accept of a just and moderate satisfac- tion for his late infraction of treaty. The second passage in Captain Kirkpatrick's paper, from which I apprehend mischief, is that, which states in such strong terms, my determination to use compulsory measures against Scindiah ; my instructions on this head appear to me to be sufficiently intelligible. My wish and expectation al- ways has been, tluit measures of conciliation might effect all 1798. OAPTAIN KIRKPATRTCK. 221 that I require from Scindiah, with considerable advantage to his own genuine interests ; and I have authorized you to re- sort to compulsion in the last, and I trust improbable, extre- mity. You will bear these observations in your mind, in whatever conversations or papers shall pass during the course of this negociation. I have the honour to be, &c. MOKNINGTON. P.S. I have just now received Captain Kirkpatrick's ac- count of his motives for varying and extending my proposi- tions. He has judged rightly in extending the exclusion of the French to all Europeans excepting the British. You will advert to this circumstance with reference to the state of Poonah. No. LIII. (By Express.) The Earl of Mornlngton to Captain Kirkpntrick. Sir, Fort William, 20th Aiii,Mist, 1798. I have received your letters of the olst July, and 2nd of August. I shall forward to you by the next post, a public letter con- taining my observations on their contents. But I cannot delay the communication of my anxiety on some points, con- tained in the Persian paper, delivered by you to Azim ul Omra. From the tenor of that paper, it would be supposed, that war with Tippoo was in my opinion, become not only inevita- ble but desiral)le. The primary object of all my present measures is to pre- vent war, by convincing Tippoo, on the one hand, that we are perfectly prepared to meet him in the field ; and on the other, that we are equally ready to accept of a just and mo- derate satisfaction for his late infraction of treaty. The manner in which that paper states my determination to use compulsory measures against Scindiah, is very different from the spirit of my instructions to Colonel Palmer. My wish and expectation always has been, that measures of con- ciliation might effect all that I require from Scindiah, with 222 LORD CLIVE TO AuffUSt, considerable advantncpo to his own ijennine interests: and I have authorized Colonel Palmer to resort to conipidsion in the last, and I trust improbable, extremity. But from your Persian paper it would be inferred, that I expected a contest with Scindiah, and that I was not desirous of conciliating that Chief. You will bear these observations in mind, and you will en- deavour to remove impressions from which I a})prehend the most serious mischief. Without at present adverting to the propriety of your hav- ing made any alteration in the propositions, wliich I directed you to make to Azini ul Omra, I shall confine myself to ap- prizing you, that I do not feel any material objection to any alterations which you have made in the substance of those propositions, exce})ting that which respects the permanency of the new subsidiary engagements. Such a proposition ap- pears to me likely to create jealousy in the mind of the Nizam, without securing any possible advantage to us. You will therefore withdraw it, if it should have occasioned any objection. I do not yet think it prudent to disclose the nature of the demand of satisfaction, which I have it in contemplation to make from Tippoo ; and I am therefore anxious, that you should take an early occasion of removing any impression, which may have been made by your suggestions on that subject. You will not delay your application for the force from Fort St. George, in consequence of any difficulty which may have arisen, respecting the security for the pay of the new subsi- diary force ; the great object is to effect the dismission of the French force as speedily as possible. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. No. LIV. Lord dive to the Earl of Mormngton. My Lord, Fort St. George, 22 August, 1798. Having barely had time, under the circumstances of my recent arrival, to read your Lordsliip's confidential letters of 1798. TIIF EARL OF MORNINGTON. Qt>^ the IGth ultimo, to General Harris, and of 2f)th* to myself I shall not now presume to enter upon the very important * The following is an extract from the letter referred to : — The Earl of Morninffton to Lord Clive. (Most private and confidential.) My Lord, Fort William, July 29th, 1/98. Although I have not the honour of your Lordship's personal ac(iuaint- ance, I trust that my public situation and my anxiety to discliarirc its duties in a satisfactory manner will be a sufficient apology for the liberty which I take in troubling you with this letter. I learnt the intelligence of your Lordship's appointment to the Govern- ment of Fort St. George with very great pleasure, being convinced that the atFairs of that Presidency require the vigorous control of a person of your Lordship's rank and character, and that you will have it in vour power (as I am persuaded it is your inclination) to render essential ser- vice to the interests of the Company, and to confer considerable benefits upon the people committed to your peculiar charge. For the system of measures which I think it advisable to adopt in the present crisis with regard to the defence of the Carnatic, and to the re- storation of our alliances, I refer your Lordship to my private correspond- ence with General Harris, and to the papers accompanying my last letter to him. Having frequently considered the state of the Presidency of Fort St. George previously to my departure from Europe, and having had the op- portunity of correcting, by personal observation, the opinions which I had formed at home, I think it my duty to lay before your Lordship, without reserve, the final result of my deliberate judgment upon a subject equally interesting to yourself and to me. In pursuing the various topics connected with this subject, I shall communicate my ideas to your Lord- ship with the same degree of confidential freedom which I should use to my most intimate friend ; being satisfied that your Lordship will not suffer communications of so secret a nature to pass beyond your own mind ; and being assured that you will receive them as the most une(jui- vocal testimony of my cordial zeal for the prosperity of your administra- tion, and of my disposition to afford you every assistance towards the maintenance of the dignity, authority, and vigour of your Government. The Civil service of the Presidency of Fort St. George is unfortunatelv in a condition very far removed from perfection, and inferior in every re- spect to that of Bengal. The deficiency of most of the Civil servants at Madras, in the depart- ments of revenue, is to be ascribed in a great measure to the system so long prevalent of administering the revenues through provincial Cliiefs and Councils, whose policy it was to confine the means of acquiring a knowledge of the nature of the collections within the most narrow chan- nels, and who were themselves almost universally under the dominion of the Native agents and servants. The whole administration of the Revenue 25 1 LORD CLIVE TO AllgUSt, topics they contain, but content myself for the present, with expressing the grateful sense I entertain of the friendly and was a scheme of mystery, calculated to embarrass inquiry, and to skreen peculation from justice. The provision of the commerciiil investment upon the coast of Coro- mandel has also been manatred almost exclusively by Native agents and contractors ; and while their manai^ement shall continue, it cannot be expected that the servants of the Company will become conversant with the details of the several manufactures, or with the minute circumstances which atfect the quality of the difl'erent fal)rics. This defective mode of administering the revenue and commerce of the Company on the coast rendered the study of tne languages, customs and laws of the country a superfluous, if not an useless, labour ; since a servant of the Company might reach the most arduous trusts, and might discharge them with as much credit as his predecessors had ever enjoyed, without tlie previous application necessary for acquiring any of those branches of knowledge. On the other hand, the ignorance of the Company's civil servants neces- sarily threw them into the hands of the native Dubashes, whose destruc- tive influence soon produced eml)arrassments, which led to the sacrifice of public trust and duty, and ultimately to the utter subversion of every principle of integrity and honour. To these causes must be added the continual operation of the intrigues of the Durbars of the Nabob of Arcot and of the Rajah of Tanjore. The junior servants I trust, under your Lordship's superintendence, may be encouraged in the study of the native languages ; a knowledge of which is indispensably necessary to enable them to discharge any important public trust with advantage to their employers, or with honour to themselves. With this view, I most earnestly recommend it to your Lordship to direct your most vigilant attention to the conduct of the junior writers from the earliest period of their arrival at Madras. Too many of them fall into early habits of ex- travagance, in which they are encouraged by the native Dubashes ; and I declare to your Lordship my deliberate conviction, that this evil cannot be remedied in any otlier manner tiian by the personal exertions of the Governor himself. Lord Corn wallis watched over the conduct and morals of the junior servants of the Company in Bengal with the anxiety and solicitude of a parent ; and the beneficial effects of his laudable care are now visible in in every department of this Government. To a person of your Lordship's disposition, this duty will not be irksome. Various opinions have been stated to me with respect to the salary of the writers ; some persons seem to think its present amount sufficient, and that any increase would lead to extravagance ; while others are of opinion, that it does not afford the means of maintaining the writers in a situation of competent affluence. I confess that I was not al)lc, during my continuance at Madras, to form a decided opinion upon this important question. I therefore refer it to your Lordship's judgment, being persuaded that you will concur with me in feeling that ilic source of many of the defects in (he civil service at 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 225 unreserved manner, in which you have done me the honour to open your correspondence ; and with assuring your Lord- Madras is to be discovered in the original condition of the writers sent out from Europe, and that from the same source must be derived any permanent system of improvement. I should have observed to your Lordship, that I believe a proper public buildino- for the reception of the writers upon their first arrival at Madras, would be a very desirable object ; the buildings at present used for that purpose are extremely contracted, and, as I was informed, absolutely un- inhabitable by any but those of the most vigorous c onstitution. I would also suggest to your Lordship's consideration, whether it might not be proper to increase the salaries of the present offices of Mahratta and Persian Translator, and to found offices of a similar description for the translation of the various languages, in which the public business is trans- acted in different parts of the country subject to your Presidency. A measure of this nature would operate as a great encouragement to the study of the native languages upon the coast. Your Lordship will per- ceive by the directions which I shall speedily forward to you in Council, that it is my wish to introduce, in all those countries subject to your Go- vernment, which are now in a state to receive such an improvement, that system of permanent settlement of revenue, connected with a speedy and regular administration of justice, from which such essential benefits have been derived in Bengal. I conversed very fully with all the Members of the Board of Revenue at Fort St. George on this most interesting subject, in which the prosperity and happiness of the whole people committed to your particular charge is deeply concerned ; and I was convinced by the information I received from those respectable Gentlemen, that the sys- tem, to which I have adverted, might immediately be introduced into al- most every part of your Lordship's Government with infinite advantage, not only to the Native inhabitants, but to the civil service of the (U)m- pany. I am aware that, at the first institution of the courts of justice, it may be very difficult, in the present state of the civil service of Foit St. George, to find a sufficient number of persons properly qualified hr the several judicial offices ; but, on the other hand, the institution of such offices will open new channels for the ambition, industry and talents ui your civil servants. The study of the manners, languages, customs, and laws of the natives will then become general, and the beneficial etlects of such an additional incitement to the activity of your servants will soon lie widely extended, and will gradually produce a supply of persons c:,e(l eNtalilislimeiil <'t VOL. 1. i) 22G LORD CLIVE, TO AugUSt, ship tlirit I ;un entering upon the important duties of my sta- tion, witli a mind fully impressed of the great advantage the courts of justice will not ultimately prove any additional burthen upon your finances. With respect to the military establishments at Fort St. George, I have the satiscfation to declare to your Lordship, that I do not believe there exists in any part of the world an army more distinguished for its high state of discipline, or for the activity, gallantry, and skill of its officers, than that which will be under your immediate direction. In the ranks of Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel, and those still inferior, you will find many excellent officers. The defects in your military establishments, which impede the power of putting any considerable portion of your array in motion at a short notice, are considered in my letter to your Presidency of the 20th July, and in my minute, recorded in the Secret Department at Fort William, of the same date, of which I will soon transmit a copy to your Lordship. I most earnestly entreat your early and serious attention to the very alarming considerations which arise from the view which I have taken of this important subject. Your Lordship will receive a more full detail of my sentiments on this head from (Jeneral Harris, who will communicate to you all my private correspondence relating to it. I must also take the liberty of requesting that you will allow my brother. Colonel Wellesley, (whose regiment is now under orders for Fort St. George,) to have the honour of stating to your Lordship at large my opinions with respect to the defence of the Caruatic. Your Lordship will have learnt previously to your departure from Eu- rope, that I was charged by the Court of Directors to attempt, by means of persuasion and advice, to induce his Highness the Nabob of the Car- natic to agree to the same modification of the treaty of 1792, which had been proposed to him by Lord Hobart. General Harris, and Mr. Lush- ington, who acted as my interpreter, will state to your Lordship the means which I employed to endeavour to accomplish the object of my commis- sion ; in which I entirely failed : I was equally unsuccessful in my en- deavours to prevail upon his Highness to make provision for the liquida- tion of any part of his debt to the Company ; I am persuaded that it will ever be wholly impracticable to induce iiis Highness the Nabob (by means of conciliation) to surrender the management of any part of his country into the hands of the Company ; aiul I am satisfied that an?/ other means would be as foreign to your Lordship's disposition as they are to mine. INIy fixed rule during my continuance at Madras was, to treat the Nabob with the respect due to his rank, with the kindness due to the ancient friendship between his family and the Company, and with the delicacy demanded Ijy his dependent situation. At the same time I avoided all familiarily with hiui ; and 1 animadverted very fully upon the defects of his administralion, and upon the extreme impropriety of his late conduct with relation to the interests of the Company. I never allowed him to utter any invective against Lord Hobart, notwithstanding his various at- 1798. THE EAUI, OF MORNINGTON. 227 which must result from mutual confidence and co-operation, and with the intention of shewing the highest deference, and tempts, both in public and private, to induce me to listen to a vein of abuse, in which his Highness is too apt to indulge himself on that sub- ject. You will find his Highness's disposition to be very far from amiable or respectable ; he is insincere, mean, and timid ; he is however said to be humane in his temper ; although Lord Hobart has recorded instances, which impute to him the guilt of very great cruelty. He is by no means deficient in his understanding ; I have met with few men who possess more address; his abilities however were always exhibited to me in the form of low cunning, artifice, and subterfuge. You will find a most viru- lent party formed against his Highness amongst a certain description of the Company's servants, civil and military, at Madras. The persons con- cerned in this party preserve no bounds of moderation or of decency in their public language concerning his Highness's conduct and character ; and if their opinion were suffered to guide the councils of the Govern- ment of Fort St. George, there is no degree of public humiliation or dis- grace to which his Highness would not be subjected, and scarcely an ex- cess of compulsion and violence, which would not be attempted, to extort the surrender of his country from him. I must here take the occasion of assuring your Lordship, that the character of those measures is wholly inconsistent with the acknowledged temper and disposition of Lord Ho- bart, whom I have known with the utmost degree of intimacy for many years. I shall forward to your Lordship shortly copies of the papers which passed between me and the Nabob, together with my observations upon them. In the meanwhile, I offer it as my sincere advice to your Lordship, not to attempt any immediate negociation with his Highness for the surrender of his country ; I found his mind in a state of great irritation and alarm ; and although I flatter myself that those emotions were in some degree abated by my intercourse with him, I can hardly ex- pect that he is yet inclined to give favourable attention to any proposition for a modification of the treaty of 1792. For my own part, notwithstand- ing the anxiety of the Court of Directors upon the subject, I entertain very serious doubts whether the Company would gain considerably by the surrender of the mortgaged districts. This however is a point, upon which I have not yet formed a decided opinion. I must therefore entreat your Lordship to turn your attention to it ; and as I am persuaded that you will consider the question without passion or prejudice, and that no virulence of party will be suffered to warp your judgment, I expect to derive considerable advantage from receiving the honour of your opinion. With regard to the Nabob's debt to the Company, I think the present moment of general voluntary contribution might otter a favourable oppor- tunity for persuading his Highness to pay the whole or part of the new cavalry loan ; and I shall speedily forward to your Lordship a letter for his Highness, suggesting the propriety of so seasonable a step in the pre- sent moment. I should here observe, that his Highness expressed great anxiety to be 228 LORD CLIVF,, TO AugllSt, giviiiiT the most cordial support to the measures of the supreme Government. With great consideration and esteem, My Lord, &c. Clive. allowed to correspond privately with me, but I declined the proposition ; and your Lordship may be assured, that I will admit of no other mode of communication between his Highness and me than the regular channel of your Government. It is very necessary that we should be prepared to decide the eventual question of the succession to the Nabobship in the probable event of his Highness's early death. Your Lordship will have the goodness to ascer- tain, with as much accuracy as possible, the respective pretensions of those who might lay claim to the Musnud in such an event. Upon such information as I shall receive from you, we may be enabled to anticipate the mischiefs of a disputed succession, and to avoid the disgrace of adopt- ing a premature decision, which we might afterwards l)e compelled to re- voke. General Harris will have communicated to you the directions of this Government with respect to the succession to the Musnud of Tanjore ; and you will have learnt the manner in which those directions have been executed. I shall be extremely anxious to receive the report of the com- mission, which is to be appointed for enquiring into the real state of Tan- jore. Untill that report shall be received, it will be impossible to form a permanent system for the improvement of the interests of the Rajah or of the Company in that fertile, but harrassed countr}^ I think it necessary however to apprize your Lordship, that such information, as I have al- ready been enabled to obtain upon this subject, leads me to hope that the most advantageous arranaement for the interests of the Company will prove to be that, which would evidently most redound to their honour, and would place the character of their justice on the most substantial foundations. Your Lordship will have anticipated my idea, that the re- storation of the irhole country to Serfogee under an improved system of management, checked by the superintendence of the Government of Fort St. George, would produce the most beneficial permanent consequences to both parties. It was witli this express view that I suggested the policy of endeavouring to persuade Serfogee to make a temporary cession of his Kingdom to our management ; in order that we might provide for him (during our temporary possession,) not only such a permanent system of administration, as should enable him hereafter to govern his people with justice and mildness, but also such funds, as should admit of his making the necessary advances for the cultivation of the country, and of his se- curing the regular discharge of his subsidy to the Company. I now j)roceed to that part of my communication with your Lordship, which, altliougli the most delicate and invidious, is perhaps tlic most ur- gently demanded by my pul)lic duty, and by the real interest whidi I take ill the hiKccss of your Lonlslii|)'s administration. With these >ciilimeiiis, I shall deliver my unreserved opinion of the 1798. THE KARL OF MORNINOTON. 2'29 c'luinictcrs of such persons us I had an opportunity of knowiuf; at INladras; and I must observe that, althou^h my continuance at Madras was but short, I had very frequent (){)j)ortunlties of seeintjall the persons of wliom I shall speak to your Lordship. Mr. Wel)be, the Secretary of the Government, appeared to me to be a man of talents and knowledge ; his integrity I believe to be unblemished. Your Lordship will find all the Members of the Board of Revenue worthy of confidence ; Mr. Cockburn however deserves particular notice; he bears the highest reputation for integrity, talents, and knowledge of tlie business of the country ; and I found him fully answeral)le to his ge- neral character. I have very seldom met with a more valuable man in any part of the world ; and I take the liberty of recommending him most ear- nestly to your liordship's attention, as a person upon whom you may rely for the most accurate information, and for the soundest and most honest opinions, entirely exempt from any taint of passion, prejudice, or self- interest. Mr. White is a very deserving and useful man ; I understand that he is not likely to remain at Madras beyond the present season. Mr. Harrington is a gentleman of the highest character for integrity and diligence. Your Lordship will find him a very valuable public ser- vant. His brother is the ablest officer in the Court of Sudder Dewannee Adaulut in Bengal, and a person who possesses just pretensions to an eminent station in the Judicial Department at this Presidency. Mr. Lushington, Secretary to the Board of Revenue, and Private Secretary to General Harris, although a very young man, ought to be particularly mentioned to your Lordship, as possessing very considerable talents and knowledge, united with an uncommon degree of discretion and prudence, and with a peculiar propriety of manners. He has paid great attention to the study of the Persian language, in which he is a considerable profi- cient. He is without exception the most promising young man I saw at Madras, and as far as I could judge from continual intercourse with him during my stay there, I believe him to possess the soundest principles of integrity and honour. Mr. Nathaniel Kindersley's character for integrity, ability, and general knovvledge, is universally established. He appeared to me to stand next to Mr. Cockburn in point of consideration at Fort St. George. He has however lately adopted the business of agency and private trade, and therefore has relinquished to a certain degree the service of the Comjjany, and has relaxed that minute attention to the details of business, which you will find to be the peculiar characteristic cf Mr. ('ockburn. Colonel Close, the Adjutant-General, is a very able and intelligent man, and is perfectly conversant with the Persian language. He is reputed to be of a vehement and ardent temper, and inclineth, may be complied with. We ai'e perfectly sensible of the long and gallant services of the 36th regiment, but adverting to the period of the arrival in India of the lf2th and the 33d regiments, and to the services on which they have been repeatedly employed in various parts of the world, with credit to themselves and benefit to their country, we are of opinion that those corps cannot justly be considered as new levies unused to the cli- mate of India. In order, however, to afford you every practicable degree of assistance in the present moment, we authorize you to de- tain his Majesty's 29th regiment of dragoons on its arrival at Fort St. George, if you should deem its services absolutely necessary. This regiment may be employed on garrison duty, and will enable you to add the greater part of the European regiment now in garrison to your force in the field. We have the honour to be, &c. [The letter of the 10th August, with the Enclosures referred to, is as follows : — 240 THE GOV.-GENF.RAL IN COUNCIL, TO AugUSt, No. LVII. From the Governor-General in Council to the Hon. Lient.-Gcnerid Harris, Governor in Counvil, Fort St. George. Hon. Sir, Fort William, 10th Au,i,nist, 1798. We have had the honor to receive your letter of the 10th July, in answer to ours of the 20th June.* We approve the assurances which you have expressed of your disposition to cooperate cordially with us in such mea- sures as we may judge expedient for frustrating the designs of the enemy, and we have no douht that you will discharge, * The following is the letter of the 20th June : — From tlie Governor General in Council to the Hon. Lieut -General Harris, Governor in Council of Fort St. George. Hex. Sir, Fort William, June 20, 1798, The Governor General having communicated to us an authenticated copy of a proclamation, published by the (iovernor of ]Mauritius during the residence of two Ambassadors from Tippoo Sultaun at that island, we now transmit you a copy of the same. From this proclamation, combined with every circumstance attending its publication, it appears that Tippoo Sultaun has not only (tpcnly avowed a design of commencing offensive war against the British possessions in India, but has actually taken the preliminary steps for putting that design into execution. The Governor General in Council is at present occupied in deliberating upon the general system of measures which it may be advisal>le to adopt for the purpose of frustrating tlie united efforts of Tippoo and of France, the result will l)e communicated to you by the earliest opportunity. In tlie meanwhile, however, it is a recjuisite precaution to make sucli seasonable iirejjarations as may enable us to act with clfect under any circumstances which may arise. We therefore direct that the army under the orders of your Govern- ment be assembled with the utmost degree of expedition, at such station as vou shall judge most eligible for the purpose of proceeding directly to Seringapatam, if such a measure should hereafter be deemed necessary. You will be careful not to disclose the object of the preparations which we have hereby directed you to make, until you shall receive further in- structions from us. It is our intention to forward a supply in specie to Fort St. (ifeorge by His Majesty's ship. La f'irginie, as soon as that ship shall be ready to sail. We have the honour to be, 8ic. MoUNINfiTON. A. ClAIIKR. p. Si'EKK. W. CoWI'KU. 1798. GENERAL HARRIS. 241 with alacrity and zeal, this indispensable part of your public duty. In our letter of the 20th July,* we have adverted to those causes which impede the movement of your army in a con- * The following is the Minute and Letter of the 20th July, 1798 : Minute of the Earl of Mornington. Fort William, July 20. 1/98. When the proclamation published by the Governor of Mauritius made its first appearance in Bengal, I thought it my duty to apprize the Go- vernor of Fort St. George, that if that extraordinary publication should prove authentic, it must lead to discussions of a serious nature between this Government, and Tippoo Sultaun ; and I suggested the necessity of taking the earliest preparatory steps towards the assembly of the army upon the coast. When the authenticity of the proclamation became established, I thought it my duty not only to direct the assembly of the army, but to ascertain how soon that force might be enabled to move, either for the purposes of offence or defence. With this view, I transmitted several questions to the Governor of Fort St. George, upon which I desired to obtain his opinion, as well as that of the principal military authorities upon the coast, and I requested that an officer of experience and ability, might be despatched to this Presi- dency with the answers to my several questions, and with such further information, as might tend to throw light upon the subject. The Governor of Fort St. George, without delay, returned the answer to my questions by the Bombay frigate, and an officer was directed to ac- company the despatch, but he was prevented by an accident, from em- barking on that ship. The substance of the communications received from the Governor of Fort St. George, is of a nature so important, and alarming, that I have felt it my indispensable duty to lay it immediately before the board. From these communications, it appears to be the opinion of the Adju- tant General, Lieutenant Colonel Close, that the force which could be assembled immediately upon the coast, could not be equal to more than defensive operations, and that the cattle necessary to enable that force to move, even for purposes of defence, could not be collected before the commencement of the ensuing year. The opinions of the Governor of Fort St. George, and of other respect- able authorities at that Presidency, differ materially from that of Colonel Close, in stating, that sufficient cattle miglit be procured to enable the army to move for defensive purposes, within three months. Thus it appears, that the shortest period of time within which the army on the coast can be put in motion, even for purposes of defence, is three months, according to some respectable authorities, and six months accord- ing to that of the Adjutant General; whose official situation, must render him peculiarly competent to form a judgment on the question. VOL. I. R i^42 THE GOV.-GENERAL IN COUNCIL, TO AugUSt, juncture, when, according to your information, a great part of tlie army of Tippoo Sultaun has long been in a state of equipment for the field. We expect to receive from you, with It is impossible for any human foresight to ascertain the precise time, when an attack from Tippoo may be expected. But it is a matter of public notoriety, that he will attack the Carnatic, whenever circumstances shall appear to favour his design. If in consequence of his alliance with the French, he had received the aid of one or two regiments, either from the Mauritius, or from France, there is ever\' reason to suppose, that he would immediately have attempt- ed an irruption into the Carnatic, with the whole strength of his regular cavalry, which although diminished, is still considerable. To this force would probably have been added numerous bodies of irre- gular troops. The peculiar character of this force has always been the rapidity of its movements ; and it is well known that a large portion of Tippoo's army, is constantly maintained in a state of preparation for the field. To counteract such an enemy, and to avert the devastation which must attend the first inroad of his army, our protecting force should be so con- stituted, as to be capable of meeting his attack by movements equally rapid. The present constitution of our force upon the coast, does not appear to be founded on this principle. Tippoo's preparations are believed to be such as to enable him to move at any time with facility and celerity, even for the pui-poses of offence, while the condition of our protecting force, will not admit of its moving even for purposes of defence, within a shorter period of time than three, or according to the Adjutant General, than six months. Our army upon the coast under such circumstances, must be deemed, notwithstanding its high state of discipline, and the acknowledged gal- lantry, activity and skill of its officers, nearly disqualified for the primary object of its institution — " The defence of the Carnatic, against a sudden invasion." It is now evident, that if Tippoo had succeeded in obtaining the object of his late Embassy to the Isle of France, no obstacle could have been op|)osed to his j)rogress in the Carnatic for many months. My enquiries have naturally been directed to ascertain the causes which occasion so alarming a ditlercnLC between the state of our army upon the coast, and of tliat of Tipj)oo ; with relation to their respective powers of moving at a short notice. The result of the consideration wliich I have given to this subject, leads me to believe that the radical defects in the constitution of the army on the coast, which must always retard its equipment for tlie field, are these ; the want of a permanent establish- ment of draft 1)ulIocks ; the want of a regular system for the si)eedy col- lection of carriage bullocks from the country, tlie want of estabiished stores of grain, and of other supplies necessary for the provision of an army in the fiehl; the want of proper reirulations for providing oatnp 1798. GENERAL HARRIS. 243 as much despatch as the nature of tlie subject will admit, such further advices as may enable us, in concert with you, to frame a permanent system for the correction of those defects equipage ; and lastly, the want of a regularly established train of artil- lery, with all its proper equipments. The motives which prevented Government from providing the army upon the coast, with the several establishments in which it is now defi- cient, have certainly proceeded from an anxiety to limit the military charges of the Presidency of Fort St. George. It cannot be denied that any effectual improvement of these deficient establishments, would necessarily be attended with a very heavy expence. But it is equally certain, that until that expence be incurred, the army on the coast never can possess the power of making a forward movement at it short notice ; under these circumstances, it is a most improvident sys- tem of economy, to submit to the expence of maintaining so large an army, while we withhold the necessary means of putting a proportion of it in motion upon any sudden emergency. The policy has been cjuite different in Bengal, where the part of the force destined for the immediate protection of the country, is always con- sidered as actually in the field, and is equipped for undertaking at the shortest warning any operations either offensive, or defensive ; yet Ben- gal is undoubtedly the part of our possessions in India, the least exposed to any sudden attack. The nature of our establishment in India, and the rapid changes which arise in the political situations of the Native Powers, have been generally acknowledged to require that we should constantly be in a state of pre- paration for war ; this acknowledged principle has evidently formed the basis of the whole system of our military establishments in India, which it has been our fixed policy to maintain upon a scale in point of numbers, greatly exceeding a peace establishment. The same principle necessarily demands that a large proportion of our army should be always in readiness for active service ; but that principle applies with peculiar force to our army upon the coast, which is destined to oppose the attacks of our most active and implacable (if not our only) enemy, amongst the native powers of India. These considerations have determined me to encounter the expense which must be incurred in providing a lasting security against the future return of that danger to which the Carnatic is now, and for some time past has been, exposed. The measures which are now taking for the assembling of the army will contribute to lay the foundation of a permanent system for the cor- rection of the defects in the several departments of the military establish- ments upon the coast. Although my opinion is already in a great measure formed with respect to the nature of the obstacles which impede the movement of the army upon the coast, I do not think it advisable to propose any detailed plan t, 244 THE GOV. -GENERAL IN COUNCIL, TO AugUS in your military establishments which induce you to appre- hend that an attack from Tippoo Sultaun may be expected before you can be in a condition to meet him, even for the purpose of defending the Carnatic. upon that subject untill I shall have received the formal opinion of the Government of Fort St. Georj^e. I therefore propose that the President in Council at Fort St. George be directed to prepare and transmit to me in Council, with all practicable despatch, a plan for enabling a large proportion of the army on the coast to be in constant readiness to move against an enemy on a sudden emer- gency. That he be further directed to frame that plan mth a view to every de- gree of economy which shall appear to him consistent with the attainment of the principal objects in contemplation. In communicating the details of this plan, the Governor of Fort St. George will necessarily enumerate the circumstances which now impede the movement of the army on the coast. I also propose that the President in Council of Fort St. George be di- rected to report the actual state of the frontier garrisons and fortresses of the Carnatic, and what improvements or repairs may be necessary to place them in a respectable posture of defence ; and lastly, I propose that the President in Council of Fort St. George be directed to report the pre- sent condition of the stores, and magazines of grain, and other provisions, as well as of the field and battering train of artillery upon the coast. MORNINGTON. TTie Governor General in Council to Lieutenant General Harris. Hon. Sir, Fort William, 20th July, 1/98. The Right Honourable the Governor General in Council having brought under our consideration the defective state of certain branches of your military establishments, and the consequent necessity of correcting those defects, by the adoption of sucii ])ermanent arrangements as will at all times afford you the means of putting your anuy in motion at a short no- tice, we re<[uest that you will prci)are and transmit to us, with all practi- cable despatch, a plan for enabling a large portion of the army on the coast to be in constant readiness to move against an enemy on a sudden emergency, and that you will frame that plan with a view to every degree of economy which shall appear to you to be consistent with the attain- ment of the principal object in contemplation. In communicating the details of this plan you will of course enumerate the circumstances which now impede the movement of your army. We have also to rc(|uest that you will report to us the actual state of the frontier garrisons anil fortresses of the ('arnatic, together with such ,1798. GENERAL HARRIS. 245 You have fuiLher considered it to lie your duty to suggest the ideas to which the immediate execution of our orders has given rise in your minds. The course of those ideas has led you to suggest to us the prudence of remaining unarmed, lest any attempt to counter- act the avowed hostility and acknowledged preparations of Tippoo Sultaun shovdd draw down his immediate resentment upon our unprotected possessions. With these views, you have urged a variety of arguments against the policy of those measures of precaution and de- fence which we have ordered you to pursue for the purpose of enabling your army to meet Tippoo Sultaun in the field, and to act with effect vmder any circumstances which may arise. If we thought it proper to enter with you into any discus- sion of the policy of our late orders, we might refer you to the records of your own Government, which furnish more than one example of the fatal consequences of neglecting to keep pace with the forwardness of the enemy's equipments, and of resting the defence of the Carnatic, in such a crisis as the present, on any other security than a state of early and active preparation for war. But being resolved to exclude all such discussions from the correspondence of the two Governments, we shall only repeat our confidence in your zealous and speedy execution of those parts of the public service which fall within the di- rect line of your peculiar duty. The assembling the army upon the coast is a measure in- dispensably requisite with a view to any system of seasonable precaution against the declared projects of Tippoo Sultaun. Although we directed that the first station of the army should improvement and repairs as may be necessary to place them in a respect- able posture of defence. We further desire that this report may be accompanied by a statement of the present condition of the stores, and ma<^azines of grain, and other provisions, as well as of your field and battering trains of artillery. We have the honour to be, &c. moknington, Alukei) Clarke, Petkk Si'eke, William ('owi'er. 246 THE GOV.-GENERAL IN COUNCIL, TO Auglisf, be that which you might judge most ehgible for the purpose of proceeding directly to Seringapatam, if such a measure should hereafter be deemed necessary, it does not follow that our determination was to undertake the immediate siege of that city — such an operation, however, was necessarily to be considered among the earliest objects of any war with Mysore. In our letter of the 20th June, we enjoined you to conceal not the march or equipment, but the destination of your army; the sixth paragraph of that letter does not express any ex- pectation on our part, that the march or equipment of your army could be a matter of secrecy. We trust, however, that the object of your preparations has been concealed, being persuaded that you will have taken every proper precaution for preventing its disclosure. We now proceed to give you our instructions with regard to the equipment of a battering train sufficient for the siege of Seringapatam. We are of opinion that it would be advisable at all times to hold in readiness, at some advanced station near the fron- tier of the Carnatic, the ordnance, ammunition and stores, and all other necessary equipments (excepting the cattle) of a train of artillery sufficient for the above mentioned purpose ; and we are further convinced of the necessity of establishing some permanent system for collecting the supply of cattle requisite for putting such a train of artillery in motion at a short notice. At present we desire that all such preparations should be made at Fort St. George as may be necessary for placing the ordnance in the most perfect state of equipment ; timely mea- sures should also be taken for securing a supply of cattle sufficient for moving the battering train to Seringapatam, if such a movement should hereafter form a part of our plan of military operations. But we do not propose that the esta- blishment of cattle for that purpose should be inmiediately entertained. In our letter of the 20th June, we informed you of our in- tention to forward a supply of specie to Fort St. George by his Majesty's ship La Virginie, as soon as that ship should be ready to sail ; and the state of your finances has occupied a considerable portion of our deliberations since the arrival of the lliglit Honourable the Governor General, who directed our particular attention to that subject, ll was therefore with 1798. GENERAL HARRIS. 247 great concern and surprize that we found, in your letter of tlie lOtli July, your representations on the subject of your pecu- niary distresses expressed in a manner tending to convey an impression of our having overlooked your embarrassments. We are aware that in the event of war your supplies of trea- sure must be drawn from Bengal, and in that event you may rely on our omitting no effort to furnish you with the neces- sary means of supporting your increased charges. With respect to your representations regarding your want of troops, we have already informed you of our determination to send you immediately his Majesty's 33d regiment, as well as our marine battahon, if you should require it; and it is our intention also to assist you, if necessary, with an addi- tional reinforcement of native troops, as soon as the season will permit. When we shall have received a particular account of the expense of your present equipments, we shall provide for defraying it in such a manner as circumstances may appear to require. The La Virginie will probably sail in the course of ten days, and we expect to be able to embark on that ship, a sum not exceeding fifteen and not less than ten lacs of rupees. The season becoming daily more favourable for the passage to Madras, we trust that the unforeseen and unavoidable de- lay in the departure of that ship will not ultimately retard her arrival at Fort St. George. We avail ourselves of this opportunity to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1 6th ultimo, and shall take mea- sures for forwarding the supply of rum, rice, and gunnies, which you have desired, with as large a quantity of salt pro- visions as it may be possible to procure. We have the honour to be, Honourable Sir, Your most obedient, humble Servants, MORNINGTON, Alured Clarke, Peter Speke, William Cowper, 248 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO AugUSt, No. LVIII. The Earl of Morninglon to his Excellency Reur-Admiral Rainier. Sir, Fort William, August 29th, 1798. It affords me great satisfaction to learn that my endeavours to promote his Majesty's naval service have been acceptable to your Excellency, and I trust that I have been able to give material assistance to Captain Cooke in forwarding the re- pairs of La Syhille. I forward to your Excellency by this despatch the latest accounts which I have received from Europe ; and I wish to call your particular attention to the preparations making by the French in the Mediterranean for fitting out a considerable naval force with transports for the embarkation of troops. This force it was supposed would be ready for sea by the end of the month of April last. Various accounts are given of its destination ; the strange report of its being destined for the conquest of Egypt, and after the success of that wild adventure, for the more extravagant project of conveying aid by Suez to Tippoo Sultaun, will not produce much impres- sion upon a person of your Excellency's experience. But some of my letters state an opinion, to which I am much in- clined to give credit, that at least a part of this force is pro- bably destined for an expedition to India by the ordinary passage round the Cape of Good Hope. A variety of cir- cumstances combine to render it probable that the French may attempt to send a force to India for the joint objects of reducing the Mauritius, and of aiding Tippoo Sultaun. With these sentiments I take the liberty of requesting your Excel- lency to direct your most serious attention to the coast of IVIalabar, as soon as you shall deem it expedient to detach any part of your squadron to that quarter. It would give me great pleasure to assist your Excellency in inducing the subscribers to the voluntary contribution at this Presidency to appropriate their subscriptions to the dis- charge of the expenses of his Majesty's squadron on this station ; but I know that it is the general wish of the sub- scribers that their contributions should be sent directly to England ; and although I concur with your Excellency in thinking that the good of the public service would be equally 1798. ADMIRAL RAINIER. 249 promoted by ap])lying tlie money here to the purposes pro- posed by you ; I fear that any such proposition might be disagreeable to the subscribers, and might check the lauda- ble zeal which has manifested itself at this crisis. But your Excellency may be assured of my most cordial disposition to afford you at all times every aid which the finances of this Government can furnish towards meeting the expenses of the fleet. I expect every hour authentic information overland with regard to the preparations of the French. In the meanwhile I request your Excellency to take into consideration any mode which might be adopted by me for strengthening your force; and I shall be happy to be furnished with your in- structions on that subject as soon as possible, in order that I may be enabled to take early measures for arming vessels or providing stores according to any arrangement which you may think fit to suggest. I have the honour to be, &c. MoRNINGTON. p. S. If your Excellency should propose any mode of strengthening your force by aid from the Company's Govern- ments, I request you will have the goodness to communicate it to the Governments of Madras and Bombay, Avho will re- ceive my orders to attend to your Excellency's suggestions as far as relates to their separate Presidencies. No. LIX. The Earl of Mornington to Captain Kirhpatnch. Sir, Fort William, August 31st, 1798. The general tenour of the late advices from Europe con- vinces me that the rumours of the approach of peace which had reached me in the last month v/ere entirely void of foun- dation, but my recent intelligence leads me to apprehend that the attention of France is now earnestly directed towards India, and that at least a part of the armament fitted out in the Mediterranean may have been destined for an expedition to India, not as has been professed, through Egypt and the Red Sea, but by the ordinary passage round the Cape of Good Hope. With these opinions, I am extremely anxious 250 LORD CLIVE, TO Sept. for tlie immediate conclusion of my proposed engagements with the Nizam, and for the consequent dismission of M. Piron's corps and the arrest of the officers. If therefore any delays at Poonah should have prevented, until this time, the termination of the negociation entrusted to you, I desire you will endeavour to conclude it, with all practicable des- patch, under the limitations suggested in the 55th paragraph of my detailed instructions of the 8th July.* You will, ac- cording to the spirit of that paragraph, take care to stipulate that the Peishwa shall have an option of acceding hereafter to any engagements concluded with the Nizam. In the case which I have supposed, of the completion of the arrangements at Hyderabad being delayed by the Court of Poonah until this letter shall reach you, it will be neces- sary to agree to the proposal of INIeer Allum, for securing the interposition of the Company in all future differences be- tween the Courts of Poonah and Hyderabad, under the con- dition that the Nizam shall bind himself to fulfil all his en- gagements with the Peishwa, and to abide invariably by the award of the Company on every point of dispute which may hereafter arise between his Highness and the Government of Poonah. My letters from Bombay incline me to doubt whether that Government will be able immediately to furnish the number of troops requisite for the service of the Peishwa. Whenever therefore the Peishwa shall have acceded to my propositions, and whenever the disbanding of the French force at Hyder- abad shall have been accomplished, I desire that you will endeavour to prevail upon the Nizam to permit one of the British regiments to march directly to Poonah ; and I autho- rize you to direct the march of a regiment accordingly. The regiment sent to Poonah will be replaced as soon as possible. The Bombay frigate is to touch at Masulipatam, where she is to land our marine battalion, about the middle of Sep- tember; from thence she will proceed to Madras, and will return to Masulipatam about the end of September, where Captain Sutherland will be directed to remain until he shall receive your orders, or shall be driven away by the monsoon. My wish is, that all such French officers and privates as may • See p. 94, 1798. THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS. 251 be delivered up to yon at Hyderabad, sliall be end)arked on board the Bombay frigate for this Presidency, where tliey can be more securely guarded, and from whence they will find a readier passage to Europe than at Fort St. George. You will consign the French party to the charge of the com- manding officer at Masulipatam in the first instance, and you will take care to provide a sufficient escort for their safe con- duct to Masulipatam. You will direct Captain Sutherland to treat such French officers and privates as may be committed to his charge, with a due consideration of their respective ranks, and with all the attention and kindness consistent with the security of their persons ; and you will not fail to use all your influence at Hy- derabad, for the purpose of securing the property of such officers or privates as may be delivered to you from the rapa- city of the Ministers, and of preserving it for the use of the just proprietors. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. No. LX. Lord Clh'c to the Right. Hon. Henry Dundus. Dear Sir, Fort St. George, 8th September, 17.')B. My arrival here is too recent for me to hazard opinions upon the state of this country, but I think it my duty to bring before you a few facts which I judge of the utmost importance for you to have the earliest knowledge of the prospect of our being engaged in a war with the Sultaun. You have, no doubt, been apprized by Lord Mornington of the inadequacy of the means which the Carnatic possesses of carrying on an immediate war with effect ; it is necessary you should know, in its fullest extent, our main army consists of not more than 8,000 fighting men (now in cantonments in the vicinity of Walajabad), and cannot be materially strengthened without weakening the necessary garrisons, or drawing troops from Ceylon. A sufficient reinforcement from Bengal cannot be expected before the end of February, a period too late for marching to the attack of Seringapatam next spring, the time for besieging that place being limited from the middle of January to the middle of May. The conclusion drawn 252 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Sept. from tliese, 1 believe, justly assumed facts is, that Seringa- patam is not to be marched against with reasonable grounds of success before January 1800. The finances of this settlement are in a far more distressing situation than you or I had any conception of when I had the honour of being with you last March. The debt amounts to 54 lacs, the interest to above 4 lacs. The last money taken up has been by bills upon Bengal at 410 A. Rs. the 100 pa- godas. Twelve per cent, bonds are at 5 per cent, discount ; 8 and 6 per cent, bonds at from 15 to 25 per cent, discount; the revenue falling short by at least from 5 to 6 lacs, a de- ficit of 13 lacs, an investment of V2 lacs to be provided, our credit nearly gone, and an empty Treasury. In this state of things we must evidently depend upon supplies from Bengal and from Europe in the event of war, and I doubt not but every effort will be made to assist us with specie from Leaden- hall Street. The facts I have stated are certain, the opi- nions are those of the best informed in this place. In the event of war my utmost endeavours will be uniformly and cordially employed in cooperation with the views of the Su- preme Government. More I shall not presume to offer, were I to say less I do not conceive that I should have done my duty. I have the honour to be, with respect. Your faithful and obedient Servant, Clive. No. LXI. 77/6' Earl of Morning-ton to Lieut. -Col. W. Palmer, Resident at Poonah. Sir, Fort William, September 9, 1798. I have received your several letters of the dates and num- bers annexed.* On a reference to my instructions of the 8th of July,f to- gether with my first private letter to you, you will find that the restoration of Nana to power was never considered by me to be essential to the attainment of any of the objects which I had in view, although I felt that great advantages might be • August 7- No. 34 ; Aug. 11, No. 35 ; Aug. 15, No. 'i^. t See p. 113. 1798. COLONEL PALMER. 25,'j derived from the abilities and experience of Nana, if his in- terests could be connected with the success of tlie proposed arrangement, and if his return to power could be rendered acceptable to Bajee-Row. The communications in your letters, numbered o4, 35 and 36, leave no doubt on my mind that the abrupt manner in which the Peishwa rejected the assistance and mediation, which he had before so repeatedly and earnestly solicited, is to be ascribed entirely to the jealousy occasioned by the mea- sures in which you had engaged for obtaining the release of Nana. Your negociation with Nana having preceded your first in- terview with the Peishwa, and having been made a preliminary step to the introduction of my propositions to the Court of Poonah, was certainly calculated to excite in the Peishwa a suspicion that it was my primary object to restore Nana to his former power, and by supporting that minister, to exercise an undue influence in the affairs of the Mahratta empire. With this impression, and considering the enmity which Bajee-Row and his brothers must bear to Nana, added to Emrut Row's well known jealousy of that minister, it is not at all svu'prising that the Peishwa should have been readily induced to risk the issue of his present contest with Scindiab, rather than agree to an arrangement which promised to de- prive him at once of all authority, and to throw him again into the power of his implacable enemy supported by the in- fluence of the Company's Government, and by the presence of a large British force. I think it necessary, therefore, to desire that you will lose no time in endeavouring to remove the jealousy which appears to exist on this subject in the Peishwa's mind. For this pur- pose you will state to him expressly that in becoming security for Nana's payment of the money to Scindiah, you were ac- tuated solely by your personal respect for that minister. That you had received no instructions whatever from me which could authorise such an interference in the internal affairs of the Peishwa's Government ; and that although I certainly should view the restoration of Nana (if effected with the full concurrence and cordial consent of the Peishwa), as a mea- sure which would tend to secui'e the effectual re-establish- 254 LORD cLivE, TO Sept. ment of tlie Peisliwa's authority and power, I had never con- sidered the interests of Nana to be necessarily connected with the propositions which I had directed you to make to the Peishwa. Under this explanation, I am persuaded the Peish- wa will be sensible that my views are directed to the security of the general interests and public engagements of both states, and not to the support of any particular party, or minister at the Court of Poonah. The distressed state of the Peishwa's affairs appears to me to offer the strongest reason to induce me to urge, and him to accept, in the present moment the propositions contained in my instructions of the 8th of July, I therefore desire that you will not suspend the negociation, under an idea of my indiffer- ence to its successful conclusion in the actual exigency of the Peishwa's condition. His acceptance of my arbitration, and of a subsidiary British force would lead to the success of all the objects which I deem most important to the interests of the Company in the present conjuncture. Notwithstanding that the Peishwa had offered to commu- nicate to you his ideas of the nature of the demand to be made on Tippoo by the allies, I was much surprised to find that you had thought it expedient to urge him for his draft of a joint letter to Tippoo, or that you could expect any ad- vantage from allowing the Peishwa to take the lead in framing the application to be made to that Prince. The aggression of Tippoo having been directed more particularly against the Company, it is properly their right in the first instance to sug- gest the nature of the satisfaction to be required. The Company has indeed hitherto always taken the lead in every case which has called for the co-operation of the several branches of the triple alliance. Great embarrassment must result from permitting the Peishwa to anticipate my views on this most delicate and important part of our present situation. It is therefore my wish that instead of endeavouring to draw from the Peishwa an early declaration of his notions in that respect, you will as far as possible discourage any such com- munication. I take this early opportunity of forwarding to you my sen- timents on such points as appear to me to be of the most pressing importance in the present state of the negociation. 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINCTON. tj/ij* :or> intending Iiereafter to review all the circumstances wliicli have attendetl its progress at the Court of Poonah. I have the honour to be, &c. MoRNINCiTON. No. LXII. Lord Clh'c to the Earl of Mornington. My Lord, Fort St. Georg-e, September 11, l/OS, I embrace the opportunity which Colonel Kirkpatrick's return to fiengal presents to me of renewing my most sincere thanks to your Lordship, for the open and unreserved com- munication of your sentiments in your letter of the 29th July,* as well as for the assurance of friendly support in the con- duct of my government, which you have had the goodness to give me. Upon my part your Lordship may rely with con- fidence upon my zealous endeavours to meet the views and cooperate in the measures of the Supreme Government, foi- the prosperity of the Company. It gives me concern to find your Lordship has had any reason to complain of anything like counteraction, or party spirit in this settlement. I can ven- ture to affirm that any tendency of that kind is foreign to my disposition, and do assure you, that should it ever be my mis- fortune to differ in opinion with your Lordship, though it may become my duty to express my sentiments with freedom, I shall never lose sight of the relation in which this Govern- ment stands to the supreme Government, nor of the respect and obedience which is due to its directions. The point which has chiefly absorbed my attention since my arrival, and which indeed presses with the greatest urgency, is the prospect of a war with Tippoo Sultaun, when contrasted with the means this country possesses of meeting such an event. I cannot view this important object, nor the embar- rassment in which the affairs of this country are involved, very far exceeding what there was reason to expect when I left England, without the most extreme solicitude. The particulars of our situation are so well known to your Lordship, that I shall have occasion to bring them before * See p. 223. 25C) LORD cLivE, TO Sept. you in a general point of view, for the purpose of expressing my sentiments upon the subject, and not with the hope of being able to convey information vipon what has been so much the object of your Lordship's attention. Our main army con- sisting of about 8,000 fighting men, being in cantonments in the vicinity of Walajabad, is deemed to be a force totally in- adequate to offensive operations, and cannot be strengthened from this presidency without materially weakening the neces- sary garrisons, or drawing ovn* troops from Ceylon ; a suffi- cient reinforcement of native corps, to enable our army, in co- operation with that of Bombay, to undertake the siege of Seringapatam, can only be drawn from Bengal ; and if reli- ance is to be put upon the judgment of the best informed persons here, such a reinforcement cannot be expected to arrive in the Carnatic before the end of February, or begin- ning of March, a period too late for the commencement of hostilities with a view to the taking Seringapatam in the course of next year ; the time for besieging that place being, as I am also informed, limited nearly to the months February, March and April. It therefore seems to follow that our army cannot be put in condition to act offensively, and with a speedy prospect of accomplishing the main object of a war with Tippoo, the capture of Seringapatam, earlier than January twelvemonth. When to these considerations is added the discouraging state of our finances, that our debt amounts to 54 lacs of pagodas, that an investment is expected to be provided of 12 lacs, that our ordinary expences exceed our ordinary revenue by about 13 lacs, that the revenue of this year is expected to fall short of what it was estimated at by nearly six lacs, that our 12 per cent, bonds are at a discount of 5 or 6 per cent., that our treasury is empty, our credit nearly gone, that the Government, shortly before my arrival, had taken up a lac of pagodas by bills on Bengal at 410 A. lis. the 100 pagodas, and that I have been under the necessity of resorting to the same expedient, — your Lordship will not be surprised at my viewing the situation of this country with extreme anxiety ; nor at my expressing an earnest hope that the calamity of a war, for which we are so ill prepared, may be averted. Having expressed what my feelings and my duty have urged me to state, I beg to assure your Lordship that in the event 1798. THE EAKL OF MORNINGTON. 257 of your being forced into a war with tlie Sultaun, or in that of your ultimately detennining to attack him, of my most cor- dial cooperation to the extent of the means of this presidency, and of my most zealous and scrupulous attention to the direc- tions of the Supreme Government. In the event of war it is to your Lordship and Bengal that we must look for re- sources, for I am concerned to say, that I see no prospect of our being able to raise any considerable sum in this settle- ment, but on the contrary considerable defalcations are to be apprehended from the predatory warfare, which the Sul- taun may be expected to wage ; little, I fear, is to be ex- pected from his Highness the Nabob. I have to thank your Lordship for the communication of the papers relating to the negociations of Poonah and Hydera- bad. The restoration of the triple alliance to the situation in which it stood when Lord Cornwallis left India, is an ob- ject of the first importance, and the measures which your Lordship has pursued with so much energy for its attain- ment appear to me decisive and highly judicious : that you may succeed and reap the applause due to your exertions, must be the wish of whoever has British glory and British interests at heart. The reinforcement destined for Hydera- bad, with the views of overthrowing the French party there, of securing the succession to Secunder Jah, and of establish- ing a permanent influence in the councils and conduct of the Nizam's Court, has been contemplated by me with peculiar satisfaction. Should this decisive measure be crowned with success, and be properly followed up, it will, without doubt, tend more than any other event to fix the British power in India. I have the honor to be, with sincere esteem and respect, My Lord, Your Lordship's most faithful Servant, Clive. No. LXIII. The Earl of Mornington to Lieut. Col. John Collins, Resident icith Dowlut Row Scindiah. Sir, Fort William, 15tb Sept. 1798. You will certainly have felt some degree of anxiety to re- ceive the letters, which I had promised to despatch to you VOL. I. s 258 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Sept. hy the earliest opportunity, and I should iiave forwarded them some time ago, if I had not waited in hourly expectation of being able to communicate to you the intelligence of Scin- diah's departure from Poonah, and retreat towards his own dominions. But the actual state of affairs at Poonah, still leaves the motions of Scindiah, in the greatest degree of un- certainty ; although the necessity of his return to Hindostan for the preservation of his own existence seems to encrease every day, and the means of effecting that retrograde move- ment withovit either disgrace or danger, are now placed within his reach by the liberation of Nana, by my offer of mediation between Scindiah, the Peishwa, and the Nizam, as well as by my proposal for the conclusion of a treaty of gene- ral defensive alliance against Zemaun Shah. My conversation with you, at Barrackpore, apprized you of my ideas with regard to the objects of your mission. The question which will demand your immediate atttention will be, the best mode of securing the strongest barriers against Zemaun Shah, not only with a view to the present moment, but to all future contingencies. No policy could be so weak, even if the Shah had not con- descended to explain his intentions, as to suppose that he could enter Hindostan, without the design of plundering the most opulent part of it. His ultimate objects must be Lucknow and our provinces. But he has spared me the pains of any argument on this subject, having plainly apprised the Nabob Vizier and me, that his object is to restore Shah Aulum, and to drive the Mahrattas out of India, and having called for our joint ser- vices in a tone of command for the prosecution of his project. He has added, that our answer will determine, whether he is to consider us to be his friends or his enemies. As it would be utterly inconsistent with every principle of policy and faith to assist the Shah in the prosecution of his declared pur- poses, it follows, that we must expect to be ranked in the number of his enemies, and our possessions will be treated accordingly. It is, therefore, necessary to provide every de- fence, which can obstruct the Shah's approach to our boun- dary. The principal powers, whose resistance might offer a seri- ous obstacle to the advance of the Shah's army, are the Seiks, 1798. LIEUT.-COL. JOHN COLLINS. 251) the Rajpoots, particularly the Rajahs of Jycnagur and Jud- poor, and the Mahrattas inhabiting the dominions of Scin- diah. The return of Scindiah to that quarter, attended as such an event must be by the restoration of his power to a consi- derable degree of efficiency, appears to me to be the best possible means of checking the motions uf the Shah ; espe- cially as it must ever be the interest of Scindiah (witliin his own dominions) to cultivate our friendship, and to cooperate with us in opposing any invader, and above all a Mahomedan plunderer. Scindiah, therefore, has been the object of my unremitting attention. If he should return to Ilindostan, you will immediately apply yourself to the commencement of negociation with him, for the purpose of framing a defensive treaty against the Shah. The precaution to be observed in framing such a treaty is principally to avoid any engagement, which might draw our army too far from the boundary of the Vizier's dominions. On the other hand, it cannot be expected, that other powers will engage with us for the common defence, if we insist absolutely upon limiting the operations of our force, to the exclusive protection of the provinces of Oude, or of our own possessions. The point therefore to be ascertained is this ; the utmost limit to which our force can be advanced for the common purposes of a general defensive alliance without danger to Oude, or to our own provinces, or to the force so advanced. In proportion to the number of our allies, the difficulty of fixing this point in a manner satisfactory to them would ne- cessarily be augmented; it will, however, be desirable to unite as large a body as can be brought to cooperate against the Shah ; and with this view, I wish you to endeavour to conciliate the interests of such of the Seik Chiefs and Raj- poots, as may be disposed to resist the Shah, with those of Scindiah. I am aware of the obstacles which you will find to such an union in the impetuosity and violence of Scindiah's character, on the one hand, and in the recent memory of his oppression and injustice on the other. The Rajahs of Jye- nagur and Judpoor will not easily forget the injuries which he has committed against them, and this bitter recollection, 260 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Sept. may tlirow them into the scale of their natural enemy Zemaun Shah. It is, however, to be hoped, that the imminent clanger which Scindiah has lately escaped, as well as that which still threatens his dominions, may bring his mind to a sober sense of his real interests, and may induce him to afford to the Rajahs, some such effectual protection against future oppres- sion on his part, as shall unite them with him against the Shah. Hitherto I have supposed the case of Scindiah's re- turn to Hindostan ; if, however, that event should not take place, a very different scene will open. The entire destruction of Scindiah's power (in Hindostan at least) must be the inevitable and speedy consequence of his continuance at Poonah. Whether he will be able to establish any considerable power in the Deccan, on the ruins of the Peishwa's authority, may perhaps admit of some degree of question. The incli- nation of my opinion is, that his whole power will be dis- solved irretrievably unless he shall return to his own domi- nions without delay. In the event of the dissolution of his power in Hindostan, your attention will be directed to the state of affairs which shall arise out of his destruction. My wish is to abstain from all such interference in any confusion which may follow the annihilation of Scindiah's power, as might involve us either now or hereafter in hostilities. Nor would I engage in any measures, which had a tendency either in the first instance to accelerate the ruin of Scindiah, or finally to exclude the revival of his authority. Consistently with these principles, my endeavours would be directed to frame out of the new order of things, a system of defensive alliance against the approach of the Shah, by entering into engagements, for that purpose, with whatever Chief should have succeeded to the largest portion of Scindiah's power. Ambajee seems to me to be the most likely to stand at the head of any new system in the event of Scindiah's fall. Your particular attention will be given to the conduct of M. Perron, and of other Europeans now in the service of Scindiah, we must counteract any attempt from them to esta- blish themselves in the form of a state in Hindostan ; they would undoubtedly assist Zemaun Shah, and perhaps enter into his service in the event of Scindiah's fall. 1798. LIEUT.-COL. JOHN COLLINS. 26i I enclose a letter for Sir James Craig, whom I wish you to consult on the important military question, the decision of which must form the governing principle of any defensive treaty against the Shah. Sir James will transmit his sentiments to me, in order that I may consult further with the Comman- der-in-Chief, and endeavour to fix the limit of the operations of our army, whenever the Shah shall approach Hindostan. You will be so good as to report to me without delay, any information which you may be able to collect, with relation to the European officers in the service of Scindiah, or of any native power on the North Western frontier of India. I am informed that Somroos Begum, has a considerable corps of- ficered by Frenchmen in her service. Our intelligence of the motions of Zemaun Shah is very defective. It is always vague as well as tardy. I desire that you will earnestly apply yourself to the speedy cor- rection of this defect, it is of the utmost importance to us to obtain the earliest and most accurate information of the Shah's designs. On this point, you will find it useful to con- cert some regular and permanent system with the Resident at liucknow. I have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. No. LXIV. The Earl of Mornington to Major General Sir James Henry Craig, A'.B. (Enclosed in the foregoing letter to Lieut. -Col. Collins.) Sir, Fort William, Sept. 16, 1798. This letter will be delivered to you by Lieut.-Col. Collins, who having been appointed Resident at the Court of Scin- diah, is proceeding to take charge of the interests of the British Government at that Court. The continual reports of the approach of Zemaun Shah to Hindostan engaged my attention at the earliest period of my arrival in Bengal, and I have already taken every step (which appeared to me justifiable in the great uncertainty of the prevailing rumours) for checking the motions of the Shah, in the event of his advancing towards our frontier. It could not be supposed that such an expedition, as that meditated by the Shah, would be planned without any view 262 THE EARI, OF MORNIMGTON, TO Sept. to the plunder of tlie most opulent and flourishing parts of Hindostan ; I have, therefore, always considered that he must intend to advance to Lucknow, and to our provinces, if circumstances should favour his progress. And with this opinion, I have thought that his march ought to be opposed at the earliest possible period, and his operations checked at the greatest possible distance from our frontier. But if 1 had ever entertained any doubt of the tendency of the Shah's operations, it would have been removed by his own distinct declaration to the Vizier and to me. "That he should consider our not joining his royal standard, and our not assisting him in the restoration of Shah Allum, and in the total expulsion of the INIahrattas in the light of an act of disol)edience and enmity." As it is utterly impossible for me to aid the Shah in such a project, or to submit the honour and faith of the British Government to such conditions, I must suppose that the Vizier and this Government, will be treated as enemies by him, whenever he shall have an oppor- tunity of bringing his army to act on our frontier. The most useful barrier against this invasion, in the first instance, would be the resistance of the Seiks, of the Rajpoots, espe- cially the Rajahs of Jyenagur and Judpoor, and of Dowlut Rao Scindiah. My attention has been directed to a system of measures, the eflTect of which, (if successful) would have occasioned the immediate return of Scindiah to his dominions in Hindostan, and have given us the benefit of a defensive alliance with him against the Shah. I cannot yet ascertain, what the motions of Scindiah are likely to be, or what may be the ultimate turn of his fate. But at all events, it will be necessary to consider the terms of a defensive league to which, whether Scindiah shall be a party or not, the Rajpoots and Seiks must be invited. The most difficult question in the formation of such a treaty, will be of a military nature. It may be thus stated. VVhat is the extreme limit beyond the frontier of the Vizier, to which the operations of the British force could l)e ad- vanced, without danger to that frontier, and to the force so advanced. On the one hand, it would certainly be desirable to restrain the ojierations of our army, as nearly as possible, to the exclusive protection of the Nabob's and Company's pos- 1798. SIR JAMES IIENRV CRAIG. 26S sessions. But on the other hand, it could not be expected, that any efficient or cordial assistance could be derived from any practicable system of defensive alliance, if our army was to be exclusively exempted from any share in the common de- fence of the dominions of the contracting powers. I am aware of the difficulty under these circumstances of fixing such a point for the extreme advance of our army, as shall relieve us from both of the embarrassments which 1 have stated. But as I am persuaded, that the question which I have proposed in this letter, must frequently have occurred to you in all its military bearings and consequences, I take the liber- ty of requesting, that you will have the goodness to favour me with your opinion upon it, in order that I may hereafter be enabled to enter upon the consideration of it more advan- tageously and accurately, whenever it shall become necessary to discuss it with the Commander-in-Chief. I shall also esteem it as a favour, if you will state your ideas on this subject to Lieutenant Colonel Collins, who will be employed in the negociation of any defensive engagements which it may be deemed advisable to contract. If any other suggestions, with regard to the defence of our North Western frontier, should appear to you important to the public service, I should be happy to receive them. One defect has necessarily attracted your notice ; the useless, or rather the dangerous condition of the Vizier's own army. This subject is at present under my consideration; and I confess I see but one effectual mode of obtaining a servicea- ble army in the Vizier's pay. The substitution of regular regiments from the Company's service, in place of the Nabob's own troops ; or in other words, such an increase of our force in Oude, as would warrant nearly a total reduction of the Nabob's present army. I believe that this measure might be accomplished not only with infinite advantage to the external defence, but also to the internal tranquillity of the Nabob's dominions, to the safety of his person, to the stabihty of his authority, and to the order of his finances. I have the honour to be. Sir, with great respect. Your most obedient and humble servant, MoKMNGTON. 2G4 THE EARL OF MORNTNGTON, TO Sept. No. LXV. The Earl of Mornington to Captain Malcolm. Sir, Fort William, Sept. 20, 1798. The office of Resident at Hyderabad having become vacant by the resignation of Colonel Kirkpatrick, I have this day appointed Captain Kirkpatrick to succeed him ; and it afforded me great satisfaction at the same to have it in my power to nominate you Assistant at that Court, having learnt from my brother * that, in a letter to him, you had stated that such an appointment would be acceptable to you. In conferring this appointment upon you, I have been governed by no other motive than my knowledge of the zeal, activity, and diligence with which you have pursued the study of the native languages, and of the political system of India ; and I take this opportunity of expressing my satisfaction at your having made choice of a situation in which I am per- suaded you will render essential service to the public, and satisfy your honourable desire of distinction. I wish to see you previously to your proceeding to Hyder- abad, and as soon as it may be convenient to you after you shall have received this letter. There are many circumstances relative to the political system of India, which it is proper you should learn from me as early as possible ; it will also be advantageous to the public service that you should thoroughly understand my opinion, on various points, with a degree of accuracy which cannot be conveniently stated in writing. I therefore hope that you will contrive to visit Calcutta soon after the receipt of this letter. I shall by this day's post apprize Lord Clive of your ap- pointment, in order that the necessary steps may be taken for procuring you leave of absence from the establishment of Fort St. George. I am, &c. &c. Mornington * The Duke of Wellinjfton, then Lieut.-Col. Wellesley. 1798, LORD CLTVE. 20)5 No. LXVI. The Earl of Morningto7i to Lord Clive. My Lord, Fort William, 20th Sept. 1798. I have received your Lordship's obhging letter of the 11th of Sept.* this morning, for which I return you my sincere thanks. I shall reserve my answer on most of the important topics to which you have adverted until I have been enabled to give them a more deliberate consideration; but I am anxious to communicate to your Lordship, without delay, my sentiments with respect to the mission of M. Du Buc. Your Lordship is probably apprized that a very large portion of the national troops, which were expelled from the Isle of France a few months ago, was sent to Batavia, where it is said that they are become very sickly. It appears to me pro- bable that Monsieur Du Buc's dernier destination, of which he speaks in his despatch to Tippoo of the 25th of August, may be to Batavia, for the purpose of inducing the French troops to take service in the Sultaun's army, and to obtain for him the cooperation of the French frigates also upon that station. Your Lordship appears to me to have taken every precaution for the arrest of Monsieur Du Buc's person, as well as for the interception of his correspondence : I think both of very great importance with a view to the discovery ofTippoo's immediate plans and means of carrying them into effect. I think it would be very advisable also, that the Admiral should station a force off Tranquebar at the period when M. Du Buc may be expected to embark for his ultimate destination; and your Lordship will have the goodness to communicate this suggestion to the Admiral, if you should concur in my opinion. If M. Du Buc should proceed to levy a force for Tippoo at Tranquebar, with the connivance of the Danish Govern- ment; or still more, if that Government should actually assist him, by convoying supplies of money from Mysore (according to the plan stated in the postcript of M. Du Buc's letter of the 7th Sept.) your Lordship will meet with my warmest support, either in any representation which you may think fit * See p. 246. 2(56 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Sept. to make upon the subject, or in any more active measures for seizing the person and papers of M. Du Buc and his suite. The prochimation of jNIonsieur Malartic, under which M. Du Buc took service with Tippoo, would clearly justify such a representation. I am in possession of positive evidence upon oath, which proves that M. Du Buc avowed, in the Isle of France, that he had engaged with Tippoo's Ambassadors for the express purpose of immediate war against the Company. Indeed the terms of his despatches to Tippoo furnish suffi- cient evidence of the hostile tendency of his mission. Your Lordship will judge according to circumstances, whether M. De Buc's designs will be best frustrated by watching his motions, or by interrupting them. I trust that you will shortly receive the supply of 20 lacs of rupees, in specie, from on board the Virginia andBo77iba//, which will prove a seasonable relief to your finances. The subsidy from the Nizam will also operate to alleviate your burthens for the present. Believe me, with great esteem and respect, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient and faithful Servant, MoRNINGTON. No. LXVII. T/ie Earl of Mornington to the Resident at Lucknotc. Sir, Fort William, 21st Sept. 1/08. I have received your letter of the 2Tth August and 1st instant, and approve the measures which have been taken for the support of Nussur Ulla Khan's authority, and for obtain- ing possession of the family and treasure of Golaum Mahomed Khan. To the general assurance of indulgence and pro- tection which you have given to his family, you may add an engagement that they shall not be delivered into Golam Mahomed Khan's hands, should he hereafter demand them. With regard to your conduct towards Golam Ahmed Khan, said to be charged with an embassy from Zemaun Shah, if, upon his arrival at Lucknow, he shall appear to be properly accredited from the Shah to the Governor General, you will permit him to proceed to Calcutta, but otherwise you will take no notice of him. 1798. THE RESIDENT AT T.UCKNOW. 267 The doubtful character of Golain Ahmed Klian will not justify any acknowledgment of his pretended counnission ; you will therefore take no notice of him, unless his conduct should appear to lead to a sus})icion of his being emi)l()yed as a spy, in which case he should be required to depart from the Vizier's dominions. This direction will serve equally to guide the Vizier's con- duct towards Golam Ahmed. It is much to be lamented that the intelligence from Zemaun Shah's country should be of so vague and uncertain a nature, that no dependance can at any time be placed upon it ; it appears to me an object of the first importance to esta- blish some regular channel for the transmission of intelligence from that quarter. I request, therefore, that you will imme- diately turn your particular attention to this point, and omit no effort for obtaining more correct information of Zemaun Shah's motions than we have hitherto been in the habit of receiving. I am, &c. MoRNINGTON. No. LXVIII. I^ord Cl'ive to the Earl of Mornington. {EMract.'l My Lord, Fort St. George, 22d Sept. 1798. I cannot express to your Lordship the satisfaction I feel in the arrival of Colonel Wellesley. I find him so easy in his manners and friendly in his communications, that I cannot doubt but that the more I have the opportunity of cultivating his intimacy, the more I shall rejoice at the presence of a person so nearly connected with your Lordship, and so en- tirely possessed of your views and intentions. The informa- tion which Colonel Wellesley has communicated to me, of the very moderate terms of satisfaction v.'hic}i it is your Lordship's intention to demand of the Sultaun, has relieved my mind from much of the solicitude which the appearances of an immediate ru^^ture had excited. We have intelligence from Major Doveton of the Sultaun having raised a forced loan, for the purpose of discharging the arrears due to his troops ; and of an irruption of banditti into Dindigul, from Mr. Ilurdis, which appears to be of a predatory nature. It however ex- 208 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Sept. cites attention from the circumstance of all communication between Tippoo's ryots and tliose of the Company having been lately prohibited. I have the honour to be, 8cc. &c. Clive. No. LXIX. TTie Earl of Mornington to Lord Cl'tve. My Lord, Fort WUliam, 24th September, 1798. My last advices from Hyderabad afford every reason to hope that the dismission of the French party will be accom- plished without difficulty or danger. The accounts from Poonah are much more favourable than any I have received from thence. The Resident has cor- rected his error, and is now proceeding in a right course. It appears highly probable, that Nana will be restored to power under a reconciliation with Emrut Rao, negociated through Colonel Palmer. The effect of this will be the success of my propositions to the Peishwa. Scindiah has received my letter with great good will, and now seriously turns his thoughts towards his own dominions, where his presence is required to compose the revolt of his tributary chiefs, as well as to pre- pare a defence against the eventual approach of Zemaun Shah. The rumours are still various with regard to the state of the Shah's kingdom ; if his army should not be at Pesha- wur early in October, he cannot attempt his projected expe- dition this year. The return of Scindiah to Hindostan would be a very advantageous circumstance for us in the event of the Shah's approach. I cannot express to your Lordship more warmly than I feel it, my earnest anxiety that the preparations for war should be carried on with unremitting alacrity and despatch. We have no other security against the designs of Tippoo ; my object and my expectation is peace, and I think nothing can frustrate my hopes and wishes but the arrival of a French force in India, or the relaxation of our preparations for war. I feel tlie greatest satisfaction in your cordial concurrence in the measures which I have pursued at Poonah and Hy- derabad ; and I accept with much gratitude your Lordship's 1798. LORD CLIVE. 2G9 suggestion respecting the addition of a body of cavalry to the subsidiary force in the pay of the Nizam.* No measure could be more wise nor better calculated to give additional effect to the principles on which my whole system is founded. Such a body of British cavalry (I mean commanded by British officers) would for ever secure the facility of our convoys of provisions in the event of a rupture with Tippoo. I shall instruct the Resident at Hyderabad to avail himself of the first favourable moment for this improvement of our force at Hyderabad. But your Lordship is aware that the proposition must be managed with caution, and, if possible, rather encouraged from the Nizam, than directly offered by us. For it cannot be denied that what we have already gained in point of influence was rather to be desired than expected ; and if the moment had not been peculiarly favourable, we could not safely have ventured even so far as the limits of my instructions of the 8th of July. To propose any further augmentation of our force at this juncture might perhaps create alarm in the wavering and irresolute mind of Azim ul Omra, who even now is almost afraid of what he has done, and who still doubts whether he has enslaved himself or established his power on permanent foundations. But, although I feel the necessity of manage- ment, and perhaps of delay, in the introduction of any addi- tional force at Hyderabad, I have little doubt that such a measure will ultimately succeed, and I trust that your Lord- ship and I shall witness its success long before we return to Europe. 1 have the honour to be, &c. MOKNINGTON. No. LXX. Major General Sir J. If. Craig- to the Governor General. My Lord Cawnpore, 26th September, 1798. A good deal of leisure time, and a solicitude upon the sub- ject, that will not appear unnatural, have given rise to some * This was a suggestion of Lord Clive's, in a former letter, for the raising a regiment of cavalry, to be paid by the Nizam. 270 THE NIZAM, TO Sept. reflections upon the very probable event of the invasion of llindostan by Zemaun Shah, which I have committed to paper, and I do myself the honour of transmitting them en- closed to your Lordship ;* I have not a doubt that the subject has met with every attention that it requires, and that the necessary steps to be taken will have been determined by higher experience and better judgment than I can lay claim to. It is not, therefore, in any view of dictating, — when I am conscious that my part is to concur, to the best of my abilities, in executing, that I take the liberty of offering these observations. I request that they may be only considered as a private communication, of the value of which nobody can have a lesser idea; but from which, if one sei'viceable hint can be drawn, none will feel a higher gratification — than him who has the honour to be, with great respect. My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient and humble Servant, J. H. Craig. LXXL From the Nizam to the Earl of Mornington. (Received 27th September, 1/98.) What your Lordship has written respecting the affair in agitation is from first to last strictly true. For it is a fact known to all the world, that since the conclusion of the peace, and the execution of the treaty between the allied powers and Tippoo, every possible degree of regard has been inva- riably shewn by the three States to the principles of good faith and the obligations of friendship, actuated by a purity of design and a wish to preserve the general tranquillity. The three States have constantly pursued the enlightened path of truth and sincerity, and strictly adhered to the laws of amity and concord. But as Tippoo has now at once thrown off the mask, and, according to the contents of the proclamation issued by the Governor of the Mauritius (of which a translation has, word for word, been submitted by Captain Kirkpatrick to me) has publicly deputed Embassa- dors to that island, solicited an offensive and defensive alli- Scc Memoir of Sir .lame;; ('rai^ in tlic Appendix. 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINOTON. 271 ance with the French against the Enghsli Companjf (wliich is, in fact, a declaration of enmity against tlic three States) received a body of French, furnished by liis own desire and fixed the monthly pay of that force ; each of these acts is specifically and individually a flagrant instance and an incon- trovertible proof of his violation of treaty and of his hostile intentions, it therefore becomes absolutely necessary to take measures to meet the occasion, and oppose a barrier to the turbulence and restlessness of his disposition ; and as it is possible that when called upon, he may have recourse to his usual subterfuge, disavowal, his voluntary consent to that which may afford ample security to the three States against his inimical designs for the future, cannot be expected. But as your Lordship, actuated by the best intentions, and by a solicitude to preserve the general tranquillity, has deemed it advisable in the first instance to call upon him for the above purpose merely that he may have an opportunity of restrain- ing the violence of his designs before he involves himself in the calamities of war, there is no objection; and, accordingly, the draft of a demand to that effect has been delivered to Captain Kirkpatrick, by whom your Lordship will be inform- ed of the contents should it be thought proper ; a letter to Tippoo, conformable to the terms of the draft, may be pre- pared and delivered to Captain Kirkpatrick so as to accom- pany those from your Lordship and the Peishwa, and in the event of his failing to return a satisfactory answer, that is to say, should he refuse to concede that which may aflTord ample security to the three allied powers against his inimical designs for the future, what doubt is there but that my forces will be ready to cooperate agreeably to the stipulations of the exist- ing treaty? With respect to what your Lordship writes, that " whilst subjects of difference subsist between me and the Peishwa and Dowlat Row Scindiah, it will be altogether impossible to make the necessary exertions upon this occasion, and there- fore Captain Kirkpatrick had your Lordship's instructions to communicate several propositions on this important subject." Captain Kirkpatrick, for the better consideration and com- prehension of those important propositions, committed your Lordship's instructions, fully and particularly, to writing, and submitted them to me. By that writing your Lordship's 212 THE NIZAM, TO Sept. sentiments have been fully developed, while it evinced your Lordship's extreme interest in the welfare of my Government, as well as your anxious desire to establish the tranquillity of India on so firm a basis as to preclude the danger of its being disturbed by those who hope to establish their own power on the ruin of all the States of the Deccan and Hindostan. These sentiments I conceive to spring from the most honour- able intentions, the deepest penetration, the soundest wisdom and understanding in your Lordship — in particular ; to know that since your arrival in India, your Lordship has felt the deepest regret that, from various detrimental causes, such powerful States should, in a short space of time, have lost their former splendour and greatness, and have been brought to their present situation ; but that it was some satisfaction to your Lordship to . reflect that an important medium may now arise by which all these injuries may be repaired, in such a manner as to give increase to the weight and importance which those Srates formerly possessed — that in promoting the interest and welfare of such a powerful State, the world will have the most evident testimony of that love of justice, pub- lic faith, goodness of intention, and disinterestedness which are among the characteristics of the English, and which are equally enjoined by the orders of the Company and the prin- ciples of the British Government in Europe. These just sentiments (I say) shew your Lordship to be endowed with the truest sense of honour, and the highest degree of under- standing and magnanimity. I entertain the fullest conviction that your Lordship has, in the highest degree at heart, the prosperity, splendour, and due arrangement of the affairs of my Government, and what your Lordship and I thus make the mutual object of our views, through the grace of Provi- dence, will be satisfactorily and fully accomplished. Accord- ingly in the spirit of great foresight, a treaty, consisting of various articles, for the increase of the detachment, has been entered into and authenticated under my hand and seal and that of the Nabob Aristo Yah (Azim ul Omra) and delivered to Captain Kirkpatrick, and a counterpart under his hand and seal, as plenipotentiary on the part of your Lordship, has been delivered to me. It being my first wish and object to cement the bonds of union and attachment between my Government and that of the Company in the most public 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. ^73 manner, and to shew that no division of interest subsists be- tween them ; and it being Hkewise my full intent and resolu- tion to avoid all aggression and encroachment upon those with whom I am connected by treaties and engagements, far from seeking to protract the execution of the treaty in question, I have deemed it most advisable to hasten its conclusion. I am confident that from the knowledge your Lordship will acquire of my sentiments so fully laid open by the report of Captain Kirkpatrick and the execution of the treaty, your mind will be completely satisfied that far from having any wish or design to aggress or trespass u])on the engagements subsisting with any of my friends and allies, I have no other view than to adhere to the dictates of good faith and equity. In pursuance of these sentiments I have signified to Captain Kirkpatrick my desire for the immediate assemblage of the proposed detachment upon the frontier, the adjustment of many concerns depending upon its arrival at the Presence, and it will, no doubt, very shortly be collected there accord- ingly, and proceed without delay to the capital, so that the most effectual means may be at hand, both for cooperation in the possible event of a war, and for removing the impedi- ments that may present themselves (to that cooperation). Particulars will be fully made known to your Lordship by Aristo Yah and Meer Allum, and Captain Kirkpatrick will also write to your Lordship very fully. A true Copy, N. B. Edmonstone, Persian Translator to Govt. No. Lxxn. From T'ippoo Sultaun, dated 2d September, \~i\)'!