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130 On the day after the battle, the Emperor addressed a letter to Major Munro, congratulating him on the victory which he had gained over the Vizier, by whom, the Emperor alleged, he had been treated as a prisoner – soliciting the protection of the English, and offering to bestow in return the dominions of Shoojah-ud-Dowlah, or anything else the British Government might please to demand. These offers being referred to Calcutta, were accepted; and thenceforward this last successor of a line of monarchs, to whom myriads of dependent princes had bent in lowly acknowledgment of subjection, was indebted to a handful of British traders for protection, and actually for the means of subsistence.

After the battle of Buxar, the unfortunate Meer Cossim was subjected to a system of plunder by his friend and ally the Vizier, in which the latter observed neither moderation nor mercy. He was even deserted by the wretch Sumroo, who had been the willing instrument of executing his murderous orders at Patna, and who now went over to the Vizier with all his battalions, and the arms and equipments which had been furnished at the expense of his friend. Finally, Chunarghur and Allahabad having surrendered to the English, the Emperor took up his residence in the latter place, the Vizier fled to Lucknow, and from thence to seek refuge amongst the Rohillas; while Meer Cossim, having secreted a number of valuable jewels, made his escape from the protection of the Vizier; and Sumroo, having no affection for a falling cause, sought a new service elsewhere.

The death of Meer Jaffier about this time placed the throne of Bengal once more at the disposal of the English authorities. The competitors were Noojum-ud-Dowlah, the second son of Meer Jaffier, and the infant son of Meerun. The former was on the verge of manhood, the latter was only six years of age; and the British Government determined in favour of the candidate of riper age. But though the new Nabob apparently ascended the musnud according to ordinary rules, he