Page:Our Indian Army.djvu/16

xii CHAPTER IV.

Critical position of Trichinopoly – Blockaded by the Mysoreans – The French support Murteza Khan in opposition to Mahomed Ali – Major Lawrence marches to the relief of Trichinopoly – Overwhelming Power of the French there – Brilliant Affair of the Golden Rock – Further successful Operations of Major Lawrence – Gallant Exploit of the Sepoys – Truce between the French and English – Destruction of the Pirates of Gheviah by Admiral Watson and Colonel Clive – Affairs of Bengal Character of Suraja Dowlah – His Hatred of the English – Commences Hostilities against them – Captures the English Factory at Cossimbazar – Marches against Calcutta – Defenceless State of that Place – Disorder and Confusion amongst the British – Disgraceful Flight of the Governor and principal Merchants – Desperate Situation of those who remain – Base and cruel Desertion of them by the fugitive Authorities – Fall of Calcutta – Horrors of the Black Hole 61

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 81

CHAPTER VI.

Arrival of Count de Lally in India – Hostilities against the English in the Carnatic – The French take Fort St. David, Deir-Cottah, and Cuddalore – Lally fails in an Expedition against Tanjore – Singular Attempt to assassinate him – The French under Lally lay siege to Madras – Capture of Black Town – Sortie of the Garrison – French Communications interrupted by Major Calliaud's Troops – Action at St. Thomas's Mount – Arrival of a Fleet from Bengal under Admiral Pocock – The French raise the Siege of Madras – Affairs of the Deccan – Expedition sent thither from Bengal – Battle of Peddapore – Masulipatam invested, stormed, and captured by the English – Consequent Accession of Territory by the Company – The French take Seringham – Colonel Coote appointed to command the British Troops in the Carnatic – His successful Operations – Battle of Wandewash – Defeat of the French – Pondicherry invested by the English – Obstinate Defence Famine in the Garrison – Expulsion of the Native inhabitants – Their frightful Sufferings – Dreadful Storm and Devastation amongst the Besiegers – Pondicherry, reduced by famine, surrenders to the English – Its Fortifications demolished – Final Extinction of the French Power in India 99

CHAPTER VII.

Intrigues in the Court of Meer Jaffier – Invasion of the Shahzada – Repelled by Clive – Dutch invited to Bengal by the Soubahdar – Duplicity of Meer Jaffier – Insolence of the Dutch – Preparations against their Attempts – Attack and Capture of the Dutch Ships – Total Defeat of their Land Forces – Death of Prince Meerun by Lightning – Meer Cossim aspires to the Musnud – Is supported by the Government of Bengal – Meer Jaffier superseded by Meer Cossim – Gratuities to the Governor and Council – The Emperor invades Bengal – Is defeated by the British under Major Carnac – Hostilities with Meer Cossim, and Restoration of Meer Jaffier – Repeated Defeats of Meer Cossim – Massacre of English Prisoners at Patna – Serious Mutiny in the Company's Army – Quelled by Major Munro – Dreadful Punishment of the Mutineers – Battle of Buxar – The Emperor claims the Protection of the English – Conspiracy amongst the Officers of the Army – Put down by Clive 116