IN HAN RECOROS SER ES Gimhai Ipinm: K. I>. Bhargava FORT WILLIAM-INDIA HOUSE CORRESPONDENCE AND OHU R CONHAHMRARY FAITHS RELATING THERETO (PUBLIC SERIES* VOL. XIII: mc-IO) General luxnm: K. I). BHARGAVA EDITED BY P. ( . GUPTA, m.a. (Calx pIld. (London) Reader in Hixtarv. Vniverxitv af Calcutta n'lILMIED FOR 'EHL NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF INDIA BY THE MANAGER OF H PLICATIONS GOVERNMENT OF INDIA CIVIL LINES, DELHI 1959 GENERAL EDITOR’S PREFACE The present volume is number XIII in the Fort William-India House Correspondence Series which is being published by the National Archives of India under Scheme I of its Publication Programme. It covers the years 1796-1800 and contains the relevant records of the late Public Department, including those of the so-called Separate Department (Salt, Opium and Customs) and Law Department which, as a matter of fact, were merely branches of the Public Department during the period covered by the volume. In bringing out this volume it is my pleasant duty to express my gratitude to the Commonwealth Relations Office, London, and the Director-General of Archeology, Government of India, for supplying photographic copies of certain .portraits and paintings, and to the Victoria Memorial Hall, Calcutta, the Calcutta Historical Society, and the Asiatic Society, Calcutta, for permission to reproduce some of the illustrations included in this volume. National Archives of India, New Delhi, 15 December 1958. K. D. Bhargava Director of Archives, Government of India. CONTENTS Page General Editor’s Preface ... ... ... ... ... v Contents ... ... ... ... ... ... vii List of Illustrations ... ... ... ... ... xi President of the Board of Control, 1796-1800 ... ... ... xiii Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the East India Company, 1796-1800 ... xiii Directors of the East India Company, 1796-1800 ... ... ... xiii Governors-General of Fort William, Bengal, 1796-1800 ... ... xv Members of Board, Fort William, Bengal, 1796-1800 ... ... xv Governors of the Presidency of Fort St. George, 1796-1800 ... ... xv Governor of the Presidency of Bombay, 1796-1800 ... ... xv Introduction ... ... ... ... ... ... xvii LETTERS FROM COURT PUBLIC LETTERS No. 1 5 January 1796 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 1-22)* ... ... 3 2 22 March 1796 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 23-28) ... ... 13 3 22 April 1796 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 29-34) ... ... 15 4 1 June 1796 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 35-38) ... ... 17 5 27 July 1796 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 42-82) ... ... 18 6 31 August 1796 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 83-89) ... ... 37 7 20 January 1797 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 92-94) ... ... 39 8 1 March 1797 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 95-97) ... ... 40 9 22 March 1797 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 98-103) ... ... 41 10 19 April 1797 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 108-19) ... ... 43 11 9 May 1797 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 120-60) ... ... 47 12 30 June 1797 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 164-72) ... ... 66 13 18 October 1797 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 173-81) ... ... 68 14 26 January 1798 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 184-86; Vol. XL1, 1798-1801, pp. 3-6) ... ... ... ... ... 71 15 2 March 1798 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 187-90 ; Vol. XLI, 1798-1801, pp. 7-10) ... ... ... ... ... 72 16 25 May 1798 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 191-268; Vol. XLI, 1798-1801, pp. 11-66) ... ... ... ... ... 73 17 6 June 1798 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 269-72; Vol. XLI, 1798-1801, pp. 67-70) ... ... ... ... ... 102 * Entries within the brackets indicate the original volumes which contain the letters belonging to the series concerned. viii FORT WILLIAM—INDIA IIOl'SE CORRESPONDENTS. No. Page 18 1 August 1798 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 273-76; Vol. XLl, 1798-1801, pp. 71-74) KG 19 8 August 1798 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 277-80; Vol. XU, 1798-1801, pp. 75-78) 104 20 5 December 1798 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 281-87; Vol. XLL 1798-1801, pp. 79-86} ... ... ... 105 21 13 March 1799 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 288-91 ; Vol. XLl, 1798-1801, pp. 87-90) 107 22 17 April 1799 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 292-97 ; Vol. XLL 1798-1801, pp. 91-98) 108 23 29 Mav 1799 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 298-314 ; Vol. XLl. 1798-1801, pp'99-114) 110 24 5 June 1799 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 315-44; Vol. XLL 1798-1801. pp. 115-46} 115 25 12 June 1799 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 345-47; Vol. XLL 1798-1801, pp. 147-48) ... 129 26 31 October 1799 (Vol. XL, 1796-99, pp. 353-58 ; Vol. XLl, 1798-1801, pp. 169-74) ... 129 27 31 October 1799 (Vol. XL. 1796-99, pp. 359-71 ; Vol. XLl, 1798-1801. pp. 175-90) ... ... ... 131 28 24 December 1799 (Vol. XL. 1796-99, pp. 372-76; Vol. XLL 1798-1801, pp. 191-96) ... ... ... 136 29 5 March I860 (Vol. XLL 1798-1801. pp. 197-200) ... ... 137 30 18 April 1800 (Vol. XLL 1798-1801, pp. 201-08} ... ... 138 31 7 Muy ISm (Vol. XLl, 1798-1801, pp. 209-40} ... ... 140 32 11 June 1800 (Vol. XLl, 1798-1801, pp. 241-52) ... ... 155 33 28 August 18M (V vol. I, p. 240. 100 Spencer, op. cit., vol. IV, p. 236. 110 Valentia, op. cit., vol. I, pp. 240-41. 111 Marshman, op. cit., vol. I, p. 58. 112 Ibid. 113 Public letter from Court, 25 May 1798, para 134. 114 Public letter from Court, 2 March 1798, para 7, xxxvi FORT WILLIAM—INDIA HOUSE CORRESPONDENCE India to practice in his profession as a painter?11 This was obviously his second visit to India. William Hickey writes, “In March (1784) my namesake, Mr. Thomas Hickey, the portrait painter . . arrived in Bengal with an intention of following his profession, and afterwards did so with considerable success?’116 He stayed in India till the beginning of 1791, as William Hickey tells us, £ in the room of Mr. Macan, and of Mr. John Hall to be Civil Paymaster in the room of Mr. Foley. (48) Mentions the resignation of Mr. Wm. Bruere. (49) Do. of Mr. John Webb. (50- 52) Reporting several removals. _ (53) Claim of the Revd. Mr. Louis ' to be appointed Junior Chaplain at the Presidency. f (54) Mint. J (55 & 56) Mention the death of ' sundry natives of the distinction whose allowances are included in the relations of the Nabob Nassir-Ul-Moolk, and the appropriation which >-the Nabob wished to be made of them, and which the Board agreed to. (57) Referring to a statement of the Native Hospital. (58) Petition of the shroffs and native merchants of Calcutta against the coinage of the smaller denomination of gold coin. 28. These paragraphs are transfer red to the Law Department. 29. Need no reply. 30. Already replied to. 31. Need no reply. 32. In the 56th paragraph of our dispatch in the Public Department of the 15th April 1795 we lamented the want of some regulation for removing the impediments to the circulation of the new gold coinage, and for preventing the loss sustained in exchanging it into silver. We have now great satisfaction in observing by your proceedings that from the measure you have since adopted, of coining gold into halves and quarters of gold mohurs, the public convenience has 27 JULY 1796 23 (59) Acquainting the Court that the communications relative to the coinage will in future be made from the Revenue Department. (60) Stationary. not only been extremely assisted but it has likewise greatly tended to prevent the exaction of batta in the exchange of gold and silver; we can have no hesitation therefore in expressing our entire approbation of your determination on the petition referred to in this paragraph from the native merchants and shroffs resident in Calcutta, not to make any alteration therein. We have the further satisfaction to observe that under the regulations referred to in your subsequent dispatch of 2nd November last a greater progress in the circulation of the gold coinage could not have been expected, and that you have a well founded hope that every artificial or other impediment to the general circulation will be before long removed. 33. We approve of the intention expressed in this paragraph that in future your communications relative to the coinage will be made from the Revenue Department. 34. Upon examination of the several reports we have received of the stationary wares consigned to your Presidency in the season 1793-4 it appears that the quantities damaged exceed those of this description in the reports of the season preceding, bat we have pleasure in observing that the deficiencies are less. 35. In consequence of the directions given in our letter of the 3rd of July last upon these points, we trust we shall hear of no deficiencies in future and that due care will be taken to ascertain whether the damages are incurred on board the ships or upon the sloops employed in conveying the goods from the ships to Calcutta, in order that the Company may be fully indemnified either by the ship owners or sloop con- tractors. 24 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT 36. Tn Mr. Court’s letter accompanying his survey reports of the stationery wares shipt on the Contractor and Europa it is observed, “that what triHing damage had occurred (particularly to the papers) was not imputable to the quality, but to the mode of package, and that in respect of stowage every attention appeared to have been paid thereto”. 37. This cannot however be admitted from the musters of paper returned, by which it is evident that the damages have been incurred chiefly, if not wholly, by wet and from Mr. Wintie’s letters relative to the damaged quills per Valentine there is too much reason to infer that the damage is sometimes incurred for want of proper care being taken of the stationery after it is landed. 38. The alteration which is again recommended in Mr. Court’s letter in respect to packing the writing papers would occasion more delay in packing them than the dispatch which is sometimes required in this business would admit of, and the inconvenience to the excise officers, who attend the packing of papers for exportation, would be such that it may be doubted whether they would submit to it, besides which the objection made to the present mode of packing the writing papers appears to us so ill-founded as not to merit any further attention than has been already given It. 39. Amongst the deficiencies, stated in the survey report of the stationery shipt on the Lascelles} we remark there are 60 reams of thick quarto post, said to have been contained as per invoice in chest No. 13, but in which chest it is observed was found various sorts of paper as per note subjoined to the survey report. 40. Upon enquiry into this matter there seems to have been a mistake 27 JULY 1796 25 (61-63) Canal of communication between the Ganges and Houghley. (64) Referring to advertisements which were issued to encourage persons residing at a distance from Calcutta to invest their money in the Company’s six per cent promissory notes; and to subscribe bonds and notes to the Company’s remittances. (65) Mentions the appointment of officers on the part of the Governor General for the time being to inspect by delivering into your Public Department a chest of the same number designed for the Medical Department, which being marked accordingly, we should have supposed this mistake might have been readily discovered. 41. The chest intended for your Public Department we presume would be delivered to the Medical Department in lieu of the other, but this it will be proper for you to enquire into, and in case it should not have been received, an account must be made out against the owners of the ship for the invoice cost with the usual advance thereon, and the said account transmitted us by the first conveyance. 42. The papers upon the subject of the Governor General’s proposition, for making a canal of communication between the Ganges and the Houghley river, having been submitted to the inspection of Major Rennell, we enclose you a copy of his observations thereon. We shall have no objection to receiving such remarks as your Surveyor General may think it necessary to offer on the paper furnished by Major Rennell, in consequence of any subsequent surveys he may have made; but from the respect which is due to such an authority, we feel it incumbent upon us to direct that the proposed work be not commenced without our previous approbation. 43. We approve of the advertisements which were on the 14th January and 3rd February 1795 issued for the purposes mentioned in this paragraph. 44. We likewise approve of the measure advised in this paragraph. 26 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT the receipts and issues o£ cash at the treasury. (66-69) Referring to a table of distances from Benares and Lucnow to most of the principal places in the Upper Provinces prepared by the Surveyor General for the guidance of the Civil Auditor in auditing bills for travelling charges. (70) Advising the permission given to the Surveyor General for the purchase of an instrument called the new improved equatorial, for the purpose of making astronomical observations. (71) A dawk established between Dinagepoor and Consunnah Gunge, the additional expense of which to be defrayed by an additional postage. (72) State of the plants brought from China by Doctor Dinwiddie. (73) Advising that the French olive plant and caper bush have been received from Dr. Anderson1 and Mr. Chamier, also that the Jamaica pepper plant brought from the Coast continues to thrive, and requesting a large annual supply of this plant for at least two or three years to come. (74) Mentions samples of jute being sent in the packet, with a paper of explanation from Dr. Roxburgh ; also a box of seeds and some drawings of plants for the Company, and a bag of seeds for Sir Joseph Banks. (75) Advising that shawl goats were sent on the Europa to Madras to be sent from thence to England. (76) State of the treasury. 45. We also approve of the directions which were given to rhe Surveyor General for preparing a table oi distances from Benares and Lucnow etc., for the guidance of the Civil Auditor in auditing bills for travelling charges. 46. For the reasons assigned in this paragraph we approve of the permission given to the Surveyor General for the purchase of an instrument called the new improved equatorial, for the purpose of making astronomical observations. 47. Needs no reply. 48. Already replied to. 49. The information herein contained affords us much satisfaction. The Doctor’s wishes in respect to the plant of the Jamaica all-spice shall be duly attended to. 50. By our letters of the last season Dr. Roxburgh will have perceived the use we have made of the drawings he has from time to time transmitted. The parcels here alluded to have been forwarded to Sir Joseph Banks together with the seeds. Our observations on the article of jute arc forwarded with the general list of investment. 51. Your attention in this respect merits our approbation. Five of the goats only reached England, the rest having died on their passage. 52. Needs no reply. 27 JULY 1796 27 Answer to the letter in the Public Department^ dated 8th (1) Acknowledging the receipt of the Court’s dispatches. (2-7) In answer to the Court’s letters in the Public Department of the 18th June and the 2nd July 1794. (8) Mentions that on the resignation of Mr. Lewis, Mr. Seton had been called to the Bombay Council till the arrival of a successor. (9-13) Bombay finances. (14-16) Advising the military appointments for Fort Marlbrough. (17) An addition of (1,000) one thousand dollars per annum made to the salary of the 2nd in Council at Bencoolen, who is also Commander in Chief. (18) Referring to papers in the packet for information relative to affairs on the West Coast. (19) Prince of Wales Island. (20 & 21) Advice received from Mr. Mannington that the Boddington sailed from Prince of Wales Island on the 10th November, that he had advanced her commander (£225-15) two hundred and twentyfive pounds, fifteen shillings and had received bills on his owners for the amount, that the sum might be deducted from the freight. (22 & 23) Materials collected for building a hospital for seamen at Prince of Wales Island, but the execution of the work deferred for the present. March 1795 53. Need no reply. 54. Already replied to. 55. We approve of the addition of (1,000) one thousand dollars per annum to the salary of the second in Council at Bencoolen (who is also Commander in Chief) in consequence of the order contained in the 37th paragraph of our General letter to the Deputy Governor and Council of 7th March 1794. 56. The papers referred to in this paragraph have been duly attended to. 57. Already replied to. 58. This sum will accordingly be deducted from the amount for freight due to the owners. 59. You did perfectly right in deferring the proposed building of a hospital for seamen at Prince of Wales Island, until it be finally determined whether the settlement there shall be preserved. 28 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (24) Company’s servants and other individuals at Prince of Wales Island refused the indulgence of a remittance to Bengal by bills through the Paymaster of the detachment there except upon an emergency. (25-28) Relative to the trial of persons at Prince of Wales Island for piracy and murder. (29-36) Prince of Wales Island. (37-38) Captain William Lindsay, Marine Storekeeper at Prince of Wales Island, permitted to return to Europe ; for his health. (39) The Assistant Surgeon at the Andamans granted the same allowance as the Assistant Surgeon at Prince of Wales Island vizt., (250) two hundred and fifty sonaut rupees per month over and above his full pay and batta as an hospital mate. (40-48) Law matters. (49) Advising that Mr. Redfearn' embarked for England on the Manship. (50) Advising the appointment of Mr. Molony to be head assistant in * the office of the Register to the Provincial Court of Appeal and Circuit, and of Mr. Thornhill to be assistant at Luckipore. (51) Stationary. (52) Transmitting an advertisement published the 20th February for facilitating the transmission of the Company’s bonds and promissory notes from one part of the country to another. (53-56) Application of the attornies of absentees for an exchange of the Company’s paper. 60. You have not stated the reasons which induced you to refuse the indulgence here mentioned. 61. Transferred to the Law Department. 62. Already replied to. 63. Need no reply. 64. We approve of the allowances to the Assistant Surgeon at the Andamans as stated in this paragraph. 65. Referred to the Law Depart- ment. 66. Need no reply. 67. Already replied to. 68. We approve* of dur Regulations published in the advertisement referred to in this paragraph for facilitating the transmission of die Company's bonds and promissory notes from one part of the country to another. 69. We approve of your ultimate resolution as advised in your subsequent dispatch of 15th May 1795 on the application of Messrs. Paxton, Cockercdl, Trail and Co. on the subject of three certificates, the property of 27 JULY 1796 29 (57 ) Additions and alterations necessary in the Government House and money advanced to the proprietor of the premises for that purpose, to be deducted from the grewing rent. (58 ) Mentions the state of the treasury. Mr. Titsingh and Captain Lumbert, and very much commend the caution you observed on this application with a view to the security of government, and that of the property of it’s creditors. 70. We approve of the advance to the proprietor of the Government House on the terms mentioned in this paragraph, for the purpose of making such additions and alterations as were necessary. 71. Needs no reply. Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated the 20th March 1795 (1) Forwarding a copy of the last advices. (2 & 3) Bombay finances. (4) Mentions their having been advised of the intention of the Madras Government to draw upon the Bengal Government for (80,000) eighty thousand pagodas on account of supplies for Fort Marlbro’. (5) Referring to the first part of " Major Kyd’s report relative to the comparative advantages of the two settlements at Prince of Wales Island and the Andamans. (6) Stationary. (7) Advising their having authorized an exchange of Company’s eight per cent paper, for paper at six per cent at the present discount. (8) Requesting that if Mrs. Levesque, Head Mistress of the Free School, should desire permission to return to India by the Company’s ships it may be granted. 72. Needs no reply. 73. Already replied to. 74. Needs no reply. 75. Already replied to. 76. Needs no reply. 77. We have permitted Mrs. Levesque to return to your Presidency by one of the ships of the present season. (9) Mentions the state of the 78. Needs no reply, treasury. 30 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT Answer to the letter in the Public Depot Imcnt, dated the I Sth May h^5 (1) Transmitting copies of the last ^ advices. (2) Mentions that the Bombay Government had acknowledged the receipt of a letter from the Governor General and Council of 20 th J any. 1795 and that they had promised to shew due attention to the instructions they contained. (3) Mentions the Bombay (government having determined to authorize the Chiefs and Residents at their subordinate settlements to receive cash for promissory notes. (4 & 5) Mention the attention of the Bombay Government to draw on Bengal for three lacs of rupees, and that their bills would be duly honored, and that die shroffs at Bombay have been desired to state at what exchange they were willing to enter into agreements to supply that treasury with the monthly sum of three lacs of rupees for bills on Benares for one year. (6-13) Mr. Mair’s rice contracts— measures taken to bring the Company’s claims on die securities to adjustment by arbitration. 79. Need no reply. 80. Upon this subject we have to advise you that Mr. Adamson’s appeal to the King in Council from the decision of the Court of Appeals at Bombay relative to the misappropriation of the rice consigned to him on account of Mr. Mair’s contracts has been heard and decided on behalf of the Company. 81. His Majesty's order has made some variations in the decree, appealed from in favor of Mr. Adamson by making him some allowances in respect of cxpcnccs which he had been put to in landing the cargoes which were in dispute, and by charging him only with simple interest from the date of the decree of the Court of Appeals to the time of payment, and by relieving him from the payment of 27 july 1796 31 any costs incurred by the Company, except their costs in the Mayor’s Court with which he is to be charged. The account must be made up pursuant to the directions of King’s Order in Council, and Mr. Adamson or his sureties must be called upon for payment of what shall be found due ::rom him ; if he has paid the sum decreed against him by the Court of Appeals, there will be a balance in his favor which must be returned to him. We enclose; copy of the Order of Council. 82. As no difficulty will now be in the way of coming to an adjustment with Mr. Mair’s securities on account of his rice contracts, whether by arbitration or otherwise as shall be agreed upon, we direct that this long-depending business be brought to a final conclusion. (14) Capt. Canning’s China remittances, amount due on account that of 1790-91 discharged, and the other bond expected to be soon settled. 83. Although it appears that Captain Canning’s pecuniary engagements with the Company were upon the eve of a final adjustment, it is not our intention that the adjustment should preclude him from such relief i as you may deem him equitably en-J titled to, on a reconsideration of the ■ circumstances stated in his memorial, which, by the 38th paragraph of our letter in the Public Department of the 15th April 1795, was referred to your ultimate decision. 84. With respect to the doubts expressed in the minute alluded to in your dispatch of 2nd November last, of our intentions in thus referring Captain Canning’s memorial to your revision, we have only to observe that in consequence of the opinion contained in the 8th paragraph of your letter of the 29th January 1793 that Captain Canning’s case appeared to , claim some consideration, we merely meant to transfer the final determination to you, who were much better acquainted with the circumstances 32 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (15-18) China funds. (19-23) Upon military subjects, relative to Fort Marlbro’. (24) Calling the attention of the Court to a letter from the Superintendant of Prince of Wales Island, and the answer thereto. (25) Advising the death of Mr.' Thomas Latham Atkinson. (26) Do. of Mr. Francis Smyth. (27-28) Writers’ salaries regulated. stated in the memorial, instead of passing the decision ourselves. 85. We approve of the measure advised in these paragraphs for supplying our supracargoes at Canton with such money as they may stand in need of for the purchase of the Company’s investment, in case they should not obtain the necessary supply for bills upon the Court of Directors. We enclose you an extract of our orders to the supracargos on the subject of bills of exchange. 86. Transferred to the Military Department. 87. We have perused the letter from the Superintendam of Prince of Wales Island, dated the 25th February 1795, and approve of your answer of the 27th April to the several propositions contained therein. Should it be ultimately resolved to retain the settlement, the measures that should be pursued for advancing it’s prosperity and the Company’s interests will doubtless engage your serious attention. 88. Need no reply. 89. For the reasons assigned in the Governor General’s minute of the 13th April 1795, we approve of your determination for regulating the salaries to the writers in die manner therein mentioned. (29 & 30) Advising the manner in which the pensions to the late Meer Seid Ally Khan3 and Morad-ul-Dowlah,5 relations of the Nabob of Bengal, have been appropriated. (31) At the request of the Nabob of Dacca the pension of rupees (72) seventy two to the late Mirza Budhun,4 continued to Mirza Assud Ullah. 90. Wc approve of the manner in which the pensions to the late Meer Seid Ally Khan, Morad-ul-Dowlah and Mirza Budhun have been assigned, as mentioned in these paragraphs. 27 JULY 1796 33 (32 & 33) Relative to the appointment of justices of the peace for Bombay. (34) Stationary. (35-47) Exchange of Company’s paper in the hands of attornies of absentees. (48) Mentions the having authorized an advertisement to be issued, for exchanging the Company's eight per cent paper for six per cent at the discount for the time being. (49) Advising the appointment of Juggernaut Bose to be head podar of the treasury. (50) Transmitting copy of Lieut. Hoare’s instructions for a survey of the river Jumna. (51-53) Canal of communication between the Ganges and Hooghly. (54 & 55) Relative to the transmission of plants for His Majesty’s gardens at Kew. (56) Mentions the state of the treasury. 91. Transferred to the Law Department. 92. Already replied to. 93. We approve of the measure advised in this paragraph. 94. We approve of the appointment mentioned in this paragraph. 95. Upon the completion of Lieut. Hoare’s survey of the Jumna river, we direct that you transmit to us the result of his observations, with copies of his plans, accompanied by his journal or field book, that the whole may be submitted to the inspection of Major Rcnncll. 96. Already replied to. 97. These plants have been received and forwarded to the Royal Gardens. 98. Needs no reply. Answer to such parts of the letters in the Commercial. Department as have been transferreel to the Public Department Commercial letter of 24th Decemr. 1794 (32) Advising the building of a new accommodation yacht. (33-35) Advising the adoption of some new regulations for guiding-future decisions respecting pensions to pilots. (36 and 37) Advising that the buoy which was built upon a new construction has not answered. 3 99. We have already signified our approbation of your determination for building a new accommodation yacht. 100. We approve of the regulations mentioned in these paragraphs. 101. Need no reply. 34 PUBIJC LEITER EROM COURT Commercial letter of /th beby. 1795 (3 ) Referring to the report of a committee appointed to investigate the causes of the great difference in the expense of building two pilot schooners at Bombay for the service of the Bengal river. (103 ) Transmitting an account of the Marine expences. 102. It being mentioned in the report referred io in this paragraph that if anyone can assign a good reason why the building of the Hooghley schooner cost rupee's (2,812) two thousand eight hundred and twelve more than the General Aber-crumby it must be Lieut. Frazer, who was appointed to superintend the. building at the Builder’s OHice, we shall direct the Bombay (Government to call upon Lieut. Frazer for an explanation. 103. Needs no reply. Commercial letter of 8th March 1795 (76) Mentions the having given orders for the Jackall to be sold and the reasons why. (79) A gratuity of (3,000) three thousand rupees given to Mr. Chas. Rothman for his services in arranging the papers of the late committee for investigating the state of the Marine. (80) Advising their having prepared a penalty bond to be executed by persons taking native servants from India, to secure those servants agamst being sold as slaves during any part of the passage to Europe. 104. For ihe reasons assigned in the paragraph we approve of your having given orders for the sale of the Jackall packet. 105. Needs no reply. 106. The humane purpose of this bond is sufficient to ensure our approbation of the measure. Commercial letter of 15th May 1795 (14 and 15) Advising the condi- 107. We approve of the measures tions upon which an order had been advised in these paragraphs. issued in favor of Mr. Harding for the balance paid into the Fort Marlbro’ treasury on account of the ship Pearl. 27 JULY 1796 35 (67-77) Transmitting the report of the committee appointed to investigate the state of the Bengal Marine and the resolutions of the Governor General and Council upon several propositions contained therein. 108. The report of the committee appointed to investigate the state of the Bengal Marine has either been mislaid or has not been transmitted to us, though inserted as an article in the list of the packet; you will therefore cause a copy thereof to be sent to us by the first sea conveyance. We have however no hesitation in expressing our approbation of your several resolutions upon the report of the 6th April 1795. The placing the Marine Department under the immediate control of the Board of Trade is consonant to what we have already done with respect to that Department at Madras. In compliance with your recommendation we are endeavouring to procure a number of boys from the Marine and philanthropic societies, as a recruit for your pilot service, which by your beforementioned resolutions we observe has been subjected to some very salutary regulations. Upon the whole we are very much pleased to find that the detailed expences of the Marine Department is now placed under the most efficient control to which it can be subject, and we are confident that in the discharge of this part of their duty the Board of Trade will be equally entitled to our applause as in the execution of the various other branches of our concerns that are at present under their management, and we direct that the annual account of the expences of this Department which by the 53rd paragraph of your beforementioned resolutions is to be prepared by this Board, be regularly transmitted to us, with such proceedings as may be had thereon, for the purpose of checking any profusion therein, and exercising that general control over the charges of this Department, which, as you very justly observe, a frequent review and comparison of them can alone enable the Board of Trade to perform. 36 PUBLIC. LETlER EKOM COURT (78) Forwarding a memorial from Mr. Bruce Boswell, soliciting the Court’s confirmation of his appointment of Marine Paymaster and Naval Storekeeper. (79) Mr. Wm. Tomkins, Deputy Master Attendant permitted to retire to Europe with a pension of rupees (300) three hundred per month, until the pleasure of the Court of Directors can be known. (80-83) Captain Canning appointed Deputy Master Attendant. 109. Mr, Taswell whom you have nominated Secretary io die Board of Trade in die Marine Department has been appointed by us Masten* Attendant at Madras. But we lune not appointed any person to succeed Mr. 'Taswell in the secretaryship from a consideration that it being a novel institution and its duties not distinctly defined, it may be expedient at the first to leave it to you to make choice of a person duly qualified for the office and who is in India under the licence of the Company. 110. You have been already advised of our having confirmed the appointment of Mr. Bruce Boswell in the post of Marine Paymaster and Naval Storekeeper, and of our having nominated Mr. Walter Ewer to succeed Mr. Boswell. III. Having considered of the peculiar case of Mr. William 'Tomkins, your late Deputy Master Attendant as stated in the paragraph before us, we have agreed, in consequence thereof and at vour earnest, recommendation, to confirm the pension you have granted him of rupees (300) three* hundred per mouth which is to be paid to his order in Calcutta. 112, For the reasons stated in these paragraphs we approve of the appointment of Captain Canning to be Deputy Master Attendant in the room of Mr. "Tomkins. Mr. Allen having been appointed to succeed Mr. "Thornhill in the post of Master Attendant, we direct that Mr. Canning be considered as the next in succession to that office after Mr. Allen. (84 ) Advising the sale of a small ' unserviceable vessel called the Lac-board. (114 ) Mentions that the Bombay Government have been requested to distribute the prize money arising 31 august 1796 37 from the sale of the French snow Brutus captured in 1792 (amounting to sicca rupees (34,542) thirty four thousand five hundred and forty two) in the proportions due by the rules of the service, to the several parties entitled to receive it. i i i J 113. Need no reply. (115 ) Mentions the having subscribed for thirty copies of Lieutenant Hayes’s Survey of the South Extremity of Van Diaman’s Land etc. 114. We direct that a few copies of Lieut. Hayes’s Survey5 be transmitted to us. 115. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in further part of the number we this season agreed to send thither, vizt., Messrs. John Pascal Larkins (permitted to remain till next season), James Wemyss, Alexander Patrick Johnstone, Robert Brooke, George Guthrie. 116. We have permitted the following persons to proceed to India as free mariners, vizt., James Murray, Thomas Blast, Richard Smith. 117. As our letter to the Nabob of Oude, dated the 3rd July 1795, was transmitted by the Triton, we forward you a duplicate of that letter, to be presented by the Resident at Lucknow, who will acquaint His Excellency that the original was on board the Triton, when that ship was captured by the enemy. We are, Your affectionate friends, * D. Scott / J. Manship / J. Hunter / Jacob Bosanquet / Simon Fraser / John Roberts / Thos. Parry / George Tatem/W. Bensley / Lionel Darell / Stepn. Williams / John Travers / Robt. London, Thornton / Thos. T. Metcalfe / W. the 27th July 1796. Elphinstone / Joseph Cotton / A. M. Campbell. 6 LETTER DATED 31 AUGUST 1796 Treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation between England and the U.S.A. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 27th July. 2. We have received the following advices from your Presidency vizt,f Public letter dated 11th January 1796. Do Do 2nd February 1796. 38 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT Political letter dated 9th January 17%. £)0 Do 1st February 1796, Military letter dated 9th January 1796. Do Do 1st February 1796. Foreign letter dated 1st February 1796, Separate letter (Salt, Opium and Customs) dated 1 I th January 1796. Separate letter (Law) dated 11th January 1796. Judicial letter dated 31st December 1/95. Commercial letter dated 11th January 1796. 3. We transmit for your information and guidance the following extract from the treaty of amity, commerce and navigation between His Briiannick Majesty and the United’States of America dated the 19th November 1794. Article 13. “His Majesty consents that the vessels belonging to the citizens of the United States of America shall be admitted and hospitably received in all the sea ports and harbours of the British territories in the Fast Indies and that the citizens of the said United States may freely carry on a trade between the said territories and the said United States, in all articles of which the importation or exportation respectively to or from the said territories shall not entirely be prohibited. Provided only that it shall not be lawful for them in any time of war, between the British Government and any other power or state whatever, to export from the said territories, without die special permission of the British Government there, any military stores, or naval stores, or rice. The citizens of the United States shall pay for their vessels when admitted into the said ports no other or higher tonnage duty than shall be payable on British vessels, when admitted into the ports of the United States, and they shall pay no other or higher duties or chargees on the importtition or exportation of the cargoes of the said vessels, than shall be pavable on the same articles, when imported or exported in British vessels. But it is expressly agreed that the vessels of the United States shall not carry any of the articles exported by them from the said British territories to any port or place except to some port or place in America, where the stone shall be unladen ; and such regulations shall be adopted by both parties as shall from time to time be found necessary to enforce the due and faithful observance of this stipulation. “It is also understood that the permission granted by this article is not to extend to allow the vessels of the United States to carry on any part of the coasting trade of the said British territories, but vessels going with their original cargoes or part thereof from one port of disci targe to another are not to be considered as carrying on the coasting trade. Neither is this article to be construed to allow the citizens of the said States to settle or reside within the said territories or to go into the interior parts thereof without the permission of the British Government established there ; and if anv transgression should be attempted against the regulations of the British Government in this respect, the observance of the same shall, and may be enforced against the citizens of America, in the same manner as against British subjects or others transgressing the same rule. And the citizens of the United States whenever they arrive in any port or harbour in the said territories or if they should be permitted in manner aforesaid to go to any other place therein, shall always be subject to the laws, government and jurisdiction of whatever nature established in such harbour, port or place, according as the same may 20 JANUARY 1797 39 be ; the citizens of the United States may also touch for refreshment at the island of St. Helena, but subject in all respects to such regulations as the British Government may from time to time establish there.” 