Adams completed, the first of any European, gan, and the whole Indian army was soon the entire conquest of Bengal. He gained put to flight, leaving six thousand men on in that time four capital victories, forced the the spot, with a hundred and thirty pieces strongest intrenchments, stormed two forti- of cannon, a proportionable quantity of milfied cities, took five hundred pieces of can- itary stores, and all their tents ready pitchnon, and drove into exile the most artful, ed. This advantage cost the victors, in killed resolute and implacable enemy the English and wounded, but one hundred and nine had ever before encountered in India. Europeans, and seven hundred Indians.

Mir Cossim's expulsion was not, however, The indefatigable Munro followed the attended with any lasting security to the blow by an attempt on the only fort which company's affairs in the east: it removed was still left to Sujah Doula on the same rather than extinguished the fire. The In- side of the river Camnassary. This fort, dian princes sensible that, against European called Chanda Geer, was a place of very invaders, the cause of one was the cause of great strength, from its elevated and almost all, were alarmed for their own independ- inaccessible situation on a craggy rock; and, ence, and at the instigation of the fugitive as it appeared afterwards, was still stronger subah, took up arms against the English. by the courage and fidelity of the Indian ofThe death of Adams, whose name was so ficer who commanded there. A practicaterrible to them, contributed very much to ble breach in the walls being effected by arthis resolution. The Shah Zaddah, and the tillery, a party of the English forces was nabob Sujah Doula united their forces, and sent to storm it in the night-time; but while threatened to restore the exiled Cossim, at they were vainly endeavoring to clamber up the head of an army of fifty thousand men, the steep ascent, the Indians with equal vigiwith a suitable train of artillery. Major lance and activity, poured down upon them Munro, who succeeded Adams, showed him- such torrents of stones, as forced them to self by no means unworthy of such an ap- desist, after many were buried under the pointment. He marched directly in quest rubbish made by their own cannon. Shame, of the enemy, and came up with them on and a sense of honor, tempted them to rethe twenty-second of October 1764, at a new the attack on the ensuing night, but place called Buxar, on the banks of the they met with no better success. Munro, Camnassary, about one hundred miles above therefore, finding it to be a place which no Patna, where they were encamped with all art was requisite to defend, though a great the advantages nature and art could bestow. deal to take it, drew off his troops, resolving Before them lay a morass judiciously lined to reserve their courage and conduct for with cannon, which could neither be passed some better occasion; and encamped in the nor doubled without extreme danger. At neighborhood of Benares, an almost open and the only end by which they seemed accessi- opulent city, which it was of importance to ble, stood a wood occupied by a large body protect against the incursions of a plunderof Indians, who were destined to gall the ing enemy. English in their approach. The first appearAffairs were thus circumstanced in the ance of such a situation was alone sufficient beginning of the year 1765, when major to make major Munro defer an attack, till it Munro being recalled home, the temporary could be properly explored. On the day, command of the army devolved on Sir Robtherefore, of his arrival in sight of the ene- ert Fletcher; who, emulous of the glory my, he pitched his tents just out of the reach gained by his predecessors, resolved to do of their cannon, and disposed his men so as something to signalize himself, before geneto be ready to form on any emergency. This ral Carnac, named by the governor and precaution was far from being superfluous; council of Bengal, could arrive to preclude for, going out next morning at daybreak to him. With this view, he broke up his camp reconnoitre the enemy, he found them al- near Benares at midnight of the fourteenth ready under arms. Upon this, returning to of January, and marched in quest of the his camp, he called in all his advanced posts, enemy, whom he chased before him. He and, in consequence of the wise dispositions next turned his thoughts to the reduction of made the day before, saw his line of battle the fort, the siege of which Munro had found completely formed in less than twenty min- it so imprudent to continue. As he attacked utes. The Indians began to cannonade the it in the same manner, he would probably English at nine o'clock; and in half an hour have found it equally impregnable: but great after the action became general. For above discontents now prevailed among the garritwo hours it was impossible to press forward son, in consequence of their having received against the regular and galling fire of the no pay for six months, so that they no lonenemy in front; till Munro, by a variety of ger thought it worth their while to expose manœuvres directed with judgment and ex- themselves to any more trouble or danger in ecuted with intrepidity, having cleared the such unprofitable service. Three breaches ieft wing of the morass, the small-arms be-being made in the walls, the governor came,