^. [Received 28th Septemher, 17^^.] I have had the pleasure to receive your Lordshii)'s friendly letter,* purporting that you had received the final opinion of the Malabar Commissioners upon the subject of Wynaad ; after a full examination of every circumstance that your Lord- ship was now convinced that Wynaad belongs to me — that therefore you had directed the Commissioners to make a for- mal acknowledgment of my claim to that Taalook ; but that * See p. 154. VOL. I. T 274 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Oct. some doubts yet remained with respect to the pass {ride letter written 7th August 1798), Tambercherry, which is below the Ghauts, by the Treaty of Peace came into the Company's possession ; above the Ghauts is Wynaad, which consisted of a few habitations, and has for a long time been desolate. The Ghauts are situated between, and also belong to me; it (Wynaad) consists of nothing but forests and heaps of stones. Accordingly, long ago this fact came repeatedly under peculiar inspection, at the time when measures were taken for the settlement of the Malabar districts ; and what- ever doubts there may be upon this head, will be solved by a reference thereto. In like manner the right to the Taalooks of Ameera and Saulea, which appertain to Cauriaul (Mangalore) is proved by the records of a century, in which are inserted the names of the collectors and defrayers of the land tax ; nay, a copy of the parts of those records shall be sent, when by referring thereto, the circumstances respecting Ameera and Saulea, Eeserawaraseenny, &c. will be ascertained and laid open. Mischief-makers, by starting empty disputes and altercations, hope to accomplish their own purposes, but by the favour of God, the fountains of union and harmony l)e- tween the two states possess too much purity and clearness to be sullied by the devices of self-interest persons. Con- tinue constantly to gratify me by letters denoting your Lord- ship's welfare. P. S. Sewarasemy* also belongs to me. The Taalooks which were ceded to the Company are particularly enume- rated in the Treaty of Peace. I beg you will refer thereto for information. A true Copy, N. B. Edmonstone, Persian Translator to Govt. No. LXXIII. T/ie Earl of Mornbiffton to the Chairman of the East India Company. Sir, Fort William, October, 1/98. You will perceive that I have been called upon very early to make a vigorous exertion ; if I have failed to deserve your approbation, my failure cannot be imputed to neghgence or to want of zeal in your service. • This stands for Eeserawaraseenny. 1798. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE E. I. COMPANY. 275 Lord Clive's appointment will, I trust, prove advantageous to the public service. I have entered into the most unre- served private correspondence with him, and I have found him cordially disposed to cooperate witli me. His letters are very creditable to his understanding and disposition : he will have great difficulties to encounter at Fort St. George, where much reform is required, and where the management of the Nabob and Rajah of Tanjore (even under the newly established Government), will demand a considerable degree of skill. I trust that Tippoo will not venture to move M-ithout having obtained a more effectual succour from the French than they have yet afforded to him ; and I am equally confident that the vigilance of our Government at home, and of our fleets, will oppose every possible obstacle to the approach of the French towards this quarter of the globe. But I still feel the neces- sity of active and early preparation for war, as being the only security against all contingencies. Such preparations must occasion expense : this is a severe disappointment to me, but my duty demands that I should encounter it with firmness. I trust that the Court of Directors will feel a correspondent disposition, and that they will be ready to sacrifice with cheerfulness something of present commercial profit to the Company for the preservation of the main sources of our wealth and strength. I have the honor to be, &c. MORNINGTON. No. LXXIV. The Governor General in Council to the Secret Committee. Fort William, ist October, 1798. In our letter of the 4th of July, despatched overland, we had the honour to inform you that the Right Hon. the Go- vernor General had failed in his endeavours to induce his Highness the Nabob of the Carnatic to accede to the modi- fication of the treaty of 1792, formerly proposed to his High- ness by Lord Hobart. The Governor General was equally unsuccessful in his attempt to persuade his Highness to agree to any plan for the liquidation of his debt to the Company. During his continuance at Madras, his Lordship employed. 276 THE GOV.-GENF.rvAL IN COUNCIL, TO Oct. for the accomplishment of 1)oth objects, every exertion com- patible with the extent of the powers entrusted to him by the llonourable the Court of Directors, in their orders of the 18th October, 1797. Both the spirit and letter of those orders required that his Lordship should manifest to the Nabob every possible mark of respect and kindness, and should endeavour to gain his Highness's confidence by every conciliatory measure. The tenor of the accompanying papers will afford to your Honourable Committee the means of framing a judgment of the effect produced upon the Nabob's mind, by his inter- course with the Governor General. From these papers it appears that, although the Nabob professed satisfaction in the manner in which the Governor General had executed the orders of the Honourable the Court of Directors, his Highness continued to oppose a de- termined resistance to the proposed modification of the treaty of 1792. The Governor General is convinced that, in the actual state of the Nabob's temper, and of the influence of those who surround him, no hope can be entertained of persuading his Highness, in the present moment, to conclude any arrange- ment of the nature proposed to him by Lord Hobart. His Lordship is further of opinion that, under all the cir- cumstances of the Nabob's affairs, the most prudent course would be to suspend for the present all negotiation with his Highness for the cession of any part of his territory to the management of the Honourable Company's servants. It is however to be hoped, that the discussions which have taken place between the Governor General and the Nabob may hereafter furnish the foundation of a more beneficial arrangement of the Honourable Company's interests in the Carnatic ; and the attention of the Governor General will be constantly directed to that desirable object. The Governor General thought it advisable to conduct the negociation ])rincipally by the means of personal intercourse, with a view of avoiding a controversial correspondence, which would have been managed on the part of the Nabob by the European adventurers who still find access to his Highness's durbar. His Ijordship therefore addressed no other proposition in 1798. TJIK SECRET COMMITTEE. 277 writing to the Nal)ol) than the note of the 8th of Mjiy,* con- tainhig a summary statement of the propositions made to the Nabob, with rektion to the modification of the treaty of 17ar;uice it may carry of the probability of such an event, 1 still imagine it will be with difficulty ac- complished, but under your Lordship's auspices ; but I much 1798. THE EAIIL OF MOUNIXOTON. '}01 doubt the ability of the Mahrattas themselves to assemble in time such a force as will give confidence to the others. There is no appearance of it that I can yet hear of; they are (luarel- ling among themselves at Delhi, without seeming much to think of the danger with which they are threatened. The Attock is but a little better than 400 coss from Delhi, a space that may with the utmost ease be marched in six weeks, and that without adverting at all to the celerity with which the Shah's army is reported to move. If, (and it is no very im- probable supposition) despising the Seiks, whose behaviour in 1796 was no ways such as to give him cause to hold them in high estimation, the Shah should adopt a bold step; and, leaving a corps of troops to keep them in awe, he should move on with rapidity, in the view of anticipating the Mahrattas at Delhi, he may be there in a time, that I almost tremble to think of. It is not utterly impossible, my Lord, that he might anticipate our preparations ; though it is indeed hardly to be expected that, entertaining the same opinion of the Mahrattas as that which I have supposed him to do of the Seiks, he should venture to leave them behind in order to attack us, especially before the fords of the Ganges are open. However, I wish to shew the expediency of exertion and activity on our part. The extent to which it is meant to carry the army being ascertained, the troops that are to compose it should be immediately assem- bled, not in the slow progress of the ordinary relief, when batta- lion relieves battalion, but the utmost expedition should be used in it. The ordnance and stores should be hurried up in some very unusual way, unless it can be furnished from Chunar, as I have suggested to the Commander-in-Chief; and, above all, some steps should be adopted, with respect to further arrange- ment, that might preclude the necessity of a daily reference to the present seat of Government. I know not what to say with respect to the Nabob's troops, I would be content that they sliould be useless, but I dread their being dangerous, unless some step is taken with regard to them. I should be almost as unwilling to leave them be- hind me as I should be to leave a fortress of the enemy. The Nabob is higlily unpopular, and of all his subjects, I believe he would least expect attachment from his army. I fear much that it is too late to reap any benefit from the arrangement which your Lordship proposes with respect to them ; and if we 302 SIR J. H. CRATG, TO Oct. should be called to the frontier I doubt whether it may not be hazardous to attempt to reduce them. We shall have of ourselves too many recruits in our ranks, indeed, a number that will very much weaken the dependence to be placed in our battalions. On this subject I feel that I tread on tender ground ; but I write to your Lordship in the confidence of a private commiuiication. Neither the discipline of the army, or the knowledge of the officers, are such as to admit of our being insensible to other disadvantages. We are to expect a numerous and ferocious enemy, undisciplined and disorderly, but impetuous in their attacks, and rapid in their movements, — abounding in cavalry, and acting in a country the most favourable to that arm, where, if we can secure one flank, it will be a fortunate position. Against them our reliance must be on our artillery, and on the steadiness of our infantry, — where discipline should keep them firm in their ranks, and where confidence in their advantages should teach them not to shrink under the impression of a tumultuous charge of ca- valry, the circumstance of all others the most likely to affect the mind of a young soldier, while the knowledge of the offi- cers, and the previous training of the corps, should ensure the ability of moving with the utmost precision and rapidity, and of forming in every direction, to resist a surrounding cavalry. Battalions, with full one-third of recruits, are little equal to this description in its first part, and truth compels me to say that I have not yet seen one that came any where near it in the latter. Your Lordship will do me justice in believing that I do not mean to hold out discouragement by this description. We must act, and we must make the best of the tools in our hands. My view is, that your Lordship may be aware of the true state of the army, which it is at least possible that you may not become through any other channel ; three-fourths of them with whom your Lordship may converse do not themselves know it, and the other fourth will not confess it. There is a third class of people which your Lordship may meet, — and it is a numerous one, even in my own profession, — who either do, or affect to, hold in contempt the idea of the necessity of its being otherwise. It is a fact, however, past controversy, that within these four years, and owing to these very circum- stances of want of discipline and knowledge, the fate of our 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 303 Empire in India probably liung by a tln-ead of the slightest texture ; since even the impetuosity of the enemy ought na- turally to have led to the very advantage which his ignorance would not permit his being sensible of. Our stores are utterly incompetent to any forward move, such as I have ventured to suggest as justifiable, if coopera- tion with the Mahrattas can be purchased by it. Our j)ro- portion of musquet ammunition is 120 rounds per man, and that for the small arms of the cavalry is 40 ; with this I most certainly would not venture to stir a step from the Ganges, and how we are to get up more, in the time in which I think it is probable that it may be requisite for us to do so, I know not ; I have written in strong terms to the Commander-in- Chief upon the subject. For our artillery we have oUO rounds, but that is, if possible, still less equal to what we ought to have, at least in a depot, to which we could have a much more ready access than we have to Chunar or Allaha- bad. The latter should be our grand depot, in which should be lodged a quantity of stores of every species, equal to every possible emergency; while a field depot fed continually from it, should move successively from post to post as we advance, and be always at hand to renew our deficiencies. Upon the whole, do not, my Lord, consider it as presumption if I say that I feel a great deal more arrangement to be necessary than appears to me to occur to others as such. It is an easy thing to put the whole upon the issue of one battle, and un- fortunately it is the mode which is attended with the least trouble. I really beg your Lordship's pardon for this long and very free intrusion ; but my apology is already offered in the fore part of my letter, and I shall therefore say no more, but that I have the honour to be. My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient and humble Servant, J. H. Craig. 304 SIR J. H. CRAIG, TO Oct. No. LXXX. Sir J. H. Crmg to the Earl of Mornington. My Lord, Cawnpore, 13th October, 1798. On the 10th inst. I forwarded to the Commander-in-Chief the original of a letter which I received from a correspondent at Amrutsir, which tends to corroborate the information which Colonel Collins received from Delhi, and forwarded to your Lordship by express on the 6th, and yesterday I had another letter from a man who I have stationed at Kurnaul with an establishment of hurcarrahs, who also confirms that account, with the addition that a bridge was constructing over the Attock. Considering the fact as established, for I can see no reason to doubt it, that the Shah is on the banks of the Attock, I should feel myself extremely happy if I had any instructions by which I could guide myself on the occasion. Your Lord- ship and the Government have done me the honour to vest me with the general command of the army in the field, but I must request the permission to observe, that it has been without one line of direction by which I can form a judgment of the extent to which I may use my discretion in that com- mand, or of the powers with which it was intended to entrust me in the exercise of it, I feel myself to be so totally inca- pable of starting difficulties for the purpose of embarrassment, that I am unwilling even to be exposed to the suspicion of it. I therefore most solemnly assure your Lordship that in making this observation, my sole view is, to point out the ex- pediency of guarding against the possibility of my counter- acting the views of Government^ through ignorance, or possibly from over zeal, at the same time feeling every moment to be of the utmost importance, in the present crisis, I should regret exceedingly to find that I had neglected a measure from not knowing that it was intended to vest me with the power of adopting it. I am far, my Lord, from shrinking from responsibility, but I wish not to be charged with it, at so great a hazard as must be incurred, under the total ignorance of what is expected from me. I have just written to the Commander-in-Chief to acquaint him, that if 1 got any intelligence upon which I can rely, that 1798. THE F.AHL OF MORNIXmoN. .'JO;") the Shall has actually marched tVoin tiie Attock towards La- hore, hefore 1 am honoured with any instructions from him or from your Lordship,! shall hnmediately march with every thin "• I can collect, except General Stuart's corps, to Anopsheer. As I take for granted that the Commander-in-Chief will com- municate that letter to your Lordship, it is scarcely necessary that I should enter into any detail of the reasons upon which I have judged it expedient to adopt this resolution. I have already written several letters to the Commander- in-Chief, on the subject of the deficiencies under which we should labour in the event of our taking the field. All those that regard cattle and camels, I believe, I could supply here, but I have felt myself restrained by the Commander-in-Chief, having observed in one of his letters that measures were taking on that subject at the Presidency. I have also applied to Mr. Lumsden to ask the assistance of the Nabob in the article of elephants, and though I have not yet received any official answer, yet I have had great satisfaction, in a private letter, in which he tells me he thinks he can prevail upon him to give it us to some extent. Other deficiencies of am- munition and stores, particularly musquet cartridges, must come from below, and I very much fear can scarcely arrive in time to be of any use. I have the honour to be, with great respect, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient and Most humble Servant, J. H. Craig. No. LXXXI. From the Earl of Mornington to the Resident at Luchnow. Sir, Fort William, I8tli October, 1798. In consequence of information I have received of a consi- derable deficiency in the carriage-cattle of thie army in the field upon the frontiers of his Excellency the Nabob Vizier's dominions, I have deemed it expedient to apply to his Excel- lency for his assistance in this respect, and have accordingly addressed a letter to him for that purpose, which will be for- warded to you by the Persian translator. You will lose no time in ascertaining the number and description of deficient VOL. I. X 306 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Oct. carriage-cuttle from the Commander-in-Chief in the field, and apply to his Excellency the Nabob for them accordingly. I understand that the deficiency is principally in elephants. No arguments can be supposed necessary to obtain this aid from his Excellency, in promoting an arrangement of which the immediate object is the protection of his country. You will, however, assure him, that the same or an equal number of elephants and bullocks shall be restored to him when no longer required for the present service. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. No. LXXXII. From the Earl of Mornington to the Hon. Jonathan Duncan. Sir, Fort William, 24th October, 179S. I have had the honour to receive your letter of the 2oth September, and although the measures which you adopted in consequence of your late advices from Suez, and the Gulph of Persia, have already obtained my public approbation, yet it is with great pleasure that I embrace the present oppor- tunity of repeating the high sense which I entertain of the activity and judgment which have marked your proceedings, not only in this instance but on occasion of the preparations which had been previously rendered necessary by the conduct of Tippoo Sultaun. Although I hope we may still be able to avoid a war with that Prince, yet I continue to be of opinion that we must persevere in our preparations, and take all our measures as if that calamity were inevitable. With these sentiments I have determined not to relax my endeavours for reinforcing the army of the Carnatic from Bengal as speedily and to as great an extent as possible ; and the Commandei'-in-Chief is now employed in framing a plan of eventual operations against the Sultaun, of which the immediate attack of Seringapatam must constitute the main object. This plan will be commu- nicated to you as soon as it shall be formed ; in the mean- while I request that, having consulted General Stuart on the subject, you will as soon as possible let me know to what extent of force, at what period, and from what points it will be in your power to cooperate with the army in the Carnatic in such an attack on the capital of Mysore. 1798. THE HON. JONATHAN DUNCAN. .'507 Adverting to the dispersed state of his Majesty's squatlKJii in India, to the indispensable necessity of vigilantly guarding the Malabar coast during the present monsoon, and to the possibihty of our experiencing some disappointment with re- spect to the arrival of the naval reinforcement promised from home ; I consider it to be our urgent duty to make every practical effort for the purpose of increasing the Admiral's means of frustrating effectually the designs of the enemy in the Red Sea. I shall accordingly endeavour to equip and despatch immediately some armed ships from this port, which I shall place at his disposal ; and I desire that you will apply yourself to the same object without delay: I should hope that the port of Bombay, with proper exertion, might contribute materially to the augmentation of the Admiral's force. It has occurred to me that gun-boats might be usefully employed against any small craft which the enemy may have collected in the Red Sea ; and if the Admiral (whom you will consult on this point) should be of the same opinion, I should hope you would not have much difficulty in supplying him. I also wish you to consider, in concert with him, whether it would not be advisable, with a view to the more effectual security of the Straits of Babel Mandel, to possess and fortify the small island of Pereim, which I understand to be uninha- bited. I approve of your proposed mission of Captain Wilson, but not having yet seen your instructions to that gentleman, I shall only observe that, in the event of his destroying any of the shipping or craft in the Red Sea, it will be necessary to satisfy the proprietors of our determination to indemnify them faithfully for all losses so incurred. Our latest accounts of Zemaun Shah scarcely leave a doubt of his having actually marched tow^ards Hindostan. It is my intention to suggest to his Majesty's minister at Constantinople the expediency of his endeavouring to engage the Porte to concur with us in exciting the ruling power of Persia to such measures as may alarm Zemaun Shah for the safety of his hereditary dominions, and may recall him from the prosecution of his designs against the tranquillity of India. In the mean- while it is my wish that you should take the earliest oppor- tunity of suggesting the same considerations and objects to the English minister with the Porte, or thi-ough any other 308 LOUD CLIVE, TO Oct. more expeditious channel. If I am rightly informed, a brother of Zemaun Shah is now at the Court of Persia : this Prince took refuge there not long since, and he might possibly be found an useful instrument in forwarding a plan of the nature in question. Should you be of opinion that any advantage can be derived from the local knowledge or (jualifications of Mr, Manesty, the Company's Resident at Bussorah, you have my permission to employ him in the negotiations in Persia, either separately or in conjunction with Mehdy Ali Khan, as you may judge most advisable. In order that this business may be impeded as little as possible by the delays necessarily arising from reference to me, I authorize you to furnish Baba Khan, or whoever may be the reigning sovereign of Persia, with any number of field- pieces, as well as any quantity of military stores, which you can safely spai'e, whenever the communications of Mehdy Ali Khan, or of Mr. Manesty, shall afford you reason to believe that the Government of Persia is sincerely disposed to make a serious diversion in our favour, by menacing the dominions of Zemaun Shah. With a view to the same object, I must repeat my desire that you will immediately employ all practicable means of exciting the people of Sinde, and any other tribes occupying the countries which border on Moultan and Candahar, to alarm Zemaun Shah for the safety of his possessions in those quarters. These people have been stated to be generally ripe for revolt against the authority of the Shah ; and possibly they might be induced, by a liberal supply of arms and am- munition, and by the countenance of this Government, to take advantage of his absence in Hindostan. I understand that such supplies might be conveyed to them through Kutch and up the river Indus, but you will, of course, be in posses- sion of the best information on this head. You will easily judge how anxious I must be in the present crisis to obtain the fullest and earliest advices from Europe, as well as from yovu' side of India. I hope, therefore, that you will have the goodness to forward to me, as speedily as possible, whatever newspapers or other accounts may reach you ; and I request tiuit you will always send, not extracts, but the whole of the despatches and letters on public affairs 1798. THE EARL OK MORNINGTON. .'J09 from the several ministers, agents of the Company, or otlier officers with whom you correspond. 1 am, &c. &c. MoRMNGTON. No. LXXXIII. Lord Clive to the Earl of Mornington. (Private.) My Lord, Fort St George, 24th October, 1798. It being the wish of this Government, in making the revi- sion of its estabhshments, according to your Lordship's orders of the 6th August, to follow as nearly as circumstances will per- mit, the mode of proceeding fixed upon in Bengal for effecting the same object ; and doubts having arisen in the Council with respect to the powers intended to be given to the Committee appointed by your Lordship, I have ])een desired to request you will have the goodness to acquaint me whether it was your Lordship's design to confine the Committee, of which you are the President, in its report to the rise, progress, and pre- sent actual state of establishments and resources, or whether it was your intention that the Committee should, in addition to this labour, report its opinion upon such reduction of ex- pense in the present existing establishments, as may be thought salutary and advisable, or upon such increase of re- venue and resource as may be deemed practicable ; and far- ther, whether, under any apparent circumstances of advantage to the service, or of able and laborious exertion, it is under- stood the Committee may recommend any increase of salary or expense. In consequence of the settled state of the wea- ther, and of the disappearance of all signs of the breaking of the monsoon. General Harris, yesterday, gave it as his opi- nion in Council, that the battering train might be ordered to set out for Vellore. Directions^have been accordingly given, and I have been assured by some of the gentlemen of the mihtary board, who I met this morning at the arsenal, that the first division of six eighteen pounders, with a quantity of ammunition, will be ready to move on Friday evening or Saturday morning, and a second division in about three days afterwards. His Highness the Nabob lends four elephants, which may prove of great use in case th'ere should be a heavy JIO THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Oct. fall of rain before the guns reach their destination. The im- portant and glorious news of Sir Horatio Nelson having, with thirteen sail of the line, totally defeated the Toulon fleet of the same number of ships of the line under Admiral de Brueys, in the Bay of Beguier, near Rosetta, taking nine, two having blown up, and two only with two frigates, having effected tlieir escape, has filled this settlement with joy. With cordial congratulations, and with the greatest respect and esteem, I have the honor to be, my Lord, Your Lordship's most faithful Servant, Clive. No. LXXXIV. From Tippoo Sultaun to the Right Hon. the Governor (Jeneral. [Received 24th October, 1798. The Talooks of Ameera and Soula, in which Cauntmungle and Coloorbachee are situated, have belonged to Couryal (jMangalore) from the year Rajah 1070 Mohummuddee to the end of the year Shadab 1226, a term of 156 years. Thirty- six years ago a body of 2,000 Coorga peons were employed in service of the State, and some villages in the Talooks above mentioned, yielding 3,423 pagodas, continued for a short time to be assigned for their pay, but since six and thirty years tliat even has ceased. This trivial affair can only be ascribed to the turbulent disposition of interested men, who by nature are ever seeking opportunities of sowing the seeds of dissen- tion. Of this I am confident your Lordship must be well con- vinced the person who is now in Coorga is not of the posterity of the Coorga Rajahs but of a different stock. Constantly gratify me with friendly letters. P. S. Mr. Duncan, the Governor of Bombay, has written to me, that two persons of integrity and ability, from among the civil officers (Talookdars) on the coast of Malabar, have been deputed to inquire into the claims of the above-men- tioned Talook, and will shortly arrive. Orders have been issued from my Sircar also, nominating Shaikh Shahaubuddien and Mcer Mohummed Ally, persons of integrity and honour, to negociate with the deputies above-mentioned, and ascer- tain, from records and facts, the dependency of the above- mentioned Talooks on Couryal. A true ('()|)y, N. ]i. Kumonstone, Persian 'JVansilator to (iovt. 1798. COLONEL COLLINS. JJH No. LXXXV. The Eurl (if Moriiington to Lieut. -ColondJohn Collinx, RtnuU'itt ii-ill, Dowlut Row Soindialt. Sir, Fort William, October 26, 1/98. I have received your letters of the dates referred to in tin- margin.* If circumstances admitted of our forming a defensive alliance with Dowlut Row Scindiah against Zemaun Shah, it would not be difficult to convince Scindiah of the expediency of in- ducing the Rajepoots and Seiks to join in the league; and it might not be impossible to persuade him to offer to them ad- vantages of some importance, either in the form of a remission of tribute or of an extension of territory. Some concession of this kind on the part of Scindiah, joined to a promise of our employing our friendly offices to compose any differences which might hereafter arise between him and the Rajepoots or Seiks, would constitute as great a benefit as these powers could reasonably expect from a political connection with the Company, the immediate object of which is no other than to repel a common danger, or rather a danger much more formi- dable to their interests than to ours. Unfortunately, however, the circumstances of the moment afford but a faint prospect of our being able to eflect such an arrangement. The probability of Scindiah's early return to Hindostan is increased, but it is still uncertain whether his arrival within his own dominions will be early enough for our purpose ; and (notwithstanding my expectations expressed in a former letter, I am now inclined to think that) it is still more doubtful whether, at the moment of his return, the state of his authority and resources will be such as to warrant any great hope of advantage to the Company from a formal de- fensive alliance with him against Zemaun Shah. Under these circumstances, the utility of formal defensive engagements, even with Scindicih himself, cannot be deter- mined without a full knowledge of the actual state of his authority at the time of his return from the Deccan. The alternative which I had considered in my former despatches was, that either of the total ruin or of the effectual restoration * 5th. 7tli, 11th and 15th October. 312 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Oct. of Scincliali's power. But the existing case is of a nature dif- ferent from either of those which 1 had foreseen, and, in the present crisis, the uncertainty of Scindiah's affairs suspends the situation of every Mahratta chief now remaining in his dominions. Although Amhajee appears to possess a consi- derable degree of present weight and power, and of the con- fidence of his master ; he is still no more than the chief of one division of Scindiah's army engaged in open war with another, which he, Ambajee, must reduce completely under his authority before he can be in a condition to cooperate with us against the common enemy, with such a force as would justify us in forming separate defensive engagements with him. By the latest accounts from the Resident at Poonah, it seems probable that Dowlut Row Scindiali will find it expe- dient to reinstate Baloo Tantia in the chief management of his affairs ; in such an event, the authority at present exer- cised by Ambajee would be superseded by a new commission, which would probably be granted to his most active oppo- nents, the partizans of Baloo Tantia. Such a resolution must occasion fresh dissensions among the officers of Scindiah in Hindostan, and the invasion of the country by Zemaun Shah would not tend to favour the arrangement of such a scene of confusion. In this state of things, I see no ground to hope for any advantage from defensive engagements with Ambajee, even concluded under the approbation of Dowlut Row, who, how- ever, has never notified (to my knowledge) the delegation of his autliority in Hindostan to Ambajee. For the present, therefore, in the event of the Shah's approach to the frontier of our ally the Vizier, we must confine our military operations to a system of defence, and we must in no case pass beyond the limits of his Excellency's dominions, unless such a forward movement should l)e deemed, by the Commanding Officer of our army, necessary for the protection of the frontier, either of Oude or of our own provinces. I do not mean by this determination to preclude myself, in the event of Scindiah's return to Hindostan, from entering into such defensive engagements with him against the Shah as may consist with the principles on which my overture to liiin at Poonali was iouiided. and with the actual state of his 17I)(S. COLONEL COLLINS. 813 authority and resources at the time of his return; on the con- trary, whenever I shall learn that Scindiah has moved towards his own dominions, I shall instruct you how to proceed with him according to the state of his affairs at the moment. In the meanwhile I desire that, in communicating with Ambajee or with any other person exercising the powers of Dowlut Row in the absence of the latter, you will not proceed farther than to encourage and advise him to oppose the most effectual resistance in his power to the threatened invasion, acquainting him with the determination of this Government, to omit no effort or precaution necessary to the defence of the Vizier's dominions. I think it proper also, that you should for the present confine yourself in your correspondence with the Seiks and Rajepoots to the same general principles. To satisfy them that the Shah will meet with the most steady op- position from us in the prosecution of his ambitious projects may produce the effect of stimulating them to an equally vigorous resistance. I cannot believe that M. Perron would be likely to give a cordial support to any cause which we might favour. We must never forget that he is a Frenchman, and that many of the officers in command under him are of the same nation. In the event of our negotiating hereafter any defensive en- gagements with Dowlut Row, leading to a cooperation or junction of our forces, the necessity which I should feel for providing against any treachery on the part of the French in his service, would constitute a principal embarrassment in the conduct of the treaty, and would form an object of the first consideration. I approve of your having declined to comply with the wish of Shah Allum, and I wish you to avoid all intercourse with his Majesty during the absence of Scindiah from Hindostan. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. 311' lllE EAKL Ol' MOUNINGTON, TO Oct. No. LXXXVI. (Private.) The Earl of Morning ton to Sir J. H. Craig-, K.B. Sir, Fort William, October 27, 1/98. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 26th September, and 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 13th instant, and also of a memoir containing much valuable infor- mation, and many judicious and forcible remarks. The whole tenor and spirit of your private communications, manifest a zeal and anxiety for the public interests, which demands my unqualified applause, and which cannot fail to prove highly beneficial to any service on which you may be employed. As you must be aware of the great extent and variety of my nu- merous public duties, I am persuaded, that you will accept my cordial thanks for your suggestions as a sufficient testi- mony of my real sense of their importance and value ; and that you will not suppose me either indifferent to their merit, or unprepared to avail myself of their utiHty, because I am not at liberty to enter into a detailed review of the facts which you have collected, or of the able conclusions which you have drawn from them. I am particularly anxious to assure you, that nothing can be more acceptable to me, than the continuance of a free communication of your opinions with the same unreserved confidence, which appears in your private correspondence with me. The uncertainty of Scindiah's return to Hindostan, as well as of the condition of his authority and power whenever that event shall take place, renders it impossible at present to contract any formal engagements with any of the powers on the north western frontier of India. Unless we could secure the efficient cooperation of Scindiah's army, we should not be warranted to conclude engagements with him tending to draw our troops beyond the limits of the position required for our own exclusive defence. The same principle applies with additional force to the precarious state of the Mahratta Cliiefs now exercising the Government, or contending for it, during the absence of Scindiah. The suggestions stated in my former letter, with regard to 1798. .sill J. II. CKAIG. ',i\') the Seiks and Rajpoots, were not intended to refer to the possibihty of any regular treaty with them, unconnected with Scindiah ; but merely to such general encouragement as (in the absence of Scindiah) might be offered to those powers by our advice and amicable communication, and by the appearance of our army in the field ; until the ruin or the restoration of Scindiah shall have been finally decided, our intercourse with these powers must be confined to such communications as I have described. The progress of the French arms in Egypt, our actual situation with Tippoo, and the doubtful posture of affairs at Poonah, must contract our means of reinforcing the army under your command. We must therefore be satisfied, in the event of Zemaun Shah's approach, with a system of operations strictly defensive. I have, however, no reason to doubt, that your army will very soon be augmented to the number of nearly 20,000 men. With this force, (which I will encrease if other calls should permit) I rely on your abi- lity to aiford a complete protection to the dominions of the Vizier, as well from internal commotion, as from foreign inva- sion. If any circumstances should hereafter arise favorable to the extension of our system of defence, you will receive timely notice of the change (most earnestly desired by me) either from the Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Lumsden, or Colonel Collins. The present state of affairs does not require me to trouble you with any more particular instructions ; you are the best judge of the position most eligible for the defence of the Vizier's frontier ; I will not embarrass your judgement by any further limitation of your discretion, than must result fi'om a strict adherence to the defence of the Vizier's frontier, leaving it to you to decide, whether that object will be best attained by remaining within the Vizier's boundary, or by a more advanced position. The Commander-in-Chief has apprized you to what extent I have been enabled to authorize him to adopt a part of the very useful suggestions contained in your memoir. With your private communication of the l,'3th, I had the honour of receiving from you a letter of the same date,* which, See page, 304. 316 THE EARL OF MOKNINGTON, TO Oct. although not addressed to me in council, 1 understand to be intended by you to form a public document. It is difficult to express the concern and surprize with which I read that letter. My confidence in your talents, activity, and public spirit, as well as my knowledge of your readiness to take the general command of the army in the field, induced me to entrust that charge to you. This trust was accompanied by a discretion- ary power of suspending the general relief of the army, ac- cording to the exigency of the case ; and you had been ap- prized, that the defence of the country in which you com- manded, was to supersede every other consideration. Under these circumstances, I was not aware, that you could feel any difficulty in determining what would be expected from you ; nothing more could be expected, than a defence of the fron- tier of Oude, compatible with the extent and condition of the force under your command. Less could not be expected from such an officer; and I had hoped that the anxiety which I have manifested to facilitate the exertion of your talents, might have satisfied you, that 1^ was neither disposed to ex- pect from you any effiart beyond the means which you pos- sessed, nor to charge you with any responsibility beyond the limits of your military duty. No special instructions there- fore were given to you ; because none were requisite to enable you to act in the event of Zemaun Shah's approach. The only case in which special instructions to you could become necessary, was that of our having formed defensive engage- ments with the bordering powers. This case has not yet oc- curred, and my private correspondence as well as the com- munications of Colonel Collins, enabled you to ascertain the state of that question with an accuracy, which could not have been derived through any other channel. With regard to that part of the letter in question, which refers to the defi- ciencies of bullocks, camels, elephants, and ammunition, I know that the Commander-in-Chief, had actually taken the earliest possible steps for your speedy supply, and I had written to the Vizier for the express purpose of urging him to furnish you with whatever aid his establishment can afford. ^\'itll this view of the subject, I trust, that the letter to which I refer was not the result of your deliberate consideration ; and I have therefore considered it as a private letter; I have jiut recorded it ; and 1 have entered into a free discussion of 1708. sm J. II. cRAUi. 317 its contents with the facility of a confidential commnnication. If, however, I should have mistaken your intentions, you will correct my error ; and I shall then be reduced to the neces- sity of entering the letter on the records, with the observa- tions which my public duty will, in that case, demand. A variety of concurrent accounts leads me to believe, that the French fleet off Alexandria, has suffered a severe blow from our squadron ; and that the army has been checked in Egypt by a Turkish and Arab force. My last despatches overland, dated the 22nd of June, promise a very considera- ble naval and military reinforcement in India ; the arrival of this force may be expected very soon. It does not appear probable, that in the advanced state of our preparations on the coast, and in the present condition of our alliances, Tippoo will venture to move without the actual cooperation of a French force. If the French should even surmount their difficulties in Egypt, the navigation of the Red Sea and of the Indian ocean at this season is so tedious, that it appears highly improbable that they should anticipate the vigilance of our squadrons. If I should learn the news of the defeat of the French in any authentic form, I will despatch it to you by express. I have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. No. LXXXVII. Lord Clive to the Earl of Mornington. My Lord, Fort St. George, 2d October, 1798. Mr. Petrie having communicated to me the contents of a letter of the 22nd instant, by the desire of Captain Kirkpatrick, from that gentleman to him, which brings the information of Monsieur Perron's corps being disarmed, and the French officers who lately commanded it being in the power of Colonel Roberts, I do not wait for an official confirmation to offer to your Lordship my hearty congratulations upon events so fortunate for the British interest, and so honourable to your Lordship's administration. The happy issue of this decisive measure will have relieved your mind, as it has mine from a very considerable degree of anxiety, and will enable me to 318 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Oct. turn my attention without embarrassment to tlie execution of your Lordship's orders for urging on our warUke preparations witli the utmost zeal and alacrity. I have tlie honour to be with sincere respect and esteem, My Lord, your Lordship's, Most faithful servant, Clive. No. LXXXVIIL General Harris to the Earl 0/ Morning-ton. My Dear Lord, Madras, 29tli October, 1798. Your kind favour of the 18th ultimo, would have been ac- knowledged the moment it was received, if I had only attended to the grateful feelings it occasioned, but convinced as I am how precious evei'y moment of your Lordship's time is to the public, I should not even now have interrupted you if the great and important news from Hyderabad did not compel me to congratulate you on it. Never was any event more completely the work of an individual, than that has been your Lordship's, and much am I flattered, that you should think the part you consigned to me was performed with zeal and alacrity, which it certainly was, and will ever continue to be, while executing orders so pleasantly and clearly detailed. It is a grand stroke, and I think will ensure all the rest of your excellent plan in the same bloodless style. We are going on with even encreased vigour for this fiUip. The second ten battery guns sets off this day for Vellore, and as the Monsoon still liolds off, I am in hopes they will get there without being stopped by it. Lord Clive is very zealous, and only wants to know your Lordship's wishes to have them executed. With my warmest congratulations once more and those of my whole family added, on the complete success of your Lordship's policy, I am with great sincerity, my dear Lord, Your faithful and obliged servant, George Harris. 1798. ROBERT BROOKE, ESQ. 319 No. LXXXIX. The Hon. Frederic North to the Earl of Mornington. My Dear Lord, Colombo, October 29, 1/98. I have already had the honour of referring you for informa- tion concerning Ceylon to my friend Lieut.-Colonel Agnew, late Adjutant General on this Island, and member of the Com- mittee of Revenue. He has lately lieen recalled to his duty on the coast, to my very great sorrow ; for he was really my greatest comfort and assistance in this place. His talents have been long distinguished in his own profession, and they are univer- sal as they are eminent — indeed it will be difficult to find any one who possesses abilities, civil, military, financial, commer- cial and diplomatic, in the degree which he does, and though I shall always most sincerely regret his loss, it is a great satis- faction to me that he is recalled to the coast at a time when your Lordship is at Madras, that his merit may be directly under your eye. Adieu, my dear Lord, Believe me, with the greatest respect and regard. Your most obedient and faithful Servant, Frederic North. No. XC. The Earl of Mornington to Roliert Broohe, Esq. St. Helena. Sir, Fort William, 30th October, 1798. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your let- ters of the 4th of April, and 10th of June, and I return you many thanks for the care you have taken of my several des- patches and private letters by the Albion. Your representations respecting the Lascars serving on board ship are perfectly proper, and are now under my con- sideration. I am much obliged to you for your suggestions with regard to the Sepoy Regiments. I perfectly concur with you in opinion as to the advantages which might be derived from the possession of Monte Video. But besides the difficulty of transporting a large body of native troops to such a distance, tlie present state of affairs in this quarter renders the detachment of any part of our force wholly impracticable. I have the honour to be, &c. Mornington. 320 Tin: KARL OF MOUMNGTON, TO NoV. No. XCI. The Hon. Jonntlian Duncan to the Earl of Morning'toyi. My Lord, ]}oml)ay, (k-tol)cr31, 1798. I have tlie honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of the 8tli instant, and beg to assure your Lordship that I shall strictly observe the line therein indi- cated in respect to Mehndi Alii Khan's intended negociations with the ruling power of Persia ; and endeavour, also, to dis- cover the means of exciting the natives occupying the Delta and the lower parts of the Indus towards a further diversion of Zeniaun Shoah force, in the view of counteracting his intentions respecting India. I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient humble Servant, Jonathan Duncan. No. XCII. The Earl of Mornington to Captain J. A. K'lrhpatrkh, Resident at Hyderabad. Sir Fort William, Noveinher 2nd, 1798. I consider it as an object of the utmost importance, that every practicable precaution should be taken to prevent any jealousy from being conceived by the Court of Hyderabad, in consequence of the great increase of our subsidiary force. For this purpose it is extremely desirable, that the conduct of our troops in their intercourse with the natives of the country, and particularly with the officers of his Highnesses Government should be of the most conciliatory nature, and should be so regulated as to form the strongest contrast with the arrogant and contumacious spirit of the French corps. You w'ill, therefore, apprize Lieut.-Colonels Rol)erts and Hyndman of my particular anxiety on this subject; and you will signify to them my expectations, that they will take ef- fectual measures to prevent any such irregularities or mis- conduct in the officers or men under their respective com- mands, as might tend to create distrust and jealousy. My 1798. CAPTAIN KIRKPATKKK. 321 wish is that the Company's army in his Highnesses service, should conduct itself with the utmost degree of mildness to- wards his subjects, and of respect towards himself and his Mi- nisters ; and that it should manifestthemost prompt obedience to his orders, according to the tenor of the late subsidiary treaty. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. XCIII. The Earl of Morn'mgton to Ttppoo Sultaun. Fort William, 4th November, 1/98. You have doubtless received information of another excess of that unjustifiable ambition and insatiable rapacity, which have so long marked the conduct of the French nation. They have invaded Egypt, a country, from which they were in no danger of molestation, and from whose Government, they could not even pretend to have received the slightest provocation. They have committed this act of violence in contempt of the treaties subsisting between France and the Porte, and without any regard to the acknowledged authority of the Grand Seignor, so long established in Egypt. Nothing can more clearly expose their total disregard of every prin- ciple of public faith and honour, than this unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression; and it will no doubt afford satisfac- tion to every friend to justice and good faith, and particularly to every friend of the British nation, to hear, that by the success of his Majesty's arms, the French have already suf- fered for their injustice and temerity. Certain intelligence has just been received, that 13 sail of the line, which had been employed in the expedition against Egypt, mounting 1024 guns, and carrying about 10,000 men, being at anchor in the port of Bekir, near Rosetta, at the mouth of the Nile, were attacked by an equal number of his Britannic Majesty's fleet; an engagement took place, which terminated in the capture of nine ships of the French line ; two more were blown up, one of them of 118 guns, the French Admiral's, and only two made their escape from the valour and skill of the British Admiral. All communication being thus cut off VOL. 1. Y S22 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO NoV. between Egypt and Europe, the troops who have landed in Egypt must in all probability perish, either by famine or by the sword. This very signal victory is to be ascribed to the justice of the British cause, and to the aid of divine provi- dence, favouring the gallantry of our forces, and punishing the injustice and impiety of our adversary. On the same assist- ance I rely with confidence for a continuation of similar suc- cesses, and for the final triumph of his Majesty's arms over a nation which has shewn itself to be the general enemy of mankind. Confident from the union and attachment subsist- ing between us, that this intelligence will aftbrd you sincere satisfaction, I could not deny myself the pleasure of commu- nicating it. A true Copy, N. B. Eumonstone, I am, &c. Persian Translator to Govt. JVIoRNINGTON. No. XCIV. T^e Earl of Mora i fig ton to Lord Cl'n-e. My Lord, Fort William, 5tli November, 1798. The events of the last three weeks have afforded matter first of great alarm, and ultimately of satisfaction and proba- ble security. Your Lordship found the report of my Mou- lavi upon his return from the prophet's tomb, confirmed by the intelligence from Bombay. My subsequent enquiries leave no room to doubt, that if the French could have reached Suez early in August, they might have found craft in the Red Sea for the conveyance of a large body of troops, and the passage from Suez to Mocha, and from thence to the coast of Malabar, would not have been difficult at that season. The brilliant victory of the 1st of August, (a good day for such a deed) probably checked their career, and saved Tippoo from the perilous consequences of their active support. But I do not yet think it impossible that the des- perate and enterprizing spirit of Buonaparte, exasperated by the new and increasing difficulties which surround him, may attempt to push forward a force to Malabar ; nor is the suc- cess of such an attempt impossible, if it be not frustrated by the vigilance and power of our fleet. Under this impression, I am now fitting out the Earl Howe, and Princess Charlotte, 1798. LOUD cLi\ I,. 3:>? and a large country ship, to act as armed ships iiiidei- the orders of the Admiral, and I intend to despatch them, as soon as they shall he compleatly equipped, together with tlie Bomhaij frigate, to Malahar. 1 have ordered the Jiombaif Government to fit out such ships as they may he able to col- lect for the same purpose. To your Lordship I have sent no public communication on this subject, apprehending that at this season, you possess no means of contributing any assist- ance. If, however, I should have been mistaken, you will have the goodness to arm whatever vessels you can furnish, and send them to the coast of Malabar, to be there placed under the orders of the Admiral. The secret despatch from England* must have afforded your Lordship great satisfaction, in as much as it tended to shew the indispensable necessity of the measures, in the exe- cution of which you have borne so cordial and ready a part. To me it is a matter of no disagreeable reflection to retrace all my late orders, and to find that I had not only antici- pated every point of the commands of my friends at home, before their despatch had left England, but that my reason- ing, and all the variations and shades of my opinion, which have followed the changes of circumstances in this quarter, have corresponded in the most minute manner with their sen- timents and views. In addition to this source of satisfaction, I now have the pleasure to know, that I have removed one of those great obstacles to the vigorous prosecution of war against Mysore, of which the Secret Committee express a just apprehension ; I mean the French army at Hyderabad. The treaty of Hyderabad, and the first secret article were carried into full effect on the 22nd of October. This is a most fortunate event, and will produce an encreased effect coming so close upon the steps of the recent victory at Bekir. The last despatch from Colonel Palmer, opens a favourable prospect of the probable issue of affairs at Poonah. On the other hand, my last advices from the northwestern frontier of Hindostan, encourage an expectation that the threatened in- vasion of Zemaun Shah, will not take place this year; even if it should, we are well prepared to meet it. Your Lordship will perceive, that my object is to circum- vent Tippoo on all sides ; by our alliances at Hyderabad and * Sec paj^e, f> 1 . 324 SPENCER SMITH, ESQ. TO NoV. Poonah ; by our fleet on the coast of Malabar ; and by our armies on that coast, and on the frontier of the Carnatic, carrying the strength of both to the greatest practicable ex- tent. Every effort has been and will be employed by me to augment those armies, so as to enable them to undertake the siege of Seringapatam, within the course of the approaching season, and to convince Tippoo of their ability to accomplish that important operation. By these means, I trust to bring him to reason ; all others are hopeless ; and if we should not be disappointed in our reinforcement from home, and if the fleet should not fail in vigilance, I think we may hope to sur- mount all our difliculties without the hazard of war, and with the certainty of a considerable ultimate improvement of our security. I have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. No. XCV. Spencer Smith Esq. to the Earl of Morn'ington. My Lord, Constantinople, 7th November, 1798. In my past negotiations here, you have ere this some proof in your hands, that I have not been inattentive to the interests of your Lordship's Government ; and you may be assured of my constant vigilance to keep the different presidencies in India informed of all that passes hereabouts, which it may be interesting for them to know. As such, I now enclose to your Lordship the best account we have of the position of Buonaparte and of our fleet. The former in the form of his own despatches intercepted on the coast of Syria, the latter by Captain Hood's despatch to myself, to which I have thought it worth while to add some of my latest English news-papers. I am negotiating a treaty of defensive alliance with this court, upon the basis of that concluded with Russia, accord- ing to a counter project sent out to me in answer to the over- tures of the Porte, made to me on the 28th July, and then sent home. My brother Sir Sidney Smith, is named to suc- ceed Admiral Nelson in the Levant ; and is moreover joined with me in the full power to sign the treaty if he arrives in time, as it is probaljjc he may, being to communicate verbally 1798. THE KARL OF MdUNINOTON. ;J25 with the Porte, before he attacks the French in Egypt, which he will do in the most vigorous and comprehensive way. The French Charge d'affaires here, Riijjfin, is with all his lega- tion in the Seven Towers. The different consuls, including Jambon St. Andre, from Smyrna, with about 40 of the most dangerous demagogues and apostles, have been dispersed in the several fortresses of Amasia, Sinope, Samsoon, Tre- bisond, and Anapa, on the Black Sea. The Turkish and Russian fleets combined have reduced Cerigo, accepted the submission of Zante, and garrisoned Cephalonia ; while Ali Pasha, governor of Yanina has purged the slip of Ex-Vene- tian terrritory, on the coast of Albania, by the well timed and successful attack with 10,000 men of all the French ports, such as Prevesa, Parga, &c., including the capture of the active emmissary General Rosa, one of Bonaparte's aid-de- camps in Italy, and commandant at Prevesa, with several other officers, and about 250 men saved from the slaughter. I shall say nothing of English news, referring your Lordship for that to the enclosed. Our spirits are raised high by Nelson's incomparable victory, and our resources are great. If the powers of the Continent can but be roused from their stupid supineness, we may yet overthrow the monster that has threatened us with general destruction. Naples pro- fesses itself to be ready, and even impatient to renew hosti- lities. The Court of Vienna begins to acknowledge the necessity of a new war. The Russian auxiliaries are ordered to march. From Prussia I fear little good is to be expected. We may be even satisfied if no mischief be experienced. From the Germanic body no vigor is to be hoped for, such is their pusillanimity, that they submit without a remonstrance to the repeated insults, and threats of France, whose con- tempt for them is manifested by every new note in crescendo. I hope your Lordship approves my idea of the grand Signer's and Vizier's amicable exhortation to Tippoo, anything of this kind that I can render more to the purpose, I should rejoice to accomplish according to your ideas. I have the honour to be, with perfect truth and regard. My Lord, your Lordship's, Very obedient humble servant, Spencer SjMith. 3ii6 THE EARL OF MOUNINGTON, TO NoV. No. XCVI. The Earl of Mornington to Tippoo Sultaun. Fort William, 8th November, 1798. It affords me sincere satisfaction to learn that you have nominated two persons of integrity and honour to meet and confer with the Deputies appointed, under my orders, by Mr. Duncan (the Governor of Bombay), for the purposes of inves- tigating the question regarding the Talooks of Ameera and Soulea. It is only by means of regular enquiry, and amicable discussion, that such qviestions can be adjusted among inde- pendent powers. My determination, in the case of Wynaad, was dictated by those principles of justice and moderation, which always direct the Company's Government, nor shall my scrupulous adherence to the same principles be less manifest in my decision on your claim to the districts at present in question, the possession of which shall not be withholden from you for an instant if, after full investigation, I shall be satis- fied of the justice of your title to them. It is a well known truth, that they are always the most ready to respect the just rights of others who are the most vigilant and resolute to maintain their own. I have understood your sentiments concerning the " turbu- lent disposition of interested men, who, by nature, are ever seeking opportunities of sowing the seeds of dissension." For the happiness of mankind it is to be lamented that these authors of confusion are too numerous, assiduous and success- ful, in all parts of the world. In no age or coimtry were the baneful and insidious arts of intrigue cultivated with such success as they are at present by the French nation. I sin- cerely wish that no impression had been produced on your discerning mind by that dangerous people ; but my situation enables me to know that they have reached your presence, and have endeavoured to pervert the wisdom of your councils, and to instigate you to war against those who have given you no provocation. It is impossible that you should suppose me to be ignorant of the intercourse which subsists between you and the French, whom you know to be the inveterate enemies of the Company, and to be now engaged in an unjust war with the British na- 1798. TIPPOO SULTAUN. 327 tion. You cannot imagine nie to be iiulitterent tu the trans- actions which have passed between you and the enemies of my country ; nor does it appear necessary or proper tliat 1 should any longer conceal from you the surprise and con- cern with which I perceived you disposed to involve yourself in all the ruinous consequences of a connection, which threa- tens not only to subvert the foundations of friendship between you and the Company, but to introduce into the heart of your kingdom the principles of anarchy and confusion, to shake your own authority, to weaken the obedience of your subjects, and to destroy the religion which you revere. Innnediately after my arrival at Bengal, I read your corres- pondence with the late Governor-General, Sir John Shore, and with the Acting Governor General Sir Alured Clarke ; and I perceived with great satisfaction, that in all your letters you constantly professed a disposition to sti-engthen the bonds of sincere attachment, and the foundations of harmony and concord established between you and the Honourable Company. I received particular pleasure from reading your last letter to Sir John Shore,* in which you signified your amicable desire that he should impress me with a sense of the friendship and unanimity so long subsisting between the two States. Your subsequent letters to me have abounded with professions of the same friendly nature. Combining these professions of amity on your part with the proofs which the Company's Government have constantly given of their sincere disposition to maintain the relations of friendship and peace with you; and adverting, at the same time, to your reputation for wisdom and discernment, it was natural for me to be extremely slow to believe the various ac- counts transmitted to me of your negociations with the French, and of your military preparations ; but whatever my reluctance to credit such reports might be, prudence required both of me and of the Company's allies, that we should adopt certain measures of precaution and self defence, and these have accordingly been taken, as you will no doubt have ob- served. The British Government and the allies, wishing nevertheless to live in peace and friendship with all their neighbours, entertaining no projects of ambition, nor any views in the least incompatible with their respective engage- Sec Iiitrfidiiolitm. 328 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO NoV. ments, and looking to no other objects than the permanent security and tranquilHty of their own dominions and subjects, will always be ready, as they now are, to afford you every de- monstration of their pacific disposition. The Peishwah, and his Highness the Nizam, concur with me in the observations which I have offered to you in this letter ; and which, in the name of the Company, and of the Allies, I recommend to your most earnest consideration ; but as 1 am also desirous of communicating to you, on the behalf of the Company, and their allies, a plan calculated to promote the mutual security and welfare of all parties ; I propose to depute to you, for this purpose. Major Doveton, who is well known to you, and who will explain to you more fully and particularly the sole means which appear to myself, and to the allies of the Company, to be effectual for the salutary pur- pose of removing all existing distrust and suspicion, and of establishing peace and good understanding on the most dur- able foundations. You will, I doubt not, let me know at what time and place it will be convenient to you to receive Major Doveton; and as soon as your friendly letter shall reach me, I will direct him to proceed to your presence. I shall expect your answer to this letter, with an earnest hope that it may correspond with the pacific views and wishes of the alhes ; and that you may be convinced that you cannot in any manner better consult your true interests than by meet- ing, with cordiality, the present friendly and moderate ad- vance to a satisfactory and amicable settlement of all points on which any doubt or anxiety may have arisen in the minds either of yourself or of the allies. A true Copy, N. B. Edmonstone, Persiau Translator to Govt. No. XCVII. The Earl of Morning-ton to Captain ./. yi. Kirkpatrich, Resident at Hyderabad. Sir, Fort William, Dtli Nov. 1798. I am happy to express my entire approbation of the judge- ment, firmness and discretion, which you have manifested dui'- ing the important transactions which have passed since the ratification of the new subsidiary treaty with the Nizam, and 1798. CAPTAIN KlUKPATRICK. 321* which have terminated so satisfactorily in the compleat exe- cution of the secret and separate articles of that engagement. Your conduct in the negociation of the treaty has already received my approbation. I desire you will signify to Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts, and to the officers and men under his command, the high sense which I entertain of the important service whicli they have rendered to the British interests, and to the Honourable the East India Company, by the prompt execution of your in- structions. To Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts the greatest degree of public gratitude and applause is due for his skilful and judi- cious disposition of the troops under his command, and for the temper and humanity of his conduct towards the French officers in his custody. You will also express my approbation of the service ren- dered by Captain Scohy, in obedience to the orders of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Roberts. The entii'e reduction of the large French force lately in the service of the Nizam, and the complete subversion of the dangerous influence of that nation at the Court of Hyderabad, place his Highness at length in a position which will enable him, in the event of a war between Tippoo Sultaun and the allies, to cooperate in the vigorous prosecution of it with con- siderable efficacy ; but though neither the ability nor the dis- position of the Court of Hyderabad to contribute materially to the support of the common cause can any longer be doubted, yet it must be obvious that without a full and pre- cise knowledge of the extent and nature of the assistance which we may confidently rely on receiving from the Nizam, it will be impossible for us to concert with his Highness any plan of general operations, or even to decide satisfactorily on the practicability of attacking Seringapatam in due season should the refusal of Tippoo to comply with the demands which may be made by the allies, render that measure ex- pedient. For this reason it is of the utmost importance to ascertain without delay, and with every possible degree of correctness and certainty, the following points : — 1. The greatest amount of the force in cavalry, infantry, and field ordnance, which the Nizam will positively furnish ; 330 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO NoV. not as an army to act separately, or in the way of diversion, but to join ours, and to proceed with it directly against the capital of the enemy. 2. The earliest period at which the force to be so furnished can move from Hyderabad. 3. The place where the Nizam may desire that this force should effect a junction with our army. 4. The route by which the Nizam would wish this force to march, for the purpose of effecting such junction with the greatest facility and despatch. 5. The speediest period at which we may safely expect the junction to take place. 6. The person to whom the command of his Highness's forces is to be entrusted. 7. The means or resources applicable by the Nizam to the due and regular supply of provisions, whether for the con- sumption of his own forces, or for the use of the united armies. These are the principal heads of enquiry to which it is ne- cessary to direct your immediate attention. Upon these points I am anxious to obtain the earliest and most accurate information. From these leading points arise several questions of a more minute description, to which it will also be proper to give due consideration. I proceed to state the most important of these in the order in which they result from the preceding propo- sitions. As the reduction of Seringapatam, in the event of a war, must constitute the sole object of the allies, it is impossible not to feel a desire that the whole of our subsidiary troops should be comprehended in the contingent to be furnished by his Highness for the purpose of acting with our army. These, with the addition of 6,000 of Mr. Finglass's corps, and a suitable train of field ordnance, and joined by a body of from 8,000 to 10,000 of his Highness's best cavalry, under the command of Rissalahdars, of approved zeal and fidelity, would form as large a force as it M^ould, perhaps, be neces- sary to require from him. But if any of the Company's sub- sidiary troops are to be withholden, although their place will be ill supplied by any others in his Highness's service, the imnibtr of the latter must be proportionably augmented. 1798. CAPTAIN KIKKI'ATIUCK. oiJl VVlien yoii are iiiformecl, however, that tlie army before Seringapatam in February, 1792, amounted to 30,000 figliting men (exclusive of five native battalions in difierent parts of the enemy's country, and four battalions with the Nizam and the Mahrattas), that an equal force is now deemed requisite for the siege of this place ; and that even with the aid of the whole of the subsidiary troops now at Hyderabad, we should with difficidty draw together so considerable an army, you will perceive the necessity of urging the Nizam by every argu- ment in your power, to acquiesce in the arrangement here suggested. In the last war with Tippoo the whole of the subsidiary British force was absent from Hyderabad. No reason occurs to me which should induce his Highness on this occasion to retain any part of it about his own person : nor am I aware of any other ground of objection to the employment of the whole of it against the common enemy, which must not equally have existed in the last war. I therefore entertain a sanguine expectation of his Highness's ready consent to the proposed measure. I must not dismiss this article without instructing you to be particularly careful, as far as may be in your power, to obtain the exclusion from every sort of command or trust in the Nizam's contingent force of all those Sirdars whose con- duct during the last war furnished a just suspicion of trai- terous correspondence with the enemy. If necessary you must formally protest against the employment of those indi- viduals on the present occasion. With regard to the second object of enquiry, or, the period at which the Nizam's contingent can move, I need only ob- serve that, as it will have a considerable distance to proceed before it can effect a junction with the army of the Carnatic (whatever place of junction may be appointed), it is absolutely necessary that it should commence its march as soon after your receipt of this as possible, observing, however, the cau- tion that it shall not any where in its progress pass hito the dominions of Tippoo Sultaun without further notice from me. The interval, 1 trust, will not be long ; since no doubt his Highness's preparations for enforcing the demand of satisfac- tion and security, which it was agreed by the allies to niuke 'SS2 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO NoV. upon Tippoo Sultaun, have kept pace with those of the Com- pany's Government. As to the third point which relates to the place of the junc- tion, although it is necessary to consult the pleasure of the Nizam upon the subject, yet I am willing to believe you will have no difficulty in proving to him the expediency of leaving this article to be ultimately adjusted between the Commander- in-Chief of the Company's army and the commanders of his Highness's contingent force, including the commanding officer of the subsidiary troops. With respect to the route to be taken by the Nizam's troops, although this cannot be completely ascertained until the place of junction with our army be determined, and there- fore must be left in a great measure to the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief, exercised in concert with the officers commanding his Highness's division, yet there appears to be no difficulty in fixing some general direction during the earlier stages of the march. Thus, whether the place of junction should hereafter be appointed in the vicinity of Amboor, Ilyacottah, or Coveriporum, it will be equally convenient that his Highness's troops should proceed by Kurpah. To this point, therefore, it cannot move too soon : and before it can arrive there, the Commander-in-Chief will be able to deter- mine on the best direction for its further progress. It is of peculiar importance to ascertain the fifth point, or the speediest period at which the junction can be effiected, with the utmost accuracy possible. It being understood that unless the united armies could ar- rive at Seringapatam by the middle of February, the siege and capture of that place before the setting in of the mon- soon, would hardly be practicable : to guard against such a disappointment it is absolutely requisite that the army, with its battering train, should not be later in moving from Amboor than the end of January; of course the Nizam's force ought to reach that place (supposing it to be the appointed rendez- vous) not later than the middle of that month. For this pur- pose it is stated to me that his Highness's troops should be in motion by the 5th of December : but as, in order to render the junction as secure as possible, a circuitous I'oute from Kurpah to Amboor (probably by Dalmacherry and Chittoor) 1798. CAPTAIN KIRKPATRICK. 333 may be deemed advisable, it is evident that they cannot com- mence their march too soon. It is certainly extremely desirable that Azim iil Oinra should put himself at the head of the Nizam's forces; and if no substantial objection should arise to his leaving the person of his Highness, I wish you to urge Azim ul Omra, by every possible argument, to proceed with the army. It is not, per- haps, of much consequence whether he is accompanied ])y one of the princes or not : but in this arrangement I see no necessity for your interference. If any solid reason should arise for the minister's remaining with the Nizam, or if he cannot be prevailed on to proceed with the troops, care must be taken to select for the command a person whose zeal for the common cause shall be accompanied by a due share of personal weight and authority. These qualities in the com- mander of the Nizam's forces are to be sought in preference to military knowledge and experience, which, perhaps, it would be difficult to find in any considerable degree among the Omras of the Court at Hyderabad. In the case of Azim ul Omra's proceeding with the Nizam's force, I should think it advisable for you to accompany him ; leaving your assistant to attend on his Highness. But in the event of the minister's remaining behind, it will be proper that you should continue at your station ; and that Captain Malcolm should accompany the troops, according to the same arrangement under which Lieutenant Stewart was employed in the last war, when assistant to Sir John Kenneway. Although I fear that the declining state of the Nizam's health, joined to his increasing years, is but too likely to ob- struct the measure , yet I cannot help expressing a wish that his Highness may be able, if not immediately, yet early in January, to advance in person to the banks of the Kishna, where his position during the last war, if it no otherwise con- tributed to the success of the general operations, tended to inculcate the belief of his serious disposition to second them. With regard to the point remaining to be considered, namely, the regular supply of provisions, it appears to me that no time should be lost in storing as large quantities of grain as possible in Ganjecottah, Sedhout, and all the other forts on the southern frontier of his Highness's dominions in which such supplies may be safely deposited. It is also ex- .'Jot THE EAUT, OF MORMN(;TOX, TO Nov. tremely desirable that the minister should give tlie most effec- tual encouragement to the Brinjaries to accompany and follow the army ; and I should think you could not better inculcate the great advantages of a liberal arrangement with those people, than by referring him to the result of Lord Corn- wallis's proceedings on this subject, of which he was himself an eye witness. I likewise authorize you to cooperate with Azim ul Omra in the useful measure of engaging the cordial services of the Brinjaries, by making such advances of cash on behalf of the Company as you may judge advisable or ne- cessary for this purpose ; not exceeding, however, the sum of 50,000 rupees, and taking sufficient security from them for the repayment of the same within a reasonable time. As in the event of Tippoo Sultaun's compelling the allies to attack him, by refusing the security proposed to be de- manded of him, the immediate siege of his capital will con- stitute the sole object of their operations ; the consequence of this plan must be, that all the supplies for the army to be drawn from the Nizam's country, must, for greater security, pass from Kurpah through the Carnatic, by the way of Da- malcherry, Chittoor, Amboor, &c. ; or such other routes as may best suit with the circumstances of the moment. It will not be necessary, however, to communicate this arrangement to the Brinjaries who, when they pei'ceive that it is not our intention to occupy any posts in Tippoo's country, on the di- rect line between Kurpah and Seringapatam, will naturally follow the army by the route just mentioned, as the only one affording them equal security. The actual state of the Company's troops serving in the Nizam's country, with regard to field equipment of every de- scription, is a subject which demands immediate attention. Whatever deficiencies may exist, no time should be lost in supplying them. You will, therefore, ascertain these imme- diately, and as soon as possible, privately advise Lord Clive of them, who will have my instructions to issue the necessary orders for forwarding in due time, to the place of rendezvous of the allied army, whatever articles shall be wanting to com- plete the equipment of the subsidiary troops for actual ser- vice. Having in a former part of this letter supposed Mr. Fin- glass's corps to form part of the Nizam's contingent, and not 1798. CAPTAIN KIRKPATRICK. SS') having hitherto in any of my letters to you touched on the subject of that party, I will now give you uiy sentiments and instructions respecting it. On general principles of policy I am sensible of the danger of admitting the establishment of corps of tliis description among the country powers, even under the command of Bri- tish subjects ; but the numerous military establishments of French adventurers in the service of the different States of India suggested the necessity of opposing some counterpoise to their dangerous influence and growing power. Hence arose the introduction of Mr. Finglass into the service of the Nizam, and the subsequent augmentation of his corps. This however was a very inadequate security against the danger which existed at Hyderabad, and which could never have been averted by any other means than the complete subver- sion of the French army in the service of the Nizam. This object having been happily accomplished, it becomes a question how far it is advisable for this Government to per- mit or countenance the continuance of Mr. Finglass's corps. Our right under the treaty lately concluded between the Com- pany, to require the dismission of all the Europeans in his Highness's service is unquestionable : but would it be prudent or politic, or even just, to exercise it in this instance. It would perhaps be unjust, because the dismission of M. Piron's corps, and the articles of the new treaty under which the restrictions of the former subsidiary troops still remain in force, joined to those stipulations which limit the use of the Company's troops to cases of important service, have abso- lutely deprived the Nizam of all means of executing a variety of military duties of an indispensable nature ; unless his High- ness be allowed to retain Mr. Finglass's corps in his service. It would be impolitic, first, because it would naturally ex- cite great dissatisfaction in the mind of the Nizam ; and se- condly, because it would deprive the common cause, at a very critical period, of a body of troops, which, though not to be compared with the Company's, may be capable of rendering considerable service in the event of war. On the whole, therefore, my opinion is, that it is expedient to encourage and support this corps (Mr. Finglass's) to such an extent as may place it in a condition to act with effect in conjunction with our own troops. 336 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO NoV. For this purpose I mean to permit Mr. Finglass (on the usual apphcation from the Nizam) to purchase from time to time, at Fort St. George, any quantity of ordnance, ordnance stores, and muskets, which shall appear to you necessary to the efficient equipment of his corps for actual service. But as the opportunities of procuring such articles are precarious, I am also willing that any moderate supply of them which may be required for the use of any division of the corps, ac- tually proceeding as part of the Nizam's contingent to join our army, should be issued at your requisition from the Com- pany's Arsenal at Fort St. George ; and I shall instruct the Government of that Presidency accordingly. The Govern- ment of Fort St. George will, however, be empowered to exercise its discretion with regard to the quantity of the several articles above mentioned, which can at any time be spared with safety from the demands of their own military service ; I think it probable, however, that the magazines be- longing to the late French corps may be found sufficient to the supply of most of the articles in which Mr. Finglass's corps is now deficient. But while I consent to extend to this corps the degree of encouragement which I have desci'ibed, I must particularly enjoin you to use the utmost vigilance for the purpose of pre- venting the admission of any others than British subjects, not only into commands, but into any rank or station in the corps. You will also take care that such British subjects retain their attachment to their native country, and to its laws and constitution ; and that they shall not, under the shelter of their British origin, protect the growth of French influ- ence at the Court of the Nizam. The sixth article of the late treaty furnishes you with ample means of obtaining the dismission from this corps of any individual whose conduct or principles may render him a just object of suspicion. I conceive, however, that the commanding officer of this party is not likely in any such case to reduce you to the necessity of asserting the right of the Company under the treaty. It is proper you should be particularly careful so to regu- late your occasional intercourse with the corps of Mr. Fin- glass, as to prevent its exciting any jealousy or dissatisfaction in the mind of the Nizam or his ministers. On this principle 1798. THE RESIDENT AT POONAII. 3.37 it is peculiarly necessary that, except when your opinion or interference shall be expi*essly desired by his Highness or by Azim ul Omra, you should avoid taking part in any discus- sions which may arise between that corps and the Durbar, whether relating to the pay of the party, to the nature of the duties and services required of them, or to any other point whatever. I must except, however, from this general instruction, the case of any division of Mr. Finglass's corps which shall hap- pen to compose part of the Nizam's contingent, acting with the Company's army : for it will at all times be incumbent on us to see that due measures are taken by his Highness's mi- nisters for securing the regular payment of whatever troops may form that contingent, whether they shall be those of the Nizam, or the Company's subsidized force ; I accordingly de- sire that you will exert yourself to effect a satisfactory ar- rangement for this purpose with Azim ul Omra. My anxious desire that Azim ul Omra, in person, should accompany the Nizam's contingent, is founded on my opinion that, from his presence a greater degree of security would be derived, not only for the punctual payment of the troops, but for the prompt obedience, and efficient cooperation of their commanders. I am, &c. MoRNINGTON. No. XCVIII. The Earl of Mornington to the Resident at Poonah. Sir, Fort William, 10th Nov. 1/98. I have viewed with particular concern the encreasing em- barrassments of Doulut Rao Scindiah, and the slow progress made by the Peishwa in the final arrangement of his govern- ment. The former by obstructing the return of Scindiah to Hindostan, and by tending to weaken his authority, and di- minish his resources, threatens to deprive us of the assistance of a power, whose cooperation under other circumstances, might have been of the greatest advantage, in the event of an invasion from Zemaun Shah. The latter by disclosing the weakness and irresolution of the Peishwa's mind, and by leav- ing me in doubt, whether his councils will ultimately be VOL. I. z S3S THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Nov. gukled by an influence friendly or hostile to his connection with the Company, makes it impossible for me to judge with any confidence, what his conduct is likely to be in the event of a rupture between the Company and Tippoo Sultaun. But, whatever may be the ultimate determination of the Peishwa, the period is arrived, when it is become necessary to call upon him in the most explicit manner, for the faithful performance of the engagements contracted by his predeces- sor and recognized by himself. I enclose you the copy and translation of a letter, which I have thought proper to address to Tippoo Sultaun.* You will without delay communicate this letter to the Peishwa, who will no doubt perceive that the terms of it are in exact conformity to the spirit of his own declarations, and to his proposed draft of a letter on the same subject. You will at the same time point out to him the necessity of moving his forces immediately towards the frontier of Tippoo, as well for the purpose of giving weight to the negociations of the allies, should Tippoo consent to treat ; as in order to be in a proper state of forwardness for cooperating with the armies of the Company and of the Nizam, in the event of the allies be- ing reduced to the necessity of enforcing their just demands. I shall be satisfied if the Peishwa's contingent shall amount to 20,000 horse ; provided this body of cavalry shall be of the best description belonging to the state, and shall be com- manded by Sirdars, and by a principal Chief, well affected to the cause, my confidence on this last subject would be consi- derable, were Emrut Row to be selected for this important charge ; but I should feel very differently were either Gobind Kishen himself, or any other person closely connected with him in politics or otherwise, to be appointed to it. You will, therefore, be particularly careful to prevent by every means in your power, any nomination of this dangerous nature ; since such a disposition of the Peishwa's contingent would make it questionable, whether its presence at Seringa- patam, in the event of hostilities, might not be of more detri- ment than benefit to the general interests. It is proper to mention in this place, that the Peishwa's con- tingent must not pass the frontier of Tippoo Sultaun, until * See page, 326. 1798. THE RESIDENT AT POONAII. 'J89 duly advised (in the manner to be hereafter speciticd) of the faikire of the negociations, or until required to move either by the Commander-in-Chief of the Company's army in the Carnatic, or by the officer in Command of our forces on the coast of Malabar. The requisition for the advance of the Mahratta contingent into the enemy's country, will be accompanied by a communi- cation of the route which it may be deemed advisable for it to pursue, for the purpose of effecting a junction, either with the army of Malabar, or with that of the Carnatic. You will advise Mr. Duncan confidentially, from time to time, of the progress of your negociations with respect to the Mahratta contingent ; the better to enable him, and General Stuart, eventually to establish every degree of practicable concert between the movements of our army in Malabar, and those of the Mahratta forces. If the Peishwa after having read my letter to Tippoo Sul- taun, and in consequence of the proposed military movements, should require to know the nature and extent of the security which I propose hereafter to demand from Tippoo, you will answer, that this is a point on which I shall not be able en- tirely to make up my mind, until I see what impression is produced on Tippoo by the letter which I have sent him on behalf of the allies. In the mean while the Peishwa may rest assured, that I feel no desire to exact any concessions from Tippoo, beyond the objects avowed in my letter to him, or inconsistent with the Peishwa's own sentiments, as expressed to yourself, and in his proposed draft of a letter to Tippoo, and that no settlement of any kind shall ever be made by me with Tippoo, in which the Peishwa and the Nizam shall not participate equally in all respects with the Company. I am, &c., MORNINGTON. No. XCIX. The Earl of Mornington to the Right Hon. Henry Dundas. My Dear Sir, Fort William, 12th Nov. 1798. My last private letter to you was closed on the 11th of October.* On the 18th, I received the despatch of the secret * See p. 288. 340 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO NoV. committee dated the 18th of June,* and forwarded overland, and on the same day, a confirmation of the reports of the progress of the French arms in Egypt. It is difficult to express the satisfaction which I derived, from finding that the measures which I liad taken, in conse- quence of tlie alliance formed between Tippoo and the French, corresponded so happily with your principles and views on the same occasion. You will observe by a reference to my several despatches, that I had not only anticipated all your orders before the overland despatch had left England, but that the whole course of the ideas which passed through my mind during the late critical conjuncture of our aflfairs in this quarter, coincided entirely with the tenor of your opi- nions. On the only point which you have thought too delicate to decide at home, I am happy to be able to remove your appre- hension. My former letters will have apprized you of the signature of the treaty of Hyderabad, and of the approach of the British detachment towards that city. The detachment under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Roberts, arrived at Hydera- bad on the 10th of October, and on the 22nd of October, the British troops under the orders of the Nizam, and with the cooperation of a body of 2000 of his cavalry, surrounded the camp of the French army, disarmed all tlie Sepoys, and se- cured the persons of all the French officers then in camp. This operation was happily eflfected without bloodshed, and w'ithout contest. A mutiny having broken out in the French camp on the preceding day, and the Sepoys having imprison- ed their officers, the Resident at Hyderabad, and Lieutenant Colonel Roberts, with the consent of the Nizam, judiciously availed themselves of this favorable opportunity to execute this important measure, without difficulty or danger. The French officers by my particular orders, were treated with every ])racticable degree of attention and humanity ; at the period of their arrest by our troops, their persons were in confinement, and their lives in danger from the mutiny pre- vailing in their camp ; and the greatest difficulty which Colonel Roberts encountered, was that of rescuing the im- 1798. THF, RT. HON. IIKNKV DUNDAS. M] prisoned officers from the violenc-e of their (nvii Sepoys. Partitular cure was taken to save the property of the officers for their use, as well as to obtain for tiiem such arrears of pay and allowances, as were due to them from his Highness ; Captain Kirkpatrick informs me, that he has been comi)leteIy successful in eftecting both these desirable objects. The French officers are now on their passage to this Presidency on board the Bonibaij frigate, which I had previously sta- tioned at Masidipatam for their accommodation. On their arrival at Calcutta, it is my intention to receive them with the consideration due to their respective ranks, and to allow them every indulgence compatible with the security of their per- sons. I propose to send them to Europe by the earliest op- portunity, using the precaution of dispersing them in diffisrent ships. On their arrival in England, I have engaged that they shall not be treated as prisoners of war, but shall be im- mediately transported to France, without suffering any deten- tion for an exchange of prisoners. I am persuaded, that you will consider this event as a cir- cumstance of peculiar good fortune in the present moment. The effects of it must be to secure to us, whatever benefits can be derived from the cordial cooperation of the Nizam, in the event of a war with Tippoo, and, in the meanwhile, so considerable a reduction of the French influence in India must be viewed as an important benefit, at a moment when the adventurous and enterprizing spirit of that nation is di- rected to the object of erecting an Empire in India, on the ruin of ours. With respect to the Court of Poonah, our affairs in that quarter also have taken a very favourable turn. Nana Fur- navese has been restored to the Ministry, and has pubhcly taken charge of the affairs of the Government. I have al- ready informed you, that the Peishwa had concurred without hesitation in all my arrangements at Hyderabad, and had uni- formly professed his determination to abide by his defensive engagements with us, in the event of hostilities with Tippoo. The restoration of Nana, secures the Peishwa's faithful exe- cution of those engagements, and affords a strong ground of expectation of further improvements in the nature of our con- nection with that state. Neither Tippoo nor the French will ever acquire any influence at Poonah, while Nana shall hold 342 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO NoV. the reins of power. Nana has too much wisdom to involve the Mahratta Empire in such desperate connections. On the 31st of October, we learnt the satisfactory intelli- gence of the glorious victory at Bekir, which I immediately announced by a circular letter to all the Princes of India, not omitting Tippoo Sultaun. Being still uncertain of the fate of the French army, I have not relaxed any part of our military or naval preparations, for the nature of which I refer you to my letters to the secret committee. But I have deemed this a favorable opportunity for opening a negotiation with Tippoo Sultaun, which you will observe the state of affairs at Hydera- bad and Poonah, now admit of my commencing in conformity to my original view of the subject. A copy of my letter to Tippoo, forms a number of the secret packet.