4. We wish in a particular manner to draw your attention to, and direct your observance of, that part of the article which prohibits the citizens of America (in common with other foreigners) from setting (settling] or residing within the Company's territories without the permission of the British Government. 5. In the event of a vacancy taking place in the Government of Fort St. George by the death or coming away of the Right Hon’blc Lord Hobart, we have resolved that Major General Alured Clarke shall take charge of that Government till the arrival of a successor to His Lordship, and should General Clarke be in Bengal at the time of such an event occurring, we direct that he proceed to Fort St. George as soon as he conveniently can. 6. We have appointed Mr. Edward Moore a writer for your Presidency, in further part of the number agreed on this season to be sent thither. 7. Having established regulations respecting the sums to be paid by passengers to and from India on the ships in the Company service, we transmitted copies thereof by the ships Pitt and Phoenix for the information of our servants at your Presidency. We are, Your affectionate friends, Hugh Inglis / J. Manship / John Roberts; / George Tatem / J. Smith Burges / Joseph Cotton / Lionel Darell / London, W. Bensley / Stepn. Williams / Simon the 31st August 1796. Fraser / J. Hunter /Paul Le Mesurier / Chas. Mills. 7 LETTER DATED 20 JANUARY 1797 Acknowledgment of letters from the various Departments—other miscellaneous items. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. 1796. 2. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 31st August We have received the following advices from your Presidency vizt., Letters in the Public Department dated 7th March, 20th May and 5th July 1796. Letters in the Political Department dated 5th March, 12th May, 30th June and 11th July 1796. 40 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT Letters in the Foreign Department dated 7th March, 30th April and 30th June 1796. Letter in the Revenue Department dated 1st March 1796. Letter in the Judicial Department dated 1st March 1796. Letters in the Separate Department (Opium, Salt and Customs) dated 7th March, 20th May and 5th July 1796. Letter in the Separate Department (Law) dated 20th May 1796. Letter from Sir John Shore dated 10th March 1796. 3. We have resolved to appoint thirty writers for your Presidency this season. 4. Major Laurence Gall, formerly of your establishment, has our leave to proceed to Bengal to settle his private affairs. 5. We have permitted Sir George Rumbold Bart to proceed to Bengal, and remain there three years for the purpose of settling his private affairs. 6. We have permitted the following persons to proceed to India as free mariners, vizt., William Sinton, James Connell, Alexander Walker, Moses Redmond, David Drummond. We are, Your affectionate friends, D. Scott/Hugh Inglis / J. Smith Burges / George Tatem / W. Bensley / Thos. Parry / John Roberts / John Travers / Thos. T. Metcalfe / Stepn. London, Williams / Paul Le Mesurier / G. W. the 20th January 1797. Thellusson /W. Elphinstone /J. Hun- ter /Joseph Cotton / Abnun Rohans. 8 LETTER DATED 1 MARCH 1797 All payments from the Company’s treasury in London should be post-poned during the war, OUR Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated 20th January. 2. It being extremely material to the convenience of the Company that a^ payments from their treasury in London during the war should be postponed as long as possible, we direct that you will prefer drawing bills on us for commercial purposes at two years’ instead of twelve months’ sight, making a difference in favor of the former equal to about 6 per cent, or more if necessary for the second year, 22 march 1797 41 3. At the request of the Board of Agriculture we shall transmit you several copies of a pamphlet published by it’s directions containing questions proposed to farmers, nurserymen and gardeners. We direct you will circulate them in such manner as you may deem most effectual to procure the information therein required and, after having obtained the same, that you will return them to us, for the purpose of being forwarded to that Board. 4. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in part of the number we this season (1796) agreed to send thither, vizt., Messrs. Benjamin Deane Wyatt, John Kinloch, Thomas Powney (abroad), Richmond Thackeray, William John Sands, Charles D’Oyley, Charles Lloyd. London, the 1st March 1797. We are, Your affectionate friends, D. Scott / Hugh Inglis / John Roberts / W. Bensley / Thos. Parry / G. W. Thellusson / Stepn. Williams / A. Ro-barts / Paul Le Mesurier / John Travers / Joseph Cotton / J. Baring / Jacob Bosanquet / W. Elphinstone. 9 LETTER DATED 22 MARCH 1797 Sir John Shoreas health—difference of opinion between the Governments of Bengal and Madras—affairs of the Vazir of Oudh—Marquis Cornwallis to come to India as Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. The information we have had of the precarious state of Sir John Shore’s health and the apprehensions he has expressed in consequence that he might be obliged to quit the government make us doubtful whether this will find him in India, and circumstances have come to our knowledge tending to create an uncertainty whether Lord Hobart may not likewise be on his passage home. This happens when arrangements of the first consequence are necessary to be carried into effect; the courts of adawlut which we are so anxious to see established in our provinces on the coasts of Coromandel and Malabar on principles similar to those which have produced such beneficial effects at Bengal ought not to be unnecessarily delayed. 2. We have likewise under our consideration what measures it may be necessary for us to take in consequence of the material changes in the Commerce of the East, which must ensue from our acquisition of the Dutch settlements in the Eastern Seas. In addition to all this, we have had the mortification to observe that very unfortunate differences of opinion have taken place between our Governments of Bengal and Madras1 relative to our connection 42 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT with the Nabob of Arcot and Rajah of Tanjore. And lastly we have had the severe mortification to learn that the army arrangements which we had adopted after much deliberation,2 and by the sacrifice of a most enormous expence, have not been received at the Presidency of Bengal with that decent respect, far less universal satisfaction which we had a just right to expect. However vexatious this reflection may be and however just the dissatisfaction it has created in us, with regard to the conduct of those who may have been the leading instruments in propagating so unwarrantable a spirit, it has not and shall not discourage us from continuing to consult and promote the real interests of a body of" men whose meritorious services we shall never forget and to whose substantial comforts we shall never cease to attend. 3. In thus generally referring to the most important points which in the present moment have attracted our attention it is impossible for us to pass over in silence the affairs of the Vizier of Oude’ ; his interests and ours arc so inseparably connected, we never can be indifferent to what passes within his territories. We are perfectly aware of the delicacy and difficulties which attend this subject, but we can never cease earnestly to wish and hope that some such melioration may take place in the interior government of the Vizier’s country as may ensure that prosperity to his provinces, and that security to his subjects, without which there can exist no rational prospect of permanent advantage, either to his own interests or to ours, so intimately connected with them. 4. Owing to such consequential considerations the Marquis Cornwallis, who both in a civil and military capacity has already rendered services to the Company of a most important and brilliant nature, has been requested to undertake another voyage to the East Indies, for the purpose of arranging these weighty matters; and under all the present existing circumstances, we deem ourselves particularly fortunate in having to acquaint you, that the Marquis has complied with our wishes, and that we have accordingly unanimously appointed His Lordship to be Governor General and Commander in Chief. These offices His Lordship is to take charge of, immcdiatelv on his arrival in India. 5. We have, at the same time, a just sense of Sir John Shore’s great merit, and of those services which have proved so highly beneficial to Company’s interests; we therefore trust that so long as he shall remain in Bengal, he will continue to render his best services on those occasions wherein he can be most useful, and as no other Commander in Chief can act as such or have a seat in Council while Marquis Cornwallis remains in India, wc direct that the seat in Council next to that of Governor General shall if agreeable to Sir John Shore, be supplied by him for the time he may remain in India. 6. In the event of Lord Hobart having succeeded to the office of Governor General previous to the arrival of the Marquis Cornwallis in India, Lord Hobart upon the arrival of Lord Cornwallis is to resume the government of Fort. St. George until the departure of the noble Marquis for Europe. 7. Lord Hobart’s management and direction of the different expeditions sent from Madras merit our highest commendation; ability, zeal and promptitude distinguished His Lordship’s conduct in these expeditions, and IQ Asafu’d-Daulah 19 april 1797 43 which we must ascribe in a great degree the very advantageous situation in which our affairs in India are placed by our recent conquests in that quarter of the world. We are, Your affectionate friends, London, the 22nd March 1797. D. Scott / Hugh Inglis / Lionel Darell / Smith Burges / George Tatem / Thos, T. Metcalfe / W. Bensley / John Roberts / Paul Le Mesurier / Stepn. William / Chas. Mills / John Travers / G. W. Thellusson / Joseph Cotton. 10 LETTER DATED 19 APRIL 1797 Dr. Russell’s manuscript on Indian snakes—collection of materials for a history of Indian snakes—Captain Layman censured. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 22nd March. 2. Doctor Patrick Russell,1 m.d., f.r.s. who was formerly in our service having presented us with a valuable manuscript account of Indian serpents collected on the coast of Choromandel containing descriptions and drawings of each species together with experiments and remarks on their several poisons, we have in justice to the Doctor’s merit and from a conviction that the important information therein described cannot fail of proving highly useful to the medical gentlemen and others in India, thought fit to publish the same, and in a separate box you will receive twenty copies for the purpose of supply-ing those who may wish to be possessed of the work, the price of which is rated at 35 sicca rupees each book. 3. As we are particularly desirous that the history of Indian serpents, of which the present forms only a part, should be rendered as complete as possible, we direct that you use your best endeavors for collecting and sending him from time to time colored drawings, descriptions and specimens in spirits of all such as may not be comprehended in the above collection. We also desire that the Medical Board be instructed to solicit the free communication of all such experiments and observations relative to the effects of the poison of serpents when left to itself as well as to the effects of the means employed by way of remedy, which in future may be furnished from practice and experience. The Doctor has assured us that from the general disposition he experienced in aid of his pursuits in this line, while resident in India, there is little doubt of our views on this head being in time effectually accomplished: 44 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT that the proper discrimination of serpents will be established and that in all probability, remedies may be discovered more efficacious than any ol those now known. 4. It may not be amiss to remark that mere accident or a very small exertion of curiosity puts it in rhe power of almost every gentleman resident in India to contribute in some degree to the attainment of so important an object. To those who have previously been but little conversant in that part of natural history, the plan pursued in the publication already referred to may serve as a general guide. The naturalist will probably make improvements, and institute more conclusive experiments, while such as are disposed to transmit specimens or information without engaging further in unpleasant investigation may render material service by attending to the following circumstances. 5. The specimen to be sent should be as entire as possible, it's color should be described in writing even where a painter can be procured on the spot, its dimensions taken, that is, the length from the nose to the anus, the length of the tail, the circumference of the head and neck, as also of the thickest part of the trunk, its reputed qualities among the natives, together with it’s name written in the country language, as well as expressed in English in Roman letter. 6. The specimen is then to be put into spirits, which should be changed as often as they appear foul, and the specimen washed in plain water before it is put into fresh spirits. 7. When different subjects are put into the same vessel they should be distinguished by a number cut on a small slip of wood allixed to the string by which the specimen is suspended, the number corresponding to a separate explanation. 8. When the subject is large, or has accidentally been bruised, it becomes more peculiarly necessary to change the spirits before shipping for Europe. 9. In respect to drawing, accuracy is chiefly to be attended to in the general form, the figure of the lamina of rhe head, the situation of the eyes and nostrils, the shape and disposition of the scales. In colouring, care should be taken to restrain the painter from rendering the brighter colors too glaring. 10. In what concerns communications respecting the effects of venomous bites or of the remedies applied, the circumstances following should be ascertained. 11. The sex and age of the patient, the part bitten, the interval between the symptoms of disorder and the bite, the course and termination of the disease, the precise time of death where the case proves fatal, or where otherwise, the progress of convalescence. In like manner the exact time of making medicinal applications, and their visible effects should be carefully noted. 12. Where the serpent that has bitten is immediately caught, he should, if not already known, be carefully described, but it frequently happens that it makes it s escape, leaving it doubtful what species had done the mischief, in 19 april 1797 45 which case it is necessary to guard against ascribing to an innocent snake, which may happen to be found soon after near the place (a circumstance that has sometimes happened), a crime of which it was incapable. 13. To medical gentlemen these hints will be altogether superfluous, as their professional knowledge will naturally direct them to such objects, but as intelligent individuals, both Europeans and natives, may in their local situations sometimes have it in their power to acquire incidental information which they might be discouraged from communicating, under an idea that such matters require to be drawn up in due medical form, as that a solitary fact can be but of little service, we have judged it necessary to point out the particulars to which their attention should be directed, and wc trust if information is not obtainable on all these points, such persons will not refrain from communicating any case even the most imperfect that may occur, as every single fact well ascertained adds to the stock of useful materials. 14. In addition to what we have above stated, wc should be glad to have procured and forwarded to us, specimens of the cobra monil, and of the snake mentioned in the case communicated by Captain Gowdie, vide Doctor Russell’s book, page 80. 15. Wc wish also that some experiments may be made with the snake no. 8 in the above collection. .16 . Wc have resolved that the duty of five per cent charged by the Company on the importation of gold dust and gold in bars be discontinued. 17. In consequence of an application from the Marine Society, wc have transmitted sundry of their letters and books to our Presidencies in India, wishing to countenance an institution so very beneficial to the interest and prosperity of the British nation : wc authorize you to draw bills of exchange upon us for the amount of such subscription as may be paid into your hands on that account in favor of their treasurer for the time being. 18. Wc have permitted Mr. Thomas Twining to return to his rank in our Civil Service at your Presidency. 19. Mr. Willoughby Bertie Estwicke, who was appointed a writer for Bombay last season, and who proceeded thither on the ship Malabar, has since been appointed a writer for your Presidency on the list of last season 1795 and we have directed our Government of Bombay to order him to proceed to his duty in Bengal by the first opportunity. 20. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in further part of the number wc this season (1796) agreed to send thither, vizt., Messrs James Hudson, Mathew Law, Lewis Mackenzie. 21. Wc have permitted Mr. James Archibald Simpson to proceed to Bengal to practice as a Barrister in the Supreme Court of Judicature there. 22. We have permitted Mr. George Place to proceed to Bengal to follow his profession as a miniature painter. 23. We have permitted Mr. Gervas Robinson to proceed to Bengal and reside there three years for the purpose of settling his private affairs. 46 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT 24. We have permitted the following persons to proceed to India as free mariners, vizt., Alexander Gardner, Blissett William Gould, George Mouat Keith, Charles Heron, Robert Holt, Robert Beck. 25. We are greatly surprized to learn that while the ship 1 oung William was in the Straits of Allass in March 1796, proceeding from China to England, the Rajah would not allow Captain Mortlock, the commander, to receive any other refreshment for his ship’s company than water, although the natives seemed very desirous of furnishing him with other supplies. We understand that the Rajah wished to have no further dealings with strangers on account of the ill-treatment he received from a Captain Lemmon, commander of a country ship, who passed through those straits a month before, and who in consequence of some of his men having deserted got the Rajah on board and kept him it is said in irons till the men where [were] delivered. If the information we have received be true, Captain Lemmon has been guilty of great misconduct, and deserves our severe reprehension, and we direct that these sentiments be made known to him, if at your Presidency, and that other persons in this line be cautioned against similar acts of outrage in future. 26. Having appointed Hugh Inglis Esquire our (Chairman, Jacob Bosanquet Esquire our Deputy Chairman, and John Manship Esquire during the present direction to be a Secret Committee, agreeably to and for the purposes stated in the Acts of the 24th, 26th and 33rd of His present Majesty, we hereby direct that all orders and instructions which you shall receive from our said Secret Committee be observed and obeyed with the same punctuality and exactness as though they had been signed by thirteen or more members of the Court of Directors, conformably to the said Acts. 27. We have appointed Hugh Inglis Esqr. our Chairman, Jacob Bosanquet Esquire our Deputy Chairman, together with Sir Francis Baring Baronet, William Bensley Esquire, Sir John Smith Burges and Sir Lionel Darcll Baronet, William Devaynes and John Hunter Esquires, Sir Stephen Lushington Baronet, John Manship and John Roberts Esquires to be the Committee of Secrecy for giving the necessary directions respecting the safety of the Company’s shipping. The orders therefore of any three of the said Committee respecting the same must be obeyed with the greatest punctuality. London, the 19th April 1797. We are, Your affectionate friends, Hugh Inglis / Jacob Bosanquet / J. Smith Burges / W. Bensley / Joseph Cotton/Paul Lc Mesuricr / John Travers / Edwd. Parry / J. Hunter / John Roberts / Robt. Thornton / T. T. Metcalfe / Lionel Darcll. 11 LETTER DATED 9 MAY 1797 Specimens of cochineal procured from insects at Rio de Janeiro—settlement withdrawn from the Andamans—loss of the Gillet schooner—Ensign Blunt’s narrative of the journey from Chunargarh to Rajahmundry to be sent to Major Rennell—irregularity in sending consultations to Court—Company’s responsible servants instructed to send useful materials for a general history of British affairs in the East Indies to be written by the Company’s Historiographer. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. By the present conveyance we shall reply to your dispatches in the Public Department of the following dates, the 28th August, the 2nd November, and 16th December 1795, the 11th January, 2nd February, 7th March, 20th May and the Sth July 1796. Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated the 28th August 1795 (1) Forwarding copies of the last advices. (24) Pecuniary supplies to Fort St. George. (5) Transmitting a letter from Jonathan Duncan Esqr. expressing his acknowledgements to the Court for their having appointed him to the Government of Bombay. (6-7) Advising the agreement concluded with the House of Gopaul Doss Hurry Kishen Doss for supplying the Government of Bombay with the monthly sum of three lacks of rupees for bills on Benares, at the exchange of 100 Benares rupees for 96 Bombay rupees. 2. Needs no reply. 3. We very much commend the attention you have shewn to the pecuniary wants of the Madras Government, in the great assistance you have afforded them, as advised in your several dispatches. 4. Needs no reply. 5. We approve of the agreement with the House of Gopaul Doss Hurry Kishen Doss for supplying the Government of Bombay with the monthly sum of three lacks of rupees for bills on Benares at the exchange of 100 Benares rupees for 96 Bombay rupees. You will be mindful however of the necessity of continuing to effect your 48 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT' (8) Bombay recommended to dispose of their promissory notes in future at the rate of discount at which they were purchased before it was reduced to 3 per cent. (9) Referring to a letter from Mr. Secretary Hay to the Secretary at Bombay on the subject of a reference made of that Government in the case of Revd. Mr. Mason who died intestate in the Malabar province. (10-11) Relative to Captain Thomas Scott. (12) Referring to copies of advices received from Fort Marlborough and the instructions and resolutions of the Governor General and Council on the several subjects before them regarding that Presidency. (13) Captain Thomas Clayton1 appointed to succeed to the command of the troops at Fort Marlborough in consequence of the death of Captain John Rotton. (14) Advising their having complied with the Fort Marlborough indent for stores as far as was in their powers and referring to their decision on the reference from the Deputy Governor and Council and Lieutenant Hiram Cox relative to the plantation at Bantarim. (15-16) Referring to their correspondence with the Superintendant at Prince of Wales Island; and mentioning their intention of forwarding their remarks on Major Kyd’s report concerning that settlement by the next opportunity. annual remittances to the Bombay Presidency on the most reasonable terms. 6. Needs no reply. 7. We approve of Mr. Secretary Hay's letter to the Bombay Secretary on the subject mentioned in this paragraph. 8. Replied to in our dispatches to Bombay, a copy of which you will receive as usual. 9. We have perused the advices from Fort Marlborough, referred to in this paragraph, and approve generally of your answer to them of the 18th August 1795. But this approbation is expressed with a reserve to such orders as we may think proper to give in our direct dispatches to that Residency. 10. We approve of the appointment of Captain Thomas (dayton to the Command of the troops at Fort Marlborough on the death of Captain John Rotton. II. Our answer to this paragraph is included in our reply to the 12th paragraph. 12. We have no particular observations to make or directions to give you on the correspondence with the Superintend ant of Prince of Wales Island referred to in these paragraphs. 9 may 1797 49 (J 7) Referring to a letter from the Board of Trade, and from the Inspector of Drugs, on a representation from Prince of Wales Island relative to the indifferent quality of the Patna opium sent to that settlement. 13. Such observations as we may see occasion to make on the subject of opium will be found in our separate letter under that head.. (18) Transmitting a statement of 1 the fixed establishments of the General, Judicial, Revenue, Commercial and Marine Branches and a list of covenanted servants. (19) Containing a list of the judicial appointments for the zemindary of Benares etc. (20) Advising the death of Mr. Samuel Charters. (21-22) Advising some judicial appointments. (23) Enclosing a list of appointments in the Public Department. J 14. Need no reply. (24-25) Referring to the rules and regulations under which the office of Register of Covenants is to be conducted. 15. Transferred to the Law Department. (26) Advising the return of Mr.' Thomas Charters to England for the recovery of his health. (27) Mentions the death of Mr. John Richardson Bart, one of His Majesty’s justices of the peace, and h that the vacancy has been supplied by Mr. Matthew Louis. (28) Mentions the conviction and execution of sundry persons for a burglary. 16. Need no reply. (29) Regulations for the gold coinage- (30-32) Advising a regulation respecting powers of attorney. 17. Replied to in our letter in the Public Department of the 27th July last. (33) Advising the discharge of the 18. Needs no reply, late Mr. Blaquire’s bond. 4 50 PUBLIC LEITER EROM COURT (34-39) Noticing the introduction of the cochineal insect into Bengal from Rio Janerio, and the measures pursued thereupon. (40) Mentions the state of the treasury. 19. The specimens of cochineal forwarded by Dr. Roxburgh and Mr. Taswcll, as also two parcels sent from the Coast by Dr. Anderson and Dr. Berry, the whole raised from the insect procured at Rio de Janerio by Captain Neilson, have been shewn to some of die best judges of the commodity in the kingdom, who all agree that it is the Sylvester, or wild species, and that there is little prospect of its being cultivated to any advantage for the supply of the Europe market unless it could be afforded at about one-third of the price of the Guina (?) or, say at from 5s to 6s per lb, freight and all charges included. From the opinions of Dr. Dinwiddie and other chemists, this article would seem to rank in higher estimation. We arc therefore not disposed hastily to check the whole of its progress and in consequence have given a quantity into the hands of some of our dyers, for the purpose of trying it practically on a larger scale than has yet taken place. The operations arc now under trial and from the result we may be better enabled to draw our final conclusions which shall be made known to you by some subsequent opportunity. The zeal that has been manifested by the several persons who have given their attention to this object merit oui* fullest approbation, but we fear there is little prospect of their endeavours being attended with the success they so well merit. In the packet will be found specimens of the real commodity which we are given to understand is from an insect of a very different species. 20. You will of course see the necessity of not engaging in any measure that leads to expence until you are possessed of our further instructions. 21. Needs no reply. 9 may 1797 51 Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated the 2nd November 1795 (1) Forwarding copies of former' dispatches. (2-15) In answer to the Court’s letter of the 15th April 1795. J 22. Need no reply. (16) Some doubts entertained as to the Court’s intentions respecting the case of Captain Canning. (17) Mr. Cotton’s China remittances, insolvency of one of his securities. (18-19) Answer to the Court’s letter of the 15th April 1795 continued. (20-22) Adjustment of accounts with Mr. Mair’s securities for his Bombay rice contract. (23-30) Answer to the Court’s letter of 15th April 1795 continued. (31 ) Mr. Thomas Motte, formerly Superintendant of the Police, recommended as a proper object of the Court’s benevolence. 23. Already replied to. 24. We are concerned at the information contained in this paragraph as to the improbability of recovering the amount of Mr. Cotton’s China remittances from his securities. You will however report to us the result of your attorney’s applications to Mr. Collie (one of the securities) for that purpose. The proceedings in this case shew how necessary it is to have due regard in all cases to the responsibility of securities. 25. Need no reply. 26. Already replied to. 27. Need no reply. 28. After a due consideration of the case of Mr. Thomas Motte, formerly Superintendant of the Police at your Presidency and whose circumstances and situation are such as in your opinion to render him a proper object of the Company’s benevolence, we have agreed to authorize you to make him such an allowance as you shall think his services may merit, relying however on your discretion that your determination herein will be governed by a due attention to economy. 52 PUBLIC LEITER FROM COURt (32-58) Answer to the Court’s letter " of the 15th April 1795 concluded. (59-64) In answer to the Court’s letter of the 6th May 1795. (65-66) Referring to letters to Mr. Secretary Ramsay and the Secretary at Madras, explanatory of the loss of three box packets intended for the Nancy. (67-68) Advising the arrival of the . Swallow packet at Madras and their recommendation of the manner in which she might be employed. (69) Mentions the departure of Mr. Duncan to the Government of Bombay and some temporary arrangements in the Council there. (70) Mentions the time of arrival at Bombay of overland dispatches in the Secret Department. (71- 72) Relative to the Surat Castle freighted by the Government of Bombay for a voyage to China. (73-95) Relariv- to the Andamans and Prince of Wales Island. 29. Need no reply. 30. Replied to in our dispatches to the Bombay Government, a copy of which have been transmitted to you as usual. 31. From the information contained in the very able report of Major Kyd, referred to in these paragraphs, and for the reasons assigned in your subsequent dispatch of the 7th March 1796, we approve of your resolution of the 8th February preceding for withdrawing the settlement at the Andamans and we are pleased to find by the 14th paragraph of your letter of the 5th July last that except the freight of a small vessel stationed at the Andamans merely to keep possession, every expense on account of the establishment had ceased. 32. Independently of any considerations of a commercial nature, we have no doubt of the policy and necessity of maintaining the settlement at Prince of Wales Island as an arsenal and port for the refitting and refreshment of ships of war, provid- 9 may 1797 53 ed at the conclusion of the war the possession of the Port of Trincomalee shall be relinquished. In the meantime we approve of the measures you have taken respecting this island, as mentioned in the paragraphs to which we are more immediately replying. We likewise approve of your resolution of the 21st December 1795 (referred to in the 13th paragraph of your dispatch of the 20th May 1796) for the establishment of duties and taxes, with a view of compensating the Company in some degree, for the expenses incurred by that establishment. You will of course advise us how far this experiment has proved successful. (96-98) Advising the terms on which bills of exchange were to be drawn on account of the addition ordered to be made to the investment. 33. We persuade ourselves that the terms on which these bills were granted were as favorable as could possibly be procured. In drawing bills for commercial purposes during the war, we have already directed you to give the preference to two years’ instead of twelve months’ sight, even though you should be under a necessity of making a difference in the exchange in favor of the former equal to six per cent or more for the second year. (99-100) Silver coinage. 34. We rely on your persevering endeavors for effecting the currency of the 19th sun sicca rupee, notwithstanding the opposition you may meet with from the shroffs and others. We have already signified our approbation of the subsequent measures for this purpose in the answer to your Revenue dispatch of the 31st December 1795. (101-113) Gold coinage. 35. In the 32nd paragraph of our letter in the Public Department dated 27th July last, we adverted to the circumstances stated in these paragraphs relative to the gold coinage. (114) Contains a list of appointments, 36. Needs no reply. 54 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (115) Forwarding a memorial from Mrs. Charters, widow of the late Mr. Samuel Charters. (116-117) Forwarding a statement of the funds of the Native Hospital etc. (118-119) Transmitting an address from the British inhabitants of Calcutta to Warren Hastings Esqr. (120) Transmitting letter from Dr. Dinwiddie, explanatory of experiments made to ascertain the qualities of Bengal cochineal. (121) Contains the state of the treasury. 42. Your short letter in the Puhi ber 1795 requires no particular reply. Answer to the letter in dated the lltl (1) Advising the arrival of the Prince William Henry and Worcester. (2) Mentions their intention of replying to the Court’s letter of the 8th July 1795. (3) Advising that the Lord Thurlow and Minerva got clear of their pilot on the 30th December in order to fill up at Madras. 37. Wc have, taken into consideration the memorial from Mrs. Charters ; and in consequence of the circumstances therein stated, and of your recommendation, wc have resolved to grant her an annuity of (£100) one hundred pounds per annum during her widowhood, to commence from midsummer 1796, and to each of her five children (£25) twenty five pounds per annum, the boys until they shall have respectively attained the age of 16 and the girls until they shall have attained the age of 21 years, or until they shall marry, these pensions to be paid quarterly in England. 38. We have much satisfaction at the information, that the humane purposes of this institution arc likely to answer your expectations. 39. This address has been forwarded to Mr. Hastings. 40. Vidc reply to paragraphs 34-39 of the Public letter 28th August 1795. 41. Needs no reply. Department dared the 16th Decem- the Public Department, i January 1796 > 43. Need no reply. 9 may 1797 55 (4) Advising of the Hillsborough and Francis being under sailing orders for Madras. (5) Forwarding copies of former advices. (6- 14) In answer to the Court’s letter of the 8th July 1795. (15-17) Advising their having sent' to the amount of sicca rupees (7,96,988) seven lacks ninety six thousand nine hundred and eighty eight, in gold bullion at Fort St. George in aid of the exigencies of that Government. (18-20) Advising their having recommended it to the Madras Government to endeavor to raise money by the sale of their promissory notes, and to draw bills upon the Court of Directors. (21) Advising Madras having drawn bills on Bengal to the amount of sicca Rs. (14,05,541) fourteen lacks five thousand five hundred and forty one. (22) On the subject of the Surat Castle freighted by the Bombay Government. (23) Referring to report from Bombay on the trial made of Mr. Sabatier’s machine for packing cotton. (24 & 25) Relative to the request of Mr. Hutchinson to decline accepting a seat in the Bombay Council. (26- 31) On the subject of the Bengal contract rice sent from Bombay and Tellicherry to Madras in 1792. (32) Mentions their having given orders to the Board of Trade for supplying St. Helena with double the usual quantity of rice and rum for the expenditure of the ensuing season, 44. We have already observed that we entertain a due sense of your exertions for furnishing supplies to the Government of Madras as advised in your several dispatches received in the course of the past season, and recommend it to you to continue to afford them every pecuniary assistance in your power whenever their exigencies shall require it. 45. The subject of this paragraph has been already noticed in our dispatches to the Government of Bombay. 46. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 47. This subject has also been noticed in our letters to Bombay. 48. We approve of the directions to the Government of Bombay on the subject of the Bengal contract rice sent from Bombay and Tellicherry to Madras in 1792. 