Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/167

Book VII. his conduct according to the station which he should chance to occupy; if in the van, he would, on the approach of the English, beat his great drum, display his standard, march off with all the troops under his command, and join them on the right; if on either of the wings, or in the rear, he would display a white flag, charge the main body of the Nabob's army as soon as the English began the attack, and endeavour to take the Nabob prisoner. After these explanations, he gave his full assent to the terms of the real treaty, and to whatsoever other donations had been stipulated; then placing the Koran on his own head, and his hand on the head of his son, whilst Mr. Watts held the papers open before him, he swore with great solemnity, that he would faithfully perform all he had promised. They then resolved, that Omar-beg, one of his officers who had lately carried several messages between Jaffier and Mr. Watts, should immediately proceed with the treaties to Calcutta; and Mr. Watts returned as he came, undiscovered. Having brought this dangerous negotiation to a conclusion, no other affairs required his presence at Muxadavad; but as his retreat would leave the Nabob without a doubt of the hostile intentions of the English, he determined to remain seemingly in his power until the last extremity, and, in the mean time, to make such preparations as would secure his flight. The public treaty as written in Persic, and signed by Meer Jaffier, is thus translated: "I swear by God, and the Prophet of God, to abide by the terms of this treaty whilst I have life." These words were written by Meer Jaffier in his own hand, and undersigned by him with his name. The following were as usual in the hand of a scribe. "Treaty made with Admiral Watson, Colonel Clive, and the other counsellors, Mr. Drake and Mr. Watts. — Article I. Whatever articles were agreed to in the time of peace with the Nabob Surajah Dowlah, I agree to comply with. — II. The enemies of the English are my enemies, whether they be Indians or Europeans. — III. All the effects and factories belonging to the French in the province of Bengal, the paradise of nations, and Bahar, and Orixa, shall remain in the possession of the English,