* I wish it were in my power to express my satisfaction in the alacrity with which the Government of Fort St. George, have executed my orders for the defence of the Carnatic. But I am concerned to state, that notwithstanding the cor- dial disposition of Lord Clive to second my exertions in the public service, unnecessary and unwarrantable delays have prevailed in the military equipments in that quarter, and the movement of the battering train towards the frontier, (a mea- sure absolutely necessary for the purpose of giving effect to our negotiations ^vith Tippoo), has been delayed several weeks, until at length no alternative was left, but that of de- ferring the movement altogether until after the monsoon, or of attempting it during the monsoon at the hazard of inter- ruption from the bad weather. The latter alternative after much hesitation was adopted. You will perceive by the secret despatches, that I have taken measures for embodying the Calcutta European militia. I expect that their number will not fiill short of 1500 men. This useful institution had grown obsolete ; as I conceive tliat great advantage might be derived from it in any case of sudden emergency, I have availed myself of this opportunity to revive it, intending to place it on a permanent foundation. Our accounts of Zemaun Shah, are still extremely vague and contradictory. I have, however, thought it prudent to continue our preparation on the north western frontier, wliere • Sec J). 3'2S. 1798. TIIK KT. HON. IIF.NRY DUNDAS. :i'i.\ I trust our defences are perfectly secure. My letters to tln' Secret Committee contain so full a detail of all the circum- stances of our present situation, and of the steps which I have taken for the purpose of meeting the exigencies of the moment, as they have arisen, that I do not feel it necessary to trouble you with any further particulars in this letter. I have received the mihtary regulations, and I have already given the necessary orders for carrying into execution, that part of them which relates to the promotion by regimental rank ; with respect to the reduction of the allowances, it is a question which I have not yet decided, whether it might not be advisable to postpone, for a time, a measure which wouhl necessarily tend to slacken the zeal of the officers who may be called into the field in the present crisis ; but this is a con- sideration merely of time, and of prudence ; for the temper of the army is such, and I trust my authority so firmly esta- blished, that I have no expectation of meeting with any diffi- culty or danger in carrying the orders of the Court into effect; I may hereafter suggest some observations on some parts of those orders. The despatches to the Secret Committee, and to the Court of Directors, will shew you the amount of the voluntary con- tributions within these provinces, when you will recollect, that the greater part of it is furnished from the annual income of the subscribers, I think it will appear a sufficient testimony of their zeal and public spirit. The same spirit has appeared on the occasion of the calling out the militia ; all descriptions of the European and Armenian inhabitants of Calcutta having manifested the utmost degree of alacrity in offering their per- .sonal services. I am, &c. JMORNINGTON. 344 Tin: I'.AIJL OV MOKNINGTON, TO NoV. No. C. The Earl of Mornington to Lord Cl'ive. My Lord, Fort William, 14tli November, 1/98. I am most happy to learn that your battering train is in such forwardness, and if the same spirit of alacrity and des- patch can (tlirough your Lordship's means) be infused into all the departments of your Government, you M'ill hereafter have the satisfaction to reflect, that you have contributed most effectually to the preservation of that Empire, which was ac- quired by the strength of our arms, and must be maintained by the same means. For my own part I declare to your Lordship, that I deem myself bound by every principle of duty and cha- racter to suspend every other consideration as secondary to the indispensable object of providing a large force in the field, and an efficient system of alliance ; and so entirely devoted am I to the exigencies of this duty, that my estimate of cha- racters, and my sentiments of respect, and even of affection in this country, are regulated absolutely by the degrees of zeal and alacrity which I find in those who are to assist me in this great struggle. Nor can I conceive a more firm foundation, or a more honourable bond of friendship than a common share in the labours, difficulties, and honour of defending and saving so valuable a part of the British Empire. This is the nature of the connection which I seek with your Lordship, and these are the sentiments which render me so averse to those men who appear negligent, or reluctant, or irresolute in a conjuncture which ought to extinguish all partialities, all private resentments and affections, and to unite and animate all talents and exertions in one comxuon cause. In this effort your Lordship and I have the satisfaction to know that we have the most strenuous support of the whole Government at home, and that we nuist have that of every man acquainted with the real interests of India and attached to those of Great Britain. In such a cause, and with such support, we may safely tread with a firm step, and proceed steadily in a for- ward course ; and I trust the moment is not distant when we may look back with mutual satisfaction and approbation to every step of the course we have pursued, and may claim 1798. LORD C LIVE. ,'J45 with justice and with success tiie gratitude of our country, and the best rewards of honest ambition, I am extremely happy to learn that your Lordship continues to approve the conduct of my brother,* it does not become me to say with how much safety you may repose implicit confidence in his honour and discretion. You will, I liope, have understood from him my cordial wish to conduct my intercourse with your Lordship upon a footing of the most unreserved free- dom, without a sensation of jealousy, or with any other object than that of a sincere union for the purpose of first preserv- ing, and finally of improving, the interests committed to our joint charge. 1 have the honour to be, &c. MoRNINGTON. No. CL Major General Sir J. H. Craig' to the Earl of Morninglon. My Lord, Cawnpore, 15th Noveinl)fr, 17.98. I cannot refrain from taking the liberty of congratulating your liordship, which I do with very great satisfaction, upon the successful issue of your Lordship's measures to extirpate the French influence at the Court at Hyderabad. Nothing struck me more forcibly, upon my arrival in this country, than the extent of the mischief which might be created by that baneful and inimical ascendency. It was reserved for your Lordship's firmness and political wisdom to remove an evil of so dangerous a tendency. I very sincerely hope that the de- cision and energy, which have so eminently characterized this the first step of your Lordship's administration, will produce the effect of restoring our national character for vigour and spirit, upon which points I fear it has suffered much of late years in the opinion of the natives. I have the honour to be, My Lord, your Lordship's most obedient Servant, J. H. Craig. * The Duke of Wellinn^ton, then Lt. Col. Wellesley, who had been bent by the Governor General to Madras with his regiment, the 33d infantry. .'M6 SIR J. H. CRAIG, TO NoV. No. CII. Major General Sir J. H. Craig to the Earl of Mornington. My Lord, Cawnporc, 15th November, 1798. Our intelligence continues unvaried in confirmation of the Shah's determination to attempt the invasion of Hindostan, and of his being on the point of crossing the Attock for the purpose. I have no doubt that Col. Collins will have trans- mitted to your Lordship the report of his cassids, the account of which I received from him yesterday evening, and which was at the same time confirmed, in all its material parts, by a letter that I received from one of my own people, a copy of which I sent to the Commander-in-Chief last night ; this letter, which by the bye, ought to have reached me at least three days sooner than it did, contained the report of two of my hircarrahs, who returned direct from the Attock. The part of it which I saw with the greatest regret has been the confir- mation, as far as such can be deduced from public report, of the opinion I have for some time past held, that little or no resistance would be made by the Seiks, and I fear as little is to be expected on the part of the Mahrattas. Seeing no reason to doubt the Shah's advancing soon, it would at any rate now be my wish to assemble the army at Anopsheer as soon as cir- cumstances will admit. I feel however an additional inducement to the doing it, in the hope that it may give encouragement to the latter to attempt something at least. In their present divided and distracted state, I fear the offering any direct op- position to the Shah's approach to Delhi is more than can be expected from them; but if they should assemble any body of troops with a view of protecting their nearer frontier from his incursions, and could be prevailed upon to act with a little vigour on his flank and in his rear, which will be open to them, if he advances towards the boundaries of the Vizier's domi- nions, it might be useful ; and I shall be glad to be honoured with your Lordship's instructions how far I may proceed, in concert with Colonel Collins, in suggesting the idea to them, or in listening to any overtures that they might make for a junction of forces, under circumstances that would not carry us far from our own frontier, or create any disadvantage as to 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, i{47 the local situation of an action. A reference to the map will point out to your Lordship that if the Shah should advance from Delhi, on this side the Jumna, it may equally be in the intention of pursuing his conquests over the Mahrattas, or of turning his arms against us. We should, therefore, be equally concerned in opposing his progress ; and though, un- able to accomplish this of themselves, yet such of the Mah- ratta chiefs, as remain united and attached to Scindiah, might be willing to join and assist us in an attempt, in which there is not a doubt but they must consider themselves as interested, even in the great stake of their existence as a nation in these parts. The distance from Anopsheer to the nearest part of the Jumna does not exceed forty miles, and if the aid of any tolerable body of the Mahrattas can be procured at the risk of advancing a part of that distance, instead of waiting for the enemy something nearer our own frontier, I should presume that your Lordship will think it advisable to adopt the measure. At the same time it appears to me that it must depend upon a knowledge of the extent of the assistance that is to be expected from them ; and if your Lordship should think it preferable, it might, if expedient in other respects, be brought about as a sort of military agreement between the leaders of the respective armies without the intervention of Government in a formal treaty. I have confidence in assuring your Lordship that you may rely on my prudence in the ex- ercise of any discretionary latitude, with which your Lordship may think proper to entrust me in this respect. I have the honour to be. My Lord, your Lordship's most obedient and most faithful humble Servant, J. H. Craig. No. CIIL Ttppoo Sultann to the Governor General. 20th November, 1798, (Received 15th December, 1798). It has lately come to my ears from report, that in conse- quence of the talk of interested persons military preparations 348 THE RIGHT HON. HKNKV DUNDAS, TO NoV. are on foot. Report is equally subject to the likelihood of being true or false. I have the fullest confidence that the present is without foundation. By the favour of God, the con- ditions (or obligations) of peace established (between us) have obtained the utmost degree of strength and firmness ; under the circumstances of their having been firmly observed and adhered to, of the daily increasing union and friendship, and of the constant intercourse of correspondence, it (the report) cannot possibly be entitled to credit; but the promulgation of such reports excites my surprize. My friendly pen writes this ; I hope your Lordship will be pleased to gratify me by writing of it. From a desire to maintain the obligations of treaty and engagement, 1 have no other intention (or thought) than to give increase to friendship, and my friendly heart is to the last degree bent on endeavours to confirm and strengthen the foundations of harmony and union. Let your Lordship always continue to gratify me by glad- dening letters, notifying your welfare. A true Translation, N. B. Edmonstone, Persian Translator to Govt. No. CIV. The Right. Hon. Henry Dundas to the Earl of Morningtun. Wimbledon, 16th June, 1798. Mv DEAR Lord, (Received 20th November, 179S). Having been unwell for a considerable part of this spring, and particularly distressed with a weakness in my eyes, I have been obliged chiefly to make use of a Secretary's hand. Perhaps you may tell me that this does not require much apology. The subject of this letter arises from recent despatches from the Cape of Good Hope, and the state of affairs in the Mediterranean, in consequence of a French fleet and a great armament being fitted out from Toulon, and having actually sailed upon some secret expedition under the conduct of their favourite General, Buonaparte. The intelligence we have received from the Cape must have reached you either from the Mauritius itself, or from the Cape of Good Hope, long be- 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 349 fore you can receive this. I think it liowever right to send the copy of a proclamation said to be issued by the Governor of the Mauritius, and if it speak true, we are probal)ly at tliis time at war with Tij)poo Sultaun. If we are not, it must have arisen either from his name being introduced into the prochi- mation without his authority, or from his having in conse- quence of proper representations from our Government in India, disclaimed and disavowed the whole in such a manner as to set your mind at ease upon the subject. When I speak of disclaiming what is imputed to him, I mean that liis con- duct should be such as to evince the sincerity of his profes- sions, for if he contents himself with a mere denial, and is at the same time, by preparations and hostile movements, de- monstrating his real intention of breach of treaty with this country, your Lordship's wisdom and vigilance will not be lulled asleep or trifled with, but will, when you think it the proper moment for doing so, bring him to an explana- tion in the only way such conduct merits, and I am per- suaded that it will be your peculiar care so to act with re- gard to other allies, as to induce them to cooperate with us in chastizing so notorious a breach of faith, not only to us, but to all those who were united together in that war which led to the peace concluded under the auspices of Marquis Corn- wallis. I likewise send to your Lordship the most recent intelli- gence we have received relative to the expedition fitted out in the Mediterranean. Fora long time it was rumoured thatBuonapartewasintendcd to lead the threatened invasion against Great Britain and Ire- land, but whether it has proceeded from the irresistible supe- riority of our fleet, or from the great preparations which the zeal and loyalty of his Majesty's subjects has enabled him to make throughout the Kingdom, I cannot pretend with certainty to know, but it does appear that of late they have been more reserved in their menaces, and less forward in their prepara- tions in the ports opposite to our coasts ; and the great ex- ertions of the llepublic appear to have been made to fit out the present armament from the ports of the Mediterranean. The destination of this expedition has been matter of va- rious conjecture. It was for some time supposed to be des- tined against Naples, or Purtugiil, or, under cover of the latter, 350 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO NoV. to lay the foundation of revolutionizing the Spanish monarchy. By the latest intelligence transmitted to me hy Lord Gren- ville, the copies of which are herewith inclosed, it would ap- pear that Egypt and India are the ultimate object of this great preparation. We have intelligence of the armament having actually sailed upon the 19th day of May, and we entertain sanguine hopes that, whatever the destination of it may be, the design of the enemy will be frustrated, and the armament it- self destroyed by a powerful squadron acting in the Medi- terranean, under the command of Sir Horatio Nelson, the ob- ject of which is to watch and to pursue it, wherever its course may be directed. If it actually is destined for Egypt, it appears to me to be a great and a masterly stroke; and if successful, wouldbe attended with very pernicious consequences to the interests of this country. In order to avoid entering into a long detail at present upon that view of the subject, I shall content myself with sending your Lordship a copy of a letter written to Lord Grenville* two days ago, in conse- quence of the intelligence communicated to me by his Lord- ship. We expect soon to receive certain advice both of the object of the expedition from Toulon, and of the success of the force which has been detached to counteract it ; but with the intelligence before us to which I have i-eferred in this letter, His Majesty's servants would be culpable in delaying a mo- ment to inform you of what is at present known to them, and of the measures which they have in consequence resolved upon. It is intended, with as little delay as possible, to send a very respectable reinforcement of European force for the ser- vice of India. First, a body of about 1,500 troops from the Cape of Good Hope : that settlement to be strengthened by other force as soon as circumstances will allow of it. Se- condly, it is proposed to send 1,500 newly recruited troops to the garrison of Gibraltar, and to forward from thence to India an equal number of troops which have been seasoned there; and lastly, there are above 1,500 European troops now serving in Portugal, which it is likewise intended to or- der for India. These ditferent detachments, from the flower of the British army, will tend to put his Majesty's European •forces in India upon a respectable footing. By the arrange- * Vide Appendix. 1798. THE COURT or DiRF.rToRs. ;Jol ment with the East India Company, his Majesty's European regiments of infantry are to be 1,200 strong. His Royal High- ness the Duke of York will accordingly issue- his orders to the Commanders-in-Chief at the different settlements, to draft the regiments into each other in such a manner as not to in- crease the expense agreed upon in the arrangement with the Company. My dear Lord, With sincere regard, and with every wish for the success of your Administration, your's very faithfully, Henry Dundas. No. CV. The Earl of Mornington to the Court of Directors. Hon. Sirs, Fort William, 21st Nov. 1798. By my letter despatched overland from Fort St. George, I had the honour to inform you of my arrival at that Presidency on the 26th April. I lost no time in endeavouring to execute your commands with respect to the propositions, which you had directed me to make, to his Highness the Nabob of the Carnatic. I am concerned to inform you that the conciliatory measures, which, in conformity to the spirit and letter of your instruc- tions, I employed, in the hope of persuading his Highness to agree to a modification of the treaty of 1792, produced no more favourable effect upon his Highness's mind than to draw from him repeated acknowledgments of your moderation and justice. I was equally unsuccessful in my endeavours to persuade his Highness to enter into any adjustment of his debt to the Company. By my letter of the 23rd of June, despatched overland, I had the honour to inform you of my arrival at Calcutta on the 17th May, on the 18th of which month I took charge of the Government General of your possessions in India. Soon after my arrival I despatched to the Government of Fort St. George my final directions for carrying into effect the orders of your Secret Committee with regard to the deposition of Amer Sing, the late Rajah of Tanjore, and to the establish- ment of Serfojee upon the throne of that kingdom.* * See p. 41. 352 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO NoV. It was a great satisfaction to me to learn from the Govern- ment of Fort St. George that this signal act of justice took place without occasioning any disturbance at Tanjore. The state of your finances at this Presidency demanded my earliest attention. The enquiry which I proposed to institute* into the various branches of expenditure and revenue, as well at this Presi- dency as at your other settlements, is commenced in Bengal, at iSIadras, and at Bombay. At this Presidency I have no doubt that the result of the enquiry will lead to a reduction of expense, and to an aug- mentation of your resources. The detail of my proceedings on this subject shall be for- warded to you as soon as the enquiry shall have been com- pleted, but in the interval I shall not delay the adoption of such measures as shall appear to promise any substantial and speedy benefit to your affairs. The state of your public buildings, and of the allowances to your servants, under the head of house and office rent, has formed one branch of my investigations, and I hope to be able to eftect a considerable permanent reduction in the charges on that head, accompanied by an improvement of your estate at Calcutta, as well as by an addition to the ac- commodation of your servants, and by other arrangements tending to facilitate the despatch of public business in all the principal departments of your civil service. While I was engaged in considering the means of improving the internal order and management of your finances, I re- ceived intelligence which led me to apprehend the approach of a war with Tippoo Sultaun, aided by a French force. Your Secret Committee is in possession of this intelligence, of which the result on my mind was, a firm conviction that the safety of your possessions in the peninsula of India demanded that your armies should be placed in an active and early state of preparation for war. Accordingly having apprized the Go- vernor of Fort St. George as early as the 9th June,f of my apprehensions of the designs of the enemy, and having di- rected his attention to the probabihty of our being involved in hostilities ; on the 20th JuneJ I issued my final orders to • See Mimiio of 12th June, 1798, p- 54. t See J). 5-1. J See j). 240. 1798. THE COURT OF DIRECTORS. 3.53 the Governments of Fort St. George and Bombay for calling your armies into the field on the coasts of Coromandel and Malabar. These orders have been executed; and 1 trust that the subsequent disclosure of the projects entertained by France against the British empire in India, and the adven- turous and daring spirit with which those projects have been prosecuted, will sufficiently justify to your Honourable Court the measures of precaution which I deemed it my duty to adopt for the defence of your territories ; although the im- mediate effect of those measures has necessarily occasioned a large increase of your expenses, a diminution of your com- mercial investment, and a suspension of the improvements which I had hoped to have accomplished in the state of your pecuniary affairs. It would have been a most improvident and mistaken eco- nomy to have hazarded the permanent safety of the British empire in India, and to have abandoned the sources of your commercial prosperity without defence to the attack of the enemy, for the purpose of preserving a specious and delusive appearance of security in a conjuncture of real danger. I am persuaded that the wisdom and justice of your Ho- nourable Court will readily approve the policy of sacrificing a degree of temporary advantage to the important object of providing an effectual protection for the foundations of your trade and revenue, and for the lasting tranquillity of your possessions in India. Under the expectation of an approaching war with Tippoo Sultaun, aided by the French, the state of our alliances with the country powers became an anxious object of my consi- deration. I have submitted a full detail of my opinions and proceed- ings upon this subject to your Secret Committee, but it is my duty in this place to request the attention of your Honoural)le Court to the condition in which I found our alliance with his Highness the Nizam, and to the hap])y improvement which circumstances have enabled me to effect in the nature of our connection with that prince. The corps commanded by French officers in the service of the Nizam, which, during the last war with Mysore, amounted to no more than 1,500 men, and was at that period of time so defective in point of discipfine as to be rather an object of VOL. I. 2 a 354 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO NoV. conteni]>t than of jealousy to youi' Governments in India, had gradually augmented its numbers and improved its discipline under the command of the late Monsieur Raymond, until at the period of my arrival in India it had nearly reached the number of 14,000 men, and had attained a degree of disci- pline superior in every respect to that of any native inftmtry in India, excepting the sepoys entertained in your service. This corps formed the largest and most efficient branch of the military establishment of his Highness, and the French officers had acquired a considerable ascendancy in his domi- nions, and had manifested, on several occasions, the symptoms of a disposition so arrogant, overbearing, and adventurous, as to excite alarm in the minds of his Highness and of his ministers. Although his Highness had entered into no en- gagement or obligation which in any degree bound him to retain this party in his service, and although their sudden dismission would at any moment have been warranted by every principle of justice, and their continuance at Hyderabad threatened the independence, if not the existence of his High- ness's throne, yet the Nizam and his ministers confessed their inability to check the growth of a power, of which they ac- knowledged the dangerous influence and dreaded the destruc- tive effect. The principles of the French officers commanding this army were avowedly the same with those of the persons who for some time past have exercised the powers of Government in France, and their enmity to the British interests was declared on all occasions. While this army, commanded by French- men of such principles and views, and of such uncontrolled power, remained in the service of the Nizam, his Highness's alliance must have proved a source rather of danger than of advantage to the Company, in the event of a war with Tippoo Sultaun ; and that danger would have been greatly aggra- vated by any cooperation which might have been afforded to Tippoo fi'om France. Various other considerations will oc- cur to the wisdom and experience of your Honourable Court, to prove the direct and collateral effects which the existence of a numerous armed French party in the centre of the Dec- can must have produced, whether in time of war or of peace, upon tlie whole frame of your political interests in India. 1 luUr these circumstances, the expulsion of the French party 1798. THE COURT OF DIRECTORS. 355 from the Court of Hyderabad appeared to me to be a neces- sary part of that system of precaution and defence by which I hoped to be enabled either to encounter the pressure of war, or to secure the advantages of peace. With these views on tlie 8th July, I instructed the Acting Resident at Hyderabad to open a negociation with his High- ness tlie Nizam, proposing an addition to the British detach- ment serving at Hyderabad, and stipulating for the dismission of the corps commanded by French officers in his Highness's service. A new subsidiary treaty, founded on this basis, and em- bracing other collateral arrangements (particularly such con- ditions as appeared necessary for the removal of all causes of jealousy, and for the restoration of union and concord be- tween our two alUes, the Peishwa and the Nizam), was signed by his Highness at Hyderabad on the 1st of September, and ratified by me in Council on the 18th of the same month. By this treaty an increase is made in the British subsidiary force serving with his Highness of 4,400 men, and an increase in the annual subsidy paid by his Highness, of about nineteen lacs of rupees. The former subsidy having been 53,7 1 3 Arcot rupees per mensem, and the subsidy under the new treaty being 2,01,425 Arcot rupees per mensem, or 24,17,100 Arcot rupees per annum. The substance of this treaty was communicated to the Peishwa both previously and subsequently to its conclusion, and at both periods he expressed his entire approbation of the nature and tendency of the new engagements, as well in their operation upon the interests of the Mahratta empire, as upon those of the Nizam. On the 13th July* I ordered the Government of Fort St. George to assemble such a force in the Guntoor Circar as might enable me to fulfil the subsidiary engagements of the Company, under the new treaty, at the earliest possible period subsequent to its conclusion. This measure was executed with the utmost degree of promptitude and alacrity by Lieu- tenant General Harris (at that time uniting in his person the offices of Governor of Fort St. George, and Commander-in- See p. 234. S5C) THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO No V Chief on the coast of Coromandel,) to whose zeal, public spirit, and prompt obedience on all occasions wherein I have entrusted him with the execution of my orders, I am happy to be able to bear this public testimony. The British detachment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Roberts, reached Hyderabad on the 10th October, and, on the 22nd October, under the orders of his Highness the Nizam, and m ith the cooperation of a body of his cavalry, surrounded the camp of the French army, disarmed all the sepoys, and secured the persons of all the French officers then in the camp. This operation was happily effected with- out bloodshed and without contest. A mutiny having broken out in the French camp on the preceding day, and the sepoys having imprisoned their officers, the Resident at Hyderabad and Lieutenant Colonel Roberts, with the consent of the Nizam, judiciously availed themselves of this favourable op- portunity to execute this important measure without difficulty or danger. The amount of the French force disarmed on this occasion was about 11,000 men, from which circumstance your Ho- nourable Court will observe that a part of the corps was absent, on detachment. Measures have been taken for the arrest of those who commanded the detached force. The French officers, by my particular orders, were treated with every practicable degree of attention and humanity ; at the period of their arrest by our troops their persons were in con- finement, and their lives in danger from the mutiny prevailing in their camp ; and the greatest difficulty which Colonel Ro- berts encountered was, that of rescuing the imprisoned offi- cers from the violence of their own sepoys. Particular care was taken to save the property of the officers for their use, as well as to obtain for them such arrears of pay and allow- ances as were due to them from his Highness ; Captain Kirk- patrick informs me, that he has been completely successful in effecting both these desirable objects. The French officers are now on their passage to this Presidency on board the Bombay frigate, which I had previously stationed at Masuli- patam for their accommodation. On their arrival at Calcutta it is my intention to receive them with the consideration due to their respective ranks, and to allow them evei'y indulgence compatible with the security of their persons. I propose to 1798. THE COURT OF DIRECTORS. 357 send them to Europe by the earhcst oi)p()rtunity, usinif the precaution of dispersing them in different ships. On their arrival in England I have engaged that they shall not be treated as prisoners of war, but shall be iinnuidiately transported to France, without suffering any detention for an exchange of prisoners. The treaty under which this measure was executed lias been already forwarded overland to your Secret Conmiittee, and it now forms a number of the secret despatch by the Eurydice. The effect of the measure will, I trust, be highly favourable to your pohtical interests in the peninsula of India. The British subsidiary force now stationed in the dominions of his Highness the Nizam, while it must tend to cement the con- nexion between the Company and that Prince, and to render him a more useful and efficient ally in the event of war, will operate at all times as an effectual protection to your posses- sions in the Northern Circars ; and the total subversion of the French influence in the Deccan, under all the circum- stances of the present moment, is an event from which I ex- pect to derive additional security, not only for your territories, but for the general tranquillity of India. Among your servants who have been concerned in the exe- cution of my orders, on this occasion, I have already reccmi- mended Lieutenant General Harris to your favourable notice. To his name it is my duty to add those of Captain Kirkpa- trick and of Lieutenant Colonel Roberts. I found the former in the situation of Acting Resident at Hyderabad, and to his zeal, address, discretion, and firmness, I attribute the early success of the negociation entrusted to his management. Upon the resignation of Colonel Kirkpatrick, I took occa- sion to manifest my sense of Captain Kirkpatrick's merits, by appointing him Resident at the Court of the Nizam. To the ability and temper of Lieutpnant Colonel Roberts, acting under the judicious instructions of the Resident, I at- tribute the complete and satisfactory execution of the articles of the treaty relating to the dismission of the French army ; and his conciliatory and humane conduct towards the officers deserves the highest commendation. The rumours which have prevailed of the intended ap- proach of Zemaun Shah to the frontier of Hindostan, although 358 THE EARL Oi' MORNINGTON, TO Nov. of a vague and contradictory nature, appeared to me not wholly undeserving of attention ; and I have the satisfaction to inform you that every possible precaution has been taken for the effectual defence of the frontier of Oude. I am happy to be able to inform you that, although I found the subsidy of the Nabob Vizier considerably in arrear, I have succeeded in persuading his Excellency to discharge a large part of it; and injustice to his Excellency, I am bound to declare, that I have found him sincerely disposed to fulfil his engagements under the treaty concluded by Lord Teign- mouth, and to manifest on every occasion a cordial attach- ment to the interests of the Company. The situation of affairs on the coast of Coromandel, and the necessity of pro- viding against the possible event of a war with Tippoo Sul- taun, have hitherto prevented me from visiting the upper provinces. But I have not been unmindful of the affairs of Oude, and I trust that I shall soon be able to turn my undi- vided attention to the improvement of the civil and military establishments of the Nabob Vizier. Although I have deemed it my duty to call your armies into the field in every part of India, my views and expecta- tions are all directed to the preservation of peace, which in the present crisis cannot otherwise be secured than by a state of forward preparation for war. In the mean while you may rely on my unremitting efforts to confine your expenses within the most narrow limits, and to raise your commercial investment to the highest scale compatible with the indispens- able necessity of providing for the security of your pos- sessions. In the execution of my^orders^for the protection of your territories on the coast of Malabar, I am much indebted to the zeal and diligence of Mr.^ Duncan and General Stuart, and the vigilance and finnness manifested by the Government of Bombay on the first intelligence of the progress of the French arms in Egypt, have obtained my public and cordial approbation. It is also a peculiar satisfaction to me to inform your Honourable Court that I have received from Lord Clive the most ready and honourable support in the preparations for the defence of the Carnatic, and that reposing the most implicit confidence in his Lordship's anxious solicitude for the prijsperity of the general administration of your afiairs en- 1798. TJlli COURT Ol' DIUECTOKS. .'j.5!> trusted to my liaiuls, us well as in his ussicluoiis attentiuii to the pecuHar duties of his own station, 1 expect to derive con- siderable benefit to your service from a sincere iniion with him in the important task of preserving and improving the interests committed to our joint charge. Notwithstanding the great strength of the military force now in India, I have deemed it my duty, for the further secu- rity of this Presidency to embody the Militia, composed of the European and Armenian inhabitants of Calcutta ; and my orders for this purpose have been obeyed w ith an alacrity and zeal which strongly indicate the resolution of your civil ser- vants, and of all the European and Armenian inhabitants of Calcutta, to devote their personal services to the defence of the seat of your Supreme Government in any exigency which may arise. My intention is to establish this useful corps upon a permanent foundation, as an institution from which great advantage may hereafter be derived. I trust in the course of a few months to be enabled to lay before your Honourable Court my observations in detail on the great branches of your service, and on the conduct and character of your servants acting under my orders. For the present I must content myself with submitting to your Ho- nourable Court a general assurance that I have every reason to approve (with few exceptions, the particulars of which will appear upon the proceedings), the conduct of your servants, in all the departments of the Government. I have had the honour to receive your commands of the 6th of June, with respect to the regulation of your military establishments at this Presidency, and I have already di- rected that your orders with respect to the system of promo- tion by regimental rise should be carried into immediate effect. In the mean while I have the satisfaction to assure you tliat the general disposition of your army at this Presidency is such as to merit your approbation and confidence ; and I en- tertain no apprehension of meeting any difficulty in the esta- bhshment of the regulations, which you have forwarded to me, or of any other, which the wisdom of your Honourable Court may deem it advisable to enforce. By the regular ships of this season, I propose to submit to the consideration of your Honourable Court my proceedings with respect to the several other parts of your connnands. 360 LORD (LIVE, TO Nov. In my letter of the 2iid of August,* I had the honour to inform you of the proceedings of the British inhabitants at Calcutta on the 17th of July, of their having presented to me a dutiful and loyal address for transmission to his Majesty, and of their having subscribed to a voluntary contribution for the public service of Great Britain in the present exigency. The details of this transaction will appear in the printed papers of which several copies are forwarded by this despatch for the use of your Honourable Court. The amount of the voluntary contribution remitted to Great Britain by the ship Eurydice is £95,843 7*. 1 \d. I trust that your Honourable Court will sanction the ap- probation which I deemed it my duty to declare of the spirit of loyalty and attachment towards his Majesty's person, fa- mily and government, and of the affectionate solicitude for the safety of the British Empire in Europe, which dictated the expressions of the address, and the measure of the voluntary contribution. It was my intention to have despatched the Eurydice as early as the month of September, but the various important events which have successively arisen, and my desire to transmit to England the most ample details with respect to the state of your affairs in India, have induced me to detain her until this time. The original address to his Majesty, with the signatures, is forwarded to your Honourable Court by the ship Eurydice. I take the liberty of submitting to your Honourable Court my recjuest that the address may be presented to his Majesty by your Chairman, attended by the whole Court in the most public manner. It was a great pleasure to me to receive the honour of your approbation of the measures which I took at the Cape for the detention of the Mildred, and for the despatch of your several packets by his Majesty's ship Crescent. The approbation of your Honourable Court will always form a primary object of my ambition. I have the honour to be, Honourable Sirs, with the greatest respect, your most obedient and faithful Servant, MORNINGTON. • See p. 233. 1798. TllK EAHL OF MORNINGTON. .']()! No. CVI. Lord Cltve to the Earl of Mornmgton. My Lord, Fort St. George, 2yth Nov. 1 7;<8. I have the honour to transmit for your perusal a paper of intelHgence, on the correctness of which, as far as it goes, I beheve you may with confidence rely. It comes through the channel of a friend of the family of the former King of My- sore, who had communication and engagements with Lord Pigot, Lord Macartney, and Sir William Meadows I believe, and whose information during the periods of their govern- ments was found to be of importance, and invariably to be depended upon. This person, Tremal Row, keeps up a con- nection with the old Queen of Mysore, who is confined by Tippoo, and whose only hopes of the restoration of her family arise from the prospect of a war. Upon this unfortunate Lady's views and wishes, I expect very soon to be able to send your Lordship a paper, which in that event may become a subject of your consideration. Tremal Row is also connect- ed with some persons immediately employed in the Sultan's Government, which though it affords him superior means of information, places him under considerable alarm for the safety of those persons. He has however engaged, upon re- ceiving assurances of the strictest secrecy, to furnish me with the best information, and that object will be completely se- cured to him by his communicating with me through Mr. Webbe, whose knowledge of the Mahratta language enables him to converse in it without the intervention of dubash or interpreter. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect and esteem, My Lord, your Lordship's, Most faithful servant, Clive. No. cvn. Memorandum in Lord Clire's Letter. 28th Nov. \7VS. [Intelligence by a person who left Seringapatam, 18 days since.] Tippoo is extremely uneasy on account of the information relative to the defeat of the French Heel at Alexandria, and 362 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Dec. the little prospect he now has of being soon succoured by the reinforcements promised him by the French, He has positive information of the great military prepara- tions going on in the Carnatic, and is assured in his own mind, that the P^nglish intend to attack him without delay. His own designs not being matured, he is desirous at present to avoid war, and on this account he means to put himself in a state of preparation only, and wait the motions of the English — with a view to this plan, he has taken measures to augment his infantry by 8000 men, and to recruit his cavalry to the number of oO,000, besides which from the habits of friendship, which subsist between him and Rastiah, he ex- pects by means of this person to receive the assistance of 20,000 Mahratta horse. He is also levying 20,000 Peons to be used in plundering, and having sent for three principal Lumbardies, who frequent the Mysore country, presented them each with an elephant, took engagements from them, by which they are bound to supply him with 50,000 bullocks. For some time past he has been employed in repairing the works of Seringapatam, and in consequence the fort is in an unfinished state, and conceiving it might fall, if attacked by the English, he has prepared Chittledroog and Pajoonda for the reception of his family and treasure, thus meaning to keep the field in person should his capital be beseiged. Of his family and treasure, however, no part is yet removed frou) Seringapatam. Of late he has with the greatest secrecy, issued to the Mint Master at Seringapatam, to be coined, bul- lion gold and silver, sufficient for -SO lacs of sultaney pagodas, and 20 lacs of sultaney rupees. A Killadar with 200 men is again established at Bangalore, and appearances indicate that the place will be re-fortified. In order that his troops may be ready to act in the event of the English commencing hostilities, he has stationed in different places in the Coimba- tore about 3000 horse, and a few infantry, and a body of Peons with orders to enter the southern provinces, and ra- vage them from Trichinopoly to Tinnevelly — aOOO horse are also distributed in the districts of Malwagh, and that neigh- bourhood with similar orders for the purpose of plundering tlie Carnatic. Muddoo Chan and Ghazu Chan's son, who command the Beid horse, are particularly cautioned to have their corps in leadiness for predatory service. 1798. LOlilJ (LIVE. :i(ui No. CVIII. T/te Earl of Mornington to Tippoo Sultaun. Fort William, Dec. 10th, l/fW. I had the honour of addressing a friendly letter to your Highness, on the 8th of November* last, in which I stated a variety of important points, to which your Highness would no doubt perceive the propriety and necessity of giving your earliest and most serious consideration. I particularly hope, that your Highness will have been sensible of the advantages likely to result to all parties, from the conciliatory measure of my deputing Major Doveton to you, which I proposed in that letter, I expect to have the pleasure of finding your answer to that letter on my arrival at Madras, for which place I am on the point of setting out from Calcutta. I hope to arrive at Madras about the same time that this letter reaches you, and should any circumstances hitherto have prevented your an- swering my last letter of the 8th November, I assure myself that you will immediately, on your receipt of this, despatch a satisfactory reply to it, addressed to me at Madras. I am, &c. &c. Mornington. No. CIX. The Earl of Mornington to I^ord dice. My Lord, Fort William, 10th Dec. 1 79S. I despatch this letter by an express vessel to inform your Lordship, that a consideration of the delays which must arise from the necessity of a reference to me in the event of Tippco Sultaun's acceding to my proposition for an amicable negoti- ation, has determined me to proceed to Fort St. George, on board the Sybille ; and that I hope to be able to embark on Monday next. The Shah has crossed the Attock, and is certainly at Lahore with a large army. The Seiks will give every op- * s ec p. ^•2C^. 3(J4 SIR J. H. CRAIG, TO DcC. position within their power to his progress, but their in- ternal distractions prechide the possibihty of their meeting hi& army in the field. The Maliratta power on the north western frontier of Hindostan, is nearly in the same state and temper as the Seiks, and Scindiah's return, (the object of my early and unremitted endeavours) appears as distant and uncertain as ever. In this state of affairs (of which I have received the account just now) I have determined that Sir Alured Clarke, shall remain here in charge of the Government and of the army instead of proceeding to the coast ; while I shall en- deavour with your Lordship's assistance, to bring matters in your quarter to a distinct issue. Under these circumstances the command of the army des- tined eventually against Mysore, will remain in the hands of General Harris, who will now consider himself at liberty to form his plan of general operations, and to direct the move- ment of the army according to his judgment. My wish is that the battering train should be advanced as near the fron- tier as possible without delay. But I am aware, that until it can be determined through which pass the army is to pro- ceed into Mysore, it may be difficult to fix any forward point at which the train should be stationed ; and it is impossible to determine the route of our army, until we shall have ascer- tained the time when we may expect the junction of the Nizam's force. Adverting to these difficulties, I must leave it to your Lordship and General Harris to make such ar- rangements as may appear most advisable ; apprizing you that my wish is to advance the train as near as possible to the frontier. It is equally an object of my anxiety, that your whole army should be advanced in the same manner as speedily as may be practicable, consistently with the observa- tions which I have applied to the station of the battering train, and which are equally applicable to that of the army. 1 have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. SCi5 No. ex. Sir J. ft. Craig to the Earl of Morning-ton. My Lord, Camp at Futty Ghur, Dec. 13, l/.W. Since I had the honor of addressing your Lordship on the f29th uhimo, nothing has occurred, upon which 1 could deem it necessary to intrude upon your Lordship's time. The Commander-Ln-Chief will have reported to your Lordsliip the march of the last of the troops under my command, with which I joined the division under Colonel Clarke, at this place yesterday, and shall proceed the day after tomorrow towards Anopsheer, where I shall direct General Stuart to join me. I hope the whole will be collected by the 26th. Your Lordship will be aware, that having left four batta- lions under the command of Colonel Russell, to act as may be expedient, with a view to the internal security of the Vizier's dominions, we shall have in the field ten native battalions, and two of Europeans, with four regiments of cavalry, besides the independent regiment under Colonel Bruce. From the great length of time which it has required to prepare the artillery and stores directed to be sent from Chunar, and which so far exceeded what I could suppose to be necessary, that I could not think of suffering any further delay on their account we are something deficient in these respects ; I have however made arrangements for sending part after us, and having ap- propriated a considerable portion to the service of Colonel Russell's corps, in the confidence that he could not have any occasion for them for some time ; I hope that in every event we cannot suffer much inconvenience on that head. Li the article of cattle and carriage of every sort, our supply is ample ; indeed I do not believe that any army in India was ever in a state more compleat as to the means of movement. Being extremely anxious for the junction of the 7th regi- ment, which is now on the Lucknow duty, I wrote on the 8th to Mr. Lumsden to press the Nabob to come to an immediate determination relative to his joining the army, and to fix a short day for his departure, in case he should continue in the resolution of accompanying us. The result of a long con- ference which he had with the Nabob on the subject was, that he would remain at Luckiiow, but he was extremely 366 SIR J. H. CRAIG, TO DcC. pressing to have some of tlie Company's troops left for his })rotection, indeed lie made it almost a condition. As he would embarrass us a good deal by his presence, I have con- sented that a battalion of Colonel Russell's corps shall remain with him, and I had the less difficulty in doing so, from con- sidering that in case of any movement on the part of the Ro- hillas, capable of exciting alarm, timely notice will always be had, and the fears of the Nabob himself will readily suggest the expediency of this battalion joining the remainder of Colonel Russell's corps, destined chiefly for the express pur- pose of opposing these people. Although I have made arrangements upon a very large scale, and at a very considerable expence, for procuring in- telligence immediately from the Shah's camp, a sufficient time has not yet elapsed, to receive any benefit from them, and at present I depend entirely upon the communications made to me by Colonel Collins and Mr. Lumsden, which are of course regularly transmitted to your Lordship ; from the latest it would seem, as if the Shah was in the intention of establish- ing himself in the Pungab, before he prosecutes his further objects, and Colonel Collins informs me, that he has grounds for thinking, that with this view, he is using his endeavours to conciliate the Seik Chiefs. If this should really be the case, it will necessarily occasion his remaining at Lahore some time. It appears indeed, that it would be an act of ex- treme temerity in him to advance, until he has secured these people, either by conquest or conciliation, but at the same time must it be confessed, that their resistance both on this and on the last occasion, has been so inconsiderable — the opportu- nity offered by the divisions in the Mahratta Government is so favorable, and the Shah's wants with respect to money, seem to be so pressing, that it is far from improbable, that he might determine to encounter all the hazards of the step, to reach Delhi, where alone he can look for any possible supply, though perhaps he may be sensible, that he must proceed further to render it any wise efficient. Were the Seiks united as a nation, I should think it scarcely possible that they would ever enter into the Shah's interests, they must know that their existence is incompati- ble with them, and they must feel that by forwarding that Prince's views, they would only render him the more perfect 1798. THE EARL OF MORMNGTON. 3G7 master of their fate ; l)ut in tlieir present distracted and dis- united state, where no union or concert is to be expected, where no prospect appears of successful opposition, wlicrc mutual jealousy and distrust must magnify the danger and aggravate their fears, — is it not highly probable, that dis- tant considerations will be sacrificed to the interests of the moment, — is it not likely, that viewing it as the only possible means of securing their personal safety, they may be anxious to anticipate each other in meeting the Shah's advances. Should this surmise be realised, though the re(iuisite ar- rangements may probably delay him some little time at La- hore, he will be enabled to advance shortly without the risk of leaving an enemy behind him, but on the contrary, with encreased strength by the accession of that very enemy. The Mahrattas are likewise, it appears, in the determina- tion of assembling at Delhi, but of themselves I am convinced they will do as little as the Seiks. I am led to believe that the appearance of our army assembling on the frontier, has been their only inducement for this apparent vigour, wliich, unless supported, will terminate in appearance only. These are considerations which, though I assume the li- berty of mentioning them as they suggest themselves to my mind, I have not a doubt that they have already met with every necessary attention from your Lordship, where they will have their due weight in the decision of the question, whether to confine our force to the precise defence of the Vizier's dominions, or by advancing to give support to the Mahrattas, and encouragement to the Seiks. I have the honour to be. My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient and humble Servant, J. H. Craig. P.S. Since writing the above. Colonel Collins has comnni- nicated some intelligence which he has just received from Delhi, by which it would appear that the Seiks are actually assembled in some numbers at Amrutsir, that skirmishes have taken place between them and the Shah's troops, but there is nothing yet that can lead me to alter my opinion as to what is to be expected from these people. Without support, I am convinced they will do little that is eflPectual. 8()8 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO DcC. No. CXI. The E(irl of Mormngton to his E^vccUency Rear-Adiniral Rmmer. Sir, Fort William, 13th Dec. 1798. It gives me great satisfaction to find that I have anticipated your Excellency's wishes with respect to arming such India- men and other vessels as appeared fit for the purpose. The ships Rarl Howe and Princess Charlotte, having been armed and manned as completely as the circumstances of this port will admit, were despatched, on the 12th December, under the instructions already forwarded to you. I take tliis occa- sion to recommend to your favourable notice Captain Bur- rowes of the Earl Howe, and Captain Prescott of the Princess Charlotte; they manifested the utmost zeal and alacrity in preparing for a service which does not afford the prospect of any other reward than the approbation of your Excellency and of the public. I return your Excellency many thanks for your obHging attention in permitting me to exercise my discretion on the important question of detaining the Syhille on this station. I will state to you, without reserve, the considerations on which my opinion has been formed, and on which it now rests. The great object of all our efforts, in the present crisis, is to prevent the success of the joint designs of Tippoo Sultaun and of the French. On the one hand, we must endeavour to intercept all communication by sea between Tippoo and the French ; on the other hand, it is an equally urgent duty, with the same view, to strengthen our army in the Carnatic to the utmost possible degree, in order to provide against all contin- gencies. To your Excellency, in this confidential communi- cation, I will state considerations of a more secret nature, which affect my judgment on this question. The period of the season, the state of the French army in Egypt, and every accompanying circumstance, leave little ap- prehension of the approach of any considerable French force to the coast of Malabar before the month of March or April. In the meanwhile the happy revival of our alliances with the native powers, the destruction of the French party in the Deccan, the advanced state of our preparations for war on the coasts of Coromandel and of Malabar, and the expected 1798. REAR-ADMIKAL RAINIER. iM'/.) arrival of large reinforcements from the Cape and from Eu- rope, place us in a commanding situation in the peninsula of India. Being convinced of the hostile nature of Tippoo's views, I am resolved to avail myself of the present favourable moment to reduce his powers of offence, either by the terror or by the actual employment of our arms ; for it is evident that, if we suffer him to continue his preparations for war without molestation, the same i)ressure of danger under which we have lately suflfered, will come upon us in the next season with redoubled force. A blow struck now may save crores of rupees and thousands of lives, by rendering Tippoo unable to avail himself of the future assistance of France whenever she may be able to renew her attempts against India. With these views, I have ordered a considerable force to be embarked for Fort St. George ; and large convoys of ar- tillery, stores, and provisions, will be constantly passing from this port to the coast during the next monsoon. The failure of the crops on the coast will render it still more necessary to send constant and ample supplies of rice to that quarter. My intention is to try the effect of negociation with the Sultaun in the first instance ; if that should fail, war will be- come inevitable. Under these circumstances, it is absolutely necessary to secure a free intercourse between this port and the coast of Coromandel, and this object is intimately connected with the views which the Lords of the Admiralty and your Excellency entertain of frustrating the combined projects of Tippoo and of France, and of affording defence to the British empire in India. If one or two of the enemy's large frigates from Batavia were to enter the bay of Bengal during the present monsoon, they would be superior to any opposition which I could pro- vide by arming Indiamen, or such other vessels as this river affords. The Sybille, therefore, is the only force on which I can rely at present for securing an intercourse with the coast of Coromandel, and I consider her continuance in the Bay of Bengal to be indispensably necessary to the public service, either with a view to the possibility of an irruption from Tippoo into the Carnatic, or to the great object of antici- pating his hostiUties by our alacrity and firmness. VOL. I. 2 b 370 THE EARL OF MOHNINGTON, TO DcC. Your Excellency will, I trust, concur in acknowledging the strength of the reasons which have induced me to avail my- self of the discretion which you have allowed me, to detain the Si/hille on this station, until Captain Cooke shall receive your further orders. 1 also trust that the armed Indiamen will arrive under your command before you could have ex- pected them, and that their presence will prove useful. The embarkation of troops to the coast will take place in the course of this week, and having consulted with the Ma- rine Board and with Captain Cooke, I have judged it advi- sable to recommend, for the purpose of despatch, that the Sybille should cruize for a short time off the Armegon sand, while the Nonsuch shall be stationed at the mouth of the Hooghly, and that the transports shall run down to Madras separately, as they shall happen to be ready for sea, without waiting to sail in one convoy. This arrangement will also enable Captain Cooke to receive your Excellency's final or- ders at Madras much sooner than he could have expected, if the Sybille had cruized off the Sand heads. The situation of affairs rendering it necessary for me to proceed to Madras, I have requested Captain Cooke to allow me a passage on board the Sybille, and as soon as she can be ready for sea, I propose to embark with Captain Cooke accordingly. He gives me reason to expect that the Sybille will drop down the river to-morrow, and be ready for sea on Wednesday next. The Presidency of Fort St. George will become the seat of the Supreme Government during my residence there ; my hope is, that I shall not be under the necessity of remaining on the coast more than two months. Your Excellency will have the goodness to address your commands to me at Fort St. George, until further advice. The Cornwallis will convey part of my establishment to Fort St. George, and will from thence be despatched to join your Excellency, touching at Pointe de Galle and Anjengo for your orders. The Bombay frigate being employed on the important service of conveying the French officers and privates (lately dismissed from the service of the Nizam under the stipulations of the new treaty) to Fort William, is not yet arrived in the I looghly ; as soon as she arrives, 1 shall despatch her to your Excellency, under the same instructions as those of the Coniwalli.s. 1798. REAR-ADMIKAL KAIMLR. 371 If your Excellency .should still dcein il necessary to cull the Syh'dle to the coast of Malal)ar, 1 must, in that case, request that the armed Indiamen and the Cornwallis may be ordered to return to this station witli all practicable expedition. I am aware that the return of these ships cannot be efrcctc-d for a considerable time, and I have despatched them to the coast of Malabar in the confident hope that the reasons which 1 have urged for the detention of the Sijh'dle will make the same impression on yovu* Excellency's judgment which they have produced on mine. I entirely concur with your Excellency in opinion that the defence of the Company's possessions on the coast of Malabar, and the blockade of Tippoo's ports, demand your first atten- tion. I confess that I do not now see the least prospect of any attempt of the French through the Persian gulf; and I conclude that you will exercise your discretion (justified by the actual state of circumstances) in the execution of such parts of the orders of the Lord's Commissioners of the Ad- miralty as relate to the establishment of a cruize in that quarter. I shall detain whatever large ships shall arrive from China until I shall receive your further commands ; but I shall not arm them before I know that you require their assistance. On this subject I shall expect your orders at Madras. I return your Excellency many thanks for your obliging congratulations on the late happy result of my measures at the Court of the Nizam. I have the honour to be, 6cc. MORNINGTON. No. CXII. Minute in (he Secret JJepartment. The Governor-General. Fort WiUiuiu, 14th Dec. \~9^. The miUtary regulations contained in the separate letter from the Honourable the Court of Directors, of the 6th of June, 1798, having been carried into eflTect, as far as they related to the alterations in the establishments, and to the arrangement of regimental rank, I now proceed to explain the motives which have determined me to suspend the oxc- 372 MINUTE OF THE DcC cution of the orders of the Court, with relation to certain allowances granted by this Government in June, 1796. If the present temper of the army at this Presidency af- forded any ground to suspect that the execution of the reduc- tions ordered by the Court would produce either disrespectful remonstrance or intemperate opposition on the part of the officers, no crisis, however extreme, would have induced me to modify the orders of the Court. In such a case, the power and authority of the Government and the discipline of the army would have been at stake ; and every other considera- tion must have been superseded by the indispensable neces- sity of subduing every remnant of the spirit of insubordination, and of preserving the main spring of our military strength. But I am happy to declare my conviction that the army is now in a temper to receive, with dutiful submission, whatever regulations the Government may chuse to enforce. The ques- tion of discipline (which must have precluded all exercise of my discretion) now no longer exists. On the other hand, I should not have deemed myself at liberty to exercise any discretion in the execution of the Court's orders, if the circumstances of the present conjunc- ture had not been of a nature not only extraordinary, but unknown to the Court at the time of despatching the letter of the 6th of June. On any occasion of a different description, my duty wovdd have been that of implicit obedience, whatever might have been my opinion of the policy of the regulations which I had been ordered to carry into effect. The Court of Directors could not be aware, in the month of June, of the dangers which now threaten every part of the British possessions in India. On every point of our frontier we are threatened by the designs of powerful enemies ; and the disclosure of those de- signs has already compelled us to call a large part of our armies into the field, where we have every reason to a})pre- hcnd that active and arduous operations may soon become necessary. As far as we can form any conjecture on the course of future events, it is probable that the actual service of the whole of our army may be re(juircd, at no distant period, to contend against the most formidable combination, by which the British empire in India was ever menaced. Even in such 1798. GOVERNOR GENERA r.. 378 a conjuncture I never would have submitted to make any compromise witli a disobedient army. I should have consi- dered the restoration of discipline and order in the army to be the most necessary of all preparations for war. Although submission to a mutinous army is a weak policy in any conjuncture of affairs, a crisis, which demands every mihtary exertion, is not the season in which any incentive to zeal and alacrity can be withdrawn from the army without a considerable aggravation of the existing danger ; the conti- nuance of a scale of allowance which the officers have en- joyed, and which they deem necessary to enable them to meet the losses and expenses incidental to actual service in the field, must operate as a considerable incitement to the cor- dial and willing discharge of duty under the pressure of ac- cumulated labour and increased charges ; while the reduction of such allowances, on the eve of a general war, might be expected to throw a damp upon the spirit of the whole ser- vice, and to send our officers into the field in a temper of less energy, promptitude and ardour, than might correspond with the exigency of the public service. It became my duty to enquire whether the immediate exe- cution of the orders of the Court of Directors was likely to produce this fatal effect, and, in examining this important question, I adverted to the several articles of reduction which have been ordered, and I considered the allowances of the several officers on the reduced scale, with a view to ascertain the proportion which their several incomes would bear to their respective ranks and duties, and to their expenses in the field. The first article of reduction is the batta of brevet rank to the officers of his Majesty's regiments serving in India, and to the officers of the Company's army. In his Majesty's army in Europe, officers having rank by brevet, when serving in the field with mixed corps, and con- sequently doing duty according to tlieir rank in the army, re- ceive certain allowances under the denomination of bat and forage, correspondent to the rank which they hold by brevet, and the reason of this practice appears to be just. The officers by brevet partake of the same duties with those holding the same ranks regimentally, and, in many cases, command those of the same regimental rank ; the officers by 374 MINUTE OF TUK Dec. brevet, therefore, necessarily have occasion for similar conve- niences and for similar means of meeting the expense inci- dental to similar duty. Batta in India can only be considered as a different deno- mination for the allowance of bat and forage granted in the manner described to his Majesty's officers in Europe ; and the reasons for granting batta to the brevet officers in India appears to stand on grounds of equal necessity. Although the instances of brevet rank in Bengal previously to the arrival of the late military regulations were rai'e, his Majesty's officers, serving in other parts of India, have long been in the enjoyment of the batta of their brevet rank. If the various advantages gained under the late regulations by the Company's officers ought to be considered as sufficient to counterbalance the reduction now ordered as far as it ap- plies to their case, it is manifest that his Majesty's officers have not participated in those advantages ; the proposed re- duction will, therefore, fall with aggravated force on his Ma- jesty's officers. During the war in Mysore, Lord Cornwallis, with a just consideration of the expenses of officers incident to their re- spective situations, procured for lieutenant colonels, com- manding wings of the army, the batta of colonel, and a certain allowance to officers commanding brigades ; Lord Cornwallis also permitted the captains performing the duties of field officers of the day to receive the batta and prize money of majors, though not possessing that rank by brevet, and cer- tainly it appears necessary that the income of officers should be proportioned to the duty which they are to discharge, and the rank which they are obliged to maintain. On these grounds it appeared to me, that the officers by brevet would suffer a real hardship when called into service in the field, if not allowed to receive the batta of their brevet rank. The second reduction is table allowances of one thousand rupees per month to colonels on duty in India, not being generals on the staff. In order to ascertain the propriety of this allowance, it is necessary to state the monthly receipts of a colonel, which are 1050 Sonant rupees ; to which is to be added the supplies of tiie off-reckoning, not amounting to more than 550 rupees per l7dS. (iOVERNOR GENKRAL month, making in the aggregate a monthly income of KJOO Sonaut rupees. Even hi thne of peace, witli the advantage of quarters, this income is not more than sufHcient to maintain an officer in a manner suitable to the precedence which is assigned to the rank of colonel in civil society in India, or to enable him occasionally to entertain the officers of his regiment ; and al- though it must be admitted, that the colonel commandant of artillery (to whom, and to the colonel commandant of cavalry and chief engineer, the table allowance of one thousand ru- pees per month is continued by the orders of the Court) has the superintendance of a more extensive corps ; yet it can rarely happen that so large a proportion of officers can be present with him as is attached to an European or a native regiment. It must also be observed, that upon whatever ser- vice the colonel is employed, however expensive and laborious, (excepting in the Vizier's dominions) his income admits of no increase. Nor is it less material to remark that, although the original regulations were understood to confer upon the colonel his regiment for life, even during his residence in England, (subject of course to be recalled to India whenever his services should be required), it has been subsequently explained, that it is the intention of the Honourable Court to subject the colonel of a regiment to the rules of retiring from the service in common with other officers. By the late orders, the officers of the rank of colonel on actual service would suffer a diminution of more than a third of their present in- come, and would also be ultimately deprived of an indulgence which is considered in his Majesty's army as the reward of past services. The third article is the superior batta to any oflBcer under the rank of colonel in command of a regiment or battalion. This increase (in some instances only occasional and tem- porary) is not positively disallowed by the recent orders, ex- cepting in some cases, where the the colonel shall be present with the regiment or batttalion. The Honourable Court ap- pears to doubt the necessity of extending this indulgence to both the officers respectively in command of the two batta- lions of a native regiment. The conclusion must be, that the allowance may be continued to the senior officer of a regiment when the colonel shall be ab- sent; because the senior officer in that case will be exposed to 37G MINUTE OF THE Dec. an additional expense. Forthe same reason, the allowance ought to be continued to both the officers commanding the two bat- talions of a native regiment, when separated, and when the colonel shall not be present with either battalion ; when the colonel shall be present with one of the battalions, the superior batta ought to be continued to the officer command- ing the other battalion. As this separation of battalions must frequently happen, it may perhaps not exceed the Court's in- tention (which is not on this occasion peremptorily expressed) if the superior batta be allowed to the officers commanding both battalions of a native regiment whenever the colonel shall not be present with either battalion. The fourth article relates to the additional pay of one rupee per day to captain lieutenants, the continuance of which is left optional with the Government of India, The pay of a captain lieutenant being the same as that of a lieutenant, and his batta, when on half batta, only one rupee per day more, if the additional alloMance of one rupee per day be reduced, he will in point of income be placed in the same situation with a lieutenant, excepting the difference in the gratuity, which is twelve rupees per month. I have, there- fore, no hesitation in declaring, that " the additional allowance is absolutely necessary to support the rank of captain lieu- tenant." Fifth. The batta of captain to brevet captains (promoted in consequence of their having been of fifteen years standing) is ordered to be discontinued, and one rupee per day to be established in lieu thereof. The Court of Directors declare it to be impossible for them to concur in the measure of giving captain's batta to the cap- tains by brevet, who are the subject of this article ; but in order to render the pecuniary situations of officers of this de- scription adequate to their rank, the Court does not object to an allowance of one riqiee per day to brevet captains, in ad- dition to their usual pay and allowances of lieutenant. The difference between the half batta of a captain ajid that of a lieutenant is one rupee per day, consequently the brevet captains will sustain no loss in garrison and in cantonn)ents ; but in the field, on full batta, they will suffer a iliminution of one rupee per day, and on the V izier's allowances of three rupees per day. 1798. GOVERNOR GENERAL. .377 The situation of these officers has a pecnhar claim to atten- tion. The Honourable Court of Directors, in consideration of their long service, granted superior rank to them, tlicrcby ad- vancing them out of the subaltern line, and raising them to an honorary distinction. This description of officers forms the bulk of the most la- borious and effective part of the officers of the army ; and the reduction will fall upon them on their taking the field, in a situation of increased fatigue and expense. Since the abolition of the double batta on foreign service, the alacrity to engage in that service is considerablv dimi- nished ; nor ought this to be a matter of astonishment when the fact is ascertained, that the present income of brevet cap- tains will hardly bear the additional expenses which duty in the field necessarily occasions by the enhanced rate of servants' wages, by the increased price of provisions, by the wear and tear of camp equipage, and by the loss of cattle, always inci- dent to such service. It may be urged, that the additional rupee per day granted by the Honourable Court of Directors, by raising the income of brevet captains above that of lieutenants, preserves the due proportion, but we must also look to the proportion which the income of brevet captains will bear to that of captain, the title and the rank which they really hold. It will be found on calculation that the income of the brevet captains, with the additional rupee per day, will be 72 rupees per month less than that of captain ; and 42 rupees per month less, even with the continuance of the captains batta. Under this last head, therefore, the reduction would fall heavily on the most efficient class of the officers of the army at the moment when their services would be most necessary to the state. The result of a deliberate examination of the operation of the proposed reductions convinced me that they would pro- duce so considerable a diminution of the income of every class of officers, as well in His Majesty's as in the Honour- able Company's service, as must be severely felt throughout the whole army ; that they would press with peculiar weight upon the most laborious and effective class of officers, the brevet captains of fifteen years standing ; and that the pres- sure would be most severe upon the officers employed in the field, on whose zeal and exertions must depend our means of 3T8 minutp: of the Dec defence against the impending attack of the enemy. Under these circumstances, I thought it my duty to suspend the execution of such parts of the orders of the Honourable Court as appeared to me hkely to cast any degree of damp upon the spirits of their officers : at the same time, however, I took occasion to modify the Vizier's allowances, and to in- troduce a regulation for the purpose of precluding all future claims to arrears of batta accruing under promotions by brevet. In examining the policy of reducing the military allowances at this critical period, I was led to consider the extent of the saving which would be effected at this Presidency by that re- duction, and to compare it with the charges as they will stand under the modification of the Court's orders, which I have thought it advisable to adopt. The account No. 1 will show the effect which would have resulted from the complete execution of the Court's orders at this Presidency ; and the paper No. 2 will show the compa- rative effect of the modification of those orders, accompanied by the regulation which confines the Vizier's allowance of regimental rank in correspondence with pay, instead of con- tinuing it, as originally ordered, in correspondence with batta. Upon the result of the two accounts it appears, that the monthly difference of charge at this Presidency will amount to Sonat Rupees 12,480. It must be observed that the heaviest part of this charge consists of the batta to brevet officers, and is not of a perma- nent nature, but must progressively decrease. If, however, the difference between the two accounts were to be considered as a charge of a permanent nature, I do not conceive that it would be deemed an object of sufficient mag- nitude to justify me in hazarding the consequences to be ap- prehended from any abatement of the spirit of the army in the present crisis. I have already declared that if the actual state of affairs in India had either been of a less pressing nature, or had been known to the Honorable Court of Directors in the month of June, 1798, I should not have presumed either to have sus- pended the execution of their orders, or to have submitted any remarks upon the justice or policy of the proposed re- ductions. But the peculiar exigency of this conjuncture 1798. (U)VF.RNOI! GF.NERAL. .JTi) having rendered the interposition of my (Hscretion :i matter of indispensable duty on my part, a considerable interval of time must necessarily elapse before the final judgment of tiie Court on this interesting question can reach their servants in India. During this interval it has appeared to me to be a part of my duty to lay before the Court such considerations as have occurred to me, not only with respect to the present expediency, but also to the fundamental justice and policy of the proposed reductions as applicable to the pecuniary situa- tion of the King's and Company's officers serving in India. It will rest with the wisdom of the Honorable Court, after a due examination of the foregoing remarks, to determine whether the allowances in question shall ultimately be conti- nued or abolished. If it should be the final pleasure of the Court to abolish them, it will be my duty to enforce that order, whenever a change in the condition of political affairs in India shall ap- pear to the Honorable Court to admit of such a measure. The step which I have taken has not been dictated by any remonstrance, or claim of right, on the part of the officers, but by the spontaneous operation of my own free and un- biassed judgment, actuated by a deliberate sense of public duty. No principle of discipline has been sacrificed, or even brought into question on the present occasion ; and if I should ultimately be ordered by the Court to carry the proposed reductions into effect, I am satisfied that I shall be able to obey their commands without any difficulty arising from the temper of their army. I have thought fit to record my sentiments on this occasion in the Secret Department from a sense of the evils which have been produced on former occasions by the public dis- cussion of the interests and claims of the officers of the army, and with a full confidence that the Secret Committee will sub- mit this Minute to the Honorable Court of Directors in such a manner as shall be best calculated to secure the object of my remarks. 380 LORD CLIVE, TO Dec. No. CXIII. Lord CUve to the Earl of Mornhigton. My Lord, Fort St. George, 1 7th Dec. 1 798. From all the combined information received of Seringapa- tani, it is reasonable to conclude that the works going on there are in a very unfinished state, and that if the place can be attacked this season it will easily fall. I have the satis- faction to acquaint your Lordship, that it is Colonel Close's opinion, which I believe to be the best that can be had in this country, that with exertion the army may reach Seringapa- tam by the middle of IVLarch, and that six weeks is ample time for its reduction. There is reason to believe that the Sultaun's army is at present in a very indifferent state, but that with the assistance of some French officers, whom he has lately engaged in his service, it may become formidable in another year. Under these circumstances, I am induced to give it to your Lordship as my sincere opinion, that your coming to this country would be attended with the most be- neficial consequences to the public cause. Your presence would preclude the delays of reference to Bengal, and your union with Sir A. Clark, who I am happy to hear we are so soon to expect, would give such weight and efficacy to your negotiations, or offensive operations, should you be obliged to have recourse to them, as would in all human probability in- sure success to your measures ; and permit me to say that in case your Lordship shall determine to visit the coast, I shall have much more satisfaction in obeying your commands when present, than at the distance you now are. 1 cannot conclude this letter without testifying to your Lord- ship how much I feel the sentiments of friendship and regard exjiressed towards me, nor without assuring you with what pleasure 1 entertain the offer of that connection, which you have the goodness to say you seek with me, upon grounds so honor- able as those of mutually devoting our labours to, and sharing tlie diniculties, aiid honour of defending and saving so valua- 1798. THE EARL OF MORNTNGTON. 381 lua])le a part of the British Empire, as our possession in India.* I have the honour to be with the greatest respect and esteem, My Lord, your Lordship's, Most faithful and humble servant Clive. No. CXIV. Tippoo Sultatm to the Earl nf Mormngton. 18th Dec. 1798. (Received at Fort St. George, 25tli Dec. 17!)8. I have been made happy by the receipt of your Lordship's two friendly letters, the contents of which I clearly compre- hend, (vide those written 4th and 8th November.)* The par- ticulars which your Lordship has communicated to me, relative to the victory obtained by the English fleet over that of the French near the shores of Egypt, nine of their ships having been captured and two burnt, on one of which of the latter was their Admiral, have given me more pleasure than can possibly be conveyed by writing. Lideed I possess the firmest hope that the leaders of the English and the Com- pany Bahauder, who ever adhere to the paths of sincerity, friendship, and good faith, and are the well wishers of man- kind, will at all times be successful and victorious ; and that the French, who are of a crooked disposition, faithless, and the enemies of mankind, may be ever depressed and ruined. Your Lordship has written to me with the pen of friendship, ** that in no age or country were the baneful and insidious arts of intrigue ever cultivated with such success as they are at present by the French nation. Would to God that no impression had been produced on my mind by that dangerous people ; but that your Lordship's situation enables you to know that they have reached my presence, and have endea- voured to pervert the wisdom of my councils, and to instigate * It may be necessary to remark, that at this period the Governor General had never had any personal acciuaintance with Lord Clive. * Sec pages 321 and 326, 382 Tippoo sL'LTAUN, TO Dec. me to war against those who have given me no provocation. That it is impossible that 1 should suppose your Lordship ignorant of the intercourse which subsists between me and the French, who I know to be the inveterate enemies of the Company, and to be now engaged in an unjust war with the British, and that I cannot imagine your Lordship indifferent to the transactions which have passed between me and the enemies of the English." In this Sircar (the gift of God) there is a mercantile tribe, who employ themselves in trading by sea and land. Their agents purchased a two masted vessel, and having loaded her with rice, departed with a view to traffic. It happened that she went to the Mauritius, from when forty persons, French, and of a dark colour, of whom ten or twelve were artificers, and the rest servants, paying the hire of the ship, came here in search of employment. Such as chose to take service were entertained, and the remainder departed beyond the confines of this Sircar (the gift of God) ; and the French, who are full of vice and deceit, have perhaps taken advan- tage of the departure of the ship to put about reports with the view to ruffle the minds of both Sircars. It is the wish of my heart, and my constant endeavour, to observe and maintain the articles of the agreement of peace, and to perpetuate and strengthen the basis of friendship and union with the Sircar of the Company Bahauder, and with the Sircars of the Maha Rajah Saheb, Sree JMunt Peishwa Bahauder, and his Highness the Nabob Asuph Jah Bahau- der. And I am resident at home, at times taking the air, and at others amusing myself with hunting at a spot which is used as a pleasure ground. In this case, the allusion to war in your friendly letter, and the following passage, namely " that prudence required that both the Company and their allies should adopt certain measures of precaution and self de- fence," have given me the greatest surprize. It was further written by your friendly pen, that as your Lordship is desirous of communicating to me, on the behalf of tlie Company and their allies, a plan calculated to promote the mutual security and welfare of all parties ; your Lord- ship proposes to depute to me for this purpose Major Dove- ton, who formerly waited upon me, and who will explain to me more fully and particularly the sole means which appear 1798. THE EARL or MORNINGTON. SSo to your Lordship and the aUies to be effectual for the salutary purpose of reniovhig all existing distrust and suspicion, and of establishing peace and good understanding on the most durable foundations; and that therefore your Lordship trusts I will let you know at what time and ])lace it will be conve- nient to me to receive Major Doveton. It has been undcr- stood/% the blessing of the Almighty, at the conclusion of the peace, the treaties and engagements entered into among the four Sircars were so firmly estabhshed and confirmed as ever to remain fixed and durable ; and be an example to the rulers of the age ; nor are they nor will they ever be liable to interruption. I cannot imagine that means more efibctual than these can be adopted, for giving stability to the founda- tions of friendship and harmony, promoting the security of states, or the welfare and advantage of all parties. In the view of those who inspect narrowly into the nature of friendship, peace and amity are the first of all objects, as indeed your Lordship has yourself written to me that the allied Sircars look to no other object than the security and tranquillity of their own dominions, and the ease and comfort of their subjects. Praise be to God, that the sum of my views and the wish of my heart are limited to these same points. On such grounds then a just and permanent obser- vance of existing treaties is necessary ; and these, under the favours of God, daily acquire new strength and improvement by means of amicable correspondence. Your Lordahip is a great Sirdar, a firm friend, and the rectifier of all things, and you possess an enlightened judgement. I have the strongest hope that the minds of the wise and intelligent, but particu- larly of the four states, will not be sullied by doubts and jea- lousies, but will consider me from my heart desirous of har- mony and friendship. Continue to allow me the pleasure of your correspondence, making me happy by accounts of your health. What more shall be written. Dated the 9th of Rujub, 1213, of the llegirah, (answering to the 18th December.) A true Translation, N. B. Edmonstone, Persian Translator to Govt. 384< MINUTE OF the; Dec. No. CXV. (Secret Department.) The Governor General's Minute. Fort William, 22nd Dec. IJ^H. The recent advices from the north western frontier of Hin- dostan, as well as from Fort St. George, have induced me to suggest to the Commander-in-Chief the necessity of an alter- ation in the arrangement under which I had proposed to him to embark for Fort St. George. The reports of Zemaun Shah's progress, which hitherto have been vague and contradictory, have now become more uniform and consistent. Zemaun Shah is now advanced to Lahore and appears determined to prosecute his design of proceeding at least as far as Delhi. On the other hand the check which the French have re- ceived in Egypt, the destruction of their influence in the Dec- can, the revival of our defensive alliance with the Nizam and the Peishwa, and the appearance of the fleet off the coast of Malabar, together with the advanced state of military pre- parations on that coast and on the coast of Coromandel, ap- pear, by late intelligence from Fort St. George, to have ex- cited in the mind of Tippoo Sultaun an apprehension of our power to enforce our just demands of satisfaction, for his late infraction of the treaty of Seringapatam. The probability of military operations on the frontier of Oude is therefore increased, while a prospect opens of our being able to induce Tippoo Sultaun to listen to reasonable terms of accommodation without resorting to arms. Under these circumstances, it appears to me, that the pubHc service will derive material benefit from the presence of the Commander-in-Chief in Bengal, and that it is my duty to proceed to Fort St. George. In the present conjuncture, it would not be advisable that both the Governor General and the Commander-in-Chief should be absent from Bengal at the same moment ; and the frequent references which must be made to me, in the event of a neg(jtiation with Tippoo Sultaun, render it necessary that I should be as near as possible to his dominions. A 1798. GOVERNOR GENERAL. 