in sight of his troops, to Sir Robert, and de-lhe determined to anticipate his fate, and to livered up the keys, with tears in his eyes, surrender himself. Having, with a spirit of and a speech, which, at the same time that fidelity unusual in that country, allowed it contained the highest compliment to his Cossim and the assassin Someraw to escape, enemy, argued the greatest nobleness of he appeared three days after the action at mind in himself. "I have," said he, "en- Calpi, in general Carnac's camp, nothing deavored to act like a soldier; but deserted being previously stipulated in his favor, but by my prince, and threatened by a mutinous that he should await lord Clive's determinagarrison, what could I do? God and you tion.

BENGAL.

(here he laid his hand on the koran, and A SELECT COMMITTEE APPOINTED FOR pointed to his soldiers) are witnesses that I yield through necessity, and that to the faith On the first intelligence received by the of the English I now trust my life and for- India company that this war had broken out, tune." The surrender of this fort was quickly they were struck with the utmost consterfollowed by a much greater, though not a nation. Under the influence of such a panic more difficult conquest. Sir Robert met nothing seemed to them capable of re-estabwith little resistance in making himself mas-lishing their affairs, but the name and forter of the enemy's capital, called Eliabad, tune of lord Clive, to whom former success a large and strong city about seventy miles had given the character of invincible among higher up the Ganges, and of such import- the superstitious Indians. The company forance as seemingly to complete the ruin of got, that other officers had gained equal honor, Sujah Doula. though not equal fortunes, in that part of the Soon after the taking of Eliabad, general world. As if the enemies were at their Carnac assumed the command of the army, gates, they created a dictator: they invested and made the best dispositions for securing him and four other gentlemen with unlimthe new conquests, as well as for restoring ited authority to examine and determine order and government to the country. No- everything, independently of the council, as thing occurred for some time to give him long as Bengal remained in a state of war the least molestation. Sujah Doula was not or confusion. These extraordinary powers in a condition immediately to oppose him. were not granted without a vigorous oppoThe battle of Buxar had given a terrible sition. Two considerable proprietors, who blow to the nabob's credit and power: Shah entered a strong protest against them, repreZadda, the mogul, had then deserted him, sented the commission as illegal and inexand gone over to the English: his forces had pedient: but the general fear overruled their also gradually crumbled away by frequent objections; and the select committee, as it and bloody defeats: still finding a resource was called, sailed for Bengal. in his own steadiness and courage, he re- Before the committee's arrival there, Mir solved not to fall in a weak and inglorious Jaffier, who had experienced such a variety manner. He gathered together, with great of fortunes, died, and nominated his son, assiduity, the remains of his routed armies, Naijem Doula, his successor. The council and as he knew that they alone could not of Calcutta, after some deliberation, confirmprop his falling fortune, he applied for as- ed his choice, even to the exclusion of the sistance to the Marattas, the inhabitants of male issue of a deceased elder son, because the mountainous country to the south-west it was conformable to the Mussulman cusof Oudé, his province. They are an original tom, which permits the latter to leave the tribe of Indians, who were never perfectly succession to any of his own surviving sons, subdued by the Mogul Tartars. Their prin- in preference to his grandson in the elder cipal strength consisted in their horse, with branch; and because, from the favorite son's which they overran, and rendered tributary personal character, he seemed likely to be several provinces, spreading terror and de- contented with a moderate share of power. vastation around them. But their fame in But previous to his receiving this honor, the arms ceased, when they encountered the terms were prescribed, on which he was to English. Meeting Carnac at Calpi on the be admitted to it. twentieth of May, they were totally routed, He objected to several of the regulations and obliged to seek for shelter in their own that were proposed, in regard to the collecmountains. tion of the revenues; and insisted on the