49. The attention you have shewn to the exigencies of our island of St. Helena, in furnishing double the quantity of rice and rum for it’s expenditure, is highly commendable, PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT 56 (33) Advising the appointment of 1 Mr. John Champain to be salt agent [ of the Tumlook Division. (34) Mentions the return to Europe | of Mr. Wm. Dent for the recovery of j his health. J (351 Europe ships. ] (36-39) Freight and tonnage. ' (40) Transmitting a list of plans ' and surveys from the Surveyor General’s Office—also a list of drawings and a package of seeds from the Superintendent of the Botanical ( Garden. (41) Advising the state of the treasury. 53. Your short letter in requires no particular reply. 50. Need no reply. 51. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 52. Need no reply. the Public Department of the 2nd February 1796 Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated the 7th March 1796 (1) Contains the names of several" ships under dispatch. (2/ Forwarding transcripts of former letters. (3) Advising the arrival of ships. (4-49) In answer to the Court’s letter of the 3rd July 1795. (50 & 51) Ransom of Natal. (52-54) Answer to the Court’s letter of the 3rd July 1795, continued. (55) Relative to the rank of writers. (56-65) Answer to the Court’s letter of the 3rd July 1795 concluded. (66-70) Andamans. (71 & 72) Enquiry into the conduct of pilot Shouldham for the loss 54. Need no reply. 55. Transferred to the Law Department. 56. Need no reply. 57. The rank of writers will as usual be advised in our General letters, but to prevent any misconstruction of our orders, the year as well as season will in future be mentioned when we notify the appointment of writers. 58. Need no reply. 59. Already replied to. 60. We have perused the proceedings of the committee of enquiry held 9 may 1797 57 of the Gillet schooner. (73 & 74) Increase of pay to the crews of thc vessels employed in the Marine. (75) Indent of marine stores for individuals recommended. (76 & 77) Advising the appointment of a court of inquiry for examining into the cause of the loss of the Triton, and that the proceedings will be sent home by an early opportunity. (78) Subjoining a list of resignations and appointments. on pilot Shouldham, relative to the loss of the Gillet schooner ; and approve of your resolution for permanently stationing an armed vessel at a proper place in the narrow channel to guard and defend the river against pirates. It will be worthy of your consideration whether any regulations can be established to be observed on board the Company’s vessels as to the state and disposition of the arms, in order that they may be instantly had recourse to in cases of any similar attempts in future. In the instance before us it appears that the firearms were not loaded ; and nine or ten men from a bugerow are suffered to board and run away with a schooner having an equal number of Euro peans upon deck, and almost double the number of lascars. 61. We have referred to your proceedings of the 28th December 1795, and for the reasons assigned in the letter from the Marine Board of the 7th of that month, approve of the amended establishment for the native crews of the vessels in the Marine, and for victualling the native crews of those vessels, the total increasefd] expense of which is stated at sicca rupees (7,860-14-5) seven thousand eight hundred and sixty, fourteen annas and five pice per annum. 62. In consequence of the very high price of all descriptions of naval stores, we have not thought proper to comply with the indent except in the instance of a few large anchors and a small proportion of the canvas and cordage. 63. We approve of your having ordered a court of enquiry to be assembled for examining into the cause of the loss of the Triton, the proceedings of which have been received. 64. Needs no reply. 58 PUBLIC LEITER FROM COURI' (79 & 80) Resignation of Mr. Kennaway. 65. The several testimonies of the Board of Trade to the merits and services of Mr. Kennaway referred to in this and in your subsequent dispatch of the 20th May 1796, are as honorable to him as they are pleasing to us. We .also derhud grcai satisfaction from perusal of the comparative statement contained in the minute of that Board of the 23rd February 1796. (81) Advising the appointment of Mr. Hay to a scat at the Board of Trade. (82) Advising the resignation of Mr. Abraham Caldecott. (83) Advising the return to Europe of Mr. William Wilkinson for the recovery of his health. (84) Advising the resignation of Mr. James Grant. (85) Suit against Mr. Keighley. (86-88) Pension to Mrs. Pott, the widow of the late Mr. Robert Percival Pott. (89) Transmitting a pot of opium made in the Botanic Garden under the inspection of Dr. Roxburgh. (90) Transmitting a further sample of cochineal. (91) Advising the state of the treasury. 66. Need no replv 67. Will be replied to in (he Law Department. 68. We cannot yield to your earnest solicitation in favor of Mrs. Pott to the extent that is proposed. We have agreed however to the present allowance being continued to Iter until the departure of the returning ships to Europe and that she shall receive a pension of (£ 100) one hundred pounds per annum in England during her widowhood. We likewise authorize you to make Mrs. Pott a reasonable allowance for her passage home, should her circumstances be of so distressful nature as to require such an indulgence. 69. Some experiments are making with this commodity, the result of which will be forwarded bv some subsequent dispatch. 70. Vide reply to paragraphs 34*39 of the Public letter of the 28th August 1795. 7h Needs no reply. 9 may 1797 59 Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated the 20th May 1796 (1) Mentions the date of the last' dispatch. (2 & 3) Shipping intelligence. (4) Forwarding transcripts of former advices. (5- 10) Fort St. George finances and supplies. (11) The store ships Marquis Cornwallis, Prince of Wales, and Admiral Parker, directed to proceed to China for cargoes according to their original destination. (12) Advising that the principal and interest due on Captain Canning’s bonds for three and one lack of rupees have been discharged. (13) Prince of Wales Island. (14 & 15) Major Macdonald appointed Superintendant of Prince of Wales Island and advising other arrangements in consequence of the death of Mr. Cannington apd Mr. Pigou. (16) Advising the appointment of Mr. Thomson to be Chief Mate of the Woodcott. (17) Referring to the answer of the ' captains of the Lansdowne and Hawke for their reasons for having parted from their convoy. (18 & 19) Referring to consultations for proceedings of the court of enquiry appointed to investigate the causes of the loss of the Triton. (20 ) Relative to the consignment of several extra ships. (21-23) Relative to the compensation allowed the owners of vessels hired to carry grain to England. (24 ) Contains a list of resignations and appointments. 72. Need no reply. 73. Already replied to. 74. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 75. We arc pleased at the information contained in this paragraph. 76. Already replied to. 77. We approve of the appointment of Major Macdonald to be Supcrintendant at Prince of Wales Island. We observe by your consultation of the 23rd May 1796 that Mr. John Griffith has applied to be first Assistant to Major Macdonald, but we do not find that you have come to any determination thereon. 78. Needs no reply. 79 and 80. Transferred to the Com-' mcrcial Department. 81, Needs no reply. 60 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (25) Resignation of Mr. Kennaway. (26-30) As to the rank of writers. 82. Already replied to. 83. In our letter of 19th March 1790 we acquainted you that we had resolved to appoint thirty two writers for your Presidency that season (1789) and in our letter of the 6th May 1791 we advised you of the rank we had assigned to thirty one persons that had been appointed in part of that number, observing that as Messrs, fames Pattie, Thomas Twining, Robert Ker, fohn Deane and Thomas Thornhill were not that season of the age prescribed by Act of Parliament, they were* to rank immediately before rhe writers of the next season, in the order therein mentioned ; and in our letter of the 11th April 1792 we acquainted you that we had appointed Mr. Thomas Palmer to complete the number of writers for 1789, and placed him next under Mr. Julius Imhoff and immediately before Mr. Arthur Hastings Vansittart. 84. In our letter of the 11th March 1791 we informed vou that we had resolved to appoint sixteen writers for your Presidency that season (1790) and in our letter of the 12tb December 1792 we advised you of their rank, acquainting you that Mr. Richard Parry, who was not in that season of the age prescribed by Act of Parliament, was to rank immediately before* the writers of the season 1791. 85. We are much surprized that a doubt could be entertained as to our intention respecting the rank of those* writers ; but that our orders may be duly observed, we transmit in the packet lists of the writers for the season 1789 and 1790 and direct that they take rank in our service agreeably thereto. With respect to the writers who were in India at the time of their appointment you will be governed by our orders of the 3rd of July 1795, 9 may 1797 61 (31) Transmitting a report of Dr. Roxburgh on the Rajahmundry teak tree with his request to be furnished annually with certain plants and seeds. (32) Mentions that the person sent to Napaul for botannical purposes failed in the object of his pursuit. (33) In pursuance of Sir John Sinclair’s request to be supplied with such animals and seeds as may be useful in England, transmit Dr. Roxburgh’s report and a box of flax-seed. (34) Noticing that the copies of the publication of botanical drawings said to be sent on the Berrington did not come to hand. (35) Referring to a statement of the funds of the Native Hospital and mentioning that the benefits derived by the natives from that institution are progressively increasing. (36) Contains the state of the treasury. Answer to the letter in dated the St (1 ) Acknowledges the receipt of the Court’s dispatch of the 28th October 1795. (2 -5) In answer to the said dispatch. (6 ) Forwarding transcript of former letters. (7 ) Mentions their intention of dispatching the Swallow packet from Bengal in August. 86. We have derived much satisfaction from the perusal of the letter here referred to. The Doctor’s request for an annual supply of plants and seeds shall be complied with. 87. Needs no reply. 88. Dr. Roxburgh's report with the box of seeds here mentioned were on their arrival forwarded to Sir John Sinclair. 89. We observe by the 6th paragraph of your Commercial letter of the 7th March 1796, that the box in question is said to be received and the contents disposed of as we had directed. Under these different representations we are at a loss to ascertain the precise fact. Upon the arrival of the Berrington we may probably obtain some further intelligence on the subject when, if it shall appear they were not delivered, we shall by some subsequent conveyance forward a further quantity. 90. The information contained in this paragraph is very pleasing to us. 91. Needs no reply. the Public Department, h July 1796 * 92. . Need no reply. 62 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (8) Relative to the appropriation of the tonnage of several ships. (9-11) Supplies to Madras. (12 & 13) Mention that the accounts with the securities for Mr. Mair’s rice contracts are finally adjusted. (14) Andamans. (15) Referring to letters from the Board of Trade on the subject of the respective consignments of several extra ships. (16) Contains a list of resignations and appointments. (17) Advising their having annex* ed the duties required as clerk to the stationary committee to the civil paymastership, whereby the salary of the former is saved. (18) Mentions the return to England of Mr. Charles Coats for the recovery of his health. (19) Requesting that the son of Sir Charles Blunt, who came to Europe on the Berhngton for his health, may be permitted to return. (20) Mrs. Counsel!, widow of Captain Counsell late of the Marine, recommended for a pension. (21) Forwarding a narrative of the route performed by Ensign Blunt, from Chunargur to Rajahmundry in the Ellore Circar. 93. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 94. Already replied to. 95. Need no reply. 96. Already replied to. 97. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 98. Need no reply. 99. We shall comply with your request in behalf of the son of Sir Charles Blunt. 100. We have perused the memorial of Mrs. Counsell, widow of the late Captain William Counsell referred to in this paragraph, upon which we have* to observe that it: is not usual for the Company to grant pensions in such cases. But if you shall be of opinion that the services of her deceased husband were such as to deserve your consideration, and if she shall appear to be in necessitous circumstances, we authorize you in that case to make her an allowance not exceeding £50 per annum. 101. Ensign Blunt's narrative of his journey from Chunargur to Rajahmundry, together with his field book and astronomical observations will be submitted to the inspection of Major Rcnnell. 9 may 1597 63 (22) Forwarding congratulatory addresses from the merchants and inhabitants of Benares to Mr. Hastings on his acquittal. (23) Contains the state of the treasury. 102. These addresses have been presented to Mr. Hastings. 103. Needs no reply. Answer to such parts of the Commercial letter of the 24th August 1795 as are in the Public Department (48-50) Mentions the dismission of" a pilot for the loss of the ship Bodlein. (51) Pay of the marine establishment to be in future issued in siccas instead of arcots. (52) One master pilot and three boatswains allowed the pension under the usual regulations. (53 & 54) Chandernagore schooner sold as unserviceable and a new one ordered to be built, expense thereof including rigging estimated at (48,000) forty eight thousand rupees. 104. Need no reply. J 105. Of the necessity of this ex- (55) Referring to proceedings subsidiary arrangements in Marine Department. for the 107. However unwilling we are penditure you are the best judges; and we trust that in this and every similar instance you will be guided by the principles of economy. We direct that you inform us whether the building of this vessel has been completed within or exceeding the estimate. 106. We observe you have discontinued to record your proceedings on marine affairs in a separate department, upon which you will attend to the directions in a subsequent paragraph. to animadvert on matters of inferior detail in the offices under your Government, we cannot omit noticing the very great degree of inattention that has for some time past appeared in the conduct of those in the Secretary’s Office, whose business it is to take care that your consultations be regularly transmitted to us. This we had occasion to notice in the 127 paragraph of our letter, dated the 3rd July 1795, but in consequence of the apology offered by Mr. Secretary Hay, in his letter to our Secretary of the 3rd August 1794, we did not pass any censure on his conduct, but we have again reason to complain of the very great irregularity that still prevails in this respect, as we have not received any of your consultations in the Political, Military or Foreign Departments from the end of June 1794 to the beginning of January 1796. We therefore direct that you order an enquiry to be made into the cause of this (at least apparent) neglect in the conduct of the business of the office that, from whatever cause it may have originated, such arrangements may be adopted as to prevent it in future. We have received your consultations in the Public Department to June 1796 but we observe that you have not only transferred your proceedings on marine affairs to this 64 PUBLIC LEITER EROM COURT Department but have also recorded therein correspondence relating to the Company’s ships, and on commercial subjects immediately connected with the investment, while the consultations styled by you “Commercial” contain merely the correspondence on subjects of internal arrangement ; this we must remark is not only contrary to our orders contained in the 113th paragraph of our Commercial letter dated the 15th April 1795, but also to your own regulations of the 16th October 1795, which you profess to have adopted in consequence of those orders. We therefore direct that you regulate your proceedings and correspondence agreeable thereto. 108. We have permitted Mr. Thomas Scott to proceed to Bengal and remain there three years for the purpose of settling his private affairs. 109. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in further part of the number we last season (1795) agreed to send thither vizt., Messrs. William Lockhart, William Scott, William John Morgan, John Moncton, Thomas Halkett. 110. Having thought lit to appoint Messrs. Richard Hall, George Cuming and Samuel Peach, to be a select committee of supra cargoes with full powers to transact the (Company's business in China, we direct that you address the said committee whenever our affairs shall render it necessary for you to correspond with our servants at Canton. 111. We have appointed Messrs. Francis Tumlcy, 'Thomas Fitzhugh, James Drummond, George Sparkes, "Thomas Charles Pattie, Henry Baring, John William Roberts, Robert Money and William Bramston to be supra cargoes under our said select committee. 112. In our letter from this Department dated the 5th June 1793 wc gave some direction as to making up the packets, with a view of accelerating the arrival of your dispatches in London, but as we still continue to experience disappointments in this respect, we have thought fit to repeal the regulations therein laid down, and to substitute the following vizt., That the General letters, and letters from the Governor General to the Court of Directors in every Department, accompanied by a list, be put up in one box proportioned to the bulk of the papers it is to contain, which must be marked on the outside, “No I—letters for the Court of Directors, to be forwarded immediately on arrival at any port in Great Britain or Ireland.” This box must not contain any private letter except for the members of the Board of Commissioners For India, or of the Court of Directors. That the papers referred to in the General letters which have hitherto accompanied them be put up in three boxes numbered in succession, and of the dimensions directed in our orders of June 1793. One of these boxes must contain the papers from the Public, Commercial, Law. Salt etc., Departments and the others, those from the Military, Political, Foreign, Judicial and Revenue Departments and filled up with private' letters. Other boxes of the dimensions above directed, and following in numerical succession, must contain private letters and the broken setts of your consultations, and books of accounts, not being duplicates. The proceedings of the subordinate Boards, the annual setts of your consultations, and such other books and papers as you may deem necessary 9 may 1797 65 to transmit in duplicate must be put into other boxes, numbered in sue-cession from those mentioned in the last regulation, but of such dimensions as you may deem most convenient. That it be made a special instruction to the commander of every ship or vessel, by which dispatches to the Court of Directors shall be forwarded, that he do on his arrival in the British Channel, or at any port in Great Britain or Ireland, land the packet No. 1 with as many others of the successive numbers as he can with safety, and forward the same by the proper officer to the India House, and the remaining packets by the first practicable opportunity. 113. Having enjoined in former dispatches a regular transmission of your consultations to accompany your advices to the latest period possible, we think it unnecessary for you to swell your dispatches by sending as numbers in the packet, extracts of consultations or copies of papers contained in the broken sett of proceedings accompanying the General letters and referred to therein, and therefore direct that copies of such papers only make numbers in the packet, as may have come under your consideration subsequent to the date of the last consultation transmitted, except such as you may be of opinion require immediate inspection or such as you may conceive to be of very material consequence. 114. We also direct that you twice in each season transmit to us a list of our civil servants made up to the 30th April and the 30th September respectively, accompanied by a list of casualties by deaths or resignations. We trust that we shall have no occasion in future to complain of a want of attention to our directions herein on the part of those whose duty it may be to form such lists. 115. In order to enable the Company’s Historiographer2 to complete a general history of the British affairs in the East Indies, and as we mean that the plan of such a work should comprehend the history of India, and such part of that China as is connected with our trade, and also the progress of our trade in general, we direct that such of our servants as may be in situations to promote this public work be instructed to transmit to you, for the purpose of being forwarded to us, such information on the chronology, geography, government, laws, political revolutions, the progressive stages of the useful arts, manufactures, sciences and of the fine arts, and particularly on the former and present state of internal and foreign trade, as they may be in stations to afford, or may from time to time be able to collect. We are, Your affectionate friends, Hugh Inglis / Jacob Bosanquet / J. Smith Burges / J. Manship / W. Bensley / J. Hunter / R. Thornton / Stepn. Williams / Paul Le Mesurier / Cha. Grant / George Smith / Thos. Fitzhugh / Thos. T. Metcalfe / Joseph London, Cotton / John Travers / W. Elphins- the 9th May 1797. tone / Stepn. Lushington. 5 12 LETTER DATED 30 JUNE 1797 Captain Layman’s treatment of the Rajah of Allas. Our Governor General in Council at Fort: William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 9th May. 2. We have received your letters in the Revenue and Judicial Departments dated the 1st May 1796. • 3. We received, by the Georgiana, the following advices from your Presidency, vizt., Letter in the Public Department, dated 31st August 1796. Additional Ditto...................dated 3rd October 1796. Letter in the Political Department, dated 31st August 1796. Additional Ditto...................dated 3rd October 1796. Letter in the Foreign Department, dated 31st August 1796. Letter in the Revenue Department, dated 1st September 1796. Additional Ditto...................dated 1st October 1796. Letter in the Judicial Department, dated 1st September 1796. Additional Ditto...................dated 1st October 1796. Letter in the Separate Department (Salt, Opium and Customs) dated 31st August 1796. Additional Ditto...................Ditto .. . dated 3rd October 1796. Letter from the Governor General dated 24 September 1796. 4. As our servants in China will want at least £8,00,000 per annum for bills of exchange, we direct you will continue to follow the orders given to you under date the 11th November last to render them all the assistance in your power. 5. Having thought proper to repeat to the Fort. St. George Government our orders of the 22nd December 1786, respecting the commencement of the allowances to His Majesty’s naval officers serving in India, we enclose you a copy thereof, to which we enjoin your strict obedience. 6. Having resolved that Mr. Henry Pitt Forster be restored to the Company’s service, we communicated the said resolution to the General Court of Proprietors who concurred with us therein by a vote passed agreeably to Act of Parliament. 7. The following persons, whom we appointed writers for your Presidency of the seasons undermentioned, as advised in our letters dated the 28th October 1795, 22nd March, 1st June, 27th July, and 31st August 1796, proceed to their duty this season vizt.. Messrs. William Grant John Pascal Larkins William Pearson Elliott Robert Richardson 1 Edward Moor J ► Season 1794 1795 30 june 1797 67 8. The writers appointed for your Presidency, on the list of last season (1795) are to take rank in our service in the following order vizt., William Scott, John Forsyth, Charles Trower, William John Morgan, Robert Brooke, John Pascal Larkins, Cudbert Sealy, William Pearson Elliott, George Guthrie, Thomas Halkett, Willoughby Bertie Estwicke, William Lockhart, William Spedding, Robert Richardson, Alexander Patrick Johnstone, Thomas Lloyd, John Monk ton, Edward Moore, George Oswald, James Wemyss, Robert Digby Brooke. 9. We have resolved to appoint one writer for your Presidency this season (1796) in additional to the number mentioned in our letter of the 20th January. 10. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in further part of the number we this season (1796) agreed to send thither, vizt., Messrs. William Watts David Campbell ] Permitted to remain till next season Charles Bayley j 11. Mr. Richmond Thackeray, a writer for your Presidency of this season (1796), has our leave to remain in England until next season. 12. We have permitted Messrs. Bateman and John Tapham to proceed to Bengal, the former to practice as a barrister, and the latter as an attorney, in the Supreme Court of Judicature. 13. We have permitted the following persons to proceed to India as free mariners, vizt., Robert Guy Govey, Charles Alison, Edward Bryer, Joseph Holmes, Hector Mosely, Dale Carr, Andrew Glass, Charles Mason, Edward Page. 14. At the request of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, we have permitted the Revd. Mr. Ringeltanble and the Revd. Mr. Holzberg, missionaries from the said Society, to proceed to India (the former to Bengal and the latter to Fort St. George) free of charge, to the Company. 15. The addresses, enclosed in Mr. Sub-Secretary’s Harrington’s letter dated the 3rd February 1796, have been forwarded to Marquis Cornwallis and Mr. Hastings. 16. Our Secretary has received by the American ship Paragon a letter from Mr. Secretary Barlow dated 11th November 1796. 17. Mr. William John Morgan, a writer for your Presidency of last season (1795), has our leave to remain in England until next season. 18. Captain Layman commander of the freighted ship Britannia having returned to England, we have taken into further consideration the complaint against him as mentioned in our letter of 9th May 1797, for improper conduct towards the Rajah of Allas in his passage from Bombay to China, and relying on the declaration of Captains Mortlock and Layman, the latter of whom has most positively denied having given any ill usage whatever either towards the Rajah or the natives of Allas, we have been induced to desist from taking any further steps in this business, but feeling from several circumstances, which have arisen during Captain Layman’s voyage, as well as from many others which have come under our observation, that the commanders and officers of the ships taken up in India and China are not sufficiently placed under the control of the Company, we direct that a clause be inserted in the charterparty 68 PUBLIC LEITER FROM COURT of whatever ship you may in future engage for England, obliging the commander and officers under sufficient penalty, to obey whatever orders they may receive from any of the Company’s servants in the like manner as the commanders and officers of die regular ships are bound. 19. It appearing that a midshipman more than the number allowed by our standing order of 19th October 1791, proceeded on the liarwell to India, and having^examined Captain Welladvice thereon, and had recourse to the ship's books, we find diat Mr. William John Tovey, the person above alluded to, was shipped as a seaman, and regularly enteied as such, and that he lan from die ship at Bombay, on the 19th January 1796, and as it clearly tippears that Mr. Tovey entered on board the Harwell with the express intention of leaving her at Bombay, it is our positive order that should he be tit your Presidency he be immediately sent to England. We are, Your affectionate friends, Hugh Inglis/ Jacob Bosampiet / W. Devaynes / W. Ilensley / J times Irwin / Thos. Fitzhugh / W. Elphinstone / Paul London, Lc Mcsurier / Edwd. Parry / Chas, the 30th June 1797. Grant/J. Manship / Thos. T. Met- calfe / George. Smith. 13 LETTER DATED 18 OCTOBER 1797 On Marquis Cornwallis declining the offer, Earl of Mornington appointed to succeed Shore—Sir John Shore's state of health—deputation of Symes to Ava. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 30th June. 2. We have received the following advices from your Presidency, vizt., Letter in the Public Department dated 9th. January 1797. Letter in the Political Department dated 31st December 1796. Letter in the Revenue Department dated 1st December 1796. Letter in the Foreign Department dated 31st December 1796. Letter in the Judicial Department dated 1st December 1796. Letter in the Law Department dated 9th January 1797. Separate Letter (Salt, Opium and Customs) dated 9th January 1797. 3. Since the date of our dispatch of the 22nd March last, advising you of the appointment of Marquis Cornwallis to be Governor General and Com-mander-in-Chief, various circumstances have induced His Lordship to resign those appointments; we have therefore appointed the Right Hon’ble Richard 18 OCTOBER 1797 69 Earl of Mornington k. p. to succeed Sir John Shore Bart as Governor General of Bengal, and he is to take upon himself the Government General immediately upon his arrival at Calcutta. 4. Although we have been induced to make this arrangement under circumstances and for reasons of a peculiar nature, we nevertheless entertain a due sence of the services rendered to the Company by Lord Hobart. To his zeal and promptitude in the execution of the orders relative to the capture of the Dutch settlements may be attributed in a great degree the very advantageous situation in which the British Empire is now placed. We are likewise persuaded that, in his Lordship’s endeavors to prevail with the Nabob of Arcot and the Rajah of Tanjore to consent to a modification of the treaties with those princes, he was actuated by the most zealous and disinterested motives. Lord Hobart is also entitled to our highest commendation for the manly sentiments he avowed, both to the Nabob and the Rajah, on the subject of usurious loans for assignments on the revenues of their country, and for his strenuous exertions, opposed to a very powerful counteraction, to put an end to a practice which has been as ruinous to their affairs as it has been baneful to the interests of the Company. 5. We have received information from some of the confidential friends of Sir John Shore of his intention to return to Europe by the earliest opportunity on account of the precarious state of his health. Impressed with the highest esteem for his character and with a due sense of his able, faithful and meritorious services and of the important benefits which the Company have derived from his administration of their affairs, we are desirous of facilitating the accomplishment of his wishes and have, therefore, appointed Lieut. General Sir Alured Clarke, k.b. to take charge of the Government General provisionally in the event of Sir John Shore’s death or it not being convenient to him to retain it until the arrival of Lord Mornington. 6. Lieutenant General Sir Alured Clarke, k.b. having, since our appointment of him in 1796 to take charge of the Government of Madras in the event of Lord Hobart’s vacating it previous to the arrival of a successor, succeeded Sir Robert Abercromby as Commander in Chief of the King’s and Company’s troops in India, and second in Council in Bengal, we have appointed Lieutenant General George Harris to take charge of that Government, on the death, resignation or coming away of the Right Hon’ble Lord Hobart, provisionally until the arrival of a successor to His Lordship appointed from hence. 7. Herewith you will receive copies of an Act passed in the last session of Parliament entitled “An Act for carrying into execution the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation, concluded between His Majesty and the United States of America.” 8. In our letter in the Political Department of the 4th instant, we have signified our entire approbation of the conduct of Captain Michael Symes in his deputation to the Court of Ava,1 and being desirous of conferring on him some mark of our favor on account of the very important service he rendered the Company in bringing the treaty to a conclusion, we have resolved that he be presented with the sum of twelve thousand sicca rupees, and direct that the same be paid to his attornies in Bengal. 9. We have appointed Mr. Edward Golding a writer for your Presidency, in further part of the number we last season (1796) agreed to send thither. 70 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT 10. We have appointed the Revd. James Ward m.a. the youngest chaplain for your Presidency. 11. The Revd. Francis Lee has our permission to proceed to Bengal, and remain there two years, for the purpose of adjusting the affairs of his deceased brother, Thomas Lee. 12. We have permitted the following persons to proceed to India as free mariners, vizt., Thomas Horton, Michael Minter. 13. Mr. Donald Mc.Kcnzie who came from Bengal in the ship Supcrbc has our permission to return thither under free mariner’s indentures. 14. As great inconvenience has arisen by bills of exchange and certificates drawn in India having been presented to us for acceptance, of which no advice had been received, we strictly enjoin you in future, whenever bills or certificates arc granted by your Government, to take the earliest opportunity of advising us thereof. 15. On the 20th August, our Secretary received a letter from Mr. Secretary Barlow dated the 14th March last. 16. We have permitted the Revd. James Cordiner to proceed to Fort St. George to take upon himself the office of school master to the male asylum there, but it is our positive order that he be not employed as a chaplain in India. 17. Wo have already advised you, in a preceding paragraph, of our having appointed Lieutenant General Sir Alured Clarke to take charge of the Government General provisionally, in the event of Sir John Shore’s death, or it not being convenient to him to retain it until the arrival of Lord Mornington. We further direct that upon His Lordship’s death or resignation, or during his occasional absence at either of the other Presidencies, Lieut. General Sir Alured Clarke do occupy the station of Governor General provisionally, until our further orders or the arrival of a successor appointed from Europe. 18. As we are very anxious to encourage persons to make remittances from India to China for the purpose of receiving bills on us, we have ordered our Select Committee to fix the exchange for those at one year’s sight at not less than 5s. 6d. per old dollar for the two next seasons ; and to prefer drawing bills on us at two years’ instead of twelve months’ sight at an exchange of not less than 5s. 10*4d. per old dollar. We direct that you publish this information at your Presidency. 19. Our Select Committee at Canton have been ordered to receive all sums tendered to them for the two next seasons and to grant bills for the same on the above-mentioned terms. We are, Your affectionate friends, Hugh Inglis / J. Manship / John Roberts / Paul Le Mcsurier / Joseph Cotton / Thos. T. Metcalfe / W. Bensley / Edw. Parry / W. Devaynes / R. London, Thornton / Stepn. Williams / J. Hun-the 18th October 1797, ter/W. Elphinstone. 14 LETTER DATED 26 JANUARY 1798 Lord Clive appointed to succeed Lord Hobart as Governor of Madras— Thomas Hickey the painter permitted to proceed to India. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 18th October 179Z 2. We have received the following advices from your Presidency vizt., Letter in the Public Department dated 2nd March 1797. Letter in the Political Department dated 25th January 1797. Letter in the Revenue Department dated 1st March 1797. Letter in the Judicial Department dated 1st March 1797. Letter in the Separate Department (Salt, Opium and Customs) dated 2nd March 1797. 3. We have appointed the Right Hon’ble Lord Clive to succeed the Right Hon’ble Lord Hobart as Governor of Fort St. George. 4. We have permitted Mr. John Rider to return to his rank in our civil service at your Presidency. 5. Mr. Samuel Fairfax, who proceeded as a cadet to Bengal on the ship Earl Spencer, is appointed by us a writer on your establishment on the list of last season (1796). 6. We have resolved to appoint twentynine writers for your Presidency this season (1797). 7. Mr. John Peter De Belley has our permission to proceed to Bengal to carry on his trade as a watchmaker. 8. Mr. Thomas Hickey has our permission to proceed to India to practice in his profession as a painter. 9. We have permitted the following persons to proceed to India as free mariners, vizt., Amherst Goreham, John Robson, Thomas Hoar, John Fisher, Robert Rankin, Mr. Laurin Nain, Douglas Hunter. 10. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in further part of the number we last season (1796) agreed to send thither, vizt., Messrs. Edward Daniell, Richard Chicheley, Plowden Junr. 11. We direct that in future you send us by each ship two sets of the Calcutta Gazette, to the latest period. 12. We have permitted the Hon’ble Frederick Fitzroy to return to his rank in our civil service at your Presidency. We are, Your affectionate friends, London, the 26th January 1798. Hugh Inglis / Jacob Bosanquet / John Roberts / John. Hunter / Thos. T. Metcalfe / Paul Le Mesurier / James Irwin/ George Smith / Lionel Darell /Stepn. Williams / W. Bensley / Joseph Cotton/ Edw. Parry / Robt. Thornton / Step. Lushington. 15 LETTER DATED 2 MARCH 1798 Lord Clive appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Fort St. George—John Zoffany the painter permitted to return to Bengal. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 26th January. 2. We direct that in future, when you advise us of your having granted leave to any of our civil servants to proceed to Europe, you acquaint us if they have wholly relinquished our service, or whether they intend to return to India provided we shall think proper to permit them so to do. 3. Herewith you will receive copy of a commission constituting and appointing the Right Hon’ble Lord Clive President and Governor of Fort St, George; and Lieutenant General George Harris, Edward Saunders and Ernst William Fallowfield Esqrcs, Councillors of the said Presidency ; also copy of a commission constituting and appointing Lord Clive Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the fort and garrison of Fort St. George and the town of Madraspatanam. 