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Rh to the house of a native named Omichund, by whom he was introduced to the British authorities. Omichund, who was the richest merchant in Calcutta, had been largely engaged in providing the Company's investments, but had been deprived of this source of profit, in consequence of some dissatisfaction which had arisen with the quality of the goods. The British Council appear on this account to have viewed the alleged communication from Suraja Dowlah with increased distrust, as a contrivance of Omichund to give himself importance; and the messenger was accordingly dismissed without an answer.

It was not long, however, before another communication from Suraja Dowlah was received on a different subject; for he had heard that the English were strengthening their fortifications, and he required them to desist. An answer was returned, in part denying the