Foiled in all his military attempts, Sujah sole and uncontrolled nomination of his own Doula took a resolution altogether worthy officers. But the force of his remonstrances of the spirit and policy of his character. on any of those points was of little service Thinking it better to throw his life and for- to him; and his attempts to soften the deputune upon the generosity of a brave enemy, ties, who had been sent to negotiate the than to wander a forlorn exile, dependent on treaty, proved equally fruitless. Not the the uncertain hospitality of neighbors, who smallest relaxation was to be obtained; and might purchase their own safety by his ruin, disagreeable as the terms were, he found it

necessary to sign them, or to relinquish all honor, as all the proposed articles were prehis fondest hopes and pretensions. Large viously settled, without giving up a single presents were also bestowed, according to point, though large offers had been made for constant practice, on the English negotia- that purpose."

tors, who, though inflexible with respect to TREATY WITH THE NABOB OF OUDE. the articles, were ready to accept of any In the mean time, lord Clive repaired to other acknowledgments from the subah, as the army at Eliabad; full powers being vested the price of his elevation. Being in a coun- in him and general Carnac by the select try distinguished for riches and venality, a committee to conclude a peace with Sujah country where the feeble protection of the Doula, whom the council, on account of his laws, and the precariousness of private obstinacy and implacability, had deprived of property have always rendered sumptuous his dominions. The Shah Zadda, who had presents customary, they did not think now succeeded his father as mogul, and had themselves obliged to give the natives an remained with the English since the battle example of self-denial or disinterestedness. of Buxar, was to take possession of the deAmong various abuses, which had lately posed nabob's territories, as he had discoverengaged the attention of the company, this ed an attachment to the English, and engaged very practice of receiving presents, however in the war against his inclination. These beneficial to private persons, was deemed arrangements were entirely disapproved of most injurious to the general interest. Cov- by lord Clive: he restored his province to enants were therefore sent out from Eng- Sujah Doula, and disappointed the sanguine land to be signed by all the company's ser- hopes of the mogul. He said, that the comvants, not to accept of any such presents for pany's affairs were likely to be involved in the future. These instruments, though they an inextricable labyrinth; that the success had arrived, were not signed before the date of their arms promised nothing but a sucof the treaty with Naijem Doula; and, as cession of future wars; and that to ruin Suparticular mention was made that they jah Doula was to break down the strongest should affect no previous acts, the negotia- barrier which the Bengal provinces could tors did not imagine that their late conduct have against the invasions of the Marattas, could be called in question.. Matters appear- Afghans, and other powers, who had so long ed in a different light to the secret com- desolated the northern districts. mittee. They began a rigorous inquiry into The advantages accruing to the company the whole proceedings, and passed several from this treaty were said to be immense. resolutions severely reflecting on the coun- According to the noble lord, who concluded cil and its deputies. Their pretence was, it, they would receive a clear yearly income that luxury, corruption, and the avidity of of one million, seven hundred thousand amassing large fortunes in a little time, had pounds, exempt from all charges, expenses, so universally infected the company's ser- and deductions. By such a large accession vants, that nothing less than a total reform, of treasure, they would be enabled to make a perfect eradication of these vices, could proper investments from Bengal to China, preserve the settlement from immediate without draining England of its silver, for ruin. "Fortunes of a hundred thousand the payment of the great balance in trade, pounds," said lord Clive, "have been acquir- which is constantly due to that country. ed in the space of two years; and individu- The security and permanence, which the als, very young in the service, are returning company were likely to acquire in consehome with a million and a half." The charge quence of the treaty, tended greatly to enwas retorted by the accused party with no force the policy of such a measure. But the inconsiderable force. "Such objections," discontented party at Calcutta represented said they, "come with a very bad grace from the treaty in a very different light, as equalmen who are much more culpable. Have ly inconsistent with the honor and interest not you, who arraign us, amassed princely of the company. Major Munro might long fortunes by the very same means? Yet you before have obtained as advantageous terms; cannot boast superior merit. The danger, but, as a previous condition, he insisted that which was removed by the battle of Plassey, Cossim, the author of the war, and Someraw, was not greater than what threatened us be- the murderer of seventy-two English genfore the battle of Buxar. Why should you tlemen, should be delivered up. Have not monopolize rewards? The happy situation then the honor and justice of the nation of affairs is owing to our conduct, spirit, and been again betrayed, in departing from those industry. We cannot be bound by covenants requisitions?

which we did not sign. The presents, which The shameful connivance at Someraw's we received, were conformable to the cus- escape from justice will excite particular tom of the country, and to the practice of indignation in the breast of the English the company's servants in all former peri- reader: his astonishment, however, will ods; and they were accepted with great cease, when he reflects that the negotiation VOL. IV.

