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Rh CHAPTER V.

Consternation at Madras – Temporising Policy at that Presidency – Expedition sent from Madras under Colonel Clive – Arrives in the Hooghly – Disappointment of Suraja Dowlah – Levies Contributions on the French and Dutch – Clive advances on Calcutta – Singular Capture of Buj-Buj – The English retake Calcutta and Hooghly – Treaty of Peace with Suraja Dowlah – War between France and England – The British, under Clive and Admiral Watson, take Chandernagore – The English distrust the Professions of Suraja Dowlah – Conspiracy against that Prince in favour of Meer Jaffier – The English embrace the Cause of the latter – Treaty offensive and defensive between them – Hostile Proceedings of Suraja Dowlah – The British Troops take the Field under Clive to oppose him – Movements of both Armies – Battle of Plassy – Total Defeat of Suraja Dowlah – Meer Jaffier installed as Soubahdar – Singular Capture and Death of Suraja Dowlah – Wealth acquired by the English Authorities – Reflections on their Conduct in this Transaction.

"All was lost," says Orme, "before the Presidency of Madras even received intelligence of the danger!" The surrender of Cossimbazar was not known there till the 15th of July, 1756, when it was thought advisable to strengthen the British establishment in Bengal, and Major Kilpatrick was despatched thither with two hundred and thirty troops, mostly Europeans. On the 5th of August news arrived of the fall of Calcutta, which "scarcely created more horror and resentment than consternation and perplexity."

Will it be believed that part of the Council were opposed to sending any large force to Bengal, and desirous of trying the effect of negotiation? This line of policy was strenuously resisted by Orme, the celebrated historian, then a member of the Council of Madras. He maintained the necessity of despatching such a force as should be sufficient to act with vigour and effect against the Soubahdar; and, after much opposition, his advice prevailed.