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278 each other. They followed the same road as Major Coote had marched. The progress of the troops of the government was continually interrupted by halts to bring on their baggage and repair their artillery; and the English were obliged to wait, as the Nabob did not like they should be far before him. On the 29th he received letters from Delhi, advising that the patents of his confirmation in the Nabobship had been made out, and titles granted to his son and several others of his family; and the Seats informed Colonel Clive, that he likewise was created a munsubdar or commander of 6000 horse, with several names. All the advices hitherto received from Patna, reported Ramnarain to be taking measures for his defence, and that he had broken down the bridges on the road within 30 miles of Patna; but he had not then received the letter from Clive: as soon as it reached him, he wrote an answer, without any stipulation, or sign of mistrust, that he should proceed without delay to wait on Clive and the Nabob. Accordingly on the 22d he embarked in his boats, whilst his retinue of cavalry marched along the road, and on the 25th visited Clive. The next day he proceeded, accompanied by Mr. Watts, to the Nabob, who received him with the attentions usually testified to his rank in the state, and requested him to follow in the rear, in order to facilitate their communications on business; but in reality to mark his inferiority to the province. This intention escaped not the observation of the camp, but even produced reports that the Nabob had placed him there, out of the reach of succour, in order to destroy him; and Clive himself, not receiving either letters or intelligence from him for several days, had the same suspicions, and wrote for explanation to Omarbeg and Roydoolub; from whom, as well as Ramnarain, he received letters on the 3d of February, which satisfied him of the safety of Ramnarain's person, but did not remove his apprehensions that the Nabob meant him ill in other respects. On the 4th the English troops halted at Jaffier Cawn's garden, two miles from the Kelah or fort which stands at the east end of the city of Patna. Early the next morning, a large body of the Nabob's troops were perceived marching to the left, and passing beyond the English towards the city, and Clive received private