9

was chiefly, if not wholly directed by Clive, towards those who had made the most stren who was himself said to be deeply stained uous opposition to it in the English house of with innocent blood. But whatever horror commons. But the general assemblies went many parts of Clive's conduct must excite, still farther. Instead of barely conniving at he certainly introduced at that time several the tumultuous acts of the people in supJudicious regulations into the army. He put port of what was termed independence, the troops in the country on a new footing: they proceeded to justify them by arguments, he ordered barracks to be built for them in and though they resolved to petition the le proper places: he also divided them into gislature of Great Britain against the stampthree parts, each of which was to consist of act, it was in such terms as served rather to one regiment of European infantry, one com- express their weakness than their submispany of artillery, and seven battalions of sion. Committees of correspondence were esSeapoys, each battalion to consist of seven tablished in the different colonies, and select hundred rank and file. One of these divi- persons were deputed from them to a consions was stationed at Eliabad, a second at gress at New-York, where they met in OctoPatna, and the third in the neighborhood of ber, and signed one general declaration of Calcutta. These arrangements were well their pretended rights, and one general peticalculated to preserve the tranquillity of the tion expressive of their alleged grievances. empire, and to secure to the company the The merchants also entered into solemn enfruits of their late acquisitions. What gagements not to order any more goods from steps were afterwards taken by the English Great Britain; to recall the orders already ministry to render the prosperity of the com- given, if not executed by the first of Januapany subservient to the welfare of the na- ry 1766; and even not to dispose of any tion at large, will be a subject of future British goods sent them on commission after consideration. Their thoughts were at that that time, unless not only the stamp-act, but time unfortunately, though unavoidably, en- the sugar and paper-money acts, were regaged by objects of keener and more imme-pealed. The people of Philadelphia resolv diate concern. ed, though not unanimously, that, till such DISTURBANCES IN NORTH AMERICA. repeal, no remittances should be made to ALMOST every day brought alarming in- England for debts already contracted, nor telligence of the violent proceedings of the any lawyers be suffered to commence a suit populace against the stamp-act in North against a resident in America, in behalf of America. When the report of its having British claimants. Societies in like manner received the royal assent first reached Bos- were formed for the encouragement of doton, the ships in the harbor hung out their mestic manufactures, and plans adopted for colors half-mast high, in token of deep shaking off all dependence on the mother mourning the bells being muffled rang a country for any of the necessaries or condumb peal: the act itself was printed with veniencies of life, a death's head impressed upon it, in the But by whatever motives the majority of place where it is usual to fix the stamp; and the American malcontents were actuated, was publicly cried about the streets by the the effects of their disaffection and resistname of the "folly of England and ruin of ance were quickly and severely felt by the America:" essays, denying not only the ex- mother country. Her manufactures were at pediency, but the equity and legality of the a stand; the principal sources of her commeasure, appeared in various newspapers: merce were cut off: a numerous populace to these were added caricatures, pasquinades, was thrown out of employment; while propuns, criticisms, and such vulgar sayings visions became extravagantly dear; and pubfitted to the occasion, as, on account of their lic credit received a dreadful shock by the brevity, were easily circulated and retained, total stoppage of remittances from the coloand from their inflammatory tendency could nies. The situation of the ministry was at not fail of preparing the minds of the rabble this juncture peculiarly critical. Surroundto take fire the moment any attempt should ed with difficulties, many of them young in be made to carry the act into execution. office, and without having had sufficient time The ferment gradually spread to the mid- to secure the confidence of either the sovedling and to the higher ranks of the people; reign or the people, they had to decide upon and when authentic copies of the act from a question of the utmost delicacy and magthe king's printing-house appeared amongst nitude; and they foresaw, that whatever them, it was treated with all the contempt line they might resolve to pursue, they and indignation, which could be expressed should meet with a formidable opposition. by public authority against the most offen- They knew that the framers and supporters sive libel. It was burned in various places of the stamp-act, who certainly formed a with the effigies of the men supposed to be very numerous party, would embark warmly most active in getting it passed: and the in the vindication of their own measures, warmest gratitude and respect were testified and would insist on the policy and necessity

