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
"I am well acquainted," he observes, "with your attachment to the English,
and the service you have at all times been ready to show them; but give me
leave to observe, Sir, that good offices have always been reciprocal
between the two nations: and, indeed, this is no more than we mutually owe
each other, considering the close alliance and union of interests that
have so long subsisted between us. It gives me, therefore, much concern
that you should do me the injustice to reproach me with being in any shape
accessory to the obstruction which the Subah has thought proper to lay
upon your trade. I have, indeed, heard him make frequent complaints of the
ill behaviour of your government towards him; and was really much amazed
at his patience, in putting up so long with indignities which you would
not have ventured to offer either to Mohabit Jung[69] or Suraj-u-Dowlah. I
shall not pretend to inquire into your reasons for not acknowledging Meer
Jaffier, in the same manner as the preceding Subahs have always been, more
especially as you cannot be ignorant that he has received his sunnud from
the Mogul; but, for my own part, I cannot conceive how you and your
Council will be able to exculpate yourselves to your superiors for the
present stoppage of their trade, since it appears evident to me that you
have brought it upon yourselves, by your disrespect to a person of his
high station."
The act which gave rise to stopping the trade was one of public disrespect
to the Nabob, to whom the Dutch factory did not even pay the compliment of
a salute, when he passed Chinsura on his way to Calcutta. The mode in
which he resented this insult had its full effect. The Governor and
Council of Chinsura made a very humble apology, which was accepted, and
the prohibition on their commerce removed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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