Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/87

Book VI. l6th, in Compliance with the frequent intercessions of the widow of Allaverdy, released Mr. Holwell and his two companions, signifying their deliverance in person, as he was passing by the shed of their confinement. They immediately repaired to the Dutch factory, where they were received with much hospitality, and from thence proceeded to Chinchura.

Meanwhile, the fleet remained at Fulta, where they were joined by several other vessels from the sea. The company's agents likewise from the subordinate factories at Pacca, Jugdea, and Ballasore, having on the first alarm escaped from these residencies, resorted to the fleet. For some time no provisions could be procured; but as soon as the Nabob's army left Calcutta, the country people venture to supply them.

The want of convenient shelter, as well as the dread of being surprised, obliged them all to sleep on board the vessels, which were so much crowded, that all lay promiscuously on the decks, without shelter from the rains of the season, and for some time without a change of raiment; for none had brought any store away: and these hardships, inconsiderable as they may seem, were grievous to persons, of whom the greatest part had lived many years in the gentle ease of India. But sufferings which the hardiest cannot resist ensued: for the lower part of Bengal, between the two arms of the Ganges, is the most unhealthy country in the world; and many died of a malignant fever, which infected all the vessels.

But, instead of alleviating their distresses by that spirit of mutual good-will, which is supposed to prevail amongst companions in misery, every one turned his mind to invidious discussions of the causes which had produced their misfortunes; although all seemed to expect a day when they should be restored to Calcutta. The younger men in the company's service, who had not held any part in the government, endeavoured to fix every kind of blame on their superiors, whom they wished to see removed from stations, to which they expected to succeed. At the same time, the members of the council accused one another, all concurring to lay the severest blame upon the governor; and these examples gave rise to the same