Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/364

358 Mr. Watts arrived on the 4th of August, with the invitation of the council to the Nabob, who desirous of appearing unconcerned in what follow, consented to proceed with him to Calcutta. The boats, which were now arrived from Dacca, were ordered to proceed and wait at Augadeep, where the Nabob intended to join them, after he had taken the diversion of hunting in the island of Cossimbuzar, which in the middle is covered with jungles, the repair of many deer and tigers; but this amusement was only a pretext to remain within call of the city, which he left on the 6th, accompanied by Mr. Watts. Two days after his departure his son Meerum ordered a body of troops, who were clamouring for their pay, to go and demand it of Roydoolub. They surrounded and beset the enclosures of his house, which were spacious; and Roydoolub had gathered a considerable number of his own troops, amongst whom were some European deserters. Mr. Scrafton arrived at Roydoolub's house before any blood was shed, and prevailed on both sides to remain quiet, until he could inform Mr. Watts, who was then halting with the Nabob at Moncarrah, 14 miles to the south of the city. The Nabob pretended to know nothing of what was passing, and authorised Mr. Watts to bring away Roydoolub. He arrived in the city just in time to save his life; for Meerum, apprehensive of prevention, had ordered the troops to seize his person at any risque; and Roydoolub had prepared a dose of poison to prevent the indignity. Mr. Watts and Mr. Scrafton immediately put him, with a few attendants, into his boats, and accompanied him with a party of Sepoys in others: they arrived at Calcutta before the Nabob, who waited at Hughley until Clive and most of the council paid their respects to him there. He then proceeded with them to Calcutta, where he was entertained for several days with pomp and festivity. He set out on his return to Muxadavad on the 21st of August, and arrived there on the first of September. During his absence, Meerum had continued guards over the house of Roydoolub and of his three brothers, all of whom had employments in the revenue. Mr. Hastings, who had succeeded Mr. Scrafton as the agent of the presidency at the city, was afraid of giving offence to the