Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/63

Book VI. nine pounders, most were honey-combed, many of their carriages decayed, and the ammunition did not exceed 6OO charges. The garrison consisted of 22 Europeans, mostly Dutchmen, and 20 Topasses.

The Nabob, immediately on his arrival, sent a messenger, ordering Mr. Watts to come to him; who at the same time received a letter from the duan, Royttulub, assuring him of safety: he nevertheless delayed until Mr. Forth the surgeon went out and returned, accompanied by an officer, with the same assurances from Roydulub in person: on which he proceeded to the tent of Roydulub and was introduced by him to the Nabob, who received him with insolence and invectives: immediately after which he was conducted into another tent, where several secretaries and officers prepared a writing, importing, that the presidency of Calcutta should, within fifteen days, level whatsoever new works they had raised; that they should deliver up all tenants of the government who had taken protection in the settlement; and that if it should be proved that the company's dustucks, or passports for trade, had ever been given, to such as were not intitled to them, what the government had been dsfrauded of by such practices, should be refunded. Mr. Watfs, surrounded by menaces, signed the paper; immediately after which the same conclave ordered him to send for Mr. Collet and Mr. Batson, the two other members of the council, who came and signed likewise, and were detained with Mr. Watts in the camp. The next day they received an order to surrender the fort; but representing that this did not now depend on themselves, no umbrage was taken at the delay of their conferences with one another, and their messages to the garrison, who, deeming the fort, as it really was, untenable, the Nabob's officers, with a number of followers, were admitted on the 4th of June; who, instead of sealing up what effects they found, as the Nabob had ordered, stole the greatest part; and the soldiery, who took possession of the factory, insulted the garrison with every kind of contumely and reproach. This behaviour continued three days, and so much affected the mind of the commanding