4. Mr. John Nathaniel Sealy, who is at present a writer on the Fort Marlbro’ establishment, is appointed by us a writer for your Presidency on the list of last season (1796) and we shall send directions to Fort Marlbro’ for him to proceed to his duty in Bengal by the first opportunity. 5. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in further part of the number, we last year (1796) agreed to send thither vizt., Messrs. Edward Waring Hastings Scott, George Chester, John Walter Sherer, Robert Vansittart, Charles Wyatt, Charles Elliott, John Forbes. 6. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in part of the number we this season (1797) agreed to send thither, vizt,, Messrs. William Butterworth Bayley, Richard Strachey, William Malcolm Fleming, William Henry Sealy, William Percivall Potts, James Oldham Oldham, Gordon Forbes. 7. We have permitted John Zoffany Esqre. to return to Bengal to settle his private affairs, and to practise there as a painter. 8. Mr. William Gott has our permission to proceed to Bengal to practise in his profession as a ship builder. We are, Your affectionate friends, London, the 2nd March 1798. Hugh Inglis / Jacob Bosanquet / Lionel Darell / John Roberts / Thos. T. Metcalfe / Cha. Grant / J. Smith Burges / Joseph Cotton //Step. Lushington / W. Bensley / Edwd. Parry / Stepn. Williams / G. W. Thellusson / John Travers. 16 LETTER DATED 25 MAY 1798 Proposed house for Supreme Court considered too expensive—Dr. Buchanans drawings of flowers and plants to be submitted to Sir Joseph Banks— Governor General’s Minute regarding gold coins—orders regarding several outstanding balances—measures against French privateers—erection of chapels —horse-racing on Sunday—luxury and dissipation in principal settlements of the Company—John Shore appointed Secretary to Marine Board—public repository for oriental manuscripts set up in England—investigations into the historyj geography, religion, manners and customs of tribal people recommended—narrative of Ensign Blunt’s journey from Chunargarh to Ellore—permission to be previously secured by persons? proceeding to India, for practising law—Lord North’s appointment as Governor of Ceylon. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 2nd March. 2. We have appointed Jacob Bosanquet Esqr. our Chairman ; Sir Stephen Lushington Bart, our Deputy Chairman, together with William Bensley Esqr., Sir John Smith Burges Bart., Sir Lionel Dar ell Bart., John Hunter, Thomas Parry, John Roberts, George Tatem and John Travers Esqrs. to be the Committee of Secrecy for giving the necessary directions respecting the safety of the company’s shipping; the orders therefore of any three of the said Committee respecting the same must be obeyed with the greatest punctuality. 3. Having appointed Jacob Bosanquet Esqr. Chairman, Sir Stephen Lushington Bart. Deputy Chairman, and John Roberts Esqr. during the present direction to be a Secret Committee agreeably to, and for the purposes stated in, the Acts of the 24th, 26th and 33rd of His present Majesty, we hereby direct that all orders and instructions which you shall receive from our said Secret Committee be observed and obeyed with the same punctuality and exactness as though they had been signed by thirteen or more members of the Court of Directors conformably to the said Acts. 4. We shall now reply to your several dispatches in the Public Department received in the course of the past season. Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated the 31st August 1796 (1) Mentions the advices. (2) Advises the Georgiana packet. date of the last" arrival of the (3) Georgiana was directed to be-prepared for sea with all possible expedition. 5. Need no reply. 74 PUBLIC LEITER FROM COURT (4) Forwarding transcripts of former dispatches. (5- 20) In answer to the Court’s letter of Sth January 1796. (21) Two plans for a new court house for the Supreme Court submitted to the Court of Directors. (22) Continuation of answer to the Court’s letter of the 5th January 1796. (23-25) Economical arrangements in the Secretary’s office, and regulations for transmitting the records with regularity. (26-29) Answer to the Court’s letter ' of the 5th Jany. 1796 concluded. (30) Relative to the damage sustained by the Berrington in coming into the Madras roads. (31) Mentions the wreck of the ship Ann and Bliza, chartered to carry rice to the Cape. (32-33) Trade to the Cape of Good Hope. 6. The plans, elevations and sections referred to in this paragraph, for a new court house for the Supreme Court of Judicature prepared by the Chief Engineer and Civil Architect being mislaid, we cannot at present form any opinion upon their respective merits. It appears, however, that the estimate of the latter exceeds that of the former in the sum of rupees (82,103) eighty two thousand one hundred and three, and that by adopting the improvements suggested by the judges to the plan of the Civil Architect, the whole expense of the work is estimated at rupees (3,37,320) three lacs thirty seven thousand three hundred and twenty. In the present situation of affairs, we do not think it expedient to authorize the expenditure of so large a sum of money. You will, therefore, continue for the present to occupy die premises which you now rent for that purpose, 7. Needs no reply. 8. We arc much pleased with the information contained in these paragraphs, and trust that we shall have no cause in future to complain of a want of regularity in the transmission of your records. 9. Need no reply. 10. For our directions on this subject we refer you to the 5 and 6 paragraphs of our Commerce letters of the 2nd March last. 25 may 1798 75 (34-36) Pecuniary supplies to Bombay. (37-43) Relative to the ship Princess Royal. (44) Prince of Wales Island. (45-47) Freight and tonnage. (48) Advising their having authorized the residents at Benares and Lucknow and the several collectors of revenue to receive cash into their respective treasuries to the amount of (20) twenty lacks of rupees for bills on the Court of Directors at 2s. 6d. the sicca rupee. (49) An advance of sicca Rs. (5,000) five thousand made to the Commander of the Three Sisters. (50) Contains a list of appointments. (51) Transmitting copy of a letter from Ladv Watson. 11. We had much satisfaction in observing that your remittances to Bombay, for the season 1796-7, were effected on better terms by near 2 per cent than the former remittances on our average of the last four years. We have been advised from Bombay of the probable difficulties which may arise in procuring the necessary supplies for the current year 1797-8 in the various modes that have been suggested. We trust, however, that ultimately these difficulties have been surmounted, and that under all circumstances the supplies have been raised without any material disadvantage to the Company. 12. Transferred to the Commercial Department. [13 ]. We approve of your instructions of the 22nd August 1796 to the Superintendant of Prince of Wales Island as preparatory to the establishment of a more regular form of administration for that settlement. Upon the receipt of your subsequent communications, agreeably to the intimation contained in the 25th paragraph of your letter of the 9th January 1797, the whole subject will be taken into more particular consideration. 14. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 15. We have read the letter from your Accountant General of the 28th March 1796, and approve of the measure advised in this paragraph. 16. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 17. Needs no reply. 18. In answer to this paragraph, we have only to observe that no fund 76 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (52-53) Forwarding a set of botanical drawings presented by Dr. Buchanan, who accompanied Capt. Symes on his embassy to Ava. has been established for affording relief to persons in Lady Watson’s situation, and as we have been informed that a near relation of Lady Watson has bequeathed her no inconsiderable property, it is unnecessary at this time to consider of the propriety of such a fund being established. 19. Dr. Buchanan’s drawings of flowers and plants of the Burmah dominions, which appear to be executed in a most beautiful and masterly manner, will be submitted to the inspection of Sir Joseph Banks. Answer to the tetter in the Public Department, dated the 3rd October 1796 (1- 2) Mention that the Georgiana is dispatched direct from Bengal without touching at Madras. (3 ) Relative to the accounts transmitted from Madras and Bombay not being authenticated by the signatures of the members of the respective Governments. (4 ) Forwarding proceedings. (5-14) In answer to the Court’s letter of the 22nd April 1796. (15-16) Madras Presidency authorized to draw on Bengal to the extent of its necessities. (17 ) Referring to a letter from the Board of Trade respecting the loss of the Ann and Eliza} and submitting that the amount of freight paid (Rs. 37,500) should be reimbursed by His Majesty’s ministers. (18 ) Referring to the Governor General’s minute respecting the batta on the gold coin. 20. Need no reply. 21. This subject will be noticed in our dispatches to Madras and Bombay. 22. Need no reply. 23. We approve of the pecuniary assistance to the Madras Presidency as mentioned in these paragraphs. 24. Application has been made to His Majesty’s ministers for reimburs-ment of this sum. 25. From the papers on the subject of the gold coinage the following points are adduced. That under the native government, to 1766, the gold mohur was not considered as a legal tender of payment, but was left to find its own value in the market like any other commodity, the 25 may 1798 77 stamp of the mint merely denoting its weight and fineness. That in 1766 it was declared by the Company to be a legal payment at Calcutta, its currency established in all public and private transactions, and its relative value fixed at (16) sixteen sicca rupees. That in 1792 its currency was in like manner extended to the interior parts of the country, and half and Quarter mohurs coined in aid of the circulation. That ever since its currency has been established, both partially and generally, a loss under the denomination of batta has been sustained, in exchanging it for silver, of from 2^4 to 6 or 7 per cent, varying in proportion to the demand for silver, thereby operating as a tax upon the Company, upon individuals and upon the industry and commerce of the country. That hitherto no means have been effectual for abolishing the batta. That experience has shewn that even the smallest possible denomination of gold coin is unfit for the purpose of general circulation. That the only effectual remedy would be to call in the gold coin, and to establish the sicca, rupee as the only legal tender of payment in all public and private transactions. That this measure is, at present, impracticable, as it is estimated that at least to the value of two crores of rupees in gold [sic] would be thereby thrown upon the treasury, where there ought to be the same sum in rupees to answer it. The whole amount of the gold in circulation is estima- 78 PUBLIC LOTR FROM COURT ted at two crores o£ [and] forty five lacks of rupees. That a long period must elapse before the Company will be in a situation to adopt the measure of calling in the gold coin, unless largest supplies of bullion are sent from Europe. That the present valuation of the gold mohur (16 Sicca Rs.) is too high. That lowering its value would do much to remedy present evils, and would likewise tend to facili- tate the more radical measure of establishing the sicca rupees as the only legal tender of payment. The certain loss, from this operation, upon Rs. (2,50,00,000) two crores and fifty lacks, [isj stated at (Rs. 12,50,000) twelve lacks and fifty thousand at (5) five per cent, and of (10) ten lacks at (4) four per cent. That gold coin will always be useful in Bengal, but that it should be received by convention only, when it will circulate as far as the state of society will admit. Great praise is due to the Governor General for his very able and very elaborate minute of the 29th September 1796 upon this intricate and important subject, and which was referred to future discusion.1 The mode pointed out for remedying, in some degree, the existing evils, by reducing the value of the gold mohur, can only be considered as a palliative which, though it may lessen, will certainly not remove the evil so accurately described in the Governor General’s minute. Whatever you may finally determine, from the complete exemplification of the subject in the Governor General’s minute, we are persuaded that such determination will be the result of the maturest reflection, and here we shall leave the 25 may 1798 79 (19-25) Freight and tonnage. (26-27) Advising the return to Europe of Mr. John Rider and Mr. Richard Becher. (28-29) Enclosing an address from the Asiatic Society. (30 ) Enclosing a statement of the funds of the Native Hospital. (31 ) State of the treasury. j matter until your resolution on the Governor General’s minute shall be reported to us. 26. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 27. Need no reply. 28. The request of the Asiatic Society is under consideration. [29J. Need no reply. Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated 9th January 1797 (1) Mentions the date of the last q dispatches. 1 ™ i j iii I 30. Need no reply. (2) Mentions the date of the last p r 7 dispatches from China. j (3) China remittances. 31. We entertain a due sense of the merit of your exertions, from time to time, in furnishing the necessary supplies to our treasury at Canton, and rely upon a continuance of those exertions for the accomplishment of an object of so much importance to the prosperity of the Company’s commerce. The Accountant General’s letter of the 1st February 1797, referred to in your subsequent dispatch of the 2nd March following, contains sufficient reasons for your rejecting the offers which were made to you in consequence of your advertisement of 16th December preceding, for nego-ciating a remittance to Canton of twelve lacks of rupees and we approve of the measure you adopted in lieu thereof authorizing the supra cargoes to open their treasury for the receipt of specie, to the extent of the sum abovementioned, for bills on Bengal. [32 ]. In the 18th paragraph of our dispatch in the Public Department, 80 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (4) Mr. Forbes’s claim. (5-8) Pecuniary supplies to Bombay. (9-10) Law Tonnage. (11) Pecuniary supplies to Bombay. (12-20) Madras finances. dated the 18th October last, we. advised you of the encouragement held out to persons who might be inclined to make the remittances from India to China for the purpose of receiving bills upon us. The treasure consigned by us to Canton by the ships of the last season amounted to (£2,00,000) two hundred thousand pounds, and to (£4,10,700) four hundred and ten thousand seven hundred pounds by the ships of the present season. 33. This subject is adverted to in our dispatches to the Government of Bombay, copies of which will be transmitted to you as usual. 34. Already replied to. 35. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 36. Already replied to. 37. The earnest and unremitted attention which you have shewn to the several representations from the Government of Madras on the state of their finances is entitled to our highest commendation, and we trust that your proposed remittance of five lacks of pagodas in specie will have produced the most beneficial effects on the public credit of that settlement. We have the firmest reliance on the continuance of your endeavors to relieve the wants of that settlement, which under circumstances of peculiar emergency, have been unavoidably pressing upon the resources of your Government. We, however, entertain a well founded expectation that at the conclusion of the war, the Presidency of Madras will be able to support its own ordinary charges. (21) Sale of the Banteerin planta- 38. After having had reference to tion at Bencoolen. the proceedings to which you have referred us, we approve of the terms upon which the Banteerin plantation ' at Bencoolen has been disposed of to Messrs. Waters, Denning and others. 25 may 1798 81 (22) Orders for the removal of Mr. Hartley, Surgeon at Fort Marlborough, revoked. (23) Advising that as the articles of capitulation for the ransom of Natal had been violated, the ransom bills were not accepted. (24) Relative to the appointment of Mr. Coles to the chiefship of Pedang. (25) Referring generally to the correspondence with the Superintendant of Prince of Wales Island, and intimating an intention to address the Court particularly on the subject hereafter. (26-28) Reduction in the expense of the Marine establishment. (29) Mentions the return to Europe of Mr. Gillespie of the pilot service for the recovery of his health. 6 39. We have perused the correspondence between Mr. Hartley, Senior Surgeon at Bencoolen, and the Deputy Governor and Council of that settlement, relative to the usefulness of Mount Argyle as a station for troops. But as Mr. Hartley’s letter of the 14th July 1796 contains a very satisfactory apology for any intemperance of conduct he may have shewn upon the point in question, we approve of your determination for revoking your former order for his removal. 40. For the reasons assigned in the letter from your Advocate General of the 29th December 1796, we approve of the determination advised in this paragraph. 41. We desire to be informed whether any report has been made to you on the enquiry which has been instituted in consequence of the representation of Mr. Terhoff respecting the conduct of Mr. Coles, late Chief Mate at Pedang. It apears to us that you acted properly in not permitting Mr. Coles to resume that station, pending such enquiry. 42. Needs no reply. 43. Great commendation is due to the Board of Trade, for the attention they have manifested to the Company’s interest, in the proposed reduction of expence in the Marine establishment, alluded to in these paragraphs ; and we very much approve of your having carried the same into execution. 44. Needs no reply. 82 PUBLIC LEITER EROM COURT (30-38) Referring to the Court’s decision [on] several old outstanding balances etc. from individuals—vizt., Munnee Begum sicca Rs. 16,722-3-13-1. Ahteram O Dowlah sicca Rs. 7,552-16-3. Rajah Goordas sicca Rs. 14,442-12-8-3. Rowal dien Hassun [Kassim?] Cown sicca Rs. 19,760-6-8. Thos. Goddard sicca Rs. 950-1-18. 45. From what is stated respecting the balance due from Munnee Begum, there appears to have been great neglect in not communicating the orders of Council lor stopping her allowance to the Resident at the durbar at an earlier period ; this order was issued on the 9th May 1775 and no communication was made by the Secretary to the Revenue Department prior to the Hth December following but even then there was time sufficient to have conveyed the information to the Resident at the durbar so as to have stopped the payment made by him on the 21st February 1776. As the case stands we see no alternative but to write it off to pro (it and loss. 46. By the explanation given of this balance it appears to have arisen from a double payment which under a proper and timely communication between the Resident at the durbar and the Collector of Rajamhal might-have been recovered. As this cannot be expected at present it may be written off. 47. The Resident at the durbar was blam cable in not con lining his payment to this Rajah to the monthly amount of his stipend. Instead of doing so we find the sums advanced in July, August and September 1775 were sicca Rs. 46,500, whereas the monthly stipend for that period was only sicca Rs. 25,000. This balance must be also written off. 48. We consent to this balance being written off as recommended. 49. From the length of time this balance has been outstanding vizt., from 1771 and as it is probable the advance may have been adjusted with the Military Paymaster by the charges incurred on account of the expedition for which it was made we direct that it be written off. 25 may 1798 83 Lieut. Colonel Camac Rs. 10,047-8-1-2. 50. As this balance appears to be a sum actually received by the late Lieut. Colonel (then Captain) Camac in his capacity of collector of the revenues in the district of Shergauty Bal-lagaut in April 1775 not paid into the treasury on his quitting that office, we are surprised it was not long ago demanded of him nor can we conceive why, when his attornies in April 1783 paid a part of his collections, they were not called on for a full liquidation of the whole. At this distance of time great difficulty must evidently occur in adjusting accounts of this nature; we shall however demand the balance of the executors of Lieut. Colonel Camac. Girard Gustava Ducarel Rs. 3751-4-18-2. 51. This is another instance of neglect in not demanding the balance before Mr. Ducarel left Bengal—we shall apply to him. Robt. Holt, late Superintendant of the Baza Zeemeen Dufter of Behar Rs. 6164-9-6. 52. From a perusal of the correspondence between the Accountant General to the Revenue Board and Mr. Holt relative to this balance entered on the proceedings of the Board of Revenue the 21st September 1789, it seems doubtful if it can fairly be charged against him, and as it was suffered to continue from 1786 without any explanation being demanded, it must be written off. [53 ]. The suggestions of your Ac countant General in the first four paragraphs of this letter of 24th February 1796 (which was not however, we observe, taken into consideration until the 20th of November following) relative to outstanding balances in general are much to the purpose and we trust they will meet with due attention. It is evident that great omission or neglect has been suffered in allowing the balances we have remarked on and many others in the different departments to be so long outstanding. We, therefore, direct that your resolution on the recommendation of the 84 PUBLIC LETTER EROM COURT (39) As the Court are desirous that accounts should be constructed on the same general principle, have forwarded to Madras and Bombay copies of the most material annual and quarterly statements. (40-44) Europe ships. . (45-49) Freight and tonnage. J (50) Mr. Herbert Harris’s accounts with the Company. Accountant General in the 4th paragraph be punctually adhered to, as we entirely concur in your remark that if this rule had been heretofore adopted and regularly followed up, the General Books would have been relieved from many useless articles, and what is of more importance some of the sums now standing to the credit of the Company might have been recovered ; at any time, and more particularly at a period when every rupee justly due to the Company should be forthcoming, no individual should be suffered to continue debtor to the Company without a regular and prompt: investigation being made of the nature of the claim upon him, and he should be immediately called on to liquidate the balance that may appear due. 154]. We are here naturally led to remark on the considerable sums due from individuals which stand on your quick stock accounts. This subject was particularly pointed out to your attention in our letter of the 8th July 1785, but we are concerned to observe that due regard has not been paid to our orders of that date. We, therefore, direct that with our earliest conveyance you take the same into consider- anon and persue the most proper and effectual means of liquidating the balances outstanding. 55. We have perused the letter from your Accountant General on this subject and approve of the measure adopted in consequence. 56. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 57. We were not aware that other claims against Mr. Harris remained unadjusted, but following up the principle of our former orders, we direct that the two sums mentioned in this 25 may 1798 85 (51 ) Memorial from the Honble Andrew Ramsay, a writer, setting forth the circumstances attending his being wrecked on the Winterton, and praying to be granted writer’s allowances from the date of the loss of that ship. (52 ) Advising the resignation of several civil servants. (53 ) Requesting a fresh supply of paper for printing promissory notes. (54 ) Tonnage. (55 ) Reduction in the allowances of the Import Warehouse Keeper, paragraph for (1,17,199) one lac, seventeen thousand one hundred and ninety nine rupees, and for (16,975) sixteen thousand nine hundred and seventy five rupees, be written off to profit and loss. But we think it necessary, at the same time, to repeat the remark contained in the 22nd paragraph of our Public letter dated the 5th Jany. 1796, that although we have, in this instance, yielded to the strong and pointed recommendation of our Governor General in Council, and under firm persuation that after the long and meritorious services of Mr, Harris, he is altogether incapable of paying the balance due to us, yet it must be understood that we do not mean in future to relax from the general principle of requiring from contractors and securities a strict performance of their engagements with the Company. 58. We have considered the memorial referred to in this paragraph, and authorize you to grant Mr. Ramsay sixteen months’ allowances as a writer from August 1792, when he was wrecked on the Winter ton, and afterwards captured by the French, to December 1793, when he took his departure for England from the island of Mauritius, for the recovery of his health. 59. Needs no reply. 60. Agreeably to your request, a ream of marked paper for printing promissory notes was enclosed in the Company’s packet per Princess Charlotte directed to the Governor General and Council, a further supply of which is sent by the Berrington and Thetis, 61. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 62. For the reasons stated in the report from the Board of Trade of the 86 ' PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT Vendue Master and in the establishment of the Luckipore factory. (56-57) Address from the merchants relative to the scarcity of money. (58) Forwarding sundry plants etc. from Dr. Roxburgh. (59) Measures for the defence of the maritime commerce of Bengal against French privateers. 29th November 1796, we approve of the salary to the Import Warehouse Keeper having been reduced from (rupees 24,000) twenty four thousand rupees per annum to (12,000) twelve thousand rupees and of his being allowed a commission of (1J4) one and a quarter per cent on the sale, of goods, as an equivalent. We likewise approve of the office of Vendue2 Master having been abolished, and under the circumstances that have been stated, acquiesce in the allowance of rupees (500) live hundred per month to the late Vendue Master. As this appointment is declared to be unnecessary we direct that it be on no pretence resumed in future. 63. It were to he wished that the state of your funds had admitted of your affording some relief to the merchants, without occasioning embarrassment to the general finances of the Company in India. I lad this been practicable we tire persuaded of your readiness to have obviated the temporary distresses of so useful a part of the community. But you will always, as in the present instance, deliberate with the utmost caution upon any similar application, as well with a view to tlie propriety of yielding to the request, as to the most eligible mode of granting the assistance which may be required, than which no subject can be of a more delicate nature, or require maturer consideration. 64. The plants alluded to in these paragraphs died in the voyage. 65. We approve of measures which were taken for the defence of your commerce against French privateers, as advised in your several dispatches. We also approve of the measure in which the native crew of the Ranger schooner have been rewarded on account of her recapture, as mentioned in the 41st paragraph of your letter 25 may 1798 87 (60) Cornelius Corey sent home as a charter-party passenger. (61) Increase of salary to the Secretary to the Board of Trade. (62-64) Chaplains and a request for permission to erect chapels. in the Public Department dated the 2nd of March 1797. To defray the extra expence occasioned by the consequent equipments we approve of your having directed a new duty to be collected of one per cent upon your exports and imports. We shall write to you more fully upon this subject when we detail to you our final regulations relative to Bombay Marine. 66. We observe by your consultations of the 20th February 1797, but of which you have not advised us, that you have taken up the Nonsuch for this service, to supply the place of the Laurell, upon the expiration of the term of her engagement, a measure which has also met with our approbation. 67. Needs no reply. 68. For the reasons which have been assigned, we approve of the augmentation that has been made in the salary of the Secretary of your Board of Trade. 69. You have already been advised of our having appointed the Revd. Mr. Hussey3 to be a chaplain for Bengal, which makes the number of chaplains under your Presidency, including the three gentlemen now at home, to amount to eleven. But as this number is not more than sufficient to supply the duties of the different stations where chaplains are deemed necessary, including those recommended by you to be established at the cities of Dacca and Patna and the factory of Cossimbuzar, we shall hereafter consider of the propriety of augmenting the number of chaplains, that no interruption may be occasioned to the public worship by the absence of chaplains in Europe whether on furlough or for their health, #ch otherwise must be inevitably 88 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT the case but which we hold to be cx-trernelv indecorous. 70. Conceiving it a duty incumbent upon us to alTord our civil and military servants, and ah Christians living under our protection professing the Protestant religion, the means of attending divine service, in which, we trust, those in superior station will set the example, we most cheerfully ac-quiesce in your proposal for erecting chapels in the progressive manner pointed out in the 63rd paragraph of the letter to which we are now replying, such edifices to be as plain and simple as possible, that all unnecessary exponce may be avoided. |71 1. Having thus, as far as depends upon us, provided for the due observance of public worship on the Sabbath Day, we cannot avoid mentioning the information we have received that at the military stations it is no uncommon thing for die solemnity of the day to be broke in upon by horseracing, whilst divine worship, for which the Sabbath is especially enjoined to be set apart, is never performed at any of those stations, though chaplains arc allotted to them. And we have now before us a printed horse-racing account, by which it appears that not less than eight matches were run at Chinsurah in one day, and that on a Sunday. We are astonished and shocked at this wide deviation from one of the most distinguishing and universal institutions of Christianity. We must suppose it to have been so gradual that transitions from one step to another have been little observed; but the stage at which it is now arrived, if our information be true, must appear to every reasonable man highly discreditable to our Government, and totally incompatible with the religion we profess. 25 may 1798 89 72. To preserve the ascendancy which our national character has acquired over the minds of the natives of India must ever be of importance to the maintenance of the political power we possess in the East; and we are well persuaded that this end is not to be served either by a disregard of the external observances of religion, or by any assimilations of eastern manners and opinions, but rather by retaining all the distinctions of our national principles, character and usages. The events which have recently passed in Europe point out that the present is least of all the time in which irreligion should be promoted or encouraged ; for, with an attachment to the religion which we profess is found to be intimately connected an attachment to our laws and constitution, besides which it is calculated to produce the most beneficial effects in society to maintain in it the peace, the subordination, all the principles and practices on which its stability and happiness depend. 73. We therefore enjoin that all such profanations of the Sabbath, as have been mentioned, be forbidden and prevented, and that divine service be regularly performed, as in England, every Sunday, at all the military stations, and all European officers and soldiers, unless hindered by sickness or actual duty, are to be required punctually to attend; for which such an hour is to be fixed as shall be most suitable to the climate. The chaplains are to be positively ordered to be regular and correct in the performance of their duty, and if any one of them neglect it, or by his conduct bring discredit on his profession, we direct that he be dismissed from our service. 74. We rely on the ready obedience of the commanding officers at the 90 PUBLIC LEITER FROM COURT different stations in carrying this necessary regulation into execution, and particularly depend on the attention of our Commandcr-in-Ghief, and of our Governor General for giving it full effect. 75. We are here naturally led to remark, exclusive of what relates to the public institutions of religion, that the general tenor of (he Indian newspapers and periodical publications which come under our inspection, as well as the private informations which reach this country, concur in exhibit-ing an cncreasing spirit of luxury and dissipation in our principal settlements, and even at some of the subordinate stations. 76. This suggests to us much matter of very serious concern and apprehension. It points to evils incalculable in their consequences. One inference immediately arising from it is, that either the general scale of allowances and emoluments in our service is too large, or that by tin improvident use of them, a principle of new wants and new desires is kept in too much activity, and thus a tone given to the general manners most contrary to that regulated economy on which so much turns the welfare of governments, and the comfort, indcpcndancc, and respectability of individuals. 77. It is on the qualities of our servants that the safety of the British, possessions in India essentially depends,---on their virtue, their intelligence, their laborious application, their vigilance and public spirit. We have seen, and do still with pleasure sec, honorable examples of all these. We arc anxious to preserve and increase such examples, and therefore cannot contemplate without alarm, the excessive growth of fashionable amusements and show, the tendency 25 may 1798 91 of which is to enervate the mind, and. impair its nobler qualities, to intro-duce a hurtful emulation in expense, to set up false standards of merit, to confound the different orders in society, and to beget an aversion to serious occupation. 78. This taste in a society which, with an exception of the articles of commercial gains, a source by no means general, derives its whole income mediately or immediately from the State, is especially to be deprecated. The progressive wealth and prosperity of any country do indeed too naturally increase luxury and its attendant evils, but where this order is inverted, and luxury increases, whilst the ground source that supplies it remains without proportionate augmentation, as is the case of the land revenue of Bengal, now unalterably fixed in its amount, the consequences must be eventually ruinous, unless a system so prosperous is effectually checked. 79. Believing that the enjoyment of avowed, honorable allowances would tend to promote, among other beneficial effects, a due regulation of expense, the Company have, from such considerations, strained their own means to put their servants on the most liberal footing ; but whilst they feel themselves weighed down by rhe civil and military charges of their establishments, they are still frequently assailed, in one way or another, by new applications for pecuniary concessions ; and yet at the same time that we hear of straits and hardships resulting from inadequate allowances, we not only discern evident marks of increasing dissipation in the general habits of European society in India but in some of them a spirit of gam-^g publicly shewing itself in lotteries and the keen persuits of the turf. 92 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT 80. We must here mention the information we have received that sonic individuals at and under your Presidency have lately introduced the pernicious practice of gaming to a very considerable extent, and which must be ultimately ruinous to many, as wo consider such practices to be totally incompatible with the interest of the Company. We earnestly recommend it to our Governor General to endeavor to discover the names of those concerned therein, and if his admonitions should be unavailing in putting a stop thereto, we authorize him to make an example of the person or persons who may be the principal promoters of such licentiousness, by removing them from office, and sending them to Europe. 81. As in this general subject none of our Presidencies on the continent of India is wholly unconcerned, it will behove our several Governments there to bestow a very serious attention upon it, and to consider of the means by which, in rhe way of regulation, influence, or retrenchment, the growing taste for expensive living, amusements, and display may be repressed; especially we recommend this interesting subject to the care of our Governor General, to whom we arc persuaded it will appear in its just importance, and from whose judgement and example wc shall confidently hope for a co-operation with our views. 82. Indeed we arc disposed to believe that many persons give into modes of expense less from inclination than the fear of being singular, and wc think it will be worthy of our servants who are honorably distinguished by character, talents or situation to be distinguished also for moderation and frugality in their habits of living. (65) State of the treasury. 83. Needs no reply. 25 MAY 1798 93 Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated 2nd March 1797 (1) Mentions the date of the last" dispatch. (2) Acknowledges the receipts of the Court’s letter of the 22nd March । 