385 single reference from Seringapatani to Fort William, would consume a large part of the season which ought to be em- ployed in military operations, if war should unfortunately become inevitable ; Tippoo Sultaun would certainly avail himself of this advantage to protract, and probably to frus- trate the issue of the negociation. It is, therefore, my intention to embark for Fort St. George, as soon as his Majesty's ship La Si/b'dle shall be ready to re- ceive me. During my absence, I request that his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, will act as Vice President and Deputy Governor of Fort William. Under the act of the 33rd of the King, cap. 52., the ample powers and authorities exercised by the Governor General in Council at Fort William, will be transferred to Fort St. George, during the period of my residence at the latter Pre- sidency ; and I shall also be invested, during the same period, with the powers and authorities of the Governor in Council at Fort St. George. The Government of this Presidency will, therefore, be ex- ercised during my residence at Fort St. George, in the same manner, and under the same limitations as the Governments of Fort St. George and Bombay are now exercised by their respective Governors in Council, subject however, to the several restrictions contained in the act of the 33rd of the King, cap. 52. But feeling the propriety and necessity of apprizing the Council at Fort William of the general state of the British interests in India during my absence, I have directed copies of all such public documents, as relate more particularly to the Government General, to be regularly transmitted to this Presidency for the information of the members of the board ; the original records of all such documents shall be brought to Fort William, whenever I shall be able to return from the coast of Coromandel. I rely on the Commander-in-Chief and on the members of the Council, for such an administration of the Government of Bengal during my absence, as shall correspond with the pressing exigencies of the present difficult crisis, and shall promote those important objects of the pubhc service, which form the common scope of our united views. VOL. I. 2 c 386 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO DcC. The Board has been ah'cady apprized by verbal communi- cation of the progress, which, witli the assistance of the Com- mittee, a})pointed on 20th June, I have been enabled to make in the revision of several branches of the civil establishments of this Presidency ; the great pressure of other business has not yet admitted of my drawing the details of my plan into a connected form ; but the materials which I have already laid before the Board, and which I now leave in the hands of Sir Alured Clai-ke, will I trust be sufficient to enable the Board to issue the necessary orders for putting the proposed reduc- tions in train ; and upon my return to this Presidency, I pro- pose to submit the whole arrangement to the Honorable the Court of Directors, together with a full statement of the principles on which the arrangement is founded, and of the means by which it is to be carried into effect. I am, &c., MORNINGTON. No. CXVI. (Private.) The Earl of Mornington to J. Lttmsden, Esq. Sir, Fort William, 23rd Dec. 1798. The extraordinary pressui-e of public business in a con- juncture which demanded the most unremitting exertion, al- most from the moment of my arrival in Bengal, must plead my excuse for having so long delayed to acknowledge your private letter, I now request you to believe that I entertain a very high sense of your talents and integrity, as well as of your diligence, and that I am perfectly satisfied with your conduct in your office as far as it has come under my observa- tion. The necessity of providing for the defence of the Car- natic, and for the early revival of our alliances in the Penin- sula, as well as for the seasonable reduction of the growing influence of France in India, has not admitted either of my visiting Oude, or of my turning my undivided attention to the reform of the Vizier's affairs. There are, however, two or three leading considerations in the state of Oude, to which I wish to direct your particular notice, intending at an early 1798. J. LUMsDEN, RSQ. ;5.S7 period to enter fully into the arnm^renieiit in which they nuist terminate. Whenever the death of Almas shall happen, an opportunity will offer of securing the benefits of Lord Teign- mouth's treaty by provisions, which seem necessary for the purpose of realizing the subsidy under all contingencies. Tlie Company ought to succeed to the power of Almas, and the management, if not the sovereignty of that part of the Doab which he now rents, ought to be placed in our hands, a proportionate reduction being made from the subsidy. The effect of such an arrangement would be confined to the improvement of our security for the subsidy. The strength of our north western frontier, would also be greatly increased. On the other hand, in the event of Almas's death we shall have to apprehend either the dangerous power of a succes- sor equal to him in talents and activity, or the weakness of one inferior in both, or the division of the country among a variety of renters. In the first case we should risk internal commotion, in the two latter, the frontier of Oude, would be considerably weakened against the attacks either of the Ab- dalli or of any other invader. The only remedy for these evils will be the possession of the Doab fixed in the hands of our Government. The state of the Vizier's own troops is another most pressing evil. To you I need not enlarge on their inefficiency and insubordination. My intention is to persuade his Excellency at a proper season to disband the whole of his own army, with the exception of such part of it, as may be necessary for the purposes of state, or of the col- lection of revenue. Some expedient must be devised for pro- viding a maintenance for such leaders and officers, as from their birth or habits, cannot easily be divested of their mili- tary pretensions, (I do not say military character, for I do not believe that any such description of men exist at Lucknow.) In the place of the armed rabble which now alarms the Vizier and invites his enemies, I propose to substitute an increased number of the Company's regiments of infantry and cavalry, to be relieved from time to time, and to be paid by his Ex- cellency ; I have already increased our establishment to the extent of 17 regiments of infantry, wnth the view of trans- ferring three regiments to the service of his Excellency, I imagine that under this plan, his force might be rendered much more efficient at a reduced expense ; objects, wliich 388 LORD CLIVE, TO DcC. Avould probably meet the two prominent features of his cha- racter, timidity, and parsimony ; I have not yet fixed the amount of the force which it might be deemed necessary for his Excellency to maintain with a view to the two objects of increased security, and diminished expence ; but I request you to take these suggestions into your consideration, and to state your opinion to me in a private letter, you will also point out the time when you think this reform of the Vizier's army might be attempted with the best prospect of success, and in the mean while you will constantly encourage all such partial reductions of the present military establishment, as may facilitate the final and total reduction of this useless charge. With respect to the Vizier's civil establishments, and to his abusive systems for the extortion of revenue, and for the violation of every principle of justice, little can be done be- fore I can be enabled to visit Lucknow. I am now under the necessity of proceeding to Fort St. George, whence, I trust I shall be at liberty to return to Fort William, in the month of March ; and I propose to set out for Lucknow at the conclu- sion of the month of June. I must call your attention to ano- ther important subject. The number of Europeans, particu- larly of British subjects established in Oude, is a mischief ■which requires no comment. My resolution is fixed to dis- lodge every European excepting the Company's servants from Oude. It is my intention to allow to those Europeans now established in Oude, a reasonable time for the settlement of their aflTairs, limiting the period to twelve or eighteen months at furthest ; you will transmit to me privately, a list of all the Europeans now in Oude, as complete as you can make it, with a state of their several occupations, and of the period which might reasonably be required by each for settling their affairs. My wish is to occasion as little private distress as possible, but the pubhc service must take its course ; and it is not to be expected, that some cases of hardship will not be found in the extent of so great a measure. In the mean while, 1 have refused permission to every European who has applied for leave to visit Oude, with the exception of a single case now under my consideration, that of Mr. Prendergast, to wliom I think it is possible, on a revision of his claims, that J may extend the indulgence of visiting Oude, (but not Luck- 1798. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. o89 now) for the arrangement of his affairs. If I should permit this gentleman to return to Oude, he must not continue there beyond the period assigned for the general recall of all Euro- peans. You will understand it to be a fixed determination in my mind, never to lend the assistance of Goverment to any European residing in Oude, for the recovery of any private claims, either upon the Nabob or any of the natives. I have the honour to be, &c. MoRNINGTON. I wish that the Nabob could see, that it would be a more dignified course to pay his subsidy without giving me the trouble of importuning him, he regularly f\dls into arrear, and as regularly pays up the arrear, whenever he learns from me that it has attracted my notice, would it not be more for his honour and for my ease, if he would not wait for my applica- tion, but pay punctually as the subsidy become due. No. CXVII. Lord Clive to the Earl of Mornington. My Lord, Fort St. George, 3 1st Dec. l/^S. Hoping that your Lordship has had a prosperous and fa- vourable passage, and that you are in perfect health, I have the honour to offer my most cordial congratulations upon your arrival in these roads ; your presence in the present crisis will, I am convinced, be followed by consequences the most beneficial to the public welfare. It will, I trust, pro- duce a unity of action and a combined exertion, similar to that which prevailed during the war, conducted by Lord Cornwallis, and enable your Lordship to accomplish the great and important object you have in view, of placing the British interests in India upon a secure and permanent foundation. Adverting to the friendly tenour of your letters, and to the unreserved and confidential communication with which you propose to honour me, and reflecting upon the advantage I may expect to derive from the assistance of your direction and advice, I have looked to your Lordship's arrival as a source of comfort and satisfaction. I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect and esteem, my Lord, Your Lordship's most faithful and humble Servant, Clive. 390 PROCLAMATION OF TIIF. GOVERNOR Jincc ills arrival in India, and I am satisfied, that 1 shall de- 1799. GOVERNOR GENERAL. 393 rive the utmost tlegree of advantage from tlie united zeal, talents, experience, and assiduity of those whom 1 have the honor to address, while my principal attention must be de- voted to the superintendence of the general interests of all the Company's possessions, and of the security and defence of the British Empire in India, against the various dangers by which it has recently been menaced. 2nd Jan. 1799. MoRNINGTON. The Board express their satisfaction, that their endea- vours to meet the wishes of the Governor General, have re- ceived his Lordship's approbation, as well as their sense of the confidence which his Lordship is pleased to repose in them, and at the same time beg leave to assure him of their most cordial cooperation, and assistance in the arduous labours, in which his Lordship is at present engaged. No. CXX. From Tippoo Sultaun. Dated 2ndJanuary, 1799. [Received Uth January, 1799.] The agreeable arrival of your Lordship's two* letters, de- noting your welfare, rejoiced and gratified me. A khereeta, in reply to your Lordship's former friendly letter, has been written and despatched. It will no doubt, by this time, have been received, and the sincerity of my friendship and regard, together with proofs of my solicitude for tranquilhty and peace (my friendly heart being bent upon their increase) will have been made apparent. Continue to rejoice me with happy letters. A true Translation, N. B. Edmoxstone, Persian Translator to Govt. * Original and duplicate of that written 10th December, 1798, see page 363. S94< THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Jan. No. CXXI. From the Governor General to Tippoo Stdtuun. Fort St. George, 9th January, 179.'^- My letter to your Highness, of the 8th of November,* will have explained to your Highness the object of the military preparations, which have been advancing in every part of the dominions of the allies ever since the beginning of the month of July. On my arrival at Madras, I had the honour to receive your letter of the 18th of December,-]- in answer to my two letters addressed to your Highness on the 4th and 8th of November.]; I am happy to find that, in this letter, your Highness has been pleased to admit, " that the English nation and the Honourable Company ever adhere to the paths of sincerity, friendship, and good faith ; and that they are the well-wishers of mankind." This declaration is peculiarly satisfactory to me in the present moment, because I am persuaded that a Prince of your Highness's discernment, would not express such sentiments without full deliberation. I, therefore, accept with pleasure this declaration, as affording not only an une- quivocal testimony, on the part of your Highness, to the justice of that cause in which the English nation and the Company are engaged, but an unqualified admission, that you have no ground of complaint against the English Govern- ment. In answer to that part of my letter, of the 8th of November, in which I lamented the unhappy connection which you had formed with the French nation, your Highness is pleased to mention, " that, in the Sirkar (the gift of God) there is a mercantile tribe who employ themselves in trading by sea and land: that their agents purchased a two-masted vessel, and having loaded her with rice, departed with the view to traffic ; tliat it happened that she went to the Mauritius, from whence forty persons, French, and of a dark colour, of whom ten or twelve were artificers, and the rest servants, paying the hire of the ship, came to your country in search of employment : that such as chose to take service were entertained ; and the remainder departed beyond the confines of that Sirkar (the » See p. 326. f See p. .'Wl. J See p. 321, 326. lT9f). TIPPOO SULTAUN. 395 gift of God): and that tin; French, who arc full of vice and deceit, have perhaps taken advantage of the departure of the ship, to put about reports, with a view to ruffle the minds of both Sirkars." I had no knowledge of the transaction which your High- ness has thus described, until 1 had the honour to receive your Highness's letter. Nor was it to this transaction I adverted, when I expressed my concern at the intercourse which your Highness had established with the French. The facts to which I referi'ed, were of a nature entirely different from those which your Highness has related. If the transac- tions, of which I complained, had not indisputably proved the existence of a connection between your Highness and the French, entirely incompatible with your engagements to the Honourable Company and to its allies, neither the allies, nor I, would have resorted to those measures of precaution and defence, which have attracted your Highness's attention. I will now fully and explicitly state to your Highness the circumstances, to which I referred in my letter of the 8th of November, wherein I remonstrated against the tendency of your intercourse with the French. Although I had been, for some time past, apprized, that your Highness had engaged with several powers of Asia in various negociations, of the most hostile tendency, towards the interests of the Company, and of its allies ; and, although your continued military preparations corresponded with the spirit of your negociations, I still hoped that a sense of your own interests, and a regard to the acknowledged maxims of prudence and good faith, would have induced you to relin- quish projects of aggression, so inconsistent with your own professions, with your real interests, and with the character of your wisdom and discretion. But I had scarcely formed that decision on your Highness's claim to Wynaad (by which I had afforded an unquestionable testimony of my disposition to render impartial and ample justice to your rights, and to cultivate and improve the relations of amity and peace with your Highness,) when I received from the Isle of I'rance an authentic copy of the proclamation, a Persian translation of which accompanies this letter. In addition to this proclamation, I possess full and accurate information of all the proceedings of your Highness's ambah- 396 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Jan. sadors during their residence in the Isle of France ; of the whole of their conduct in exercising the powers delegated to them by your Highness; and of your Highness's conduct, since the return of your ambassadors. From the whole evidence in my possession, the following facts are incontestibly proved. Your Highness despatched two ambassadors from your presence, who embarked at Mangalore, for the Isle of France, and arrived there at the close of the month of January, 1798. The ship on which your ambassadors were embarked, hoisted your Highness's colours upon entering the harbour of Port Nord Ouest, in the Isle of France ; your ambassadors were received publicly and formally by the French Government under a salute of cannon, and every circumstance of distinc- tion and respect; and they were entertained, during their continuance on the island by the French Government, at the public expense. Previously to the arrival of your ambassadors on the island, no idea or rumour existed there of any aid to be furnished to your Highness by the French ; or of any prospect of a war between your Highness and the Company. But within two days after the arrival of your ambassadors, the proclamation, of which I now forward to you a translation, was fixed up, in the most public places, and circulated through the town of Port Nord Ouest. Your ambassadors, far from protesting against the matter or style of the proclamation, held without reserve in the most public manner the same language, which it contains, with re- spect to the offensive war to be commenced by your Highness against the British possessions in India : and they even suf- fered the proclamation to be publicly distributed at their own houses. In consequence of these circumstances, an universal belief prevailed in the island, that your Highness would make an immediate attack upon the British possessions in India. Your ambassadors were present in the island when the French Government proceeded to act under the proclamation in question; and your ambassadors aided and assisted the execution of the proclamation by making promises, in the name of your Highness, for the purpose of inducing recruits to enlist in your service. Your ambassadors proposed to levy 1799. TIPPOO SULTAUN. ,397 men to any practicable extent, stating tlieir powers to be un- limited, with respect to the numbers of the forces to be raised in your Highness's name, for the purpose of making war on the Company. The ambassadors entered into certain stipulations and en- gagements, in the name of your Highness, according to the tenor of the proclamation,* with several Frenchmen, and others who entered into your service, particularly with Mon- sieur Du Buc, whom the ambassadors engaged in your High- ness's name, for the express purpose of assisting in the war to be commenced by your Highness against the English in India. The proclamation, therefore, is proved to have been the act of your ambassadors. It originated in their arrival at the Isle of France ; it was distributed by their agents ; it was avowed in every part by their own public declarations ; and finally, it was executed, according to its tenor, by their per- sonal assistance and cooperation. On the 7th of March, 1798, the ambassadors embarked at Port Nord Ouest, on board the French frigate La Preneuse, together with the force thus raised in your Highness's name. This French frigate, with your ambassadors, and with the troops raised in the enemy's country for your service, arrived at Mangalore on or about the 2(>th of April, 1798. Your Highness permitted this force to land in your dominions, and far from manifesting the least symptom of disapprobation of the conduct of your ambassadors in any part of this transac- tion, you formally received them, and the French officers, and principal persons who accompanied them, witli public marks of honour and distinction, and you now entertain in your ser- vice a large part of the force thus raised for the purpose of making war upon the Honourable Company. From these several facts the following conclusions result : — First. That the ambassadors, despatched by your High- ness to the Isle of France, did propose and actually did con- * Nous pouvons assurer tous les Citoyens, qui se feront insoriro, que Tippoo leur fera des traitements avantageuses qui seront fixes avec ses Ambassadeurs, qui s' (5ngageront en outre au nom de leur Souverain, a ce que les Francois qui auront pris parti dans ses Arm(5es, ne puisscnt jamais y' etre retenus quand ils voudront rentrer dans leur Patric. o98 THE EAUL or MORNINGTON, TO Jail. elude an oftensive alliance with the French, for the express purpose of commencing a war of aggression against the Com- pany, and consequently against the allies, the Peishwa and the Nizam. Secondly. That your Highness's ambassadors demanded military succours from the French, for the purpose of prose- cuting the said war; and declared that your Highness had already completed your hostile preparations against the Com- pany, (and consequently against the allies), and that you only waited the arrival of effectual aid from the French to break out into open hostilities. Thirdly. That your Highness's ambassadors levied a mili- tary force in the Isle of France, under the conditions of the proclamation, and for the avowed purpose of carrying into effect the offensive alliance, contracted in the name of your Highness, with the enemy of the Company, and of the allies. Fourthly. That your Highness approved the conduct of your ambassadors ; suffered the French force, raised for the purpose of making war upon the Company and the allies, to be landed in your country; and finally, admitted the said force into your army. Fifthly. That your Highness, by these several personal and unequivocal acts, has ratified the engagements contained in the proclamation published in the Isle of France, and has taken the preliminary steps for fulfilling those engagements, according to the tenor of that proclamation ; and that you have thereby precluded whatever hope might otherwise have been entertained, that the proceedings of your Highness's ambassadors were unauthorized by your orders. Sixthly. That your Highness has, for some time past, been employed in military preparations, conformably to the hostile spirit of your engagements, contracted with the enemy of the Company and of the allies. Seventhly. That your Highness was prepared to make an unprovoked attack upon the Company's possessions, if you had obtained from the French the effectual succour which you had solicited, through your Ambassadors. Eighthly. That your Highness, by these several acts, has violated the treaties of peace and friendship subsisting be- tween your Highness and the allies. Such are the grounds on wliich I founded my complaint in 1T98. Tiri'oo suLTAUN. ;; 402 SIR J. H. cnAiG, TO Jan. this purpose, without delay, and without waiting for tlie junc- tion of the Company's forces. You will communicate to the Peishwa the correspondence between me and Tippoo Sultaun, (a copy of which will be forwarded to you by the Persian translator), and you will apprize his Highness, that although I shall leave the channels of pacific negotiation open to the Sultaun to the latest pos- sible moment, I shall not, on that account, relax or retard the movement of our army, being satisfied that no adequate satis- faction can be expected from the Sultaun until he shall find himself deprived of all hope of foreign aid, and of every resource of subterfuge or procrastination. You will not fail to call the attention of the Peishwa to the prevarication and duplicity of the Sultaun's statement of the nature of his intercourse with the French, and you will par- ticularly observe the artifice by which he has evaded the amicable advance of* the allies, by eluding the reception of Major Doveton. In the present state of affairs, I must insist on the imme* diate dismission of Tippoo's Vakeels from Poonah ; and I direct you to remonstrate in the strongest terms against their continuance at the Court of the Peishwa, as being wholly incompatible with the relation subsisting between his High- ness and the Company. You will assure his Highness that I shall constantly submit to him the state of any negotiation which Tippoo may open with me on behalf of the allies ; but the residence at Poonah of an embassy from Tippoo, in the actual crisis, must tend to encourage the hopes of the Sul- taun, and to countenance rumours of disunion and jealousy between the allies. I am aware that under the existing establishment of the Company's armies in India, the expense of the detachment, proposed to act with the Peishwa's contingent, will exceed that of the detachment which was commanded by Captain Little during the last war with Tippoo Sultavm : but I con- sider it so essential an object, in the event of hostilities with the Sultaun, that a British force should act in conjunction with the Mahrattas, that I direct you to wave the considera- tion in arranging the amount of the subsidy with the Court of Poonah. ^799. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 403 You- will send your assistant with the detachment of the Company's troops, proposed to act with the Pcishwa's con- tingent, for the purpose of conducting, in the first instance, the intercourse between tlie commanding officer of the former and the Mahratta commander, and eventually of serving as the channel of communication between the latter and the commanders of the Company's forces on the coasts of Mala- bar and Coromandel. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. No. CXXIII. Sir J. H. Craig to the Earl of Moriiington. Mv Lord, Camp at Anopslicer, I2th January, 1/99. The ai'my under my command assembled here on the 27th, as I make no doubt that you will have been informed from Calcutta. We are encamped close to the city and fort, and the more intimate knowledge which I have been able to ob- tain of the country has only served to convince me, that we could not have chosen a position better adapted to every cir- cumstance that may occur in the execution of your Lordship's instructions in the defence of the Vizier's dominions. Almas has joined me here with four battalions of sepoys and one of nujeebs, twelve very well provided guns and some horse. I have not yet been able to get from him any exact statement of his numbers ; but from having seen his battalions under arms, I compute the amount of the five not to exceed 2500 men. As to the Nabob's troops, it is impossible for me to convey to your Lordship a more decided opinion as to their nullity, than I have already had the honor of communicating to your Lordship. With the view, however, of drawing from them the only service which it seemed possible to hope for, I pressed strongly for the appointment of General Martine to the command of those stationed in Rohilcund, which the Nabob has acceded to, and the General is now on the duty of examining the fords of the river from Hurdwar to this place. It is however extremely difficult to combat the ob- stacles which arise from the extreme pusillanimity and sordid avarice of the Nabob. I have written in strong terms, and I 404 SIR J. 11. CHAiG, TO Jan. am sure Mr. liUmsden is indefatigable in his representations, for it is a duty, that I owe to that gentleman, to assure your Lordship that nothing can exceed the cordiality and zeal with which he has seconded every view that has occurred to me on this occasion. I am well assured that the Nabob's troops are neither armed nor clothed, nor is there a gun in the district, which is put under General Martine's command, that can be made use of. In consequence of our representa- tions he has promised to send some guns ; but he declares that he has neither arms nor clothing beyond what he nuist furnish to the battalions that he keeps near his person. He has indeed given directions for their regular payment, which Mr. Lumsden thinks will be sufficient to ensure it. I own I have great doubts of it. I do not know in what terms Colonel Collins has communi- cated to Rajah Ambajee your Lordship's determination upon the proposal which he had made. It is however certain that he has industriously disseminated in the country the report that the Mahratta forces are to be joined by this army ; and it is generally considered that our advance for that purpose is only delayed till the arrival of the boats in which our stores ai'e supposed to be. The Mahrattas have in the mean time made some movements towards Delphi, but I do not find that they have it in their power to assemble any force of a magni- tude to promise any considerable effect. Zemaun Shah was still in Lahore so late as the 3 1st of December. We had a report in all our intelligence that he had quitted it on his return to his own dominions the 27th. I confess I considered it as probable, though the report did not appear to me to be sufficiently authenticated to merit en- tire confidence, and accordingly it has since tivrned out to have been false. It would seem from all the intelligence we get, that he has been employed in repairing both the works and the dwelling part of the fort at Lahore, whilst he has restrained his army from the usual exercise of the right they claim of plundering the country, and has been anxious to conciliate the people to his government. This carries with it the appearance of an intention to establish himself there, but his unvaried declarations have always been, that he would soon advance to Delhi. On the other hand the Seiks are assembled in considerable numbers at Amrutsir, some skir- 1799. THE EAUL OF MOUMNGTOy. 405 mishes have taken ])laco, but iiotliiiin; that can have any iiitlii- ence on the real state of the contest. 'I'hey, liowever, impeile the supi)Hes to the Shah's army much, and tliere is no (l()ul)t that he has been very much distressed in that respect. Not- withstanding tlie state of hostihty with a connnon enemy, the chiefs of these people appear to be as much disunited, and to entertain as strong a jealousy of each other as ever ; and there is no doubt that they are all negociating with the Shah. He sent a Vakeel to them in common, who is returned with general answers and nuzzirs from them all ; but besides this, each has sent a separate Vakeel with him to negociate for himself. It is, I think, impossible to form an idea how this is likely to terminate, but to give your Lordship a notion of the opinion which generally prevails on the subject, I do myself the honor to enclose a copy of a translation of part of a paper of intelligence from my own people, which relates to it. I cannot conceive that confidence or cordiality can ever exist between them, and if they ever do come to an agree- ment, I should rather suppose that they will })ay the Shah a sum of money under the denomination of tribute, with w hich he will return. If, however, my conjecture should prove wrong, and they should actually submit, and join him with their forces, there cannot exist a further obstacle to his })ro- gress to Delhi, where he will collect a very formidable force. Every thing remains perfectly quiet in llohilcund, nor is there any account of Gholaum Mahommed having joined the Shah. 1 believe he is still at or near Nadoun. We have an account from Delhi, that it has been mentioned at the King's durbar by Monsieur Peron Duvan, that lie had heard that the French had penetrated through some islands, and had approached Herat and the Holy Mushed. This appears to be utterly impracticable, as they could not have reached any place from whence they could alarm those cities, in the time that has elapsed since we know them to have been in Egypt, even supposing them to have encountered no obstacle in their march ; but if the report is not totally des- titute of foundation, it must proceed from some part of Buo- naparte's army having made their escape from the innnediate ruin with which they were threatened in Egyi)t ; and yet I cannot conceive any route by which they can iia\c done it. 406 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Juil. that must not have fallen under the cognizance of Mr. Man- nesty at Bussorah, who would, of course, have conveyed the information to your Lordship. I have the honour to be, My Lord, your Lordship's most obedient humble Servant, J. H. Craig. No. CXXIV. To the Secret Committee of the Honourable Court of Directors. Honourable Sirs, Fort St. George, 13th January, l?^^- The Government at Fort William will have communicated to you, through the Secret Department, a detail of the affairs of that Presidency, from the date of my last despatches by the extra ship Eiirydice, to the period of my embarkation for the coast of Coromandel. I shall now lay before you the motives which induced me to adopt the measure of proceeding to Fort St. George. I had made an arrangement with the Commander-in-Chief in India, vmder which I had proposed to his Excellency to proceed to Fort St. George, for the purpose of taking upon himself the command of the army on the coast of Coromandel ; but my subsequent advices from the north-western frontier of Hindostan, as well as from this quarter, led me to suggest the necessity of an alteration in that arrangement. From these advices, it appeared that the reports of Zemaun Shah's progress, which had until that period been vague and contradictory, were become more uniform and consistent ; and that the Shah had actually advanced as far as Lahore, and appeared determined to prosecute his design of proceeding at least as far as Delhi. On the other hand the check which the French had received in Egypt, the destruction of their in- fluence in the Deccan, the revival of our defensive alliance with the Nizam and the Peishwa, and the appearance of our fleet ofl' the coast of Malabar, together with the advanced 1799. THE HON. COURT or DIRECTORS. 407 state of our military preparations on that coast, and on the coast of Coromandel, appeared by my hitest inteni^eo p. 381. 1'799. THE HON. rOUKT OF DIRECTORS. W.) ward state, having been advanced during the last two months M'ith a degree of alacrity and vigour which reHects the highest credit on this Government. The volunteers from Bengal had arrived at this Presidency a few days before me. His Highness the Nizam's Contingent, which is to consist of the whole of the Company's subsidiary troops, ofG,00() of the Nizam's infantry, and of 10,000 cavalry, under the com- mand of Meer Allum, marched from the vicinity of Hyderabad on the 26th of December, and was expected to cross the Kistna on the 6th of this month; it will join a detaclmient of the army of this Presidency under the command of Colonel Wellesley at Tripetty. His Majesty's Sith regiment, with a part of the Scotch bri- gade, and of the 28th regiment of light dragoons, from the Cape of Good Hope, arrived here in perfectly good condition on the 7tli of this month. The last advices from Poonah afford every reason to expect the cooperation of a considerable Mahi*atta force in the event of hostilities with Tippoo Sultaun. The Government of Bombay have employed every effort to forward the military preparations on the coast of Malabar, from whence a respectable assistance will be afforded if the occasion should require it. The coast of Tippoo Sultaun's dominions in Malabar is at present guarded by his Majesty's ships Suffolk and Victo- rious, and by the Company's ships Earl Hoive and Princess Charlotte, armed under my orders at Calcutta. By accounts received from the Cape, it appears that Com- modore Blanket was met at sea by the ship Mildred, in a position which leaves no doubt of his having reached his sta- tion, although no official accounts have yet been received of that event. Under all these circumstances, I trust that I shall possess the means of effectually precluding Tippoo Sultaun from the advantages which he expected to derive luider his late offensive alliance with the French. The fate of the French army in Egypt is still unknown to me ; but the forward state of our armies and alliances in- duces me to entertain a confident expectation, that I shall he enabled to attain effectual security against the hostile designs 410 THE EARL OF MOUNINGTON, TO Jail. of Tippoo Sultaun, before the season will admit of any assist- ance reaching him from Egypt, even if any part of the French army shall have surmounted the innumerable difficulties of their situation ; and if the vigilance of his Majesty's squadrons shall have been frustrated on the Red Sea, and on the coast of Malabar. The intelligence which I have received this day from LucknoWj and from the resident with Scindiah, induces me to believe that the Shah will not venture to advance beyond Lahore during the present season. The Seiks have collected their forces at Amrutsir, as well as on other points of his proposed march, and have obtained some partial advantages over detachments of his army. And although they do not appear to possess a force sufficient to cope with his whole army in the field, he seems to dread the ejects which might be produced by the embarrassments which they might bring upon the line of his march, if he should at- tempt to advance towards Delhi. Both the Mahrattas and Seiks on the north-western fron- tier of Hindostan have manifested the most anxious desire to cooperate with our forces in opposing the progress of the Shah, I trust that this disposition may hereafter become the source of encreased security to the Company's possessions on that side of India. In the meanwhile I have the satisfaction to assure you, that the army under the command of Sir James Craig is in the highest condition in point of discipline and equipment, and that the zeal, alacrity and talents of that able officer, as well as of those who command under his orders, leave no doubt that any attack, which the Shah's imprudence might hazard, must terminate to the honour of the British arms. The family and treasure of Golam Mahomed, the Rohilla Chief, have been conveyed under my orders to a place of se- curity at Benares. Syed Khan, an active agent in the service of Golam Ma- homed, is now imprisoned in the fortress of Chunar ; and the remaining sons of Fyzoollah Khan, from whose movements disturbance was apprehended in Rohilcund, are at present detained at Lucknow. Although the general appearance of affairs promises an augmentation to the security of the British Empire in India, 1799. TllK HON. COURT OF DIUKCTOUS. ill the expense of the necessary means of accoinj)lisliinl THE EARL OI MOKMNGTON, TO Jan, petlitiou, if your Excellency should deem such a measure advisable. I sliall also transmit my orders to Fort William, for the equipment of any large ships which may arrive in the river Hooghly. I am extremely happy that my suggestions, with respect to the station of the Sybille, have met with your Excellency's approbation. My endeavours are still directed to obtain a suitable ad- justment of our differences with Tippoo Sultaun, through the channel of negotiation, accompanying, however, my pacific propositions with such a disposition of our forces as may tend to give full effect to my representations. I rely with the most implicit confidence on your Excel- lency's assurances of cordial cooperation, in the event of war with Tippoo Sultaun, being satisfied that I shall derive every degree of practicable assistance, from the squadron under your command, in my efforts to defeat the projects of the common enemy. I have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. No. CXXIX. The Earl of Mornington to the Resident at Hyderabad. Sir, Fort St. George, 22nd Jan. 1799. It is of the utmost importance to ascertain the causes which impeded the operations of his Highness's cavalry during the last war, and to consider how those causes can now be re- moved. I am informed that for the most part his Highness's cavalry were sufficiently well mounted and armed ; and I have never heard that they manifested any peculiar deficiency in point of personal courage. Their ujiwillingness to engage the enemy during the last war must, therefore, have arisen froin other causes. During the first campaign of Lord Cornwallis, the com- mander of the Nizam's cavalry was not zealous in the cause 1799. THE RESIDENT AT HYDERABAD. 4/23 of the allies, and some of the rissallahdars were strongly suspected of having been corrupted by the enemy. These circumstances may reasonably be supposed to have contri- buted, in a great degree, towards their disgraceful inactivity. At present his Highness's contingent is commanded by a person of a very different disposition from Rajah Taiz Wunt ; none of the suspected rissallahdars are now employed with it ; and no reason exists to justify a suspicion of the faith of any of those now attached to it. Notwithstanding these advantages, certain radical defects remain in the system of his Highness's cavalry which require correction. The principal of these defects consists in the want of due encouragement to the sillahdar, or hired cavalry (of which description the Nizam's contingent of cavalry is, I believe, almost entirely composed), to expose their horses in action. For the horses being the property of individuals, and some- times constituting the whole fortune of the horsemen, no risk will be incurred unless a previous indemnity be provided against the accidents of the field. Engagements to this effect are sometimes formed with sillahdar horse by the native powers, but these engagements are frequently violated. Another defect in the constitution of the sillahdar cavalry is, that although a horseman should be disabled for life in action, no provision is made for him ; he, therefore, is un- willing to expose his person. The remedies for these defects are sufficiently obvious. The Nizam ought to engage to pay the proprietor for every horse killed or disabled in action, according to its rated value ; and his Highness ought also to make a suitable pro- vision, during life, for such horsemen as shall be disabled in actual service. You will, therefore, take an early opportunity of stating to the Nizam, and to Azim ul Omra, the great advantages which would result to his Highness's service from the adoption of regulations of the nature here suggested ; and you will en- deavour, by every argument in your power, to induce the Minister to pursue the true interests of his Sovereign on this occasion. I am aware that his Highness will not readily adopt the 4iil GENERAL HARRIS, TO Feb. proposed improvements to any useful extent ; but if he will only signify his approbation of the plan, and will promise to adopt it, I am disposed (on the strength of such general assurances), to authorize Captain Malcolm, in concert with Meer Allum, to pledge the Company's govei'nment for the faithful performance, by his Highness, of whatever promises might be made to the horsemen in his name. Without the guaranty of the Company, it is not to be sup- posed that any vague assurances from his Highness would produce the desired effect. That guaranty would of course be given with every degree of respect and consideration for his Highness. It is possible that the whole expense resulting from the proposed measures might ultimately fall on the Company. But the advantages of the arrangement to the Company, as well as to the Nizam, would probably be very considerable, and might be of the most decisive nature in the approaching war. I am, &c., MoRNINGTON. No. CXXX. (General Orders.) /?y (lie Right Hon. the Governor General in Council. Fort St. Geor<(e, 2ud Fob. 1/99. Whereas the despatch of the public service requires that the requisitions and orders of the Commander-in-Chief in the field should be carried into effect with every practicable de- gree of promptitude and expedition, the Right Honourable the Governor General in Council hereby orders and directs all civil servants subject to the authority of the Presidencies of Fort St. George, or of Bombay, and all military officers serving under the authority of cither Presidency, I'cspectively to pay an immediate and prompt obedience to all such requi- sitions or orders as they shall receive from the Conmiander- in-Chief of the Forces of His Majesty, and of the Honorable the East India Company, on the coasts of Coromandel and of 1799. THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL IN COUNCIL. 425 Malabar ; and all civil servants and military officers arc hereby informed, that any requisition or order under the signature of the Commander-in-Chief of the said Forces, shall be consi- dered as a full and sufficient voucher for any advance or disbursement of money which such requisition or order shall authorize. The Right Honourable the Governor General in Council further directs, that any civil servant or military officer re- ceiving any such requisition or order from the Commander- in-Chief, shall report the same by the earliest opportunity through the regular official channels to his Lordship in Coun- cil, but the execution of the said requisition or order shall not therefore be suspended or delayed ; and all civil servants and military officers are hereby informed that this order is to remain in full force until further notice from the Governor General in Council. No. CXXXI. General Harris to the Governor-General in Council. My Lord, Camp near Vellore, Feb. 2, 1799. Having had leisure since my arrival here to inspect the division of the army which has been since its formation under the orders of the Honorable Colonel Wellesley, I have much satisfaction in acquainting your Lordship, that the very hand- some appearance and perfect discipline of the troops do honour to themselves and to him, while the judicious and masterly arrangements in respect to supplies, which opened an abundant free market, and inspired confidence into dealers of every description, were no less creditable to Colonel Wel- lesley than advantageous to the public service, and deservedly entitle him to my thanks and approbation. The other divisions of the army are under orders to take up their respective stations in the line, and as soon as they join, and when the officers at the head of the several depart- ments of ordnance and stores and of supplies, have been fully provided with their cattle and carriage, I shall be able to state, for your Lordship's information, the probable period of 426 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Feb. our being ready to move towards the frontiers of Tippoo Sultaun. I have the honour to be, Avith great respect, Your Lordship's obedient Servant, George Harris. No. CXXXII. The Earl of Morn'ington to Lieut. -Gen. Harris, Commander-in-Chirf. Sir, Fort St. Georj^e, 3d Feb. 1799. You have already been furnislied with copies of the cor- respondence which has taken place between me and Tippoo Sultaun since the Sith of October last. I have directed copies of this correspondence to be trans- mitted to the Commissioners in Malabar, whom I have in- structed to communicate the same to his Excellency Admiral Rainier, and to Lieutenant-General Stuart, or the officer commanding the Company's troops on the Malabar coast. Having received no answer from Tippoo Sultaun to the letter which I despatched to him on the 9th ultimo, and in w'hich I repeated for the third time, with increased earnest- ness, my proposal respecting the admission of Major Doveton, it is reasonable to conclude that the object of the Sultaun's silence is to delay the commencement of decisive military operations until the season shall be so far advanced as to render the siege of his capital impracticable during the pre- sent year. To defeat these views it is become necessary to suspend all negociation with the Sultaun until the united force of the arms of the Company and their allies shall have made such an impression on his territories as may give full effect to the just representations of the allied powers. I, therefore, direct that you enter the territory of Mysore with the army now assembled under your command, with as little delay as possible, and that you proceed to the siege of Seringapatam. \\'ith respect to the division of the Company's army on the Malabar coast, its operations, and, consequently, those of the trooj)s of the Rajahs of Coorga and Travancore Twho are to 1799. GKNKKAt, HAUlllS. 1>^7 be carefully prevented from making any prematuie move- ments), will be regulated by the orders which you shall transmit for that purpose to liieutenant-General Stuart, or to the officer commanding in Malabar. I have instructed the Resident at Poonah to express to the Peishwa and to his Minister, Nana Furnaveese, my hope that the Mahratta empire will instantly pursue the necessary measures for the vigorous prosecution of hostihties against the common enemy, and the assurances which I have already received from that Court, lead me to expect that the north- western territory of the enemy will soon be invaded by a con- siderable Mahratta force under Purseram Bhow. My latest accounts from the Resident at Poonah induce me to believe, that he must have applied before this time to the government of Bombay for the assistance of a detachment of the Company's troops to act with the Peishwa's contingent. In the event of the government of Bombay having been able to furnish such a detachment (of which I have no doubt), they will apprize the commission in Malabar, and Lieutenant-Ge- neral Stuart, or the officer commanding the troops of the Presidency of Bombay in that quarter. The government of Bombay will also instruct the officer in the command of the detachment serving with the Mahrattas, to maintain as constant and regular a correspondence with you, and with Lieutenant-General Stuart, as possible, and to exert all his influence with the commander of the Peishwa's contingent, to engage him to regulate the progress and opera- tions of the Mahratta forces by your advice and directions, or by those of Lieutenant-General Stuart. Entertaining no views of aggrandizement, my objects in the war will be limited to the attainment of a just indemnity for the great expence to which the aggression of Tippoo Sultaun has subjected the allies, and of a reasonable security against the future violence and treachery of that Prince ; but no negociation with a view to either object can be opened without danger to the common cause, until the Sultaun shall have been compelled to entertain serious apprehensions for the safety of Seringapatam, and it is accordingly my resolu- tion to listen to no overtures from him, until we shall have attained such a position as shall sufficiently secure us against the effects of his insincerity. 428 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Feb. I shall hereafter inform you of the manner in which I wish you to receive such overtures as may be made to you by any of the inhabitants of Tippoo's dominions desirous of throwing oft' tlie authority of that Prince. I shall also, in due time, send you such further instructions as may appear to me to be necessary for your direction, previously to your entrance into the territory of Mysore. 1 have the honour to be, &c. MoKNINGTON. No. CXXXIII. The Earl of Morn'ington to the Hon. Jonathan Duncan. Sir, Fort St. Georjre, Feb. 5, 1799. I return you many thanks for your exertions to procure intelhgence respecting Zemaun Shah ; although your success has not yet been complete, I trust you will ultimately be able to establish a channel of information which may hereafter be useful. Zemaun Shah commenced his retreat from Lahore on the 4th of January ; the principal cause assigned for his retreat is the appearance of Mahmoud, the Shah's brother, in Balkh. From a comparison of dates, I think the movement of this Prince may possibly be the work of your agent, Me- hedy AH ; which, if it should be proved, will establish his utility. If you should be satisfied of Mehedy All's real effi- ciency, I think 2 lacs 10,000 rupees a sum not greater than the value of the service ; and I authorize you to use your discretion on the subject accordingly. The plan of subsi- dizing the whole army of Persia is more extended and expen- sive than circumstances require. But I should hope that, by the judicious application of moderate sums of money, from time to time, not only the brothers of Zemaun Shah might 1)0 maintained in such a state as to occupy the Shah's atten- tion at home ; but the Court of Persia might be induced to keep him in perpetual check without any decided act of hos- tility. This system, well executed, would save us a large ]K)rtion of the expense of drawing our armies to the frontier of Oude, whenever the Shah chooses to cross the Attock. I, therefore, recommend the subject to your constant attention, and I shall willingly provide for a small animal expense in 1799. THE COURT OF DIRECTORS. 429 Persia, which promises to save enormous contingent charges in Oude. I am much pleased with your attention to the affairs of Goa, and I should most anxiously wish to throw a garrison into that place, if we could at present spare troops for the purpose. At present I can only request you not to lose sight of this important object. I have the honour to be, with great respect and esteem, Sir, your most faithful Servant, MoRNINGTON. No. CXXXIV. 'Ilie Earl of Mornington to the Court of Directors of the HononraUc East India Company. Hon. Sirs, Fort St. George, 12tli Fei). 1799. I have deemed it to be my duty to transmit to your Ho- nourable Court, by the speediest conveyance, the advices which I have received from Bengal with respect to the inhu- man murder of Mr. Cherry and of several British subjects, perpetrated by Vizier Alii and his adherents, in the city of Benares, on the 14tli of January, 1799. Your Honourable Court is already apprized of the circum- stances which induced Lord Teignmouth to establish Saadut Alii on the Musnud of Oude, and to depose Vizier AUi, who had been raised to that situation in the confusion which en- sued upon the death of Asoph ud Dowlah. You are also in possession of the evidence by which the spurious birth of Vizier Alii was incontrovertibly proved, and you have been informed that his Lordship had fixed the residence of Vizier AUi in the city of Benares ; where he enjoyed an ample allow^- ance from the Nabob Vizier, and was treated with the utmost degree of indulgence and kindness by Mr. Cherry, agent to the Governor General, and chief judge of the Provincial Court of Circuit and Appeal for that district. Within the short period of four months, during which Vizier Alii occupied the Musnud of Oude ; he had betrayed symptoms of a ferocious, sanguinary, and treacherous disi)o- sition, accompanied by an extraordinary degree of boldness 130 THE EARL OF MOKNlNfiTOX, TO Fcl). and activity; Lord Triiiiinunitli, from a knowledge oi' his character, recorded an opinion, that it might be advisable to take an opportunity of changing tlie })lace of Vizier Alh's residence to a situation more remote from the scene of his elevation and fall, and more convenient to the immediate superintendence of the Governor General in Council. Since mv arrival in India, various events have happened to convince me, that the removal of Vizier AUi to the vicinity of Calcutta was a measure essentially necessary to secure the trancpiillity of the province of Oudo. The numerous retinue entertained by Vizier Alii had more than once disturbed the peace of the city of Benares ; and the ordinary military force stationed in the district could not be deemed sufficient to preclude all danger, either of commotion, or of the escape of Vizier Alii. Information had reached me, through different channels, which left no doubt on my mind, that Vizier Alii had despatched a vakeel with presents to Zemaun Shah ; a circumstance which suflicicntly indicated the disposition of Vizier Alii to attempt any enterprize of which the success might be favoured by the apjn-oach of the Shah, and by the consequent diminution of the British force in the interior parts of the province of Oude. A^'hen the Shab had actually advanced to Lahore, and the army under Sir J. Craig had been ordered to proceed to Anopsheer, the Nabob Vizier Saadut AUi applied, in the most pressing manner, for the removal of Vizier AUi to some position less favourable to the exercise of his adventurous and daring spirit. Under all these circumstances, it appeared to me to be my duty to eUect an arrangement, which had been deemed ad- visable, on general grounds, by the experience and prudence of Lord Teignmouth, and which the actual conjmicture of affairs had rendered highly expedient. I, therefore, directed Mr. Cherry (some time previous to my dei)arture from Fort William) to signify to V^izier AUi my wish that he should re- side in the vicinity of Calcutta, and at the same time to assure him, that no diminution of his allowances or appointments would be attempted, and that he would neither be subject to any additional restraint, nor denied any indulgence at the Presidency which he had been suffered to enjoy at Benares. Being however aware of the dittirulty of reconciling Vizier I I7!>!>. riir, connT oi' niHi.cioiis. 131 Alii, by any ;u-('()inpaii\ in^ nu'asurrs of l(Miitv, to a cliaiiifc whicli iiuisl prccliulr his hopes oi" joiuinsj; Zoniaun Shah, or of (listurbinf:; tho (lOvornimMit of the Nabob \ izior, 1 jiarti- cularly enjoiiuMl Mr. (Mierry to use the necessary jirecautions for securing the ellectual execution of my orders in any con- tinijency whicli n)ii>ht arise. The arrival oi' the Shah at lialu)re, with tlu> di'clarcd pin- pose of advancinii; to Delhi, and the di>tenc(dess state of (he intervening i)ossessit)ns of tlie Seiks and of th(> INIalu-attas in- tluced me to assemble the main body of tht> army of Hengal on the iVontier of ()nd(\ and to station a lirge force within ;i few mill's of Benares, for the protection of that o|inl(>nt city. The presence of this force seemed to have ))laciMl llu> tran- |>reiicnsion of the possibility of the dreadfnl events which have ensued. ^^'hen my ortli'rs were signilied to \ iziiM- Alii, he at first e\pri>ssetl, according to my expectation. ct)nsidcral)I(> relnc- tanci* to Icavi" his actual situation, but in a short time he aj)- peared to be entirely reconciled to the change of his ri'sidence, and to be pcri'ectly satislii'd M'ith the assurances whii'h he had received of a continuance of the protection and indul- gence of the Honourable Company. The conduct of INI r. Cheri'y towards \ izier Alii, on i>V(U*y occasion, had been an uninterrupted course of every olHce of kindness, delicacy, and conciliation, calculated to excite sentiments of uflcction and gratitude in any mind capable of such imjir(\ssions. \' izier Alii had uniforndy prt)fessed to entertain these senti- ments towards Mr. Cherry in their utmost force; but his pro- fessions ])roved to be the artifice of the deei)est dissinudation, designelacable hatred. I'or it ap])ears that the active exertion of Mr. Cherry's eminent talents in the negociation of the late treaty with S.aadut Alii, ;iiul in facilitating the sudden di^i)ar- tur(^ of (hat prince from lienarcs to Lmkuow at the period of the deposition of Vizier yVlli. had lixcd in the mind of the latter a spirit of ]>ersonal revcngi^ which no kindness could mitigate, and which no dillicidty or danger could C(Ui(roul. The evidence in my j)OSsession leaves no doid)! that this spirit would have bioken forth on (he first favourable occa- sion, if \ izier Alii had been suffered to remain at lienares ; 4S2 TIPPOO SULTAUN, TO Feb. but it does not yet appear whetber the immediate cause of tbe murder of Mr. Cherry was any augmentation of Vizier Alli's inveterate resentment, exasperated by the supposition that Mr. Cherry had suggested my late orders; or whether the motive of Vizier AUi was merely to seize that opportunity of accomplishing a purpose which he had long determined, and which might have become impracticable after the seat of his residence had been changed. My concern for the fate of Mr. Cherry is much aggravated by the reflection, that he might have avoided all danger, if the humanity of his disposition had not been deceived by the artful dissimulation of his assassin ; notwithstanding that Mr. Cherry had been repeatedly warned of his danger, the cha- racter of mildness and submission which Vizier Alii had as- sumed, had unfortunately induced that gentleman to omit those necessary precautions which were recommended by every principle of prudence, and particularly enjoined by my positive orders. I am happy to be able to assure you, that no serious inter- ruption of the tranquillity, either of the province of Benares or of Oude, is likely to be the immediate result of this out- rage. But it will require much consideration to devise such a system of measures as shall afford permanent security to your possessions against the ultimate consequences of an event of such evil impression and dangerous example. I have the honour to be, Honourable Sirs, with the greatest respect, your most obedient and faithful Servant, MORNINGTON. No. CXXXV. From the Earl of Mornington to the Hon. Jonrithnn Duncan. Sir, Fort St. George, 13th February, MS)*). My letter of the oth instant* will have furnished you with sufficient authority to continue every encouragement to Mehedy AH on the limited scale of from two to three lacs of • See page 428. 1799. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 'UiS rupees. I cannot express to you my satisfaction at the able manner in which you have executed my ideas with respect to the recal of Zemaun Shah. A comparison of dates, com- bined with the whole tenor of my intelligence from Lucknow and Anopsheer, leaves little doubt on my mind that the Sliali's sudden retreat was occasioned by the news of his brother's appearance at Balkh, and that the latter event was the fruit of your agent's activity. I beg you will provide, or order Ma- hedy Ali to provide, all the khelaats and presents which he desires, and let them be presented in my name. You shall be furnished with the letters required in a few days. I am desirous of extending and improving our relations with Persia to the utmost practicable degree ; and I wish to receive your opinion with respect to such commercial or poli- tical objects as appear to you desirable and attainable under any treaty with the Court of Persia. The great political objects appear to me to be, the exclusion of the French, espe- cially if they should make any attempt to penetrate through Persia to Hindostan ; and the establishment of such a conti- nual source of anxiety and apprehension to Zemaun Shah on the borders of his own dominions, as shall effectually preclude his future projects of advancing towards Hindostan. I have the honour to be. Sir, your most faithful Servant, MORNINGTON. No. CXXXVl. From Tippoo Siiltaun to the Right Hon. the Governor General. Received* 13th February, 1799. I have been much gratified by the agreeable receipt of your Lordship's two friendly letters, the first brought by a camel- man, the last by hircurrahs, and understood their contents. The letter of the Prince, in station like Jumsheid ; with angels as his guards ; with troops numerous as the stars ; the sun illu- mining the world of the heaven of empire and dominion ; the luminary giving splendour to the universe of the firmament of * On the 7th of February, Dubuc, the agent of Tippoo Sultaun embarked at Tranquebar to proceed on his Embassy to France. VOL. I. 2 F 4-34 TIIF, EARL OF .MORMNGTON, TO Feb. glory and power; theSultaun of the sea and the land ; the King of Rome (i.e. the Grand Signior); be his empire and his power perpetual! addressed tome, which reached you through the British Envoy, and which you transmitted, has arrived. Being frequently disposed to make excursions and hunt, I am accordingly proceeding upon a hunting excursion. You will be pleased to despatch Major Doveton (about whose coming your friendly pen has repeatedly written) slightly attended (or unattended). Always continue to gratify me by friendly letters, notifying your welfare. A true Translation, i\. B. Edmoxstoxe, Persian Translator to Govt. No. CXXXVII. From the Governor General to the Secret CommUtee of the Honourable Court of Directors. Honourable Sirs, Fort St. George, 13tli February, 1799. In my last letter to your Honourable Committee, under date the 13th* of January, I informed you, that I had ad- dressed a letter to Tippoo Sultaun, on the 9th of January, and 1 enclosed a copy of that letter, as well as the whole of my correspondence, with that Prince. Soon after the 13th of January, I received from his Ma- jesty's Minister at Constantinople a letter from the Grand Signior, addressed to Tippoo Sultaun, which I despatched to Seringapatam on the 16th ultimo, together with a letter from myself, renewing with encreased earnestness my proposition for the admission of an ambassador, with a view to the com- mencement of a pacific negotiation. To this hour I have received no answer from Tippoo Sul- taun to either of those letters. It appeared to me, that the object of the Sultaun's silence could be no other than to delay the commencement of deci- sive military operations until the season should be so far ad- vanced as to render the siege of his capital impracticable dur- ing the present year. In the mean while, the advices from Bussorah, Bagdad, ♦ See p. 406. lT9y. THE COURT OF DIRECTORS. 435 Constantinople, and Bombay, were of so uncertain a nature, as -to 'leave me still in doubt of tlie French army in lilgypt ; the only safe conclusion which could be drawn from these advices being, that the French still maintained the possession of that country. Reports had also reached me through various channels, stating, that a French squadron, under M. Richany, destined to the Arabian Gulf, and superior in force to that of Commo- dore Blanket, had left Europe so early in the season that it might easily have pre-occupied the intended station of the Commodore, and as no intelligence has been received directly from the Red Sea since the date of the advices by the Intrepid, the state of our naval force, or of that of the enemy in that quarter, is not yet ascertained. In addition to these circumstances, I was apprized by the most unquestionable authority, that while Tippoo Sultaun had declined to answer my several letters, three vakeels, from Seringapatam, accompanied by M. Dubuc (one of the leaders of the French force raised in the Isle of France, under M. Malartic's proclamation) were upon the point of embark- ing at Tranquebar, with an avowed mission from the Sultaun to the Executive Directory of France. In order, therefore, to defeat the object of Tippoo Sultaun's silence, and to avail myself of the actual superiority of our force, and of the advantages of the present season, before the French can effect any junction with him, I determined to commence hostilities without delay ; and I am resolved to sus- pend all negotiation with the Sultaun until the united force of the arms of the Company, and of their allies, shall have made such an impression on his territories as may give full effect to the just representations of the alUed powers. With these views, on the 3rd instant, I directed Lieute- nant General Harris to enter the territory of Mysore with the army assembled under his command, and to proceed to the siege of Seringapatam with as httle delay as possible. With respect to the division of the Company's army on the Malabar coast, its operations, and consequently those of the troops of the Rajahs of Coorg and Travancore (who will be carefully prevented from making any premature movements), will be regulated by the orders which Lieutenant General 436 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Feb. Harris shall transmit for that purpose to Lieutenant General Stuart, or to the officer commanding in Malabar. I have instructed the Resident at Poonah to express to the Peishwa, and to his Minister, Nana Furnavese, my hope that the Mahratta Empire will instantly pursue the necessary measures for the vigorous prosecution of hostilities against the common enemy ; and the assurances which I have already re- ceived from that Court, lead me to expect that the northwestern territory of the enemy will soon be invaded by a considerable Mahratta force under Purseram Bhow. My latest intelligence from the Resident at Poonah induced me to believe that he must have applied before this time to the Government of Bombay for the assistance of a detach- ment of the Company's troops (which I know that Govern- ment to be prepared to furnish), for the purpose of acting with the Peishwa's contingent. In that event the Governor of Bombay will instruct the officer in the command of the de- tachment serving with the Mahrattas to maintain as constant and regular a correspondence with Lieutenant General Harris, and with Lieutenant General Stuart, as possible, and to exert all his influence with the commander of the Peishwa's contingent to engage him to regulate the progress and opera- tions of the Mahratta forces by the advice and directions of Lieutenant General Harris, or by those of Lieutenant Ge- neral Stuart. I have authorized the Commissioners in Malabar to receive and encourage from any of the chiefs or public officers of Tippoo Sultaun on the coast of Malabar, any advances which shall appear to them to promise assistance to the Company in the prosecution of the war against that Prince. I am not at present in possession of information which enables me to judge with sufficient certainty of the general disposition and temper of the inhabitants of Tippoo's re- maining dominions on the coast of Malabar. If, however, they should manifest an inclination to revolt against his authority, and the Commissioners should think it expedient to encou- rage them, I have left it to the discretion of the Commissioners to offer such support and protection to those disposed to abandon the cause of the Sultaun, as the state of the British force on the Malabar coast may admit. I have also autho- 1799. THE COURT OF DIRECTORS. 437 rized the Commissioners to give to all tributaries, and others renouncing their obedience to Tippoo, and acting cordially in our favour, the most positive assurances, in the name of the Company, that I will use my utmost efforts to compel that Prince to relinquish all claims upon tlieir allegiance, and to assent to their becoming the dependants and subjects of the Honourable Company on such terms as shall hereafter be ar- ranged under my orders. My instructions to Lieutenant General Harris respecting the manner in which he is to receive such overtures as may be made to him by any of the inhabitants of Tippoo's dominions, desirous of throwing off the authority of that Prince, will be framed upon similar principles with my directions on the same subject to the Commissioners in Malabar. His Excellency, Admiral Rainier, is fully acquainted with the actual state of affairs ; and I have informed him that I rely with confidence on his Excellency's zeal for the public service (of which I have already received the most unequivocal proofs), for his cordial cooperation with the Commissioners in Malabar, and with Lieutenant General Stuart, in the vigorous prosecution of the war on the coast of Malabar ; and I am persuaded his Excellency will take the most effectual mea- sures for enabling the fleet under his command to keep its present station, on the coast of Malabar to as late a period of the season as possible. The whole tenor of my intelligence from Mysore induces me to believe, that there is a general aversion in Tippoo's coun- cils and armies to his intimate connection with the French ; and I have already received intimations from various parts of his dominions, and from some of his principal ministers and officers, which promise considerable advantage in the prose- cution of hostilities against him. The main body of the army of the Carnatic, under General Harris, marched from Vellore on the 11th instant; I trust that the Barramahal, and the Southern Provinces, will be suf- ficiently protected by the force assembled under Colonels Reade and Brown. The Nizam's contingent, accompanied by the whole of the Company's subsidiary troops arrived within a few miles of the main body of General Harris's force previously to their depar- ture from Vellore. 438 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Feb. I have the satisfaction to inform your Honourable Com- mittee that Zemaun Shah commenced his retreat on the 4 th of January ; by a copy of a letter from Zemaun Shah's Vizier to Shah Allum, it appears that Zemaun Shah has finally relin- quished his project of invading Hindostan in the present year, but has engaged to return in the next season. The imme- diate cause of Zemaun Shah's precipitate retreat is stated in all the papers of intelligence to be the sudden appearance of his brother at the head of a military force in the neighbour- hood of Herat. The documents which I have directed the Governor of Bombay to forward by this despatch, will shew your Honour- able Committee that my attention was directed at an early pe- riod to the establishment of such an intercourse with the Court of Persia as should withdraw the Shah from the prose- cution of his ambitious views of aggression, to the defence of his own dominions, I flatter myself that you will approve the success of those exertions which (with the aid of Mr. Duncan's ability and zeal for the public service), I have already been enabled to make in Persia, with a view to this desirable object ; it would certainly be a wise policy to apply annually a moderate sum of money to the same object, for the purpose of precluding those annual alarms of invasion which have occasioned so large an increase of your military charges in Bengal. You may rely on my particular attention to the improvement of the intercourse now likely to be established with the Court of Persia, from which I trust to derive many advantages, in ad- dition to those to which I have adverted in this despatch. The declared views of the French government, the position of the French army in Egypt, the possible cooperation of a French squadron in these seas, added to the recent proceedings of Tippoo Sultaun, render it indispensable to the security of the British empire in India, that the power of that restless and vindictive Prince should be speedily reduced. The delay, even of a few weeks, at this season, might enable him, in the next, to attempt the execution of his avowed projects of ven- geance with a formidable accession of strength. I have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. p. S. As I was closing this despatch, 1 received the en- 1799. THE IILSIDENT AT lOONAlF. 439 closed letter, No. 3,* from Tippoo Siiltaun. Mis design is, evidently, to gain time, until a change of circumstances and of season shall enable him to avail himself of the assistance of France. I shall endeavour to frustrate this design ; and although I shall not decline even this tardy and insidious acceptance of my repeated propositions for opening a nego- tiation, I shall accompany the negotiation by the movement of the army, for the purpose of enforcing such terms of peace as shall give effectual security to the Company's possessions against any hostile consequences of the Sultaun's alliance with the French. I have just now received intelligence that M. Dubuc, with three vakeels from the Sultaun, has actually sailed from Tranquebar, upon an embassy to France, with considerable presents from Tippoo to the Executive Directory. I had despatched the Osterley with a party of the 28th dra- goons, for the purpose of intercepting the vessel in which the embassy had embarked ; but, unfortunately, the captain of the Osterley was not able to accomplish that desirable object. No. CXXXVIII. The Earl of Mornington to the Resident at Poonuh. Sir, Fort St. George, 19tli Feb. 179!). Your letter, No. 86, requires the suggestion of some points necessary for your direction. My intention, in my letter of the 11th January,! was not that the Peishwa should be solicited, as a matter of favour, to receive the Bombay detachment in the manner suggested by Gopal Rao. On the contrary, my expectation was, that under all the circumstances of the case, the Bombay detachment would be received by the Peishwa as a testimony of my disposition to accord with his Highness's wishes. I, therefore, desire that you will not attempt to use any persuasion to induce the Peishwa to receive the detachment from Bombay ; my experience of the policy of the Court of Poonah has already been sufficient to convince me of its dis- * Sec p. 4;53. t See p. AW. 440 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Feb. position to view with suspicion the most amicable comphance with its own repeated and earnest requests. You will leave it entirely to the discretion of the Peishwa to accept or reject the offer of the detachment, declaring that his Highness's decision is a matter of perfect indifference to me. You will understand that I am determined never to consent to any augmentation of the subsidiary force now offered to the Peishwa, nor to the continuance of this force in his ser- vice after the conclusion of peace with Tippoo, on any other conditions than those proposed in my letter of the 8th of July.* You will peremptorily insist on the dismission of Tippoo's vakeels. Under the present circumstances, their detention at Poonah is little short of an insult to the British govern- ment. From the several facts which you have stated, I con- fess that I cannot draw conclusions favorable to the cordial cooperation of the Peishwa, in the present contest with the Sultaun. The whole conduct of the Peishwa has betrayed a syste- matic jealousy, suspicion, and even insincerity, in return for the most liberal and unqualified offices of friendship and good will. The time, I trust, is not far remote, when the Court of Poonah may lament the despicable policy which has governed its councils, in its late communications with the British government. In the mean while, your activity must be exerted to coun- teract the pride, imbecility and falsehood, of Baagy Rao. My object is to be charged with the sole conduct of the interests of the allies, in any negotiation with Tippoo Sultaun. My proposition respecting the Mahratta vakeel to be sent to Fort St. George, was intended merely to preclude any emotion of the lively jealousy of the Court of Poonah. But, as the Peishwa has not yet made any effort in the common cause, nor is likely to make any, before every question with Tippoo shall be brought to an issue, his Highness might safely trust to me for the management of interests which he has aban- doned, and which must ultimately be secured by my exertions. You will, therefore, rather discourage, than endeavour to accelerate, the appointment of a vakeel from the Peishwa, for • Sec p. 113. 1799. THE RESIDENT AT POONAII. 441 the purposes proposed. By reference to Hyderabad, you will find, that the Nizam has thrown the conduct of his interests with Tippoo entirely into my hands ; and I know no reason, either of justice, policy, or real dignity, which should restrain the Peishwa from an equal degree of confidence in my friendship and good faith. I apprize you tliat I will not accept the Peishwa's media- tion between me and Tippoo Suhaun ; nor can I conceive how the Peishwa can undertake the office of mediator in such a cause, without the most flagrant inconsistency. As a mem- ber of the triple alliance, he has already declared himself to be a party aggrieved by the Sultaun, and in that view the Sultaun might naturally suspect the sincerity of his mediation : but if he has really brought himself to that temper of impar- tiality which is the indispensable characteristic of a mediator, he has violated his faith towards the allies, and they cannot accept a mediation founded on a violation of their reciprocal engagements. Even if this reasoning could be controverted, after having rejected, in the most offensive manner, my proffered media- tion between him and another branch of the triple alliance, the Peishwa cannot reasonably expect that either the Nizam or I should admit him to mediate between us and the common enemy. It may not be useless to suggest to Scindiah, that although Zemaun Shah's retreat has i-elieved me from all apprehension of any interruption of the tranquillity of the province of Oude, I think it advisable, under the present circumstances, to maintain a large force on the frontier of the Vizier's dominion. It will not be proper to use any intimidation to Scindiah, but I apprize you, that if he should enter into any connection with Tippoo, of a nature dangerous to the British interests, the security of his dominions in Hindostan will be exposed to hazard. • I am, ike. MoRNINGTON. 442 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Feb. No. CXXXIX. The Eurl of Mornington to his Excellency Lieutenant-General Harris. Sir, Fort St. George, Feb. 22nd, 1799. I have reason to believe that many of the tributaries, prin- cipal officers, and other subjects of Tippoo Sultaun, are inclined to throw off the authority of that Prince, and to place themselves under the protection of the Company and of our allies. The war in which we are again involved, by the treachery and violence of the Sultaun, renders it both just and expedient that we should avail ourselves, as much as possible, of the discontents and disaffection of his people. It is, therefore, advisable, to arrange a plan for the regular conduct of all negotiations connected with this object. Being apprehensive that your more important avocations will not admit of your taking any part in the details of this business, I hereby direct you to constitute a commission for this purpose, to consist of the Honourable Colonel Wellesley, Lieutenant-Colonel Close, Lieutenant-Colonel Agnevv. and Captain Malcolm, assistant to the Resident at Hyderabad ; with Captain Macaulay, to act as secretary to the commission. The commissioners are to act constantly in communication with you, and to obey whatever directions you shall think proper to signify to them. They are to report their proceedings to me as frequently and as regularly as circumstances shall permit. They will correspond with the commissioners in Malabar on such points as shall be connected in any respect with the objects of this commission : and for this purpose you will be pleased to furnish them with a copy of the Company's cypher, No. 11. Their duty is to consist, generally, in receiving and con- sidering all such overtures from the subjects of Tippoo Sul- taun (of whatever class), as may either be referred by you to the commissioners, or may be addressed to them through other channels. In cases which may not admit of reference to me, they will decide, under your authority, on the degree and nature of the encouragement proper to be given to such persons as may 1799. GENERAL HARRIS. 44.5 propose to place themselves under the protection of the Com- pany. The following extracts from my instructions to the commissioners in Malabar (which you will be pleased to com- municate to the officers named in the present commission), will explain the general principles by which their conduct is to be regulated. " I now authorize you to avail yourselves, without reserve, of the overtures made some time since to Mr. UthofF and to Captain Mahony, by Shehab-ud-Dein Khan, to whatever ex- tent you may judge practicable and useful. You will also receive and encourage from any other of the chiefs, or pubhc officers of Tippoo Sultaun, on the coast of Malabar, any ad- vances which shall appear to you to promise assistance to the Company, in the prosecution of the war against that Prince. " I am not at present in possession of any information which enables me to judge with sufficient certainty of the general disposition and temper of the inhabitants of Tippoo's remaining dominions on the coast of Malabar. If, however, they should manifest an inclination to revolt against his au- thority, and you should think it expedient to encourage them, I leave it to your discretion to offer them such support and protection as the state of the British force on your coast may enable you to afford. I also authorize you to give to all tributaries, or others, renouncing their allegiance to Tippoo, and acting heartily in our favour, the most positive assurances, in the name of the Company, that I will use my utmost efforts to compel that Prince to relinquish all claims upon their alle- giance, and to agree to their becoming the dependents and subjects of the Honorable Company, on such terms as shall hereafter be arranged under my orders." The enclosure No. 1 contains an account of the overtures from Shehab-ud-Dien Khan, referred to in the foregoing extract.* It will be obvious, however, that the instructions apply * This document not only states the overtures made for a junction with the En. In my letter of the ord of February,f I apprised you, that 1 should in due time inform you of the manner in which I wished you to receive such overtures, as might be made to you by any of the inhabitants of Tippoo Sultaun's dominions • See p ■A'.H. t .See p. -126. 1799. LIEUT.-GENERAL JI ARRIS. 455 desirous of throwing off the authority of that Prince; and that I should also send you such further instructions, as might appear to me to be necessary for your direction previ- ously to your entrance into the territory of Mysore. With regard to the first of those objects, the enclosed in- structions of this date,* direct you to form a commission for the special purpose of assisting you in the conduct of such negotiations as may eventually be opened with any descrip- tion of Tippoo's subjects. As the intercourse between your army and the Presidency must become liable to interruption after you shall have passed the frontiers of Mysore, I shall now furnish you with such in- structions as appear to me to be necessary for your direction, not only previous to your entrance into the dominions of the Sultaun, but during your progres towards his capital, and after you shall have commenced the seige of that city. The enclosure No. 2,-|- contains a copy of a letter received by me from Tippoo Sultaun, on the 13th of February; the original of my answer to which, is contained in a sealed packet made up for despatch to the Sultaun, and forming No. 3. No. 4,| contains a copy of that answer for your in- formation. No. 5j§ contains copies in English, Persian, and Malabar, of the declaration of the allies, with respect to the causes of their present measures. When you shall arrive within one day's march of the point by which you propose to enter Mysore, you will transmit the original letter addressed to the Sultaun contained in the sealed packet No. 3, to Major Dove ton, with directions to forward it to Tippoo Sultaun. You will not delay the march of your army one hour after the receipt of this despatch, and you will proceed to enter the territory of Mysore, and to advance towards Seringapa- tam with the utmost possible degree of expedition. On passing the frontiers, you will circulate among Tippoo's subjects as many copies as possible of the declaration of the allies ; and you will issue a proclamation in your own name promising protection to the persons and properties of all such subjects of the Sultaun as shall, on just and reasonable terms, * Sec pai;e 442. f See page 433. I See page 453. § See page 448. 456 THE EARL OF MOUNINGTON, TO Feb. assist the army in its march by supplies of cattle, grain, forage, and provisions of any description ; and further assur- ing the inhabitants of Mysore in general, that no person shall be molested excepting such as shall appear in arms, or shall im])ede the march of the army by the removal of those sup- plies (the produce of the country) which may be useful to its progress or subsistance. The advance of the army is not, however, to be in the least, retarded for the purpose of pre- paring and issuing these proclamations. In the course of your advance through Tippoo's territories you will employ, and also engage Meer Allum to employ, every means to conciliate the subjects of the Sultaun, as well by the conduct of the company's and the Nizam's forces, as by publishing from time to time such assurances as shall ap- pear best adapted to the occasion. You will order Lieutenant Colonel Browne, or the officer in command of the Southern division of the army, to com- mence his operations at such time, and to direct them to such points of attack on the possessions of the enemy, as you shall judge most advisable. If Tippoo Sultaun, availing himself of the channel of nego- tiation still left open by my letter No. 3, either previously to your arrival at Seringapatam, or previously to your having taken a position for the siege of that capital, should signify to you a desire to send an embassy to you, I authorize you to receive any such embassy; exercising your discretion with regard to the particular time and place of receiving it. But at whatever period you may judge proper to comply with the proposal in question, I most earnestly and particularly recom- mend to you to observe with the utmost care, all those measures of precaution and vigilance, which the artful and treacherous character of the enemy renders peculiarly necessary on such an occasion. It must never be forgotten, that he may possi- bly despatch ambassadors to you with the sole view of ob- taining intelligence of your designs, or of tampering with some of the Sirdars of the allies. Under this constant im- pression, you will be particularly careful not to halt for an hour nor to relax any operation, necessary with a view to the siege, on account of any overtures which you may receive from the Sultaun in any stage of your progress towards his capital. l"yy. LIEUT.-GENERAL HARRIS. 157 You will communicate this letter to the commissioners named in the instruction, and you will consult with them on all points relating to any negotiation with Tippoo Sultaun. You may possibly think it unadvisable to disclose to Tippoo Sultaun, the nature and full extent of the demands of the allies, before you shall have eiFected a junction with the army of Bombay, or before you shall have taken your position for the siege of Seringapatam, and shall have been satisfied that all your preparations for that purpose are com- plete. But after having attained such a position vou will without delay (and before you open your batteries, or throw shells into the town) communicate to Tippoo Sultaun, either through the channel of any embassy which you may have ad- mitted from him, or by a flag of truce, the demands of the allies, comprized in the draft of preliminary articles making the inclosure marked A.* The blanks of those preliminary articles you will previously fill up, according to your inform- ation and judgement, with the assistance of the commissioners appointed to aid you in all matters relating to negotiation, either with the Sultaun, or with any of his subjects. You will require the signature of the articles under Tippoo's seal, and the delivery of the hostages specified in the 8th article, within 24 hours from the communication of the ar- ticles to the Sultaun, either by his embassadors, or by the flag of truce. You will at the same time signify to Tippoo Sultaun, that in the event of your being compelled to open your batteries against his capital, you will not afterwards de- sist for an instant from your operations, on any conditions more favorable to him than those contained in the inclosure marked B ; and accordingly after having opened your bat- teries against the place, you will not admit any embassadors from Tippoo, unless you shall know them to be charged with his formal assent to the articles contained in the inclosure B, and to bring with them to your camp, both the money re- quired under the draft of preliminary articles B, and the hostages required by the 8th article of both drafts of prelimi- nary articles A and B. Should Tippoo Sultaun agree, either before or after the commencement of your attack, to the conditions respectively * Sec p. -tfjO. 458 THE EAIIL Ol' MOKNINGTON, TO Feb. to be proposed in either case ; and should he deUver up the re(iuired hostages, you will immediately make the necessary dispositions with General Stuart, for taking possession of the ceded territory on the coast of Malabar ; you will also direct the Commissioners appointed to assist you in all matters of negotiation, to arrange and conclude with all practicable despatch, in concert with Meer Allum, with any Minister who shall have been empowered by the Peishwa for that pur- pose, and with the embassadors of Tippoo Sultaun, a defini- tive treaty of peace and friendship on the basis, and agree- ably to the conditions, of the preliminary articles which shall have been previously signed by the Sultaun. The only difficulty which can occur in framing the defini- tive treaty, will consist in the adjustment and specification of the territories to be ceded to the allies respectively, accord- ing to the preliminaries, which may have been settled. It is impossible for me to give you any detailed instructions, with -^ regard to the particular countries to be ceded to the Nizam and to the Peishwa, whose respective ministers must make their own selection under your control. The territories to be ceded to the Company under the draft of preliminaries '' marked A., are enumerated in that draft. The additional cessions which would be demanded for the Company under the draft of preliminaries marked B., must be determined with a view to the improvement of our southern frontier, ac- cording to the best opinions and information which you shall be able to obtain from the Commissioners, or from other authorities in your army. If no Mahratta force shall have joined your army, previ- ously to the conclusion of the preliminary articles, you will still insist on the payment of the whole of the money stipu- lated to be paid by the 6th article, into the hands of the allied powers on the spot, who will be answerable, in that case, for the due delivery to the Peishwa of his third share of the sum paid into your hands. If at the conclusion of the definitive treaty, no Mahratta vakeels should be present, you are to engage, in concert with Meer Allum, to procure the Peishwa's assent to the treaty, before the expiration of three months; securing and reserving to the Peishwa, the same full and ample power of selecting the districts to be ceded to him conformably to the 4th article of the proposed preliminary 1791). LIEUT.-GENEUAL IIARIUS. 451) treaty, as he could have exercised if he had been represented during the negotiations by a regularly accredited Minister. Although you should be in possession of the required hostages, you will not quit your position in the vicinity of Seringapatam, until the army of Bombay shall have reached such a point on its return to the Malabar coast, as may place it beyond the effects of any treachery, which might be at- tempted against it by Tippoo Sultaun. With a view to this and other advantages, you will reserve to yourself the liberty of remaining in the vicinity of Seringapatam, until the allies shall have been actually put in possession of any three of the fortresses to be ceded to them, which they may respectively select. I have now furnished you with instructions for your con- duct in the two cases of a negotiation, being opened with Tippoo Sultan, either previously, or subsequently to the at- tack of Seringapatam. The case of your being compelled to prosecute the siege of Seringapatam to the last extremity, and of your obtaining possession of that city would open so extensive and compli- cated a change in the political state of India, as to require the most comprehensive system of new arrangements. At present it appears to me to be sufficient to recommend that in this event, you should adopt the necessary measures for effectually securing your position in the city ; for supporting those inhabitants of Mysore, who may have placed themselves under the protection of the allies ; and for opening a safe and easy communication between your army and both coasts. In such a conjuncture, particular operations must depend on the nature of the political and military situation and strength of the enemy, subsequently to the reduction of his capital ; and on a variety of other circumstances which it is impossi- ble to foresee. I rely on your discretion for acting under such circumstances in the manner best calculated to maintain your advantages, until I shall be enabled to transmit specific instructions for your direction. Whether in the last case supposed, the person of Tippoo Sultaun should fall into your hands or not, you will neither open nor conclude any negotiation involving the final settle- ment of the country, either with that prince or with any other persons, until you shall have received special authority from me for that purpose. 4<5v) THE EAUL OF MORNINGTON, TO Feb, 1 have directed a co]iy to be sent to you of the diary of the proceedings of the deputies, who conducted the negotia- tions at Seringapatam in 17'i2, which I desire you will be pleased to deliver in charge to the Commission appointed in my separate instructions of this date. This diary may even- tually afford great assistance to the Commissioners in the management of any negotiations which they may be required to conduct with Tippoo Sultaun. I am, ike. MoRNINGTON. [ I'lic ttdlowin^ are the Enclosures referred to in the preceding letter.} Dntft of preUminanj Articles. — A. rreliiHiiKirv Articles for the re-estahlishment of the antient friendship, and for the adjustment of existins:^ ditfercnces, between the Honourable Enulish Company, the Nawab Asoph Jah, Row Pundit Purdliann, and Ti])poo Sultaun, settled l)y Lieut. -General Georjife Harris, cScc , in virtue of powers deleijated to him i)y the Right Honourable the Earl of Morn- ington, K. P., Governor General ; by Aleer Allum, Bchadur, on the part of the Nawab Asoph Jah ; by , on the part of the Peishwa; and by , on the part of Tippoo Sultaun. Article 1st. Tippoo Sultaun to receive and honourably entertain an ambassador from each of the allies as often and for as long' a j)eriod of time as anv of the said allies shall require ; the allies, on their part, seve- rally consentincr to receive and entertain in the same manner, and on the same terms, an ambassador from Tippoo Sultaun. Article 2nd. Tippoo Sultaun to dismiss without delay from his service, and to remove from his dominions, not only all Frenchmen or natives of the Islands of France and Bourbon, or of any other countries now sub- ject to France ; but also all Europeans, natives, or subjects of countries now at war with Great Britain. Article 3rd. Tippoo Sultaun to renounce all connection with the French nation ; and to engage that none of the subjects of that nation shall ever hereafter be entertained in his service, or be allowed to reside within his dominions. Article ^th Tippoo Sultatm to cede to the Company in perpetuity the whole of the sea-coast of Malabar below the (Jhauts, in his possession at the commencement of the present war: that is to say, all the territory below the Ghauts, situated between the river Cavai (which forms the present boundary of the Company to the northward) and the Portuguese possessions on that coast.* Tippoo is to cede in like manner to the • And including the district of Belguy on the coast of Malabar, unless Tippoo can clearly prove that this district is above the Ghauts. 1799. LIEUT.-OENERAL HARRIS. iH 1 Company tlic distrirt (iiicliulins- tlie fortress of Sacrai;errv) wliich is si- tuated between Paulgacherry and IMlney ; and whicli coinj)relu!n(ls Ani- mallie and other Talooks.* He is likewise to cede in perpetuity to their Highnesses, the Nizam and the Peishwa respectively.f a territory adjacent to their present respective boundaries, and agreeably to their selection equal in net revenue to the districts to be ceded to the Company ; and it is hereby determined and agreed, with a view to the prevention of delays, that the several districts to be ceded by Tij)poo Sultaun shall be taken at the valuation at which they were respectively rated in the accounts deli- vered in by his vakeels during the negotiation of the treaty of ycringai)a- tam in 1/92. Article 5th. Tippoo Sultaun to relinquish for ever all claim to the lately disputed districts of Amera and Souleah, and Ersawarascemy, to any part of the territory possessed by the Rajah of Coorga, at the com- mencement of the war, to the whole of the Tambacherry Pass, and gene- rally to all places on the present borders of any of the allies which nuiy at this time be in dispute. Article 6th. One crore and a half of sicca rupees shall be paid by Tippoo Sultaun to the allies, agreeably to the following j)articulars : — 1st. Seventy-five lacs shall be paid immediately in pagodas, or gold mohrs, or rupees of full weight and standard ; or in gold or silver bul- lion. 2nd. The remaining seventy-five lacs shall be paid within six months from the date of the present treaty. Article 7th. All prisoners in the hands of the several powers to be fairly and unequivocally released. Article 8th. Until the due performance of the articles of the present treaty, two of the three eldest sons of Tippoo Sultaun shall be delivered as hostages into the hands of Lieut. -General Harris ; and as a further security for Tippoo's faithful execution of the same, the fortress or for- tresses of X shall also be delivered up to the Company. On the arrival of the said sons of Tippoo Sultaun in camp, and on the i)ay- * Memorandum. — ^The object of this cession being to open a free and short communication between Paulgacherry and Dindigul, the Com- mander-in-Chief is referred to the proper oflicers for the necessary in- formation with regard to the particular Talooks which are to be demanded for this purpose; and, accordingly, this article will admit of variation, according to the judgment of the Commander-in-Chief and of the Com- missioners. t That is to say, to each of the other allies a territory equal to that ceded to the Company, so that the cession to the Company shall consti- tute one-third part of the total cession to the three allied powers. X This blank to be filled up by the Commander-in-Chief; but it is to be observed, that, it is not to be filled by the word (Seringapatam.) N. B. The fortress or fortresses here to be specified, are to be exclu- sive of those within the districts to be ceded (see the conclusion of this article.) Gopaul Droog was in contemplation in this passage. 