Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/57

Book VI. method of contracting with merchants, and sent Gomastahs, or Gentoo factors in their own pay, to provide the investments at the different Aurungs, or cloth markets in the province. From this time Omichund was excluded from any participation in the company's affairs, which diminishing his commercial advantages, vexed his avarice, although possessed of four millions of rupees. However, he still continued the trade, which he used to carry on independent of the investment, and redoubled his attention to maintain his importance at Muxadavad; in consequence of which Rajah-bullub at this time requested his good offices to his son Kissendass, whom Omichund received on his arrival with much hospitality, and lodged the family in a convenient habitation.

The admission of Kissendass into Calcutta was soon known at Muxadavad. It wounded the pride of Surajah Dowlah, and exasperated his mind with such suspicions, that he immediately went to Allaverdy, and told him that he was well informed the English intended to support the widow of Nowagis Mahomed. Mr. Forth, the surgeon of the English factory at Cossimbuzar, who attended Allaverdy in his last illness, was present, and Allaverdy, instead of answering Surajah Dowlah, questioned Mr. Forth concerning the report, who replied, that it was raised by the enemies of the English, in order to hurt them in his favour, and that on examination it would appear groundless; adding, that the English had no other ambition than to be merchants in his country. Allaverdy then asked how many soldiers were in the factory at Cossimbuzar? Whether the French or the Dutch presidencies had lately sent up any to their factories in that town? Where the English ships of war were? Whether they would come to Bengal? Whether some had not been in the river of Hughley three months before? Why the squadron came into India? Whether there was war between England and France? To which questions Mr. Forth replied, without deviating from the truth: and Allaverdy, seeming to be convinced that the expectation of a war with France had brought the squadron to India, and that the English at Calcutta were in no condition to risk the displeasure of his government, told Surajah Dowlah, that