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68 England at Bombay, with a force intended to be employed against the French in the Deccan; but which, from the change of circumstances that had taken place, was now at liberty for any other service. The Mahrattas were to co-operate in the attack on Gheriah; but the allies seem to have been quite as desirous of outwitting each other as of overcoming the enemy. Both parties meditated an exclusive appropriation of the booty that was anticipated, and both took much pains to attain their object. The English were successful; the place fell into their hands, and their Mahratta friends were disappointed of the expected prize.

A pause having taken place in the brilliant career of Clive in India, it will be necessary to inform the reader that, his health being greatly impaired in 1752, he had proceeded to England, where the fame of his extraordinary services had insured him a flattering reception. At a public entertainment given by the Court of Directors of the East India Company, his health had been proposed in a strain of facetious compliment as "General Clive;" and on his arrival it was resolved to present him with a sword set with diamonds, of the value of £200, in acknowledgment of "his singular services on the coast of Coromandel." This resolution gave Clive an opportunity of manifesting the strength of his affection for his old commander, Major Lawrence, and declaring his feeling towards that able officer. He objected to receiving the intended mark of distinction unless a similar compliment were paid to Major Lawrence. The result was creditable to all parties; Clive's views were adopted by the Court of Directors, and Major Lawrence received the honour requested for him by his grateful friend.

In 1756 Clive, as we have seen, returned to India with the appointment of Governor of Fort St. David; whither he proceeded, when his services were no longer required on the western coast, and in the month of June