462 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Feb. nicnt of the first moiety ao^reed to be iiaid by the Gth article, a cessation of hostilities shall take place. But the army of the allies shall not quit their position before Sennijapatam until the fortress (or fortresses) of before mentioned, shall be actually in the possession of the Company's troops. And whereas the territory to be ceded to the allies will contain several forts, it is hereby further agreed that of the said forts the allies shall be at liberty to require (if they judge proper) to be put in actual possession of any three of them which they may think fit to select, before Tippoo Sultaun shall be entitled to require the departure of the allied armies from the vicinity of Seringapatam. Article Dth. When an agreement, containing the articles above written, shall arrive, bearing the seal and signature of Tippoo Sultaun, counter- agreements shall be sent to Tippoo Sultaun from the allies : and after the cessation of hostilities, a definitive treaty of perpetual friendship shall be settled and entered into by the several powers. Memorandum. In the event of no Mahratta force having joined the army at the time when preliminary articles shall be concluded, the Commander-in-Chief, or Commissioners appointed to treat with Tippoo Sultaun shall, notwith- standing, insist upon his paying the whole of the money stipulated to be paid by the Gth article, into the hands of the allied powers on the spot, who will be answerable for the due delivery to the Peishwa of his share, namely, one-third of the whole stipulated sum. If on concluding the definitive treaty, no Mahratta vakeels should be present, the other allies are to engage to procure the Peishwa's assent to the treaty in the course of three months. Securing and reserving to the Peishwa the same full and ample power of selecting the districts to be ceded conformably to the 4th article of the preliminary treaty, as he would have exercised if he had authorized a minister on the spot to sign and execute for him. It is probable that the territory to be ceded to the Nizam and Peishwa, under the 4th article of the preceding treaty, would consist of Gurram- conda, Gooty, Anagoondy, Roydroog, and Ilarponelly (to be divided be- tween them as they may agree ;) the forts of which it would be proper, in this case, to recjuire the immediate surrender as additional securities be- fore the army should quit the vicinity of Seringapatam, would, perhaps, be Gooty to the Nizam, Roydroog to the Peishwa, and Shuddasoo (ihur (on the Malabar coast ) to the Company. But as it is proposed that a fortress of Tippoo's, over and above those to be ceded (perhaps Gopaul- droog) shall be delivered into the temporary possession of the Company as an additional security for his faithful performance of the treaty, per- haps, instead of Shudashoo Ghur, tlie immediate delivery of Gurrum- conda to the Nizam, in addition to Gooty and Roydroog, would operate more effectually as a restraint u])()n the Sidtaun, who would not venture to provoke a renewal of hostilities, after the allies were in i)ossession of the four strong holds which have been specified. 1799. LIKUT.-r.ENERAT, HARRIS. 'IfifJ Draft B. Article 1, 2, and 3, the same as in draft A. Article 4. — One half of the dominions of which Tippoo Sultaun was in possession before the war, to be ceded to the allies from the ((nintries ad- jacent to their present respective boundaries, and airreeably to their se- lection. And it is hereby agreed and determined with a view to tlie i)re- vention of delays, that the several districts to be ceded by Tippoo Sultann, shall be taken at the valuation at which they were respectively rated in the accounts delivered in by his Vakeels, during the negotiation of tlie treaty of Seringapatani in 1792. Article 5, as in draft A. Article 6, two crores of sicca rupees shall be paid by Tippoo Sultaun to the allies, agreeably to the following particulars : 1st. One crore shall be paid immediately in pagodas, or gold mohrs, or rupees of full weight and standard ; or in gold or silver bullion. 2nd. The remaining crore shall be paid within six months from the date of the present treaty. Article 7, 8, and 9, as in draft A. Memornndum with a view to the case of Tippoo's being compelled to cede lialf of his present dominions to the allies, February 26fh, 1799. Tippoo stated his revenues to amount in 1792, to seventy lacs of kan- terai pagodas, or two crores and ten lacs of rupees. The allies, however, having reason to believe this to be an under statement, insisted on adding nine lacs of pagodas to the amount, and, conse(iuently, on dividing 79 lacs, instead of 70 lacs of pagodas. Hence the amount to be ceded, agreeably to the preliminary treaty, was 39^ lacs. Accordingly, the Com- pany received districts to the amount, according- to Tippoo's oirn valuation of them, of 13,16,765 5t pagodas ; the Nizam 13,16,666 6^ pagodas ; and the Peishwa 13,16,666 7? pagodas; making together 39,50,0-17 pagodas. Consequently Tippoo possesses at i^resent countries yielding, according to his own account, corrected by the allies, 39^ lacs of pagodas. If, therefore, he should be again compelled to cede half of his domi- nions to the allies, the latter would each be entitled to districts yielding 6,58,3331 pagodas, making together 19,75,000 pagodas. In this case, the Company's division might be composed as follows : Canara, or the Malabar territory below t}>e Ghauts, including Bilguij, say 3,20,000; Coimbatoor H0,000 ; Dcnnicar A'otah 35,000 ; Darapoor and Chuckergeerif 64,-000; Sattimungul 30,000; Chichawir 27,000; Chun- cherry 27,000; Indore 8,000; Er road 20,000 ; Cangum 20,000; Caroor 45,000; total 6,76,000. It is to be observed, that Canara is rated above at much more than it would appear to be rated at in Tippoo's own statement of 1792, which is to be the basis of any new partition. However, as the districts of Bed- nore which compose Canara, cannot at present be accurately distinguish- ed (two or three of the number being doubtful) the revenue has, for the 464 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Feb. greater caution, been assumed at 3,20,000 pagodas, although the most that can be made out from Tippoo's list is three lacs. Possibly, some of the southern districts below the Ghauts may be omitted in the preceding enumeration. On the whole, however, it is suf- ficiently clear from this abstract, that the cession to the Con)pany of all the countries below the (ihauts on both coasts, would little e.\ceed or fall short of their share of half the Sultaun's remaining possessions. If on strict examination it were found to exceed, an equivalent might be offered, or some adjustments of the difference be made with the allies. The share of the Nizam might consist of Anagoondy 60,101 ; Kurmul tribute 66,666 6| ; Gooty (as per memorandum at the end of this paper) 2,08,200 3i; Giirrumconda 2,74,673 4J; Jungamcottuh 13,000; Punga- noor 15,000 J total 6,37,641 4; or about 21,000 pagodas short of the Nizam's share. The deficiency might be made up from some of the Cotar districts, or within a small sum, from the overplus of the cessions to the Company according to the preceding article. The share of the Peishwa might be composed of Bednorc, above the Ghauts, or all the parts of Dcdnore not ceded to the Company, say 3,64,466; Harpouelly 1,10,030 SJ ; Roydroog 1,15,019 3^ ; total 5,89,516 2^; or about 69,000 pagodas short, which might be made up from the districts of Chittledroog. It is probable, however, that Bednore above the Ghauts may prove, on a stricter examination of Tippoo's statement of \'J92, to be rateable at more than 3,64,666 pagodas. For the whole 31 talooks of Bednore stand in his account at 6,84,466 pagodas ; and, therefore, in proportion as the talooks below the Ghauts may fall short in valuation of the 3,20,000 pagodas assumed, those above the Ghauts (proposed to be ceded to the Peishwa) will exceed the sum of 3,64,466 pagodas. There would remain to Tippoo, under the foregoing arrangement, the greatest part (if not the whole) of Chittel Droog, Sara, Bangalore, and other talooks of Seringapatam (enumerated in his list of antient posses- sioufi) which the allies are entitled to consider as yielding a revenue of 19,75,000 pagodas. If tliey should not, in fact, be so valuable, (which, however, there is no reason to suppose) the Sultaun would only suffer bv his own deceit. At all events, the allies will be entitled, injustice, (under the treaty now in contemplation) to select their moiety y/r.s7 ,- leaving the remaining half to the Sultaun : and accordingly, this is a principle which ought to be carefully adhered to in the case supposed. A more moderate arrangement than the preceding one would be, to take the Sultaun's present dominions at 35 lacs of pagodas (instead of 39i lacs) or half of what he himself stated the revenue to be in 1792, and to divide accordingly. In this case the allies would have to divide among them only 17,50,000 pagodas, instead of 19,75,000 pagodas, and at this rate each would be entitled to a country of no more than 5,83,333=1 pagodas, instead of (as above) 6,58,333^ pagodas. Upon this principle, it is evident that we should be under the necessity 1799. LIEUT. -GENERAL HARRLS. 1f)5 of leaving Tippoo in possession of a oreat part of the sotithern countries below the (Jhauts. Our share niij^lit, nevertheless, i)e as follows : Canara (as before), .■3,20,000 ; Coimbatoor, 80,000 ; Durapoor and Chur- kergeery, G4,000 ; Erroad, 20,000; Cangum, 20,000; <7r/wwr, 45,000 ; Dennicar Kotah, .'35,000. Total, 5,84,000. Or, perhaps, in preference to some of these, Vencatagheerycotah and Punganore above the Ghauts. The Nizam's share mii^ht, in the case now supposed, consist of Gooty (as before), 2,08,200 3* ; (hirrumconda, 2,74,673 4i ; Amgoon- (?> H. Total, 6,0;),64I 4. The excess, or 26,308 pagodas, might be made up to Tippoo from Gurrumconda or Gooty, according to the pleasure of the Nizam or of his Minister. The Peishwa's share, on this principle, might be, Bednore (as before), 3,64,466 ; Harponelly , 1,10,030 83 ; Itoydroog, 1,15,019 31. Total, 5,89,516 2 ; being an excess only of 6,200 pagodas, to be deducted from some of the proposed cessions. The foregoing divisions are suggested only as outlines : to be filled up and improved, upon stricter enquiry and better information. Gooty consisted of nineteen talooks, yielding 2,58,353 Ah. Deduct ceded in 1792 to the Nizam, four talooks, 51,782 8i ; to the Peishwa, onetalook, 10,000; total, 61,782 8i. 1,96,570 6i. Add those parts of Koorgoor and Dummoor which remained with Tippoo at the peace, 1 1,629 H- Remains to be ceded, 2,08,200 3i. No. CXLIII. The Earl of Morn'ington to Lieut. -General Harris. Sir, Fort St George, 23rd Feb. 1799. If contrary to present appearances and to every reasona- ble expectation, any untoward event should occur, of a nature to render the reduction of Seringapatam within this season evidently impracticable, I authorize you to recede from the demands contained in the draft A., (inclosed in my letter of the 22nd instant,) in proportion to the improbability of your being able to accomplish the reduction of that place. But whatever may be your own sense of difficulties, it will be of the utmost importance that you should not disclose it, and that you should still endeavour to excite the apprehensions of Tippoo for the safety of his capital. On those apprehen- sions alone, can you depend for obtaining any concessions whatever from him. VOL. I. 2 H 466 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Feb. Although I have judged it necessary to authorize you to recede, under certain circumstances, from the demands spe- cified in the draft A. before referred to, you will rather con- clude no treaty with Tippoo Sultaun, than one which shall not put the Company in possession of the whole of the coast of Malabar ; and secure, besides, some degree of indemnity for the expenses of the war. In framing any treaty under these unfavouriible circumstances, you will always be careful to understand that every advantage, either of territory or of money which may be stipulated, is to be equally divided among the allies in such a manner, as they shall hereafter adjust. In the event of your neither being able to reduce Seringa- patam this season, nor to obtain the diminished advantages herein stated, you will dismiss the Bombay army with such reinforcement as you may have the means of sparing, and after having ascertained its safe arrival at the head of the Poodicherrum Ghaut, you will keep the field in the enemy's country with the remainder of your force, in such manner as shall appear most advisable ; as well with a view to secure your own subsistance, as to restrain Tippoo from any under- taking against the Carnatic, until a favourable change of cir- cumstances shall enable you to resume the siege of that capi- tal with Ijetter hopes of success. I am. Sec. MOKNINGTON. I No. CXLIV. 77if Earl of Moni'niirton to the Pris/iira. r.)rt St. Gooi-o-e, 2-ltli Fob. 179.*^. I have regularly communicated to your Highness the pro- gress of my correspondence with Tippoo Sultaun, respecting his infraction of the treaty of Seringapatam ; and I have had the satisfaction to find your Highness concurring in all tiie measures wliich I have deemed it necessary to adopt, for the conunon security of the Company and their allies. It is a further satisfaction to me to reflect, that no endeavours have been omitted to recall tlie Sultaun to a sense of the obli- 1 799. THE PEISHWA. 467 gations of treaty, and to effect an amicable accommodation of the differences, which his ambition and insatiable revenge have produced between him and the allies. It is a subject of extreme regret, that these conciliatory and friendly measures have failed to produce a correspondent effect on his mind, and have rendered it absolutely necessary, upon principles of self defence, to resort to arms. After the Sultaun's repeated rejection of the proposition to send an Ambassador to his Court, notwithstanding the warnings he received, his tardy and reluctant acquiescence, (intimated to me in a letter received on the I3th instant, of which a copy will be communicated to your Highness), so far from indicat- ing a spirit of conciliation, can only be considered as an insi- dious attempt to protract the operations in the field, in the hope of prosecuting his hostile designs against the allies with a better prospect of success. I have, therefore, signified to the Sultaun, in my reply, of which a copy will also be sub- mitted to your Highness by the Resident, that his compliance with the proposal, at this protracted period, cannot produce any change in the determination of the allies to put their re- spective troops in motion. Deeming it advisable that the grounds of this determination should be publicly made known, I have drawn up a formal declaration on the part of the Honorable Company and their allies, setting forth the conduct of Tippoo Sultaun, and the natui-e of the various measures which have been adopted by the allies to effect the accommodation they have so earnestly and so unremittingly sought. I have forwarded a copy of the declaration to the Resident for your Highness's perusal ; I am fully convinced that your Highness, sensible of the absolute necessity of the resolution therein expressed, will zealously exert the full ex- tent of your present means to cooperate with the Company and his Highness the Nizam, in the prosecution of the war with the common enemy. I am persuaded that your Highness will be perfectly satis- fied, that no overtures towards accommodation can now be received from Tippoo Sultaun with any degree of consist- ency ; or any beneficial negociation be opened with him ex- cepting at the head of the armies, which are actually enter- ing his counti-y. For this reason, your Highness will no doubt perceive that 4-G8 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Feb. no advantage can possil)ly arise from the presence of any Vakeels from Tippoo Sultaun at your Court ; on the con- trary, it must be evident to you that your entertaining any ^*akeels from that Prince, under the present circumstances, must prove highly prejudicial to the allied interests, by in- spiring Tippoo Sultaun with the hope of dividing the allies, and by disseminating general doubts of the sincerity of your Highness's attachment to the common cause. I, therefore, earnestly entreat your Highness immediately to dismiss the Vakeels of Tippoo Sultaun now at your Court ; and I, with the same earnestness, exhort your Highness not to receive any other mission from that Prince during the war. If he should express any desire to open a negociation, I re- quest your Highness to refer him to the representatives of the allies, accompanying their armies in the field. Any ne- gociation carried on at a distance from the army would prove fruitless and indecisive. If (which God avert and my friendly confidence will not anticipate) your Highness should neglect my present earnest instances, and should either delay the dismission of the Vakeels of Tippoo Sultaun now at Poonah, or hereafter re- ceive others from that Prince during the war, I think it the duty of a friend and an ally to apprize your Highness, that I shall be under the necessity of considering such conduct to be a departure from the true spirit of the defensive engage- ments subsisting between your Highness, his Highness the Nizam, and the Honorable Company. And I know not the extent of the evils which may follow so unexpected a relaxa- tion of the bonds of friendship and aUiance. On the other hand, it is a pleasure to me to believe, that your Highness will discharge the duty of a faithful friend and cordial ally by instantly dismissing the vakeels ; by refusing, during hostilities, to receive any others ; and by zealously exerting the full extent of your present means to cooperate with the Company and his Highness the Nizam, in the pro- secution of the war with the conunon enemy. Under this ex- pectation, and in a firm confidence that you will remember the ancient connection between the Company and your family, as well as the proof which I have recently afforded of my sincere desire to improve the relations of friendship with you, I assure your Highness that no negociations shall take place, 1 1799. LIEUT.-GENERAL STUART. 469 or any agreement be concluded with the enemy in which your interests shall not be, in all respects, placed on the same grounds with those of the Company and of the Nizam. In the mean time, I shall be very happy to hear and to consider any particular views which your Highness may entertain in the event of a negociation with the enemy, whether conveyed to me in writing from yourself, or through the channel of Colonel Palmer. I am, &c., MORNINGTON. No. CXLV. ITie Earl of Morning-toil to JJeiUenant Genentl Stuart. (Private.) Sir, Fort St. Geor^^e, 24th Feb. 1/9.9. I learnt, with great anxiety and uneasiness, the state of your health as well on private as on public grounds ; and it was a considerable satisfaction to me to hear that you had arrived on the coast of Malabar so much better, as to be able to undertake the fatigues of the approaching campaign. It is unnecessary for me to assure you of my entire confi- dence in your conduct of that part of the present important enterprize committed to your charge. You are already ap- prized of my sentiments with regard to your merits ; I have received great pleasure from the accounts of General Hart- ley's preparations for your reception, and of the state in which he has delivered over the command to you. An union of the talents and zeal of all departments of the service in India will enable me to avail myself of the advantages of the season, and to render the Sultaun a contemptible ally to the common enemy, long before either party can hope to avail itself of the alhance lately formed against the British power. There is one point, however, which, although highly im- probable, I wish to suggest to your early consideration. If by any accident the Fi'ench should land a force on the coast of Malabar during the siege of Seringapatam, what would be the best arrangements for checking their progress ? This subject deserves serious considei'ation, and you should com- 470 LIEUT.-GENERAL HARRIS, TO Feb. municate your opinions on it both to the Admiral and to Ge- neral Harris, so that you may not be taken by surprize. Another point requires timely notice. If the whole of the coast of Malabar should come into our possession under a new treaty with the Sultaun, what would be the best distri- bution of force, with a view to the disappointment of any attempt on the part of the French to assist the Sultaun or to dispossess us. A third question will be : Peace being concluded with Tippoo, and the coast of Malabar in our possession, can we afford a force to garrison Goa, and will the Portuguese ac- cept a garrison from us ? Both of these points, as well as the first, should be considered with General Harris. I also wish, before you enter Mysore, that you would en- deavour to concert with the Admiral any practicable means of employing his powerful squadron on the coast in concert with our remaining forces, or with any disaffected subjects of the Sultaun below the Ghauts. Recommending these suggestions to your attention, and sincerely wishing that your zeal for the public service, and your abihty to promote it, may not in any degree be counter- acted by the state of your health, I have the honour to be, with great esteem and respect, Sir, your faithful servant, MORNINGTON. No. CXLVI. Lieutenant General Harris to the Earl of Mornington. Caukcngeua, / miles W. of Tripatore, 25th Feb. 1 709. My dear Lord, Your Lordship's final instructions are received, and their very satisfactory contents perfectly understood. I shall not attempt an elaborate letter of thanks for them, or for all the noble and lil)eral confidence and encouragement they contain ; but I trust to that Providence on whom I de- pend, that your Lordship shall be i)aid by a thorough con- viction that every thing to the best of my abilities shall be tried to ensure that success which your Lordship's exertions give so fair a prospect of; and allow me here to relieve your 1799. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 471 Lordship's mind from the fear that I sliall permit myself to become a despondie* in the business, by the assurance — that never in my Hfe was I known to have the smallest tendency or turn that way — on the contrary, in some severe trials I have been most cheerful in the support of others, and thank God have always found my spirits to rise in the hour of danger. It is true I am anxious to examine the worst side of things, in order to provide a substitute if possible, but when preven- tion is no longer in my power, I trust you will hear that I make the best of every thing, and meet with cheerfulness the accidents which must happen in our peregrinations. At pre- sent we are in a great way of supplies, and with Read and Macleod's exertions, I have great hopes we shall escape simi- lar distresses to those we experienced last war. You may depend there is no man in the army wishes the business over more than myself, but no selfishness, or, I trust, persuasion shall induce me to push the cattle beyond their powers, for that would be risking every thing. On them we must depend for getting our noble battering train along, and we will soon make up any time supposed lost in this way when once we begin the siege. Your Lordship's last communications have been particu- larly grateful to me, and as you have taken care to secure me by every tie dear to man — by gratitude ; by my own honour and conscience being pledged ; and even by the Eastern po- licy of havingf my wife and children in your hands, I think you will not be deceived ; that you may not is my earnest prayer ! and that your Lordship will believe me. My dear Lord, with great esteem, Your devoted and faithful Servant, George Harris. * A " despondie" is an Hindostanee word, which appears in the Re- venue transactions. Lord M. had applied it in a ludicrous sense to those who " desponded" of success in the war. t Mrs. Harris and the General's children were all left at Madras, under the Governor General's care. •ITii THE EAKL OF MOKNINGTON, TO Feb No. CXLVII. The Earl of Mormngton to Lieutenant General Harris. (Secret.) Sir, Fort St. George, 25th Feb. Mm. The intelligence lately received from Seringapatam renders it probable that Tippoo Sultaun will take the field immedi- ately at the head of the main body of his army. He may, therefore, attempt either to obstruct your progress towards Seringapatam by force, or to negotiate with you ; in- terposing his army between yours and that city, and endeav- ouring to protract the negotiation with the same views which he has already manifested, of gaining time, until the sup- posed season for the siege shall have elapsed. Although the general principles of my instructions of the 22d instant would furnish a sufficiently distinct rule for your conduct in any of these cases, I think it may be satisfactory to you to receive a more particular explanation of my senti- ments. If the Sultaun should attempt to oppose your progress by force, no instruction can be necessary to induce you to re- pell it. No attempt which, at any time, or from any position, he may make towards negotiation, must be suffered to retard your progress towards Seringapatam ; and if his army should occupy any position which shall appear suspicious, or embar- rassing to your line of marcli, you will attack him if you should think it advisable ; having first dismissed his vakeels, if they should be near your camp. You are invested with a discretional power of deciding the time when it may be expedient to admit any vakeel from the Sultaun. In exercising that discretion, the primary consi- derations must be the security of your army, and the success of the expedition. If either of these considerations should at any time render it necessary to decline any overture from the Sultaun, you will take care to apprize him that, at a proper season, you will be ready to listen to his proposals. At whatever period of your march you may think fit to ad- mit an embassy from Tippoo Sultaun, you will understand it 1799. THE KAUL OF MACARTNEY, 473 to be my intention, applicable to every possible case, that no treaty, either ])reliminary or definitive, should be concluded with him, until your army shall have effected a junction with that of Bombay, and shall be in a situation to commence the siege of his capital with a reasonable prospect of success. If Tippoo Sultaun's army should meet yours in the field, and the result shall be, as (under providence) I trust it will, a signal victory to the British arms ; you will not consent to negotiate ; but you will continue to advance towards Serin- gapatam. The result of such an action might possibly be the immediate reduction of that city. In this case you will pro- ceed according to my former instructions, applicable to the case of a successful siege. But if the fall of the city should not be the immediate consequence of the supposed victory in the field, you will propose to Tippoo Sultaun, at whatever period of time you may deem most expedient, the preliminary articles marked B, from which you will not depart. If the person of the Sultaun should fall into your hands after any action with his army, you v»'ill not on that account delay your march to his capital. You will observe, from the whole tenor of my instructions, that it is my decided opinion, that no treaty can be safely concluded with Tippoo Sultaun until your army shall either be in actual possession of his capital, or shall command the effectual means of securing its reduction. I take this opportunity of suggesting to you the indispen- sable precaution of never admitting any vakeels from Tippoo Sultaun within the precincts of your camp. If any confer- ences shall become necessary, they must always be holden at such a distance from your lines as to preclude the possibility of any effect of the treachery of the enemy. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. No. CXLVIII. Tlie Earl of Mornington to the Earl of Macartneij , Goi-criwr if the Cape of Good Hope. My Lord, Fort St. George, 2Gth Feb. 1799. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letters of the 11th and ISth of September, and of the 18th of October. 474 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Mafcll, Tlie Sceptre, conveying the transports from the Cape, ar- rived here on the 7th of January, with the troops under the command of General Baird. Owing to the heavy saihng of two of the transports, a considerable part of the Scotch bri- gade did not arrive until some days after the convoy. They reached this place in sufficient time, however, to join the grand army ; and they now form a part of General Harris's force in the field. This seasonable reinforcement, the timely arrival of which must be attributed to the alacrity and vigour of your Lordship's Government, has not only placed the safety of these possessions beyond the reach of all immediate danger from the enemy, but will, I trust, enable me to obtain effectual security from him against any advantages which he might have expected to derive hereafter from his alliance with the French. I have sent the 84th to Bombay to reinforce that garri- son. The reports of the state of the French army in Egypt since the victory of Bekir are so vague and contradictory, that it is difficult to draw any certain conclusion from them. It ap- pears, however, that the French army is not yet destroyed. No authentic advices from the Red Sea have been received by me since the 26th of August, and I am, therefore, ignorant whether Commodore Blankett has yet reached his station, but whatever may be the state of affairs in that quarter, the early measures which I adopted for the defence of India, added to your Lordship's assistance, preclude all apprehen- sion of any mischief. By this despatch I have transmitted to Mr. Secretary Bar- nard an abstract of the state of political affairs in India, which will apprize your Lordship of the circumstances of our actual situation with respect to Tippoo Sultaun and the other coun- try powers. In consequence of your Lordship's recommendation, I have shewn every mark of civility and attention to Captain Michell. Although it was not in my power to comply with your Lord- ship's wishes, in his favour, by giving him a Company's freight home. I have been enabled to allow him to take in cargo, on private account, under certain regulations lately establish- ed in Bengal; this indulgence will, I trust, secure him against any possibility of loss by his voyage from the Cape to this 1799. COLONKL WILLIAM TALiMKR. 475 place. I have, at liis particular request, permitted him to touch at the Cape. I have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. No. CXLIX. The Earl of Mornington to Colonel jrUl'mm Palmer. (Private.) Sir, Fort St. George, March ;5ci, \T^\). I employ this private mode of communication for the pur- pose of informing you of a circumstance which has just now come to my knowledge. An original letter from Ambajee Scindiah's principal com- mander in Hindostan has been found amongst the papers of Vizier Ali, which were taken at the attack of Mahdoo Doss's Garden, from which it appears that a treaty has been secretly concluded by Ambajee, on the part of Dowlut Rao Scindiah, with Vizier Ali. The agents which have negotiated this treaty, on the part of Vizier Ali, are Hakeem Namdar Khan, and Kamgar Khan, and lolah Induman. The treaty itself is not in possession of Government, but from the letter from Ambajee, and from the letters from Kam- gar Khan, Namdar Khan, and other papers belonging to Vizier Ali, there can be no doubt that the principal objects of this treaty are of the most hostile nature to the Company, and that they are proposed to be accomplished by placing Vizier Ali on the Musnud of Oude, by means of the assist- ance of Scindiah, and by the estabUshment of an union of interests between Scindiah and Vi/.ier Ali. You will be cautious not to disclose your knowledge of this circumstance to any person whatever, but you will endeavour, consistently with this caution, to obtain every information which may tend to throw light on the motives and objects of this flagrant act of treachery on the part of Dowlut Rao Scindiah ; and you will keep a vigilant eye on all his proceed- ings, giving the earhest information of them to me, to the Government of Fort William, and to the Resident at Myder- 476 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Marcll, abad. The papers which liave reached me from Calcutta do not enable me to ascertain the precise time when the negotia- tion with Ambajee was reduced to the form of a treaty, but it appears that the negotiation commenced some months previ- ous to Ambajee's arrival at the city of Muttra, for the pur- pose of arranging the affairs of Scindiah in Ilindostan, and that it terminated in a treaty either during the residence of Ambajee at the city of Muttra, or shortly after his departure from thence. The considerable force now under the com- mand of Sir James Craig, will remain assembled on the fron- tier of Oude, and I should hope that the knowledge of that circumstance would prevent Scindiah or Ambajee from making any movements, of a hostile tendency, to the interests of the Company. There is every reason to suppose, by the last ac- counts from Oude, that the person of Vizier Ali will soon be apprehended, nor is there the least ground for entertaining any alarm with respect to the number or character of his adherents. The army, under the command of General Harris, will enter Mysore in the course of a few days, and the general appearance of circumstances in that quarter, affords me every reason to hope that I shall soon be at liberty to take effectual measures for frustrating the designs of Dowlut Rao Scindiah. It is possible, however, that, in the interval the rashness and violence of his character may impel him to make some attempt either against the Peishwa or the Nizam. You will endeavour to give the earliest intimation of any symptom which you may be able to discover of such a disposition on his part. On the flight of Vizier Ali from Benares, I addressed let- ters to all the neighbouring powers of Hindostan, requiring them respectively to deliver up to justice the jierson of the assassin, in case it should fall into their hands. Amongst others, a letter was despatched to Ambajee, as the principal officer of Dowlut Rao Scindiah on the spot. I enclose a copy of my letter to Ambajee, which I desire you will communicate to Dowlut Rao Scindiah, together with my request, that he will despatch such orders to Ambajee as shall promote the object of my letter to the latter. I do not expect that this communication will lead to any disclosure of Scindiah's real sentiments with respect to Vizier Ali, but it may be useful with a view to the effectual concealment of my knowledge of 1799. CAPTAIN KIRKPVTIMCK. 477 Scindiali's treachery, and may tend to quiet his apprehen- sions, and to prevent his motions, until a favourable moment shall arrive for calling him to account. In communicatinrr the letter in question to Dowlut Kao Scindiah, you will ex- press my confident expectation, that Vizier Ali will be appre- hended and brought to justice before he can reach the domi- nions of Scindiali ; and you will endeavour to im))ress Dowlut Rao with a just idea of the insignificance and weakness of Vizier Ah, whose only claims to notice are to be found in the atrocious depravity of his disposition, and in tlie execrable enormity of his crimes. I am, &c. MORNINOTON. No. CL. The Earl uf Morning-ton to Captain Kirkpatrick. (Private.) Sir, Fort St. George, March .3d, 1 799. I enclose for your information a copy of my letter of this date to the Resident at Poonah, and I recommend the im- portant intelligence which it contains to your most serious at- tention, relying on your discretion for an exact observance of the same secrecy which I have enjoined Colonel Palmer to observe. It does not appear to me advisable, in the present moment, to hazard the disclosure of Scindiah's views, in their full extent, to Azim ul Omra ; but I think it would be highly necessary, in my name, to point that minister's particular at- tention to the probability of some attempt on the part of Dowlut Rao Scindiah against the Nizam's territories, during the progress of our operations against Seringapatam. With this view, it will be prudent to assemble whatever force can be collected in his Highness's dominions at the station which may be deemed best calculated for resisting any such attack, observing, as far as may be practicable, the necessary cau- tion of concealing the quarter from which danger is appre- hended. You have been already apprized of the embassy which I have despatched to the Rajah of Bcrar. The moment ap- 478 THE EAKL OF MORNINGTON, TO March, pears to approach wlien the advantage to be derived from tlie connection with the Court of Nagpore may become highly important in the scale of our political relations. It would be desirable to cement this connection through the means of the Court of Hyderabad ; and perhaps, ultimately, to form a de- fensive alliance, of which Scindiah as well as Tippoo should be the object. To such an alliance (if it were possible to anticipate any vicissitude of the irresolute and capricious po- licy of Baagy Rao) it might be supposed that he would rea- dily accede ; the advantages of it to his power and authority being obvious and considerable ; indeed it is difficult to fore- see any other issue to the present distractions of the Govern- ment of Poonah than the total ruin of the Peishwa's authority and power, or the reduction of Scindiah's influence and force: and it is equally evident, that the Peishwa can never obtain the means of effecting svich a reduction without the assistance of the Nizam and of the British force. Until the war with Mysore shall be brought to a conclusion, it will not be pru- dent to undertake any hostile operations against Scindiah, and it must depend upon the nature of his views, as well as of his means of carrying them into effect at the conclusion of the war with Mysore, whether it may be necessary or expe- dient to turn our arms against him. If he should pursue his present perfidious and unprincipled course, every consideration, both of justice and policy, will require us to take the most effectual measures for the reduc- tion of his power, and as no improvement can reasonably be expected in the character of his policy, we must now lay the foundations of such a system as may enable us to defeat his unwarrantable and destructive views. I enclose a letter for Mr. Colebrooke, Resident at Nagpore, which I have left open for your perusal, and of which a copy shall be sent to you by the first opportunity. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. 1799. H. COLEBROOKE, ESQ. 479 No. CLI. 'llie Earl of Mornington to II. Colchroohe, E.'k/. /ifxi(li'?il irith the Hnj-ton. My Lord, Seedapore, Sth Miutli, 17!'!'. I had the honour to address your Lordship on the 20th ultimo, and having marched from Cananore on tin; following day, agreeably to my intimation of that date, 1 arrived at the top of Poodiacherrim Ghaut, on the 25th of the same month. I informed your Lordship, that it was my intention to as- sume a defensive position close to the frontiers, and there await, in conformity to General Harris's instructions under the 24th of December, his further orders. In pursuance of this plan I moved the corps successively forward, and placed them in such situations, as might enable me the most promptly, to form the proposed junction with the principal army. On the 2nd instant, the right brigade consisting of three native battalions under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Mon- tresor, took up their ground at Seedasere, the boundary of the Coorga country, and about seven miles distant from Peria- patam. The main body of the army, with the park and provisions, remained at Seedapore and Ahmootenaar ; the first eight miles and the latter twelve, from the advanced position. It may be necessary to inform your Lordship, that I was in some measure compelled from the nature of the country, which is every where covered by thick jungle, to place the army in several divisions ; but I had a further view in occu- pying the post at Seedasere, in order to preserve a more ready communication with General Harris, as this was tlie only spot from whence the signals established between the two armies could be observed. Although T had no reason to ap- prehend any immediate attack, I thought it advisable to adopt the precaution of encamping the corps at such short distances, as would either enable me to move without much loss of time into the enemy's territory, or to support, if occa- sion should require it, any quarter that might stand in need of assistance. In the course of the morning of the 5tli, an extensive en- campment was unexpectedly observed to be forming on this 481 LIEUT.-GENERAL STUART, TO March, hide of the fort of Peiia})atain. This circumstance was dis- covered at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, as the enemy were taking up their ground, by a party of observation on the summit of the high hill of Seedasere, which commands a view of the Mysore almost to the environs of Seringapatam. Before the evening, this encampment assumed a very formi- dable appearance and covered a great extent of ground. We were able to count from 3 to 400 tents, amongst the number some of large dimensions were distinguished, and particularly one of a green colour, that seemed to denote the presence of the Sultaun. However much the probability of of this circumstance might be strenghtened by the respecta- ble appearance of the encampment, it was contradicted by the evidence of two hurcarrahs, who had recently arrived from Seringapatam. These men generally reported, that Tippoo had mai'ched with all his forces on the 20th ultimo, to oppose the progress of the Madras army, and that the Benky Nabob commanded the only force in the field, that remained in the neighbourhood of Seringapatam. This force was represented to be encamped at Caneambaddy and to consist of 5000 Piadas or irregular infantry, who were said to be intended as a covering party to 7000 Brinjaries, and directed to bring as much provisions, as they could collect about Periapatam to the capital. In this state of uncertainty, I thought it prudent to rein- force Lieut. -Colonel Montresor's brigade with an additional battalion of Sepoys, and waited for more correct intelligence, which 1 expected hourly, to act with the whole of my forces as affairs might render necessary. On the morning of the 6th, Major General Hartley went forward to reconnoitre, and at break of day from the hill of observation, the whole of the enemy's army was discovered to be in motion ; but their movements w ere so well concealed by the woodiness of the country and the haziness of the atmos- phere, that it was impossible to ascertain their object, nor in fact was this discovered, until they had penetrated a consi- derable way in the jungle, and commenced an attack upon our line, which happened between the hours off) and 10. The enemy pierced through the jungles with such surety ^<^ and expedition, that they attacked the rear and the front of our line almost at the same instant. This despatch prevented 1799. THE EARL OF MORNING TON. 485 more than tliree of our corps being engaajod, as the fourth, which was posted two miles and a lialf in the rear, was una- ble to form a junction, from the enemy having cut in l)etwe( n them and Seedasere. The communication was effectually obstructed by a column, which, according to the reports of our prisoners, consisted of upwards of oOOO men under the command of Baber Jung. Fortunately before the enemy had accompUshed their pur- pose, Major General Hartley had time to apprise me of their attack, and remained himself to give any assistance that might be necessary. The best position was assumed for repulsing the enemy, and in this alarming situation the corps defended themselves with so much resolution, that the Sultaun's troops were unable to make any impression. The brigade was on every side completely surrounded, and had to contend against a vast disparity of numbers, besides other discouraging cir- cumstances. As soon as I received intelligence of the perilous situation of the right brigade, I marched to their assistance with the two flank companies of his Majesty's 75th regiment and the whole of the 77th, I arrived about half past two in sight of the division of the enemy, who had penetrated into the rear, and possessed themselves of the great road leading to Seeda- sere. The engagement lasted nearly half an hour, when after a smart fire of musketry on both sides, the enemy were com- pletely routed, and fled with precipitation through the jungles to regain their column, which still continued the attack in front. On arriving at Lieut.-Colonel Montresor's post, I found his men exhausted with fjitigue, and their anununition almost expended. At 20 minutes past o the enemy retreated in all directions. For this decisive, and, I hope your Lordship will allow, brilhant success, considering the small number of troops who engaged, under very great disadvantages, probably the flower of Tippoo Sultaun's army, I feel myself pecuharly indebted to the judicious disposition for defence made by General Hart- ley. He embraced the opportunity of observing the motions of the enemy from the hill, I have above mentioned, and was thus enabled to advise laent.-Colonel Montresor of the best method for defeating them. 1 beg leave also to inform your Lordship, that my best thanks are due to Lieut.-Colonel 486 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO March, Montresor for his very active exertions, and to the officers and men, including the artillery of his hrigade, for their gal- lant and steady hehaviour throughout the whole of this ardu- ous affair. Lieut. -Colonel Dunlop and the European divi- sion under his command, are likewise entitled to my particu- lar approbation for their spirited conduct, which finally routed the enemy. Our loss on this occasion is far less than could reasonably have been expected, and I have the honour to enclose for your Lordship's information a return of this circumstance. It was impossible to ascertain the exact loss sustained by the enemy ; but it must have been heavy, as in the course of so long an action they were often exposed in crowds to the fire of grape shot and vollies of musquetry. Several men of distinction were killed, and some wounded officers have been made prisoners. I have the honour to enclose the informa- tion of Mozdin Khan Bhukhshy and the Commander of a Kutchery, the prisoner of greatest rank, who has fallen wounded into our hands ; but concurring reports state that Meer Ghofar is amongst the slain. As the arrival of General Harris at Seringapatam will not happen at so early a period, as he first intended, the imme- diate possession of the post of Seedasere was no longer an object of such consequence, and to retain it, while Tippoo continued in force at Periapatam, became an affair of serious difficulty. The secresy and expedition, with which he had planned his late enterprise, and the correct intelligence, that the leaders of his columns appeared to have obtained of the private routes through the Coorga jungles, led to an opinion, that he would not remain satisfied with this abortive attempt, but might endeavour to penetrate by another direction to the southward, still more open than the passage of Seedasere, where he would only be opposed by Coorgs. This consider- ation derived a greater weight, as if he succeeded in forcing this entrance, it would throw him into our rear and put him in all probability in possession of the great depot of rice col- lected by the Coorga Rajah. These motives have induced me to relinquish the post at Seedasere, and to collect the whoh' of my force at this place. T have accordingly made a disp()^;iti(jn, cither to defend my position against the Sultaun, if he should again adventure to attack it, or to move in de- 1799. SIR ALURED CLARKE. 4S7 fence of any part of tlie Coorga Rajah's territories that the enemy may threaten, provided it shall endanger our magazine of provisions ; otherwise I shall remain on the defensive, until I receive advice from General Harris. Since the action of the Gth, the enemy have continued in their camp at Periapatam, nor have I any intelligence either of the Sultaun's designs, or of the motives, that induced him to undertake his present enterprise. It is not likely that he will remain longer in this neighbourhood, than after he receives intelligence of General Harris having entered the Mysore. As my communication with General Harris is become inse- sure, I must take the liberty of requesting your Lordship to inform him of such part of these particulars as may appear to you necessary. I have the honour to subscribe myself most respectfully, My Lord, your Lordship's Most obedient humble servant. J. Stuart. P.S. By some prisoners, who have been just now brought in by the Coorga Rajah's people I am informed, that the loss of the enemy was very great, and that many men of the first distinction fell. They mention Seyed or Meer Ghofar and the Binky Nabob, who led the center attack among the killed. It is added, however, that the Sultaun is collecting more forces, and is determined to make a second attack. No. CLV. (Private and Secret.) The Earl of Mornington to Lieut. -General Sir Jlured Clarke. My Dear Sir, Fort St. George, 8th March, 17!^!'. 1. A letter received to day from Mr. Barlow, enclosing an extract of news from Ambajee's camp, of the 4th and 5th of February, appears to require that I should furnish you with a particular statement of my sentiments, with regard to the distribution and conduct of our military force on the north western frontier of Oude. 2. In every private letter which I have written to you since 488 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO March, the retreat of Zemaun Shah a|)peared probable, 1 liave uni- formly desired that a respectable force should be maintained on that frontier, with a view to check the possible designs of Dowlut Rao Scindiah. 3. I am persuaded, therefore, that notwithstanding the se- paration of Sir James Craig's army, you have still left a con- siderable body of troops in the vicinity of those districts, which would probably become the theatre of war in the event of hostilities with Scindiah, or with those who command his army in Hind os tan. 4. The papers found in Vizier All's house after his flight, leave no doubt that Ambajee has concluded a treaty with Vizier Ali of a tendency evidently hostile to the Nabob Vizier, and to the Company ; and Scindiah must be respon- sible for the acts of Ambajee, who is his avowed Lieutenant, and who refers directly to his authority in the papers relating to the treaty with Vizier Ali. 5. It is unfortunate and unaccountable, that the Magistrate of Benares, should not have forwarded to Calcutta at a much earlier period the papers relating to this treaty ; nearly a month has been lost by this strange and censurable delay. Had any success attended Vizier All's efforts in Gorruck- pore, this delay might have been of fatal consequence. One evil has already arisen from it, which however I trust may soon be remedied, I mean the dispersion of Sir James Craig's army ; a measure which would not have been recommended by me nor adopted by you, if we had been in possession of the papers of Vizier Ali. 6. My wish is, that you should without delay reassemble in Oude, such a force as you may deem adequate to the object of checking not only the army now under the Command of Ambajee, but eventually the whole of Scindiah's force, if that Ciiief should return into Hindostan. You will also keep in view, the prol)al)ility of early offensive operations against the dominions of Scindiah. 7. The reassembling of the army inay possibly alarm Am- bajee and Scindiah, and an explanation may be demanded of the motives of such a step. You will ascribe it to the escape of Vizier Ali from Benares, to the probability of his attempt- ing to join Zemaun Shah, and to the consequences which that event might produce. 1799. SIR ALURED CLARKE. 489 8. The force being assembled, which you may deem neces- sary for the acconiphshment of the stated objects, you will regulate its operations according to the following sugges- tions. 9. If Ambajee or Scindiah, or any part of the forces of either, should commence actual hostilities against the Com- pany or the Nabob Vizier, or should make any movement evidently of an hostile nature against the possessions of either, you will of course repel the aggression ; and you will further take such steps as may appear most likely to distress the enemy, limiting, however, the operations of the army to the countries situated within the Dooab, with the exception of the City of Agra which you will seize, if it should appear ad- visable to possess it. 10. If hostilities should commence in the manner supposed in the preceding paragraphs, you will use every endeavour to excite the Rajpoots and other tributaries against Scindiah, and to induce the Rajahs of Jynagur and Jodopore to enter zealously into the war; you will at the same time take the proper steps for supporting and encouraging the exertions of the partizans of the Bhyes and Lukwaje Dada, together with all persons in the family or service of Scindiah, who may be disaffected to his Government. 11. By remaining within the Dooab, (under the exception stated, with respect to the city of Agra,) you will afford more effectual protection to the possessions of the Vizier and of the Company than you could expect to furnish, if your army were to advance further into the hereditary dominions of Scindiah, where, as well as in his possessions between the Chumbul and the Jumna, he will be sufficiently distressed by the operations of the Rajpoots and of other internal, and do- mestic enemies. 12. Unless the possession of Delhi sliould be deemed ab- solutely essential from military considerations, the operations of our army should not be directed against that city. What- ever advantages might be expected in any collateral view from that possession, the political embarrassments which must be the immediate consequence of its falling into our hands are so numerous and inextricable, as to render me ])e- culiarly anxious to avoid the possibility of such an event. 13. The movement of Ambajee into Scindiah's possessions 490 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Marcll, in the Dooab, would become suspicious in proportion to the magnitude of the force employed in a position so favorable to the invasion of Oude. And if the whole or the greater part of the army of Ambajee should pass the Jumna, with what- ever motive, no doubt will arise in my mind, that, with the knowledge which we possess of the engagements existing between Ambajee and Vizier Ali, the justice of our attacking the former under such circumstances would be incontroverti- ble ; I am equally satisfied of the policy of reducing the power of Scindiah, whenever the opportunity shall appear advan- tageous. But while Scindiah shall remain in the Deccan, and while our armies shall be engaged in war with Tippoo Sultaun, Scindiah will possess considerable means of embar- rassing us in that quarter ; for this reason it is extremely de- sirable to avoid hostilities with him until either his return to Hindostan, or a peace with Tippoo Sultaun shall place our affairs in a condition, which may enable us to punish the treachery of Scindiah with more effect. I consider the junc- tion of Scindiah's army with that of Ambajee, even if their combined object should evidently be the attack of Oude, as an event much less formidable to us in the present moment, than the consequences to be apprehended from the operations of Scindiah's army alone, either at Poonah, in the dominions of the Nizam, or in Mysore. Notwithstanding, therefore, the just suspicions which would arise from the arrival in the Dooab of the whole or of the greater part of Ambajee's force, hostilities must not be considered as the necessary con- sequence of such a movement. 14. If, however, that movement should be evidently con« nected with a design of invading the possessions of the Na- bob Vizier, and of the Company, and if the success of such a movement would essentially facilitate the prosecution of that design, self defence must require you to anticipate the projects of the enemy by the seasonable conmiencement of hostilities. 15. But you will never forget, that every consideration of policy should induce us to abstain from hostilities with Scin- diah in the present moment, and you will accordingly give the strongest caution to the officer who shall command the army to be assembled in Oude, not to proceed to extremity unless the safety of our possessions, or of those of the Vizier 1799. SIR ALURED CLARKE. 491 should absolutely demand the attack of Ambajee's army. If Vizier Ali should effect his escape and sliould be received l)y Ambajee, previously to the arrival of the latter in the Dooab, you will demand the delivery of Vizier All's person according to the established practice of all civilized nations, wliiclj authorizes the demand of the persons of assassins and rob- bers flying from justice. The refusal of Ambajee is not in this case, however, to be deemed a sufficient ground of hosti- lity. But if Ambajee shall arrive in the Dooab with the whole or with the greater part of his army, if Vizier Ali in that po- sition should accompany Ambajee's forces, and Ambajee under such circumstances shall refuse to deliver him up to the Company's Government, I authorize you to commence hosti- lities against Ambajee. In any case in which hostilities shall be commenced you will understand it to be my wish, that they should be prosecuted according to the principles stated in paragraphs 9, 10, 11, 12, of this letter. 16. If Scindiah should return to Hindostan from the Deccan, and on any pretence should enter the Dooab with his whole army, or with a considerable part of it, such a step would be so evident a proof of his design to fulfil his engage- ments with Vizier Ali, that I have no hesitation in authorizing you in this case to commence hostilities without delay. I am, &c. &c., MORNINGTON. No. CLVI. Lieut. -Colonel Read to the Earl of Morn'mgton. My Lord Camp near Ryakota, 12th March, 179.'^. I have particular satisfaction in acquainting your Lordship, that I have just returned from the army, after having deliver- ed over 25,000 loads of different articles of supply in safety, which upon a calculation delivered into General Harris, ap- pears to be a month's provision for 30,000 fighting men and 40,000 followers. My Lord, your Lordship's, Most obedient humble servant, Alexander Read. 402 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO March, No. CLVII. From the Governor General to Haujee KItulleel. Fort St. George, 15th March, 1799. I have been informed, by the honorable Mr. Duncan, of the zeal you have manifested in promoting the success of the concerns entrusted to Mehedy Ali Khaun, which has afforded me great pleasure and satisfaction. I entertain a high sense of these your laudable endeavours, and, considering you as a sincere friend and well wisher of the English, I look with confidence to experience, still further, the benefits of this good disposition in the continuance of your labours and ex- ertions. May the Almighty daily add to the number and ce- lebrity of your good qualities. I beg you to consider me at all times solicitous for your welfare, and desirous of your at- tachment. As a testimony of the satisfaction which your con- duct has ofForded me, I have transmitted a Khelaut for you through Mehedy A\\ Khaun. You will no doubt consider it as a mark of my sincere regard, and continue disposed, as hitherto, to promote the service of the British nation. For further particulars I refer you to Mr. Duncan's letters. No. CLVIII. The Earl of Mornington to Hear Admirnl Rainier. Sir, Tort St. George, 16th March, 1799. While I offer you my most cordial congratulations on an event so honourable to your command, and to the reputation of the British arms in India, as the capture of the French fri- gate La Forte by the Sybillc, it is with inexpressible sorrow that I condole w ith you on the probable (I fear almost certain) fate of the gallant and able officer who has so brilliantly dis- tinguished himself on this occasion. My particular friendship for him will render his loss a most serious object of regret to me. I am still willing to flatter myself that his wounds may not prove mortal, and his having survived the action so long, affords a faint ray of hope that he may not be lost to his friends and to his country. Captain Davies was one of my 1799. REAR-ADMIHAI. RAINIER. 493 Aides-tlc-Camp and Fort-Adjutant at Fort William. lie obtained my permission to accompany Captain Cooke as a volunteer. I take this opportunity of reconmiending again to your serious consideration the necessity of stationing some of your strongest ships at Bombay as soon as the navigation of the Red Sea shall be opened. The necessity of this suggestion would become less urgent if you should soon learn that Com- modore Blankett had reached his station, and was superior to the enemy in that quarter, or if you should receive authent'c accounts of the destruction of the French army in Egypt. But in any event the garrison of Bombay has been so much reduced by the necessary drafts for the coast of Malabar, that it would be extremely desirable to protect the harbour of Bombay during the whole of the approaching monsoon by a strong naval force. I have already stated to your Excel- lency, in a former despatch, that this is an object of great anxiety to the Government at home, and all the consideration which I have been enabled to give to the subject, induces me to take the liberty of adding my opinion to theirs, and of submitting the matter to your judgment with an anxious hope that it may appear to you in the same light in which I have viewed it. If your Excellency should intend any distribution of your force, founded on the principle which I have stated, an early communication of it to the Government of Bombay would tend to quiet their alarms. I have the honour to be, &c. MoRNINCriON. No. CLIX. The Marquis CornwalUs to the Earl of Morn'mgton My dear Lord, Dublin Castle, March 18th, 1799. I little thought when we parted that my first letter to you would have been dated from this place, but my evil stars have determined that I never should enjoy quiet or comfort, and after relieving me from what I then thought a painful task, (a second embarkation for India) have driven ine into a situation 404 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Marcll, ten times more arduous, and in every respect more intolerable. You have many friends that will send you Irish news, and as I can say nothing on the melancholy situation of this un- happy country that can afford you satisfaction, I shall not enter into a detail of our calamities. Your letter, dated July 5th, gave me much concern from the account you give of your health, the failure of which is the only thing which alarms me about yourself or your government ; in all other respects I have no doubt of your complete success. With the most sincere good wishes for your welfare, power and happiness, I am, my dear Lord, Most truly yours, CORNWALLIS. No. CLX. The Earl of Mornington to the Besident at Poonah. Sir, Fort St. George, 19th March, 1799. The attempt of the Court of Poonah to divert the services of the detachment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Little, from their proper object, does not surprize me. It is consistent with the policy which for some time past has di- rected its conduct towards the British Government. You will continue steadily to resist the attempt whenever it may be renewed. You will be pleased to furnish me, as soon as possible, with as full and distinct an account of the Guyckwar family, and of the views and disposition both of the reigning Rajah and of the Court of Poonah, with respect to the succession to that principality, as you may be able to procure without betraying any extraordinary solicitude or curiosity on the subject. I am, &c. &;c. Mornington. 1799. THE HON. COURT OF DIRECTORS. 495 No. CLXI. Tfte Earl of Mornington to the Honourable the Court of Directors. Hon. Sirs, Fort St. George, 20th March, 17!iy. My separate despatch, under date the 2Ist November, for- warded by the Eurydice, will have apprized your Honourable Court of the measures which I took for the purpose of re- storing to his Highness the Nizam the power of fulfilling his defensive engagements with the Company. At the same time my endeavours were employed with equal assiduity to give vigour and effect to the treaties subsisting with his Highness the Peishwa. The return of Nana Fur- naveese to the administration afforded for some time a just expectation that our alliance with the Mahrattas would speedily be restored with additional vigour and advantage, but the increasing distractions of the Mahratta empire unfor- tunately frustrated the wise counsels of that experienced and able statesman, and disappointed my views at the Court of Poonah. I had, however, the satisfaction to ascertain that the disposition of that Court, under the administration of Nana, continued perfectly favourable to the British interests, and that want of power would be the sole cause of its inac- tion in the event of a war with Tippoo Sultaun. From the moment of my arrival at Fort St. George all the inhabitants of this settlement, and every officer, civil and military, appeared to be animated by an unanimous deter- mination to discharge their respective duties with a degree of cheerfulness and ardour correspondent with the exigency and importance of the occasion ; and I was soon satisfied that the disposition, of which I lamented the appearance in the months of July and August, had either been subdued by the just exercise of authority, or corrected by reflection, and by the more full disclosure of the views of the enemy. The zeal, alacrity, and public spirit of the bankers and commercial agents at Madras, as well as of the most respectable of your civil servants at this Presidency, enabled me, within a few weeks, to raise a large sum of money, by loan, for the public service. Previous to my departure from Bengal, I had re- mitted twenty lacs of rupees in specie for the use of this 49fi THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO Marclj, Presidency ; I now despatch the Sybille to Calcutta for a further supply ; and the extraordinary exertion of his Excel- lency the Vice-President in Council, assisted by the diligence and ability of Mr. Thomas Myers, the Accountant-Gencral of Bengal, furnished me with an additional aid of twenty lacs within so short a time, that the movement of the army was not delayed for an instant on account of a deficiency of treasure, and Lieutenant-General Harris was provided with a sufficient supply of specie to maintain his army in the field until the month of May. Tippoo Sultaun remaining silent for a considerable time, after the receipt of my letter of the 9th of January, I con- cluded that his object must be to delay his answer until the season should be so far advanced as to render the capture of Seringapatam impracticable during the present year. In the mean while the advices from Bussorah, Bagdad, Constantinople, and Bombay were of so uncertain a nature as to leave me still in doubt with respect to the condition of the French army in Egypt ; the only safe conclusion which could be drawn from those advices being, that the French still main- tained the possession of that country with a large army. No intelligence had been received from the Red Sea re- specting the arrival of any of his Majesty's ships on that station, nor had I been able to ascertain, with any degree of accuracy, what means the French might either have provided, or might find on the spot to enable them to reach the Sul- taun's dominions. In addition to these circumstances, I knew that, while Tippoo Sultaun had declined to receive an ambassador from the Honourable Company, and had omitted to answer my late letters, he had despatched native vakeels from Seringa- patam, who, together with M. Du Buc, (one of the leaders of the French force, raised in the Isle of France under M. Malartic's proclamation) were on the point of embarking at Tranquebar with an avowed mission from the Sultaun to the Executive Directory of France. On the 3rd of February I had received no answer from the Sultaun to my letter of the 9th of January; although the communication between Seringapatam and Fort St. George does not require, at the most, a longer time than eight, and is sometimes effected in four, day.s. 1799. THE HON. COURT OF DIRECTORS. 497 In order, therefore, to defeat the ohject of the Suhauii's silence, and to avail myself of the actual superiority of our force, and of the advantages of the present season, before the French could effect any junction with hiin, I dcfcnnined to commence hostilities without delay, and to suspend all nego- tiation, until the united forces of the Company and of their allies should have made such an impression on the territories of Mysore, as might give full effect to our just representa- tions. With these views, on the 3d of February, I directed Lieut.- General Harris to enter the territory of Mysore with the army assembled under his command ; and on the same day 1 issued orders to Lieut.-General Stuart, to be prepared to cooperate from Malabar, and I signified to Rear-Admiral Rainier, and to the several allies of the Company, that I now considered the British Government in India to be at war with Tippoo Sultaun. At length, on the 13th of February, I received from Tippoo Sultaun the letter marked No. 7,* informing me, that, " being frequently disposed to make excursions and hunt," he was, *' accordingly, proceeding upon a hunting excursion," and desiring that I would " despatch Major Doveton slightly at- tended ;" or " unattended."" But the season for negotiation, through the pacific chan- nels, so often offered by me, was now elapsed. After mature deliberation, on the grounds already stated, I had directed the advance of the army into the territory of the Sultaun, and I had signified to the allies my determination to proceed to hostilities. To have delayed the advance of the army, would at once have thrown the advantages which I then pos- sessed into the hands of Tippoo Sultaun, and have rendered the siege of his capital impracticable duruig the present sea- son. On the other hand, an embassy,, combined with the hostile irruption of our army into Mysore, would have been liable to the imputation of insincerity towards Tippoo Sultaun, and while it bore the appearance of indecision in the eyes of the allies, would have promoted, and perhaps, warranted a similar degree of instability in their councils and operations. The design of this tardy, reluctant, and insidious assent to * See p. 4.33. VOL. 1. 2 k 498 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO March, the admission of an embassy from the British Government could be considered in no other light than that of a new arti- fice for the purpose of gaining time, until a change of cir- cumstances and of season might enable the Sultaun to avail himself of the assistance of France. This conclusion was now confirmed by my knowledge of the actual embarkation of M. Du Buc and two native vakeels on an embassy from Tippoo to the Executive Directory of France, an event which took place at Tranquebar on the Tth of February. I, therefore, replied to the letter of Tippoo Sultaun in the terms of the enclosure, No. 8,* in which I have declared Lieut.-General Harris to be the only person now authorized by me to receive and to answer whatever communications the Sultaun may think fit to make, with a view to the restoration of peace on such conditions as appear to the allies to be in- dispensably necessai'y to their common security. This letter I directed General Harris to forward to the Sultaun, on the day on which the army under his command should pass the frontier, and at the same time I instructed him to issue, in the name of the alHes, the accompanying declaration marked No. 9.t * See p. 453. f The following is a copy of the declaration : — Tlie Proclomatlon of Lieut.-General George Harris, Commander-in-Chief of all his Majesty's and the Honourable Cumpam/'s forces on the coasts of Coromandel and Malabar, to the Zemindars or PoUgars, Desmooks, De- spondies, Canoongoes, Naurgours, Potails, Shamhogues, and to all Aumul- dars, Serishtadars, Kclladars, and other inhabitants of Mysore, wlio shall receive the Company's Coicle. Whereas Tippoo Sultaun having concluded an offensive alliance with the French, the inveterate enemies of the English, the Peishwa, and the Nizam of Decan rejected all overtures on their part for effecting an ac- comrnodatiofi, and giving proofs that he only waited the arrival of the French to involve all India in a war; the allies have sent their armies into this country, under my command, to frustrate his ambitious designs, and to secure their possessions against the future attempts of such insidious enemies. These being the views of the allies, I come not to make war upon the defenceless inhabitants of this country, but to receive you under their protection, and promise you perfect security under their government, facilitate the carrying these intentions into execution. Lieut. -Colonel Alexander Read, the same ofhcer under whose administration you expe- 1799. TIIF, HON. COURT OF DIRECTOHS. 109 The Nizam's contingent consists of above 6000 of the I lo- nourable Company's troops subsidized by his JFii;liness, of about the same number of his own infantry, (inchidiiig a pro- portion of M. Peron's sepoys, now commanded by British officers,) and of a large body of cavah*y. This force, under tlie general command of Meer Allum, formed a junction with the British army on the 19th February: and it is with the greatest satisfaction that I remark to your Honourable Court the beneficial effects which the Company has already derived from the recent improvement of our alli- ance with the Court of Hyderabad. The Nizam's contingent actually arrived in the vicinity of Chittoor, in a state of pre- paration for the field, before General Harris was ready to proceed on his march from Vellore. I have annexed to this despatch the last return of Lieut. - General Harris's army, previous to his passing the frontier ; an army more completely appointed, more amply and liberally supplied in every department, or more perfect in its discipline, and in the acknowledged experience, ability, and zeal of its rienced last war the benefits of a British Government, is again appointed to superintend the affairs of all the districts dependent on Mysore that may be reduced by the armies of the English ; and as a further indication thereof, covvle flags shall be distributed over the country, and safe-guards sent to all the villages in the vicinity of the armies, to secure the inhabi- tants from depredation. These measures being taken, and the allied armies suflficiently powerful to afford all the districts in their rear effectual protection, you will re- main in your villages, proceed in the cultivation of your lauds, and enjoy all the blessings of profound peace. Benefitting so considerably by the liberal policy of the allies, it will become a duty on your part to merit their protection by serving them as obedient subjects, and rendering them the dues of the Sirkar, in the ex- action of which will be evinced that moderation and justice, which distin- guish the British from all the other nations of Europe in their conduct towards natives of India. The general good of the people under theuj being the study of their Government, it evidently follows, that, whoever shall render them i)arti- cular services during the present war, such as aiding Colonel Read in ascertaining the sources of the public revenue, in regulating the police, in procuring supplies for the army, or in giving intelligence of the enemy's designs, may be sura of rewards suitable to the importance and success of their endeavours. Written at Head Quarters, GnoiiiiK ILmuus. 5th March, 1799. 500 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO iMaVcll, officers, never took the field in India. The army on the coast of Malabar is in an equally efficient and respectable condi- tion, and the extraordinary efforts which have been made by Lieut. -General Stuart and Major-General Hartley, seconded by the cordial attachment and unremitting assiduity of the Rajah of Coorga, have collected within a very short period of time a supply so abundant, that I am induced to transmit the particulars of it to your Honourable Court, as a testimony of the distinguished merits of those valuable officers, and of the loyalty and active exertion of that faithful tributary of the Honourable Company. A considerable force, under the command of Lieut.-Colonels Read and BroAvn, will cooperate with Lieut. -General Harris in the southern districts of the Carnatic and Mysore. Under these circumstances, General Harris entered the territory of Mysore on the 5th of March, with orders to pro- ceed directly to Seringapatam. Having thus submitted to your Honourable Court, accord- ing to the order of dates, a detailed relation of the events which have led to the war in which we are actually engaged, and having declared to you the motives and objects of my conduct in every stage of this important transaction, I must request your permission to conclude this despatch, with such reflections as arise in my mind from the review of my past measures, and from the prospect of their ultimate conse- quences and permanent effects. From the first disclosure of the nature and object of Tippoo Sultaun's embassy to the Isle of France, every principle of justice and policy demanded from your Government in India that an instantaneous effort should be made to reduce his power and resources before he could avail himself of the ad- vantages of the alliance which he had concluded. The defect of means is the sole consideration which can justify me for not having made that effort at the early period when its suc- cess would have placed the security of your possessions on a foundation, which the invasion of India by a French force could not have impaired. For without the aid of some na- tive power it is scarcely possible that the French should ever make any permanent impression on your empire in India ; and no native power (excepting Tippoo Sultaun) is so infa- tuated as to be disposed to assist or receive a French army. 1799. THE HON. COURT OF DIRECTORS. oOl The progress of events since the date of my orders of the ^Oth of June, 1798, has not only confirmed the principles of justice and policy, by which an attack upon the Sultaun was at that time demanded, but has manifested, that the designs of France as well as of the Sultaun, were of a much more ex- tensive and formidable nature, than any which have ever been attempted against the British Empire in India, since the hour of its first foundation. While the magnitude and danger of these designs were gradually disclosed, I had the satisfaction to feel, that the means of averting them were augmenting in a ])roportion nearly equal by the success of the negotiations at Hyderabad, and by the progress of the military preparations which I had ordered throughout your possessions. At the commencement of the month of February the crisis arrived in which I was called upon to form my ultimate deci- sion on the important question at issue with Tippoo Sultaun, and to determine the final result of the whole system of my measures. On the one hand, the apparent establishment of the French army in Egypt, and the uncertainty of the state of our naval power in the Red Sea, rendered the danger still urgent from that quarter ; while Tippoo Sultaun's repeated evasions of my proposals for negotiation, combined with his embassy to the Executive Directory of France, under the conduct of M. Du Buc, appeared to preclude all hope of detaching the Sultaun, from his recent alliance with the enemy. On the other hand, I now possessed ample means of frustrating the most dangerous effects of that alliance, by a seasonable application of the powerful force which the treachery and aggression of the Sultaun had compelled me to collect at a heavy expense to your finances. Your Honourable Court will determine whether in this state of affairs my orders of the 3rd of February were pre- mature ; and whether I should have been justified on the 13th of February in recalhng those orders, for the purpose of ad- mitting at that late period a negotiation, which would have enabled Tippoo Sultaun to defeat every object of the arma- ment of the allies for the present season, and would have afforded him ample time to reap the full benefit of his con- 502 Tiir: earl of moknington, to March, nection ^vitli France before the season for besieging his capital should return. In deciding these important questions, you will necessarily consider, what degree of reliance could be placed on the sin- cerity of the Sultaun's disposition to conclude an amicable adjustment with your Government at the very moment, when he had actually despatched on an embassy to the Executive Directory of France the commander of the French troops, raised in the Mauritius and admitted into the Sultaun's ser- vice for the express purpose of carrying on a war of aggres- sion against your possessions in India. The admirable condition of your armies on both coasts, and the unequalled perfection of their equipment in every department, added to the extraordinary spirit and animation with which the campaign has been opened, afford every reason to hope that the issue of the war will be speedy and prosperous, and that it must terminate in a considerable re- duction of Tippoo Sultaun's resources and power. The wisdom of your Honourable Court will anticipate the extensive benefits which must result to your interests from an event now become essential to the peace and security of your possessions in India. The policy of the treaty of Seringapatam certainly was not to maintain Tippoo Sultaun's power in such a state as should leave him a constant object of alarm and apprehension to the Company. That he has been justly so considered for some years past, cannot be doubted by any person acquainted with the records of any of your Governments in India. The pre- sent is the second crisis, within the last three years, in which the Government General has thought it necessary to assem- ble the army on the coast of Coromandel for the sole purpose of checking his motions ; and the apprehension of his inten- tions has obstructed our operations against our European enemies in India during the course of the present war. The continuance of Tippoo's power on its actual scale, and under sucli circumstances, must have proved to the Company a perpetual source of solicitude, expense, and hazard. But the engagements which he has contracted with the French, the public proofs which he has given of his eagerness to re- ceive in Mysore as hirge a force as they can furnish, combined 1799. THE HON. COURT OF DIRECTORS. 503 with the prodigious magnitude of their preparations, and the incredible progress of their army, evidently directed to the destruction of the British power in India, form new and pro- minent features in our pohtical situation in this quarter of the world. Admitting the wisdom of that policy which dictated the preservation of Tippoo Sultaun's power, at the close of the last war with Mysore, the spirit of our present Councils must be accommodated to the variation of circumstances, and to the actual position, character, and views of our enemies. In such a conjuncture of affairs I am persuaded that your honourable Court will be of opinion, that no object can be deemed so urgent, or so necessary to the safety of your pos- sessions, as the effectual reduction of the only declared ally of France now existing among the native powers of India. If Tippoo Sultaun had been disposed to content himself with the quiet possession of his present dominions, if he could have been brought to a sense of his own peril in forming a connection with the French, the representations which I ad- dressed to him would have produced an early and salutary impression; whatever speculative opinions might have been entertained with respect to his interests, views, and power, the justice and moderation of the British Government would never have disturbed his tranquillity. But he resolved to attempt the recovery of his lost dominions at the hazard of those which he still retains ; and, in the ardour of his passion- ate pursuit, he overlooked not only the certain destruction of his own independence (the inevitable consequence even of the most prosperous success of any alliance with France ;) but also the predominant influence of the English East India Company, and the vigilance of its Governments, which would probably detect his treachery, and turn against his own em- pire the ruin which he had meditated against theirs. The secrecy of his councils, the promptitude of his re- sources, his constant and active state of equipment for war, added to the facility of his intercourse with the French through his remaining territories on the coast of Malabar, are the most dangerous circumstances in the actual condi- tion of his power and dominion, and constitute his principal means of offence. 504 GENERAL IIAIIKIS, TO Murcll, If success should attend your anus in this war, I entertain a firm confidence that those dangers will either be wholly averted, or so considerably diminished, as to afford to your government in India the prospect of durable security, and genuine peace. I cannot close this letter without repeating to your honour- able Court the cordial expression of my entire satisfaction in the zealous and honourable co-operation of Lord Ciive, as well as of all the Members of this Government. The bene- ficial effect of their cheerful and ready concurrence in for- warding all my views, is manifest in the rapid progress and perfect completion of the equipments of the army in the field, and furnishes a striking and salutary example of the inestima- ble advantages of unanimity and concord among your ser- vants in India. I have the honour to be. Honourable Sirs, with the greatest respect, your most obedient and faithful Servant, MORNINGTON. No. CLXII. The Earl of Mornington to lAeut. -General Stuart. Sir, Fort St. George, 21st March, 1799. I take the earliest opportunity to congratulate you on the brilliant and important success of the troops under your com- mand on the 6th of March. The victory is highly honourable to your ability and resolution, as well as to the promptitude and valour of those who executed your orders. I sincerely hope that the effect of this success may be felt not only in the additional security of the supplies collected in Coorg, but in the tranquillity of Malabar, and in accelerating the conclusion of the war. I request you to express to General Hartley, to Colonel Montresor, and to the several officers under your command, named in your despatch, the high sense which I entertain of their conduct on the 6th of March. Sincerely wishing that fortune may continue to throw in 1799. THi: KAKL OF MORNINGTON. 505 your way tlie happy means of adding to your own reputation, and to the security of the British })ower in India, I have the honour to remain, your faithful servant, MORNINGTON. No. CLXIII. Copy of a Letter from General Harris to the Earl of Mornington. My Lord, Camp at Malvelly, 27th March, 1 799. The army marched this morning, many horse were seen as it approached Malvelly, and a large force appeared posted on a high commanding ridge, three miles beyond that place. The ruins of the fort were occupied by a part of our advanced guard, when at 10 o'clock a. m. Tippoo Sultaun opened a canonnade from several heavy guns, so distant, that I paid it little attention, and ordered the ground to be marked for en- campment; the shot, however, falling in our lines, and horse menacing our picquet, the 1st European brigade, and two cavalry corps, were ordered to support it on the right, while Colonel Wellesley's division advanced on our left ; this brought on a general action, in the course of which, a small body of horse charged the 1st European brigade, some individuals piercing the line, but most of them falling before it. Colonel Wellesley's division turning the right flank of the enemy, gave occasion to General Floyd, with three regiments of cavalry, to disperse a cutchery of infantry, cutting many of them in pieces. The enemy retired about one o'clock, having been driven completely from every position he attempted to main- tain. It was my wish to have encamped on the ground he quitted, but a total want of water, obliged me to return to the ground I had first taken up at Malvelly. The whole of the enemy's force was, I believe, in the field ; their loss I cannot ascertain ; ours is trifling. The conduct of the troops on this occasion was such as I could not but approve ; our baggage was, during the action, well secured by the left wing of the army, under Major-General Popham. I shall hereafter have the honour to transmit accurate returns of the small amount of our loss. I shall march to-morrow morning to a large tank 506 SIR JOHN ANSTRUTiiER, TO Marcli, in the direction of the Cavery, to secure water by approaching the river. Captain Kinnedy, of the 19th dragoons, Leonard and Stra- clian, native cavalry, Moore, 74th, are wounded. Part of his Highness the Nizam's horse were engaged, and behaved ex- tremely well. I have the honour to be, &c. George Harris. No. CLXIV. Sir John Anstruther, Chief Justice at Bengal, to the Earl of Mornington. My dear Lord, Calcutta, 27th March, 1799. I had the pleasure of your very kind letter yesterday, and feel very much obliged to you for your attention at a period when so many important objects press upon your mind. You may believe the success of your measures gives me very sincere pleasure, both upon public and private grounds. I was early satisfied of the necessity of the vigorous exer- tions of the governor of this country, and I am perfectly con- vinced, however forward the army may now be, that it would still have been at the gates of Madras had you not gone to that settlement. Men concerned in the Government of India before your arrival, appear not only totally to have over- looked the nature of the war we were engaged in and the enemy we had to contend with, but to have contracted a narrow limited view of the political interests of England in India, every difficulty was a reason for inaction, and temporary pecuniary embarrassment afforded a satisfactory ground for neglecting the essential, permanent and political interests of the country ; you have taught them a larger way of viewing the question, and shown them that difficulties vanish before activity, courage, and perseverance. It was by the vigour of our Councils, and the active energy of our preparations, that we acquired this country, and it will cease to be ours if for any length of time our Government wants these qualities. By this time every state in India, and what, perhaps, is of as great consequence, every man in the Company's service must be convinced they will not be wanting during your Govern- 1799. THE EAUL OF MORNINGTON. 507 ment ; the consequence is, that this brush once over, you will, during your stay in India, have peace abroad and exertion at home. In all new Governments, but especially in all Indian Governments, much more depends upon the individual cha- racter of the Governor than men are willing to allow, espe- cially those who have only looked to the old governments of I'^u- rope, these may and have gone on with httle variety or change by the force of custom and habit, such governments as this never could so go on ; and I believe since the French revolution it will be long before the European governments do so again. Every day increases our anxiety to hear from the army, although few have any doubt of the event, and the ])repara- tions and exertions seem almost to set fortune at defiance. I am not sure that I have made up my mind to wish submis- sion on the part of Tippoo without some action which shall disperse or destroy part of his army, and tarnish his military reputation. A treaty following a battle operates more pow- erfully upon the mind than one which leaves the army entire. We all wish your presence here as soon as the more im- portant affairs will allow ; there seems much to do to regulate the submission of the provinces as well as the dominions of Oude. It does appear as if these provinces were not quite free from the turbulent spirit which agitates the world. Many here are disposed to ascribe it to the mild spirit of our Go- vernment, and the decrease of respect for the Eurojiean character, and particularly to the diminished visible effects of authority, in consequence of the equality of rights introduced by the late system for the administration of justice; and, as usual in India, instead of correcting the present, would pro- pose to recur to the old. It may be here, and probably it is, that being more ac- quainted with the European character, acquaintance has diminished respect, and that security, while it has banished fear, has led a corrupt, unprincipled people, in many instances, to abuse that security, and to use it as the means of misusing a freedom of action they are not yet quite fitted to possess. It may also be true that they are as yet short sighted enough to prefer present advantage to distant retribution. Yet still I am satisfied, that if the system be vigorously adhered to they will not only feel its benefits, but dread its effects, equally with the old. The existing evil seems to be the delay 508 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO March, and arrear of judicial business which afford a security to injustice, in no way the fault of the system. This will proba bly call for much of your attention. It strikes me that many of the regulations are passed with a distrust of the instru- ments who are to execute them, and in consequence all dis- cretionary authority is at an end, and every trifling dispute which might be settled by a magistrate, like a justice of peace, in a summary way, is loaded with all the form and guarded with all the care as if it was a dispute about the Zemindary of Burdwan. I have insensibly got into a subject very foreign to your present business, which, anxiously as we wish you here, I hope will not be till it is completed ; at all events, whatever you leave to be done, will be much better done for your hav- ing been upon the coast. 1 am sure amidst the pleasure you felt at the capture of La Forte, poor Cooke's and Davies's fate would grieve you. I am sorry to say that poor Cooke is still in a very dange- rous way; after apparently recovering as well as possible, he was taken last week with a fever, and upon Friday and Sa- turday was in very great danger ; upon Saturday an incis- sion was made into the wound in his side, and a seton passed through part of it. Monday and Tuesday he was rather better, although still feverish and very weak; his wound also put on a better appearance ; to-day he is much the same, but still there are considerable apprehensions, more especially as the fever is not accounted for from any appa- rent cause. I am, my dear Lord, Your's, very sincerely, ever, J. Anstruthers. 1799. COLONEL PALMER. 509 No. CLXV. The Earl of Morning-ton to R. Liston, Esq., his Majesty's Envotj Extraor- dinaryand Minister Plenipotcntiart/ to the United States, Philadelphia. Sir, Fort St. George, April 1, 1799. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your let- ters of the 22ncl June and 17th July. I have issued the necessary orders to the Board of Trade at Calcutta to forward by every means in their power the views of the Captains of the American vessels recommended by you, and you may rely upon my manifesting every disposi- tion to favour such American ships as may find it expedient to touch at any port within the limits of the Government-Ge- neral of the British possessions in India. I have, &c. MORNINGTON. No. CLXVI. The Earl of Mornington to Colonel Palmer, Resident at Poonah. Sir, Fort St. George, 3rd April, 1799. From the tenor of your latest despatches, I conclude that Lieutenant-Colonel Little's detachment must have been re- called from Jyeghur before you can receive this letter. The reasons which induced me to order the recall of the detachment must be obvious to the Durbar of Poonah; and, I imagine they have already been fully stated to you. It is, however, desirable that the whole subject of the late negoci- ations at Poonah and of the conduct of the Peishwa should undergo the most detailed and formal discussions — I, there- fore, direct you either at an audience, to be demanded for the purpose, or by a written memorial to state to the Peishwa and to Nana Furnavese, without reserve, the whole course of my sentiments on this occasion, observing the general out- line of the statement contained in this letter. At the period of my arrival in Bengal, the Peishwa's affairs were in the lowest condition of disorder and distress ; and the destruction of his authority, if not of his office, was menaced 510 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO April, by Dowlut Rao Scindiah. In this crisis Baagy Rao urged the most earnest entreaties for the assistance of the Company's troops, and also for my good offices with the Nizam, who at that moment possessed the means of affording considerable assistance to the cause, either of the Peishwa or of Scindiah. The laws of my country restrained me from aiding the Peishwa in the manner required by himself, until the period ar- rived when the hostile preparations of Tippoo Sultaun released me from all restraint with respect to such engagements with any of the country powers as might appear to me beneficial in the event of hostilities with that Prince. I then embraced the earliest opportunity to offer to the Peishwa the aid which he had required in troops, as well as my mediation with the Ni- zam, on conditions not only just and liberal, but calculated to strengthen and perpetuate the internal authority of the Peishwa's Government, by the accession of the whole conso- lidated weight of the triple alliance. The circumstances under which my propositions were made, as well as the nature of those propositions, and the various explanatory discussions by which they were followed, sufficiently demonstrated my utter repugnance to any officious interference in the Peishwa's affairs, or to any intrigue calculated to favour the views of any party or individual at the Court of Poonah, my object was evidently to give efficacy to the public engagements of the State by acceding to the declared wishes of the reigning Prince, to be extricated from the usurpation of one of his feudatory Chiefs, and my offer of affording to the Peishwa a retreat at Bombay in the most desperate state of his affairs, is an unequivocal proof of the sincerity of my wishes for his safety and honor. To propositions founded on the Peishwa's repeated and anxious solicitations ; and directed to no other objects than the equal and reciprocal benefit of the Company, of the Peishwa himself, and of the Nizam, I was surprised and dis- gusted to receive the unmerited return of jealousy, distrust, and evasion. Since that period your despatches have abounded with the proofs of a system of studied neglect, of mysterious reserve, and of ungenerous suspicion, wholly irreconcileable with the character and spirit of alliance and friendship. Under these circumstances, the proposition for employing a detachment of the Company's troops with the Peishwa's con- 1799. COLONEL PALMER. 