1796. | (3- 9) In answer thereto. J (10-12) Referring to the Governor General’s minute on his departure to the Upper Provinces, nominating Mr. Speke to be Vice President and Deputy Governor of Fort William. (13-15) Relative to the Company’s freighted ships. (16) Supplies to Bombay. (17-23) Shipping and tonnage. (24-29) Supplies to China. (30) Freight and tonnage. (31) Advising the resignations of Mr. Henry Ramus, Mr. Robt. Bathurst, Sir John Harrington, the death of Mr. Charles Taylor and several appointments. (32-33) Advising a regulation for preventing seamen belonging to the Company’s ships left sick in the hospital from becoming chargeable to the Company. (34) Mentions the Chief Mate of the Europa, Mr. Turnbull, having absconded. 84. Need no reply. 85. We have perused the minute of the Governor General referred to in these paragraphs, and are clearly of opinion that his nomination of Mr. Speke to be Vice President and Deputy Governor of Fort William, during his, the Governor General’s, absence, is strictly agreeable to the letter and spirit of the 53rd clause of the Act of the 33rd of His present Majesty. 86. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 87. Already replied to. 88. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 89. Already replied to. 90. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 91. Needs no reply. [92 ]. We approve of the regulation advised in these paragraphs. [93 ]. Should Mr. Turnbull, the late Chief Mate of Europa, be discovered within your jurisdiction, he must be sent to Europe as an unlicenced person. '•94 Public leiter from cowl (35-37) Advising of the sums"' advanced to the commanders of several of the extra ships. ^ (38) Referring to a report survey I of the Company’s ships. J (39) Advising the loss of the Ganges pilot schooner by fire. (94J- Transferred to the Commercial Department. (40) Advising their intention of building three new schooners, in the manner herein mentioned, to replace the above, and two others captured by the enemy. (41) Remuneration to the crew of the Ranger sloop recaptured by them. (42 & 43) Mr. Shore appointed Marine Secretary. (44) Commission to the Sub Export Warehouse Keeper. [951. We are concerned at the information contained in this paragraph. It does not appear, from the narrative of this disaster to which you have referred us, that any blame on account of the accident can be imputed to any of the persons on board. 96. We approve of your determination upon the subject, as communicated in this paragraph, in order to ascertain where, and in what mode, the best vessels for the pilot service can be constructed, of the result of which experiment you will of course advise us. 97. Already replied to. 98. We observe by the letter from the Board of Trade of the 17th January 1797, that Mr. John Shore was appointed to the office of Agent for superintending the unloading and loading the Company’s ships, on account of his professional knowledge and talents. Conceiving, therefore, that Mr. Shore, whom you have since appointed Secretary to the Marine Board, possesses those qualifications for the office described in the 75th paragraph of your Commercial dispatch of 15th May 1795, we approve of the appointment. 99. Under the circumstances stated in the minute of the Board of Trade, dated the 6th of January 1797, we approve of the commission the Sub Export Warehousekeeper on the purchases of gruff goods and St. Helena , stores. But this allowance is to continue no longer than during the absence of the Export Warehouse-keeper on the public service. 25 may 1798 95 (45-47) Export Warehouse establishment increase. (48 ) Salary and appointment of Dr. Dinwiddie abolished. (49 ) Enclosing a bill of exchange on the Navy Office for (£226-3) two hundred and twenty six pounds, three shillings, for naval stores supplied His Majesty’s ship Orpheus at Prince of Wales’ Island. (50 ) Referring to the consultations for a list of the arrival and departure of foreign vessels from 1st May to 31st December 1796. (51 ) Enclosing register of mania ' gcs etc. (52 ) Contains the state of the treasury. J 100. In consequence of the great increase of business in the department of the Export Warehouse, we approve of the increase to that establishment amounting to sicca rupees (521) five hundred and twenty one per month. 101. We approve of your having abolished the salary and appointment of Dr. Dinwiddie, neither of which must be resumed without our especial permission. 102. The Right Hon’ble the Paymaster of His Majesty’s Navy has consented to discharge this bill notwithstanding the defect in its endorsement. All similar bills should in future be made payable to the order of our Secretary. 103. We direct that in future a list of the arrival and departure of foreign ships and vessels do make a number in the packet. 104. Need no reply- 105. You will have observed by our dispatches from time to time that we have invariably manifested, as the occasion required, our disposition for the encouragement of Indian literature. We understand it has been of late years a frequent practice among our servants, especially in Bengal, to make collections of oriential manuscripts, many of which have afterwards been brought into this country. These remaining in private hands, and being likely in a course of time to pass into others, in which probably no use can be made of them, they are in danger of being neglected, and at length in a great measure lost to Europe as well as to India. We think this issue a matter of greater regret, because we apprehend that, since the decline of the Mogul Empire, the encouragement formerly given in it to Persian literature has ceased, that hardly any new works of celebrity appear, and that few copies of books of established character are now made ; so that there being by the accidents of time, and the exportation of many of the best manuscripts, a progressive diminution of the original stock, Hindostan may at length be much thinned of its literary stores, without greatly enriching Europe. To prevent in part this injury to letters, we have thought that the institution of a public repository in this country for oriental writings would be useful, and that a thing professedly of this kind is still a bibliothical desideratum here. It is not our meaning that the Company should go into any considerable expence in forming a collection of Eastern books, but we think the India House might with particular propriety be the centre of an ample accumulation of that nature; 96 PUBLIC LEITER FROM COURT and conceiving also that gentlemen might chuse to lodge valuable compositions where they could be safely preserved and become useful to the public, we, therefore, desire it to be made known that we arc willing to allot a suitable apartment for the purpose of an oriental repository, in the additional buildings now erecting in Lcadenhall Street; and that all Eastei n manuscripts transmitted to that repository will be carefully preserved and registered there. 106. By such a collection, the literature of Persia and Mahomedan India may be preserved in this country, after, perhaps, it shall, from further changes and the further* declension of taste for it, be partly lost in its original seats. 107. Nor would we confine this collection to Persian and Arabian manuscripts. The Shanscrit writing from the long subjection of the Hindoos to a foreign Government, from the discouragement their literature in consequence experienced, and from the ravages of time, must have suffered greatly. We should be glad, therefore, that copies of all the valuable books which remain in that language, or in any ancient dialects of the Hindoos, might through the industry of individuals at length be placed in safety in this island, and form a part of the proposed collection. 108. The narrative of Ensign Blunt’s route from Ghunarghur to Ellorc Circar through the hills, an undertaking of much difficulty, in which he appears to have conducted himself very ably and successfully, brings to our view many curious and interesting particulars respecting that wild tract through which he passed, and its barbarous inhabitants. [109 ]. The perusal of this account (to which we have already alluded in our dispatch of the 9th May 1797), though well filled with such information, as ready observation could collect in an itenerant progress, suggests to us, however, that enough has not yet been done by the Company to explore the hill countries appertaining or adjacent to our territories, and to obtain a thorough knowledge of the various tribes of men, more or less savage, by whom they are occupied. The mountainous regions of Hindostan constitute no inconsiderable portion of its square contents; and the rude inhabitants scattered over their surface are probably in the whole very numerous. Investigations of this kind must prove useful, not only in extending the geographical and natural knowledge of India, but the history of the human species; and, what is of most importance, is ascertaining how far, and by what means, the condition of those poor people may be meliorated, how they may be rendered more civilized, and such of them as are within the limits of the (Company’s possessions made more conducive to the general welfare of their government. 110. We see no reason to doubt the practicability of attaining, in the use of proper methods and with due pains, all these desirable objects. We think it a reproach to the Governments which preceded our’s, that they appear to have been wholly unconcerned about a matter, which, in both a political and a humane view, was of such consequence, or to have made such attempts as were only calculated to keep the people of the hills in a state of repugnance and hostility towards them. 111. Now that a great deal has been effected in the interior arrangement k our Pr°v*nces, it may be proper to look around to the mountainous tracts y which they are circumscribed or intersected, and to examine their state more particularly than has hitherto been done. 25 may 1798 97 112. The sketches which have been given by several of our servants, as exhibited in the Asiatic Researches, of the hill people of Tipperah, Garrow and Rajamhal, are entitled to commendation; but are professedly, by [sic] only first outlines, which, to serve as the basis of opinion or of measures, require to be accurately examined, and to be filled up with many particulars, which only time and local investigation can supply. 113. We recommend therefore this subject to the attention of our Government General. Instead of prescribing minutely the mode or the instruments by which enquiry shall be prosecuted, we shall content ourselves with a general indication of the points to be investigated, previously observing, what we trust will be equally obvious to our servants, that the end in view, which is public utility, must never be perverted to the purposes of private emolument, that the researches which we propose must be conducted with strict economy, and entrusted to the best principles, and the best talents, and as the variety of talents requisite for a successful prosecution of divers enquiries may not be often eminently possessed by one and the same person, it may perhaps be found advisable to select two or three of our most intelligent servants to act together in each quarter. [114 ]. The subjects of investigation, we think, ought to be such as these: the geography and natural productions of the hills, the languages, manners, customs, arts, laws, traditions, religions, or mythological tenets, objects of worship, superstitious practises, tempers and dispositions of the various communities which occupy the hilly countries, especially the affinity in all or any of these points between the different tribes, and between them and the people of the plains. A careful analysis and comparison of this kind, which as far as language is concerned, should be reported by one uniform standard of pronunciation, would probably throw much light upon the origin, perhaps also upon the early history, of both races, and upon other points of curious research. But all these enquiries should be directed, and would serve, to a further end, namely how the condition of these wild people may be [im]proved, how they may be civilized, and such of them as fall within the boundaries of the Company’s Government rendered happier in themselves, and more con-tributive to the general good, according to the laudable example begun some time ago in the Bhaugulpore District by the late Mr. Cleveland,4 than whom the Company never had a more valuable servant. 115< We cannot conclude this dispatch without observing that the promptness, with which our orders for a supply of grain were carried into effect, merits our warmest commendation, nor are the measures that were taken on the subject of tonnage less deserving of our favourable notice. We are not insensible of the difficulties you have had to contend with the latter respect, and upon the whole consider your arrangements as well adapted to the exigency of the occasion. We had certainly no conception that so large a portion of shipping could have been so readily procured in India, and under the serious and alarming apprehensions which were then entertained regarding a scarcity, we did not deem it prudent to run the risk of any failure in a point of so much importance. It is, nevertheless, proper for us here to remark, that under the authority of this approbation you are not to consider we mean to sanction as a general measure the practice of hiring ships and re-letting them to individuals for the purpose of their being solely laden on their own 7 98 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT private accounts, as took place in the instances of the Warren Hastings and Caledonia. We deem this transaction as admissible only from the peculiar circumstances which led to its adoption. I he tonnage which the law lias allotted to the use of individuals, is meant for the accommodation of every description of merchants, whether concerned in shipping or not, in which they have all equal claims to a participation. It must be sufliciently obvious, that under a continuation of this practice, one description of merchants would enjoy an evident advantage over another. Whatever shipping therefore you may hereafter be under the necessity of taking up in India must be devoted to the general demand, and not to the use of any particular individual. 116. Amongst the appointments advised in your dispatches, we notice that of Mr. Thomas Pattie to be senior Judge of the Provincial Court of Appeal and Court of Circuit at Moorshedabad. From what is stated in the 4th paragraph of your Revenue dispatch of the 7th March 1794, which points at a competent knowledge of the Persian language as an indispensible qualification for the due performance of the duties of this office, we were doubtful whether Mr. Pattie, from his long absence from Bengal, was duly qualified for the station. We trust, however, that, before he was nominated thereto, you were perfectly satisfied that he possessed the necessary qualifications. We notice, likewise, that Mr. Pattie holds another appoint mem at Moorshedabad, namely that of Paymaster of the Nizamut Stipends at the salary of rupees (12,000) twelve thousand per annum. But as Mr. Pattie’s salary in his judicial situation is rupees (45,000) forty five thousand per annum, we disapprove of his having been appointed to the Paymastership, and direct that another person be appointed Paymaster to the Nizamut Stipends in Mr. Pattie’s room. 117. We have permitted Messrs. Robert Bathurst and Charles Coates to return to their rank in our civil service at your Presidency. 118. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in further part of the number we last season (1796) agreed to send thither, vizt., Messrs. Richard Owen Wynn, Francis Morgan, Edward Walter Blunt, George Hartwell, Francis Fauquier, Henry Hodgson, Gilbert Coventry Master. 119. Mr. William Watts, whom we appointed a writer for your Presidency on the list of last season (1796) as mentioned in our letter of the 30th June, 1797, takes passage on the ship Princess Charlotte. 120. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in further part of the number we this season (1797) agreed to send thither vizt., Messrs. James Patton, Thomas Fortescue, Charles Patton, Alexander Allason, Henry Mundy, Charles Patterson. 121. Having thought fit to appoint Messrs. Richard Hall, George Cuming and Samuel Peach to be a Select Committee of supra cargoes with P°WT t0 transact the ComPany’s business in China, we direct that you address the said Committee, whenever our affairs shall render it necessary tor you to correspond with our servants at Canton. 122 We have appointed Messrs. Francis Tumlcy, Thomas Fitzhugh, James Drummond, George Sparkes, Thomas Charles Pattie, Henry Baring, 25 may 1798 99 John William Roberts, Robert Money, and William Bramston to be supra cargoes, under our said Select Committee. 123. We have appointed Mr. John Baird to succeed to the office of Master Attendant and Storekeeper at Prince of Wales’ Island on the first vacancy, and we direct that till such vacancy shall happen Mr. Baird be allowed 100 rupees per month, as assistant to the Master Attendant at that island to commence from the time of his arrival there. 124. Mr. George Place, who obtained our permission to proceed to Bengal to follow his profession as a miniature painter, as mentioned in our letter of the 19th April, 1797, takes passage on the ship London. 125. The following persons have obtained our permission to proceed to India as free mariners, viz., James Taylor, Jeremiah McCarthy, John Freeman, George Mouat Keith, Michael James. 126. Mr. George Sinclair, who is reputed to be well skilled in the culture and management of hemp and flax according to the most approved methods practised in Europe, having submitted to our consideration a pamphlet containing his ideas of the measures necessary to be pursued for rendering the qualities of these articles as produced within our Bengal provinces better suited to the various manufacturing purposes to which they are ultimately applied, we forward you a copy thereof, by the Lord Duncan, and direct that such measures be taken for promulgating the information therein contained as you shall see fit. 127. We have also, at Mr. Sinclair’s request, permitted him to proceed to Bengal for the purpose of ascertaining by experiments to be made on his own private account how far his ideas, as detailed in this work, shall appear to be well founded. Although we have not deemed it expedient that the Company should be the subject to any expence on this account, yet as we consider Mr. Sinclair’s views to be highly laudable, and that his endeavours, if successful, may be productive of important national advantage, we are deshous he may be afforded every degree of protection that may be needful for accomplishing the object of his views. 128. We have also further consented that, in case Mr. Sinclair shall fail to effect the improvements he has suggested, he may be at liberty to engage in any other concern in which the agriculture and commerce of the country are connected or can be benefitted by his exertions, provided that in whatever way he may apply himself, the whole of his operations are conducted within the limits of the Company’s territories. 129. It is our intention to consign to you, by some of the early ships of the next season, a quantity of hemp and flax seeds, the growth of various parts of Europe, as also some utensils made use of in the preparing these commodities, which we mean you to make such disposition of, as Mr. Sinclair shall suggest and you shall approve. 130. We have forwarded you in the packet fifty copies of observations submitted to the Court of Directors by Joseph Cotton Esqr., a member of the said Court, in which an improvement is proposed to prevent the loss of ships rudders, and also to guard against the damage sustained in the ground tier of goods laden homewards on the Company’s ships, copy of which you will 100 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT cause to be delivered to every commander of the Company’s regular ships, who may be at your Presidency at the time you shall receive the same. 131. The commanders of our ships having Lsi His Majesty’s instructions. To Mr. North. The instructions of the Court of Directors. ) 146. Should the revenues and resources of the island of Ceylon be inadequate to it’s expenditure, Mr. North has been instructed to apply principally to the Government of Bengal for such additional aid as he may stand in need of; and we direct that a regular account be kept, and from time to time transmitted to us, of such supplies of money, provisions, stores etc., as may be furnished the island by our several Presidencies. We are, Your affectionate friends, Jacob Bosanquct / Step. Lushington / Simon Fraser / Stepn. Williams / J. Smith Burges / W. Bensley / R. Thornton /Thos. Fitzhugh / John Travers/ London, George Tatem / Thos. Parry / George the 25th May 1798. Smith / Joseph Cotton. 17 LETTER DATED 6 JUNE 1798 Earl of Mornington detains the Mildred at the Cape of Good Hope and reads despatches. OtJR Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. On the 11th ultimo we received by His Majesty’s ship Crescent a letter from the Earl of Mornington, dated at the Cape of Good Hope the 19th February last, stating his reasons for the detention at that place, for a short time,, of the Mildred, extra ship bound for Bengal and also for having opened and inspected the dispatches and letter packets from your Presidency by the ships which were then there on their way to Europe ; and we have to express °Uf aPPr^on of L^s Lordship’s proceedings herein. Your packets ?Urt °^ directors and Secret Committee per Houghton were very properly forwarded by His Lordship on the Credent, 1 AUGUST 1798 103 2. A considerable expense having been incurred by the employment of special messengers at Constantinople and Vienna in forwarding to London overland packets from our Presidencies in India, instead of sending them by the ordinary post, we direct that whenever you may have occasion to address us by an overland dispatch, you signify to the Bombay Government whether such dispatch be of so important a nature as to require it being forwarded from Constantinople and Vienna by special messengers, or whether it may be transmitted by the post, that the Bombay Government may intimate the same to the Resident at Bussora with directions to him to make a similar notification to His Majesty’s ministers at the places beforementioned. We are, Your affectionate friends, Jacob Bosanquet / Step* Lushington / Cha. Grant / J. Smith Burges / Jn. Hunter / D. Scott / Joseph Cotton / W. Bensley / John Roberts / Lionel Darell/ London, Thos. Parry / W. Devaynes / George the 6th June 1798. Tatem / R. Thornton / Simon Fraser. 18 LETTER DATED 1 AUGUST 1798 Acknoweldgement of letters from various Departments—other miscellaneous items. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 6th June last. 2. We have received the following advices from your Presidency, vizt., Letter in the Public Department dated 30th December 1797. Letter in the Political Department dated 10th January 1798. Letter in the Revenue Department dated 31st August 1797. Letter in the Foreign Department dated 10th January 1798. Letter in the Judicial Department dated 31st August 1797. Letter in the Salt, Opium and Customs Department dated 30th December 1797. Letter from Sir John Shore dated 15th September 1797. 3. We have permitted Mr. James Grant to return to his rank in our civil service at your Presidency. 4. Mr. John Lloyd late of your civil establishment has resigned the Company’s service. 5. We have appointed Mr. Henry Russell, who is in India, a writer for your Presidency in further part of the number we last season (1797) agreed to send thither, 104 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT 6 The following persons have obtained our pci mission to piocccd to India’ as free mariners viz., Evelyn John Gascoigne, James Seton, Thomas King, James Brice. 7 We have drawn the following set of bills of exchange on you payable at thirty days’ sight, and two shillings and one penny the current rupee, vizt., One set for 480 current rupees or fifty pounds sterling! current rupees payable to the Revd. W. T. Ringeltanbc or his order 480 or value received of the Society for promoting Christian | £ Stg. 50. Knowledge dated the 19th July 1798. 8. Mr. Robert Turnbull, late Chief Mate of the Europa, having quitted that ship on the eve of her dispatch from Bengal to Madras in April 1797 without having obtained the permission of the Governor General in Council, we direct on receipt of this letter, that you give him immediate notice to return to England and that you do not on any account: permit him to remain in India. We arc, Your affectionate friends, London, the 1st August 1798. Jacob Bosanquet / Step. Lushington / John Roberts / Georgia Tatem / John Travers / W. Bensley / Thos. Parry / Joseph Cotton / W. Elphinstone / J. Hunter / George Smith / Cha. Grant / Simon Fraser / 1>. Scott. 19 LETTER DATED 8 AUGUST 1798 An additional duty of one per cent on trade in India at the several Presidencies. VUR Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 1st instant. 2. We forward in the packet copy of our dispatch to Bombay on the subject of the Marine establishment at that Presidency. 3. You will perceive that we have ordered an immediate addition to be made to that establishment of one vessel of a large size, and as it is our intention to keep the Bombay Marine on a respectable footing, in order to meet the encrease of expence, we have directed in the 98th paragraph of our letter abovementioned that an additional duty of one per cent should be levied on the trade of India at our several Presidencies. 4. As by the 59th paragraph of your letter in the Public Department of the 9th January 1797 you advised us of your having laid a new duty of 5 DECEMBER 1798 105 one per cent on the exports and imports of the port of Calcutta for the purpo^ of defraying the expence of armed vessels, it will be only necessary to make this temporary addition permanent for the purposes mentioned above ; the collections of such duty are to be brought to account under the head of additional duty of one per cent for the Bombay Marine. London, the 8th August 1798. We are, Your affectionate friends, Jacob Bosanquet / Step. Lushington / John Roberts / D. Scott / W. Bensley / Thos. Parry / George Tatem / George Smith / Stepn. Williams / J. Smith Burges / Simon Fraser / John Travers / W. Elphinstone / Joseph Cotton. 20 LETTER DATED 5 DECEMBER 1798 Expenses incurred by commanders whose ships were engaged for the intended expedition against Manila. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter in this Department was dated the 8th August. 2. We have received the following advices from your Presidency vizt., Letter in the Public Department dated 31st January 1798. Letter in the Political Department dated 7th March 1798. Letter in the Revenue Department dated 31st January 1798. Letter in the Foreign Department dated 3rd March 1798. Letter in the Judicial Department dated 31st January 1798. 3. Our Secretary has received overland Mr. Secretary Barlow’s letters dated the Sth March, the 6th April and 6th May 1798. 4. Application having been made to us to permit Mr. Elias Darby of Salem in America to send his ship the Benjamin, Banjamin Bullock, master, to Calcutta, to purchase 130 tons of saltpetre, on giving security that the said saltpetre shall be bonafide delivered in America, we have permitted the said ship to proceed accordingly. Copy of the bond will be sent by the Benjamin. 5. We have very attentively considered the recommendation contained in the 59th paragraph of your letter in the Public Department dated the 30th 106 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COO RI December 1797 in favor of the commanders whose ships were employed on the intended expedition against Manilla, and although we commend your prudence in not deviating from the accustomed allowance made at your Presidency for the conveyance of troops in India without our especial sanction, we cannot avoid remarking that it would have materially assisted our judge-ment in determining upon the representations mack' to you by the commanders of the ships Lord Macartney, Lord Camden, Lord Hawkesbttry, General Goddard, and Sir Stephen Lushington and on the accounts sent into your Government of the expense incurred by them in providing stock for the accommodation of the officers of His Majesty’s 33rd Regiment who were ordered upon that service, if yon had accompanied the same with such reasonable observations thereupon, as might either tend to favor their views altogether or as far as your discrimination might lead you to form a correct idea of the magnitude of their claim upon our indulgence for the- loss they had actually sustained. 6. In this defective state of the case, we have, however, endeavored to shew the sense we entertain of the meritorious conduct of the commanders in so readily cooperating with your Government in a plan wherein the East India Company and the State were so deeply interested, hy remunerating them for the number of officers embarked on board each ship, agreeable to the rates established by us for the passage of Elis Majesty’s officers to and from India when at the expense of the Company according to their respective ranks and which nearly gives an equivalent for the three* months the officers are stated to have been on board to the accounts sent into the Bengal Government and recommended for adjustment. 7. Should you however upon any future emergency find it requisite to refer any claim of the like nature to our decision, it is our positive injunction that you accompany the reference with such observations thereupon as may leave us free from the embarrassment we have been under in the present instance. 8. A certificate granted to Brevet Captain Dennett Montague Holford of the Fort St. George establishment by the Commercial Resident at Amboyna for star pagodas 1,000 being lately presented to us, and having referred to a letter received from Mr. Jones? the Resident at that settlement, dated 22nd October 1797, wherein he advises his having granted such certificate, and it being represented by Captain Holford that the amount thereof is the sole dependence for support of himself and wife, during Ins stay in England, we have been induced to order payment of the same, but to prevent the like irregularity from happening in future, we hereby positively direct that our Residents and subordinate agents in the various dependencies under your Government be not permitted to draw bills upon us upon any account whatever but by your immediate authority. 9. Mr. Thomas Walton, the executor of Mr. Roger Gale deceased, late a senior merchant on your establishment, having requested that the security on given here for Mr. Gale’s performance of covenants may be delivered t0 ’ ^e direct that you acquaint us whether there is any objection W the said bond being cancelled, 7 13 MARCH 1799 107 10. We have permitted Mr. John Coverdale to proceed to India as a free mariner. London, the 5th December 1798. We are. Your affectionate friends, Jacob Bosanquet / Step. Lushington / J. Hunter/D. Scott/Thos. Parry/Lionel Darel! / George Tatem / W. Bensley / John Travers / George Smith / S. Toone / Edw. Parry / Stepn. Williams / Simon Fraser / Chas. Mills / Joseph Cotton / John Roberts. 21 LETTER DATED 13 MARCH 1799 Preservation of good order on board of ships from India, Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter in this Department was dated the 5th December 1798. 2. We have received the following advices from your Presidency vizt., Letter in the Public Department dated 28th February 1798. Letters in the Political Department dated 16th March and 17th April 1798. Letter in the Foreign Department dated 6th April 1798. Letter in the Law Department dated 28th February 1798. Separate Letter (Salt, Opium, Customs) dated 28th February 1798. OVERLAND Letter in the Political Department dated 2nd July 1798. Letter from Sir Alured Clarke dated 6th June 1798. • Letter from Mr. Secretary Barlow dated 3rd July 1798. Separate letter on the finances dated 1st October 1798. Letter from the Governor General dated August 1798. Letter from Mr. Secretary Barlow dated 1st September 1798. 3. The conduct of several passengers from India having lately been highly improper, we have made regulations for the preservation of good order on board our ships, of which you will receive printed copies in the packet, and we direct that they be delivered to all persons proceeding from your Presidency previous to their going on board, and an acknowledgement taken from them of their having received the same. 4. We have permitted Messrs. Cornelius Fryer and William Towers Smith to return to the rank in our Civil Service at your Presidency. 108 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT 5. Mr. Robert Chapman who resided several years in Bengal with the license of the Governor General has our permission to return to Bengal and remain there two years for the purpose of adjusting his concerns in that country. 6. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in further part of rhe number we last season (1797) agreed to send thither vizt., Messrs. William Byam Martin Junr., Paul William Pechell, William Rennell, James Adam, William Henry Trant, James Hunter, David Morrieson, Isaac Henry Townley Roberdeau, William Paton, James Richard Barwell, William Morton. 7. We have resolved to appoint nineteen writers for your Presidency this season (1798). 8. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in part of the number we this season (1798) agreed to send thither vizt., Messrs. Richard Turner, Charles Chisholme. 9. The following persons have obtained our permission to proceed to India as free mariners vizt., John Urquhart, Joseph Harriott. We arc, Your affectionate friends, Jacob Bosanquet / Step. Lushington / John Roberts / W. Bensley / George Tatem / Edw. Parry / Cha. Grant / D. Scott / Thos. Parry / Abram Roberts / London, George Smith/Robt. Thornton/Joseph the 13th March 1799. Cotton. 22 LETTER DATED 17 APRIL 1799 Application of Lady Chambers for decision on the claims of her husband. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter in this Department was dated the 13th March. 2. We have appointed Sir Stephen Lushington Bart, our Chairman, Hugh Inglis Esqr., our Deputy Chairman, together with Sir Francis Baring Bart., William Bensley Esqr., Sir John Smith Burges Bart., William Dcvaynes, John Hunter, Paul Le Mesurier, John Manship, Thomas Parry, and George Tatem, Esquires, to be the Committee of Secrecy for giving the necessary directions respecting the safety of the Company’s shipping; the orders therefore of any three of the said Committee respecting the same must be obeyed with the greatest punctuality. 17 april 1799 109 3. Having appointed Sir Stephen Lushington Bart., Chairman, Hugh Inglis Esqr., Deputy Chairman, and John Manship Esqr., during the present direction to be a Secret Committee, agreeably to, and for the purposes stated in the Acts of the 24th, 26th and 33rd of His present Majesty, we hereby direct that all orders and instructions which you shall receive from our said Secret Committee be observed and obeyed with the same punctuality and exactness as though they had been signed by thirteen or more members of the Court of Directors, conformably to the said Acts. 4. Having thought fit to appoint Messrs. Richard Hall, George Cuming, Samuel Peach and Francis Turnley, to be a Select Committee of Supra Cargoes with full powers to transact the Company’s business in China, we direct that you address the said Committee, whenever our affairs shall render it necessary for you to correspond with our servants at Canton. 5. We have appointed Messrs. Thomas Fitzhugh, James Drummond, George Sparkes, Thomas Charles Pattie, Henry Baring, John William Roberts, Robert Money and William Bramston, to be supra cargoes under our said Select Committee. 6. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency to complete the number we last season (1797) agreed to send thither, vizt., Messrs. George French, William Blunt, Henry Dumbleton. 7. The writers appointed for your Presidency on the list of last season (1797) are to take rank in our service, in the following order, vizt., Richard Strachey, James Adam, James Patton, Gordon Forbes, William Blunt, William Henry Sealy, James Hunter, Janies Oldham Oldham, Henry Russell, William Percival Potts, William Rennell, William Paton, William By am Martin, Junr., William Malcolm Flemyn, William Butterworth Bayley, George French, William Henry Trant, Henry Dumbleton, Charles Patton, Paul William Pechell, William Morton, Charles Patterson, Henry Munday, Alexander Allason, Thomas Fortescue. 8. And the following, who were not in that season of the age prescribed by the Act of Parliament, are to rank immediately before the writers of the season (1798) in the undermentioned order, vizt., James Richard Barwell, David Morrieson, Isaac Henry Townly Roberdeau. 9. We have appointed the following writer for your Presidency in further part of the number we this season (1798) agreed to send thither, vizt., Mr. Hastings Impey. 10. We have permitted Mr. Burges Camac to proceed to Bengal as a free merchant. 11. We have permitted Mr. James William Miller to proceed to Bengal and remain there three years for the purpose of settling his deceased father’s affairs. 12. The following persons have obtained our permission to proceed to India as free mariners, vizt., Genesto Norman, John Lynn, George Carrington, Gregory Jackson. 13. We have received an application from Lady Chambers praying our decision on the claim of Sir Robert Chambers to the difference between the 110 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT salary of Chief Justice and that of Puisne Judge, from the 1st November 1787 the day of Sir Elizah Impey’s actual resignation, to the 25th January 1791’ the date of Sir Robert’s Patent, and although wc arc of opinion that Sir Robert Chambers is not legally entitled to the cncreascd allowances he solicits, yet as he has so long exercised the office of Chief Justice wc have resolved to present Sir Robert Chambers with the sum of (50,000) fifty thousand current rupees, and direct that you pay the same to him immediately. We are, Your affectionate friends, Hugh Inglis / J. Manship / J. Hunter / George Tatem / Thos. T. Metcalfe / Simon Fraser / Cha. Grant / John Travers / S. Toone / Thos. Parry / J. Smith Burges / W. Elphinstone / W. Devay-London, nes / G. W. Thellusson / Paul Le Mcsu- the 17th April, 1799. ricr / George Smith / D. Scott. 