The Life of Robert, Lord Clive, Vol. 2 (of 3): Collected from the Family Papers Communicated by the Earl of PowisMalcolm, John
History
The Life of Robert, Lord Clive, Vol. 2 (of 3): Collected from the Family Papers Communicated by the Earl of Powis
Malcolm, John
Clive, Robert Clive, Baron, 1725-1774; India -- History -- British occupation, 1765-1947
Footnote 261:
1765.
Footnote 262:
At the time of Lord Clive's writing the letter quoted in the text, to
Mr. Palk, the Governor of Madras, which was the day after his
Lordship's arrival at Bengal, Suja Dowla was, as is mentioned in that
letter, threatening to invade our provinces with a large army, joined
by the Mahrattas and Rohillas. But he altered his tone very shortly
after; since it appears, by a letter written by him to General Carnac,
that he offered to make peace on any terms.
This letter, it appears from the public records mentioned in the
Report of the Select Committee of 1772, was received by General Carnac
on the 19th of May, 1765, and was probably written by Suja Dowla two
days before; which allows for his having received intelligence of Lord
Clive's arrival on the 3d of that month, and that it had the effect of
his proposing to make peace with the English.
The letter is worth transcribing in this place. (3d Rep. of Select
Comm. App. No. 84.)
_Suja Dowla to General Carnac._
"It is known all over the world, that the illustrious chiefs of the
English nation are constant and unchangeable in their friendship,
which my heart is fully persuaded of. The late disturbances were
contrary to my inclination; but it was so ordered by Providence. I now
see things in a proper light, and have a strong desire to come to you;
and am persuaded you will treat me in a manner befitting your own
honour. You have shown great favours to others; when you become
acquainted with me you will see with your own eyes, and be thoroughly
sensible of my attachment, from which I will never depart while I have
life. I am this day arrived at Belgram: please God, in a very short
time I shall have the happiness of a meeting with you. As for other
particulars, I refer you to Monyr-o-Dowla and Rajah Shitabroy."
(And with his own hand.)
"My Friend,—I regard not wealth nor the government of countries: your
favour and friendship is all I desire. Please God, I will be with you
very soon, when you will do for me what you think best."
The fame of Lord Clive having been so long established in India, it
will not be thought extraordinary by those acquainted with that
country, that the news of his return to it should have operated, as it
did, so instantaneously with Suja Dowla, in the manner expressed in
the above letter.
Lord Clive soon after concluded a treaty of peace with him, of which
an account is given in the letter of the Select Committee at Calcutta,
30th September, 1765, in the same Report, App., No. 86.
Footnote 263:
Calcutta, 20th May, 1765.
Footnote 264:
General Carnac, 27th May, 1765.
Footnote 265:
Ibid., 30th May, 1765.
Footnote 266:
8th June, 1765.
Footnote 267:
Mootagyl, 8th July, 1765.
Footnote 268:
Dated Calcutta, 30th September, 1765.
Footnote 269:
Dated Calcutta, 30th September, 1765.
Footnote 270:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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