611 tingent in the eventual prosecution of hostilities against Tippoo Sultaun, did not originate with mc, but with the Peishwa himself. In acceding to that proposition, I manifested a pecu- liar consideration for the embarrassments of his llighness's situation by waving the Company's just title to an augmen- tation of the former subsidy ; proportioned to the actual increase of the charges of tlie detachment. In this instance, a degree of indulgence was shewn to the Peishwa's pecuniary difficulties, which has not been extended to the Nizam, whose present subsidy is calculated upon the actual charges of the detachment in his Highness's service. In order to comply with the wishes of the Peishwa for the service of the detachment in question, I made considerable sacrifices of interest and convenience, in the confidence that his Highness applied for the detachment with a sincere desire of cooperating, to the extent of his power, with the Company and the Nizam, against the common enemy. But it appears that, in this instance also, my compliance with the Peishwa's own wishes has only served to excite in his mind fresh emotions of distrust, and to open a new scene of subterfuge and insincerity. Every artifice of vexatious delay has been employed to frustrate the necessary means of enabling the detachment to move from Jyeghur. It has been placed in a position, where its services can contribute nothing to the common cause. The necessary funds for its subsist- ence have been neglected; and your repeated attempts to draw the attention of the Peishwa to your just representations have been treated with a disregard, which demonstrates that in applying for the use of the detachment, the Peishwa had nothing less in view than to employ it in active operations against the enemy. Such conduct has a necessary tendency to impair the effi- ciency of the triple alliance, and to encourage the hopes of Tippoo Sultaun. The detention of the Sultaun's vakeels at Poonah, in con- tempt of my repeated remonstrances, must produce efi^ects of the same mischievous tendency. The arguments of Nana, drawn from the last war with Mysore, are not applicable to the present case. The connection between the Court of Poonah and the Company had not at that time been so de- fined and cemented as to render the admission of vakeels from 512 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO April, Tippoo Sultaun incompatible with the spirit of the subsisting treaties. But under the present circumstances, the Peishwa must be considered to be actually at war with the Sultaun : and in this case, therefore, the reception of ambassadors, in opposition to the declared sense of the allies actually engaged in the war, is nearly equivalent to a violation of faith, and to a dissolution of the alliance. These considerations compelled me to direct that the de- tachment under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Little should quit a position in which its services must be equally lost to the Peishwa and to the Company. I am fully aware of the justice of Nana's observations on the present distracted state of the Peishwa's Government, and its consequent inability to engage with effect in foreign war. It would be equally unjust and ungenerous to take advantage of any failure in the Peishwa's engagements, arising from a defect of power, and from the unfortunate condition of his affairs ; even in this view, however, I might remark, that the actual distress of the Peishwa is to be attributed principally, if not solely, to his unaccountable rejection of my propositions of the 8th July, 1798,* which would have placed his dignity, authority and power, on an immovable foundation. If the Peishwa had candidly declared his present inability to assist in the war against Tippoo, accompanying that de- claration by any satisfactory proofs of good faith, or good will, I should have lamented, but I never should have cen- sured his misfortune. But the dismission of the vakeels of Tippoo Sultaun, an amicable attention to the just representa- tions of the British Resident, and a more upright and sincere policy in the demand of the detachment were within the power of the Peishwa, even in his present reduced condition, and the ancient friendship subsisting between his family and the Company, as well as the peculiar anxiety which I have manifested for his prosperity and honour, entitled me to ex- pect from him, in his intercourse with the British Government, a disposition of more candour, integrity, and justice. What- ever may be my disappointment, it shall not influence my conduct in the event of any treaty of peace with Tippoo Sultaun. * See page 96. 1799. GENERAL IIAIUilS. T) 1 .'J It is evident, that, if the Peishwa, either from want of will or power, shall continue neutral in the war, he cannot be entitled, on any ground of right, to share with the other allies the eventual advantages of the terms of peace. My confident expectation is, that the allies will speedily reduce the vindictive spirit of Tippoo Sultaun to submission without the aid of the Peishwa; and if that event should take place, notwithstanding the perverse and forbidding policy of the Court of Poonah, I shall not fail to secure for the Peishwa an equal participation with the other allies in any cessions which may be enforced from Tippoo Sultaun. I authorize you to make this declaration, in the most unequivocal terms, to the Peishwa and to Nana. If even this declaration shall fail to excite the Peishwa to employ every practicable effort to fulfil his defensive engagements with the Company, I trust it will, at least, serve to prove the disinterested attachment of the British Government to every branch of the triple alliance. I am, &c. MORNINGTON. No. CLXVII. The Enrl of Mornington to Lieutenant-General Harris. Sir, Fort St. George, April 3rd, 1799. I take the earhest opportunity of congratulating you, on the important success of the Troops under your Command en- gaged with Tippoo Sultaun's Army on the 27th, of March, and I request that you will signify to the Officers and Men, who distinguished themselves on that day, my cordial appro- bation of their services. It gives me particular pleasure to learn from you that the Nizam's forces have conducted themselves with so much credit, and I must also request you, to convey my thanks to them, in the most pubUc manner. I am very happy to inform you, that Mrs Harris is quite well, and highly pleased at this early instance of your success. 1 entertain no doubt that victory will continue to attend the powerful army under your Command. 1 have the honour to lie, &c. MoKNINGTON. VOL. 1. 2 L 514 GENERAL HARRIS, TO April, No. CLXVIII. Lieut. -Gen. Harris, to the Earl of Mornini>-ton. My Lord, Camp before Seringapatam April, 5th, 1799. I have particular satisfaction in reporting to your Lordship that the army under my command, encamped this morning before Seringapatam ; taking up the position, which with little variation it will be expedient to occupy, tilltlie Division under General Stuart joins me. A strong detachment, commanded by Major General Floyd, marches to morrow morning to facili- tate the junction, and I take the occasion of addressing your Lordship, by what I consider as a safe channel of communi- cation, to report generally what I have by various hircarahs attempted to transmit to your Lordship as the Army advanced on its march. 1 left Killamungalum on the 10th of March; and our first movement shewed a very serious deficiency in the Bullock department, particularly in those attached to the Commissary General of Stores. The succeeding march of the 12th, al- though short and with an intermediate day of halt, marked this deficiency more strongly ; crippled in our movements from this cause, our marches have been tedious though short ; our halts have been frequent and our progress has been slow, unremitting attention to every species of arrangement by which the store department could be assisted or lightned, was in- dispensably necessary : some losses were daily sustained. The zeal of individuals was called forth with considerable advan- tage, and we have succeeded in surmounting these difficulties, and taking our position before the capital of Mysore, with an ordnance equipment which I hope is amply sufficient for its reduction. The army marched by the route of Anicul, Talgautpo- ram, Cagliaporam, Kankanhilly, and Sultanpett to Malavelly where I arrived on the morning of the 27th of March : The army of Tippoo Sultaun occupying the heights beyond the town from which at about 10 o'clock he commenced a distant cannonade ; some shot falling in the line marked for our camp, and a body of horse menacing tlie pic(|uets of our right, it became necessary to advance corps for their support, which I 1799. THE EARL OF MORMNGTON, 515 led to a general action. The Infantry line of the Enemy was on commanding ground in rear of his artillery. His Cavalry advanced under cover of his cannon, and a cutcherie or Brigade of Infantry was pushed forward in front of each flank of his Line, mixed with many rocket men. The right wing of the army under my command formed on the picquets of the right ; Colonel Wellesley's division, advanced from a considerable distance on the left to attack the right flank of the enemy, and Major General Floyd with the 19th and two regiments of native cavalry moved between these corps. The 25th dragoons and a native regiment keeping in check a body of the enemy's cavalry, which had assembled on our right, while the left wing of the army and a regiment of native cavalry remained halted to protect our stores and baggage. The weak state of the artillery bullocks considerably retarded the advance and formation of our line, with which they were unable to keep pace. A small body of horse, profiting by this circumstance, made a daring charge on the 1st. European brigade ; they were received with firnmess, and repulsed with considerable loss ; their infantry in front of our right, being at the same time driven from their position. On the left, the corps of infantry called the Kerim Ketcherie advanced on Colonel Wellesley's column. His Majesty's 33rd. regiment which opposed soon put them in confusion, and the cavalry under Major General Floyd advancing at this moment to the charge, cut them to pieces. Six colours were taken. The retreat of the enemy soon became general ; their cannon were drawn off, and at two o'clock the action had entirely ceased ; our line halting on the heights whence theirs had been driven : a total want of water preventing our encamping there, the line returned to the ground originally marked for its encamp- ment at Malavelly. The loss of the enemy as collected from various accounts received since the action, amounted to near two thousand killed and wounded ; a return of the casualties of this army is enclosed. At an early period of our march it had occurred to me, that if it were possible to cross the Cavery, at a ford some distance below Seringapatam, the measure might be attended with considerable advantage, by embarrassing the motions of the enemy, defeating the preparations lie might have made to oppose us on the Northern side of the river, and facilitating il6 GENERAL HARRIS, TO April, our communication with the army of Malabar and the force under Colonel Brown and Read. In addition to these induce- ments the ford was said to be easy ; we had reason to hope the country was still undestroyed, and the southern part of Seringapatam was considered as the least capable of defence. The destruction of the tanks on the road from Malvelly to Arakeery, rendered an oblique movement towards the Cavery less liable to suspicion than it might otherwise have been, and we arrived on the 29th of March at Sosilly on the Cavery, before any measures had been taken to oppose our movement, by destroying forage, or driving oflp cattle, of which we here procured a considerable supply. The army crossed the river the next day without difficulty, and after halting on the oOth to arrange our departments, marched on the succeeding morning towards Harwelly, the weak state of our cattle, the barren nature of the soil, the total destruction of forage, which immediately followed our passage of the river, and the necessity for regulating our marches by the situation of water, the road leaving the river at some distance on the right, obliged us to make five marches from Sosilly to our present camp, three of which have been in sight of Seringapatam. Numbers of horse have daily watched our motions, but, al- though the ground was favourable, no attempt has been made to oppose our progress. The detachment with Major General Floyd consists of II. M. 73rd regiment, three Bengal and two coast battalions of Sepoys with their guns, and one regiment of European and three of native cavalry, with their galloper guns ; and a party of the Nizam's horse. During the absence of this party, I shall be employed in preparing materials for the more active ope- ration of the siege, which will commence with the junction of General Stuart's force and I am happy to add that on this side of the river, I apprehend no want of materials for the siege. We have a sufficient stock of provisions to subsist the troops beyond the time, when the union of our forces, from the op- posite coasts may enable me to spare an army of sufficient force, to cover our communication with the stations, whence our supplies are prepared to join us ; the cattle now with the camp must in the mean time suffer greatly, but this is no longer an object of consequence. Numbers of peo])le are employed on this side of Seringa- 1799. THE EARI, OF MORNINGTON. 517 patam, in repairing the fort. It seems to us to require all their labour, appearing to be in a very imperfect state.* I cannot conclude without expressing to your Lordship, in the strongest terms, the obhgations I feel myself under to Meer Allum Bahadur, for the promptitude with which he has in every instance met my wishes in the cooperation, required from the forces of His Highness the Nizam. Their aid in transporting the shot, has been of the greatest use, and it is an act of justice due to Captain Malcolm, to report to your Lordship that his unceasing zeal, in pointing out the manner in which the contingent could promote the common cause of the allies, has been equalled only by the chearful readiness shewn by Meer Allum, in adopting his suggestions. I have the honor to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient and faithful Servant, George Harris. No. CLXIX. The Earl of Morning ton to Colonel W'dl'mm Palmer. Sir, Fort St. George, 7tli April, 1799. However proper it might be on general grounds that you should accompany the Peishwa in the event of his being obliged to retire from Poonah, yet as it is to be apprehended that your doing so might lead to an interruption of the com- munication between Bombay and the other Presidencies, which it is of pecuhar importance to maintain in the present conjuncture, I must desire that you will suspend the execu- tion of that measure, in the event of the Peishwa's flight, until you shall receive my further instructions on the subject. I am, &c., MoRNINGTON. * Lord Cornwallis's attack was directed to the northern side of the Fort of Seringapatam, Tippoo therefore expected General Harris to make his attack on the same qnarter, where he had prepared means of resist- ance ; but General Harris's most judicious and aide movement to the southern side of the Fort, had all the effect of a surprise, and entirely disconcerted Tippoo's plans of defence. 518 THE EARL OF MORMNGTON, TO April, No. CLXX. Lieut. -Gen. Harris to the Earl of Murnington. My Lord, Camp before Seringapatuin, 7th April, 1799. After crossing the Cauvery on the 30th ultimo at Sosilly, where the army halted the next day, I advanced by easy marches to this place, and took up my position within two miles south-west of Seringapatam without opposition. On the 5th of this month, wishing to occupy the post where Gen. Abercromby's picquets were attacked in 1792, and the large tope and village of Sultanpetta, both were attacked the night of our arrival, but owing (in great measure) to the darkness of the night, the attack on the first only was par- tially successful. We sustained some loss from the fire of the enemy, which continued heavily till late next morning, when the posts were again attacked with perfect and rapid success. They give this army a very strong position, and greatly con- fine that of the enemy. Major Colin Campbell, of the 1st native regiment ; Lieutenant George Nixon, and Tulla, of the 12th ; and Fitzgerald, of the 3ord, were killed ; in these attacks Lieutenants R. Nixon aud King of his Majesty's 12th regiment, and Brooke of Bengal artillery, wounded. Gen. Floyd marched on the morning of the (Jth to join General Stuart, with his infantry and four cavalry corps, twenty field- pieces, and a body of the Nizam's horse. This force I con- sider superior to any thing that can be opposed to it by the enemy. The army has now taken up its position for the siege. George Harris. No. CLXXL The Earl of Morniuirton to the Hon. Jonathan Duncan. Sir, Fort St. (ieori,fc, 7th April, 1799. Although I have already addressed to you my public con- gratulations upon the brilliant and important victory gained by Lieut.-General Stuart over the flower of the army of Mysore, commanded by Tippoo Sultaun in person, on the 6th of March, I cannot omit the repetition of my sense of the honour of that day in this private communication. 1799. THE HON. JONATHAN DUNCAN. 519 The merits of Generals Stuart and Hartley, as well as of Colonel Montresor and the other officers have seldom been equalled and never surpassed in India; and the most happy consequences may he expected from this early and decisive success, not only in bringing the present war to a speedy and honourable conclusion, but in establishing the character of our arms among tlie refractory inhabitants of Malabar. We may reasonably hope that the effects of this victory will long be felt in the dejection of Tippoo's adherents on that coast, and among our subjects in the settlement of tranquillity and order on permanent foundations. You will have learnt with satisfaction by the extraordinary Gazette forwarded from hence, that Tippoo Sultaun's army met with an equally warm reception from General Harris on the 27th of March. To this intelligence I have the satisfac- tion to be able to add, that all my private accounts from Gen. Harris's army leave no doubt that the whole of that immense equipment will reach Seringapatam in time to commence the siege under circumstances which must render the fall of the place inevitable, unless prevented by the previous submission of the enemy. This is the universal opinion of every officer of experience and judgment in the army. I shall take an opportunity hereafter of communicating to you the terms of peace on which I am resolved to insist. I approved your instructions to Agha Abul Hussun, sent on a mission to Scind, in consequence of my former sug- gestion. The prospect of establishing a British factory in that coun- try appears to me to be a very desirable object, not so much with a view to commercial as to political advantages. I, therefore, wish that you should by all means encourage the favourable disposition of Futteh Ali Khan, and endeavour, if possible, to settle a factory in Scind. Whenever such a fac- tory shall be established your attention will of course be directed to facilitate the means of communication with it, as the most probable mode of obtaining authentic information relating to Zemaun Shah. I do not see the necessity of en- tering into any engagements with Futteh Ali Khan, wliich might hereafter impose on us the obligation of supporting him against Zemaun Shah by any further exertion than by furnishing him with arms and ammunition. To this extent 520 THE LARL OF MORNINGTON, TO April, 1 authorize you to aftbrd him whatever assistance may appear necessary. Assistance ot" this nature will, probably, be suffi- cient to induce him to admit a British factory ; but if the fac- tory cannot be established otherwise than by contracting extensive engagements for the eventual support of Futteh Ali, the object must be relinquished. I entirely approve your plan of raising a corps for garrison duty at Bombay. On this subject I would only suggest two considerations which I wish you to keep in view in any mi- litary association or militia corps which either has been or may be formed under your Government. First, the necessity of maintaining, in the fullest extent, the unqualified right of your Government to command the personal services of all its subjects in the event of danger to the Presidency. Secondly, to admit no constitution or establishment of any military corps which shall exempt it from the constant con- troul of Government, as well in the appointment of officers, as in every matter of discipline and subordination. An at- tention to these principles is essentially necessary to the preservation of the authority and vigour of Government. And it is not difficult to conciliate these principles with every degree of encouragement to the voluntary zeal and loyalty of the subject. I have found no impediment in establishing the militia at Calcutta under a system which equally secures the power of Government and the ease and honour of the indivi- -duals serving in the militia. I observe acomplaint of the general ignorance of the junior servants, sent to the coast of Malabar, in the native lan- guages. I wish to receive from you a particular report on this subject, accompanied by the suggestion of such regula- tions as may appear to you most eligible for the purpose of encouraging and enforcing the study of the native languages among the junior servants of your Presidency, I received with much gratitude your offer of assistance at Benares, and I consider your readiness to return to your former station in that country as a strong proof of your zeal for the pul)lic service. 1 need not assure you that I shall most willingly accept the offer of your services, if upon my return to Bengal I should find it necessary to call for them. You are aware that the arrangement could not be made in the only^ manner in which it could be acceptable to you with. 1T79. THK HON. JONATHAN UUNCAN. 5^1 out a total alteration of the judicial and othei: establishments now existing at Benares. I have appointed Mr. Vanderhey- den to succeed to Mr. Cherry's station, and I have great hopes that under Mr. Vanderheyden the present system may answer the desirable end of composing the unhappy commo- tions which have lately disturbed the peace of that country. If my hopes should be disappointed I shall not forget your obliging and public spirited offer. I entirely approve your proceedings with respect to the French supposed to have been at Muscat, and I cannot re- commend to you more earnestly than I feel the absolute necessity of keeping a most vigilant eye on the proceedings of any French who may arrive in Persia, or on your side of India. I am very glad to hear of your intention to visit the coast of Malabar in October. I should hope, at an early period, to receive a full statement of the actual condition of that pro- vince, as well as of the means of improving its system of police and revenue. I suspect that your present settlement is founded upon a principle wholly irreconcileable with the tranquillity of the country. It appears to me that we have not kept faith with the different Rajahs and Chieftains ac- cox'ding to the terms on which we received the country at the conclusion of the last war with Mysore. You will set me right if I have conceived an erroneous opinion on the subject ; but if the fact be as I suppose, you may be assured that I shall be ready to repair the breach which has been made in the national faith at any expense, being convinced that it will ever be impossible to introduce order into any coun- try in contempt of the confidence and respect of the inhabi- tants. I wish you to understand that I shall always be happy to receive from your Government the fullest details, either pub- lic or private, relating to your local department, with this single reservation, that your communications shall not be given in a manner either to impede the prompt execution of those measures which I deem necessary for the public ser- vice, or to draw me into any controversial public correspon- dence in defence of my own orders. With my most cordial assurance of every sentiment of personal confidence, and of 522 THE EARL OF MORMNGTON, TO April, every disposition to assist you in the discharge of the import- ant duties confided to your particular care, I have the honour to be. Sir, with the highest respect and esteem, your most faithful Servant, MORNINGTON. No. CLXXII. From Lieut. -General Harris to the Earl of ilforni/io-ton, enclosing- a Letter from Tippoo Sultaun to General Harris, received the 9th ^Ipril ; and his answer. My Lord, Camp before Seringapatam, 9th April, 1799. I this morning received a letter of the 6th, from General Stuart, who was to march on the 7th, in consequence of a letter he had received from me, of the 4th, informing him of the intended march of Gen. Floyd's detachment, which I trust will join the Bombay army this day, near Periapatam. I expect their united force here the 14th instant. I also this day re- ceived a letter from Tippoo Sultaun, a copy of which and of my proposed answer is inclosed. The persons who brought it were informed that " a reply would be sent when neces- sary." Nothing else has occurred deserving of report. George Harris. From Tippoo Sultaun to General Harris. The Governor-General Lord Mornington, Behauder, sent me a letter, copy of which is enclosed. You will understand it. I have adhered firmly to treaties ; what then is the meaning of the advance of the English armies and the occurrence of hostilities. Inform me. ^Yhat need I say more ? F7'oni General Harris to Tippoo Sultaun. 10th April, 1799. Your letter enclosing copies of the Governor-General's letter has been received. For the advance of the English and Allied armies and for the actual liostilities, I refer you to the several letters of the Governor-General, which are sufficiently explanatory on the subject. 1799. TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF MALABAR. 538 No. CLXXIII. The Earl of Moriuni>-ton to the Coiiiniissioners of Malabar. Gentlemen, Fort St. (icortje, 10th April, 1799. The details contained in your letters of the 12th and 17th January, of the measures which had then been adopted, under my orders, for the purpose of establishing large magazines of grain in the district of Coorga, afforded me the highest satis- faction, and the distinguished success of those measures, as re- ported in your svibsequent advices, has surpassed my most sanguine expectation. The zeal and ability, with which this important service has been executed, reflect the highest credit on all the civil and military officers concerned in conducting it. My particular approbation and acknowledgements are due on this occasion to Major-General Hartley, to Mr. Uthoff" and to Capt. Mahony. The Rajah of Coorga has seconded my views, and the ex- ertions of the Company's servants on this occasion, with a de- gree of spirit, energy, and fidelity, which confirm the high character he had justly obtained in the late war. I have expressed my sense of his zealous attachment and honourable services in a letter to him, which will be forwarded to you by the Persian translator, with a copy for your information. I think it proper to apprise you that I have determined, (as a testimony of the satisfaction which his conduct has afforded me, and with a view of encouraging the imitation of his example among the other tributories of the Company,) to re- linquish the tribute at present payable by the Rajah, and to substitute some annual acknowledgment of the Company's claim to his allegiance. The Government of Bombay will receive the necessary directions from me for giving effect Co this arrangement. I have no doubt that the exertions of the Rajah to collect grain for the use of the army will be continued, (as long as they shall be necessary) with the same spirit which has hitherto distinguished them ; and I am equally confident that those exertions will be ably and zealously seconded by you, and by those under your orders on the coast of Malabar. I approve your appointment of Captain Mahony to be resi- dent with the Rajah of Coorga ; and the instructions with which you furnished Captain Mahony on that occasion. I L 524 MAJOR-GENERAL FLOYD, TO April. In one of your letters which is without date, but which appears to have been written about the 5th of March, you have thought it necessary to assure me, after a representation of the defenceless state of the province of Malabar, " that you are disposed to submit to temporary inconveniencies, and evils, even to a considerable extent, rather than purchase pre- sent tranquillity at the expense of making permanent sacrifices either toTippoo Sultaun, or any of the native Chiefs of Mala- bar, of a nature unbecoming the dignity or rightful interests of the Company." Entertaining the high sense which I have already expressed of your merits in the discharge of your proper duties, I am concerned to be under the necessity of observing that the tenor of this passage is utterly incompatible with the depend- ent and subordinate nature of the commission under which you act. It is your duty to submit implicitly to whatever inconveniencies may result from the execution of the orders proceeding from the superior authorities of the British Government in India, and arising not from partial or local, but from general and comprehensive views of the public interests. Your authority is not competent in any case, or for any purpose whatever, to make either a permanent or a temporary sacrifice of the rights, dignity, or intersts of the Company to Tippoo Sultaun or to any other power. It is my duty to call your attention to any point in which you may appear to have formed an erroneous opinion of the limits or nature of your powers; and I now discharge that duty with a full conviction of the uprightness of your inten- tions, and of your sincere zeal for the promotion of the public service. I approve the letters despatched by your Resident to the Pychy Rajah and to Yemaun Nair, of which copies were enclosed in your letter of the 16th March ; and I concur in opinion with you, that those persons are not likely to aid the cause of Tippoo Sultaun, particularly after the defeat which that Prince has lately sustained from the army under the command of General Stuart. Accordingly, I ain happy to think that the tranquillity of the province of Malabar will not be disturbed by the open or secret movements of those Nairs. I entirely agree with you in your construction of the letter 1799. 1HE EARL OF MORNINQTON. 525 from Ayappin to the Rajah of Coorga, a copy of which was enclosed in your despatch of the 25th March ; and I desire you will signify to the Rajah of Coorga, that I have viewed with the utmost contempt and indignation, this weak, and insidious attempt of Tippoo Sultaun to cast doubts upon the faith of an Ally, whose attachment, fortitude, wisdom, and integrity have secured the affection and admiration of the British Govern- ment. I entirely approve the spirit and substance of the instruc- tions contained in the extract of your President's letter to the Resident with the Rajah of Coorga, under date the 30th ult., and enclosed in your despatch of the same date. It is my anxious desire that you should continue to recommend senti- ments of humanity and moderation, not only to the Rajah of Coorga but to all the other tributaries of the company on the coast of Malabar, whenever the occasion may admit of your interposition to mitigate the unavoidable calamities of war. I am. Gentlemen, &c. MoRNINGTON. No. CLXXIV. Major-General Floyd to the Earl of Mornington. My Lord, Camp at Periapatam, April 10th, 1/99. As it is possible General Harris's despatches may not have reached you, I beg leave to give a short statement of events, as far as have come to my knowledge. On the 27th of March the enemy was seen, in force, on the high ground west of Malavilly. General Harris, w ith the right wing, attacked the enemy in front. Two regiments of cavalry supported. Colonel Wellesley, with the Nizam's army, took a most judicious situation on the enemy's right flank, and attacked it, and threw it into confusion. I w^as observing, with three regiments of cavalry, between the right flank of Colonel Wellesley and the left of General Harris, and charged and destroyed a great number of the enemy's infan- try, taking six stands of colours. About the same period, a number of the enemy's horse had charged the European bri- gade of the right wing ; several of them were killed, and the 526 THE EARL OF MOKNINGTON, TO April, rest fled ; the iufontry also were repulsed by ours, and the whole reth'ed out of our reach. It seems, from subsequent accounts, that about 500 wounded men reached the enemy's camp, and that their loss was about 2000 men. Our loss amounted to about T or 8 killed, and about 40 wounded — and about 45 horses killed and wounded. No officer killed, and four only wounded. I have no copy of the return by me. On the 29th March the army encamped at Sosilly, on the bank of the Cavery. Here we found a great collection of inhabitants, and cattle, and rice, and a good deal of paddy and other grain. The army was considerably refreshed. 30th of March, the army had all crossed the river at a good ford. 5th of April, the army took its situation before Seringapa- tam at the west point of the fort. That night Lieut.-Colonel Shawe took possession of a post between seventeenand eighteen hundred yards from the fort. An attack was also made by Colonel Wellesley on a tope, but the troops were withdrawn on our part — a spent ball, as I have heard, struck the Colonel on the knee, but it did not prevent his walking. 6th April, early in the morning, I marched off for Peria- patam with four regiments of cavalry, one regiment European (73d,) and five battalions native infantry, and about 2000 of the Nizam's horse. All last night, and most of this day, there was a continued peal of small arms, and, occasionally, heavy guns. We still hear heavy guns at intervals, but I have no account whatever since we left the army. 8th April, I encamped at Periapatam. My signals were answered, and I had communication with General Stuart that night. 9th April, I rode over to General Stuart, and after some arrangements, returned to camp ; immediately a considerable number of the enemy's horse appeared, and hovered round most of the day without effecting anything, but with some slight loss on their part. 10th April, General Stuart joined me this day, with rice and some other articles for between 30 and 40 days for his army, and a quantity of military stores. We proceed to-mor- row to join the army at Seringapatam, and shall probably reach it in five marches. Having no cypher 1 refrain from 1799 GENFRAL HARRIS. 527 some particulars; the troops are, in general, liealthy, and in high spirits, and full of good will. 1 have the honour to be, with great respect, my Lord, your most obedient and humble Servant, J. Floyd, M. G. On my marching from hence to-morrow, the communication will be entirely closed on this side. No. CLXXV. The Earl of Morning-ton to Lieut. -General Harris. Sir, Fort St. George, 17th of April, 17.99. I had yesterday the satisfaction to receive your letter of the 7th instant, and I congratulate you on the complete suc- cess with which you have established your position for the siege of Seringapatam. I approve and admire the judgment and alacrity which mark the detachment of the force under General Floyd on the same morning on which you established your posts, by the action you describe. The position which you have taken, among other advan- tages, is highly important in the facility which it would afford you of detaching a force against any body of French which might effect a landing on the Malabar coast, either before or during the approaching monsoon. I trust that our great naval superiority will seciu-e us from this danger; but you will learn from General Stuai't that I have considered the possibility of the event, and have been anxious to provide against it. I wish you to give the matter your joint and serious consideration. I beg you will offer my hearty thanks to those officers and corps who distinguished themselves in the attacks of the 5th and 6th instant. I have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. 528 THE EARL OF MoKNlNGTOX, TO April, No. CLXXVI. The Earl of Mornington to his Excellency Sir Atured Clarke. My Dear Sir, Fort St. George, l/th April, 1799. I have just received the communication which you instructed Mr. Barlow to make to me on the subject of the message ad- dressed to you by Shums-ud-dowlah. I entirely approve your judgment in referring so delicate and important a question to my decision. Whatever tempo- rary inconveniences may occasionally result from the delay incident to such references, the principle on which they are founded ought to be strictly observed in all cases of great moment. It is equally certain that no disadvantages can arise from such a system of precaution which will not ulti- mately be overbalanced by its general benefits and permanent effects. The main spring of such a machine as the Govern- ment of India can never be safely touched by any other hand than that of the principal mover. I am persuaded that you have taken the proper steps to secure Calcutta against the danger of a sudden attack from the river. If the Iniaum should assist General Buonaparte (whom I believe to be still in Egypt, with 17 or 18,000 men,) their object would be to sail directly up the Hoogly, and to surprize Calcutta. I am concerned to observe the slow progress made by Major-General Stuart against Vizier Ah and his banditti. I scarcely know a point of more importance to our interests in India than the capture or death of that young assassin, and the early dispersion of his followers. I am, &c. Mornington. No. CLXXVII. The Earl of Morninifton to the Court of Directors. Honourable Sirs, F^n St. George, 20th April, 1799. I now proceed to submit to you a detail of the operations of the armies in Mysore. The army of Bombay, under the command of Lieutenant (iencral Stuart, marched from Cananore on the 21st of Feb., 1799. TlIK COURT OF DIRECTOIIS. 529 arrived at the head of the Poodicherrum Ghaut on the 25th of the same month, and took post at Sedapore and Sedasere on the 2nd of March, for the protection of the large suppUes which had been collected at Veraj under Pett, in the district of Coorga. From these positions, on Lieutenant-General Harris's approach, Lieutenant-General Stuart intended to form a junction with the army of Madras. The army of Madras, under the command of Lieutenant- General Harris, entered the territory of Mysore on the 5th of March, and its operations commenced by the reduction of several forts upon the frontier. Some of these forts sur- rendered without any resistance, and none of them were defended with spirit, although the Sultaun appears, from the improved establishment on which he had placed their garri- sons, to have provided as well as he could for a different result. The progress of the army of Madras, owing to its ample equipments in every department, particularly in that of the ordnance necessary for the siege of Seringapatam, was una- voidably slow. Its movements, however, were but little im- peded by the enemy. Considerable bodies of horse hovered about its line of march, but without any other effect than that of rendering the communication with the Company's ter- ritories extremely difficult. Some parties of horse attacked the Nizam's contingent, and his Highness's cavalry are reported by General Harris to have conducted themselves with great spirit, a circumstance which may partly be attri- buted to the improvements recently introduced into the disci- pline and establishments of his Highness's cavalry at the recommendation of the British Resident under my instruc- tions. At the period when the army of Madras entered Mysore, Tippoo Sultaun was supposed to be encamped in the vicinity of Maddoor, and to be preparing to move in the direction of Bangalore for the purpose of opposing the progress of the Madras army, in the event of Lieutenant-General Harris actually passing the frontier. But it soon appeared that although the Sultaun had so recently affected a disposition to admit an embassy from the British Government, he had pro- bably no other view than to conceal the design which he had formed of striking a sudden and early blow against the army VOL. r. 2 iM 530 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO April* of Boinbay, For without allowing me the same time to answer his last letter whicli he had taken for replying to those addressed by me to him, and without waiting to hear of the actual commencement of hostilities on the part of the British Government, he came to the resolution of attacking the army of Bombay then assembled beyond the line of his frontier, in the district of Coorga, under the command of Lieut.-General Stuart. For this purpose Tippoo, taking with him the flower of his army, appears to have marched from his camp near Cenapa- tam, on the 28th of February, (when General Harris was still within the Company's territories,) and moving rapidly in the direction of Periapatam, to have arrived there on the morn- ing of the 5th of March, (being the same day on which Lieu- tenant-Gen. Harris entered Mysore on the eastern frontier.) On the 6th of March Tippoo Sultaun passed his own fron- tier, and attacked a detachment of the army of Bombay, un- der the command of Lieut.-Gen. Stuart, the total strength of whose entire army did not amount to more than 6000 fighting men. The attack of the Sultaun's force was resisted by a body not exceeding 2,000 men, and the Sultaun's army was finally defeated and totally dispersed, before General Stuart could collect the w hole of his divided force. It is with infi- nite satisfaction that I enclose for the information of your honourable Court the paper marked No. 1, containing Gen. Stuart's account of this brilliant and important action which took place at Sedasere on the 8th of March.* After this signal defeat, Tippoo retreated precipitately to his camp at Periapatam, and remained there until the 11th of March without making any further attempt to molest the army. The loss sustained by Tippoo's army on the 6th of March appears to have amounted to near 2,000 killed, wounded, and prisoners, which included several officers of rank, and some of considerable distinction. That sustained by the army of Bombay will appear in Lieut.-General Stuart's letter. Adverting to the great disproportion of numbers, and to other circumstances of disadvantage, I am confident that your i>onourabIe Court will be of opinion, that the conduct and • See p. 483. 1799. THE COURT OF DIRECTORS. 531 success of the army of Bombay on that day has seldom been equalled, and never surpassed in India. Under this impression I take the liberty of recommending to your favourable notice the several officers and corps named by Lieut.-General Stuart, in his letter of the 8th of March,* and I am anxious to request your particular atten- tion to the distinguished conduct of Lieut.-General Stuart and Major-General Hartley, as well as of Lieut.-Colonel Montresor and of Lieut.-Colonel Dunlop. Major-General Hartley had already received a public testimony of my parti- cular approbation of his extraordinary merit in collecting stores and provisions in the district of Coorga, previously to the arrival of General Stuart on the coast of Malabar. Tippoo returned from Periapatam to Seringapatam, and arriving at the latter place on the 14th of March, moved from thence immediately to meet Lieut. -Gen. Harris and the army of Madras. Lieut.-General Harris had advanced on the 26th of March to a position between Sultanpett and Malavelly, having met with no considerable impediment from the enemy. The ene- my made their appearance in force on that day, but without attempting to disturb our army. On the 27th of March, when the army reached its ground at Malavelly, Tippoo opened a distant cannonade upon it, which, though at first disregarded by Lieut.-General Harris, ultimately led to a general engagement, in which the enemy was completely defeated, and driven from every post which he attempted to maintain : our loss on this occasion was very inconsiderable, only seven rank and file being killed, and a few men (includ- ing four officers) wounded, while that of the enemy is sup- posed to have amounted to near 700. I refer your honourable Court to Lieut.-General Harris's letter of the 27th of March, f which forms part of the enclo- sure No. 1, for a more particular account of this important victory, requesting also your attention to the merits of the several officers and corps distinguished by the notice of Lieut.-General Harris. General Harris marched on the 28th a few miles to the southward of Malavelly, without the least interruption from • See page 485 t See page 505. oS2 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO April, the enemy, from whence it may be inferred that Tippoo Sul- taun was considerably dispirited by the defeat which he had sustained on the preceding day, added to the previous suc- cess obtained over him by the army of Bombay. On the 29th of March General Harris happily accom- plished a movement which must have greatly astonished and disconcerted the enemy : instead of proceeding in the direc- tion of Arakerry and Karagat, Lieut.-Gen. Harris suddenly turned towards the River Cavery, where finding a ford at some distance above the junction of the Cavery and Copany, he immediately crossed the Cavery with a part of his army, and occupied strong positions on both banks of that river, at the distance of about fifteen miles from Seringapatam. This movement was also made without the least opposition on the part of the enemy, who indeed does not seem to have enter- tained the most distant suspicion of the British General's design. Lord Cornwallis, at a more advanced period of the year, having in vain sought for a practicable ford to the southward of Seringapatam, Tippoo probably concluded that Lieut.- General Harris would have pursued his Lordship's route to the ford of Caniambaddy, northward of Seringapatam, for the purpose of effecting a junction from thence with the army of Bombay. It is difficult to account otherwise for Tippoo's inaction while General Harris executed this arduous and important movement. The advantages of the position thus acquired by General Harris must prove considerable. In addition to the imme- diate acquisition of cattle and forage, it must facilitate the junction with the army of Bombay ; it must afford additional security to the abundant magazines which have been formed in the Coorga country, and favour the safe approach of our convoys from the southern districts, and from the Barramahl by the pass of Coveriporam ; and it promises to open to our army tliat range of forage, situated to the southward of Se- ringapatam, which Tippoo seems to have reserved for the consumption of his own army. Lieut. -General Harris, with his whole army, having crossed the Cavery on the 30th of March, halted near the village of Soselly on the 31st; on the 1st of April he moved towards Seringapatam, and on rlie 5th encamped two miles south- 1799. THE COURT OF niiiix Torts. 53li west of that city, having experienced no opposition from the enemy since the 27th of March. On the morning of the 6th of April, after an engagement in which the enemy appears to have made considerable resistance, Lieut.-General Harris took possession of Sultanpetta and an adjacent tope or grove, and about the same timeMajor-General Floyd, with a strong detachment, was sent to effect a junction with the army of Bombay : on the morning of the Gth of April Lieut.-General Stuart received at Sedapore a note from Lieut. -Gen. Harris, announcing the arrival of the latter at Seringapatam, and also signifying that IVIajor-General Floyd was to be detached from the army of Madras on the Gth of April for the purpose already stated. In consequence of this intelligence, Lieut.- General Stuart had determined to march from Sedapore to Sedasere on the Tth of April, and it is probable that the junction of the army of Bombay with the detachment under the command of Major-General Floyd was effected on the 8th in the neighbourhood of Periapatam. The last accounts received by me from General Harris are dated on the Tth instant, when he states that he had taken up his position for the siege of Seringapatam. Tippoo Sultaun, on the Tth of April, had not returned any answer to my letter of the 22nd of February, nor had he manifested any disposition to propose a negotiation. Lieut.- General Harris is instructed to propose preliminary articles of peace to the Sultaun before the British batteries shall be opened against Seringapatam. While General Harris was advancing towards Seringapa- tam, Lieut.-Colonel Read was employed in reducing the country to the northward of Ryakottah. His operations were intended to have embraced a wide range, and he had made considerable progress in them, when the more urgent service of convoying to the army the large su])plies which were collected in the Barramahl, made it necessary for him to change the direction of his march. He is now drawing together in the vicinity of Coveryporam the numerous brinjar- ries and other supplies intended for the army encamped before Seringapatam, which place it is hoped he may be able to reach early in May. To the southward of the Carnatic and of Mysore, Lieut.- Col. Browne, at the head of a respectable detachment, began 534 THE EARL OF MORNING ION, TO April, his operations by the reduction of Carroor, which surren- dered to him, without any serious resistance, on the 5th of April. On the 8th he sent a detachment against Errode, and marched himself on the 9th to reduce Aravacourchy. He would, however, be obliged to suspend his intended ope- rations in the district of Coimbatoor, and to unite his detach- ment to that of Col. Read, with the view of forming a force sufficiently strong to give due protection to the large and important supplies proceeding to Seringapatam. Aravacourchy, which had been considerably strengthened since last war, surrendered to Lieut. -Col. Brown on the 10th instant. I have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. P. S. 22nd April, 1799. — After closing my letter 1 had the satisfaction to receive despatches from Generals Harris and Stuart. I congratulate your honourable Court on the successful junction of the detachment under General Floyd with the army of Bombay. The final junction of the whole army of Bombay with the army before Seringapatam was expected to take place about the l.'ith instant. It may be safely aflfirmed not to be in the power of Tippoo, even materially, to retard this junction, which, when effected, must excite a serious alarm in the mind of the Sultaun for the safety of his capital if not of his person. Your honourable Court will perceive that Lieut. -General Harris, in his progress to Seringapatam, encountered the same difficulties which were experienced by Lord Cornwallis from the failure of the cattle provided for the service of the army, which, although amply sufficient in point of number at the commencement of the expedition, appear to have rapidly decreased on the entrance of the army into Mysore ; the cli- mate and water of that country are represented to be extremely unfavourable to the cattle of the Carnatic. The delay which arose from this unavoidable contingency seems to have been considerable ; but your honourable Court will, no doubt, view with satisfaction the spirit and firmness with which this difficulty was met by the Commander-in-Chief, and the zealous exertion of the whole army by which he was enabled to proceed on his march. 1799. THE SECRET COMMITTEE. 535 No. CLXVIII. The Earl of Mornington to the Secret Committee of the Honourable Court of Directors. Honourable Sirs, Fort St. George, 22nd April, 1799. The distractions in the Government of Poonah liave in- creased to such a degree as to prechide all hope of assistance in the war with Tippoo Sultaun, fi'om that quarter. On tlie other hand, however, this state of confusion in the JNIahratta empire equally prevents the possibility of any attempt against your interests. The sudden flight of Vizier Ali from Benares having ena- bled the magistrate of that city to secure the papers of the assassin, a scene of the utmost importance to your interests has been disclosed by the examination of those authentic documents. Copies of the several papers which fell into our hands were transmitted to me, and under my orders several persons involved in the designs of Vizier Ali have been ap- prehended in different parts of the provinces. The inspec- tion of their papers has led to further discoveries, and al- though I cannot yet communicate to you a detailed account of the nature and objects of the designs and the views of those who have been apprehended or of their chief, I am already in possession of sufficient evidence to prove that a conspiracy had been formed for the purpose not only of restoring Vizier Ali to the throne of Oude, but also of favouring the invasion of Zemaun Shah, and of expelling the English nation from the provinces of Bengal, Bahar, and Orissa. The leaders of the conspiracy having been apprehended, and every precaution having been taken to prevent disorder or tu- mult, I do not expect that any of the intended objects of the conspirators can now be effected. It appears more probable, that the premature disclosure of the conspiracy, and the sea- sonable measures which have been taken for averting its evil consequences, will disconcert and intimidate such accom- plices as may happen to elude the vigilance of Government. But the complexion of this transaction leads to serious reflections on the condition of your possessions in Bengal and the provinces. The defective state of the police in the pro- vinces and the several great cities will require immediate 536 Gl'NERAL HARRIS, TO April, attention. You will observe that the persons concerned in this treason are ahnost exclusively Mahommedans, and several of them of high rank. It is a radical imperfection in the con- stitution of our establishments in India, that no system ap- pears to have been adopted with a view either to conciliate the good will or to controul the disaffection of this descrip- tion of our subjects, whom we found in possession of the Government, and whom we have excluded from all share of emolument, honour, and authority, without providing any adequate corrective of those passions incident to the loss of dignity, wealth, and power. The last accounts from Bengal state, that Vizier Ali was still in the neighbourhood of Goruckpoor at the head of a considerable body of banditti; but as the Rajahs of Napaul and Betoul had abandoned his cause, and a considerable de- tachment of our troops under the command of Major-General Stuart, had advanced within a few miles of his position, no doubt appeared that his followers would soon be dispersed, and a confident hope was entertained that his person would fall into our hands. I have the satisfaction to inform you, that notwithstanding the export of forty lacs of rupees in specie to this Presidency, and the actual commencement of hostilities with Tippoo Sul- taun, the discount upon all the public securities in Bengal has experienced a considerable diminution during the course of the last month ; and with the aid of the supplies in specie which we expect from England, I flatter myself that I shall be enabled, within a short period of time, to direct an enlarge- ment of the commercial investment at all the Presidencies. I am naturally impatient to return to Bengal, but the expe- rience of every hour convinces me more strongly that the avowed projects of Tippoo Sultaun, combined with his ac- knowledged means of carrying them into effect, have been among the most efficient causes not only of the decline of public and private credit in Bengal, but also of encouragement to the disafi^ected and disorderly class of your subjects. I am, therefore, persuaded that the effectual reduction of Tip- poo's means of mischief is indispensable to the welfare and tranquillity of all your possessions. Under this impression I feel it to be niy duty to remain at this Presidency so long as nyy. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. 5o7 my presence can in any degree contribute to the energy and vigour of our military operations. It is a most extraordinary circumstance, that we have not yet received any authentic inteUigence of tlie condition of the French army in Egypt, nor of that of our naval defences in the Red Sea. By the ships lately arrived from the Cape 1 learn that Commodore Blanket was in the Mozambiciue chan- nel towards the end of October, that he had met with adverse winds, and was apprehensive that he should be obliged to bear up for Bombay. Since that period I am entirely igno- rant of his'course or condition. By the latest accounts from Constantinople it appears that General Buonaparte's army still consisted of 17 or 18,000 fighting men. I have the honour to be, &c. MoRNINGTON. No. CLXXIX. Lieut. -General Harris to the Earl of Mornington. My Lord, Camp before Seringapatam, 22nd April, 1/99. On the 18th instant I had the honour to address to your Lordship a report of the proceedings of the army to that date, which was given in charge to General Floyd, who on the 19th marched with the cavalry, a brigade of native in- fantry, and the Nizam's horse, to meet Colonel Read near Cauveriporam, and assist in escorting the Brinjarries to camp. That morning a battery was opened on the north side of the Cauvery, to enfilade the enemy's entrenchments in front of our intended attack. The 20th, in the evening, the most ad- vanced of these was carried by our troops, and a parallel established on the spot on that night ; the letter of which, a translation is annexed, was received from Tippoo Sultaun. On the night of the 21st a battery for six guns was erected near the ruins of the powder mill, and as a violent attack was made before day of the 22nd on all General Stuart's posts, four guns and two howitzers opened from this battery on the fort this morning with considerable effect, in destroying its defences and reducing its fire. Yesterday, after consulting the Conmiissioners appointed to assist me in subjects of political arrangement, and widi 538 THE EARL OF MORMNGTON, TO April, Meer AUuni Bahadur, I determined, in reply to the Sultaun, to transmit a draft of preliminaries founded on your Lord- ship's paper B., with such alterations as the change of cir- cumstances seemed to require in the security exacted — addi- tional hostages in lieu of forts, which now we have no time to receive. I have required as hostages four sons of the Sultaun and four of his princijial officers, to be selected by me. These, with the treasure to be sent in forty-eight hours to camp, or I reserve to myself the power of extending the demand even to the possession of Sei'ingapatam. The letter was sent this day at noon. A duplicate of your Lordship's letter of the 29th ultimo has been received from the Coorga country. The particular accounts you require cannot now be sent. We want only provisions and cattle at present. Money will be necessary next month. Of rice we have collected, by various modes, enough to subsist our fighting men to the middle of May. I have the honour to be, &c. George Harris. Translation of a Letter from Tippoo Sultaun to Lieut. -General Harris, bearing no date, but received in camp before Seringapatam on the evening of the 2Qth April, 1799. In the letter of Lord Mornington it is written that the clearing up of matters at issue is proper, and that, therefore, you having been empowered for the purpose, will appoint such persons as you judge proper for conducting a conference and renewing the business of a treaty. You are the well wisher of both Circars. In this matter what is your pleasure, inform me, that a conference may take place. A true Translation, Barry Close. No. CLXXX. The Earl of Mornington to Lieut, -General Harris. Sir, Fort St. George, April 23rd, 1799. Various circumstances, of which the general nature is stated to you in another despatch of this date, combine to render it desirable that Tippoo Sultaun's power and resources should be reduced to the lowest possible state, and even ut- 1799. GENERAL HARRIS. * 539 terly destroyed, if the events of w ar should afford the oppor- tunity. One of these circumstances is the equivocal conduct of the Mahrattas, which leads me to conclude that they will afford us no assistance against Tippoo, and to apprehend that they may assist him, if any favourable occasion should occur. The victory of the 27th of March, combined with that of the 6th of March, has, I trust, induced you to adopt draft B* as the basis of any propositions which you may have made to Tippoo, previous to opening your batteries against Seringapatam. If Tippoo should have agreed to preliminary articles founded on draft B., in framing the definitive treaty, you will express the cessions of territories and the payments of money in such tei'nis as shall leave at my option the Peishwa's pro- portion of either. For this purpose, the preamble to any definitive treaty which you may conclude, should not contain any specification of the allies. The Company only should be specified, and the allies be included in general terms, according to the fol- lowing draft. " Definitive treaty, &c. between the Honourable English Company and their allies, concluded by Lieut. -General Harris on the part of the said Company and of their allies, by virtue of powers from the Governor-General, &c." The name of Meer Allum, or of the Nizam, should not ap- pear in the treaty ; you will treat under powers fi'om me. I have little apprehension that Meer Allum will disapprove the terms and form of this preanible ; but if he should entertain any doubts on the occasion, they would be immediately re- moved by apprizing him, in confidence, that the arrangement was designed to exclude the Mahrattas from an equal parti- cipation in the successes of the war, excepting on conditions which should operate to the particular benefit of the Nizam's Government. Upon the same principle, and with the same view, it will be necessary that those articles of the definitive treaty regarding cessions, and specifying the several districts and forts to be respectively ceded to the allies, should be so qualified as to * See p. 463. 540 Til'.: EAKL OF MOKNINGTON, TO April, place the share to be allotted to the Peishwa at the disposal of the Company and of the Nizam. After a specification of the several districts to be ceded respectively to the Company and to the Nizam, the schedule of the territory to be ceded to the Peishwa might be qualified according to the following draft. " But whereas the Peishwa has borne no part in the pre- sent war, and all the expenses of it have been defrayed by the Company and the Nizam, it is hereby declared that the foreo-oing districts shall be deemed to belong to the Peishwa only on««ondition of the" said Peishwa making, within a period of two months from the date of this treaty, a satisfactory ad- justment with the Company and the Nizam, on account of the bvirthen of the war having exclusively fallen on them ; and in default of the Peishwa's making such a satisfactory adjust- ment, the districts to be ceded by the present treaty to the Peishwa, shall be deemed to belong to the Company and to the Nizam, who shall be at liberty to divide them as they shall judge proper." I wish the terms of any treaty which yovi may conclude with Tippoo Sultaun, to be regulated by the principles which I have laid down in the present letter. I also wish (if you have entered into no engagements with Tippoo Sultaun when you receive this letter) that the power and resources of that prince should be reduced to as low a state as possible. You are, therefore, authorized to proceed to any extremity which you shall consider practicable, with- out exposing us to the expense of a protracted and tedious war ; or endangering the safety of your army, or any of the advantages already acquired. In the event of any treaty with Tippoo, you must noiv ob- tain the utmost possible degree of security for his faithful execution of its stipulations. If this question is still open, I authorize you to demand the temporary possession of the fort of Seringapatam, to be holden as an additional pledge of se- curity ; provided that your superiority shall be so decisive as to entitle you to require such a concession. I desire that the names of Lieut.-General Stuart and of Major-General Hartley be added to the commission appointed to assist you in all matters of negotiation. The knowledge whicli those officers possess of the interests of the Company; 1799. THE NABOB OF THE CAUNATfC. 541 on the coast of Malabar, will prove very useful to you ; and I authorize you to make any variation, in the terms of peace, relating to Malabar, which may be suggested by those officers. I have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. No. CLXXXI. The Earl of Mornington to his Highness the Nabob of the Carnatic. Fort St. George, 24th April, 1/99. May IT PLEASE YOUR Highness 1. Within a few days subsequent to my arrival at this Pre- sidency, I had the honour to inform your Highness of the state of the differences existing between the Honourable Company and Tippoo Sultaun, and conformably to the tenth article of the treaty of 1792. I explained to your Highness, in the fullest manner, the probability of an approaching rupture with that prince. 2. The conduct of Tippoo Sultaun since that time having rendered war absolutely necessary for the security of the allied powers, hostilities have actually commenced. 3. The third article of the treaty of 1792 stipulates that, " in the event of war breaking out in the Carnatic, and countries appertaining to either party, and dependent on the Carnatic, or contiguous thereto, it is agreed, for the better prosecution of it, that as long as it shall last, the said Company shall pos- sess full authority over the Carnatic, except the Jaghurs be- longing to the family of the said Nawaub, and except also certain charities, and shall collect the revenues thereof, the said Company hereby engaging that, during such war, they will pay to the said Nawaub one-fifth share of the net revenue arising therefrom." 4. Under this article it is now become the right of the Com- pany to exercise that full authority over the Carnatic which is thus formally acknowledged to be necessary for the better prosecution of war. 5. Your Highness, I am persuaded, is also satisfied, that it is now become my indispensable duty, without delay, to assume the revenues of the Carnatic conformably to the third article of the treaty of 1792, unless some new arrangement can now 542 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO April, be framed, with the consent of both parties, which shall af- ford equal security to the common interests of your Highness and of the Company, for the vigorous and effectual prosecu- tion of the war. 6. I am aware that both your Highness and your respected father have ever been disinclined to the assumption of the Carnatic by the Company, in the manner specified by the article in question, and entertaining an anxious and sincere desire, not only to promote your Highness's interests and welfare, but to respect your inclinations and sentiments to the utmost extent compatible with the security of the Carna- tic, I am induced to submit to your Highness's consideration the plan of a new arrangement between your Highness and the Company, which, if it shall prove acceptable to your Highness, will preclude the necessity of resorting to the sti- pulations of the third article of the treaty of 1792, and of assuming the whole of the Carnatic, not only during the pre- sent, but during any future, war. 7. In framing an arrangement on this foundation, I have endeavoured to extend its provisions with the view of com- prehending the whole state and condition of your Highness's connection with the Company, as well as the equitable adjust- ment of the various subjects of complaint, which your Highness has been pleased to represent to me since the period of my taking charge of the general Government of India. 8. Before I proceed to the details of this plan, I shall sub- mit to your Highness's consideration some observations, which as they proceed from my good wishes for your prosperity and happiness, I trust you will receive with the cordiality of friendship. 9. Your Highness's situation for some years past, has neither been satisfactory to yourself, nor advantageous to the interests, either of your own subjects or of the Company. 10. Your stipulated monthly payments, under the treaty of 1792, are not only moderate in their amount, but cannot be stated to bear a due proportion to the increased military charges, now defrayed by the Company, for the defence of the Carmatic. 11. Your Highness will never forget that the amount of these payments was settled by liOrd Cornwallis, under an in- dulgent modification of the treaty of 1787, the benefits of 1799. THE NABOB OF THE CARNATIC. 543 which the Company cheerfully rehn(|uished, for the purpose of relieving his Highness, the late Nabob of the Carnatic, and ultimately your Highness from distress of circumstances and from anxiety of mind. 12. Moderate as these payments are in tlicir amount, they have proved the source of continual vexation to the late Nabob of the Carnatic and to your Highness ; and you have never been able to realize them in the Company's Treasury, without the utmost degree of difficulty and embari*assment, arising from unfortunate defects in the administration of your affairs. 13. These embarrassments have occasioned the adoption of temporary expedients, for the purpose of removing the pres- sure of the moment ; and the consequences of resorting to such expedients have been injurious not only to the peace of your Highness's mind, but to the permanent interests and happiness of your subjects, and to the foundations of the opulence and prosperity of the Carnatic. 14. The truth of this faithful and amicable representation, will, I am persuaded, produce a just impression on your High- ness's mind, when you reflect on the large amount of those sums of money applied to defray the exorbitant rates of interest, on all the various loans occasioned by the necessity of discharg- ing your monthly payments. 15. These loans have usually been accompanied by assign- ments of territory to the creditors, whose vexatious manage- ment of the revenues assigned, has been the continual cause of of the most aggravated calamities to the inhabitants of the Carnatic. 16. In these transactions the loss has fallen on your High- ness, your subjects, and your friends, and the illicit profit has enriched those, who (to use the words of your respected father, addressed to Lord Cornwallis) " never approach your Durbar for any other purpose, than to pursue their habitual views of plunder and rapine." 17. Upon the whole, the final result of this system has been, that your Highness's mind has continued in a perpetual state of solicitude and alarm, from the difficulty of satisfying the Com- pany's claims, of which the moderation and justice cannot be contested. That the resources of your country have fallen into a state of progressive decay ; and that the Company re- gularly receiving your Highness's monthly payments into the 544" THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO April, treasury, has viewed with unavaihng regret, the rapid approach of that crisis in the Carnatic, when every source of pubhc revenue and credit, as well as of private opulence, industry, and population must be reduced to the lowest condition. 18. Neither your Highness nor the Company can reflect ■with satisfaction on the regular discharge of your monthly pay- ments, when those payments are known and acknowledged to be effected by means, which aggravate your Highness's em- barrassments, and rapidly exhaust the territorial security pledged to the Company for the military subsidy. 19. The collateral operation of this unhappy system is not less injurious, than its direct tendency. The notoriety of those embarrassments which compel your Highness to resort to the expedient of loans and assignments of territory, leads to a general expectation of the approaching failure of your monthly payments and consequently of a speedy transfer of the pledged districts to the management of the Company. 20. A constant expectation of war for some years past has further countenanced the notion, that the Company's manage- ment must soon be extended over a large part of your High- ness's territories, under the 3rd article of the treaty of 1792. 21. These expectations have precluded the possibility of introducing for the relief of your Highness's subjects, any improvement founded on fixed and durable principles. 22. The Carnatic, therefore, in addition to the calamitous misrule of those who have governed it, under temporary assign- ments of territory, has been subjected to all the accumulated evils of a divided Government and of a fluctuating and pre- carious authority. 23. These sentiments relating to your Highness's situation are not the result of my judgment alone ; I submit them to you as the result of the deliberate judgment of the Honorable Court of Directors, and of his Majesty's Ministers, formed upon a full, dispassionate, and impartial investigation of the relation in which your Highness stands towards the Company, and of the whole state of your affairs. 24. The principles of sound and comprehensive policy, the duties of respect and regard for your Highness, as well as those of humane consideration for the welfare of your subjects demand, that the Company and his Majesty's Ministers should look beyond the mere convenience of the present hour to the 1799. THE NABOB OF THE CARNATIC. 545 certain operation of evils, menacing he permanent resources of your country. 25. The apprehension of the approach of that period, when the necessary effect of these evils must break forth to the entire ruin of the interests of your Highness and of the Com- pany in the Carnatic, has induced the Court of Directors, and the Government of Fort St. George, to urge with earnest- ness the necessity of a new arrangement with your Highness. They have, however refrained from insisting to its full extent on that claim of justice and right, which the Company derives from the letter as well as the general substance and spirit of the treaty of 1792, according to the established maxims of public law and national faith. 26. Under that treaty, your Highness's faith is unequivocally pledged never to grant tunkwahs or assignments of revenue on the districts composing the security of your monthly pay- ments to the Company. 27. I am aware that the same article has also provided for the avoidance of all such tunkwahs or assignments as shall be found to exist on any of the pledged districts, which shall pass into the hands of the Company under the operation of the preced- ing articles of the treaty. But this provision cannot be viewed in any other light than that of an extraordinary precaution, to establish an additional security for the interests of the Company. It cannot be construed to absolve your Highness from the positive obligation, which you have contracted in specific terms, " not to grant tunkwahs or assignments on any account on the revenues of the districts, responsible for any arrears, which may accrue in the payment of the stipulated kists." 2H. If the treaty of 1792, has not provided a sufficient se- curity for the due performance of this obhgation, and if the neglect of this obligation threatens to defeat the primary object of the whole treaty, and to destroy the fundamental principle of your Highness's connection with the Company, the contract- ing parties must resort to the general law of nations, to sup- ply the defective provisions of an engagement, which it is their mutual interests to preserve inviolate, according to its true tenor and original spirit. 29. The permanent establishment of an adequate territorial security for the payment of your Highness's share of the VOL. I. 2 N 54€ THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO April, expence of defending the Cavnatic, is the principal object of the treaty of 1792. The treaty, therefore, would become nu- gatory and delusive, if no remedy could be provided against the continuance of a system, whose unrestrained progress must ultimately deprive your Highness of the power of satisfying your engagements to the Company, and must leave the Com- pany bereft of all means of recovering the ruinous conse- quences of such failure. Your Highness's own discernment, will at once enable you to judge, whether it was the intention of Lord Cornwallis in signing the treaty of 1792, to provide a real, substantial, and lasting security for the Company's military subsidy, or to sanction a system of disorder, by which the whole value and efficiency of that security must be annihi- lated before the Company could derive any benefit from it. 30. It is not necessary at present to trouble your Highness with a more detailed representation on this part of the subject, — the plan which I now have the honor to submit to you, is calculated to preclude all such discussions, and I have revived the subject in this place, merely for the purpose of pointing your attention to one of the principal causes, which have ren- dered a new arrangement with your Flighness indispensable. 31. Your Highness, I am persuaded, cannot reasonably view the proposition for a new arrangement pi'oceeding from the Company, with any degree of jealousy or alarm ; I must repeat the observation (and I recommend it with all the ear- nestness of friendship to your most serious consideration) that a similar jealousy on the part of the Company, would have bound his Highness, the late Nabob, and your Highness to the stipulations of the treaty of 1787. 32. If the Company had pertinaciously adhered to the letter of that treaty, and had insisted on a strict performance of the engagements contracted under it, I leave it to your Highness's candour and justice to declare, what would have been the actual condition of your affairs ? But the Company then waved its undeniable rights under a subsisting treaty, and consented to a new arrangement at your solicitation and for your benefit. The Company has, therefore, a just claim to your Highness's favourable attention on the present occasion, and I trust, that under this impression, your Highness will not receive my earnest proposition for a modification of the treaty of 1792, with any other sensation-j^than those with which 1799. THE NABOB OF THE CARNATIC. 517 Lord Cornwallis received your respected father's application for a modification of tlie treaty of 1787. 33. In proceeding to submit to your Highness the details of my proposed plan, 1 shall in the first instance state certain gene- ral principles, which appear to me necessary to be observed for the common benefit of all parties. 1st. — That the new treaty shall comprehend the adjustment of every branch of your Highness's affairs, as connected with your relation to the Company, and shall leave no question open to future dis- cussion. 2nd. — That whatever adjustment shall now take place, shall be so framed as to afford the utmost degree of practi- cable security against the possibility of future change in order that the new treaty may become a final and conclusive settle- ment between your Highness and the Company. 3rd. — That with a view to secure the stability of the new treaty, as well as to provide an adequate remedy for the evils already enumerated in this letter, effectual provision be made that no part of the Carnatic shall remain or fall under a di- vided Government, or a fluctuating or precarious authority. 34. Referring to these general principles, the first object of consideration in the state of your Highness's affairs, is your debt to the Company. This now consists, First. — Of the balance as reported by Messrs. Woolf and Place, on the 1st July, 1793—35,08,135. /'^^f.; .- . Second. — Balance of the Kistbundy Account, as per ac- count, made up to 9th Sept., 1791 — 1 9,98,003. ^^''o. CO'. My Dear Lord, }'*h M«t, 1799. It is with the uMJst sincere satis:^ : ::elt plea- sure that I congratulate you v.- rioiis event which ever occurrT news of the fall of Seringapa: and TOOT complete and decisive i-c^iii i: j\i^i cu:uiv,u;ic«:*i u> us. Every man in the country v _is security increased, and his character raised 1 of a power knig looked up to as the only c : sting the force of OUT arms. The events of last war, which, afrer two years of^ I may say. defeat, ended in the third in a p-ton. My Lord, Cawnporc, 24th Mav, 17f)9. Though I shall not be the foremost, I can assure your Lord- ship that I shall not be the least sincere in my congratulations, on the glorious event of the capture of Seringapatam. The fall of theSultaun, and the destruction ofthe power of his family, l)y the capture of his sons, which so fortunately distinguished it have completed the success ; and to the energy and vitJ-our of your Lordship's administration, Britain and the India Company will be indebted for the most important and bene- ficial event, that has arisen from the efforts of their arms, since the battle of Plassy established us in these provinces. Nor will the value of your Lordship's services be estimated alone, by their immediate effects in the established security of our possessions in the Carnatic. In my mind, at least, they carry with them, a still higher price in the restoration of our na- tional character. This, your Lordship has already rescued from the contempt into which it had fallen ; and to the wis- dom and spirit of your Lordship's measures shall we owe the returning respect and awe, with which the Native Powers will, I doubt not, view us in future. I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient and faithful humble Servant, J. H. Craig. No. CCIX. General Orders of the Governor General in Council. Madras, May 24th, 1/99. The Right Honourable the Governor-General in Council directs the Commander-in-Chief of the allied army in the field to assure the officers on the general stafi' of the army, those composing the confidential staff of the Commander-in- Chief, and those whose zeal, ability, and exertion, have been distinguished in aid of the departments to which they were VOL. I. 2 Q 594 THE HON. JONATHAN DUNCAN, TO May. not officially attached, that his lordship entertains the highest sense of their several eminent services during the late glorious campaign in Mysore. The conduct of the Adjutant-General, Lieut.-Colonel Close, has amply justified the implicit confidence reposed by the Governor-General in Council in his extensive knowledge, ap- proved experience, superior talents, ardent valour, and inde- fatigable activity. The uniform zeal, perseverance, and fortitude, with which Lieut.-Colonel Close has exerted all these great qualities, in every trial of difficulty and danger, entitle him to the praise, respect and esteem of the Governor-General in Council. His Lordship feels himself bound, by every obligation of justice and public duty, to recommend the extraordinary merits of Lieut.-Colonel Close to the particular approbation of the Honourable the Court of Directors, and to the applause and gratitude of his country. The selection which the Commander-in-Chief had so judi- ciously made of Lieut.-Colonel Agnew and Captain Macaulay, for his confidential staff, was confirmed by the Governor-Ge- neral in Council, with a just expectation that his Excellency would derive considerable advantage to the public service from their able assistance. The Governor-General in Council is happy to record a public acknowledgment of the distinguished conduct of Major Dallas, and to assure that officer that his Lordship has a just sense of the important services which he has rendered in his successful superintendence of the laborious departments under his charge. It is vei'y satisfactory to his Lordship to remark, that the conduct of the Quarter-Master-Generals department under Lieut.-Colonel Richardson and Major Allan, and that of the department of the guides under Captain Orr, has met with the approbation of the Commander-in-Chief; his Lordship desires that his public thanks may he conveyed to those offi- cers, and on this occasion his Lordship thinks it proper to publish to the army the particular thanks which he had al- ready directed the Commander-in-Chief to convey to Major Allan and Captain Orr, for the essential services rendered by them on the 22nd March last, after the battle of Mallavelly. His Tjordship is also happy to concur in the honourable 1799. THE EARI. OF MORNINGTON. 59.5 testimony borne by tlie Commander-in-Chief to the merits of Captain Turing and of Captain Macleod, and directs tliat his thanks may be conveyed to those meritorious officers. In all ranks and departments of the allied army, his Lord- ship has observed, with sincere pleasure, a general spirit of harmony and concord, which (under the happy auspices of the Commander-in-Chief) has united every heart, head, and hand, in the common cause, signalized each progressive ope- ration of the campaign, with a peculiar character of alacrity and ardour, and crowned its early conclusion with victory, triumph, and renown. By order of the Right Honourable the Governor-General in Council, J. Webbe, Secretary to Government. No. CCX. The Hon. Jonathan Duncan to the Earl of Morning-ton. My Lord, Bombay, 25th May, 1799. In acknowledging the news of your Lordship's glorious successes, I request of your Lordship to accept of my sin- cerest congratulations, as well as of my cordial wishes, that all the future measures of your Lordship's administi'ation may be attended with equal proportionate lustre and advantage to the State. The bigotted Mussulmen here can hardly yet be- lieve that their champion is fallen. To-morrow there is to be a thanksgiving in our church for the Divine blessing on the British armies on the late occasion, of which I hope your Lordship will approve. If your Lordship find leisure, the papers about Malabar may be taken up and decided on by your Lordship before the expiration of the leases in September render it necessary for me to act, and if in view to the late events, or from any other circumstance, your Lordship see any fundamental al- teration necessary in the management of affairs in that quarter, I beg to assure your Lordship that it is my unfeigned desire that no consideration of delicacy or proposed accommodation towards me may for a moment interfere with your Lordship's views for the good of that country, to see which well esta- 596 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO June, blislied, is either the first, or, at least, on<^ of the first wishes of my heart. I have the honour to be, my Lord, Your Lordsliip's most obedient, humble Servant, JoN. Duncan. No. From the Earl of Morning-ton to the Court of Directors. Honourable Sirs, Fort St. George, Gth June, 1/99. I have received intelligence from Seringapatam that Futteh Hyder, eldest son of Tippoo Sultaun, Purneah, the Dewan of the Sultaun, and Meer Cummin-ud-Deen, have sur- rendered themselves to Lieutenant General Harris at Serin- gapatam. The whole of Tippoo Sultaun's sons, thirteen in number, together with all his sirdars of note, are now at Seringapatam. The primary objects of General Harris's attention, after the fall of Seringapatam, were to disband the late Sultaun's army, and to obtain possession of the principal strongholds throughout his dominions. The measures necessary for the first of these objects were accordingly taken through the agency of Pur- neah. The Silledar horse, of their own accord, returned to their lands. Some discussions however took place with regard to the disposal of the Bargeer, or stable-horse, which were at length terminated on the 18th ultimo by the assistance of Pur- neah. The corps, formerly Lally's, has surrendered, and the Europeans, composing it, together with those under Monsieur Chapuy, recently arrived from Mauritius, were secured, and have been sent prisoners of war into the Carnatic. Upon the whole, I have the satisfaction to inform your Honourable Court that the late Sultaun's army is now entirely disbanded. The stable-horses, elephants and camels, belonging to the Circar have been delivered up, and many of the former have been allotted to complete deficient corps of the Company's cavalry, while others, not calculated for that service, have been appropriated to the use of his Highness the Nizam. In the meantime, the necessary measures have been pursued for taking possession of the remaining parts of the Sultaun's 1^^^- THE COURT or DIRECTORS. 5;>7 dominions. On the 13tli ultimo, the army of Bombay, under the command ofLieutenant General Stuart, marched on its re- turn to Malabar by the way of Coorga, with the intention of detaching troops to take possession of the district of Canara. This army arrived at Cannanore on the 22nd ultimo, at which period the rains had not commenced. Circular orders were addressed by Lieutenant-General Harris to the commandants of the principal fortresses in Canara, and supported by si- milar requisitions from the Meer Sudder, or general superin- tendant of garrisons, under the late Sultaun's government, re- quiring the surrender of their respective forts to the British troops, and giving them general assurances of favour and countenance. There is every reason to believe that the forts will be quietly delivered up, in which case troops will be im- mediately detached by Lieutenant General Stuart to occupy them. Similar measures have been adopted to obtain the surrender of the forts in other parts of the late Sultaun's dominions ; and as far as our troops have yet proceeded, with uniform success. The villagers have returned to their occupations in most parts of the country, and the strongest symptoms have ap- peared of a general disposition to submit to the orders of the British Government without opposition or reluctance. I have great satisfaction in informing your Honourable Court that the whole of the late Tippoo Sultaun's records having been fortunately secured ; they are found to contain a series of correspondence between the Sultaun and the French. I have now the honour to transmit to your Honour- able Court a complete copy of the whole series. No conunent upon them can be necessary. The circumstances under whicli they were found, as well as the internal evidence which tliey contain, render their authenticity indisputable.* I am now occupied in framing a general arrangement of the * The whole of these papers (occupying a large volume) were printed at Calcutta, and translated by N. B. Eduionstone, Esq., then filling the high and responsible station of Persian Translator to Government, now a Director of the East India Company, and one of the I)Cbt informed meu on all Oriental subjects, whether of a political or literary nature. Mr. Edmonstone's aid in the preparation of the present work has been freely and generously accorded. 598 THE MARQUIS CORNWALLIS, TO Sept. altairs of Mysore, which I hope to be able to effect in a short space of time, upon principles calculated to promote the in- terests and honour of the Honourable Company, and to secure future tranquillity and safety to our Eastern dominions. I have the honour to be, &c. MORNINGTON. No. CCXII. Major General Baird to the Earl of Morriington. Camp, 23 miles W. of Seringapatam, June 27th, 1/99. My Lord, I am at a loss to express to your Lordship the warm feel- ings of pleasure and gratitude, which I have experienced in the perusal of your Lordship's letter of the 23rd which I had the honor to receive yesterday. Your Lordship's approbation of my conduct on the memorable 4th of May, in the command of those brave troops whose exertions, crowned with signal success the wisely concerted plans of your Lordship, affords me a gratification of the most flattering nature. In compliance with your Lordship's desire, I beg leave to reply that any mark whatever of honor which my Gracious Sovereign, or of favor which the Hon. Court of Directors may please to confer through your Lordship's intercession will be received by me with the utmost gratitude and respect, but to a Soldier I con- sider the order of the Bath the highest, of all military honors. I have the honor to remain, my Lord, with the greatest respect and esteem. Your Lordship's most obedient and humble Servant, D. Baird. No. CCXIIL 77/1" Mur^iiua Cornwallis to the Earl of Morningtnn. Mv OKAR Lord, Pboenix Park, 20th Sept., \im. Captain Tweedale, who brought the first account of your glorious success, landed atGalway, and as he passed through 1799. THE EAHL or morxinciov. 599 Dublin, sent to nie your most welcome letter of the 18tli of May. Exclusive of my public feelings on the great event which it announced, I beg leave to assure you, that none of your friends could more sincerely rejoice, at the well deserved lustre which it must reflect on your administration. You have now, my dear Lord, every thing in your power, supported by the unanimous voice of your grateful country, and you will use that power, with wisdom, energy, and mode- ration. I wish I covild say that things in this island wore as prosperous an aspect, but there remains still too much dis- affection and treason on one side, and too much violence on the other ; on the whole, however, we are better than we have been, and the idea of union proves more popular, and gains ground both in and out of Parliament. I am, with very sincere regard. My dear Lord, most faithfully yours, CORNWALLIS. [The following letters are here inserted as they refer to the transactions related in this volume.] No. cciv. a o X ' V The Right Hon. Henry Dundas to the Eurl of Morning-ton. (Private.) My dear Lord, WhitehaU, l.'^th August, IJ'JS. I have been duly favoured with your Lordship's very im- portant letters from the Cape of Good Hope of the following dates (No. 1) 23rd of February,* (No. 2) 28th of February,! and (No. 3) 7th of March,+ 1798. In my secret letter of the 16th of June last§ I wrote to your Lordship very fully on the subject of the hostile views of Tippoo Sultaun, as they had been stated to us by recent * Seepage 1. t See pagcl/. X This was a brief note, mentioning his Lordship's continued detention at the Cape, owing to the La Firginie rccjuiring so much repair. § See page 348. 600 THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS, TO Nov. despatches from the Cape, and also relative to the armament fitted out from Tovdon, under the command of General Buo- naparte. I at the same time enclosed copy of a proclamation said to have been issued by the Governor of Mauritius,* as well as the latest intelligence relative to the expedition above alluded to, by which it appeared that Egypt and India were the ultimate objects of the great preparations that had been made. Having in that letter fully detailed the measures pro- posed to be adopted at home, and pointed out such as ap- peared to be proper to be carried into execution by your Lordship in India, I shall not at present enter into any fur- ther detail on those subjects, but shall content myself with referring you to the despatches you will receive by this con- veyance, through the Secret Committee, for a detail of the measures adopted by Government for the better security of our Indian possessions. In my letter of the 16th of June I observed that I had, to a certain extent, given your Lordship my opinion upon part of the subjects to which you had called my attention in your despatches from the Cape, and stated my intention of re- serving my sentiments on other matters of detail and of a less pressing nature, for some future conveyance ; this I intended doing by the present opportunity : but as the ships are to be despatched immediately, and of which I was not informed till this morning, it is my intention to answer those letters, as well as any I may receive in the mean time, by the first ships of the ensuing season. I am anxious to hear of your safe arrival in India, and of your having entered upon the very important functions com- mitted to your charge, and in which I most cordially wish you success. I am, my dear Lord, Yours very sincerely, Henry Dundas. * See Introdiietioii. 1'798. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON. GOl No. CCXV. r/ie Right Hon. Henry Dundas to the Earl of Mornington. (Private.) My dear Lord, Whitehall, 27th November, 1798. I have been duly honoured with the receipt of your Lord- ship's letters from Madras, dated the 8th of May,* and ano- ther from Calcutta, dated the 2ord of June last.f I most sincerely congratulate your Lordship on your arri- val at Fort William, and upon your assum})tion of the Go- vernment of that Presidency; and trust you will soon find little or no inconvenience from the climate, though it may appear dreadful at first. By the present overland despatch, I can do little more than advert to the contents of the letters from your Lordship, the receipt of which I have above acknowledged. One point, however, in your letters from Madras affords me the highest satisfaction, I mean where you state the coast army to be in the finest condition, and to be one of the no- blest bodies of men in the world. I trust your Loi'dship will find the Bengal army far more respectable as to order and discipline than has been generally supposed ; Lord Teign- mouth has spoke very favourably to me of it, and especially of the troops in the upper provinces, and has done ample justice to the abilities and exertions of General Craig. His Lordship has left with me the rough draft of the con- fidential letter he wrote to your Lordship, to be delivered to * This was a brief note, mentioning his Lordship's arrival at Madras on the 26th of April, 1798; that the main object of his mission to the Presidency at Fort St. George (relative to the Nabob of Arcot) had not been accomplished; that the army was in the finest possible condition; that General Harris would make a good Commander-in-Chief in Bengal; and that his Lordship would sail for Fort William on the !)th of May. t This is a brief letter, stating the Governor General's arrival at Fort William on the 17th of May; transmitting the Mauritius proclamation, and expressing an opinion that the judicial business ought to be separated from that of the Council. 602 THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS, TO NoV. you on your arrival at Calcutta.