"Colonel Forde has orders to join you with his forces; and we are endeavouring to send you a complete company of one hundred rank and file from hence. In short, we have put every thing to risk here to enable you to engage Lally in the field. I hope Mr. Bouchier will spare you some men from Bombay. I enclose you a short sketch of our strength in these parts; and, considering how much depends upon keeping up our influence in Bengal, you will say there never was a smaller force to do it with. "God give you success, which will be an increase of honour to yourself, and of much joy to "Dear Colonel, "Your affectionate friend and servant, (Signed) "ROBERT CLIVE." _State of the European Force in Bengal, 6th Feb. 1759._ Doing duty. Military Artillery Captains. 6 1 Lieuts. 6 8 Ensigns. 9 0 Serjeants. 36 Corporals. 29 5 Drummers. 20 2 Privates. 314* 86 * Whereof 140 are recruits. The delight of Clive at the result of the siege was very great: it was heightened by his warm feelings of friendship towards those who had so nobly supported the reputation of the service of Fort St. George, to which he had a pride in belonging. He congratulates Mr. Pigot[55] on the fame he had acquired; but his greatest joy, as he repeatedly expresses, was, that his venerated friend, Colonel Lawrence, should so brilliantly close his Indian career.