23 LETTER DATED 29 MAY 1799 Censure of the conduct of the Company’s servants at Fort Marlborough and appointment of a committee of enquiry to investigate and report upon the state of affairs there. OUR Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal 1. On reviewing the proceedings of the Residency at Fort Marlborough for some time past, the conduct of our servants there has excited our highest displeasure. We have observed in various instances a wilful disobedience to our repeated orders, our interests in points of material importance have been totally disregarded or sacrificed to the private views and emoluments of individuals, inattention and neglect have pervaded the offices under that Residency, and numerous examples of waste and profusion of our property there, which have been the inevitable consequences, have been, with few exceptions, cither sanctioned by the Government, or passed over with slight animadversion from them. 2. We are persuaded that the mismanagement we are now complaining of cannot entirely have escaped the observation of our Governor General in Council under whose superintendency our affairs at Fort Marlbro’ are placed, although their attention to matters of higher importance in the general scale of our concerns may have prevented their noticing it with the degree of reprehension it appears to us to have deserved. We shall here bring into view under distinct heads some of the most glaring instances of misconduct or incapacity that call for our censure and reproof. 29 may 1799 111 Pepper investment 3. The procuring an ample investment of pepper for the Europe and China markets must obviously be considered as one of the principal motives that induce us to support an expensive establishment at Fort Marlbro’, and it’s subordinate factories, and although our expectations in this respect have been formed on a moderate scale, and we had reason to suppose from the calculations made by one of our oldest servants on that coast that the annual produce of this article would be 1,500 tons, we have found it very much below this estimate, the quantity delivered at Fort Marlbro’, without making any allowance for deductions and deficiencies which should reduce it considerably, on the average of the last five years, not having exceeded 960 tons per annum. 4. Of this quantity about 652 tons per annum on an average have been sent to Europe, but notwithstanding the orders we have from time to time given, the export to China has been only 300 tons from 1792 to 1798. 5. The measures that have been adopted at the out settlements for procuring pepper, we have reason to believe from the remarks made by two of the present members of that Government, are not to be justified on the principles or humanity and good policy, and such conduct in a great degree accounts for our disappointment in regard to the quantity of pepper produced. Another cause is the neglect of regular surveys although frequently directed by us or the inefficient manner in which they are conducted. 6. We have sustained very considerable losses by the negligence of the servants employed at the pepper settlements in providing sufficient conveyance for the articles to Fort Marlbro’ by the high rates at which vessels have been engaged in this service, and by deficiencies in the warehouses authorized to be written off by the Deputy Governor and Council, a part of which we have strong grounds for believing has been occasioned by want of due care in the person holding the office of Pepper Warehousekeeper, or has been charged not on a real but fictitious loss. Opium from Bengal 7. The manner in which this article has been disposed of has been in direct opposition to our continued orders since the year 1790. The Deputy Governor and Council have attempted to defend their conduct in this respect in the last year under the sanction of your approbation and arguments which, as you will observe by our letter by this dispatch, have drawn forth our severe reprehension. We are not much surprized at their endeavours to palliate their conduct when we see it avowed that the article is a monopoly in their own hands. The Company’s interest is thus sacrificed to the private views of those whose duty it is from the stations they hold in our service to promote it. We have no doubt but that with proper exertions a more extensive and profitable vend for this commodity would be found, as Mr. Crisp in 1787 made a proposal to us to take 500 chests annually, and Mr. Griffiths in his letter entered on your proceedings of the 20th November 1797 asserts that at Padang alone the sale is 150 or 200 chests per annum, and proposed that 120 chests, in addition to the usual importation of 200, should be sent from Bengal. 112 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT Proceedings for obtaining supplies of specie 8. In the measures that have been adopted for procuring specie, the conduct of the Government has been both impolitic and improvident; the sale of pepper to American vessels in 1796 must naturally have a tendency to injure the sales of that article here, the adventure to Bombay 1797 was formed on erroneous principles, and the high charges of freight etc., proved a considerable diminution of the benefits expected to result from it in the adventure to China in the year 1796. We observe that opium bought of the Company by the concern was resold to the Company in about two months afterwards at an advance of near 40 dollars a chest. We conclude, therefore, that this adventure was projected more with a view to the profit of those engaged in the monopoly of opium, than to the Company’s advantage. Expences of the Residency 9. The charges of Fort Marlbro’ and it’s dependencies have considerably increased of late years, and although this is in part accounted for by the additions occasionally made to the Military establishment, much, we arc convinced, proceeds from expences of a contingent nature, particularly buildings and repairs, and a heavy charge for workmen and materials in the Department of the Superintendant in these articles. We can have no doubt but that there has been great neglect and abuse, as from recent investigation it has been discovered that supplies have been charged to the Company which were never received, issues charged of articles not expended, and stores have been sold and their produce not brought to credit, yet the accounts in which these charges were contained have been as it is pretended examined by a committee. 10. In consequence of the capture of Nattal by the French 1793-4, considerable sums were allowed to be charged to our account, without the least foundation for our being liable to such demands and without any examination into their propriety, in particular a balance of cash, the acknowledged property of the private concern engaged in the trade of that place. 11. We submitted to bear the current military expences of that settlement subsequent to the capture, and during the war, under a prospect held out by the Government, of finding a reimbursement in the pepper to be furnished from thence, which we were informed would be considerable in quantity, but the whole amount as far as the books of account arc received turns out [to be] only 37% tons in three years. Loss by deficiencies in stores etc. 12. The amount of deficiencies in stores and pepper, which have been allowed by the Government in the last four years, is enormous. These allowances are claimed in many respects on most frivolous and unfounded pretences, and where they have been evidently the consequence of inattention in the servants employed, such inattention has been frequently passed over by the Government with slight animadversion, notwithstanding we have repeatedly directed that all deficiencies not absolutely, from the nature of the case, unavoidable should be paid for by the persons who had charge of the articles with an advance of 30 per cent on the prime cost. 29 may 1799 113 Neglect and errors in accounts 13. As proofs of general neglect and inaccuracy in keeping our accounts at Fort Marlborough, we have noticed with surprise and indignation, the acknowledgment of the first member of the Government, our Treasurer and Cash Keeper, that he has not struck a balance of our cash committed to his charge for a considerable time it has been in his hands, and by such acknowledgment he tacitly admits the accusation brought against him of his having mixed his private concerns with the public money. We have seen also the General Paymaster of the settlement confess that he has frequently made payments without taking receipts for them, but what adds to our astonishment is that these flagrant errors and improprieties are committed although a pretended examination of accounts by a committee formed of some of the members of Government has taken place. 14. Our orders for being furnished with regular quarterly statements of our property at this Residency have in many instances been disregarded and in so negligent a manner have some of these sent home been prepared that errors of considerable magnitude have been committed therein. 15. From what we have here stated, it is evident that whether it has proceeded from incapacity, neglect or views of personal interest, we have abundant reason to complain of the manner in which our affairs at Fort Marlbro’ have been conducted, and we should be justified in proceeding to measures of the utmost severity against our servants who have had the management there. We forbear at present to enforce such measures, but as it is essentially necessary to take some steps towards introducing a reform there, and to render the settlements on the West Coast more productive of advantage to us than they have hitherto been, we suggest for your consideration the following plan. 16. That you select two or more persons of capacity, experience and integrity, who are to proceed to Fort Marlbro’ for the purpose of regulating that settlement and removing the various causes of complaint before stated, you will give them such powers as you may deem expedient for the purpose and direct them to report to you and to us their proceedings. 17. Although Mr. Crisp is in some instances implicated in the strictures we have passed on the conduct of the Government at Fort Marlbro’, yet entertaining a favorable opinion of his knowledge of our affairs there, and of his character in general, we direct that if he be still in India, he be joined with the persons abovementioned, and together with them form a committee of enquiry, unless you see reason to the contrary. 18. The subjects of the committee’s investigation are in general sufficiently pointed out in the foregoing remarks. We shall here however mention some of the most essential. 1st—Pepper The expected produce of the different settlements. The reasons that have operated to the small produce, compared with former estimates. The conduct of the Residents towards the planters in order to procure the pepper. What mode should be adopted most consistent with policy and humanity to encourage the planters’ exertions in cultivating pepper. 8 114 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT London, the 29th May 1799. The most efEectual and safest means of transporting pepper to Marlbro’ at the least expence. The abuses that have existed in respect to the transportation. The same as to deficiencies. 2nd—Opium from Bengal The probable extent to which the vend of this article may be carried. The best mode of disposing thereof. The profits that have been made by the Deputy Governor and Council from the monopoly taken into then* own hands. 3rd—Adventures set on foot for replenishing the treasury with specie To investigate how far the members of Government were concerned as to their own interest in these transactions, and the losses and expences incurred by the Company therein. 4th—Expences of the settlement To examine into the increase of expence regular or contingent, in particulars as to the latter, the charges of buildings and repairs and the state of such buildings as have been recently erected. The state of buildings and works in general. The abuses that have been practiced in the Store Departments, and the heavy charges of those Departments. The situation of affairs at Nattal when captured, and the loss sustained by the Company since the capture. The reduction that may be made in the expences in general. Sth—Losses and deficiencies in stores and other property The abuses in charging deficiencies to the Company. The manner in which articles are stored. The state of the godowns. The method of taking returns and at what periods. 6th—Accounts The present system of accounts being entirely defective, to form regulations for its improvement, and the introduction of proper checks. 19. There may be other subjects requiring investigation which will more readily occur on local examination, but there is one point which will of course engage the serious attention of the committee, we allude to the recommendation of the present Government of Fort Marlbro’ relative to the possession of Padang and the advantages held out thereby in the various instances stated by the Government. 20. The allowances to the persons to be deputed from your Presidency on this enquiry, we leave to your determination. We are, Your affectionate friends, Step. Lushington / Hugh Inglis / F. Baring / J. Hunter / George Tatem / Thos. Parry/J. Smith Burges/W. Bensley / John Travers / W. Elphinstone /, S. Toone / Stepn. Williams / G. W. Thelluson / Thos. T. Metcalfe. 24 LETTER DATED 5 JUNE 1799 Hundred copies of Blaquiere’s Sanskrit and English Dictionary and Forster's Bengali Dictionary to be subscribed—Lt. Baillie to complete Sir William Jone^ work on the Shiah sect—botanical garden at the Cape of Good Hope—Lady Jones to send to Calcutta a monument to be erected in the New Church in memory of her husband. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. The several dispatches from your Presidency in the Public Department which we are now proceeding to answer are of the following dates, the 30th April, the 15th August, the 31st October, and 30th December 1797, and 31st January 1798. Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated 30th April 1797 (1) Mentions the date of the last advices. (2) Advising the arrival of ships. (3) Acknowledging the receipt of the Court’s dispatches. (4-9) In answer to the Court’s letter of the 1st June 1796. (10-44) In answer to the Court’s letter of the 27th July 1796. (45-49) Relative to Captain Canning’s demand upon the Company. (50-64) Answer to the Court’s' letter of the 27th July 1796 concluded. (65-71) In answer to the Court’s letter of 31st August 1796. (72-81) (82 and 83) Agreement with Captain Campbell for the erection of marine pyramids in the river similar to those at Liverpool etc. 2. Need no reply. 3. Transferred to the Law Department. 4. Need no reply. 5. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 6. In your subsequent dispatch of the 28th February 1798, we are advised of the completion of two marine pyramids—of their being laid in those parts of the river which the Master Attendant conceived most proper for the experiment, and of the salary allowed to Captain Campbell, the Agent, on the completion of the work. It only therefore remains to ascertain the usefulness of the 116 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (84) Advising the appointment of Mr. John H. Bythewood, 2d Mate of the Lascelles, to the command of the extra ship Ranger in the room of Captain Campbell. (85-88) A repository erected for the records of die Council. (89) In explanation of the reasons for the Reverend Mr. Blanchard and his family embarking for Europe on the Prince Frederick instead of the Thomas. (90) Advising the resignation of Mr. George Johnstone. (91) Advising appointments. (92 and 93) Mention the arrival of Lieut. General Alured Clarke, and his having taken his seat at the Board. (94) Advising the state of the treasury. Answer to the letter in dated 15th . (1) Mentions the date of the last" dispatch. (2) Forwarding consultations. (3) Advising the Governor General’s return from Lucknow on 1st May. (4- 9) Referring to their correspondence with the Government of Bombay relative to the pretensions of Messrs. Whitehill and Spencer to seats in the Council at that Presidency. invention to enable us to decide on the remuneration to the inventor according to the terms of your agreement with Captain Campbell. We, therefore, direct that you cause it’s merits to be appreciated by a committee of professional men, in order to ascertain how far it may contribute to the safety of the navigation of the river, transmitting their report thereon for our information. 7. Needs no reply. 8. We approve of your proceed' ings upon the subject. * 9. Need no reply. the Public Department, lugust 1797 * 10. Need no reply. 11. We have already given our opinion upon this subject in our dispatches to the Government of Bombay, copy of which was transmitted to you as usual. 5 june 1799 117 (10-13) Bombay finances. (14-28) (29) Advising having forwarded indent for naval stores from Prince of Wales’s Island. (30) Forwarding per Castor^ extra ship. No. 20 and 21 indents for naval stores for the Company’s Marine and also for naval stores for the use of individuals. (31) Mr. William Chilves, late boatswain of the Ganges^ pilot schooner, granted a pension to the amount of the full pay of his rank. (32-34) Advising several appoint-' ments. (35) Transmitting reports on stationery. 12. We have given due attention to the information contained in your several dispatches of the past season relative to the state of the Bombay finances; and we had great pleasure in observing that from the measures which have been adopted, the Bombay Government have been enabled to restrict their drafts upon you to one lack and a half per month, which must of course have occasioned a very sensible relief to the finances of your Government. 13. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 14. This indent not having been received we suppose it to have been lost in the Zephyr packet. 15. The first of these indents has been fully complied with, but the tonnage of the latter is so very large that we could not spare tonnage for more than about 1,200 tons which is nearly one third part of the several articles desired. We have likewise declined complying with the article of masts and spars which amounts to about 800 tons more, not only on account of the objection in point of tonnage but likewise from it’s being extremely inconvenient, if not impracticable, to send any great quantity of masts and spars on ships carrying troops with any degree of attention to their accommodation and this objection may probably hold good in respect to ships bound this season to your Presidency. 16. For the reasons assigned, we approve of the pension of (38) thirty eight sicca rupees per month which you have granted to Mr. Chilves. 17. Need no reply. 118 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (36) Reduction in the expense in the Secretary’s establishment. (37) Forwarding two packages containing seeds of various kinds from Dr. Roxburgh. 18. Observing by the Governor General’s minute of the 29th May 1797, that this reduction in the expenses of the Secretary’s establishment to the amount of above a lack of rupees per annum has been solely effected by an arrangement proposed by the Secretary, we desire it may be signified to Mr. Barlow that we entertain a due sense of the merits of his conduct upon this occasion. And as it is of great consequence to the prosperity of the Company’s affairs that every branch of their expenditure should be regulated by a reasonable frugality, we direct that you proceed to enquire what other economical arrangement can be adopted in the different offices, or otherwise, under your Presidency. 19. We derive great satisfaction from observing by your recent dispatches overland that the Earl of Mornington has anticipated our wishes herein. Strongly impressed with the necessity of every practicable and prudent retrenchment being made in every Department of the service, we confidently rely on His Lordship’s exertions for effecting the same on the principles which he has prescribed, and which have our approbation. 20. The packages referred to in this paragraph were lost in the Zephyr. But as it appears, by Dr. Roxburgh’s letter of the 3rd May 1797, that some of these seeds were likely to answer the intention of the Board of Agriculture here, as described by their late President, Sir John Sinclair, we direct that some more of these seeds be forwarded to us by the first convenient opportunity ; together with those contained in the catalogue annexed to Dr. Roxburgh’s letter. Due attention will of course be had to the proper time of gathering these seeds, that they may 5 june 1799 119 arrive in England in as fresh a state as possible. (38 and 39) 21. Transferred to the Commer- cial Department. (40) Contains the state of the 22. Needs no reply, treasury. Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated 31st October 1797 (1) Mentions the date of the last 1 dispatch. (2) Forwarding proceedings and duplicates of letters. (3) Advising the arrival of ships. (4) Acknowledging the receipt of several letters from the Court of Directors. (5-12) Fort St. George finances. 23. Need no reply. (13) Bombay finances. (14-17) Trade to the Cape of Good Hope. (18-53) (54) Mr. Hay permitted to proceed 1 to the Cape for his health. (55) Advising the resignation of Mr. W, T. Smith, 24. As it may be reasonably expected that the next advices from India will contain more recent information relative to the state of the Madras finances we shall not enter into the consideration of that subject at present. 25. Already replied to. 26. You will have observed by the 5th and following paragraphs of our letter in the Commercial Department dated the 2nd of March 1798, that in future whatever Indian articles may be required for the consumption of the Cape of Good Hope are to be sent thither on the Company’s account, according to such indents as you may from time to time receive from His Majesty’s Governor for the time being of that colony. 27. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 28. Need no reply. 120 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (56) Stores supplied to His Majesty’s ship Heroine. (57) Mr. Thomas Winter, pilot, dismissed [from] the service for drunkenness while in charge of the snow St. Jacob. (58 and 59) A gratuity allowed to Mr. Hill, a mate in the pilot service, and to the persons who were with him, for having by their exertions saved the lives of thirty eight men from the wreck of the extra ship Martha. (60 and 61) Mr. William Clive, boat-swain of the late Ganges, schooner, allowed an increase to his pension of (12) twelve sicca rupees per month. (62 and 63) Deputy and assistants to the Master Attendant granted an additional allowance of (8) eight rupees a day while on duty from the banksaul. (64 ) The particular attention of Court called to a report respecting mooring chains at Diamond Harbour. (65-67) Repairs of the church. (68 and 69) State of the Hospital. 29. We shall apply to His Majesty’s Navy Board for the repayment of the value of the stores supplied to Captain Murray of the Heroine, referred to in this para-graph. 30. Needs no reply. 31. We approve of the gratuity allowed to Mr. Hill, and the persons who were with him, as mentioned in these paragraphs. 32. For the reasons you have assigned, we approve of the increase to Mr. Clive’s pension. 33. We likewise approve of the additional allowances to the Master Attendant’s deputy and assistants. 34. In consequence of the representations contained in this paragraph of the insufficiency of the mooring chains at Diamond Harbour, we have this season sent chains of the same weight, dimensions, and manufacture as those used in His Majesty’s service for mooring ships of the line. 35. We approve of your having directed the necessary alterations and repairs at the new church to be made at the expense of the Company. 36. We have much pleasure in observing that from the state of the Hospital funds, this institution is likely to be of increasing benefit to the native inhabitants of Calcutta, 5 june 1799 121 (70-72) Relative to the imprisonment of the podar, for a deficiency in his accounts. (73) Contains the state of the treasury. 37. We highly approve of your determination not to admit of any deviation from the established rules of the service of making all public officers responsible for the money under their charge. 38. Needs no reply. Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated 30th December 1797 (1) Mentions the dispatches. (2) Forwarding a the proceedings. (3-16) In answer date of the last' continuation of to the Court’s letters of 20th January, the 1st March and 19th April 1797. (17) Court’s letter of the 9th May 1797 to be answered hereafter. (18) Mr. Speke nominated Vice-President and Deputy Governor in the absence of the Governor General. ► 39. Need no reply. (19 and 20) Fort St. finances. (21-26) Bombay finances. (27-31) Supplies to China. George 1 ^ 40. Already replied to. 41. In the 31st paragraph of our dispatch in the Public Department dated the 25th May 1798, we expressed the sense we entertained of your exertions, from time to time, in furnishing the necessary supplies to our Canton treasury. We again notice with pleasure a continuation of the same exertions in the permission you have given to our supra cargoes to draw upon you to the amount of fifteen lacks of rupees. It will be our constant endeavour to send out annually to China as large a sum in specie as we conveniently can, in order to lighten the burthen upon the finances of your Government as much as possible. The amount in dollars to be remitted from hence to Canton by the ships of the present season will be about £5,00,000. 122 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (32-40) (41-45) Supplies to Fort Marlborough. (46-53) Representation from Fort Marlborough of the various inconveniences and disadvantages under which the civil servants and inhabitants of that settlement labored, submitting propositions for their relief, and the decision of the Governor General and Council thereon. (54) Supplies to Fort Marlborough. (55) Relative to the dispatch of the Queen to Fort Marlborough. (56) Referring the Court to copy of a letter to Fort Marlborough for 42. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 43. We very much commend the attention you have shewn to the pecuniary wants of our settlement at Fort Marlborough, as mentioned in these paragraphs and in paragraph 54, and direct that you acquaint us with the amount proceeds of the 200 chests of opium which you consigned thither on the ship Queen; since, if it yielded a premium equal to that which was produced on the opium sent to Bencoolen the preceding year, being (25) twenty five per cent beyond the average sale price at Calcutta, this commodity may be considered as a very advantageous mode of effecting part of your annual remittances to that' settlement. At the same time we shall expect that no interested measures of the Deputy Governor and Council will operate to prevent the obtaining a fair market price for the quantity of opium which may be annually consigned to them. 44. We have many reasons for thinking that this settlement requires a constant and vigilant superintendance and we trust to your watchful zeal in detecting and also in punishing any practices that may appear to you to be injurious to our interests. 45. We approve of your determination upon the several points which were submitted to your consideration in the Fort Marlbro’ letter of 9th July 1797. 46. Already replied to. 47. Needs no reply. 48. We have perused the letter referred to in this paragraph but have 5 june 1799 123 the other details relative to that settlement. (57) Advising several appoint-? ments. (58) Mention the resignation of Mr. Collinson. (59) Representing the heavy extra expense of the commanders of the Indiamen returned from Prince of Wales Island, for their table on account of the troops on board. (60) Referring to the proceedings' of a court of enquiry held on the 3rd Officer of the Royal Admiral. (61) Triton pilot schooner ordered to be sold, not being worth repairing. > (62) Advising the adoption of several regulations relative to the pilot service. (63-69) Misconduct of Captain Thomas of the armed ship Nonsuch. (70) A pension of (15) fifteen rupees per month granted to the widow of the late George Guthrie, mate in the pilot service. (71) A pension of (10) ten rupees per month granted to the widow of the late James Morrison, a boatswain in the pilot service. (72) (73) Advising the capture of the bark Brisk. (74-76) Application of Captain Page of the Orpheus frigate for passage money refused. no observation to make thereon, except to express our approbation of the judicious and regular manner in which your general superintending control over the Fort Marlbro’ Residency has hitherto been exercised. 49. Need no reply. 50. Already replied to. 51. Need no reply. 52. We approve of the adoption of the regulations advised in this para-graph. 53. We have perused the proceedings to which you have referred us, and approve of your having removed Captain Thomas from the command of the Nonsuch [because] of his misconduct in the instances therein mentioned. 54. We approve of the pensions * advised in these paragraphs. 55. Transferred to the Commercial Department. 56. Needs no reply. 57. You acted very properly in declining to grant any allowance to Captain Page of the Orpheus, frigate, for his passage to Europe. 124 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (77-79) Stores furnished to the commanders of His Majesty’s ships to be paid for in ready money. (80) On the death of Captain Thompson of the extra ship Lion, Mr. Sever, the Chief Officer, appointed to succeed him in the command. (81-85) Botanical information. 58. We approve of the resolution advised in these paragraphs. 59. Needs no reply. 60. You will continue from time to time to acquaint us with the progress that may be made in the cultivation of the nutmeg, clove and other plants, likewise of the teak tree, and China sugar cane. (86) Dr. Roxburgh permitted to proceed to the Cape, and ultimately to Europe, for the recovery of his health. ’ (87 & 88) Referring to reports relative to stationary. (89) Subscription to Blaquire’s Sanscrit and English Dictionary and Grammar. 61. Need no reply. 62. Under your declared conviction of Mr. Blaquire’s qualifications for the execution of this work and which you have assured us promises to be of great public utility, we approve of your having agreed to subscribe for one hundred copies, of which twelve must be transmitted to us. 63. We likewise approve of the support and encouragement you have agreed to afford Mr. H. P. Forster (as advised in your Judicial letter of the 31st January 1798) in the compilation of a dictionary in the Bengal languages, with a Sanscrit Grammar annexed. Although we have invariably manifested a disposition to encourage works of public utility, we must express our firm reliance on your judgement and discretion that the Company’s liberality upon such occasions be not abused, or misapplied. (90) Advising the state of the treasury. 64. Needs no reply. V O C A I N T W 0 I' A R r s. ENGLISH AND BONGALEE, ANO VICE l’EK SA. £TWSMr*rr BY H- ,P- FORSTER. KlCOI MMCHANT OK THS BONCAL ESTABLISHMENT. iwijBiMWfli>W»8#^'i3^ 1 "’••♦“■S’S^"^ "• -assBsssrtsii^5!^^ ihm^M.^.^^ --3- MOM TM fWS by fl MAS J^ ^ Title page of Forster’s English and Bengali Dictionary 5 June 1799 125 Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated 31st January 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the last dispatch. (2) Forwarding duplicate thereof with a continuation of their proceedings* (3-47) In answer to the Court’s letter of the 9th May 1797. (48-57) Bombay finances. (58) Transmitting sundry accounts relative to the Marine. 65. Need no reply. (59) Advising their having again opened their treasury for loans at 12 per cent. (60) Lieut. J. Baillie appointed to translate Sir William Jones’s compilation of the Laws and Doctrines of the Mussulman Sect of Sheeas. (61) Mr. Josiah Morgan, a monthly writer, recommended for a pension. 66. Already replied to. 67. The reasons assigned in the Marine Board’s review of the Marine expences for 1795-6, and 1796-7 for the encrease of charges in the latter vizt., by the addition of schooners to replace those captured by the enemy and the additional wages to seamen are satisfactory, and we have no doubt that every exertion will be used to keep the expences of your Marine within the most moderate limits practicable. 68. We are concerned to observe that your pecuniary exigencies required the measure here advised; but we are confident that you would not have adopted it without a conviction of its absolute necessity. 69. We have perused the minute of the late Governor General, entered on your consultation of the 26th January 1798, and approve of your having appointed Lieutenant Baillie to make a translation of the work described in this paragraph, of the completion of which you will of course advise us. 70. We have considered the petition of Mr. Josiah Morgan referred to in this paragraph, and in consequence of the particular circumstances therein contained, and which you have assured us are well-founded, we have consented to allow him a pension of 150 rupees per month. (62 ) Advising the state of the treasury. 71. Needs no reply. 126 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT 72 Since writing the preceding paragraphs we have icceivcd your dispatches in this Department by the Eurydice, to which we shall reply hereafter. 73. The state of the finances of our different Presidencies attracted our early and particular attention. And the very extensive supplies of bullion which we have been enabled, by great exertions, to send out to India and China this season, as particularized hereafter, will prove we trust not only a most seasonable relief, but remove the general distress for specie, arising from various causes, but principally we have reason to apprehend from the very extensive speculations of the merchants and also enable you to enlarge our investments to the utmost extent of our indents. In September last were sent by the Royal Charlotte and Cuffnells for investment purposes to Bombay £100,000 Madras 100,000 In October for general purposes, on the Carnatic, Taunton Castle and Diomede, man of war to Bengal £200,000 Madras 150,000 Bombay 150,000 Now shipped on the Hope, Duke of Buccleugh, Warley, Hindustan, Abergavenny and man of war China £500,000 On the Asia and Charlton for general purposes India £200,000 £1,400,000 74. We have permitted Mr. Henry Chicheley Plowden to return to his rank in our civil service at your Presidency. 75. Mr. William Blunt, whom we have appointed a writer for your Presidency on the list of last season (1797) as mentioned in our letter of the 17th instant, being in India, we transmit covenants in duplicate to be executed by him. One of them is to be kept in India, and the other returned to us. 76. Mr. Samuel Puller Rawlins, who is now in Bengal, has our permission to remain in India, as a free merchant, and we transmit covenants in duplicate to be executed by him. One of them is to be kept in India and the other returned to us. 77. We have permitted Mr. Thomas Charters to return to Bengal and remain there three years for the purpose of settling his affairs. 78. The following persons have obtained our permission to proceed to India as free mariners, vizt., William Bruce, William Hills, John Haddon Askwith, Robert Graham, Charles Egan, Arthur Monro. 79. Since our letter of the 1st August last, we have, at the request of Mr. James Grant of your civil establishment, permitted him to remain in England another year. 80. We have permitted the following writers for your Presidency to remain in England till next season vizt., Messrs. James Richard Barwell (of the season 1797.) Hastings Impey (do 1798.) 5 june 1799 127 81. The following persons whom we appointed writers for your Presidency of the seasons undermentioned, as advised in our letters dated the 26th January and 2nd March 1798, proceed to their duty this season vizt., Messrs. John Forbes J Richard Chicheley Plow- ^season 1796 den Junr. . j William Malcolm Fleming 5 William Butterworth Bay- h ditto 1797. ley- J 82. Mr. Leopold Fitchel, a native of Vienna, has our permission to proceed to Bengal on botannical pursuits on his own account, and we direct that you permit him to proceed to such part of the Company’s territories as you shall think proper for the sole purpose of obtaining information and improvement in the service, which he wishes to promote by his studies and researches, but it is our positive order that you do not grant him any allowance from the Company on account thereof, or place him in any situation whatever in the Company’s service. 83. In the packets per Charlton and Asia we have enclosed four reams of the Company’s marked paper for bills of exchange and certificates, and as we have before directed that all bills etc., should be drawn on this kind of paper you will not fail to indent for such quantities in future as will enable you to keep a sufficiency on hand for that purpose. 84. Previous to the receipt of your letter in this Department of the 16th March 1798, we had been applied to by Peter Moore Esqr. setting forth the circumstances relative to the suspension of the payment of the annual interest on sundry 8 per cent bonds of your (government standing in his name, in consequence of the applications of Messrs. Perreau and Palling his attornies, requesting to be relieved from the hardships occasioned by your resolution and that the interest withheld might be paid in 12 per cent bonds and the principal received, as proposed by his attornies, or in subscriptions to the decennial loan. 85. In the 16th paragraph of your , letter above quoted, you state your determination for suspending payment of the interest on the bonds to have been founded on the opinion of your Advocate General but no opinion of this officer on the subject is recorded on your proceedings. 86. With respect to the application made by Messrs. Perreau and Palling recorded on your consultation of the 6th February 1798, we do not see any objection to your resolution thereon, and, as to their demand for payment of the principal of the bonds, the report of your Accountant General, to which you have referred us in the 18th paragraph of your letter before mentioned, appears to contain sufficient grounds for your declining a compliance with such demand. 