* I have not had time as yet to attend to the same, but from the conversations I have had * The following is an extnict of the letter referred to : — From the Governor-General Sir John Shore to the Earl of Morning-ton. My Lord, Calcutta, March Tth, 179S. After an absence of three months and a half, I returned to the Presi- dency from Lucknow on the 2nd instant, and with every inclination to communicate to your Lordship my detailed sentiments on the state of affairs in this country, I must plead the apology of incessant occupation and interruption, for a hurried address, neither conformable to my own wishes nor probably to your expectations. As the transactions in which I have been lately engaged have occupied a large portion of my time and solicitude, I shall tirst briefly speak of them. Upon the sudden death of the late Nabob Vizier, on the 21st of Sep- tember last, we were compelled to admit the succession of his declared son Vizier Ali Khan, in opposition to universal opinion, that he was of spurious origin. For the principles on which this admission was first made, and afterwards confirmed, I refer your Lordship to my public Minutes, which will sufficiently evince the embarrassment and hesitation attending it. The state of affairs at Lucknow soon assumed an appear- ance which threatened the subversion of the influence and interests of the Company there, and compelled me to undertake the arduous task of attempting an arrangement of them at the moment when I was preparing to embark for Europe. I left Calcutta on the 25th of November, and in the progress of my journey to Lucknow, I found grounds of more seri- ous alarm, and every indication of unprovoked hostile opposition. My determination upon it was the result of events which left me without op- tion, and in its progress led to an enquiry, which established, upon the most solid evidence, the spurious birth of the successor to Asoph ud Doulah, and of all his reputed sons, a determined opposition little short of open hostility to the Company, and compelled me to change the line of succession, and establish the Nabob Saadit Ali Khan, the eldest sur- viving son of Sujah ud Doulah, on the Musuud of Oude, as the legiti- mate and rightful successor to the late Nabob. This is a summary account of the most important occurrence of my Administration, the particulars of which are detailed in my public Mi- nutes. In the perusal of them, your Lordship will participate the embar- rassment attending a situation involving the interests, the justice, and reputation of the Company, risk, danger, and great personal responsi- bility, and without precedent or parallel. I have the fullest confidence that your Lordsliip's judgment on the occasion will concur with mine, and 1 most earnestly recommend to you an early declaration of your de- termination, to support the Nabol) ISaadit .Mi KIkui, in conformity to the 1798. THE EARL Ol" MOUNINGTON. GO'3 witli Lord Teigiiniouth, 1 luive no doubt but he has stated bis sentiments in the most friendly and unreserved manner. treaty which I have concluded with him, as essentially necessary to im- part confidence to him, and suppress the intrit(ues and apprehensions incidental in India to a chan<;e in the administration of this country. In the documents referred to, your Lordship will find ample details of my transactions at Lucknow, of the condu(-t and characters of the natives there, and of every circumstance necessary to inform your judgment. But as I consider our connection with Oude as one of the most impor- tant and delicate amongst our political relations in this country, and as no information can supply the advantages of personal ohscrvation, I can- not but recommend to your Lordship the propriety of visiting that coun- try whenever the state of atFairs and season will admit ; and allow me further to suggest to your Lordship that the notification of such an inten- tion to the Nabob Saadit Ali Khan, in your letter to him announcing your accession, may be attended with some advantage. I have communicated, agreeably to usage, to all the native powers with whom we are connected, the information of your Lordship's accession and of my departure, in terms suitable to the occasion, and the rank and character of your Lordship. The power of the British nation in India is most respectable, and their political reputation is most generally respected. It has ever been ray anxious endeavour to promote it, by a steady adherence to every engage- ment, by the sincerity of my public conduct, and by an attention to avoid any interference or measure, which could excite jealousy or dis- gust. The political forbearance of the Company has not failed to make a sensible impression on the Mahrattas, Nizam, and throughout, of which, if time admitted, I coiild mention some striking and important instances, but it is not in the nature of things to be expected that we can ever have all the credit which our conduct deserves, with those who act upon diffe- rent principles, and who limit their forbearance by the extent of their power. Such is the case with every Asiatic Prince, and the actual power of the Company is their only solid security, whilst it is, however, strongly supported by their reputation for political justice and sincerity. The ambition of Scindiah appears unbounded, and in prosecuting the dictates of it, he has equally appealed to treachery and violence ; his power is, in fact, a military usurpation, which, however irresistible at present, may be shaken or subverted by the same treachery and and»ition in those by whose assistance it has been established. The Maliratta chief- tain who commands the army of Scindiah in Hindostan, And)ajee, is not without apprehensions of his master, and he made some indirect over- tures to me for an eventual union with the Company, against the ap- prehended violence of his master. The Rajah of Bcrar submits to the usurpations of Scindiah, from inability to resist them only, and the num- bers of Rlahratta chieftains who have been degraded or ill treated by him, would, probably, avail themselves of any fair opi)ortunity for gratifying 604 THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS, TO DeC. I have carefully perused your orders to Madras and Bombay received from the latter Presidency, in consequence of the proclamation issued at the Mauritius ; and it is a pleasing cir- cumstance to find that, at the exact period we were framing our orders here on that subject, you were anticipating them by the orders issued by your Government. As your Lordship must before now be in possession of the orders of the Secret Committee of June last,* I shall not here add any thing farther. their resentment, or to re-establish themselves. It will require uncom- mon abilities in Scindiah to render his present power solid and perma- nent, and any serious misfortune to him would probal)ly l)e succeeded l)y convulsions which miglit shake his power in Hindostan to its foundation. The Rajahs of Jeypore and Joudpore, and many others, would probably seize the opportunity of shakini^ otT the Mahratta yoke ; and if Scindiah should ever provoke a contest with the (^'ompany, much advantage, I am convinced, miji;ht l)e obtained from their assistance. The power of the Nizam, as well as his health, is rapidly on the de- cline, and his Minister, Azim ul Omrah, has long pressed a closer union with the Company. Although I foresee great embarrassments, and the possibility of serious evils from the suI)version of the power of the Nizam, I see still greater in an union which would impose upon us the prevention of it. This is the result of much deliberation on this important subject. Tippoo will certainly avail himself of any fair opportunity to re-esta- blish the power and reputation which he lost in his former contest with us. ^Yhether Zemaun Shah will ever invade Hindostan is a matter of doubt- ful speculation, although I give him credit for the determination. If we were assured of no hostile intentions on his part towards us or our allies, the event might, perhaps, operate to the advantage of our interests, by diminishing or destroying the Mahratta influence in Hindostan, under the uncertainty attending his designs, and the possible danger arising from his approach towards the frontiers of Oude, the question of a defensive union with the Mahrattas occurred. Without pretending to decide upon it, I am more inclined to rely upon our own strength, than enter into any union with the Mahrattas to oppose Zemaun Shah, which might carry our arms beyond the dominions of the Nabob Vizier. I cannot conclude without expressing my sincerest satisfaction at your Lordship's appointment, my most cordial wishes for the prosperity of your administration, and my personal respect and esteem for your Lord- ship's character. I have the honour to be, my Lord, Your Lordship's most ol)edient, humble Servant, J. Shore. • Thov were received bv the (Jovornor General on the IHth of October, 1798. THE EARL OF MOUNINGTON. ()05 I shall anxiously expect the details your Lordship has pro- mised relative to Arcot and Tanjore, the finances of* the Company, and the general politics of India. On the latter subject I intended to have written to your Lordsliip by an early opportunity, but shall defer it till I am favoured with your promised detail; and, indeed, by tiie pleasing chanfe that has taken place in public affairs, by the glorious victory of Admiral Nelson, as well as from the uncertainty of the designs of Tippoo ; it is not at this present moment necessary to enter particularly on the subject. I am confident your Lordship is feelingly alive as to the necessity of vigilantly watching of and guarding against the designs both of Tippoo and the French, as well as the other powers of Lidia, who may be inimical to the interest of the British nation in India. I am happy your Lordship is pleased with the appointment of Lord Clive to the Government of Madras ; I trust he w-ill do honour to our choice ; in this opinion I am much confirmed by what Lord Teignmouth has stated to me, that his Lord- ship constantly grew upon him in the several conversations he had with Lord Clive at the Cape. As your Lordship will receive by this conveyance several letters, which we have directed the Secret Committee to transmit, it will be unneces- sary for me to enter into any detail of their contents. Lady Jane joins me in sincere respects. I have the honour to be, my dear Lord, yours faithfully, Henry Dundas. No. CCXVI. The Right Hon. Henry Dunda.s to the Earl of Morning-ton. (Private.) My Dear Lord, London, 29th December, 1798. I have wrote to you many occasional letters since the one I wrote to you in the month of June last ; but few of them were sent, because from the total want of information for a long time, of what was passing in Egypt and the Levant, and afterwards from the rapid change which was produced m those quarters by Nelson's splendid victory, I was literally GOG THE RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS, TO NoV. not in a situation to give to you any new idea beyond what I have detailed in my letter in the month of June ; I have contented myself at present with barely alluding to Nelson's victory, and the state of affairs in the Mediterranean and Egypt, because I know from the steps that have been taken to convey information of those transactions directly to India, your Lordship and the Government in India are informed of them as soon as we are here. I have felt myself perfectly at ease with regard to what was going on in India amidst the arduous points on which I had every reason to believe you would be called upon to act, because from your own letters, particularly the one recently received of date Gth July, com- pared with what I had wrote to you in the month of June, when the scene first opened, I had the satisfaction to perceive that our ideas were so much in unison as to leave me no room to doubt that your conduct would be precisely what I could wish. I know not yet whether anything decisive has happened to Buonaparte and his army in Egypt, if there has you have heard it long before you can receive this. Our last authentic accounts were that he and his army were labouring under every species of difficulty, and recent re- ports, not however sufficiently authenticated have reached us, that he himself had been murdered at Cairo, and the remains of his army of course put into great dismay and con- fusion. This is all that at present I am in a situation to state to you with any authenticity, at the same time from every collateral circumstance entertaining the most sanguine hopes that he and his whole army must go to destruction. This feeling, however, has not and shall not relax my in- tention to give to you in India every aid of men and money that I possibly can, keeping always in view that you are or may be involved in hostilities and consequently in expense. If no French assistance arrives, which is not likely to arrive, I take it for granted that you will be enabled to shape your conduct with regard to Tippoo exactly as circumstances may dictate to your own judgment and discretion. The pressure of other business and the uncertainty whe- ther this letter may go to you by sea or overland, in the first instance, prevent me at this moment writing to you more at lenerated with you in the great cause in which we are all engaged, inspire me with a confident expectation, that I shall find in your sentiments a degree of cordiality, and ardour correspondent with my own. The army at large have received in the captured property, taken at Seringapatam, a reward in some degree proportioned to their merits, and it is rather the Province of the Com- mander in Chief than mine to appreciate and recommend to notice the conduct of the officers of inferior rank to tliat of Generals on the Staff. I shall therefore confine my recom- mendations to that rank, I have already had repeated occasion to express to you my feelings of public, and private, gratitude towards Lieut.- General Harris as well as to explain the strong grounds on which both those sentiments are founded in my mind.* The share which General Harris has received, of the prize taken at Seringapatam has placed his fortune above the want of any public aid ;f otherwise I have no doubt that the magnitude * Upon the discussion in Council at Fori St George (3Ist July, 179S), relative to furnishing pecuniary funds for the detachment of the army or- dered by the Governor General to be sent to Hyderabad, General Harris, then acting Governor, offered to be responsible in his private funds for the sum required to put the troops in motion (see p 156). This most generous and patriotic offer completely silenced all opposition ; and orders were immediately issued for the advance of the troops to Hyderabad. t The following is General Harris's letter to the Governor (Jeneral on this subject. My dear Loru, Camp, I'Zth June, 17!W- Your favour of the 23rd reached me yesterday evening, and be assured made me very happy, as I can so readily fall in with your Lordship's flat- tering wish, that I should repose my whole confidence in your favourable disposition towards me. Your kindness and pleasant manner with me, has put every gloomy idea to flight, and already most of them are even forgot. However, my dear Lord, you are far exceeding my humble wishes, and I really think those of Mrs. Harris, or rather you would do so if you preferred the request to his Majesty— to grant to me the dignity of a baron of Great Britain. I am highly sensible of your Lordship's friendship, and any mark of his Majesty's favour would always be received by me with respect, but as 618 THE EARL OF MOKNINGTON, TO JuilO, of his services would have insured to him a hbeial aiul muni- jflcent provision from the East India Company. I certainly do not wish these hig-h honours, so, I should be truly sorry you should lay yourself under obligations for what, to say the truth, would annoy me exceedingly. Indeed, my dear Lord, you could not have puz- zled me more — supposing I was solicitous to succeed — than by the ques- tion, what title I would chuse to take ? An humble clergyman's son, thrown very early in life into the array, entirely a soldier of fortune, with scarcely any assistance save his own exertions, is little likely to have any hereditary place he would chuse to commemorate; and in my instance the 5th regiment was near six and twenty years my constant home. Your Lordship's wise policy and extraordinary exertions have thrown me into affluence equal to my most sanguine wishes, but what is affluence to my military rank, would be very moderate to support the honours you propose, and no doubt as I am above the want of a pension, so I think it most likely I shall keep clear of soliciting our honourable employers on that head, unless you should persist in forcing these honours on me ; so take care. In respect of George and the colours, be so good, my dear Lord, to use your own good pleasure ; for my part, I have no doubt they would be very safe by the Cormi'allis, as I understand she is a most ex- cellent sailer ; and it would certainly be an object to have George in such good company as Beatson and Allan. I am rejoiced to hear your Lord- ship's determination of not leaving the coast before September, as that will siirely give me the opportunity of a few days at least in your society, and which Mrs. Harris will inform you I much wish for, and I may add, even under the threat of the triumphal entertainment, which your Lord- ship is perfectly right in suspecting, as I perceive you do, I am not very ambitious of receiving. Years are creeping' fast upon me, and I feel the the desire of retirement, which has always been my wish, growing daily stronger. Under these circumstances, the vanities of the world weigh but little. Indeed, the utmost I feel, is to close this campaign with sa- tisfaction to your Lordship, and then those are welcome to the honours who are anxious for them. J\iy Sovereign, I should hope, will receive me with some attention whenever I may get home, as having all my life endeavoured faithfully to do my duty by him, my country, and those who have employed me. I wish your Lordship may not think me too prolix, but aware of the difficulty of avoiding honours, without being suspected of more vanity than if I sought them, I have entered into a detail of my own concerns, which I could only submit to the eye of friendship. Thus, ray dear Lord, it will please me most to let the matter take its chance, giving me such credit as you think me deserving of, for believe me in this respect 1 am very ambitious. No one can set a higher value on your commendations than. My dear Lord, your very faithful and obliged friend and servant, (lEORfiK Hahris. 1799. THE RIGHT HON. IIKNIIV DUNDAS. 619 Under Lieut.-General Hanis's actual circumstances I should liope that His Majesty might deem it proper to con- fer a distinguished mark of lionor, upon that deserving officer; and impressed as I am witli the importance of the conquest achieved under Lieut-General Harris's command, I trust that His Majesty, will confer no honors on General Harris below those of the order of the Bath, and of a Peerage of Great Britain. It is my duty to state to you that any honors inferior to these would not meet the public opinion entertained in India, with respect to the importance of the late victories, nor satisfy that sentiment of honorable pride which they have diffused through every branch of the civil and military service in this country. I must therefore make it my most anxious and earnest request to you that you will omit no endeavour to obtain for Lieut.-General Harris, the honors which he has so well merited. Lieut.-General Stuart Commander- in-Chief of the army of the Bombay, has long been distin- guished for the ability and eminence of his services in India. During the late War he has added considerably to his former laurels, and the victory obtained by the troops, under his command at Sedasere, must ever be remembered as one of the most brilliant events, in our military history in India. His health is now declining, and he proposes to return to Europe in the approaching season. His circumstances, even with the addition of his prize money, will be moderate ; and cer- tainly no military character in this quarter of the Globe, whether considered on the ground of long service, eminent success, or approved integrity, ever was a more proper object for the munificence of the Eastlndia Company. I also trust that the splendid and important victory of Sedasere will recom- mend Lieut.-General Stuart to His Majesty for the order of the Bath. It is impossible to bestow too much commendation on the conduct of Major-General Baird in the assault of Seringapatam. A more judicious operation conducted with more heroic gallantry and spirit never was achieved, and when you recollect the decisive consequences of the success of that day, effecting within the course of two hours the entire destruction of our most formidable enemy in India, I am persuaded you will concur with me, in an anxious solicitude to see the gallant leader of the assailants of Tippoo Sultaun's capital rewarded in a manner suitable to his exertions, and to (i20 THE EARL OF MORNINGTON, TO -luUC, their beneficial effect. I have made it my particular business to enquire into Major-General Bairds circumstances : and I have ascertained that they are by no means affluent : It would therefore be a peculiar satisfaction to nie if the East India Company should exercise their known liberality in his case. When it is remembered, that in the course of active and arduous service during the former war he fill into the hands of Tippoo Sultaun and suffered a long and cruel imprisonment in the dungeons of that Fortress, which on the 4th of May 1799, submitted to his irresistible valour and skill, I am per- suaded thtit his claim to public reward and honor will be deemed peculiarly interesting, and powerful. 1 should also hope that his extraordinary merits on the 4th of May would induce His Majesty to consider him as a proper object for the order of the Bath, I enclose a letter from Major General Baird, which reflects the highest credit on his sentiments of honor and public spirit.* The commander in Chief has made a very favorable report to me of the conduct of Major General Floyd who commanded the cavalry during the war, I understand that General Floyd proposes to return soon to Europe, and that his principal object is to obtain a regiment. f The commander in Chief has also made a very favorable report to me of the conduct of Major-Generals Bridges and Popham, of the Company's Ser- vice, during the Campaign. And I have already had occasion, in my letters to the Court of Directors, to applaud the services of Major- General Hartley, on the Coast of Malabar. * Seep 598. f A letter from General Floyd to the (Governor General, dated Banga- lore, the 26tli August, 179!^ contains the following passage on this suhject. " My Lord, When you did me the honour to give me your thanks for my i)oor ser- vices in the late war, and to offer me the very material assistance of your influence in my personal pursuits, whether of honours or of other advan- tages, I mentioned to your Lordship how much I should l)e gratified should His Majesty honour me with the command of a regiment of cavalry. I am sensible my military situations must be determined by opinions al- ready formed of me during a practice of several years. I am always ready and happy to receive your Lordship's command, and I have the honour to l»c, with the greatest respect. My Lord, your most obedient animously agreed to at a public meetinc.-, convened by the sheriff (IMr. Ewer), and si^Mied by all the European gentlemeir of the Presidency. There were also addresses from other parts of India, and from the Hindoo (gentry, and .)ther native inhabitants, all breathing- a spirit of loyalty to the British Government, and gratitude for the result of the Governor General's exertions. 628 ADDRESSES, Sept Tippoo Sultaun, beg leave to present our sincere congratu- lations on the splendid events which have crowned your Lord- ship's measures with such rapid and complete success. The fall of Tippoo Sultaun and his capital, the capture of his sons, the submission of his chiefs, and annihilation of his power., must secure to the Company's possessions the bless- ings of internal tranquillity ; increase, beyond calculation, the resources, strength and stability of the British empire in the East ; and, while they reflect the highest honour on the Ge- neral and the army by whose brilliant victories your Lord- ship's objects have been accomplished, must transmit your Lordship's name with distinguished lustre to posterity. The restoration of the injured race of Princes, whose do- minions their rebellious subject Hyder Ali had usurped, and whose immediate descendant your Lordship has raised from a prison to a throne ; the liberal provision your Lordship has bestowed on the family and chiefs of our implacable and cruel enemy, the late Sultaun of Mysore; and the partition of the conquered countries,* demand our warmest applause; and cannot but increase the confidence of the native powers, in the justice and clemency of the British nation. To your Lordship's vigilance, energy and wisdom. Great Britain is indebted for all these great events ; which, com- bined with the invaluable result of your Lordship's previous negotiations at the Court of Hyderabad, have not only re- lieved the British possessions and those of their allies from the constant apprehension of invasion by a restless and am- bitious Prince, whom no moderation could appease, but must also extinguish every hope our inveterate enemies of France so anxiously cherished, of involving these happy countries in the calamities and horrors which they have spread over so many other regions of the globe ; and will, we trust, under Divine Providence, essentially contribute to tlie final deliver- ance of Europe, from the chains which they have imposed, and to the ultimate object of every just and necessary war, a lasting, safe, and honourable peace. We beg leave to offer our most respectfvd congratulations to your Lordship on your safe return to the chief scat of Ciovernmcnt; where we earnestly liope you will long continue * This* refers to the settlement of tlie Mysore territory, wliich will be detailed in tlie subsequent volume. 1799. AND RKPLIES. TJOf) to preside, and add to tliose great and numerous claims on the public gratitude, which, by such important and distin- guished services, your Lordship already has acquired. We have the honour to be, with the highest respect, my Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, humble Servants, Replt/ of the Right Honourable the Governor General to an Address pre- sented to his Lordship by the British Inhabitants of Calcutta on the 2\st of September, 1/99. Gentlemen, I receive this distinguished mark of your regard with sen- timents of satisfaction and gratitude, proportioned to my ex- perience of your approved loyalty and public spirit, and of your just sense of the interests and honour of the British empire in India. The prosperous termination of the late campaign in Mysore is a proper subject of public congratulation. The British arms have seldom achieved a conquest of greater lustre or value, and never were employed in a cause of more urgent necessity, or of more manifest justice. The progress of our success has revealed additional justifications of our original appeal to the sword ; and the final triumph of our arms has been enhanced by the satisfactory reflection, that the war, which terminated in the destruction of our enemy, originated in his implacable hatred, flagrant treachery, and unprovoked aggression. Under the blessing of Providence, favouring the justice of our cause, the rapid and uninterrupted course of our victo- ries is to be ascribed to the admirable valour, skill, and dis- cipline of the gallant oflicers and troops employed in Mysore; to the predominant influence of the British character in India; and to the intrinsic vigour of our extensive resources and established power. It was my duty to make a seasonable use of these eminent advantages ; and in the unanimity of our counsels ; in the zeal, talents, and happy subordination of every branch of the civil and military service throughout the British possessions, I found the principles of that spirit of alacrity and ardour. 680 ADDRESSES, Sept . which accelerated the equipment of the army, and secured the early success of the war. My thanks have already been offered to the governments and inhabitants of the Presidencies of Fort St. George and Bombay, for the distinguished part which they have borne respectively in the late arduous crisis of affairs. I am happy to avail myself of this public occasion to de- clare, that, from this Presidency I received the most effectual and timely aid, to an extent, which fully justified my confi- dent expectations of cordial cooperation from the respectable hands, which, during my absence, administered the Govern- ment of Bengal. In reviewing the more immediate causes of our success, I cannot repress a tribute of gratitude to him who laid the foundations of that strength which it has been my lot to call into action. The name of the Marquis Cornwallis is inse- parably connected wich the fame and power of Great Britain in this quarter of the globe ; and will continue to be an ob- ject of affection and reverence as long as wisdom, fortitude, and integrity shall be respected, or any sense retained of jus- tice, clemency, benevolence, public faith, or military glory. The final conquest of Mysore recalls the memory of that glorious war, in which the first shock was given to the hostile power of Tippoo Sultaun : it must never be forgotten, that, under the auspices of the Marquis Cornwallis in that war, the supply and movement of our armies in Mysore were first reduced to a system of regularity and order ; and our officers acquired that experience and skill so conspicuous in the able and masterly operations of the late campaign.* Under the * The following letter was written by the Marquis Cornwallis to the Earl of Mornington, on receiving the intelligence of the Governor-Ge- neral's reply to the Calcutta Address. Dublin Castle, March 2nd, 1800. My dear Lord, Your answer to the Address of the inhabitants of Calcutta, on your re- turn to Bengal, was gratifying to me in proportion to my esteem for the person who honoured my services with such flattering approbation. If I am to derive any credit from posterity for my endeavours to esta- blish order, honesty and dignity in the Government of our Indian empire, it is to you, my dear Lord, that my fame will be indebted ; for unless you 1799. AND REPLIES. 631 same auspices, the uhole system of our defensive alliances in the peninsula of India was founded ; and the national faitli was maintained in a degree of purity and lustre, which in- spired a general confidence in the British Government, and disposed the native powers to strengthen and cement their connection with the Company on the sohd basis of reciprocal interest and mutual security. This favourable disposition was confirmed by the prudence, integrity, and honour of my immediate predecessor (Sir John Shore); and in the impor- tant negotiations, which it has been my duty to conduct, I have derived considerable assistance from the advantageous impressions of the British character, which I found deeply fixed in the minds of our allies. Possessed of such powerful means, I have been enabled not only to prosecute the war with success, but to conclude the partition of our conquests on principles of moderation and equity, conformable to the laws, the honour, and policy of the had gone to Bengal, the transient fruits of my labour would soon have been done away and totally forgotten. Your correspondents in England will probably tell you that every thing is going on well in Ireland, and that the union will be carried with ease; but believe ine the task will turn out more dithcult than they imagine, and although I trust that we shall ultimately succeed, it will be after a long and violent contest. The leaders of opposition are able, and their followers are animated with that zeal which vanity, prejudice, and self- interest naturally inspire ; and since Mr. Grattan has come forward, their cause is espoused in distant parts of the kingdom by the lower class, who looked on with indilierence as long as faction was untainted with disloyalty. We have a majority of between forty and fifty, scarcely any of whom will, I believe, desert from us, but they are in general cold and languid friends, and it is very difficult to procure such an attendance, as the importance of the case, and the activity and unfair dealing of the enemy, render ne- cessary for our daily security. In the mean time we hear, from credible quarters, that an attack upon us is intended from Brest, which, however difficult the enterprize may appear on the part of the enemy, adds consi- derably to the weight of my occupation. I shall refer you for the affairs of England, and the general politics of Europe, to your better informed friends on the eastern side of St. George's channel, and shall content myself with assuring you that I am, with the most earnest wishes for your health and prosperity, My dear Lord, Most sincerely yours, COUNW.VLLIS. GSQ THE RIGHT HON. HENRY ADDINGTON, TO Oct., British nation, and affording the most rational promise of permanent security to the possessions of the Company, and of general tranquillity to India. To whatever situation the course of future events may call me, the assurances of your personal confidence and esteem must always be highly honourable to my character, and grate- ful to my recollection. While the administration of this arduous Government shall be entrusted to my hands, my earnest endeavours shall be constantly employed to secure and improve our recent acqui- sitions of territory, wealth, and power, and to guard the prosperity and happiness of these opulent and flourishing dominions by such effectual precautions as shall avert the arts and arms of France, and discourage her spirit of enter- prize, or frustrate its ruinous effects. MORNINGTON. No. CCXXIII. From the Right Hon. Henry Addington to the Earl of Mornington. My Lord, Palace-yard, 5th October, 1/99. The reward of public approbation and gratitude has, on no occasion, been more cordially and deservedly bestowed, than by the inclosed resolutions, which I have the honour of transmitting to your Lordship, in obedience to the commands of the House of Commons. Wisdom and vigour in council, and talents and exertions in the field, have eminently characterized the civil and military services in India, during the period of your Lordship's admi- nistration ; and the effects of the measures which have been adopted, are to be found in the overthrow of a restless and perfidious power, in the dissolution of a menacing and formi- dable confederacy, and in the improved security of the Bri- tish possessions in that quarter of the world. Allow me, my Lord, so far to indulge my own feelings, upon this occasion, as to assure your Lordship, and those, who, under your auspices, contribvited to successes so sjilendid and important, that, in the discharge of my official duty, I have never experienced a higher gratification, than in being the channel of afibrding this additional proof, that great and glo- n99. THE EAUL OF .MOKNINOTON. GSS rious services will ever be distinguislied by theai)))lau.sc, ad- miration, and gratitude of the Commons of Great Britain. I have the honour to be, with the utmost respect. My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, and faithful humble servant, Henry Addington. No. CCXXIV. f^ote of Thanks of the House of Commons. Veneris 4«' die Octobris, 1799. Resolved, Nemine Contradicente, That the thanks of this House* be given to the Right Ho- nourable Richard Lord Wellesley, Earl of Mornington, in the kingdom of Ireland, and Governor-General of the British possessions in the East Indies, for the wisdom, decision, and energy, with which he discharged the arduous duties of his station, from the time of his taking upon him the said Govern- ment to the glorious termination of the late war by the cap- ture of Seringapatam ; during which period, by opposing to the perfidy of the late Sultaun of Mysore, an uniform moderation, dignity, and firmness, and by counteracting with equal promptitude and ability, the dangerous intrigues and projects of the French, particularly by destroying their power and influence in the Decan, he prepared the way for the rapid and brilliant operations carried on under his superintendence and direction, the result of which has finally disappointed all the designs of our enemies in that quarter, and has esta- blished, on a basis of permanent security, the tranquilhty and prosperity of the British empire in India. Resolved, Nemine Contradicente, That the thanks of this House be given to the Right Ho- nourable Lord Clive, Governor of the settlement of Fort St. George, for his zealous, cordial and honourable concurrence. A siinilur vote was passed unanimously by the House of Lords, 634 VOTE OF THANKS Oct., in forwarding the wise and dignified views of the Governor- General in Council, by which he has furnished a salutary and memorable example of the advantage of unanimity and con- cord among the persons employed in high stations in the Bri- tish dominions in the East Indies, and has, to the utmost of his power, promoted the success of those measures, from which the most important public benefits have resulted to this country. Resolved, Nemine Contradicente, That the thanks of this House be given to Jonathan Dun- can, Esq., Governor of Bombay, for the zeal and promptitude of his conduct in preparing the army of that Presidency for the field, agreeably to the orders of the Governor-General in Council, whereby the army was enabled materially to contri- bute to the successful and glorious termination of the late war in India. Resolved, Nemine Contradicente, That the thanks of this House be given to Lieut.-General George Harris, for the whole of his able and meritorious con- duct in the command of the forces of his Majesty and of the East India Company, during the late glorious and decisive war with the Sultaun of Mysore ; and particularly for the ability, judgment, and energy, with which he planned and directed the assault of Seringapatam, the success of which brilliant achievement has so highly contributed to the glory of the British name, and to the permanent tranquillity of our possessions in the East. Resolved, Nemine Contradicente, That the thanks of this House be given to Lieut.-General James Stuart, Commander-in-Chief of the Bombay army, which so gloriously co-operated in the success of the late campaign in India, and also to the Major-Generals John Floyd, Thomas Bridges, William Popham, James Hartley, and David Baird, and to the respective officers of the armies employed on that occasion against the enemy, for their distinguished and meritorious services. 1799. OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. 035 Resolved, Nemine Contradicente, That this House dotli higlily approve of, and acknowledge, the services of the non-commissioned ofliceis and private soldiers employed against the enemy, in the glorious ami de- cisive war in the East Indies, and that the same be signified to them by the Commanders of the several corps, who are desired to thank them for their gallant behaviour. Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do transmit the said Resolutions to the Right Honourable the Governor-General; and that his Lord- ship be requested by Mr. Speaker, to signify the same to the Governors, Generals, and other officers, referred to therein. J. LEY, A. D. Dom. Com. Vote of Thanks of the Honournhle East India Company. At a Court of Directors held on Tuesday, the 24th Sep- tember, 1799, the Deputy Chairman, agreeably to an intima- tion given on the 20th instant, moving the Court, it was, on the question being severally put, Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Court be given to the Earl of Mornington, Governor-General, for the able and successful measures which he adopted, whereby the complete annihilation of French influence at the Court of Hyderabad was happily accomplished ; for the ability, firmness, and decision nuuii- fested by his Lordship in his conduct towards the late Tip- poo Sultaun, and for the previous measures which he pur- sued for enabling the army to take the field, whereby it was put in a situation to act with vigor against the enemy, and to effect the speedy conquest of the capital of the Mysore dominions, the happy presage of a lasting peace in India, and the consequent increase of prosperity to the East India Company. Resolved unanimously. That the thanks of this Court be given to the Right Honourable Lord Clive, Governor of Madras, for his zealous co-operation with the l-^arl of Morn- ington in the measures proposed by his Lordship; and parti- cularly in the exertions which he made for eciuipping the 63G VOTE OF THANKS OF THE HON. EAST INDIA COMPANY. Madras army for those operations ^vhicll have redounded so much to its honor and to the interests of this Company. Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Court be given to Jonathan Duncan, Esq., Governor of Bombay, for the zeal and promptitude of his conduct, in preparing the army of that Presidency for the field, whereby it was enabled to take a conspicuous share in the glorious achievement of the late campaign against the jNIysore dominions. Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Court be given to Lieut.-General George Harris, Commander-in-Chief of the King's and Company's forces employed in the siege of Seringa])atam, for the very ;ible and judicious manner in which the attack of that fortress was planned. Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Court be given to the officers of the King's and Company's forces em- ployed in the assault of Seringapatam on the 4th of May, 1799, for the rapidity, animation, and skill, which they mani- fested in the execution of this important service ; and to the non-commissioned officers and privates for the courage and intrepidity of their conduct upon that brilliant occasion. Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Court be given to Lieutenant-General Stuart, for his able conduct in the command of the Bombay army previous to its junction, and to the officers and men of that army, who were engaged in the action of the 6th of March with a chosen body of the troops of Tippoo Sultaun, for their able and spirited conduct upon that occasion. Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Court be given to Lieut. -Gen. Harris, and the officers and men of the King's and Company's forces under his command, for the great and important services rendered to the East India Company throughout the whole of the late glorious campaign, which has terminated to the advantage of the Company and the nation, by affording a well-grounded hope that the peace of India will be secured on a solid and lasting foundation. APPENDIX OF OFFICIAL AND PUBLIC DOCUMENTS. A. Queries proposed by Lord Mormngtonto Major Kirhptitrkh, wUh the Answers of the latter, (referred to in the Governor GeneruVs letters from the Cape of Good Hope, p. 2, Question 1st. — What was the origin of the corps disciplined by European officers now in the service of the Nizam ? Answer. — This corps consisted durinn^ the late war in Mysore (or at so recent a period as 1792) of no more, I think, than one battalion, at most, only of two ; which had been raised not long before the conmiencement of that war by its present chief commander, Raymond, a French adventurer, formerly belonging to the corps of Lally. Du Boigne's, and some other regular bodies of infantry (with field pieces attached) had been formed, an- tecedently to this period both by Mhadajee, Scitideah, and Tuckojee Holcar ; and it was probably in consideration of the important and abun- dantly obvious advantages which the former of these chiefs in particular had derived from such an establishment that first suggested to Azim ul Omra the expediency of a military institution. Raymond's l)attalion served dur- ing the war, principally, I believe, in conjunction with the detachment of the Company's troops furnished, according to treaty, to the Nizam. Question 2nd. — VVhat has been the augmentation of that corps? At what periods of time has that augmentation taken place .' To what causes is it to be attributed ? And is there any ground for believing that either the formation or augmentation of that corps proceeded from any lioslile dis- position towards the British interests ? Answer. — I am not acquainted with the terms or the extent of Azim ul Omra's original agreement with Raymond, but I deem it probable tliat it went to the establishment of more corps than were immediately raised. Be this as it may, tlie peace of Seringapatam had not been long conchided when the minister authorised, and, I believe, afterwards from time to time frequently urged him to complete his corps witli all possii)le expedition to fourteen battalions, or regiments, of a thousand men each. Sucli a large augmentation might in some measure appear expedient on account of the great extension of territory obtained by tlic Court of Ilyderaliad tiirough that peace : but I am disposed to think that it sprung principally from a desire of preparing for that contest with the Mahrattas so long before in contemplation of the minister, and which accordingly fidlowed soon after. I see no reason to suppose that the measure was coimected either imme- diately or remotely, at least in the mind of Azim ul Omra (whatever might 638 APPENDIX. he the case in regard to Ravmond) with any views of a nature hostile to our interests. But ulthoup[h the corps was thus directed to be augmented to 14,000 men, yet Raymond had not been aide to complete it to this estai)lishment when the Nizam took the field against the Mahrattas, Its strength at the affair of Khnrdlah i\ard]y exceeded 11,000 men; hut that he should have been able to increase it even to this amount within so short a period as two years, is a circumstance that no doubt evinces the activity and re- sources of himself and officers to have i)een very considerable. Sometime after the return of the army to Hyderabad from the unfortu- nate expedition just alluded to, a nominal reduction of Raymond's corps took place ,• that is to sav, the acting minister, in a fit either of economy, or of temporary dissatisfaction with its commander, directed the recruiting for it to be discontinued : in consequence of which its remains were com- pressed into 10 l)attalions or regiments of 1,000 men each. In this state it appears to have continued till the return of Azim ul Omra to Hyderabad ; but, according to the latest accounts the minister would seem disposed, if he had not actually agreed, to its l)eing once more augmented to at least its formerly intended establishment of 14,000 men. If he should absolutely have adopted the measure, either he has done so on some particular suggestion of Raymond, or with some sinister view of thereby working upon our jealousy of that Frenchman's growing power. For, if he had really judged an increase of the regular infantrv of the state necessary, his purpose would have been equally well answered by making the requisite augmentation upon the rival corps of Finglass. This too is the step which he ought rather to have taken consistently with his own sponttineous professions on the subject of Raymond to the assistant at Hy- deral)ad immediately upon his return thither from Poonah, when he affected at least if he did not feel, considerable uneasiness at the conduct and dispo.-iitions displayed by that Frenchman in his al)setice, and no less solicitude to circumscribe within very narrow limits, if not altogether an- nihilate his power. Neither the fact, however, upon wliich the present reasoning proceeds (that is to say, the actual augmentation of the corps), nor the still more important one of the annexatitju oi Kummum-mait* the already enormous territorial assignments held by Raymond is sufficiently established to permit of our building any strong conclusions upon one or the other. It may, ne\'ertheless, be allowable to observe in this place, that there will be but too much ground for fearing, should either or both of the points in question turn out to be true that Azim ul Omra must have been moved to proceedings so offensive (as he well knows) to us, and so much at variance with his own recent declarations, by a notion of the possil)ility, not to say jjrobability, of the "French nation," ac- quiring, at no distant period, decided ascendancy in India as well as in Europe. There can i)-; no doubt of the unceasing endeavours of the French party at Hyderabad to instil this notion into every one about tiiat Court; and when it is considered that they have from 10,000 to 12,000 tongues, by means of which thev can diffuse among a peo])le, prone from the highest to the lowest, t(j believe the marvellous and striking, their true, false, or exaggerated accounts of the successes and j/roji'c/.s of their nation, it will not, perhaps, be wondered at that the efforts of the Residencv to expose their misrepresentations, or counteract their views in them, should not always be successful. Question 'Ad — What is the present strength of the corps, the state of its discipline, and the number of European (dhcers ? Of what nation is the Alluded to ill the notes. APPENDIX. C/.V.) majority ofthose officers composed? And wliat are tlie cliaractcrs and prin- ciples of those wlio hear the cliief coininiiiid. Jimrer. — With respect to its present streii^tli tlie answer occurs (as fiir as circumstances enal)le n.e to furnish it with accuracy) in the ptecrdinir reply ; to \vhicli it seems only necessary to add that/hesides a fiidd train of artillery, consistinir of aI)ont .30 pieces, and on tlie whole ])retty well a])pointed ; there is attached to the corps a troop of perhaps (>0 iiiitivc drajjoons (the emhryo of a laroer body of re;rular cavalrv wliicli Raymond manifests a desire of raisiuf,--)- ^Vith the exception of an l:;in-oi)ean'otliccr to each l)attalion or regiment (as it is most commonlv called) and a sort of second to a few of them, all the other Enro])eans, to the number I a))prehen(l of about 50, constituted, at one time, a separate corps. They have lat- terly, however, either been stationed to the artillery, or distrilmted in tlie character of Serjeants among the several re^rinients ; an alteration that I take to be an im|)ortant improvement ia his system. These men consist of various nations ; and amoiig- them there are, 1 am sorry to say, but too many English deserters from the Company's artillery, wiio have been often, but fruitlessly, reclaimed. The parade ap])earance of tlu; corps is, in ge- neral, good; that of Perron's regiment is particularly so. In other respects, however, its discipline would not seem to l»e very strict; which most pro- bably speaks as a powerful inducement with nuiny of the natives of tlie Company's as well as of the Nizam's country, to jirefer the service of Raymond to ours. Whatever may be the cause, it is too certain a fact, I fear, thut this Frenchman has giealer facility in recruiting than our Car- natic officers experience. 1 believe the numl)er of the officers, properly so called, do not at present, or did not lately, exceed 12; and that the whole of these are iTenchmen, with the exception, perhaps, of one or more jacobinized (iermans. He had formerly a Hanoverian of some professional merit in his corps, who had been an ensign in His Majesty's service. 'Ihis man, liowever, was soon dismissed, and afterwards assassinated by a furious Demonah, in the employ of the Chief of the P?ears of age. Perron, who is his second, i^ a native of Alsace, and several years CAO APPENDIX. youug'er than his Chief. He appears to be a far more enterprising and active man than the latter, and to be particularly fond of the military pro- fession. I understand he is an outrajjeous Jacobin ; as some proof of which it may be mentioned that he sent, not lonir since, to his namesake and countryman, the successor of Du Boigne, in the service of Scindeah, a silver tree and cap of liberty ; the acceptance of which, however, is said to have been declined by the latter. Perron, at the head of two regiments, was with Azim ul Omra during the latter part of that minister's stay at Poonah; on which occasion he would, of course, not neglect to cultivate his namesake, or to disseminate his own principles as well as he could among the officers belonging to him. It happens, however, either that Scindeah's Perron is lukewarm in his politics, or that having several Bri- tish subjects in his corps (introduced into it by Du Boigne), one of whom, named Sutherland, commands a brigade of six or seven battalions ; he does not yet consider it safe or prudent to countenance any movements of this nature. Baptiste, who stands next in rank to, is not a less bitter Jacobin than. Perron ; but he is very much his inferior in point of military endowments. What he vvants, however, as a soldier is made up for by a certain gasconad- ing manner that suits very well the genius of the Court he belongs to, by great activity and cunning, and above all, by a large stock of that unprin- cipled sort of addresss so useful in the management of low intrigue, and the conduct of pecuniary transactions with the classes he has usually to deal wilh. He is also eminently and peculiarly serviceable to Raymond as the main link of his correspondence with Pondicherry, Tranquebar, and INlarpilly; and as his agent for enticing French and other deserters, both native and European, and facilitating their escape to Khummum ; where, just at our doors, as may be said, this bustling emissary of seduction, and procurator of all material supplies any way connected with, or depending on the Carnatic, has established his head quarters. I consider both Perron and Baptiste as much abler men, that is, more equal to the purposes of mischief or such purposes as the French Government may be supposed to machinate against us in the Hyderabad question — than Raymond ; and should accord- ingly be sorry to see his command devolve on either of them. I have nothing to add respecting the characters or dispositions of any of the rest of the officers of this corps to what has already been said generally of the whole, — at least not of sufficient interest or certainty to merit attenticm. Question 4th. — In what mode is the corps paid and recruited? Of what nation are the ranks composed ? — Where is it stationed ? What have been its operations? What effects has its existence already produced upon the British interests at the Court of Hyderabad or elsewhere ? And what dangers are to be apprehended to those interests from its continuance ? Jlnnwer. — Till the period of Azim ul Omra's ca[)tivily the corps had al- ways been p;iid either immediately from the treasury at Hyderabad, or by occasional iu)ik/iairs, on the revenue collectors, with the exception only of a permanent assignment, on the revenues of K/nimmum proper, which he had previously obtained as a fun-al)ad ; partly, I helieve, from the adjacent Mahratta districts ; and hut in too great a measure from tiie de- pendencies of the Carnatic, particularly the northern sircars. The majo- rity of the native officers would, more especially, a|)pear to he natives of the latter; and of these a large proportion have been educated in the mi- litary service of the Company. I had taken some measures before my de- parture from Hyderabad for ascerlaining, as well as possible, the names and birth-places of all the men of this corps, l)ut in particular of its native officers, with the view of thereby obtaining some hold, throuirh the me- dium of their families, ou such as might prove to belong to the Company's doniinions. It may be observed in this place that the pay of the coast sepoy in garrison, or cantonment, is less by a rupee (1 believe) tlian that of Raymond's sepoy, whose duty loo is easier. Jf it were raised a rupee, the effect would, probably, soon appear both in the decrease of desertion, and in a greater facility of recruiting than is experienced at present. A proclamation too might be issued, forbidding the natives of our territories, under certain peiialties, from entering into the military service of foreign powers. The station of the corps has varied according to circumstances, Ray- mond seems averse (and several reasons for this may be conceived) to its being divided ; and its usual head-quarters are in the vicinity of Hydera- bad, where he has established a sort of cantonment for it. Its professional services have hitherto been very inconsiderable. I have alrcadv glanced at those performed by what may be called tlie root of it, in conjunction with one detachment last war ; and which principally appi-ared in the siege of Kopul. At Khurdlah (in 1/95) the corps certainly gathered no laurels ; but if it did not acquit itself on that occasion with spirit, the Nizam him- self, as well as his Minister displayed still less. The rebellion of Rucliore, headed by the late Darah Jah's son, was subdued l>y our detachment; for two regiments of Raymond employed on that service, under the command of the Mons. Salnave, mentioned above, had l)nt little share in the business. In the insurrection of the late Jah, it happened fortunately for ilaymond, that the Prince directed his flight to a quarter whither he could not be pur- sued by our troops without the consent of the Mahrattas. Raymond by simply following him to Aurungahad, where the Prince sul)mitted without further struggle, acquired the credit of having crushed a formidable con- spiracy The military actions of neither party in the course of this short contest, were of the' least importance. For the rest^ the services of the corps have l>een much of the nature of those performed elsewhere by Sebundij or Purgunnah troops. The principal effects hitherto produced, or likely hereafter to be pro- duced by this corps upon the British interests, are referable to the cir- cumstance of its being commanded by men belonging to a nation, and very probably devoted to a Government, which we have abundant reasons to believe have nothing so much at heart as the destruction of our power in India. It cannot, I am persuaded be recpiisite to enlarge on the (Uuigers liable to proceed from suchasource ; or to expatiate either on the probable or possible consequences of so constant, intimate, and unrestrained an in- tercourse as must necessarily subsist, in the case before us, between the agents of Jacobinism and under the implacable enemies of Great Britain, and the Court of one of our principal allies— that Court to() never distin- guished for the inviolabdity of its engagements ; and certainly governed less by views of honour, sound policy or justice, than l)y ilie variai>le mo- VOL. I. - '^ 642 APPENDIX. lives of supposed safety, of low prudence, of personal ease, and of im- mediate advantasfe. It is plain that so close and mutual a relation between the Nizam and the notorious rivals of the English, is but too well calcu- lated, in the present conjuncture, to excite doubts in many of the sincerity of his Hio^hness's friendship for us, and toencourag'e a notion of the pro- bability of the French re<^aining their former ascendancy at Hyderabad. Nor is the natural tendency of such a persuasion to promote the purposes and aid the operations of Raymond, by gaining him many useful in- struments and adherents, so little obvious as to need being further in- sisted on. There is, however, one particular danger connected with the point imme- diately under discussion, of such an aspect as to challenge the most serious consideration. What I allude to is the predicament we should be placed in, supposing a war with Tippoo to break out, by the unquestionably hostile dispositions of Raymond and his officers in general, seconded by the enter- prising spirit of some individuals among them, which might in such a case, become more or less transfused into the Commander himself. It is manifest that though this corps constitutes the chief — nay, almost the sole strength of the Nizam's army, we should, notwithstanding, be unable to employ it against the common enemy, except at a risk, to which its total inactivity would be far preferable. But it is likewise obvious that we should not be altogether safe in leaving it behind us ; since upon any sinister accident to our arms, or in the possible (happily no longer probable) event of a French armament appearing at such a crisis in India, the temptation to Raymond and his officers, openly to attempt something against us, might become very powerful. If time permitted, yet it would not perhaps be necessary to pursue this consideration further ; the bare mention of the matter seeming sufficient to suggest the whole train of its consequences. Whether the evil admits of any eligible remedy, short of the radical one of entirely annihi- lating the corps in question, is a point on which ditferent opinions may be entertained. My own, however, is, that under the existing circumstances with respect to us and France — circumstances, too, to the continuance of whichno period can be assigned — itdoesmt. Another prejudicial effect of this corps upon our interests, and which, though not of the same political im- portance as the one just noticed is, iievertheless, of sufficient magnitude to claim attention, has already been touched on, and consists in the induce- ments it holds out to our European and native soldiery on the coast, and in general to those classes of the inhabitants inclined to a military life, to join its standard ; giving birth by this means, to numerous desertions from the Company's army, and rendering it extremely difficult to raise recruits for supplying even the ordinary casualities of the service. This is a mischief that, no doubt, might be corrected in a material degree, as far as regarded Europeans particularly, by suitable arrangements of precaution and vigi- lance ; while, with respect to the natives, some augmentation of the Se- poy's pay, foUowed by such a proclamation as before suggested, would be found a still more effectual remedy. The evil, however, can never, per- haps, be completely removed while we have such a neighbour as Ray- mond. Additional Questions — to be inserted {with their answers) in the proper places among- the original ones. Question 5th. — Have you any reason for believing that Raymond is iii correspondence with the French Government in Europe, or that of the Isle of France — or with Tippoo Sultaun? Answer. — I have no very substantial proof of his being in correspond- AFPKNDIX. 647 enee either with the Government of IVante, or witli that of the Manrilins; though whispers to this effect have reached me from his camp. The strongest circumstance I know of, indicating such an intercourse, is his hav- ing fired a salute about two years ago on occasion, as was at least given out in his party, and reported to me by one of them, of iiis having recently received the commission and uniform of a general olHcer from the French Government in Europe. Considering, indeed, the great activity of that Government — the obvious interest it has in attaching Haymdnd to its cause — and the dispositions of the latter and his officers, nothing certainly can be more reasonable than to suppose such an intercourse subsists be- tween them. The proofs of the existence of a correspondence between Raymond and Tippoo Sultaun will, perhaps, be deemed less vague, when one of these is stated to be the discovery, a few months ago, by the Assistant at Hyderabad, of a secret intercourse between him and the vakeel of the latter (.Medina Saheb) residing at the Nizam's Court. It was conducted through t!\e me- dium of a third person who, it is remarkable, disappeared imuiediately after his name had been confidentially communicated to Azim ul Omrali by Captain Kirkpatrick. It is also a fact sufficiently well established, that the last secret agent deputed by Tippoo to Hyderabad, (namely, Kadir Hilsain Khan) had charge of some letters for Raymond ; but whether tliey were from the Sultaun himself or only from Vigee's (formerly Laliy's) corps in the service of Tippoo, I had not the means of ascertaining. Question 6t/i. — Does Raymond occupy any fortified posts either on the Company's frontier, or elsewhere ? and if he does, what is their strength and garrisons ; and what are the advantages he derives, or disadvantages we suffer, from his possession of them ? Ansii'er. — He occupies two or three small forts in the district o( Maiduck, of which, as has been already mentioned, he is in some sort the renter. They are, however, of but little importance in a military view; and are in a quarter remote from the Carnatic. The only post he holds in our neighbourhood is Kliummum, where liup- //«^^ (otherwise Talihard) has commanded for several years ; and where a regiment of the corps has usually been stationed. The fortifications are not, I believe, considerable, but they have been improved, I understand, by Baptiste. It serves Raymond as a magazine ; the stores he from time to time procures from the Carnatic, being in the first instance deposited here, and forwarded, as occasion requires, to Hyderabad. It is also conven- iently situated for communication with Narpilly (formerly a Frencli post in the Guntoor) where Raymond has a store-house, (ostensibly belonging to the Nizam) in charge of a Frenchman of the name of UEmpreur. This is also the point whence Baptiste's emissaries issue for the purpose of in- veigling deserters, and procuring recruits from the adjacent districts »»f Ongole, Guntoor, b;c. It is likewise the principal link in Raymond's com- munication with Pondicherr;/ ; most of his messengers to and from thence ; all the French fugitives, and many rccruiis obtained in the same quarter, pursuing the route by Kurpal and Khummum. It is presumed that this hasty sketch of the advantages which Raymond derives from the possession of this post, will sufficiently show the detri- ment it is of, and may be to us. Question 7^^.— What measures have been suggested for the purpose of inducing the Nizam to disband this corps, and wiiat have l)eeu the ob- jections to the adoption of any measures suggested for tiiat purpose ? Answer. — I suggested some time in 17^5, in a private correspondence with the Governor-General and Lord Hobart, under sufficient encourage- ment to that end received from the Nizam, through the nieilium of Meer C44 APPENDIX. AUuin, the expediency of iutroduc)iijection that had all along appeared to me (though with him it was only of secondary consideration) to be the most forcible of the whole; and that was the offence it mig-lil possil/lp give to the Malirat- tas. Vet, neither was this an insuperable o!)stacle, since the circumstance of there being several British subjects in the service of the Mahrattas them- selves, would have furnished (if the aft'airs had been conducted as 1 pro- jiosed) a sufticient answer to any dissatisfaction they might have inauifesied on the occasion. But though I cannot detail Lord Hobart's reasoning on the subject, I have not forgotten, that it comprehended all the topics oliviously adverse to .sucii a question considered absolutely ; and that though he did not, in my judgment, demonstrate the inexpediency of the thing, as an insulated measure, yet he abundantly proved its danger, as a general one : of which truth no person indeed could be better satisfied than 1 myself had always been. The Governor-General continuing to deem it extremely desirable to oppose the best check that circumstances might admit of to the growing power of Raymond, (which, indeed, daily became more and more alarming) thought proper to authorise the resident at Poonah to promote, but with due precaution, the introduction into Azim ul Omra's (or rather the Ni- zam's) service, of certain Europeans at thai place, who appeared disposed to engage in it, and to be of a description likely to answer as some sort of counterpoise to that Frenchman. The con eriM'il of llic ciniiiii^tuiu'e, instantly prepured their corps, and sij/nilicd llioir dcteriiiinution, in tlie supposed event, of sup])ortinij the Company's troo])s. I shall close this head with remarkin^S tiiat if a fair trial of the project sno^ested (as above related) in 1795, had been made, I tiiink there is a consideral)le probability that Raymond's would by this time, either have ceased to exist, or, at least, to be an object of the reasonable solicitude which it excites at present. Question Stk. — What measures now appear to you to be the best adapted to the object of inducing the Nizam to disband this corps ? Jnswer. — The pressing importance to tiie British interests in India, of effecting (and with as little further delay, too, as possible) ihe subversion of this party, though a point only incidentally considered in the preced- ing pages, and by no means any where urged with the force of which it is susceptible, may be presumed (as it is, indeed, by the (piestion supposed) to be fully estal)lished. It only remains then to eiKjuire how this desirable object may be best attained. The most attentive examination I have been able to besiow on tlie sub- ject, has suggested to me nothing better than the four following modes of proceeding. 1. — By introducing, with every possible previous attention to their cha- racters and principles, British subjects (or other Europeans, being the subjects of friendly p()wers)into the service of his Highness, with a view in the first instance, to balancing the French corps, and of ultimately, com- pletely suppressing it. 2. — By pointedly and firmly demanding the dismission of the cori)s, and signifying tlie determination of our Government to withdraw itself, in case of refusal, from its existing- engagements with his Highness. 3. — By liolding out suitable inducements to the European and principal native officers, as well as to the European Serjeants of the corps to (|uit it, and retire into the Company's dominions : a measure which, if tolerably successful, would necessarily either bring al)out the entire dissolution of it, or at least, reduce it to a state of comparative insignificance. 4. — By meeting the wishes so often expressed by the Nizam's Govern- ment, for a closer connexion with the Company ; and for such an augmen- tation of the detachment of our troops already allowed his Higlmess by treaty, as should in some measure preclude tlie necessity of retaining Ray- mond's corps I shall consider each of these expedients in order. 1st — Regarding the first of them, however, little remains to be said, the subject being nearly exhausted in the reply to (piery the 7th. — It would, no doubt, under present circumstatices, although a foundation for it is al- ready laid Ijy the establishment of Finglass's corps, be of slow operation. — Besides the inclination of Aziinul Omra to countenance the measure far- ther, is at 1 'ast uncertain. He may possibly imagine that by manifesting a backvvardness in this respect, we may be the more readily induced to 'lo what he would like still better — that is, augment our detachment and take off some of the restrictions under which it has hith«;rto acted. It may la- added, that the Government at home, having thought proper to discourage the measure immediately under consideration, (though on what grounds i^ not known to me) it is the less necessary to enlarge on it at present. 2nd. With the exception of t/ie Peislicitsh, uiiicli, perhaps, no circum- stance short of an open rupture with the Nizam, would warrant our wiili- holding, there seems nothing in the measure suggested in this article that might not be vindicated both to the world at large and to the other mem- ber of the triple alliance (or the Mahratta state), by a variety of forcildo arguments deducible from the absolute impossii)ility of our ever actmg to- ()4<> Al'PEXDIX. gcther, under any critioal state of tilings, with the cunlidenee and concord iiecossiiry to the success of our joint operations, or even with entire safety to ourseivcs, composed as his Highness's principal military force virtually is, and swayed as his councils are, or may be, by the inveterate enemies of our nation. But however defensible, or reconcileable with the spirit of treaties, such a step might be, I very much doubt whether it would at any time, and especially in the present conjuncture, produce the desired etFect. The proud spirit of this court (still proud under its recent humiliations), would revolt at such a capitulation ; and, most probably, hazard much ra- ther than subscribe to it. It would talk, as it has already done, more than once, on occasion of some temperate and distant expostulations on the same head, of its independence ; of its right to employ and favour whom it pleases ; of its reliance on the fidelity and attachment of its French ser- vants ; and of the unreasonableness of our entertaining any distrust of men entirely at the devotion, and the mere creatures, of a friendly power, hav- ing no interests but what are inseparable from ours. But these arguments, plausible as they are, do not constitute the sole, or perhaps principal diffi- culty in the present case. One of the consequences of Raymond's corps (and besides Raymond's corps there is another consisting of from twelve to fifteen hundred sepoys, commanded also by Frenchmen, attached to the Rissalah of Umjid ud Dowlah)*, has been a material reduction of every other description of military force ; insomuch that, excepting the regular infantry of the state, it has few other troops of any estimation. Were it then to comply with the proposed demand, it would be left without suffi- cient means not only of defendhig itself against foreign attack and domes- tic insurrection, but of collecting its revenues ; for it is not to be supposed that our small detachment would be adequate, even if there subsisted no objections to its being applied, to all these purposes. The experiment failing (as I am of opinion it almost necessarily must), and we following up our provisional resolution in that case, the consequence, it is natural to suppose, would very soon be a closer connexion than ever, if that should be practicable, between this court and the French ; and at all events, such an understanding with Tippoo as would hardly fail to give him that ascen- dancy in its councils which he has long been endeavouring (more sedu- lously than artfully, perhaps,) to ac(piire. It may be thought that the abominable tendency of French principles (in whatever view considered,) and the evil consequences which have re- sulted to almost every power that that nation has drawn into its alliance, if properly exposed and illustrated, ought to have the effect of exciting, at the different courts of India such a detestation of the one, and dread of the other, as to render any connexion between them next to impossible. But though these are topics which have not been neglected ; and though they doubtlessly seem well calculated to produce the sort of impressions to be wished for, yet it would be wrong to place any great reliance in considera- tions which unfortunately have not always had the weight they were enti- tled to with European powers better qualified, in general, to appreciate their force (as being more conversant in systematic and prospective poli- tics,) more immediately liable to suffer from a coalition with the new re- public ; and, finally, more interested to oppose its aggrandizement, than any of the princes or states of India can be. It is true, that a French con- nexion would be dangerous even to Tippoo Sultaun ; but remote and spe- culaive danger is often overlooked in favour of immediate, and, perhaps, only apparent, benefit. With regard to the court of Hyderabad in particu- lar, I may venture to say, that its political views hardly ever embrace a very distant period, or any combinations having the permanent advantage of the stale for their object. * The principal Pungah Chief. Al'Pl.NDIX. 043 I have dwelt the h)ii!;cr on the consideration of the expedient suggested in the present article (from the subject of which, however, the whole of the preceding paragraph must be owned to be a digression,) because I appre- hend there may be seme persons capable of imagining our political posi- tion in India, as ascertained at the peace of Seringapatam, to be so com- manding as to enable us to carry a point of this kind with little or no difli- culty. No doubt we were placed by that event, or rather by the political sagacity and military skill which conduced to it, on higher and more re- spectable grounds than vve had ever before occupied in India; but we shall, nevertheless, do well always to bear in mind, that it is an envied eminence we stand on ; and to beware how we forfeit or hazard, by a domineering spirit, what a spirit of moderation so much contributed to our gaining. Before we dismiss the consideration of the measure suggested in this article, it may be proper to notice a modification of which it may be thought susceptible, and which presents itself in a limitation of its operation to the European part of the corps, and an offer of replacing this immediately by British subjects. But though the main obstacle to the measure, namely, that of depriving the state of its principal military force, would by this means be got rid of ; yet it would, at the same time, become liable to much of the objection lying against the first expedient ; from which it would not then materially differ in the chief feature. 3rd. I shall confine myself to oI)serving with regard to the suggestion contained in this article, that although I have little doubt of the general efficacy of the measure, yet its adoption would not seem to be warrantable or pniclent in any other cases than those of an absolute rupture with the Nizam, or of some strong and open act of hostility on the part of Raymond himself. Such cases have, in some degree, been secretly provided for, but not to the extent that would, probably, be requisite. For though a simple pecuniary douceur might answer in some instances, yet in others it might be necessary to hold out something like a permanent provision, if not even employment. 4lh. It has long been a favourite object with the court of Hyderabad to make the defensive engagements, sul)sisting between it and the Company, general instead of particular ; or, in other words, that we should guarantee its possessions against the Mahrattas, as ivell as Tippoo Sultaun. It has also long sought to prevail on us to relax from the strictness of that article of the agreement of 1789 with Lord Cornwallis, conformably to which we have always, not only restrained our detachment from acting against cer- tain polygars, tributary to the Mahrattas as well as to the Nizam, but also carefully prevented it from passing the JMahratta boundaries whenever this has appeared necessary (as owing to the mingled nature of their respective dominions, has sometimes happened,) in order to reacliing the point where its services were required. Such, for instance, was its situation towards the close of the rebellion of Ali Jah, whom it was obliged to decline pursu- ing to Aurungabad, because this could not be done without its occasionally entering the Mahratta territory ; and because the court of Hyderabad either would not apply for, or could not obtain, the consent of the Poonah Government for that purpose. By complying with the wishes of the Nizam's Ministers in these re- spects, and agreeing to such an augmentation of the deta-jhment at present employed with his Highness, as might be judged necessary, there is little doubt but we should obtain our object with regard to Raymond to whatever extent we pleased : to say nothing of other advantages that we might either expressly and previously stipulate for, or subsequently derive from the ascendancy which we should in this case, acquire at the court of Hyder- abad. Perhaps even something short of these compliances might procure us ()I8 appendix:. our main olfjeif. lint as perfect contifleiiee is m.t likelv to siilisist tor any lontr time tosjeth-r lietvveeri tlie courts ot" Hvdenihad and Poonah, and as appreliensions of future encroaclunents l)y the latter will ever continue, most prohahly, to l)e entertained livthe former, wlio, on this account, will always deem it necessary to be prtpired for such a continiiencv, it maybe presumed that it will scarcely consent to part with Raymond's corps, with- out our undertakintr, in some shape or other, if not bv express defensive eno-agements, to secure it against tliat danger. It would i)e to no purpose, as to this particular, that we replaced that corps by an adequate l)ody of our own troops, if those troops, in case of an invasion of his Hiojhness's territories by the Mahrattas, should not be at liberty to assist in repelling it ; which, however, is tlie predicament that (uir detachment stood in dur- ing the late contest l)etween there two powers. There is, probaldy, one point at least that Azini ul Omra would consi- der as an iudispensal)le condition in such an arrangement as we are now contemplating, though he were even to wave insisting on a generalde'ensive alliance against the INlalirattas ; and that is a positive engagement to sujiport the succession as it misht be settled by the nomination of the Nizam (or, in other words, by himself,) against all opponents whatsoever. Now such an engagement might happen to place us in opposition to the Mahrattas, who, upon the Nizam's death, might l)e disposed to favour some other Pre- tender to the .Mnsnud; and, persisting to maintain his cause, make it ex- tremely difficult, if not impossible, for us to avoid a war with them. Here is an impediment that deserves to be well considered, and weighed against the advantages of the measure immediately in question. In regard to the restrictions under which our detachment has hitherto served, I am of opinion that without their being removed, no body of troops that we might supply to replace Raymond's corps would compensate, to the Nizam for its loss, since while they continue, they must operate, as hitherto, to deprive him of its services in cases, perhaps, of the first im- portance in his estimation. Besides, though these restrictions were pro- perly enough establisiK d I>y us, yet they are considered, and not entirely without reason, as great hardships by the court of Hyderal)ad, l)etween which and the wovernment of Poonah there subsists a sort of tacit con- vention, w'lereby the forces of his Highness have not only occasionally passed tlirouffh the other's terriories, but even acted against the Polygars tributary to I)')th states (as those of Sliorepoor and Gurtwaul,) without any visible ol)jection on tlie part of the Mahrattas. We certaiidy could not now relax from the rigidness of our practice in these particulars without giving offence, and furnishing a just ground of complaint, to the Guvern- ment of Poonah ; l)ut,"on the other hand the peculiar nature of the case would appear to warrant a hope that the difficulty might be surmounted by means of a suitalde representation to the court of Poonah, made in con- cert with that of Hyderabad. But however practicable it should l)e to obtain the acquiescence of the Mahrattas iu these points, or with whatever indifference they might vievv even our determinaiion to interfere in the settlement of the .succession ro the Musnud of Hyderabad, it can scarcely be doubted that such an exten- sion of our defensive engagenients wiihthe Nizam, and such an a'lgmenta- tion of our detachment serving with him as al)r)ve spoken of, would excite in tliein consideral)le ji-ahtusy and alarm. The consequences to which sentiments of this kinl might lead are not difficult to conceive; and thougli they aie not, perhaps, inevitable, yet in measuring tiu; advantages against the disadvantagrs of the p-oceeding un. 13 >> >. ^ rn bfj Regulb Cavalr a o G O Field Piece Batteri Guns Total 2,000 1,200 48,000 8,000 2,000 8,000 8,000, 144 36 About 500 have been lately entertained and though admitted on the strength, have not yet joined this corps, as both men and horses are yet training ; .300 of the horses were brought from Poonah, and 200 by ships to Mangalore. N. B. There are besides these many local corps of peons that are not included. N. B. Though no corps of Golendanzes, or gunners, are stated in the above, they are supposed attached as well as gun lascars. N. B. Independent of the horse abovementioned, there are about 800 Beyd or Looties, who follow the army, and whose occupation is plunder. The establishment has never been completed ; its pre;^ent strength, from the best information I have may be reckoned as follows : — Regular horse, 6,000; Irregular horse, 7,000; 'Regular infantry, 30,000. Guards, viz. Ahmasy and Assadulah, 4,000; pikemen, 1,500; pioneers, 6,000 ; Carnatic peons, 8,000. Abstract of real Strength. f^'3 fc/. o ^ 6 3 in "3 - tn' 2 6 1 1 c o 2 a o Total 6,000 7,000 30,000 4,000 15,000 8,000 6,000 N. B. I have not yet included battering guns, field pieces, or rockets, imagining he has at all times as many of tliese as he can transport, and also as many elephants, camels, and draught and carriage cattle as he ever can require ; he has with his aimy 100 mules, which are rei»ortcd to be for his guns. APPENDIX. (i'yli Tippoo's Enrnpmn or Fvrm-h Force, ax If ;., n,//,-,/, mnaislx as r<>!lo,rs : — Lally's Party Lately arrived from the Mauritius Total . ' « o (A o cj a u o -Cas affri m i:=0 o •^ a W 3 4 40 :<50 6 50 100 10 !)() 450 Pdij and the Mode of Pajpnent. The mode of payment of the army differs as much as the troops do of which it is composed. The Askars or stable horse receive a monthly net* pay of twelve rupees. The horses are the property of the Circar, at whose expense the men are clothed and armed. The horses of the irregular cavalry belonsj either to the Commander or the horsemen, and the Circar pay a recfular monthly sum for each ; 40 rps. a Hindoo horseman, and 45 to a Mahomedaii. If a horse helonniuj,'- to the irreg-ular cavalry is killed on service, the Circar to pay a stated price, and half of all plunder is considered as the Circar rigdit. ' The Sultaun has lately ordered that the Jimmidars of the irregular horse should have lands (./ff/fl^co'*^ assigned them for payment in lieu of receiving cash from the Treasury. The regular infantry are divided into three classes, which receive a net pay as follows: — Istf class, 10 rupees per month; 2nd ditto Hi ditto ; lird ditto, 7 ditto. The Assoudullha and Ahmedu or guards, formerly received 5 rupees per month; and were victualled by tlie (Jircar, but I am informed they now provide themselves and receive monthly 15 rupees. The pikemen per month, 10 rupees ; the Carnatic peons, 5 ditto ; the pioneers, 8 ditto ; golandanzes, 10 ditto; gun lascars, / ditto. * I stile it net pay, because all the troops have a nominal pay, exceeding consi- derably what they actually receive, a circumstance which arises from the ditrerence of exchange in the Circar payments, and in the Bazaar. t All these three classes meet in one kutcherrie, of which they compose dilfcrent bessallahs. — Between the two first, the ditl'erence of pay is made on account of the difference of size and appearance; they do similar duties. The third class are subordinates, put on all duties of fatigue, and into garrison, but never hardly brought into action. C54 APPENDIX. Lally's party are paid by contract. The Sultaiiii allows the Commandant, for each European horseman, 90 rupees per month; for each European foot soldier, 30 ditto ; for Caflfries and half-cast, 20 ditto ; for native Se- poys, 16 ditto; for a gun, 500 ditto ; for an elephant, 12 pagodas ; for his own pay as Commandant, 2000 rupees. From this allowance, the Commandant is obliged to pay whatever officers he may have in his party, as also to purchase and feed horses for his ca- valry, and to find bullocks for his gun and to cloth and arm his party. N. B. — The troops do not receive their pay regularly, but are seldom more than four months in arrears. The Government benefits considerably by keeping the troops in arrears from an institution of the Sultaun's, of a bank called Malek Toujar* which is kept in camp by the servants of the Circar ; here cash is lent at high in- terest to the troops for orders on their arrears, by which interest and a double management of the exchange, a soldier is generally defrauded near one-sixth of his pay. The pay of the regular army is the same in the field and garrison, but their constitution supposes them always encamped. Discipline. — With regard to discipline, the chief attention of the Sultauu seems still directed to his \infantry. The regular cavalry exercise in body. They march regularly in file — form in line and charge. The irregular horse have no discipline whatever. The infantry are said to be much im- proved since last war. The golandanzes or artillery, are also kept in con- stant practice. The whole of his army is kept in a state of activity — movements are perpetual — and no kutcherrie or cushoon is ever allowed to remain more than two years and seldom so long in any station. The regular army are almost always in the field, except during the mon- soon, when it is cantoned, but seldom any part of it is put in garrison, ex- cept the guards, who do duty in Seringapatam. Principal Officers and Estimation. — The Sultauu employs his officers in a civil and military line, as the occasion demands, but I shall in this place only mention those who may be deemed his chief military Commanders. The first is INIeer Cummur u Deen, an officer of acknowledged bravery and ability — he is idolized by the army, and, therefore, an object of jea- lousy to the Sultaun, who is, however, sensible of his superior merit, and always employs him in cases of emergency. Reza Saheb, commonly called the Banky Nabob, a relation of the Sul- taun's, and in high estimation. He has the character of being a brave officer, but is acknowledged impetuous and headstrong. He is about thirty years of age. Mahomed Reza, son of Waken Khan, Nabob of Savenore — an officer of merit, and in favour with the Sultaun. Syd Ghoffisr, formerly Commandant in the Nabob's service at Tanjore — about 54 years of age — a man of great experience and bravery, in favour with the Sultaun. Meer Mohin u Deen, better known by the name of Syd Saheb — a miser and a coward, but an able manager, in which line he has been lately em- ployed, though he still holds high niijitury command. Hepossesses the con- fidence of the Sultaun who is married to his daughter.f Foker u Deen and Meer Nazur Ali, are also Chiefs of estimation. There is one of those Circar shops or Malek Toujar'x with every detachment, f Who (lied about twelve days ago. APPENDIX. 6.55 Garrisons — their State. — The Sultaun 1ms expended great sums in im- provements, or rather additions to the works of Serinj^apatam, on which he has been employed ever since the conclusion of the peace in 1792. I cannot form any distinct idea of the nature of the works he is constructinaf — from what I have hitherto heard, one account says, he is carrying two walls round the fort, each of which is of much more strength and so- lidity than the old one, which is destroyed as the new work advances, but of which not one half is pet finished. Another states he is also occupied in cutting a broad deep ditch across the island, from the Deriah Daulet Bagh to the south branch of the river. There is to be a drawbridge over the ditch opposite to the east gate of the fort, and the only high-road to the fort to be over it. It is highly probable that he will weaken instead of strengthen his capital, by multiplying unnecessary works, particularly as no account mentions their being under the direction of an European engineer. Bangalore and Ossore have both been destroyed. The former has not been so completely demolished as the latter. Many parts yet remaining entire, particularly the east gate and the lower parts of most of the rampart, a circumstance which would seem to have originated more in the unskilful- ness of the miners than any design. V v ;, Both Savendroog and mBidydroog have been repaired and stored with provisions. The other garrisons remain much in their former state ; he has built a small fort and pettah close to Old Mysore. 2nd. Revenue Department, state of Treasury. — Although it is generally reported among the nations that Tippoo has, by assessments on the inha- bitants of his remaining territories, repaired the breach that was made in his treasury at the peace of 1792. A moment's reflection will shew the fallaciousness of this idea. Tippoo paid to the allies three crores and thirty lack, which is consideral)ly more than two year's revenue of the country left in his possession. He has had not only the current expences of his Government to defray, i)ut to repair the ravages of war which may surely be calculated to have deprived him of at least six months nett reve- nue. Independent of this, he had to remount great part of his cavalry, and to purchase or make up both arms and stores to replace those that were destroyed or lost during the war. When to this we add the vast sums expended on the fortifications of Seringapatam, on which 6000 men have been at work for near six years, we cannot suppose his revenues, which do not amount to one and a half crore, have more than met his annual expenditure. If this is the case, his treasury cannot contain more than two crores at the utmost, as between five and six crore was the greatest supposed amount at the conclusion of the peace, out of which he paid three crores and thirty lack, and in all probability, that amount was exaggerated. Alterations in management. — Tippoo has varied in many points at differ- ent periods from that mode of management which was prescribed in a code of revenue regulations which was translated into English, and published in Calcutta in 1792.* It is an ascertained fact that he has not collected so much from his coun- try as his father, a circumstance which may be ascribed to his chiefly em- ploying Mussulmen, Assofs, and Aumildars, which Hyder seldom did. — The Hindoos still do the business, but are more venal from having less responsibility. Among the greatest changes that have taken place lately in his revenue * Indeed I believe those never were observed. 656 APPENDIX. system, may I)e reckoned that of his ^rantin^ ussifrned lands to some of his military commanders for the maintenance of themselves and party, and his havin<>- diminished nmch the nnmber of revenue officers, by allotting larger managements. No assof is now appointed to a country that does produce a lack, and no Aumildar to one under thirty tliousand. Chief Revenue Officer Characters — At the head of the revenue officers may he placed Meer Mahomed Saduk (Duan,) to which high station he was promoted by Hvder, from being cutwal to the army. He is an able man, devoted to the will of the Sultaun, with whom he is esteemed a favourite; he is accounted a prudent statesman, and a strong adviser of peace. Meer Hussan, brother-in-law to Cummer u Deen, an officer high in trust. Sied Mahomed Khan, an officer of high repute in the revenue line. Picrnei/a, treasurer. — He was in the same employment u'ith Hyder ; he is reputed an able financier. There arc besides many revenue officers of reputation, whom I have not mentioned from want of sufficient information to speak of them with exactness. Detail of occurrences since January, 1798. — I mean not in this part of the account to take a long retrospect. I shall confine myself to this year, and brierty state those occurrences which appear most worthy of note. In January i\\Q ^\x\VA\xn ]o\i\Q(\ his camp near Seringapalam, and pub- lished that he was going towards Mangalore, where it was rtunoured seve- ral French ships were expected with troops on board ; to this was added a report, that the Sultaun meant on their arrival to attack the English, which gained force from the circiunstance of all applications for leave be- ing denied, and a mutchelka (or obligatory note) taken from each sepoy, tliathis family was above the Ghauts.* February. — Tippoo was reported next to have changed his intention of troing towards Alangalore, and to have turned his thoughts towards visit- ing his northern frontier, in onier to intimidate the Mahrattas who had demanded seven years' arrears of Chout, and also with a view to visit the celebrated Peerzadah at Keysermoorus, whose murud or disciple he had been long anxious to become. He received and despatched again in this month a vakeei from Poonah He encamped with some part of his army at a village called Arakera, two marches from the capital, for several days, and from it detached the Banky Nabob, Rezah Saheb, in one direction, and Meer Saduk in another, in order to distribute the lands to the Jeminidars of SiUahdahr horse, agreeably to the new system of sup;>orting them that he had resolved upon. March. — Tiie Sultaun went with his escort to a place on the banks of the Caveri (Tilcar,) -5 miles from Seringapatam, to superintend the repair of a dam across the river ; he returned to tlie city to be present at the Ranizan feast, i»ut ordered his te its and escort to pass on to encamp near Motta 'I'alow, where he joined them after the feast wis over. He despatched a vakeel with letters to Scindiah, and report s;iid he was much inclined to join the Mahrattas in an attack on the Sultaun,t but that both Meer Saduk and Purneah exerted all their influence to prevent such an event occurring. About this period news reached the capital that the Annagoondy Rajah had been successful against the Sultaun's troops, in consequence of * An alarm was also spread at this period about the Coorga Rajah, who, it after- wards appeared had taken unnecessary alarm at the approach of some irregular horse, who were foraging, and had in consequence assembled his troops near Peria- patam. This matter was settled on explanation. t So in copy, but most probably the Nizam. APPENDIX. ()()7 which a strong detachment was ordered to hohl itself in readiness to pro- ceed asainst the insurgents. >^' :', ■ > ■• "• April — The Sultaun remained at his camp near Moota Falon. The principal event of this month was cutting the bank of this famous tank, which he did contrary to the opinion of several of his Omralis. Two mo- tives were conjectured to induce him to this extraordinary action. The one supposed it the etfect of avarice, the other of policy. If the former, he was disappointed, for two old "uns were all that its drained-bed produced ; but it is more reasonable to ascribe it to policy, as he destroyed several other small tanks in its vicinity, apparently with a view of distress- ing- any numerous army that might hereafter encamp near his capital. It is not unworthy of observation, that immediately previous to the breaking out of last war, he destroyed the large tank near Bangalore, and similar conjectures vvere then made. Letters were despatched to the courts of Hyderabad and Poonah; from the former letters had been received by Camel Kerkerrah, and from the latter a vakeel. ^^ The stable horse were kept at the capital, and every division of the country teas ordered to store grain and ghee, and to send a proportion of draught cattle to the capital. May. — Not only all the Aumildars, Assoffs, &c. were required to swear allegiance to the Sultaun, a custom which with them has been annual for five years past ; but every soldier of the army was directed to swear (in the form prescribed by the religion he professed,) to be faithful to his stan- dard.* The Sultaun went for a short time into the city, but returned to camp on the 2nd of June with part of his zannana, and ail the SUlahdar horse were ordered to join from their foraging stations. Accounts were received of a French party landing at Mangalore, and preparation was directed to be made for their march to, and reception at, Seringapatam. June. — On the 3rd of June the river came down, and all communication with the capital was obliged to be carried on by means of basket i)oats. On the 18th Shire Khan returned with three cushoons to the capital from the Malabar coast, where he had been to settle some differences be- tween the Sultaun and Coorjah Rajah, relating to the disputed territories. It is not stated what has been done, but there appears to have been an ami- cable adjustment. On the 20th, in the evening, the long expected French party reached camp, they consisted of about 50 Europeans and about 100 half-ca«t ; one of the Europeans was in a palencjuin, five on horseback, and the rest, with the coff"rees and half-cast, marched on foot. They had only one tent on their march : the Sultaun, however, directed an ample supply of camp equipage, and fixed their encampment at about a mile from his own quar- ters ; next day six of the party who were said to be officers, paid him a visit ; the Major of Lally's party interpreted ; what passed is unknown, as all others tvere excluded. It appeared by the countenances of the French gentlemen when they came out that thev were pleased with their reception. Two of the French gentlemen have since had frequent intercourse, but no arrangement of consequence has yet been made. It is believed the Sultaun means they should discipline a considerable body of sepoys. The Mohurrum feast was celebrated with splendour, but no part of the army was after it was over ordered to forage. The Sultaun gave out that he meant to remain in camp for some months, and various reports were at the same time spread as to his design oi march- * A few months previous to the breaking out of last war, he took a similar pre- caution of swearing his men. VOL. I. 2 U 668 APPENDIX. ing, which it is now thought he is resolved upon, as tents had been sent from the fort to his camp. July. — At Seringrtpatam it was reported he meant to take the route of Gootty towards his eastern frontier. It was believed he meant to invade the Cariiatic; and this report had made such an impression that fifty famUies had left the Baramahl on the 30th of June for Mysore, and gave as a reason when interrogated as to their emigration, that they had relations in the Sul- iaun's army, and were afraid of heing punished if found belotr the Ghauts when Tippoo descended. This belief and alarm would appear the natural effect of the oath lie had required of his troops, and the rautchelka he had one month before exacted. Present position of troops. — Havinof now linished the detail of his trans- actions for these few months past, I shall state what I believe to be the present position of his troops. He has immediately with him encamped near the French rocks his son, Futtee Hyder, Cummur u Deen, and all the principal officers, both civil and military, of his country. As his army are for convenience encamped in parties at the distance of a few miles, I shall state for the sake of perspicuity, under one head. His whole army on the island and in tlie environs of Seriiigapatam, that could be assembled in two days — Regular horse ... - 6,000 Irregulars . . . . 