This ancient kingdom, adjoining that of the Nabob of Arcot on the southern side, was at this time under the rule of Rajah Tulsi, otherwise called Tuljajee. It was described by Schwartz as “a well watered garden upon which a large population managed to live, though oppressed and robbed in the most unscrupulous manner. If the ground yields one hundred bushels of rice the King takes seventy and in time of war the whole is seized without compunction. Therefore it was a proverb with the people ‘Without stealing we cannot live.’” To this place Schwartz was destined to bring the later years of his life, with his ripe experience, wisdom, tact and unquenched enthusiasm. After some delays, caused by the incessant warfare in the district, he started on his journey inland to Tanjore, and arrived there on the 20th April, 1769. His first duty was to visit the mission stations and schools and then he sent word that he would like to interview the King or Rajah. This was readily complied with and he tells us how favourably impressed he was with one who, though naturally much under the influence of the Brahmins, had an open and intelligent mind toward religion. Tuljajee was by no means an ordinary Indian despot; he was a good Sanscrit scholar and had indeed written some poems in that classic language; with a desire for information and of a natural dignity of manner, this ruler, then in the prime of life, was quite worthy of that special interest which Schwartz was destined to have in him. That he was fond of ease and sought any means to indulge his fancies might be expected. At five o’clock in the afternoon of the 30th April, 1769, Schwartz was ushered into his presence, finding him seated on a magnificent couch suspended from pillars and surrounded by his high officers of state. The missionary was invited to take the seat provided before him and a good feeling was established when in Persian the visitor spoke to the King, who said immediately that he had received a good report of him. Schwartz thanked him warmly for these kind expressions and trusted that God might enrich him with every blessing. As the interpreter had not fully delivered this statement, one standing by said, “He wishes you a blessing.” The King was pleased. “He is a priest,” he said, and was still further impressed when Schwartz, to enable him to understand more easily, began to speak in Tamil.