87. But on the most mature consideration, we have seen nothing sufficient to justify the withholding payment of the interest on those bonds under the plea alleged; more particularly after Mr. Moore’s attornies had assured you that they did not mean to insist on payment of the principal by any coersive, or legal measures ; for, as the interest must have been regularly paid to the period of your resolution, which could not have been done without the production at your treasury and Accountant’s Office of the 128 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT bonds themselves, or the notes on the General Register granted in lieu of them which must have been in the hands of the attornies, the plea of right to the principal might with equal propriety have been urged against any former payments of interest. 88. Being therefore decidedly of opinion that the measure you adopted in this instance was inconsistent with the good faith of the Company to their bond creditors and injurious to the interest of the individual concerned, we direct that you immediately discharge the interest that may be due (in the usual course of paying interest) on the bonds granted to Mr. Moore, in such manner as may place him on the same footing with respect to the means of investing the amount, as if the money had not been withheld but had been regularly paid at the periods when it became due. 89. We have not thought proper to comply with Mr. Moore’s request to have his 8 per cent securities exchanged for others bearing 12 per cent interest or to their being received as subscriptions to the decennial loan. 90. In our letter of the 17th April last, we acquainted you, that we had appointed Messrs. Richard Hall, George Cuming, Samuel Peach and Francis Turnley to be our Select Committee in China, instead of whom we have since resolved that the Select Committee there do consist of Messrs. Richard Hall, Samuel Peach, Francis Turnley, Thomas Fitzhugh and James Drummond, and we direct that you address the said Committee whenever our affairs shall render it necessary for you to correspond with our servants at Canton. 91. It being the intention of Sir George Yonge, the Governor of the Cape, to restore and improve the Botanical Garden there, we direct that he be provided with a catalogue of the plants in Bengal, and that your Botanical Superintendant be desired to correspond with His Excellency, from whom he will receive every assistance which can tend to the encouragement of such productions and to the promotion of science. 92. As we have not received any accounts of the quick stock and other property of the Company at Prince of Wales’s Island, we direct that you issue orders to the Superintendant to furnish you with regular quarterly statements of the same, which should be inserted on your general statements transmitted to us. 93. An anchor having been sent on board each of the ships Charlton and Asia, to be landed at Madras, for the use of His Majesty’s squadron in India we desire that, if these ships should not be able to land the anchors at Madras, that you will send them down the Coast by the first convenient opportunity. 94. We have permitted Lady Jones to send to Bengal, a monument to the memory of Sir William Jones to be erected in the New Church at Calcutta. London, the 5th June, 1799. We are, Your affectionate friends, Step. Lushington / Hugh Inglis /.Chas. Mills / W. Elphinstone / D. Scott / W. Bensley / Thos. Parry / Paul Le Mesu-rier / George Tatem / G. W. Thellus-son / Stepn. Williams / Chas. Grant / John Travers / S. Toone / George Smith. 25 LETTER DATED 12 JUNE 1799 Bills of exchange to be drawn. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. The bills you have drawn upon us for sums received at your Presidency to form a fund for the liquidation of the bond debt in India have been drawn payable after date, instead of after sight, a mode of drawing bills extremely objectionable, as it may happen our funds here may not always be prepared to meet such unexpected demands. We therefore direct that all bills of exchange drawn upon us in future be drawn payable after sight, even should the necessity of the case require them to be drawn for less than the usual sight of 365 days. We are, Your affectionate friends, Step. Lushington / Hugh Inglis / J. Manship / Thos. Parry / Stepn. Williams / Thos. T. Metcalfe / W. Elphinstone / D. Scott / Simon Fraser / George Tatem / John Travers / J. Hunter / S. London, Toone / Abram Robarts / G. W. the 12th June 1799. Thelluson. 26 LETTER DATED 31 OCTOBER 1799 Export of spirit to New South Wales from the East Indies to be prevented. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 29th May last. 2. We have received the following advices from your Presidency, viz., Letter in the Public Department dated the 25th December 1798. Letter in the Foreign Department dated the 31st December 1798. Letter in the Law Department dated the 25th December 1798. Letter in the Separate Department (Salt, Opium and Customs) dated the 25th December 1798. 3. On the Sth August our Secretary received overland a letter from Mr. Secretary Barlow dated the 4th March last. 4. We have appointed Mr. Henry Clive a writer for your Presidency on the list of this season (1799). Vol. XIII—9 130 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT 5. Having adverted to the orders to China respecting the present exchange for bills on us which were to take effect for a period that will expire in April 1800, we have directed it to be extended to April 1801. 6. We have appointed Messrs. James Chichley Hyde and William Marter clerks in our Accountant’s Office, to act as agents in the clearance of ^ag?a?e’ wine, present8 etc. from the Company’s warehouses, and wc have been induced to appoint our servants for conducting this business, in order that they may be accountable to us for the propriety of their conduct, and that in case they should be charged with any malpractices, unnecessary delay or exorbitant demands, wc may be enabled to proceed to an immediate investigation of the complaint, and afford such redress as the nature of the case may require ; at the same time, we think it necessary to observe that no person acting as agent, except the above, can give a discharge to the Company for goods belonging to others, unless legally authorized so to do. 7. We have too much reason to believe that it is the practice of persons going from the East Indies to the colony in New South Wales to take on board their ships great quantities of spirits which arc disposed of to the settlers, and even to such of the convicts as can afford to purchase any, by which means the fruits of their industry, consisting of their livestock and every other article of provision, as also of cloathing, become sacrificed to the exorbitant demands of those who retail that pernicious article. 8. In order therefore to prevent a continuation of a practice so injurious to the improvement of that settlement, we direct that you take the proper steps for preventing the exportation of spirits to that colony, as it is intended in future to send them from this country such a quantity of them as may be judged necessary for the consumption of New South Wales, in order that it may not be distributed except under proper licences and certificates to be granted to the Governor of the settlement, 9. We have permitted the following persons to proceed to India as free mariners viz., William Urmston, Thomas Merriman, Joseph Young, William Robertson, John Linely Cantilo, John Baker—3rd Mate of the Houghton, John Kelch—4th ditto, James Addy, John Kilpatrick and John Clements. 10. A considerable number of lascars remaining in this country who arc maintained at the Company’s expence, wc have agreed with Mr. William Lennox to send on the ships Surat Castle, Bengal Anna, Calcutta and Highland Chief, a number of them at the rate of £11-19 per man for their passage to India and an allowance of one shilling per day per man for their diet, until the ships leave their last port in England, which allowances we shall pay to Mr. Lennox accordingly. We are, Your affectionate friends, Step. Lushington / Hugh Inglis / Abram Robarts / J. Smith Burges / Simon Fraser / John Manship / Paul Le Mesurier / Thos. Parry / John Travers / George Tatem / W. Devaynes / London, Thos. T. Metcalfe / Chas. Grant / S. the 31st October 1799. Toone. ipu Sultan's last effort in defence of Seringapatam 27 LETTER DATED 31 OCTOBER 1799 News of the fall of Seringapatam and the death of Tipu—resolutions of the Court offering thanks to the Governor-General, Governor off Madras, Governor of Bombay, Lt, General George Harris and others—similar resolutions of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. On the 13th ultimo, we received by the Sarah Christiana dispatches from the Governor General in Council at Fort St. George announcing the great and important event of the fall of Seringapatam, and the death of Tippoo Sultan. The prospect which this brilliant achievement has afforded of a long and uninterrupted series of tranquillity to our possessions in India will leave our respective Governments at leisure to cultivate the arts of peace, to strengthen our alliances, to meliorate the condition of our native subjects, to reduce our expences, to lessen our debts, to augment our revenues, to improve and extend the internal commerce of India, and which is of the most essential importance to the Company’s prosperity at home, to increase in due time our European investments. Relying, therefore, on the exertion of our respective Governors, the zealous and cordial co-operation of their several Councils, and the prompt obedience of those employed under them, in the pursuit of these important objects, and assuring you of our firm and constant support in the measures that may be adopted at your Presidency for effecting them, we proceed to acquaint you, that we have endeavoured to express the very high sense which we entertain of the merits and services of those who by their conduct have contributed to place our affairs in India upon their present prosperous foundation, in the following resolutions of our Court on the 24th ultimo, and which we desire may be communicated to the parties in the most public manner. At a Court of Directors 24th September 1799 “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to the Earl of Mornington, Governor General, for the able and successful measures which he adopted, whereby the complete annihilation of French influence at the Court of Hydrabad was happily accomplished, for the ability, firmness and decision manifested by His Lordship in his conduct towards the late Tippoo Sultan, and for the previous measures which he pursued for enabling the army to take the field, whereby it was put in a situation to act with vigor against the enemy, and to effect the speedy conquest of the capital of the Mysore dominions, the happy presage of a lasting peace in India, and consequent increase of prosperity to the East India Company.” “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to the Right Honourable Lord Clive, Governor of Madras, for his zealous co-operation with the Earl of Mornington in the measures proposed by His Lordship, and particularly in the exertions which he made for 132 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT equipping the Madras Army for those operations which have redounded so much to it’s honor and to the interests of this Company.” •‘Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to Jonathan Duncan Esqr., Governor of Bombay, for the zeal and promptitude of his conduct in preparing the army of that Presidency for the field, whereby it was enabled to take a conspicuous share in the glorious achievements of the late campaign against the Mysore dominions.” “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to Lieutenant General George Harris, Commandcr-in-Chicf of the King’s and Com pay’s forces employed at the seige of Scringapatam, for the very able and judicious manner in which the attack of that fortress was planned.” “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to the officers of the King’s and Company’s forces employed in the assault of Seringapatam on the 4th May 1799, for the rapidity, animation, and skill which they manifested in the execution of this important service; and to the non-commissioned officers and privates for the courage and intrepidity of their conduct upon that brilliant occasion.” “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to Lieutenant General Stuart for his able conduct in the command of the Bombay Army previous to it’s junction, and to the officers and men of that army who were engaged in the action of the 6th of March with a chosen body of the troops of Tippoo Suhaun, for their able and spirited conduct upon that occasion.” “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to Lieutenant General Harris, and the officers and men of the King’s and Company’s forces under his Command, for the great and important services rendered to the East India Company throughout the whole of the late glorious campaign, which has terminated to the advantage of the Company and the nation, by offering a well-grounded hope that the peace of India will be secured on a solid and lasting foundation ” 2. We have the further satisfaction to acquaint you with the resolutions of the House of Lords and of the House of Commons on the same glorious occasion being as follows: House of Lords Die veneris* 4th October 1799 “Resolved, nemine dissentients * by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled that the thanks of this House be given to the Right Honorable Richard Lord Wellesley, Earl of Mornington in the kingdom of Ireland, and Governor General of India, for the wisdom, decision and energy with which is discharged the arduous duties of his station, from the time of his taking upon him the said Government to the glorious termination of the late war by the capture of Seringa-. , veneris auspicious, nemine dissentiente—no one dissenting, unanimously. Authors* & Printers' Dictionary. 31 OCTOBER 1799 133 patam ; during which period, by opposing to the perfidy of the late Sultaun of Mysore a uniform moderation, dignity and firmness, and by counteracting with equal promptitude and ability the dangerous intrigues and projects of the French, particularly by destroying their power and influence in the Decan, he prepared the way for the rapid and brilliant operations carried on under his superintendance and direction, the result of which has finally disappointed all the designs of our enemies in that quarter, and has established, on a basis of permanent security, the tranquillity and prosperity of the British Empire in India.” “Resolved, nemine dissentiente, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled that the thanks of this House be given to the Right Hon’ble Lord Clive, Governor of the Settlement of Fort St. George, for his zealous, cordial and honourable concurrence in forwarding the wise and dignified views of the Governor General in Council, by which he has furnished a salutary and memorable example of the advantage of unanimity and concord among the persons employed in high stations in the British dominions in the East Indies and has to the utmost of his power promoted the success of those measures from which the most important public benefits have result ed to this country”. “’Resolved, nemine dissentiente, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, that the thanks of this House be given to Jonathan Duncan Esqr., Governor of Bombay, for the zeal and promptitude of his conduct in preparing the army of that Presidency for the field, agreeably to the orders of the Governor General in Council, whereby that army was enabled materially to contribute to the successful and glorious termination of the late war in India.” “Resolved, nemine dissentiente, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, that the thanks of this House be given to Lieutenant General George Harris for the whole of his able and meritorious conduct in the command of the forces of His Majesty and of the East India Company, during the late glorious and decisive war with the Sultaun of Mysore ; and particularly for the ability, judgement and energy, with which he planned and directed the assault of Seringapatam, the success of which brilliant achivement has so highly contributed to the glory of the British name, and to the permanent tranquillity of our possessions in the East.” “Resolved, nemine dissentiente, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, that the thanks of this House be given to Lieutenant General James Stuart, Commander-in-Chief of the Bombay Army which so gloriously co-operated in the success of the late campaign in India, and also to Major Generals John Floyd, Thomas Bridges, William Popham, James Hartley, and David Baird, and to the respective officers of the armies employed on that occasion against the enemy, for their distinguished and meritorious services.” “Resolved, nemine dissentiente, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in 134 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT Parliament assembled, that this House docs highly acknowledge and approve of the services of the non-commissioned officers and private soldiers employed against the enemy in the late glorious and decisive war in the East Indies and that the same be signified to them by the commanders of the several corps, who arc desired to thank them for their gallant behaviour.” House of Commons Veneris 4 die Octobris 1799 “Resolved, nemine contra die ente* that the thanks of this House be given to the Right Hon’ble Richard Lord Wellesley, Earl of Mornington in the kingdom of Ireland, and Governor General of the British possessions in the East Indies, for the wisdom, decision, and energy, with which he discharged the arduous duties of his station from the time of his taking upon him the said Government to the glorious termination of the late' war by the capture of Seringapatam ; during which period, by opposing to the perfidy of the late Sultaun of Mysore a uniform moderation, dignity, and firmness, and by counteracting with equal promptitude and ability the dangerous intrigues and projects of the French, particularly by destroying their power and influence in the Decan, he prepared the way for the rapid and brilliant operations carried on under his superintendancc and direction, the result of which has finally disappointed all the designs of our enemies in that v quarter, and has established, on a basis of permanent security, the tran- quillity and prosperity of the British Empire in India.” “Resolved, nemine contradicente, that the thanks of this House be given . to the Right Hon’ble Lord Clive, Governor of that Settlement of Fort St. George, for his zealous cordial and honorable concurrence in forwarding the wise and dignified views of the Governor General in Council, by which he has furnished a salutary and memorable example of the advantage of unanimity and concord among the persons employed in high stations in the British dominions in the East Indies, and has to the utmost of his power promoted the success of those measures, from which the most important public benefits have resulted to this . country/’ “Resolved, nemine contradicente, that the thanks of this House be given to Jonathan Duncan Esqr., Governor of Bombay, for the zeal and promptitude of his conduct in preparing the army of that Presidency for the field agreeably to the orders of the Governor General in Council, whereby that army was enabled materially to contribute to the successful and glorious termination of the late war in India.” “Resolved, nemine contradicente, that the thanks of this House be given to Lieutenant General George Harris for the whole of his able and meritorious conduct in the command of the forces of His Majesty and *Unanimously. 31 OCTOBER 1799 135 of the East India Company, during the late glorious and decisive war with the Sultaun of Mysore, and particularly for the ability, judgement, and energy, with which he planned and directed the assault of Seringa-patam, the success of which brilliant achievement has so highly contributed to the glory of the British name, and to the permanent tranquillity of our possessions in the East.” “Resolved nemine contradicente that the thanks of this House be given to Lieutenant General James Stuart, Commander-in-Chief of the Bombay Army, which so gloriously co-operated in the success of the late campaign in India, and also to Major Generals John Floyd, Thomas Bridges, William Popham, James Hartley, and David Baird, and to the respective officers of the armies employed on that occasion against the enemy for their distinguished and meritorious services.” “'Resolved nemine contradicente that this House .doth highly approve of and acknowledge the services of the non-commissioned officers and private soldiers employed against the enemy in the late glorious and decisive war in the East Indies, and that the same be signified to them by the commanders of the several corps who are desired to thank them for their gallant behaviour.” 3. You will observe by the enclosed London Gazettes of the 30th April, the 25th May and the 20th July 1799, that the several addresses of the British inhabitants of Calcutta, Madras and Bombay have been presented to His Majesty, and which His Majesty was pleased to receive very graciously. And we annex for your information, and for the information of those under your Presidency, who so zealously joined in the voluntary contributions towards the exigencies of the State, the following resolution of the House of Commons upon that subject. Veneris 12 die Julie 1799 “Resolved, nemine contradicente that this House doth acknowledge with great satisfaction the liberal contributions towards the exigencies of the State, which have been received, not only from all classes and conditions of His Majesty’s subjects in Great Britain, but also from those resident in the British territories and plantations in the East and West Indies, in the colonies in America, and in foreign countries”. London, the 31st October 1799, We are, Your affectionate friends, Step. Lushington / Hugh Inglis/Abram Robarts / J. Smith Burges / Simon Fraser / John Manship / Paul Le Mesu-rier / Thos. Parry / George Tatem / John Travers / W. Devaynes / Thos. T. Metcalfe / Chas, Grant / S. Toone. 28 LETTER DATED 24 DECEMBER 1799 Resolution of thanks to be communicated to the parties for the victory at Seringapatam. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. We have the pleasure to acquaint you that the General Court on the 13th instant came to the following resolution which we desire may be communicated to the parties in the most public manner. /It a General Court of the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies held on Wednesday the 13th November 1799. “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to the Earl of Mornington, for the wisdom, energy, and decision displayed by him in the discharge of the arduous duty of Governor General, from the period of his arrival in India until the glorious and happy termination of the late war in that country; by which the power of the Sultan of Mysore and influence of the French in India have been crushed; events, which promise to establish on a firm basis, the tranquillity and security of the British dominions in India.” “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to the Right Hon’ble Lord Clive, Governor of Madras, for his zealous cooperation with the Earl of Mornington in the measures proposed by His Lordship, and particularly in the exertions which he made for equipping the Madras Army for those operations which have redounded so much to it’s honor and to the interests of this Company.” “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to Jonathan Duncan Esqr., Governor of Bombay, for the zeal and promptitude of his conduct in preparing the army of that Presidency for the field, whereby it was enabled to take a conspicuous share in the glorious achievements of the late campaign against the Mysore dominions.” “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to Lieutenant General George Harris, Commander-in-Chief of the King’s and Company’s forces employed at the siege of Seringapatam, for the very able and judicious manner in which the attack of that fortress was planned.” “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to the officers of the King’s and Company’s forces employed in the assault of Seringapatam on the 4th May 1799; for the rapidity, animation and skill which they manifested in the execution of this important service ; and to the non-commissioned officers and privates for the courage and intrepidity of their conduct upon that brilliant occasion ; and especially for the exemplary humanity displayed by the assaulting party under circumstances which reflect equal honor on their discipline, valour, and exalted generosity.” Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to Lieutenant General Stuart for his able conduct in the command of the Bombay 5 MARCH 1800 137 Army previous to it’s junction; and to the officers and men of that army who were engaged in the action of the 6th March, with a chosen body of the troops of Tippo Sultan, for their able and spirited conduct upon that occasion.” “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to Lieutenant General Harris, and the officers and men of the King’s and Company’s forces under his command, for the great and important services rendered to the East India Company throughout the whole of the late glorious campaign, which has terminated to the advantage of the Company and the nation by affording a well-grounded hope that the peace of India will be secured on a solid and lasting foundation.” London, the 24th December 1799. We are, Your affectionate friends, Step. Lushington/Hugh Inglis/W. Devay nes / George Tatem / Thos. Parry / J. Hunter / Thos. J. Metcalfe / Paul Le Mesurier / John Travers / W. Bensley / Stepn. Williams / Chas. Grant / Chas. Mills / W. Elphinstone / Abram Robarts / Simon Fraser / J. Manship. 29 LETTER DATED 5 MARCH 1800 Names of writers appointed—William Jones, millwright, permitted to proceed to India for conducting patent packing presses. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 24th December 1799. 2. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency, in further part of the number we last season (1798) agreed to send thither, vizt., Messrs. Robert Haldane Rattray, Anthony Blagrave, George James Robarts, John Wanchape, Richard Joseph Powell, John William Puller, Andrew Gildart Reid. 3. We acquainted you in our letter of the 31st October last, that we had appointed Mr. Henry Clive a writer for your Presidency on the list of this season (1799). We have since received a letter from that gentleman, stating that particular circumstances induce him to decline proceeding to his appointment. 4. We have resolved to appoint seventeen writers for your Presidency this season (1799). 138 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT 5. Mr. Charles Stokes has our permission to return to Bengal as a free mariner. 6. We have permitted the following persons to proceed to India as free mariners, vizt., Thomas Osborn, William Henry Dunbar, William Howell, James Logan, Ebenezer Roebuck, William Franks and John Harford. 7. Mr. Joseph Thomas has our permission to proceed to Bengal, and to remain there three years for the purpose of adjusting his private concerns. 8. Mr. William Jones, millwright, has our permission to proceed to India, for the purpose of conducting patent packing presses, which we have allowed to be sent out. We are, Your affectionate friends, Stepn. Lushington / Hugh Inglis / J. Manship / Thos. T. Metcalfe / Thos. Parry/John Travers/Abram Robarts/ J. Hunter / S. Toone / Paul Le Mc-surier / J. Smith Burges / Stepn. London, Williams / William Thornton / G. W. the 5th March 1800. Thellusson. 30 LETTER DATED 18 APRIL 1800 Commanders of ships ordered not to exercise the powers vested in them by letters of marque in any port or harbour without the consent of the Local Governments concerned. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 5th March last. 2. We have received the following advices from your Presidency vizt., Letters in the Public Department dated the 2nd and 14th September 1799. Letters in the Political Department dated the 12th September and 27th November 1799. Letters in the Revenue Department 24th December 1798 and 31st October 1799. Letters in the Judicial Department dated 24th December 1798 and 31st October 1799. Letter in the Foreign Department dated 10th September 1799. Letters in the Separate Department (Salt, Opium and Customs) dated the 2nd and 14th September 1799. Letter from the Governor General dated the 4th December 1799, 18 APRIL 1800 139 3. We have appointed Hugh Inglis Esqr., our Deputy Chairman, together with Sir Francis Baring Bart., Jacob Bosanquet Esqr., Sir Lionel Darell Bart., William Devaynes Esqr., Sir Stephen Lushington Bart., John Manship, Thomas Parry, John Roberts, and George Tatem Esqrs., to be the Committee of Secrecy for giving the necessary directions respecting the safety of the Company’s shipping. The orders, therefore, of any three of the said Committee respecting the same must be obeyed with the greatest punctuality. 4. Having appointed Hugh Inglis Esqr., Chairman, David Scott Esqr., Deputy Chairman and John Manship Esqr., during the present direction, to be a Secret Committee agreeably to, and for the purposes stated in, the Acts of the 24th, 26th, and 33rd of His present Majesty, we hereby direct that all orders and instructions which you shall receive from our said Secret Committee be observed and obeyed with the same punctuality and exactness as though they had been signed by thirteen or more Members of the Court of Directors, conformably to the said Acts. 5. It having been represented to us that opinions are entertained by the commanders and others in our service that the possession of His Majesty’s letters of marque, which all our ships now carry, enables them to make prizes in whatever ports or places they may discover them, even in defiance of the Company’s delegated authorities in those places; and instances having occurred of commanders actually seizing vessels, under such circumstances ; we have therefore thought it absolutely necessary, in order to maintain that respect which is due to the Company’s Governments, to give the most positive directions to the commanders that, notwithstanding any power or supposed power, which they may possess from being invested with letters of marque, they shall, on no account whatever, exercise it in any port or harbour at any of our settlements in India, China or St. Helena, except with the knowledge and concurrence of our respective Governments, on pain of dismissal from the service. 6. We have permitted Mr. Henry Ramus to return to his rank in our civil service at your Presidency. 7. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in further part of the number we last season (1798) agreed to send thither, vizt., Messrs Thomas Perry, William Toone Swettenham (abroad), William Raymond Barker, Robert Mitford. 8. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency, in part of the number we this season (1799) agreed to send thither, vizt., Messrs. John Ewer, Alexander Brewer Tod. 9. Mr. Wm. Roxburgh having been represented to us as peculiarly well qualified, from his education and natural talents in the botanical line, to assist Dr. Roxburgh (his father) in his botanical researches at your Presidency, we have permitted him to proceed thither for that purpose, and whilst so employed, you will grant him an allowance, not exceeding 250 rupees per month. 10. We have permitted Mr. William Cator to proceed to Bengal as a free merchant. 11. We have permitted Mr. William Scott to proceed to Prince of Wales Island, and remain there three years, for the purpose of settling his affairs. 140 PUBLIC LEITER FROM COURT 12. Mr. Thomas Hutton has our leave to return to India as a free mariner. 13. We have permitted the following persons to proceed to India as free mariners, vizt., Peter Campbell, George Pantin, Peter Pavin, Thomas Williams. 14. The Commissioners of the Navy having occasion to send a quantity of stores to India for the use of His Majesty's ships on that station, and the Company not having any spare tonnage for the same, the Navy Board engaged the ships Bellona, 586 tons, James Downie, master, and the Wellesley, 802 tons, John Purrier, master, for that service, and we have accordingly granted the said ships our licences for the above purpose, a copy whereof is herewith transmitted, by which you will perceive, that the owners have engaged that the ships shall be wholly laden with Government stores, that they will not return them to England with cargoes, and that they shall be sold in India; but you will understand that it is not our intention to deprive the persons who may purchase the ships Bellona and Wellesley, of any privilege which ships built in India are or may be entitled to. 15. Mr. William Toone Swettenham whom we have appointed a writer for your Presidency on the list of season 1798 as mentioned in the 7 th paragraph of this letter proceeded last season on board the ship Minerva as a cadet for the cavalry in Bengal. London, the 18th April 1800. We are, Your affectionate friends, Hugh Inglis / D. Scott / J. Manship / Stepn. Lushington / J. Baring / Joseph Cotton / Paul Le Mesurier / Edw. Parry / S. Toone / Simon Fraser / John Roberts / Thos. Parry / R. Thornton / George Tatem / Thos. J. Metcalfe. 31 LETTER DATED 7 MAY 1800 Appreciation of Sir John Shore’s services in India—plan for construction and repair of all pilot sloops through the agency of the Company’s own officers—postal reforms—plants procured from Eastern Islands. OuR Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter in this Department was dated the 18th April. 2. We shall now reply to your several dispatches in the Public Department, premising that such parts of your letter of the 28th February 1798, as required an answer have already been replied to. 7 MAY 1800 141 Answer to the letter in the Public Department dated 16th March 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the last dispatch. (2) Referring to the minute of Sir John Shore (now Lord Teignmouth) upon his resignation. (3) Mentions Lieutenant General Harris having taken charge of the Government of Madras upon the departure of Lord Hobart. (4) Supracargoes at Canton have been desired to communicate information respecting the nature and amount of their transfer debt. (5-11) Proposal for a treaty with the King of Acheen. (12) The usual pension granted to a mate in the pilot service. (13-18) Relative to payment being demanded on certain bonds, the pro- 3. Needs no reply. 4. We have already expressed our opinion of the merits and services of Sir John Shore (now Lord Teignmouth) during the period in which he held the important situation of Governor General, and since his arrival in Europe we have come to the following resolution which was communicated to his Lordship in person— “Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this Court be given to the Right Honorable Lord Teignmouth, for his long, able and faithful services in India; and particularly for his distinguished merit and attention in the administration of every branch of the Company’s affairs during the period in which he held the office of Governor General of Bengal.” 5. Lord Hobart has likewise received our thanks in the following resolution—“Resolved that tire thanks of this Court be given to the Right Hon’ble Robert Lord Hobart for his conduct during his Government of Fort St. George.” 6. Needs no reply. 7. We have perused the letter from the Superintendant of Prince of Wales Island, dated the 20th September, 1797, and for the reasons which you have assigned, approve of your having declined to enter into the pro-posed treaty with the King of Acheen. 8. Needs no reply. 9. Already replied to in the 84th-89th paragraphs of our letter in the 142 PUBLIC LEITER FROM COURT perty of Mr Peter Moore, amounting to sicca rupees (169,913-12-6) one lac sixty nine thousand nine hundred and thirteen, twelve annas, and six pies. (19) Advising the state of the treasury. Public Department dated 5th June 1799. 10. Needs no reply. Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated 17th May 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the last dispatch. (3-5) Relative to the appointment of Lieut Genl. Sir Alured Clarke to be acting Governor General, and advising of their resolution that Mr, Graham should not be summoned to a seat in Council. 11. Needs no reply. (6-8) Supplies to China from Fort St. George. (9-12) Fort St. George finances. (13-17) Bombay finances. (18 and 19) Supplies to Fort Marlborough. 12. Your Advocate General, Mr. Burrows, has, in his letter of the 17th March 1798, in consequence of the reference which was made to him, on the resignation of Sir John Shore, given a just and proper construction upon our resolution and orders relative to the provisional appointment of Sir Alured Clarke to the station of Governor General until the arrival of Lord Mornington, or during his occasional absence at cither of the other Presidencies. Whatever doubts might have been entertained as to the interpretation of the latter part of that provisional appointment, the same have been effectually removed by Lord Mornington’s nomination, previous to his departure for Madras, of Sir Alured Clarke to be Vice-President and Deputy Governor of Fort William during his Lordship’s absence, as advised in your letter of the 25th of December 1798 ; and as neither of these appointments occasioned any actual vacancy in the Council at your Presidency, we approve of your resolution of the 17th March 1798 respecting Mr. Graham. | 13. These subjects have been ^ noticed in our dispatches to Madras J and Bombay. 14. We approve of your determination upon the subject mentioned in these paragraphs. 7 MAY 1800 143 (20 and 21) Commander of His Majesty’s ship" UOiseau advanced sicca rupees 1,20,042 for the repairs of his ship for bills on the Commissioners of the Navy. (22-28) Three new vessels necessary to complete the Marine establishment, new plan for performing all ship-builders work, and the appointment of a Master Builder. 