3,500 Regular infantry - - - 14,000 Pikemen .... 1,500 Gunners and Lascars ... 2,000 10 battering guns, and 40 field pieces on this side the river, 30 elephants, 100 mules, 100 camels, and 1,500 draught bullocks; in camp, as many more as are wanted, within two days march, at forage. Garrison of Seringapatam — The Guards or Ahmedy, and Assoudullah - 3,000 Infantry, 2nd Kutcherry - - - 1,000 Total - 4,000 Troops in the Harponelly district, acting against the Annagoondy Rajah, under the command of Mahomed Khan and Mahomed AliZettuli Selladars, or irregular cavalry - 1 ,000 Regular infantry - - - - 3,000 At Gootty, under Kistnapah and Bauker Be.: — infantry . - . . 4,000 Some infantry are still on the Malabar coast, and some ^illalular horse and a large party of infantry at Sadashavagur ; and also some of the Sillah- dar's horse and IByeds at forage in different parts of the country. Policy of the Sultaun and reflections on it. Tippoo is generally described as a Prince equally destitute of humanity and reason, as one whose passions ever triumph over his judgment. Whatever arguments may be brought against the first i)art of this accu- sation from the treatment of his sulyects, the tyrannical cruelty he ex- ercised on his English prisoners, will ever warrant their countrymen in affixing it on his name. As to the latter points, I am not disposed to allow them just, as general positions. His conduct since the peace of 179-, has shewn that though he possesses those feelings which are allowed not only to l)e natural, hut ho- nouralde in a humbled Monarch (viz. a spirit of amiiition to regain lost power and fame, and a spirit of revenge against tlie State that has humbled him). Yet, that he pursues these olijects, not witli that heedless and im- patient rage that characterizes a man guided wholly liy his passions ; but APPENDIX. (iO.) with that unremittiiif;; activity and zealous warmtli uliich we would loi»k for in a Prince, who had come to a serious determination to endeavour by every reasonable means in his power to re^niin wiiat he had htst. To prove what I have said, I shall take a short retrospect of the leading features of his conduct since 1/92. This was first marked l)y an honourable and unusually i)unctual di.scharjre of the larj^e sum which remained due at the conclusion' of tlie |>eace to tlie allies. Instead of sinking under his misfortunes, he exerted all liis activity to repair the ravages of war. He began to add to the fortifications of his capital — to remount his cavalry — to recruit and discipline his iiifantrv — to punish his refractory tributaries— and to encourage the cultivation of his country, which was soon restored to its former prosperity. He next (near two years after the war) took the wise resolution of de- stroying Ossoor and Bangalore, as he had seen they were easy conquests to the English, and served them both as useful posts to cover their convoys and secure their depots for their grain and military stores ; this was surely the action of a man who had benefitted by experience. During the first two or three years he seemed wholly devoted to domestic arrangements — when all was settled he found himself at liberty to engage again in politics. He appears first to have intrigued at Hyderabad, with a design to sepa- rate that Court from the English interests, but without success. An important scene soon opened, the imprisonment of Aziin-ul-Omrah and the contemptible interregnum (if I may term it so) at the ("ourt of Hy- derabad. This added to the divisions at Poonah and the declining health of the Nizam offered a fair prospect. The Sultaun took every step that pru- dence could suggest to make the most of the opportunity without involv- ing himself in any risk till success was highly prol)able, if not certain. He sent a large and well appointed detachment to Ghootty under one of his ablest officers (Syd Ghotfer) on the pretext of enforcing payment of some of his unsettled claims on Karnoul. At this period, Nana Furnaveze, who was expelled from Poonah by the dread of 8cindiah's power, solicited tlie Sultaun's aid, who, aware of the ex-Minister'sinfluence and wealth, flattered him with the jiromise of support. The improvement of the Nizam's health — the return of Nana to Poonah. The emancipation and restoration to power of Azim-ul-Omrah, — events as extraordinary as they were unexpected, disappointed the suc- cess, but did not impeach the wisdom of theJiultaun's schemes. His French visitors, of whom he had several, flattered him with hopes of future success against the English, the power with whom he was naturally the most exasperated ; but he does not appear to have entered into serious negotiations with any of them before September, 1/97, when two gentle- men from the Mauritius made him large offers of aid, and imluced him to send a vakeel to the islands authorized, {as would appear from Governor Malurtic's proclamation) to enlist whatever number of Frenchmen could be induced to enter the Sultaun's service. He has had of late some correspondence, both with the Courts of Poonah and Hyderabad, of what nature I know not— but he is well versed in Mah- ratta politics, and knows that they solicit foreign interference, more with a view of intimidating domestic foes into some arrangement, than with any serious intention of using it — and he also knows that whatever appear- ances Azim-ul-Omrah may from political design assume, that lie is his fixed enemy on principle. From what I have stated, I infer that the policy of the bultaun is obvi- ously to regain his former power, and that all his intrigues and prepara- tions, whatever may appear their immediate object, are ultimafely directed against the English, on the principle that it is their declared and invariable policy to check his aggrandizement. But at the same time, I do not think he will deviate from that bne which 670 APPENDIX. he has obviously hitherto preserved of not engaging in hostilities till suc- cess is hiijhlv probable if not certain. I consider him at this moment pausing for events. The French buoyed him up with hopes of Enjfland beiiiff ruined, and of their sharini^ with him — the territories of that king- dom in India — and have prol)a!)ly, at all events, promised him the imme- diate co-operation of a lara-e force. On the other hand, he views with anxiety the tedious troubles of Poonah, which certainly now appear approaching to a crisis, and that he conjectures may afford him a favourable opportunity of action. These are reasons, more than sufBcient for his keeping so large a force in readiness near Seringapatam, and there is no doubt, had the French been able to have landed a respectable force at Mangalore, at the same pe- riod wliich they did that contemptil)le party which have reached Seringa- patam, he would before this have engaged in hostilities with the English — but I cannot conceive for a moment, that the aid he has received will tempt him to so bold a measure. My object in this hasty abstract, has been solely to throw such light as my information enabled me on the Sultaun's situation and views. On the conduct, we should at this period observe towards him, 1 shall not presume to offer an opinion. The consideration of this important point is fortunately entrusted to those whose high reputation leaves not a doubt, but the line of conduct they pursue, on this and every occa^^ion, will be that which is best calculated to promote the prosperity of the British nation. JOHN MALCOLM, Persian Interpreter. Madras, ]&th Juhj, 1/98. APPENDIX D. From Zemaun Shah to Sir Jolin Shore* Received 3d June, 1798. At this time the trusty Ghoolaum Ahmed Khan, the news-writer in Hin- dostan, after having the honour of paying his respects at the resplendent presence, described to us the excess of your attachment and fidelity which afforded us much satisfaction, and prompted furtlier marks of our favour to- wards vou. It is our intention to visit Hindostan, and at -i proper season shall accordingly set out where we shall encourage friends and chastise enemies. We have, therefore, now deputed Ghoolaum Ahmed Khan thiiher to ascer- tain vvho are our friends and who are our enemies, which we will commu- nicate accordinglv ; let your mind be perfectly at ease, and continue to walk in the path of allegiance and fidelity. Dated in the month of Zehidja, 1211 Hedegiree, answering to June, 1797- From Zemaun Shah to Mr. Lumsden. Received 27th May, 1798. GhooUum Ahmed Khan, our news writer for Hindostan, being ad- mitted into our presence, made us happy by representing your attach- ment and regard, and caused an increase of our favour and good will towards you, we liave res-Ived to visit Hindostan, and by God's help, the time will come, when we shall raise our royal standard in those countries ; our victorious armies shall bring honour to the well affected, and punish- ment to the refractory. For this reason, we have sent before us Ghoollum Ahmed Khan, to ascertain who are our friends and who are our enemies, you will in every respect be confident, and firm in your attach- ment and regard, considering that you are covered with the royal favour. Zehize, 1211. * Referred to at page 188. APl'JiNDIX. Cu\ APPENDIX E. Memoir, with Observations on the probable invasion of Zemaun Shah, by Major-General Sir James Craig* The prominent feature in the politics of this part of the country, at the present moment, seems to be the threatened hostility on the part of Ze- maun Shah. It cannot be denied that, if the invasion with which he menaces these and the neig^hbourino; provinces takes place, it will he an eviMit produc- tive of much mischief at any rate, and prcirnant with no small dci(ree of eventual danger, for it may be held as certain, that if he succeeds in his attempt so far as to penetrate to Delhi, he will become exceed] iij^ly for- midable. The f(lare of victory, the influence of relioion, and the allure- ments of plunder, will draw to his standard numbers probal)ly i(reater than have appeared united in one cause since the days of Aurentrzebe. On the one hand the Rohillas, and on the other every disatfected Rajah bordering on the Mahratta dominions, will look up to him as a deliverer and protector, and will hasten to unite their efforts to those which tliey will consider as operating to their benefit. While every unemployed chief, capable of collecting a few followers, and impatient of a state of inacti- vity, will eagerly embrace a new adventure, and will have the less hesi- tation in joining the invader, that his success seems to be already esta- blished as certain in the public mind ; but great as this resource appears to be for the increase of his numbers beyond what his original army will consist of, it is still looked on as less than that which he will derive from the Seiks, whose country he must traverse ere he can reach the capital of the Mogul empire. These people he cannot leave behind him as enemies ; if he reaches Delhi, it can only be after having conquered and reduced them to sub- jection, or, however improbable such an event may at present appear, after having concluded a treaty of friendship with them. In the latter case they will voluntarily join him ; in the former he will force them to do so ; in neither can a regard to his own safety permit him to dispense with their attendance, the only pledge he can have of their fidelitv to their engagements ; on these grounds it is that I have made the assertion, that if the Shah ever reaches Delhi, he will command a force, which in point of numbers, at least, will be truly formidable. But the probability of his ever making the attempt is doubted by many, and the chief foundation on which these doubts are built is, first, that he is not possessed of the necessary resources to enable him to undertake an enterprize of such magnitude, and next, that the same threats of inva- sion have been invariably held up these several years j)ast, without tlieir having ever produced any effect. With respect to the first of these arguments, I confess the intormation I have been able to collect as to the state of the Shah's country, his reve- nues or his resources, is by much too limited to enable me to ground any solid argument upon, and I much doubt whether any account, that can be depended upon, relative to these points, has ever reached us vet ; that his army is not deficient in numbers we have good reason to believe, aiid though it be admitted that he has not a treasure sufficient to nuuntain them long, the hope of plunder, and attachment to a 1 rince, who. by * Referred to at page 270. B72 APPENDIX. every acfouiit, stands high in their opinion, njay nevertheless lead them on under a bare subsisten(;e, in the confidence of experiencing' his future generosity in a liberal share of the spoils they will expect to procure for him. The other argument has always appeared most futile in my eyes, — though repeated obstacles may have hitherto prevented the accomplish- ment of liis project, can that circumstance be brought as a proof, that he will never be aide to attain it. The existence of his intention is ascer- tained by his having the year before last actually reached Lahore in the attempt to carry it into ett'ect, and are these any good grounds for ima- gining that the difficulties which he has hitherto met, and that the reasons which on that occasion forced him to quit his enterprize and return to his own dominions, are always to exist ! In truth we know, or at least, all our accounts say, that they have, in a great measure, actually ceased by the ^ibjection of his domestic enemies. I think it is pretty certain, that he enjoys, at this moment, a degree of internal tranquillity, to which his reign has hitherto been a stranger. But on this point let us ever bear in mind, that there is danger in being misled by the idea of the impracticability of the attempt ; there is none in embracing the contrary opinion. The line of conduct to be adopted towards the Shah, supposing him really to carry his threatened plan into effect, and whether we shall con- sider him as an enemy in the first instance, that is, the moment his inten- tion is avowed by the advance of his forces, or whether we shall remain unconcerned spectators so long as he abstains from molesting us or our allies, are subjects of political, and not military, consideration ; and in- tending to confine these observations entirely to the latter view of the subject, I shall enter into the former no furtlier than may be necessary in order to consider the military arrangements to be adopted in either case. I the more readily decline entering into this question, because I confess myself too little informed upon the subject, not to be extremely diflSdent of any opinion I might adopt upon it. Exclusive of ourselves and our immediate ally or dependent, the Nabob Vizier, the three great powers that will appear in this contest, are the Shah, the Seiks, and the Mahrattas ; and it is a very singular circum- stance attending the relative situation of these powers, that they appear to be all three guided by sucli a rooted and determined animosity to each other, that it seems at this moment scarcely possible to expect that any two should unite in opposition to the third. Could a view of the common danger be held up to the Seiks and JMahrattas in so strong a light as to induce them to lay aside their hatred to each other, and to act with cor- diality to avert it, there is no doubt but that they might off"er a formidable opposition to the Shah's advance. I confess this is little to be expected, but the attempt is well worth the trial ; an able resident with the Mah- rattas might ])ossibly succeed in persuading them to enter into the nego- tiation ; 1 fear our relation with the Seiks is too feeble to achnit of any communication with them upon the subject, if it is not, encouragement from us might at least have the effect of uniting them among themselves; disunited and distracted l)y jealousies and animosities, as they are at pre- sent, it seems little probable that any considerable effort can be expected from them, unless a point of union is offered, to which all may look, and which may serve as a common channel of conciliation between them. After all, the probability of reducing these people to any sort of co- operating system, especially where the Mahrattas, who are considered by them as their natural and inveterate enemies, are to be parties, must be very small. A sense of tlieir danger liowever, and the inveterate hatred APPENDIX. 073 that they bear to the Afffhans, may possibly briiiir it aljout, and it iimv be worth while to consider what may be the line of conduct to l)c pursued in such an event, improbable as it is. Exclusive of the Douab, the Vizier's dominions, including Rohilcund, are bounded by the Gan_ad, which should indeed be augmented with at least another battalion, wiiile in strict prudence, it ought never to be without a proportion of iMiropeans. The aggregate force thus supposed in the held, will amount to something • better than 16,000 men. To this number of men, and to the exigency of the circumstances, I do not deem our artillery suflicicnt, I would aug- ment it, (provided it be possible to send a' pr()portional>le number of artillerymen) to sixteen 12-pounders, and four howitzers, of a larger calibre than those we have, which are only four and a half inch— I would also have six or eight 6-pounders, exclusive of two to each battalion in- cluding those to be formed of the grenadier companies. I knovv that this will be looked upon as a very high proportion of artillerv, and it is probably more than has yet been seen, in our service, in this part of India. I have, however, well reflected on the subject, and though aware of the embarrassment that arises from a numerous train, I am under the con- viction, that it will be found prudent to submit to it on the present oc- casion. It may not be improper here, to offer an observation on the state of our cavalry. Of the European regiment I shall say nothing, it is alieadv in very good order, and I have no reason to doubt, that it will be found equal to every thing that can be expected from its numbers. I have a good opinion of Major Bruce's regiment, and think them capable of much service: as to their fidelity, I see no reason to doubt it — they serve for pay and are well paid, and as they will, spite of every effort that can be made to prevent it, find plunder in whatever country they maybe, I can see no inducement for them to betray the service they are in. It might be well to increase this corps to 700 or 800 men. The two native regiments are complete in men and horses. I have not seen the first regiment lately, but Colonel Welsh's has improved much ; they have acquired rapidity, and a considerable degree of soliditv in all their movements, their horses are not bad, and their men are young and able, — with all this, I find that a general want of confidence in them j)re- vails every where. 1 do not mean to confine this to the 2nd regiment, our cavalry is in general considered as not to be depended upon, and as little better than useless ; the idea is, that they are of a cast much inferior to the usual horsemen of the country, and that conse(|uently they are defi- cient in that high spirit and sense of honor, on which is founded the sup- posed superiority of personal valour in the latter. Allowing the fact, it would be of much weight, were it intended, that our cavalry should charge in the disorderly and irregular manner, which is the practice of the native troops, by which the action soon becomes an aggregate of per- sonal conflicts between man and man, where courage and superiority of numbers must prevail, but the real force of cavalry consists in its weight and solidity, and if the former is secured to ours l)y the style of horses on which they are mounted, and the latter by their discipline, I can see no reason why our cavalry should not experience every benefit arising from these important qualities, and why these should not in that arm, as well as in the infantry, compensate for superiority of immbers and cast, with all its supposed attendant virtues; for in our infantry it is admitted 676 APPENDIX. that our men are in i^eneral also of a cast inferior to that of their oppo- nents. On these jjrounds it is always with concern that I hear the very jrcneral and public opinion which prevails on this point, and which ap- pears to nie to have in some dei»'ree infected the officers of those corps themselves ; it were much to be wished that some measure were fallen upon that would be likely to do away an impression of so pernicious a tendency, and which I firmly believe myself to be without foundation. Perhaps the best plan that could be adopted, with this view, would be to put the whole in the charf^e of a g-eneral officer, who would take a lead anionof them, would g'ive them weight and confidence, and who would carefully watch the opportunities of pointing- out to them their advantages, ■and in what their strength consists. It is true that it would require an officer well conversant in the cavalry service, and I believe there is but one in this part of the country who has any knowledge of it ; among the officers at present attached to the cavalry regiments, there is much com- mendable zeal and good will, but it would be vain to seek for any real professional knowledge of that service amongst them. Lord Cornwallis found benefit from his cavalry in the Mysore, though it did not exceed 1,100 men ; ours actually in the field amounts to 1,300 regular cavalry, exclusive of Major Bruce's regiment ; and it might pro- bably be augmented by the third regiment from below. In this examination of the state of our force in the field, it is impossi- ble to avoid adverting to an object of important consideration in it, I mean the Nabob's troops ; though in the preceding observations I have assigned a portion of them to the defence of a part of the frontier, of much consequence to tne general defence, yet I did so, merely as being that species of service for which alone I thought it probable that a few might be selected as competent to it, and even in that situation I should be extremely diffident of them, unless means could be found to support them by some of our troops. In the field it is obvious that no sort of reliance can be placed on, or any species of service expected from them ; totally indisciplined, equally inefficient in numbers, insolent, licentious, and disaliected, they would embarrass their friends infinitely more than they would injure their ene- mies ; the only possible use to which I think they could be put would be by quartering them in large bodies in the Rohilla and Patau countries, with the view of overawing and keeping quiet, if it be possil)le, those tur- bulent and restless people, with respect to whom, some measures must be adopted ; there can be no doubt of their inclination to join the Shah, to whom they are supposed to be warmly attached; some few might be en- gaged to follow our standard by paying- them well, but the inclination of the majority would certainly lead them to the opposite side; perhaps the sudden appearance of bodies of the Nabob's troops in diflferent parts, ready to seize the families of such as should attempt to stir to join the Shah, together with the difficulty of doing so in their own persons, and the impracticability of their families escaping, while the passes on the river are occupied, might force them, however unwillingly, to remain quiet; at any rate, every eflf'ort should be used in the attempt, and means should l)e adopted to take the best security that can be obtained for their fidelity the instant the Shah's movements are ascertained. As it is undoubted, that no real use can ever be made of the Nabob's army in the field, it becomes a matter of serious consideration, whether the force tiiat we shall be able to collect is such as to give us well grounded hopes of opposing so formidable an enemy, as I believe the Shah will be found to be. The extent to wliich we shall be able to carry that force, in the present state of the establishment, I have already stated to be, as I imagine, be- APPENDIX. G77 tween 16,000 and 17,000 men, of which the proijortion of Eiiropeaii.s will not be above an eighth ; this will, it is true, he a larf^er army tiiaii lias ever appeared in our service on this .-ide of India, Imi it will ai'so l)e for a more arduous contest than any that has yet occurred ; and 1 liave no hesi- tation in sayino- that every possible means should be used to increase it. The want of otHcers presents, however, a very uM-eat diliiculty to any jre- neral augmentation; the number wouhl be foimd to U". very' ina(lc(|uate to any etHcient increase of the army, by new levies ; tlic mode of allord- ing a greater force in tlie tield, which presents itself to mv mind as the readiest, the most certain, and in all the least oltjectionalde, is that of detaching- the grenadier companies of all the other regiments completed in officers, and then to be formed, together with those of the regiments now in the field, into battalions; the battalions not in the field to be aug- mented by new levies to 125 men a company, they would then remain of the same force in point of numbers as at present, and the additional •Jo men per company by being incorporated with already formed soldiers, would sooner become lit for service than new corps pr()l)ably would. If there are 12 native battalions in the field, there will remain \4, ex- clusive of the regiment at Hyderabad, the grenadier companies of which would form the augmentation ; it would amount to 2,800 men, com- pleting the army to near 20,000 men. Little can be expected from any augmentation that can now take place in the cavalry, as it is impossible that either men or horses could be suf- ficiently trained to be of use; but surely some means might be fallen upon to supply the regiments we actually have with horses in some more expe- ditious manner than is now followed. With respect to artillery men and lascars, the number with the army must be increased to the greatest extent that the exigency of other ser- vices will admit of; at present it is very inadequate to the service that would be required. To these preparatory steps I have only to add, that exclusive of the ammunition, &c. necessary for the defence of Allahabad, large supplies of every species of stores should be lodged in that fortress, as the depot of the army. These preparatory, and as they appear to me indispensable steps, being: adopted, and I confess in my mind no time should be lost before they are commenced, the determination of Government with respect to the line to be pursued towards the Shah, must regulate our first motions, should it be thought proper to remain in a state of neutrality so long as he ab- stains from molesting us or our allies ; and should we not l>e bound by any treaty with the Mahrattas, upon which point I am entirely ignorant, it would still appear advisable that we should adopt measures of security and precaution against a new and powerful neighbour, whose real views cannot be ascertained, who cannot approach our frontier but in the full career of victory, and who being master at Delhi, can scarcely avoid, sooner or later, entering into discussion with our ally the Nabob, who holds the office of Vizier of the Empire, which, however noininal it may be, must furnish whoever rules at Delhi with claims and objects of ad- justment to stimulate his ambition or his avarice. It is possible, also, "that even viewing the Shah as an enemy, circumstances of policy may nevertheless render it expedient that we should act by ourselves, and avoid any junction with the JVlahratta forces in either case; the measure to be pursued appears to me to be the same. A strong position sh(tuld be taken about Anopshire, where a well fortified camp would, I think, prove the surest, and indeed, seems to me to be the only means by which we can expect to stop the career of the enemy, and preserve the l)ost part of the 678 APPENDIX. Nabob's doiiiinious from ravage and devastation. The precise position to be taken must depend upon a thorough and deliberate examination of the country ; but as near to Anopshire, as local circumstances will permit, appears to be the most eligible. Here we should be on the direct road from Delhi, from which it is distant only 50 miles ; our supplies would be secured from the Vizier's country, and the Rohillas would be kept in awe ; the camp should be well fortified, and should command a spot where at least two bridges could be constructed on the Ganges. While we are in this position, the Shah will scarcely venture to pass the river, even if he should be able to force the fords, to which we should be at hand to give assistance ; for in that case, our communication by the Douab would remain equally open, while his with Delhi would be cut oflF; his supplies from thence would be at our mercy, while such troops as the Nabob should have it in his power to collect, would prevent him from procuring any from the country in which he would be, which he would also find carefully exhausted, by our having already formed our maga- zines from it ; and though the Nabob's army might not perhaps be able to oppose him etFectually, yet by taking up a new line on the river that runs near Bareilly, it might impede his progress, till unable any longer to subsist ; he would find that his only safety would be in an immediate return. As little is it to be apprehended that he would pass us on the other route, and enter the Douab to attack Allahabad, as he would here find himself subject to the same inconveniences in either case, three marches would put us in possession of Delhi ; it is true that the district of the Douab would be open to the ravages of the Shah's horse, but it does not in any event appear to be practicable to prevent it with so very inferior a body of cavalry as we shall have. The only means of covering the coun- try would be l)y a chain of well connected posts from the Ganges to the Jumna ; but it does not appear by the map that any feature exists in the country by which the extent necessary to be occu])ied in this manner could be lessened, while the whole of the space, from river to river, is much too considerable for any force that we could apply to the purpose, and even if it were not, this line could only be formed below Calpee, as the shallowness of the Jumna would leave open the flank of any other that might l)e taken above that place. It thus appears, I think, that the Shah could continue his conquests, or molest us or the Nabob Vizier, only by attacking us in our position ; but ten or twelve thousand infantry, or even a lesser number, in a camp pre- viously secured by works skilfully constructed, and defended by a well served artillery, might surely bid defiance to any army, constituted as his is, nor does it seem likely that such a post could be forced by any opera- tions that could be devised by their skill, or executed by their courage, though it should be found on trial to merit all that is said of it. Though a lesser number might suflice for their defence, yet the main body posted here ought certainly not to consist of fewer than 10,000 in- fantry at the least ; because it is necessary that it be of that strength that cannot with safety be left behind ; a weaker corps might be masked, or would be unable to act in the manner pointed out for it in the rear of the enemy, should his presumption lead him to oflTer the opportunity for doing so. The remainder of the infantry might be employed in supporting the Nabob's troops in guarding the fords of the river to Hurdwar. I am well aware tliat this system of operations may be construed into an exiiibition of timidity, and that it may be said to militate against tiie principle which I have myself pointed out, that defensive war ujust be ruinous to us, and that where such, from uncontrollable circumstances. APPENDIX. (379 becomes unavoidable, it should be conducted with the utmost vigour and spirit. I consider this to be an unavoidable defensive war on our i)art. We can have no object of attack to which we could direct oftcnsive ope- rations, and the experiment which has been already made in this country offers no encouragement to the system of a continued succession of unin- terrupted marches, in pursuit of an army constituted aiul equipped as is that of the enemy we are considering-. If he wishes to avoid us, our ob- ject of bringing him to action will be found to be unattainable, while fatigue, and its consequent effect among our Europeans, will every day lessen the eain to advance, and in conjunction witli our allies, act with the vigour becomintr our station in tliis part of the world. Among the preparatory steps to be adopted, I would reconiniend llic em- bodying a corps of pioneers, properly jirovided with the means of working, to be always carried with tlicm. Action and attack should indeed Ite ever our object in this country, l)ut circumstances may frequently render defen- sive measures indispensable, and under none are thev more likely to be- come so than in the probable operations under consideration ; the supe- riority of numbers, on the part of the enemy, will undoubtedly l)e great, and although it may in some measure be compensated by our discipline and artillery, it will nevertheless require every additional aid. A single redoubt may in many instances turn the fortiuie of a day, and to the enemy with whom we shall have to deal, a very slight work, well defended, must be almost ijnpregnable. In a country in which the movements of cavalry are so unrestrained, as they are in the extensive plains that are every where fovuul in these parts, it behoves us to give every additional aid to ours, which must ever be so greatly inferior in number. With this view, the establishment of a small corps of Horse Artillery to be attached to the brigade, seems a very desira- ble object. Lieutenant-Colonel Montague has some good ideas on this head, such as probably would be found better adapted to this country than any which could be taken up from the plan pursued in Europe. intending this memoir merely as tracing the outline of the measures which have appeared to me to be proper on the present occasion, I have avoided entering into detail, or extending it to several collateral circumstances, which, though demanding attention, would be obvious the moment a deter- mination is taken upon the general system ; amongst others, however, it may not be amiss to notice, that in either of the cases which we have consi- dered, the possession of two or three intermediate posts on the southern I)ank of the river, between Anopshire and Allahabad, might prove extremely be- nelicial. Nothing can ever render Cawnpoor tenable ; neither can the fort at Futty Ghur, in my opinion, be made such as it would be safe to occupy. The cantonment itself might be made into a good post, but it would re- quire a considerable corps to defend it. Mehindy Gaut is surrounded by a mud wall, and if the Shah is so unprovided of the means necessary for the attack of fortified posts, as we are told he is, it might, perhaps, be rendered respectable in his eyes, with the assistance of a few detached works ; the great point is to find spots that are not commanded and previous examina- tion can alone determine where such are to be met with. It is to be ob- served, that in the whole course of the river in the space mentioned, the southern bank is the highest and commands the other. I recollect when I was at Bombay last year, conversing with Sir Charles Mallett on this subject, he suggested the idea of creating a diversion by en- couraging the inhabitants about the lower parts of the Sind or Indus, who are supposed to be much disaffected to the Afghan Government. This might perhaps be worth the trial ; the communication is not difficult from Bombay. 682 APPENDIX. APPENDIX F.* Hyderabad Treaty, \st September, 1/98. An enlarged perpetual subsidiary treaty between the Honourable United Enjflish East India Company and his Hio;hness the Nawaul), Nizam ul Mulk Asoph Jab Behadur, tSubadar of the Deccan, his children, heirs, and successors, settled by Captain James Achilles Kirkpatrick, by virtue of the powers delegated to him by the Right Honourable Richard Earl of IMorn- ington, kniffht of the most illustrious order of St. Patrick, one of his Britannic IMajesty's most Honourable Privy Council, Governor General in Council, appointed by the Honourable the Court of Directors of the said Honourable Company, to direct and control all their atfairs in the East Indies. Whereas his Highness Nizam ul IMulk Asoph Jah Behadur, has from the greatness of existing friendship, expressed a desire for an increase of the detachment of the Honourable Company's troops at present serving his Highness, the Right Honourable the Earl of Mornington, Governor General, has taken the proposals to that effect into his most serious consi- deration, and the present juncture of affairs, and the recent hostile conduct and evil designs of Tippoo Sultaun (as fully evinced by his sending am- bassadors to the Isle of France ; by his proposing to enter into a treaty offensive and defensive with the French Republic against the English nation ; and by actually receiving a body of French troops into his domi- nions and immediate pay), rendering it indispensably necessary that effectual measures for the mutual defence of their respective possessions, should be immediatelv taken by the three allied powers, united in a defensive league against the aforesaid Tippoo Sultaun, the aforesaid Governor General has, in consequence, empowered Captain James Achilles Kirk])atrick, Acting Resident at the court of his Highness the Nizam, to enter in behalf of the Honourable United English East India Company, into certain engagements with his Highness Nizam ul Mulk Asoph Jah Behadur, for a permanent increase of the Honourable Company's troops in his Highness's pay, in the proportion and on the conditions specified in the following articles, which must be understood to be of full validity, when this treaty shall be returned, signed and sealed by the Governor General: — Article \st. — Such parts of the letter from Earl Cornwallis to his High- ness the Nizam, dated 7th July, 1/^9 («iid which has always been consi- dered in the light of a treaty), as relate to the stationing of troops with his Highness, are to be considered as in full force, that the services of the new permanent subsidiary force are to be regulated precisely by tiie same restrictive clauses that operate on the present detachment, unless the Peishwa shall hereafter consent to any alterations in those conditions, and his High- ness likewise approve of the same. Article 2d. — Agreeably to the practice in the Company's service, the new subsidiary force shall be subject to reliefs, either partial or entire, as often and in such manner as the Company's Goverinnent may require, provided withal, that no diminution takes place by such means in the stipu- lated number to be stationed with his Highness. Article 3d. — The proposed reinforcement of subsidiary troops shall be in the pay of this state from the day of their crossing the boundaries. Satisfactory and effectual provision shall be made for the regular payment of this force, which, including the present detachment, is to amount to * Referred to at pages 272, 290, and 609. APPENDIX. 683 6000 sepoys, with fireloclis, with a (hie proportion of fiehl pieces, manned by Europeans, and as at the monthly rate of two hies, oni; tiiuusund four hundred and twenty-five rupees, the yearly amount of suhsidy ftjr tlie aforesaid force of 6000 men, with j,mns," artillery-nicn, and other necessury appurtenances, is twenty-four lacs, seventeen thousand one hundred rupees'. The said sum shall be completely discharged in the course of the year by four equal instalments, that is, at the expiration of every three Enjriish months, the sum of six lacs, four thousand two hundred and seventy-five rupees, in silver of full currency, shall be issued witliout hesitation or demur from his Hig-hness's treasury. And should the aforesaid instalments happen to fall at any time the least in arrears, such arrears shall be deducted, notwithstanding any objections thereto, from the current kist of Peishcush, payable to his Highness on account of the Northern Sirkars. Siiould it, at any time, so happen, moreover, that delay were to occur in the issue of the instalments aforesaid, at the stated periods, in such case, assignments shall be granted on the collections of certain districts in this state, the real and actual revenue of which shall be adequate to the discharge of the yearly subsidy of the aforesaid force. Article Ath. — The duties on grain and on all articles of consumjjtion, as well as on all necessaries whatever, for the use of the new subsidiary force, shall be commuted agreeably to the practice that obtained with the former detachment. A place likewise shall be tixed on as the head quarters of the said force, where it shall always remain, except when services of import- ance are required to be performed ; and whenever either the wiiole, or part of the said force, is to be employed in the business of the state, a person of respectability, and who is a servant of this Sirkar, shall be appointed to attend it. The commanding officer and officers of the said subsidiary force shall be treated in all respects in a manner suitable to the greatness and dignity of both states. Article bth. — The said subsidiary force will at all times be ready to execute services of importance, such as the protection of the person of his Highness, his heirs and successors, from race to race, and the overawing and chastizing all rebels or exciters of disturbance in the dominions of tliis state ; but it is not to be employed on trifling occasions, nor like Sebendy, to be stationed in the country to collect the revenues thereof. Article 6th. — Immediately upon the arrival of the aforesaid subsidiary force at Hyderabad, the whole of the officers and Serjeants of the French party are to be dismissed, and the troops composing it, so dispersed and disorganised, that no trace of the former establishment shall remain. And his Highness hereby engages for himself, his heirs and successors, that no Frenchman whatever shall ever hereafter be entertained in his own .^-erviee, or in that of any of his chiefs or dependants, nor be sutfered to remain in any part of his Highness's dominions. Nor shall any Europeans whatever be' admitted into the service of this state, nor be permitted to remain within its territories, without the knowledge and consent of the Company's government. Article 1th. — The whole of the European wwA sepoy deserters from the Company's service, that may be in the French or any other party of troops belonging to this state, are to be seized and delivered up to the British resident ; and no person? of the above description are to be allowed refuge in future in his Highness's territories, but arc (on tiie contrary) to he- seized without delay, and delivered up to the British resi.lcnt. Neither shall any refuge be allowed in the Company's territories to sepoy deserters from the service of his Highness, who shall, in like manner, be seized and delivered up without delay. Article 8M.— Whereas his Highness the Nizam, from ccmsnleralnuis of prudence and foresight, and with a view of avoiding manifold evils, has VOL. II. -i X 684 APPENDIX. determined on dismisshijf the French from his service, and in dispersing^ and disorganising the troops commanded by them, as specilied in the Oth Article, and on entertaining a perpetual standing force, of the Honourable Company's, in their room, subject to the limitations and restrictions prescribed by Earl Cornwallis's letter to the Nizam, mentioned in the 1st Article ; it is therefore hereby agreed, with a view to the mutual benefit of his Highness and the Peishwa, and the happiness of their respective subjects, that the Company's government will use their best endeavours to have inserted with the consent and approliation of both, in the new treaty in contemplation between the three allied powers, such a clause as shall set at ease with regard to the other. Should the Peishwa, however, not accede to a proposal so highly advantageous and profitable to both governments, and ditferences hereafter arise between the two states, namely, that of the Nawaub Asof Jah Behadur. and of the Rao Pundit Perdhaun, in such case, the Company's government hereby engage, that interposing their mediation, in a way suitable to rectitude, friendship and union, they will apply them- selves to the adjustment thereof, conformably to propriety, truth and justice. The Nawaub Asof Jah Behadur accordingly hereby engages, never to commit on his part any excess or aggression against the Sirkar of Rao Pundit Perdhaun ; and in the event of such difFerences arising, what- ever adjustment of them the Company's government, weighing things in the scales of truth and justice, may determine upon, shall without hesitation or objection, meet with full approbation and acquiescence. Article Dili. — All fijrmer treaties between the Honourable East India Company and the governments of the Nawaub Asof Jah and the Peishwa, remain iii full force. Should hereafter the Rao Pundit Perdhaun express a desire to enter into subsidiary engagements, similar to the present, with the Honourable Company, the Nawaub Asof Jah will most readily give his concurrence. Artivle 10/ /i. — This enlarged subsidiary treaty, consisting of Ten Articles, being this day settled by Captain James Achilles Kirkpatrick, with the Nawaub Asof Jah Behadur, Captain Kirkpatrick has delivered one copy hereof in English and Persian, signed and sealed by himself, to the Nawaub, who, on his part, has also delivered to Captain Kirkpatrick one copy of the same, duly executed by himself; and Captain Kirkpatrick hereby engages to procure and deliver to his Highness, in the space of fifty days, a ratified copy from the Governor General, in every respect the counterpart of the one executed by himself; and on the delivery of such copy, which will then have become a full and complete instrument, the treaty executed by Captain Kirkpatrick shall be returned. In the mean while, no time shall be lost in writing for the advance of the proposed reinforcement. Signed, sealed, and exchauged at Hj'derai)ad, 1st September, A.D. \79S, or 19th Rubbv nl-awul, A.H. 1213. J. A. Kirkpatrick. Separate ariicle appertaining to the perpetual subsidiary treaty concluded between the Honourable English East India Company and his Highness the Nawaub Asof Jah Behadur, on the 1st of September, A.D. 1798, or 19th of Rubby-ul-awul, A.H. 12K1 Whereas in conformity to a wish expressed by his Highness the Nizam, the stipulation in the 6th Article of the Subsidiary Treaty respecting the delivering up of the French is agreed to be made a separate one, his High- ness hereby engages, that after the arrival of the Company's troops at Hyderabad, the whole of the French olHcers and soldiers in his service shall be apprehended in such way as Captain Kirkpatrick may point out. M'I'KNDIX. 08.> and be delivered up to him, or for a time be kept in confinomcnt in an habitation belono-ing- to this Sirkar, but in the custody of the Company's troops, and upon the reoraanistition of the party latclv nndir the commiind of the aforesaid French officers, they, the said Frencii oHicers and sohlicrs shall, within the space of two mouths," be delivered up to the British resident. Strict orders shall, moreover, be issued to all talookdars on the frontiers, and to those in charge of all fords and passes, to seize any liuropeans whatever, attempting to pass their respective stations, and send them imme- diately with all due precaution, prisoners to Hyderabad, where they siiall instantly be delivered up to the British resident. On the above condititut it is hereby agreed thai the Frenchmen thus delivered up, siiall not be common prisoners of war, nor be in any respect maltreated. They shall be conveyed at the Company's expense, and with as little restraint as possible to England, and from thence be sent by the first favourable opportunity to France, without being detained for a cartel or exchange of prisoners. Signed, sealed, and exchanged, at Hyderabad, 1st September, A.D. 1/98, or 19th Rubbv- ul-awul, A. H. 1213. Separate article appertaining to the perpetual Subsidiary Treaty con- cluded between the Honourable English East India Company aiid his Highness the Nawaub Asof Jah Behadur, on the 1st September, A.D, 1798, orl9th Rubby-ul-awul, A. H. 1213. No correspondence on affairs of importance, shall, in future, on any account, be carried on with the Sirkar of Rao Pundit Perdhaun, or with any of his dependants, either by the Nawaub Asof .Jah Behadur, or by the Ho- nourable Company's government, without the mutual privity and consent of both contracting parties. And whatever transactions, whether of great or small import, may in future take place with the aforesaid Rao Pundit Perdhaun, or his dependants, a reciprocal comnmnication of the same shall be made to the other contracting party, without delay and without reserve. Signed, sealed, and exchanged, at Hyderabad, 1st September, A.D. 1798, or 19th Rubby- ul-awul, A.H. 1213. Ratified by the Right Honourable Richard Earl of Mornington, Knight of the most illustrious order of St. Patrick, &c. &c. &c. Governor General in council. Fori William, XWidoy of September, 1798. APPENDIX F. Memorandum relative to the late French corps in the Dcccan, by Capt. Malcolm. The French corps in the Deccan, have for several years past hoisted the national flag, and most of the lapells and epaulets of tlieir new clothing, had the words libert(f and constitution embroidered on them. The general conversation of the French officers after they were dismis- sed, proved that they had entertained ambitious designs, and considered themselves as forwarding the interests of their mother country. Captain ChristofF, an officer of the party who had been formerly a serjeant of sepoys 686 APPENDIX. in the English service, affirmed that the late Monsieur Raymond had formed the most ambitious projects, and that the same were adopted by his successor — and that the landine: of any French in India, would pro- bably have been the sio^nal to commence their intrigues.* It was generally reported and believed that Raymond had a General's commission from the Directory, but it has not been discovered. In a letter which passed through the resident at Hyderabad, recom- mending a person to Monsieur Piron — it was stated that the person recom- mended would, from having respectable connexions at Paris, be useful in transacting Monsieur Piron's affairs with the Directory. In a letter from Monsieur Baptiste, the second officer in the corps, to Captain Kirkpatrick, relative to his claims on the party and properly at Hyderabad — Monsieur Baptiste expresses an apprehension that he will be unable to return to France, as Monsieur Piron will represent his conduct (to the Directory) in odious colours. There was found in store when our troops took possession of the French lines, small arms and clothing for 12,000 men beyond the force then serv- ing under Mons. Piron, besides a number of pistols for cavalry. The French corps had three arsenals and two founderies. I only saw these at their lines, near Hyderabad. The arsenal there was full of military stores, and in the foundery, there were a number of brass cannon newly cast, which our artillery officers judged as good and as well finished as any they had ever seen. They also made swords, muskets, and pistols. The specimens I sent to Lord Mornington, will shew the great progress they had made in these manufactures. The French party were always well paid — their clothing was neat and their discipline superior to any troops I ever saw in a native service. The men were the best of the country — and from the regularity of their pay, they could recruit at pleasure. APPENDIX G. Buonaparte's Letter to Tippoo Sultaun.f FRENCH REPUBLIC. Liberty Equality. Buonaparte, Member of the National Convention, General-in-Chief, to the most Magnificent Sultaun, our greatest Friend, Tippoo Saib. Head-Quarters at Cairo, 7th Pluviose, 7th Year of the Republic, One and Indivisible. You have already been informed of ray arrival on the borders of the Red Sea, with an innumerable and invincible army, full of the desire of delivering you from the iron yoke of England. I eagerly embrace this opportunity of testifying to you the desire I have * This information I had from a gentleman to whom Christoff had communi- cated it. t Referred to at page 295. APPENDIX. G87 of beinsf informed l»y you, by the way of Muscat atul Mocha, as to yout political situation. I would even wish you could send some inteirm^ent person to Suez or Cairo, possessiufr your confidence, with whom I may confer. May the Almighty increase your power and destroy your enemies. BUONAPARTE. True Translation from the French, Francis Waiters, Translator. APPENDIX H. Proclamation du General Buonaparte aux Habitans au Caire le \er Nivose, Pan ^me de la Republique Frangoise. Des hommes pervers avoient egard une partie d'entre nous ; ils ont peri. Dieu m'a ordonne pour etre inisericordieux pour le peuple ; J'ai 6t6 cle- ment et misericordieux pourvous. J'ai ^t6 fach^ contre vous de votre revolte, je vous ai prive pendant deux mois de votre Divan mais aujourdhui je vous le restitue, votre bonne cou- duite a efFac^ la tache de votre revolte. Scherifs, Ulemas, Orateurs des mosqu^es faites bien connaitre au peuple, que ceux qui de gaietd de cosur se declareront nos ennemis n'auront de re- fuge ni dans ce monde ni 1' autre. Y aura-t-il un homrae assez aveugle pour ne pas voir que le Destiu diricre toutes nos operations; y auroit il quelqu'un assez incr<^dule, pour revoquer en doute que tout dans ce vaste univers, est soumi a I'empire du Destin. Faites connaitre au peuple que depuis que ce monde est monde il ctoit ecrit qu'aprfes avoir d^truit les Ennemis de I'Islamisme fait abattre la Croix. Je viendrois du fond de I'occident remplir la tache qui m'a etc im- posde. Faites voir au peuple que dans le saint livre du Coran, dans plus de vingt passages, ce qui arrive a it^ pr6vu, et ce qui arrivera est egalement expliqu6. Que ceux done que la crainte seule de nos armes erapeche de nous nuire changent : car en faisant au Ciel des voeux contre nous, ils soliciteroient leur condamnation, que ces vrais croyants fassent des voeux pour la pros- p6rit6 de nos armes. Je pourrois demander compte k chacun de vous, des sentiments les plus secrets de son coeur, car je sals tout, meme ce que vous n'avez ait ^ personne. Mais un jour viendra que tout le monde verra avec evidence, que je suis ronduit par des Ordres Superieurs ; et que tons les eflforts humaitis ne pcu- vent rien contre moi. HeureiL\ ceux qui de bonne foi sont les premiers h se mettre avec moi. 088 APPENDIX. EMruvtof'a Letter from Mr. Udneu to Lord GrenvUle, dated Leghorn, Hith April, 1798. A gentleman of extensive correspondence, has given me every assistance, and taken much pains to discover (he destination of the armament carrying on in Genoa and the rest of Italy and France. The result of which has been as follows, and well-founded — "That the rendezvous is to be at Ajaccio, in Corsica, from Genoa and Toulon ; that from the 25th of this month to the 10th of May, the whole are to be assembled there, or at Malta, which is to be given up on their appearance ; that twenty sail of the line and frigates, French, Venetian, &c., are to be employed with 600 sail of transports, and 50,000 men. Alexandria is the principal destina- tion, and even the Black Sea, with the consent of the Ottoman Porte, and that however executed, the bloio is meant against the East Lidia Comijany's pou-erin hidia. Should not this be put a stop to, the consequences maybe fatal; for whether by the Gulph of Persia— by land from Egypt — or the Red Sea, troops may be got out either now or at a future time, and by keeping possession of Alexandria, Cairo, and Suez, they might even on a peace, //2«^^ alliances and occasion great disturbances in India. Copy of a letter from Mr. Seci-etary Dundas to Lord Grenville.* My dear Lord, Wimbledon, 13th June, 1798. In consequence of the intelligence from Mr. Udney, lately transmitted to me by your Lordship, and the still more recent intelligence from Frank- fort, and the communication made to me last night, relative to the proposed disposal of the Portuguese troops, I have thought it right to put my ideas on paper upon the subject of the supposed expedition of Buonaparte to Egypt, in order that this important subject, with all its bearings, may re- ceive a mature consideration. In executing this intention, however, I must content myself with throwing my ideas loosely together, for although I have ever since my connection with the administration of India, been at great pains to collect information by every means, and have long made up my mind to a conviction that the possession of Egypt by any great Eu- ropean power would be a fatal circumstance to the interests of this coun- try, I cannot collect together my memorandums upon the subject so imme- diately as to answer my purpose in the present moment ; but having weighed the opinion I now give very maturely at the time of the threat- ened war with Russia, I am pretty certain I will not be very erroneous in the statement I mean to give you. I am sanguine in my liopes that our fleet now in the IMediterranean will supersede the necessity of deciding upon any practical conclusions, which may flow from our speculations upon this subject, but as the prospect is liable to disappointment, I must presume and proceed upon the supposi- tion that the French armament has successfully reached Alexandria ; and if they have done so, it is needless to trouble you with a detail of the inte- rior weakness of Egypt in every respect whatever, in order to prove the facility of its subjugation, whether done without the concurrence of the Ottoman Porte or with tlieir concurrence, as stated in your information from Frankfort. Even if ihey were to rest contented with that conijuest, without extending their vie»\s further at present, I should think they had performed the most masterly stroke they liave ever yet done for their fu- ture ;:ggran(lizeinent in power and in wealth. This is too large a field to enter upon at present; but 1 cannot refrain from putting into your -hands * Referred to at p. 350. APPENDIX. (J8*J a paper upon ihat sul)jccl retvntly put into my hands by Lord Spencer. It succinctly states the outlines of what is to be expected from such a pos- session in the hands of France, and I certainly concur in every idea he states, with many additional ones which my official situation has led me often to revolve upon. But to return to the purpose of this letter, which is directed to the fur- ther views of the French, as stated in your intellifj-encc, namely, the over- throic of our Indian power by an attack upon the British territories there. I believe it is not a new idea, and 1 have reason to suppose that the Em- press of Russia had it in contemplation, at the time that hostilities between that Court and Great Britain were likely to take place. The transporting an army to India from the Rlediterranean must be at- tempted in one of four ways — either by Constantinople and the Black Sea, or secondhi, by vessels from the Red Sea, or thirdly, by land from Jidda through the Upper Yemen to Muscat, or rather to that part of the Ara- bian coast where the sea is most naiTow (which is about opposite the island of Kishmish,) and there by the help of vessels to be procured at Muscat to cross the gulph, and thence proceed through the remainder of Persia, entering Hindostan by crossing the Indus ; or if sufficiency of ves- sels could be had at Muscat they might avoid the necessity of crossing the gulph of Persia, and pass over directly by sea to the western side of India ; or lastly, the array must march to Aleppo, and at Bir cross the Euphrates, and following that river and the Tigris, descend to the Persian gulph, and thence proceed along the coast to the Indus. As to the first of those routes, if it be true that the Ottoman Porte has been so perfectly insane as to form the connexion mentioned in your Frank- fort information, this route might certainly be pursued by the Dardanelles into the Black Sea ; but it is impossible to suppose, that if they were to reach the Black Sea, Russia which has made such struggles to obtain the command of that Sea, would permit the transit of a French force, which it must see would ultimately establish the power and influence of the French Republic in the centre of the Ottoman dominion. Holding it impossible that the Emperor of Russia would suffer such a circumstance to take place, it is unnecessary to trouble you with the further detail of this route ; it would be towards the Caspian, and thence to penetrate into India, which would be very difficult, and barely possible through that part of Persia. The second and third routes are certainly practicable, upon supposition that the Frankfort intelligence is true, of this expedition having been con- certed with Tippoo Sultaun, because in that case vessels may have been sent either from the Mauritius or from the ports of Tippoo Sultaun, or from both, and in that case there could be no difficulty in transporting a body of troops either from the Red Sea or from the Persian gulph, in the manner I have already supposed, in detailing the different routes from Egypt to India; but I am not of opinion that the French Government can have formed a sufficient concert, or would run the risk of all the difficul- ties which stand in the way of their enterprize in either of the two ways now supposed. The following reasons lead me to this conclusion — in the first place, al- though the possession of Egypt has been long a favourite object both with the old and new French Government, and was always considered by them us the most obvious means of undermining the British poiver in India; I do not think till recently they ever entertained an idea to accomplish it in the gigantic manner now proposed, and conse(piently cannot have con- certed or prepared early enough to meet them in the Red Sea or in the gulpli of Persia such an extent of shipping as would be requisite for the transportation of such an army to the coasts of India, and unless tliey had made such a preparation, they are too well informed not to know that with- out previous preparation they had no chance of finding the requisite ton- 690 APPENDIX. nage either in the Arabian, or the Per.-;iun, ^^iilph ; seoDiully, if they liad thought of this enterprize sufficiently early for such preparation, their own judgment must have suggested to them the risk of their whole plan being frustrated bv storms, or by the vigilance of our cruizers in the Indian seas ; thirdly, they were not certain but their plans would be discomfited by a very small naval force being stationed either at the mouth of the Red Sea, or at the mouth of the Persian gulph ; and, in fact, I conceive it even now not to be too late to use that precaution. These various reasons satisfy me, that if this enterprize is really to be undertaken, Buonaparte will, as much as possible, avoid the dangers of the sea, which is not his element, but trusting to his own exertions and the enthusiasm of his followers, endeavour to accomplish his object by marchin? to Aleppo, cross the Euphrates, and following the example of Alexander, bv following the river Euphrates and the Tigris, and descend- ing to the Persian gulph, and thence proceeding along the coast to the Indus. This route requires no vessels to transport troops. The roads are much more practicable, and the resources of provisions and forage much ijreater ; if, indeed, the Turks were hostile to their views, they could in a variety of ways annov them, both in their first project and in their after plans of recruiting their army, by the means of landing them at Alexan- dretta or Scandroon, the nearest port to Aleppo. But if, as stated in the Frankfort intelligence, the Turks are really friendly to the views of France, I do not see any reason to suppose that the object of reaching India may not be accomplished. It will be done, no doubt, with great fatigue and loss of men ; it must be a tedious operation, and many hardships must be undergone ; but these are considerations which will not operate either upon the leader or upon the followers of this enterprize, and therefore it ap- pears to me we will act most unwisely if we omit any one exertion to pro- tect our Indian interests against the most formidable danger to which, in my opinion, it was ever exposed. The first and most obvious measure that can be pursued from this country is a direct representation, both to the Emperor of Russia and at Constantinople. If the Turks have formed any such connexion, and en- tered into any such alliance, as stated in the Frankfort intelligence, their conduct is so directly hostile to us as to relieve us from every ceremony with regard to them. The interest of Russia itself is so nearly concerned by the admission of the French into Egypt, and the means thereby afforded them of gaining a pre-eminence in, and ultimately the conquest of, Tur- key, that 1 cannot conceive the Emperor, with all his pacific dispositions, will choose to be a tame spectator of such transactions. Nothing should be left undone on our part to excite him to a sense of his danger ; and if the Turks, notwithstanding the representations of Russia, persist in such an alliance as is supposed, wg ought to connect ourselves as closely with Russia as possible, and aid her in every project she may undertake for the chastisement of the Turks, Information will be immediately and by the speediest modes conveyed to our governments in India, stating the intelligence we have received, and guarding them against the danger with which they are threatened ; and a naval force, either from the Cape or from India, must be directed to cruize at the mouth of the Red Sea, and at the mouth of the Persian Gulph, in order to prevent any naval communication between the French and the continent of India. For these two years past there has been, from time to time, appearances of French emissaries, both in Persia and in Egypt, and it is not probable that the French would have formed such a project as this without having endeavoured to secure a co-operation with some of the powers, through whose countries they are to pass; and, in the last despatches from India, there seems to be a floating idea as if Tjppoo had been holding out the APPENDIX. 691 hopes of a French co-operation to one of our refractory rajahs, on the coast of Malabar. It must be the object ef our government in India, by every means in their power, to counteract the intrifi^ues which the French may have used for facilitating- their present enterprise. I hope much may be done in this way ; and considerins;- the desultory politics of Indian powers, the French rnay very speedily find themselves disappointed in the co-operation they have counted upon. Any material disappointment in this respect must be fatal to their project — their army must be much fati^ed and exhausted after so long a march ; and if in that situation we can induce the Abdalli, the Afghans, and other tribes bordering upon the Indus, and also the other powers in the north of India, t~ nnoy the French army in their progress to our territories, they would ) ; > cut up before we were called to encounter them, as would render ouri uccess tolerably certain. At the same time, it must not be forgot, that in all systems of intrigue with the native powers in India, we labour under a great disadvantage in a competition with France. However much we may endeavour to use our power in India with fairness and with moderation, still we are an upstart power, and our dominion there is established on the foundation of the conquests or cessions, made to us by a variety of the native powers. It is impossible to suppose that they do not feel uneasy under such circum- stances, and therefore a more easy prey to the representation, seduction, and intrigue of another power, who comes in the plausible form of offering to deliver them from English bondage, without desiring any recompeuce in return ; in short, it is a rivalship, where our enemy has every thing to gain and nothing to lose, and where we have nothing to gain and every thing to lose. Under these circumstances we have no certain security, except what rests upon our own independent and solid power ; it is for this reason I urge the absolute necessity of reinforcing our governments in India, by every means in our power. The great demand for troops upon the Conti- nent at the beginning of the war, together with the expeditions and loss of men in the West Indies, and the conquest of the Cape, joined to the apparent security of India, has induced us to keep back from the Indian establishments those recruits necessary even for keeping up their peace arrangement. The lOth and 11th regiments were destined many months ago for the East India service, but you know that both the one and the other have been since appropriated to other services, and are, of course, withdrawn from their former destination ; and it does not occur to me that we have a possible resource for sending the requisite force to India, except in two ways. The one is, to send the regiments, being two in number, lately recruited from the supplemental militia, to Gibraltar, and to send an equal number from thence to the East Indies. The other resource is the troops in Portugal, and even after both of these are applied to that service, our Indian security will not be adequate to our wishes. Do not conceive that I am undervaluing the service to which you wish to apply the troops in Portugal. I know and feel its importance, but I have uniformly and invariably maintained that it is our duty, in the distribution of our force, both naval nnd military, never to abandon the security of our distant possessions. Their distance places them out of the reach of all extraordinary resources. No militia regiment will volunteer its service for the security of India — many will for the security of Ireland. Every man in the kingdom will arm himself for the security of England, but the East and West Indies can look to no such resource. When attacked they must stand or fall by the force appropriated to them, but they are placed beyond the reach of those innumerable resources which present themselves when an urgent danger presses at home. I remain, RIy dear Lord, yours very sincerely, H. Dun DAS. 692 APPENDIX. Secret intelligence from Frankfort. [Enclosed in the foregoing letter.] A Monsieur Faujas de St. Fond (known as a man of letters before the revolution) arrived at Frankfort a few days Vi^o. He is employed by the French Government to make enquiries into subjects of Natural History. The Abbd de Lisle is here likewise on his way to Brunswick ; he was vi- sited by Faujas, with whom he was formerly acquainted, and who in con- versation informed him that the expedition from Toulon was certainly destined to Egypt ; that it had been long in agitation ; that Buonaparte had formed the plan, and prevailed on the Directory to adopt it; that the Porte had agreed that they might take possession of Egypt, in return for which they had stipulated the future payment of a large sum of money, the cession of some islands taken from the Venetians, and the free e.xpor- tation of grain from Egypt to Constantinople, which condition they had persuaded the Porte would always be observed, being in effect mutually advantageous ; that the army under Buonaparte consisted of 40,000 men, the ('lite of the French troops, which would be gradually reinforced, and that all the principal officers in every corps and department of the army, were chosen by Buonaparte ; that the project was, after having secured possession of certain parts of Egypt to take the nearest route by Arabia, through Persia, cross the Indus nearly where Alexander did, and from thence advance into the British territories. He said that the Directory for a long lime past had employed Agents in Persia and India, that those who at present had the chief power in Persia had agreed to assist in and facili- tate the enterprize ; tliat the Prince on the borders of the Indus (meaning, J suppose, Zemauii Shah) had done the same, and tltat measures had been fully concerted with Tippoo Sultaun, to irhom the Government would en- deavour (or were endeavouring) to convey the number of troops he had re- ijuired. He observed that this enterprize embraced a nuud)er of great pul)lic objects, as well as aiany private views ; that Buonaparte saw in it an ample field for gratifying his ambition, and perhaps a prospect of esta- blishing himself in some great and independent situation, which he could scarcely have done in Italy. Mr. Faujas pretended also that the projected invasion of England was intended merely to create expense, excite appre- hension, and cover this expedition, so as to prevent the British Ministry from takuig measures for the security of their Asiatic dominions. Importance of Egypt to the French. [Enclosed in IVIr. Dundas's letter to Lord Grenville.] The probability of the French taking possession of Egypt, naturally leads us, as a great commercial nation, to consider the question of the pro- bability, as well as the consequences that may arise from the accon)plish- ment of such an undertaking. I believe it will be very generally admitted, that the possession of Egypt has Ijceii a long time an object of French politics ; the sending of Monsieur de Tott to survey the levels and roads practicable across the Isthmus of Suez remains as full proof of such a design, which perhaps was retarded at that monjent by ideas uf justice, now no longer prevailing. M. Volney, one of the lutCot writers on the affairs of Egypt, and a man of some influence with the existing (jovernment of France, speaks but slightly of the military prowess of tiie present Mamaluke Government, and considers 10,000 eifectivc men as tlie greatest n.imber they can bring into the field ; so that it appears, if in this hour of arrogance, the French APPENDIX. f)I);i intend the invasion of E^jypt, tlioy will not be. prevotitcd liy the opposition that can be given to them by the Mameilukc Government. The immediate advantages that may lead the Frencli to this measure are, that after the viirious revolutions of parlies that have taken place, an establishment in Egypt may, perhaps, be deemed necessary to transplant such subjects as might otherwise be troublesome at home. The idea of settling and parcelling out a country whose riches and fertility have been the theme of all ages, cannot fail to catch the minds of those men, who, from habits of licentiousness and dissipation, are no longer fitted to return to the restraints of industry, or the sobriety of regular goveriunent. Another very material argument arises in favour of buch an establish- ment. It is well known that the southern provinces of France are not equal to the supply of their own wants for corn, which they have been always used to purchase of the Barbary States. Egypt will afford them abundance in return for the common manufactures of France, and by this meons, form a basis for that commerce by barter, which will easily extend itself whenever their Government shall attain a sufficient degree of consis- tency ; so much, therefore, may be said on the question of probabilicy. As to the advantages that may in future arise from such a possession, they are great and manifold ; I know that it has been an opinion long pre- vailing in France, that Egypt would afford most of the articles of the East and West India growth, and I have reason to think such an opinion well founded. The productions of this country as it now stands are wlr'Ut, rice, Indian corn, millet, jesamum, cotton, flax, senna cassia, sugar, nitre, natron, sal ammonia, honey, and wax. But if we extend our idea, and consider the situation of Grand Cairo, we shall find it calculated for a great mart, extending its commerce to all around it. It is the centre of the Carravan trade, and unites Europe with Africa and Asia by its circuitous commerce. Carravans from Morocco, Nubia, Abyssinia, Armenia, Persia, Syria, Damascus, Aleppo, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, and various others, arrive annually at Cairo, and bring the produce of their several countries, and a large sum in specie for the pur- chase of such commodities as they want. When the trade of Cairo was flourishing, it consisted of spices of all kinds, gums of various sorts, drugs of most kinds, silk, cotton, and all sorts of china and India produce, w hich were exchanged with the Carravans for gold dust, ivory, and slaves, and with Europe for gold, silver, copper, tin, lead, coral, and most articles of European manufacture. The Vene- tians, who carried on the greatest part of this trade to Europe in the 15th century, employed 43,000 seamen in it, nor has this commerce entirely yielded to the destructive Government of the Turks ; for, according to Monsieur Volney, the worth of the commerce of Cairo amounts annually to 150 millions of livres. Should the French restore the commerce to India by the Red Sea, which is, undoubtedly, their object, they will do it to more advantage than ever it has yet been done. For our commerce to India has intro- duced into these countries more of the European manufactures than were formerly in demand, as well as familiarized the use of China and India produce to every part of the world. Coftee and tea, two articles little known in former times, are now be- come generally and extensively in common use, and form a very consi- derable branch of commerce. The growth of sugar and indigo in India are likewise new articles, and of great consideration, so that the com.- merce of the Red Sea is materially changed in its favour. The navigation of the Red Sea is by no means so dangerous as igno- rance has represented it. The winds are jjcriodical, making the passage very short both to and from Inth June, 1/98. In consequence of the menaces and arrogant language of our enemy, threatening, by an invasion of our own island, at once to strike at the whole vitals of our strength and power, a spirit of zeal, ardent loyalty, and na- tional pride, has been excited to a degree unequalled at any period of our history ; and the consequence of it is, that all ranks and degrees of men are coining forward to be trained in arms — determined to repel every at- tempt to insult our coasts, or to disturb the internal peace and prosperity of the country. We are, in truth, become an armed nation ; and, in addi- tion to all our other advantages, have formed a bulwark of internal secu- rity, founded upon the voluntary zeal, loyalty, and valour of the country. I wish, earnestly, to urge your Lordship to take this statement under your consideration, as applicable to the situation of India. If it be true that a successful invasion of this country would prove fatal to uS, in every one interest worthy to bestow a thought upon, it is still more peculiarly true, with regard to his Majesty's subjects settled in India. A successful attack upon our possessions in India, and the overthrow of the British interests there, would be a death's wound to every prospect which any civil ser- APPENDIX. 697 vant of the company can entertain. Wliv tlien are not tbev, so far as is consistent with their other avocations and duties, to devote some leisure hours in each week, in order to learn the use of arms, and to form them- selves into corps, under the authority of the Government, for the purpose of addin? to your European streny the li^'ht infantry company of his Majesty's .'J.'Jrd re^'inient. The palace was then taken possession of without op])osition. I now proceeded to the search of the palace, accompanied l)y Lieutenant-Colonel Close and Major Allen, takinir care, however, to avoid the Leuana, round which I had posted a sufficient force to make his escape from it impracticahle. In the palace we found a man who, on being severely threatened, said that the Sultaun was killed in attempting to escape through the Northern Sally Port, and otiered to conduct us to the body. We accordingly pro- ceeded thither, and under a slaughtered heap of several hundreds, many of whom were men of consequence in his service, had the pleasure to discover the body of the Sultaun, he had been shot through the head and body, and was quite dead, I caused him immediately to be put into a palanquin, and conveyed to the palace, where the body was identified by some of the principal men who had fallen into our hands, and by two of the eunuchs belonging to his Harani. I now proceeded to give such protection to the inhabitants as was in my power, and although it was by this time dark, as 1 have heard no complaints of outrage or insult being offered to any after tiie conflict ceased, I may venture to say the natives of India will be satisfied that the British soldiers are not more brave than humane. Early the next morning Ai)dual Cawlic, the second son of Tippoo, and the elder son of the two who were delivered to Lord Cornwallis as hos- tages at the conclusion of the last war, was met by Lieutenant-Colonel Dalryniple coming from the island to deliver himself up, he was imme- diately assured of protection and the most liberal treatment, and I went to meet him to shew how much satisfied I was with the confidence he placed in us by thus delivering himself into our Iiands when the means of scape were perfectly in his power. Having been led to expect you in the fort yesterday morning, I waited with Abdual Cawlic to deliver him into your own hands. But on being relieved by Colonel Wellesley, I proceeded with hiin to camp, and deli- vered hiuj over to you. I perceive, in the general orders of yesterday, hat no mention is made of Colonel Sherbrooke. This, I perceive, is owing to that order being published before i had time to niake my report to you of the conduct of the troops under my command on the assault, which was highly exemplary throughout, and if, where all behaved nobly, it is proper to mention individual merit, I know no man so justly entitled to praise as Colonel Sherbrooke, to whose exertions I feci myself much indebted for the success of the attack. I make no doul)t but Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlop, who commanded a party of equal force with that of Colonel Sherbrooke, would have merited equal praise for his exertions had he not most unfortunately been disabled by a wound very early in the assault, a circumstance I most sincerely re- gretted, as from the well known character of that officer, and the clear manner in which he understood ttie instructions I gave him relative to the attack he was to lead, I put the greatest confidence in the success of the attack. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most ol)edient, humble Servant, D.wiD B.\inD, Major-General. Camp at Seringapataui, (ith Mav, 1791). VOL. 1. 700 APPENDIX K. Statement of the Force composing the Grand Army under the Command of Lieutenant General Harris, February, 1799. Non Commissioned ^°^P^- Drums Rank and File. Total. 19th Regiment Light Dragoons 25th Do. Do 447 465 912 1766 1st Do. Native Cavalry 2nd Do. Do 3d Do. Do 4th Do. Do 443 443 443 437 Total Cavalry 2678 2 Companies Bengal Artillery .... 1st Battalion Artillery 2nd Do. Do 14« 128 300 Total Artillery 576 12th Regiment Foot . 33rd Do. Do. . 73rd Do. Do. . 74th Do. Do. . Scotch Brigade . Swiss Regiment 773 869 851 801 500 814 Total European Infantry 4608 1st Battalion 1st Regiment 2nd Do. 3rd Do. 2nd Do. 5th Do. 1st Do. 6th Do. 1st Do. 8th Do. 2nd Do. 9th Do. 1st Do. 12th Do. 2nd Do. 12th Do. Three Battalions Bengal Volunte ^rs ve Infantry 1077 1022 1086 1012 1101 857 838 1068 3000 Total Nat 11,061 Gun Lascars ....... Pioneers ......-• 1726 1000 Total Gun Lascars and Pioneers 2726 Abstract. Cavalry ......•• Artillery European Infantry ...... Native Infantry .....-• 2678 576 1 4608 11,061 { Total Fighting Men Lascars and Pioneers 18,923 2726 i Grand Total 21,649 CoL. Ro J APPENDIX. 701 Detaclimcut under the Command of Colonel Roberts. Corps. 1 Company Bengal Artillery 1 Do. Coast . 1 Battalion 10th Regiment B. N. I. 2nd Do. 10th Do. Do. 2nd Do. 2nd Do. C. N. I 2nd Do. 7th Do. Do. 1st Do. 11th Do. Do. 2nd Do. 11th Do. Do. Companies of Gun Lascars Non Commissioned Drums Rank and File. Total Total. Detachment in the Southern Division under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Brown. Detachment of the 1st Battalion Artillery 1st Division 1st European Regiment 2nd Do. 2nd Do. Do. . 2nd Battalion 1st Regiment (3 Companies) 1st Do. 2nd Do 3rd Do 13th Do. (2 Flank Companies) 1.3th Do. (2 Do. Do. ) New Troop of Cavalry Gun Lascars .... Pioneers ..... 1st 1st 2nd Do. Do. Do. Total Northern Division Commanded by Colonel Vigors. .58 ')8 300 346 640 2737 108 349 1040 900 224 224 lOK 168 100 168 100 3817 European Infantry ...... Native Infantry including Revenue Corps and Invalids Total 129 6712 0841 N. B. A Detachment of Recruits from Hydrabad, consistmg of 7 Havildars, 6 Naiques, 7 Puckallies and 743 Sepoys, at Masulipatam, not included above. Five Companies of His Majesty's 19th Regiment of Foot, and one Company of Bengal Artillery, ordered from Columbo to join the Troops in the Field in the Southern Division, not included in the above. Also a Detachment of l.')00 Men under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Read in the Banihmahaul. 702 APPENDIX. GENERAL ORDER OF ENCAMPMENT OF THE GRAND ARMY. ^ 1st Batt. 1st Reg. "E a 1st Do. 12th Do. '";£ 1st Do. 6th Do. 4 H. M. 12th Foot. M gj Scotch Brigade. H. M. 74th Foot. 1st Batt. 8th Reg. 12th Do. 3rd Do. 5 a 2nd Do. ■ ■= 2nd Do. Major of Brigade Lt. Lauder. Colonel Gowdie Commanding. Qr. Mast. Brig. Lieut. Brice. Maj. Gen. Baird Commanding. Major of Brigade Lt. Lambton. ,^ S hi c = ^ X -M .:; Maj. of Bngade Lt. Colebrooke. ^ Col. Sherbrooke Commanding. ^ Qr. Mast. Brigade Lieut. Kelly. ~. ~- - o r^ o o ^ Pi ^ o ts 1st Bengal Volunt. 3rd Do. Do. 2nd Do. Do. ^ .g H. M. 33rd Foot. ^ c S> Reg. de Meuron. H '^' ■= H. M. 73rd Foot. -^ 4 2nd Batt. 9th Reg. ■£ 2 ■= 2nd Do. 5th Do. Maj. of Brigade Capt. Cuppage. c i S Lt. Col. Gardiner Commanding. S ^ §" Qr. Mst. Brig. Lt. R. Marriott. £ -t.^ , p • ^ The Hon. Col. Wellesley Comg. ^-zti Maj. of Brigade Capt. Hughes, §"2 d Maj.Brig. Capt.Lt. M'Pherson. gj""^' Lieut. Col. Scott Commanding, c ^ • - Qr. Mast. Brig. Lt. Armstrong, -^f^'^ 2 o o ICO 23 o 2 — --• — "^ »-~ ^^ 1st Reg. Nat. Cav. >-— to 19th Do. Dragoons. Col. Stevenson Commanding. ^ ,5 4thDo. Native Cav. Maj. of Brigade Lt. Strachan. < ^ ^^ 2nd Do. Do. ^ c gj 25th Do. Dragoons Colonel Pater Commanding. ^' '^ 3rd Do. Nat. Cav. Major Brigade Major Patterson. al Floyd, ing. Brigade, /ilson. e Camp, lonteath Cavalry. . 1 Horst .. J Arty. o £ o '^ - o '^ .-1, ^ -S - 2£Q C = [g's '.^ 5 ■coco Major Con StatY I\ Cap Start Cap Attacl 4 Bras 8 Do, i APPENDIX. 708 12 — ■ t^ - S C3 — ! C2 ., ,Q S5 = (^ J o •nam °uuqSy — • i--5l^-^ ?) 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" s s ? = o hi •Xqavjui -fl" o ^ 2 t to U5 to •iCiaii!:MV .^ o> s s i ^ t^ 00 "^ ■Xjieabo t>. rj" t^ s 1 • c 2 "1 " •sasJOH to •■I' to eo n •w «>. ■" •I^ioj, o % S s S?o to o> to to ► t io •Al^OBJUI (N CO (N 00 • < •Xjotuijv S to ■ n •XjtBABO g? CO eo «-.. CO eo ; O a •sasiOH 00 ** oo 00 ; « »^ oj •IBIOI. ?^ to to t3 S2 to Tf t^ h. « ^ •Aj^nBjni to Q -■* CO CO ._ to « •XjanrjiV to s t^ t^ iO ■* *n LO fa •XlIBAEO Ol 0-, «^ ir o •fepj: '6 ' a J: Eg" ajor-G Army ajor-G Dctac (I . . * s * • s^-shS 5S S « c g p -T3 c "S'-C •?lil! D O ot: o ■§ o nd intantry ny before Se r-General Fh Highness the ny on the ret inction of tlie ly on the ret Cavcriiiorani olonels Brow £ ^ 5 valrv a the Ar of Majf of liis ry . the An rt and j\ Ihc An d from ieut.-C _o i^ o ^-^1 i °s =5-^ ^ *^ 5 ti££ II bi ei u^ cs a c ° £ = ^ en Wi 02 t/i S\iVA\ Til 01 'aapMOd •ipui ?s 'siiaqs •ipni 8 'siiaqs •OTIJP 8 'OlilQ •0W!P 9 'on! a •oilip zi 'owm •o«ip SI 'oi4!a •lapnnod fz 'loqs CO -" ja •owip ?s 'sjaz)!MOH l)OUI 8 CO . . eo OWTP 8 •o«!P 9 , X . X *J -iment 3.3 rd 73 rd 74th 75th 77th do do. do. do do. Scotch Briii:ade . Rcffiment de Mcuron Bombay Regiment of European Infantry 1st Bat'. 10th Bengal Reg. Native Infan'trv 2nd do. do. do 1st Battalion Bengal Volunteers 2nd do. 3rd do. 1st Bat. 2nd do. 2nd do. 2nd do. 1st do. 2nd do. 1st do. 2nd do. 1st do 2nd do 1st do 2nd do do. . . . do. 1st Reg. r\Jadras N^ative Infantry 2nd do. do. 3rd do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. Pioneer Corps .... 1st Bat. 2nd Reg. Bombay Nat. Infantry 2nd do. 2nd do. do. ist do. 3rd do. do. 2nd do. 3rd do. do. 1st do. 4th do. do. 1st do: 5th do. do Pioneer Corps - . . . Total . . 5th do. 6tli do. 7th do. 8th do. 9th do. 11th do. llth do. 12ih do. 12th do. Europeans. 4 6 8 4 17 6 21 45 16 10 14 16 9 12 6 15 6 49 28 99 111 64 51 86 60 23 101 Natives. 622 10 5 27 4 22 3 5 3 6 2 3 4 12 11 "4 5 4 3 1 1 7 8 4 2 4 2 3 4 2 119 12 9 5 15 3 5 3 30 8 14 10 47 33 16 13 7 11 4 46 37 10 10 15 6 14 7 25 420' 100 51 N.B. Two (A)nductor5 of Ordnance wounded on the instant, not hicluflcd in the above. 2nil and 4tli 708 APPENDIX. OFFICERS KILLED AND WOUNDED, INCLUDED IN THE GENERAL RETURN. IMajor C. Campbell, 1st bat. 1st Madras re^. N. I. killed 5th April, 1/99. Lieut. G. Nixon, H. I\! 12th res', do. 5th do! Lieut. T. Falla, do. do. 6th do. Lieut. Fitzgerald, 3.3rd, do. 5th do. Lieut. Fireworker A.Brooke, Ben- o-al artillery, wounded 5th do. Lieut. R. Nixon, H. M. 12th re;^. do. 5th do. Lieut. King-, do. do. 6th do. Ensig'n Neville, do. do. IJth do. Capt. I. IVIunro, 2nd bat. 12th Madras N. I. do. 18th do. Lieut. I. Vernon, do. do. do. do. Lieut. Moore, do do. do. do. Lieut. Mackintosh, 2nd bat. 3rd Madras retr. N. I. do. 17th do. Capt. Alexander Torriano, Bombay artil- lery, killed 18th do. Lieut. Wm. M'Reddie, do. do. 18th do. Lieut. Wm. Taylor, staff, woimded, do. do. Lieut. Jeremiah Lock, 2nd bat. 2nd reg. Bombay N. I. do. do. do. Lieut. John Barnard, do. do. do. do. Assist.- surg-eon Glasser, Reg. de Meuron, killed 19th do. Lieut. I. Fish, 2nd bat. 3rd Madras reg. N. I. do. 20th do. Lieut. S. Smith, do. wounded do. do. Lieut. Fletcher, H. M. Z-^th reg. do. do, do. Capt. C. I. Mears, 1st bat. 2nd Bombay reg. N. I. killed 21st do. Capt. John Gordon, H. M. 75th reg. wounded do. do. Capt. Marshall, 1st bat. 5th Bombay reg N. I. do do. do. Capt. Wra. Brown, 1st l)at. 3rd do. do. do. do do. Lieut. Todd, H. M. 73rd reg. do. 26th do. Capt. Hay, H. M. Scotch brigade, killed do do. Lieut. ]\i'Beath, do. wounded do. do. Lieut. Innes, do. do. do. do. Lt. M'Lean, do. do. do. do. Lt. Blair, 1st hat. Madras artil. do. 25th do. Lt. Irvine, H. M. 74th reg. killed 26th do. Capt. Aytone, do. wounded do. do. Lieut. Maxwell, do. do. do. do. Lieut. Carrington, do. do. do. do. Lieut. JM'Lean, jun. H. M. 73rd reg. do. 27th do. Capt. Molle, H. M. Scotch brigade, do. do. do. Capt. Piauchaud, Reg. de Meuron, do. do. do. Lieut. Fagen, 3rd bat. Bengal volunteers do. do. do. Lieut. -Col. Montagu, Ben- gal artillery, wounded 2nd May (since dead.) Lieut. Cookesley, 1st bat. JMadras artillery, killed do. do. Capt. Cosby, staff, do. 3rd do. Capt. Lt. Caldwell, Madras engineers, wounded 4th do. Major Mandeville, 2nd bat. Madras artillery, do. do. do. Capt. Jourdan, 2nd bat. do. killed do. do. Capt. Lieut. Prescott, 1st bat. do. wounded do do. Lieut. Shawe, H. M. 12th reg. do. do. do. Capt. Macleod, 73rd, do. do. do. Lieut. Lalor, 73rd, killed, do. do. Lieut. Thomas, 73rd, wounded, do. do. Ensign Antil, 73rd, do. do. do. Ensign Guthrie, 73rd, do. do. do. Lieut. Farquhar, 74th, killed, do. do. Lieut Prendergast, 74th, do. do. do. Lieut. HiU, 74th, do. do. do. Lieut. Shaw, 74th, do. do. do. Lieut. Mather, H. M. 75th reg. killed 4th May. Lieut. Turner, 75th, wounded, do. do. Lieut. Broughton, 75th, do. do. do. Lieut. Skelton, 75th, do. do. do. Lieut.- Col. Dunlop, 77th, do. do. do. Capt. Owen, 77th, killed, do. do. Lieut. Lawrence, 77th, wounded, do. do. ('apt. Lardy, Reg. de Meuron, do. do. do. Lieut. Mathey, do. do. do. do. Lieut. R. Webb, Bombay European reg. do. do. do. Lieut. Corniick, Madras pioneers, killed do. do. ABSTRACT OF OFFICERS KILLED AND WOUNDED. Madras engineers, 1 wounded. Bombay do., 0. Bengal artillery, 2 wounded. Madras do. 2 killed, 3 wounded. Bombay do. 2 killed. Ben- gal infantry, 1 wounded. IMadras do. 14 killed, 26 wounded. Boml»ay do. 3 killed, 12 wounded. iMadras pioneers, 1 killed. Bombay do. 0. — Total killed and wounded 67. Barry Close, Adj.-Gen. APPENDIX. roy fcj) c m o 'A o l-H r/-; Q ;2i •~J w a Ph -2 Ph n < tti IBiox pnBJO ^ ■» ■V a . •UDUJ 91 " - a o o CIS o •op ?5 •op fe "" : 1 lO •op SB n 1 " •op 9 1 '^ 1 "^ •op ^ - 1 " •op 8 1 °^ - 1 " •op 6 " 1 " •op 01 1 "" ^ 1 " •op H " 1 " •op -.1 1 '■'^ - 1 "^ •op KI 1 ^' ~ 1 ''' ■llOUJ SI « 1 '^ o •op f 1 '^ ■^ 1 " ■op 5 « 1 "^ •op I 1 2 m 1 s •op \\ 1 "^ 1 '■*' •op Z 1 ? h\ 1 ■* •op fS 1 » to 1 O) •op £ 1 '^ s 1 s •op ?e 1 *^ 1 '^ ■op t- 1 "S m 1 00 •op ^'^, 1 "* 1 "* •op s \ " : 2 1 - •op 9 1 m : ^ 1 *^ •op Z 1 "^ : S 1 '^' •op 8 1 '^ : S 1 m ■op 6 1 '^ • t^ 1 00 •op 01 00 1 °° •op EI 1 and prospects that has ever appeared, can only be explained by declaring: that the writer's mental powers and ac- quirements are extraordinary, and that nothing short of a passion lor the task could have carried him through with it. The work is essentially statistical, calling in the aid of politics, science and the arts, as scope may be granted to a mind of great compass, vi- vacity and enquiry ; his pages of figures, with very slight and few exceptions, are as plain and accurate as the simplest lessons in arithmetic, whilst of his style it can seldom be said that it is other than pure, or where description is called for that it falls short of elo- quence of a fine order ; nor must we forget to mention the sustained tone of Christian feeling which pervades every sentiment and every argument in Mr. Montgomery Martin's great and invaluable work — a work worthy of the mighty and numerous Colonial depen- dencies of the Empire of Britain.' — Monthly Review for June, 1835. ' Mr. Montgomery Martin has nobly redeemed his original pledge to the public, and by placing before it in a clear and comprehensive light the state of our Colonial- possessions in Europe, completed a work of rare industry, and of great national importance. We cannot help in casting a glance back upon Lis entire labours, which exhibit the arms ol oar dear native land stretched abroad in every sea and quarter of tlie earth, east, west, north, and south, — holding the strongest points, and controlling powers every where — spread over mil. lions of miles of territory, and rulinsi millions of people of every shade of human colour and every religious faith — her language spoken, her protection sought, her institutions co. pied, her character venerated ; — we cannot, we repeat, look upon this picture, so vividly brought before us in Mr. Martin's work, without thinking of the wondertul progress and greatness of Britain : " toto dirisos orbe Britannos,' — what a jest is it now '. when she is seen in every part, encircling, eminacing, and pervading the wliole mighty and universal globe ! ! ! As a library book — as a book of information — and;as a book of reference — it has no superior, and we cordially recommncd it to the encouragement it so eminently merits.' — Literary Gazette. ' Mr. Martin has in this great work happily exemplified what may be accomplished by ho- nesty of purpose, persevering labour, and independent talent. He has, by the present Vo- lume, concluded a work not more called for than it was new ; and when we consider the immense variety of information reqnisiteto its completion, and the want of guides by whom his path might have been poiiited out, it is astonishing that he should have been able to approach an> thing like a satisfactory history of the unparalleled and unmeasured posses, sionsof the British nation. Mr. Martin surveys, explains, and descends into every branch of information which a country and a community can offer, and every part is executed with a degree of earnest pains-taking, whether we regard his spirit of fidelity, his unwearied re- search, or his tearless assertion of the whole truth as it appears to him, that may well become an example to all writers of constitutional and historical works. The same high- toned sustainment of moral purity, the same reverence of sacred truths, characterize the present volume, that attracted our admiration and praise in those that prece ied. Nor, now that Mr. Martin has completed his !ii>tory, is it too much to declare that he has earned a noble and undying reputation as a scholar, a sound reasoner, an ardent advocate of tree- dom, a spotless moralist, and a consistently zealous Christian. — Monthly Review for Dec, 1835. In an exceedingly modest address to his readers, prefixed to this volume, Mr. Martin alludes to some ot the many formidable and most discouraging circumstances he had to Contend with in the execution of his stupendous work, and we think this little narrative will riot be read without exciting the most kindly feelings towards its author, mr witiiout leaving the most lively impressions regardiui; his extraordinary assiduity and perseverance. In this address Mr. Martin claims the merit of industry only for his labours, but the public has discovered many higher qualities than this in the work before us. It has discovered intelligence, talent, a sound and ccmiprehensive judgment, discrimination and tabte, and last, though not least, literary attainments of no ordinary kind, and it has awarded Mr. Mar- tin a reputation proportioned to these merits.' — Scotsmin, Dec. 5, 1835. ' In this volume, Mr. Martin concludes his g^reat undertaking, which is distinguished by the same marvellous spirit of industry — the same unwearied research, and masses of fact for which the former volumes were so remarkable, it is the very first work of its kind ; — the materials of which it is composed, were scattered over a large surface and in a multi- tude of places ; its tabular illustrations are derived trorn such a variety of bources, that it would be aii but impossible to make them quite free from errors — and when it is remem- bered that one head and one liaud has gathered these enormous stores of information, and in an incredibly short space of time put them together, we wiU be disposed to wonder that the work is so complete. If any circumstance in addition to its intrinsic merits were re- quired to increase the claims of the " History of the British Colonies," upon public patro- nage, the fact that Mr. Martin persevered in it to the end, unaided by any assistance from Government or any other associating bodies, and resting solely from his own limited means, ought to be sufficient in itself to procure it a welcome wherever there are readers who sympathize in the extended interests of mankind. It cannot be expected that men of ability should devote their energies to the public service, unless some reward come to them in a gratifying shape, and the reward to which Mr. Martin looks, is of a kind, to confer as much benefit upon the patron as upon the author. The success of the publication has, we believe, been considerable, but it cannot meet greater success tlian its importance bO enii- minently deserves,' — Atlas. v?t^ m UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES THE UNIVERSITY LIBR/*RY •"-.ot /I" kLatm