Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/117

Book VI. and effects; but Maphuze Cawn, a provision adequate to his rank. On this information Calliaud ordered the interpreter to renew the proposal of paying the Jemautdars, and pledged his own word to Maphuze Cawn and Berkatoolah; but insisted that Maphuze Cawn should immediately accompany him to Tritchinopoly. Both seemed satisfied, and Maphuze Cawn made preparations as if he intended to proceed to Nattam the next day; but this day brought on the change of the monsoon, with such severe and tempestuous weather, that nothing could stir abroad. The fort of Nattam had no shelter against the sky, and the rains holding without intermission, Captain Calliaud apprehensive that the roads might become impassable, and keep him longer than he ought in prudence to remain out of his garrison, left Nattam the next day, and reached Tritchinopoly on the 30th, where a day or two after came the interpreter, the Nabob's officer, and a Jemautdar sent by Maphuze Cawn, to explain his own demands. He requested to be placed in the government of districts, any where in the Carnatic, from which he might appropriate 200,000 rupees a year for his own maintenance; and alleging that he had been obliged to sell every thing he had, to satisfy in part the demands of his troops, he asked, but without insisting, for 20,000 rupees to furnish himself again with necessaries. Captain Calliaud dismissed the Jemautdar with assurances, that these terms should be complied with, and set out himself for Madrass, in order to obtain the confirmation of the presidency, and to explain to them the general state of affairs in the southern countries.

At this time the expedition to Bengal had carried away one half of the English force in the Carnatic, and intelligence of the declaration of war with France increased the necessity of every caution: in consequence of which Captain Calliaud on the second day of his journey met letters from the presidency, with positive orders not to quit his garrison without their express permission; on which he immediately returned to Tritchinopoly.

Mean while, the dissention between the Company's Sepoys and their renter at Tinivelly had encreased, and had produced evil consequences. Moodilee by his contract was only obliged to furnish the