of quelling at the very outset the daring re- he asserted the authority of the mother sistance of the colonists to the legislative country over the colonies to be sovereign authority of Great Britain. They were also and supreme, in every circumstance of govaware, that Pitt and his adherents would ernment and legislation whatsoever; but carry the contrary doctrine to a pitch of he pretended, that taxation was no part of enthusiastic extravagance, and would con- the governing or legislative power. In suptend for the absolute surrender or disavowal port of this paradox, he had recourse to of the right of taxing the Americans. Be- some ingenious arguments. "This kingtween these opposite extremes, they thought dom," said he, "as the supreme governing it safest to choose a middle course, and nei- and legislative power, has always bound the ther to precipitate affairs with the colonists colonies by her laws, by her regulations, by the rashness of their councils, nor to sac- and restrictions in trade, in navigation, in rifice the dignity of the crown or nation by manufactures-in everything, except that irresolution or weakness. Their dispatches of taking their money out of their pockets to the American governors were written without their consent." But as the duties with spirit, yet with temper, so as not to imposed for the regulation of trade certainengage the executive power too deeply, but ly took money out of their pockets, he ento leave it still at the option of the supreme deavored to get clear of the palpable absurdlegislature to advise pacific measures. The ity of admitting that right in one instance, only strong objection which could be urged and positively denying it in another, by a against such a mode of proceeding was, that subtle distinction between internal and exwhen the authority of any government is openly despised, ridiculed and trampled upon, moderation may cease to be the dictate of either wisdom or virtue.

MEETING OF PARLIAMENT.

ternal taxes, the former being levied for the purposes of raising a revenue, while the latter were laid on for the accommodation of the subject, though some revenue might incidentally arise from them.

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In this situation were affairs when the As all these remarks were directly pointed parliament met on the seventeenth of De- at George Grenville's favorite measure, that cember. Particular notice was taken from gentleman made a very spirited reply. He the throne of the importance of the matters censured the new ministry severely for dewhich had occurred in North America, and laying to give earlier notice to parliament which were given as a reason for assem- of the disturbances in America. They bling the two houses sooner than was intend- began," said he, " in July; and now we are ed, that they might have an opportunity to in the middle of January: lately they were issue the necessary writs on the many va- only occurrences; they are now grown to cancies that had happened since the last disturbances, to tumults and riots. I doubt session; and proceed immediately after the they border on open rebellion; and if the recess to the consideration of the weighty doctrine I have heard this day be confirmed, matters that should then be laid before them, I fear they will lose that name to take that for which purpose the fullest accounts of the of revolution. The government over them American affairs should be prepared for their being dissolved, a revolution will take place inspection. The house then issued the neces- in America. I cannot understand the difsary writs, and adjourned for the holidays. ference between external and internal taxes. 1766.-When both houses met on the They are the same in effect, and only differ fourteenth of January, according to their in name. That this kingdom has the soveadjournment, a second speech from the reign, the supreme legislative power over throne, pointed out to them the American America, is granted. It cannot be denied ; affairs as the principal object of their de- and taxation is a part of that sovereign powliberations. The address was agreed to er. It is one branch of the legislation. It without a division, but not without a warm is-it has been exercised over those who debate. Pitt seized this opportunity of de-are not, who were never represented." claring his own sentiments on the subject. Here Grenville pointed out several instances He condemned in the gross all the capital in support of his assertion, and added, measures of the late ministry. He said he "When I proposed to tax America, I asked was ill in bed, when the resolution was the house, if any gentleman would object to taken in the house to tax America, or he the right? I repeatedly asked it; and no should have borne his testimony against it. man would attempt to deny it. ProtecAs, from the nature of his infirmities, he tion and obedience are reciprocal. Great could not depend upon health for any future Britain protects America: America is bound day, he begged leave to say a few words at to yield obedience." He then observed how present on one point, which he thought was ready the Americans had always been to ask not generally understood-the point of right. protection, and how constantly it had been It was his opinion that Great Britain had no afforded them by the mother country: but right to tax the colonies. At the same time when she called upon them to contribute a