15. These bills have come to hand and have been discharged by the Commissioners of His Majesty’s Navy. 16. We entertain very serious doubts whether the plan proposed by your Marine Board, for the future construction and repair of all pilot sloops etc., and builders’ work of every description through the agency of the Company’s own officers, will be ultimately productive of any saving of expense in that branch of the service. On the contrary we are apprehensive that it may lead to charges in their nature at present incalculable. We are not convinced by the arguments adduced in the minute of the Marine Board that the building of pilot sloops and other vessels by contract, as well as the principal repairs required for them being likewise executed by the ship builder, as formerly, is not the most ^economical mode of executing the business, under proper regulations for preventing imposition. Neither do we perceive the impracticability of regulating the expense incurred by the small repairs to pilot sloops etc., executed by the Master Attendant and Naval Storekeeper. But as no computation has yet been made of the expense of the outlay that will be required in the execution of the plan, and as the details of the arrangements for carrying it into effect have not yet been framed, we direct that no further expense on that account be incurred without our previous approbation. 17. As the construction of the two pilot vessels and the anchor and buoy boat upon the new plan, under the superintendance of Mr. Waddel, is avowedly but an experiment, we further direct that upon the completion of these vessels and boats you acquaint us with their actual cost. 144 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (29-32) Report of the Master Attendant and pilots on the utility of the new spiral buoys. (33) Stationery. (34 and 35) Mention Mr. Brown, including all charges whatsoever, and that you further afford us every possible information and calculation to enable us to come to a final decision upon a proposition, which upon the first view of it appears likely to entail a very heavy and unnecessary permanent expense upon the Company. 18. The opinion of the Master Attendant, and the reports of the nine branch pilots, referred to in these paragraphs, on the subject of the spiral buoys lately constructed in the Bengal river, though they speak generally as to their contributing very much to lessen the dangers of the navigation of the river, are not so explicit as to enable us to determine upon the amount of the reward to be given to the inventor, Mr. Michael Logan, by whom a memorial has been submitted to our consideration. In the letter from the Marine Board of the 10th April 1798, which accompanied the before-mentioned opinions of the Master Attendant and pilots, it is observed that “the buoys were laid on the 10th and 11th November last (1797) and it remains for us to see the effects of the strong winds and tides of the south west monsoon, and that they should lay one year complete before we make our final report”. We shall therefore postpone our determination upon Mr. Logan’s memorial until the final report of the Marine Board upon his invention shall be transmitted to us. In consideration, however, of the general good which, from the report of the Master Attendant, is expected to be derived, and of the utility already experienced from them, we approve of your having authorized the construction of two more buoys to be laid in the eastern channel, as advised in these paragraphs. 19. Needs no reply. 20. In your subsequent dispatch 7 MAY 1800 145 the reporter of external commerce, having tendered his services to prepare a statistical account of the different districts in Bengal as far as respects their trade and population. (36) A pension of rupees (7) seven a month to the widow of Rahoop, who served as a J emautdar in the export warehouse. (37 and 38) Complaint against the commander of the Royal Admiral for damage done to a boat at Diamond Harbour to the amount of (68) sixty eight rupees. (39) Enclosing a list of books necessary for the church. (40) A subscription in the name of the Company for one hundred copies of Mr. Gladwin’s Dissertation on the Rhetoric, Prosody and Rhyme of the Persians. (41) Advising the state of the treasury. of the 31 st July 1798, you have referred us to the first section of Mr, Brown’s report upon this subject, and we are advised that the remaining sections will be transmitted as you receive them. Of the merit of the work, we shall not form an opinion until it be complete. 21. We confirm the pension of (7) seven rupees a month to the widow of Rahoop in consideration of the long services of her husband as a Jemautdar in the export warehouse. 22. Need no reply. 23. We shall comply with your request contained in this paragraph. 24. We approve of the subscription to the work named in this paragraph, fifty copies of which, when completed, are to be transmitted to us. 25. Needs no reply. Answer to the letter in the Public Department} dated 31st July 1798 (1) Mentions the state of the last -x dispatch. (2) Forwarding proceedings. (3- 9) Acknowledging the receipt of> and answer in part to, the Court’s letter of the 18th October 1797. (10-11) Requesting the Court’s attention to that part of the Advocate General’s letter of the 17th March 1798, which relates to the case of the Governor General having occasion to visit either of the other Presidencies. (12) Answer to the Court’s letter ' of the 18th October concluded. (13) Mentions the arrival of the Earl of Mornington. J Vol. XIII—10 26. Need no reply. 27. Already replied to. 28. Need no reply. 146 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (14 & 15) Advising the mode proposed for encouraging subscriptions to the decennial loan. (16 and 17) Measures taken for the relief of the Fort St. George finances. (18 and 19) Endeavors for expediting the transmission to England of the Madras General Books and accounts. (20) Dispatches of the Government of Bombay intended for the Raymond and Woodcot forwarded by the Busbridge and Earl Camden. (21 and 22) Bombay finances. (23 and 24) New establishment for the Nonsuch frigate. 29. You have not yet reported to us the effect of the measure advised in these paragraphs. 30. We approve of the mode adopted by you for the relief of the finances of the Madras Government. 31. We approve of your endeavors for expediting the transmission to England of the General Books and accounts of the Madras Presidency. 32. Needs no reply. (25-27) Referring to the instructions to the commander of the 33. Noticed in our dispatches to the Government of Bombay. 34. We approve of the amended establishment for the Nonsuch, as proposed by your Marine Board, thereby effecting a saving of sicca rupees (5,220) five thousand two hundred and twenty per annum. A part of this saving is effected, we observe, by a reduction of the Europeans and an increase of the natives serving on board; and we concur in the propriety of the remark of the Marine Board, in their letter proposing the alteration, that it may hereafter become an object of importance to have natives trained for service in ships of war, in the event of it’s becoming necessary to extend the establishment, when the number of natives that may be required would probably not always be procurable, while the recruiting of Europeans will ever be matter of difficulty and uncertainty, and the obtaining them must at all times interfere with the Europe ships. The employment of natives on ship board may be eligible to a certain extent, but we are of opinion that the number of Europeans on ships of war ought to be double that [of] the natives. 35. We approve of the general instructions which were given to the 7 MAY 1800 147 Nonsuch and mentioning the encouragement held out to the commander, officers and crew to exert themselves against the enemy. (28) Referring to a regulation for determining the cases in which ships are to be charged with double pilotage. (29 and 31) Transmitting pro- ' ceedings relative to the capture of the Woodcot and the loss of the Princess Amelia. (32) Referring to a statement of the amount to be charged to the Crown on account of gunpowder sent to the Cape of Good Hope. (33 and 34) Mr. Brown’s statistical report. (35-38) Revision of the Post Office establishment. commander of the Nonsuch frigate and of the encouragement held out to the officers and crew to exert themselves against the enemy as mentioned in these paragraphs. 36. We likewise approve of the rule proposed by your Marine Board for determining the cases in which ships are to be charged with double pilotage. 37. Need no 38. Already replied to. 39. Your proceedings referred to in this and in your subsequent dispatch of the 25th December 1798, relative to the Post Office Department, with a view of rendering it a productive source of revenue instead of a charge on the Company’s finances, have been perused and we approve of the measures which have been adopted for the accomplishment of so desirable an object. As you have acquainted us that the subject will be again brought under our consideration in the report of the Governor General on die reform of the public establishments and the improvement of the revenue, we think it needless at present to notice in detail the several arrangements that have been made in this Department. We deem it proper, however, to remark that in estimating the amount of the improvement of the public revenue from these arrangements at sicca rupees (1,49,546) one lack forty nine thousand five hundred and forty six, including the annual loss heretofore sustained under the head of the Post Office, some inaccuracy seems to 148 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (39) Relative to' Mr. Smith, the nursery man, having been sent to the Eastern Islands for the purpose of collecting plants of the nutmeg, clove and other spice trees, and referring to lists of the plants which he has sent to England and to different parts- of India. have arisen. In the report of the Committee appointed to investigate this business, of the 10th September 1798, the amount in which the former expenditure exceeded the receipts for postage is stated at sicca rupees (96,000) ninety six thousand per annum; whereas thc Post Master ’General, in his letter of the 8th December 1797, states the average loss upon a medium of six years from 1791 to 1797 at only sicca rupees (27,254) twenty seven thousand two hundred and fifty four, which reduces the total amount of the expected improvement to sicca rupees (79,494) seventy nine thousand four hundred and ninety four. Wc, therefore, desire an explanation upon this point. 40. We very much commend the attention which has been given to the interesting subject of procuring from the Eastern Islands, plants of the nutmeg, clove and other spice trees, for the purpose of introducing the cultivation thereof into the Company’s territories, and wc approve of the measure advised in your subsequent dispatch of the 25th December 1798 of sending Mr. Smith, nursery man, to Prince of Wales Island, the soil and climate of which are represented to correspond with the soil and climate of Banda, for the purpose of forming a plantation at that island, and of his having been again instructed to proceed to the eastward for the purpose of collecting a further supply of useful plants and seeds for the several Presidencies. 41. By the letter from the acting Superintendant at the Botanical Garden of the 11th October 1798, we observe that he is not very sanguine in the hope that the cultivation of the nutmeg will succeed in Bengal. He recommends, however, an experiment being made in the southern districts, in which, if any, it is most likely to 7 MAY 1800 149 succeed, to which recommendation we trust you have given due attention. We further observe by the same letter, that although the endeavors to preserve the clove plants have hitherto almost totally failed, the Superintendant recommends another effort to attain it. 42. We have likewise attended to the representations relative to the species of palm tree, called by the Malays eyoo, or gometo, so highly esteemed by the Dutch, on account of the strong and durable cables and cordage which are made of it, and for it’s other uses, and approve of the directions that have been given for making a trial of this tree at your Presidency. Of the progress of these several botanical experiments, we direct that you keep us constantly advised, omitting no measures for giving them a fair chance of cultivation [in] our own possessions. ’(40) Advising the state of the treasury. 43. Needs no reply. Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated 29th September 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the last' dispatch. (2) Forwarding proceedings. (3) Acknowledges the receipt of . the Court’s letters of the 26th of [ January and the 2nd March 1798. (4-11) In answer to the Court’s letter of the beforementioned dates. 44. Need no reply (12) Advising that the sum of sicca rupees 21,714 has been advanced for the repairs of His Majesty’s frigate La Virginie for bills on the Navy Board. (13 and 14) Complaint against Captain Kempt of the Lascelles1 for forcibly carrying away to sea a number of batta lascars. 45. These bills have come to hand and have been discharged by the Commissioners of His Majesty’s Navy. 46. We have perused the proceedings referred to in these paragraphs relative to the conduct of Captain Francis Kempt of the Lascelles in carrying several batta lascars from Bengal on board his ship against their consent, and have dismissed him from the Company’s service. 150 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT (15) Referring to the proceedings of a court of enquiry on the conduct of Lieut. Lawrence, for having suffered the Brisk tender to be captured by two French frigates in the Madras roads. (16) Regulations for preventing disputes amongst the branch pilots etc. (17) The Bombay frigate to be employed during the approaching north east monsoon in cruizing for the protection of the trade. (18) Advising several appoint- ' ments. (19) Mentions the death of S. M. Taylor, 1st Assistant to the Resident at Lucknow. (20 and 21) Advising the progress in Mr. Gilchrist’s Hindostannee Dictionary and that the subscription had been augmented from fifty to sixty rupees. (22 and 23) Mentions the subscription on the Company’s account to another work of Mr. Gilchrist entitled “The Oriental Linguist.” (24) Advising the state of the treasury. 47. The result of these proceedings, we observe, was that no misconduct could be attributed to Lieutenant Lawrence on account of this capture. 48. We approve of the regulations for the pilot service, upon the points mentioned in this paragraph. 49. We also approve of the employment of the Bombay frigate in the manner pointed out in this paragraph, and of your resolution respecting the allowances to her officers and men. 50. Need no reply. 1 51. We approve of your deter-, mination upon the points mentioned in these paragraphs. 52. Needs no reply. 53. In answer to your letter in the Public Department of the 27th November 1798, you have already been acquainted that the loyal address of the British inhabitants of Calcutta therein referred to, has been presented to His Majesty and most graciously received. We have likewise communicated to you the resolution of the Honorable [House] of Commons on the subject of the voluntary contribution made at and under your Presidency in support of His Majesty’s Government. Answer to the letter in the Public Department, dated 25th December 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the two > last dispatches. J (2) Transmitting consultations. (3) Acknowledges the receipt of t the Court’s letters of the 25th May and 6th June 1798. (4-51) In answer to part of the Court’s letter of 25th May. 54. Need no reply. 7 MAY 1800 151 (52-55) In answer to that part of the Court’s letter of 25th May respecting the profanation of the Sabbath, and the prevalence of luxury and dissipation in the principal settlements. (56-72) Answer to the Court’s letter of the 25th May continued. (73 and 74) Relative to the plan proposed by the Governor General for the revision of the public establishments, and that, upon his Lordship’s return from Madras, the whole arrangement will be submitted to the Court. (75-90) Answer to the Court’s letter " of 25th May 1798 concluded. (91 and 92) In answer to the Court’s letter of 6th June 1798. (93 and 94) Relative to the nomination of Sir Alured Clarke to be Vice-President and Deputy Governor of Fort William during the absence of the Governor General. (95) Sinking Fund. (96) Advising that the twelve per cent loan closed on the 20th November, and that the principal and interest of the 12 per cent notes would be received at par in payment of subscriptions to the decennial loan. (97) Mentions the arrival of Lord Clive at Fort St. George the 21st August. (98-100) Fort St. George finances. (101-111) Bombay finances. 55. We very much approve of your proceedings upon the serious and important subjects noticed in these paragraphs, with a firm reliance upon your constant endeavors, both by precept and example, to promote the cause of religion and morality. 56. Need no reply. 57. We shall anxiously expect to be advised of the result of your proceedings in consequence of the proposal of the Marquis Wellesley for a revision of the public establishments under your Presidency. 58. Need no reply. 59. Already replied to. 60. We have already given you our directions on this subject in our letter of the 12th June 1799. 61. We have not yet been advised of the effect of this measure. 62. Needs no reply. 63. In the present prosperous situation of our affairs in India, in consequence of the late glorious termination of the Mysore war, we look to effectual relief to the financial embarrassments of our Fort St. George and Bombay Presidencies under an ^economical system of management. 152 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT ‘ (112) Mentions the having authorized the China supracargoes to receive fifteen lacks of rupees into their treasury in specie for bills on Bengal. 64. Sensible as you must be of the great importance of our China trade, we need not urge the necessity of your continuing to furnish every necessary supply to our Canton treasury as an object of your constant attention. (113) Advising that the Hon’ble Frederick North took charge of the Government of Ceylon on the 12th October. (114-118) Appointment of Mr. Gilchrist to be teacher of the country - languages to the junior servants. 65. Needs no reply. 66. We have perused the Governor General’s minute, referred to in these paragraphs, and approve of the employment of Mr. Gilchrist, in giving-lessons to our junior servants in the Hindostanee and Persian languages upori the terms therein mentioned. Sensible as we are of the great importance of our servants in general obtaining a proficiency in the country languages, as well as a correct knowledge of the code of regulations and laws which has been recently established, in order to qualify them for the several offices in the Judicial, Revenue and Commercial Departments, we have further to signify our approbation of the arrangement intended by his Lordship upon a more extensive plan, on the principles laid down in the public notification annexed to the Governor General’s minute beforementioned, to commence with the year 1801. (119) Noticing several removals " and appointments. (120-122) Several persons permitted to proceed to the Cape and ultimately to Europe for the recovery of their health. (123) A buoy long boat converted into- a pilot schooner and the Abercrombie schooner into. - buoy long boat. “. . 67. Need no reply. (124 and“ 125) Several persons belonging to the pilot establishment 7 MAY 1800 153 placed on the pension list; likewise a pension to a pilot’s widow. (126) Noticing the assistance afforded by Captain Cooke of His Majesty’s ship La Sybille, in fitting out the Earl Howe and Princess Charlotte as armed ships. (127) An advance sicca rupees 53, 708 to Captain Cooke for repairing His Majesty’s ship La Sybille, for bills on the Navy Board. (128-134) Post Office. (135-137) Stationery. (138) A seaman belonging to the Henry Dundas who was left behind sick, permitted to go home as a ch ar ter party passenger on the Duke y of Montrose. (139) Referring to a statement of the funds of the Hospital for Natives, with a return of patients. (140-145) Spice plants. (146) Advising the state of the treasury. 68. These bills have come to hand and have been discharged by the Commissioners of His Majesty’s Navy. 69. Already replied to. 70. Need no reply. 71. Already replied to. 72. Needs no reply. 73. Captain George Romaine, .commander of the Company’s armed ship Cornwallis, who was appointed by you to convoy the Triton from Madras and Pondicherry to the Cape of Good Hope, and eventually to St. Helena and to Europe, having performed' that service to our entire satisfaction, we have been induced to place the Cornwallis under the orders of our Secret Committee. Should the service entrusted to him by that Committee be executed with equal attention and good conduct, so as to merit your approbation, we direct that, .for the faithful discharge of the trusts reposed in him, both here and at Fort St. George, you afford him such pecuniary gratification a^ he may appear to you to deserve. 74. The health of Mr. Rich. Becher being re-established, for the recovery of which he has been under the necessity of remaining in England until this season, we have permitted him to return to his duty in our civil service at your Presidency without prejudice to his rank. 75. We have permitted Mr. John Thornhill to return to his rank in our civil service at your Presidency. ’ 76. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency in further part of the number we last season (1798) agreed to send thither, vizt., Messrs. Charles Lushington (permitted to remain in England till next season), John Digby, Clothworthy Gowan, Thomas Henry Graham. 77. Having thought fit to appoint Messrs Richard Hall, Samuel Peach, Francis Turnly, Thomas Fitzhugh and James Drummond to be a Select 154 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT Committee of supracargos with, full powers to transact the Company’s business in China, we direct that you address the said Committee whenever our affairs shall render it necessary for you to correspond with our servants at Canton. 78. We have appointed Messrs George Sparkes, Thomas Charles Pattie, Henry Baring, John William Roberts, Robert Money, William Bramston, and John Fullarton Elphinstone, to be supracargos under our said Select Committee. 79. Being desirous of ascertaining whether the hemp and flax of this country possess properties in any degree superior to the sorts at present in cultivation in the provinces under your Government, we forwarded you on the Kent a quantity of seed, and direct that you furnish Mr. George Sinclair with such portion as he may require for the purpose of experiment, and distribute the remainder in such way as you may deem most likely to meet our views. The result must be accurately reported to us, and of such experiments as may be made in our Botanical Garden, we wish for information as soon as the necessary time will allow. 80. We forward you on the Kent a box containing twenty plain copies, and one coloured, of the second number of the second volume of the publication of Plants of the Coast of Coromandel, which you will dispose of agreeably to our former instructions. 81. Having of late experienced much inconvenience by your not having furnished us from time to time with registers of births, marriages and burials, as well those at the subordinate settlements as at your Presidency, we now direct that due care be taken in future to transmit to us annually in duplicate correct registers of all births, marriages and burials at your Presidency, and also from all your subordinate settlements properly attested. 82. We have drawn the following set of bills of exchange on you payable at thirty days’ sight, and two shillings and one penny, the current rupee, vizt., On[e] sett for 960 current rupees, or one" hundred pounds sterling payable to Nathaniel Current rupees 960 or Philip Grant, or his order, value received of r £Stg. 100. Mr. James Hillary dated 1st May 1800. We are, Your affectionate friends, Hugh Inglis / D. Scott / G. W. Thellus-son / Abram Robarts / Chas. Mills / George Tatem / Edw. Parry / Joseph Cotton / W. Devaynes / Thos. Parry / London, William Thornton/Thos. T. Metcalfe/ the 7th May 1800. Simon Fraser, 32 LETTER DATED 11 JUNE 1800 Employment of uncovenanted European monthly writers. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 7th ultimo. 2. In consequence of several articles of the Company’s exports intended for Madras and Bombay, and also a quantity of naval stores for His Majesty’s service at Madras, not being ready in time to be sent on the ships bound to those Presidencies, we have been under the necessity of sending the same on the ships bound to Bengal. We therefore desire that the several articles abovementioned for Madras and Bombay be forwarded accordingly at the first convenient opportunity. 3. The Governor and Council of Bombay having indented for a quantity of beef and pork for the use of the garrison there, which we have not thought proper to comply with, in consequence of the very great scarcity and high price of provisions in this country, we have directed them to apply to you, provided they should stand in need of a supply, and therefore desire that on such application being made to you, that you supply them with such quantity of salt provisions from your Presidency as may be absolutely necessary. 4. We have permitted Messrs. James Stuart and Joshua John Brownlow Proby to return to their rank in our civil service at your Presidency. 5. We have permitted the Hon’ble Henry Wellesley, who came to England with the dispatches and treaties relative to Mysore, to return to his duty as Private Secretary to the Governor General on the ship Earl Spencer, and as he came home on the public service, he will be accommodated with a passage at the Company’s expense. 6. The following persons whom we appointed writers for your Presidency of the seasons undermentioned, as advised in our letters dated the 13th March and 17th April 1799, proceed to their duty this season vizt., Messrs. James Richards Barwell (Season 1797) Hastings Impey ( „ 1798) 7. We have appointed Mr. Joseph White Sage, a writer for your Presidency, and he is to take rank in our service agreeably to the direction contained in the 10th paragraph of this letter. 8. We have resolved to appoint two writers for your Presidency on the list of this season (1799) in addition to the number mentioned in our letter of the Sth March last. 9. We have appointed the following writers for your Presidency, in further part of the number we this season (1799) agreed to send thither, vizt., Messrs. Thomas Liell, William Gorton, Charles Theophilus Metcalfe. 156 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT 10. The writers appointed for your Presidency on the list of last season (1798) are to take rank in our service in the following order, vizt., George James Robarts, Robert Haldane Rattray, Thomas Perry, Anthony Blagrave, John William Puller, Richard Turner, John Digby, William Raymond Barker, John Wanchope, Charles Chisholme, William Toone Swettenham, Richard Joseph Powell, Robert Mitford, Clotworthy Gowan, Andrew Gildart Reid, Hastings Impey. And the following who were not in that season of the age prescribed by Act of Parliament are to rank immediately before the writers of the present season (1799) in the order hereafter mentioned, vizt., Charles Lushington, Thomas Henry Graham, Joseph White Sage. 11. We have permitted Mr. Samuel Busby to return to Bengal and remain there three years for the purpose of adjusting his private affairs. 12. We have permitted Mr. Richard Campbell Bazett to return to Bengal, where he has resided as a partner in the commercial house of Colvins & Bazett. 13. Mr. John Purrier has our leave to return to India as a free mariner. 14. We have permitted the following persons to proceed to India as free mariners, vizt., John Haggey, Charles James Fox, Marmaduke William Blechynden. 15. Mr. Oswald Charters has our leave to proceed to Bengal and remain there three years for the purpose of settling his private affairs. 16. We have received overland, the following advices from your Presidency, vizt., Letters in the Public Department, dated 18th and 23rd January 1800. Letters in the Political Department, one dated 17th, and two 27th December 1799, and one 23rd January 1800. Letters from the Governor General, dated 20th and 27th January 1800. Three letters from Mr. Secretary Barlow, one dated 26th and two 27th December 1799. 17. In our annual appointments of writers for your Presidency in and since 1790, although no precise establishment for the different offices has been determined on, we have had in view the several alterations that have taken place in your establishments in general in the course of the last ten years and the number necessary to supply casualties in the service. 18. We have also had it in contemplation to reduce the number of uncovenanted European monthly writers employed in the several offices, but we observe rhe directions we gave on this subject in our letter of the 16th May 1792 have not been carried into effect, as by your book of establishments on the 30th April 1798, upwards of one hundred of those writers continued to be employed, exclusive of Portugueze at an expence of £30,000 per annum. 19. On your Public Proceedings of the 16th January 1789, you state as an apparent reason for appointments of this kind, the numerous applica-' tiofis that are made to the members of Government and to the Secretary by persons not in our service, for employment. Embarrassing as such applications may have proved, we cannot admit the propriety of attending to them, 11 JUNE 1800 157 as the consequences must be prejudicial to our service, by encouraging the resort to and residence in India of persons not licensed by us, and of whose characters and connections we are ignorant; allowing them therefore to obtain an insight into our concerns by giving them situations in the offices under Government, we consider highly impolitic. 20. We are aware that, by our Separate Letter of the 21st September 1785, paragraphs 13 and 14, a latitude is apparently given for employing monthly writers in copying papers, as a measure that might prove ^economical, but this must be considered applicable principally to natives, and in respect to the employment of European monthly writers, a perusal of your Public Proceedings of the 27th June 1796 and 29th May 1797 has convinced us, it has not been conducted on principles of seconomy ; otherwise we consider it impossible that your Secretary could have effected, as he has with so much credit to himself, a saving of upwards of a lac of rupees per annum in the office establishment of writers ; this circumstance is of itself sufficient to prove that abuses have prevailed in regard to the appointments of such writers. 21. We observe by your books of establishments for some late years that the Assistant in the Governor General’s office is an uncovenanted writer, and in the Secret Department under your Secretary sometimes one, at the most three, covenanted Assistants have been stationed, while the number of uncovenanted European writers has been considerable. This we can by no means approve, as we must ever be of opinion that the knowledge of our political concerns should be confined to our covenanted servants. 22. Exclusive of the number of monthly writers employed generally in other offices, some places are held by persons of this description which, as vacancies occur, must be filled by covenanted servants; such are the Deputy Civil Auditor, the Assistant to the Secretary to the Salt and Opium Department, and a few others ; the assistantships to the Salt Agents, notwithstanding the cogent reasons given by the Governor General on your proceedings of 22nd December 1794 for appointing covenanted servants thereto, are still held by uncovenanted writers. 23. The allowances annexed to the offices held by monthly writers in several instances exceed those granted to the covenanted assistants; the latter, therefore, must be considered entitled to appointments of the kind alluded to, as well from the importance of the offices as the emoluments attached thereto. We observe also that some of the monthly writers hold stations in different offices at the same time, which we entirely disapprove. 24. Although some of the appointments in question may have originated in the peculiar qualifications of the persons appointed for the offices they hold, still this evidently proves the absolute necessity of training up the junior covenanted servants to the duties of the several offices under your Government, by stationing them as assistants in those offices at an early period, as noticed in our letter of the Sth July 1785. 25. It will naturally occur to you from what we have now said that a reduction must be made on every opportunity that offers in the number of uncovenanted Europeans at present employed ; from motives of humanity, and because it might create confusion, we do not wish you immediately to 158 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT dismiss any of these; but as vacancies happen, you will not fail to supply the different offices with the requisite number of assistants from amongst the covenanted writers annually sent out by us, conformably to our former orders; and we prohibit the appointments of uncovenanted Europeans in any of the offices in future. 26. You will of course be careful that the junior part of our servants, when appointed assistants in the offices, discharge the duties assigned to them with diligence and punctuality, as it is by such conduct alone they are to hope for preferment to stations of greater trust and emolument; on the other hand, idleness and neglect are to be punished in the most exemplary manner, and we direct that you report to us any instances that occur amongst the junior servants of inattention to their official duties, as we shall not fail to mark our displeasure at such misconduct by an immediate removal from the service of the persons guilty thereof. 27. As you are now engaged in a revision of the several establishments, it is possible you may think it right to make some reductions in the number of offices; for this reason and as, since the foregoing paragraphs were drafted, we have received your advices by the Alligator, by which we are informed of some alterations made in those establishments, we do not mean at present to give you any positive directions as to the number of covenanted servants which we consider requisite for the various Departments under your Government, as we wish to have a report from you on this point which you will accordingly furnish by the earliest opportunity; and although the foregoing observations are confined to the civil establishments, wherein the greatest number of uncovenanted Europeans are employed, yet in framing your report as above directed you will also take into consideration the offices in the Marine and Military Departments, where several of the same description hold appointments, but in which we consider it for the advantage of the service that our covenanted servants should be employed, particularly in the offices under the Military Paymaster General, Military Auditor General and Military Board. We are, Your affectionate friends, London, the 11th June 1800. Hugh Inglis / D. Scott / J. Manship / John Roberts / George Tatem / Abram Robarts/Robt. Thornton/Thos. Parry/ William Thornton / G. W. Thellusson / Joseph Cotton / Stepn. Lushington / Jacob Bosanquet / Chas. Grant / Lionel Darell / Thos. T. Metcalfe / Paul Le Measurier / Chas. Mills. 33 LETTER DATED 28 AUGUST 1800 A senior civil servant to be appointed Superintendent of Prince of Wales Island, OuR Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter to you in this Department was dated the 11th June 1800. 2. We have received overland, the following advices from your Presidency, vizt., Letter in the Public Department dated 25th February 1800. Letter in the Revenue Department dated 5th March 1800. Letter in the Judicial Department dated 5th March 1800. Letter in the Commercial Department dated 1st March 1800. Letters from the Governor General dated 25th February and 9th March 1800. Letter from Mr. Secretary Barlow to our Secretary dated 8th March 1800. Letter from Mr. Secretary Crommelin to our Secretary dated 8th March 1800. 3. In order to avert the consequences to be apprehended from a scanty crop of grain this season in these kingdoms, we naturally look to India as capable of administering to our wants, by affording, as upon a former occasion, supplies of rice and other grain. With that view, we are desirous that every encouragement should be given to individuals to induce them to send grain from thence to this country, and which, if undertaken immediately after the receit of this letter, their importations may arrive here within twelve months from this date, which, in case of a deficiency in the expected crops, would come most opportunely before the produce of the harvest of next year could be brought into consumption. Ships employed in this service will be permitted to carry out return cargoes from hence, of the same description as usually allowed to country built ships. But whether individuals engage, or decline embarking in this speculation, you are by no means to engage therein, on account of the Company. 4. Having taken into our serious consideration the situation of the Private Secretary to the Governor General, and being decidedly of opinion that his emolument should not depend on any other post or employment, but be confined to the open and avowed salary annexed to his office, we have resolved that the salary to the Private Secretary to the Governor General shall be fixed at sicca rupees 50,000 per annum, to be in full for every allowance and emolument whatever. 5. We have further resolved that the Hon’ble Henry Wellesley shall receive a salary at the rate beforementioned, from the period at which he took charge of the office after his arrival in India in 1798, deducting the 160 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT amount of whatever salary he may have drawn either as Private Secretary, or in any other situation he held in addition thereto. 6. From the importance of Prince of Wales’s Island in a commercial point of view, we are induced to direct that a senior civil servant on your establishment, fully competent to the charge, be immediately appointed Superintendant of that island; and should any gentleman, not of this description, have been previously appointed to this station, in the room of the late Major Macdonald, we further direct that he be removed therefrom and that one of our civil servants be appointed in his room. 7. The Deputy Governor and Council at Fort Marlborough having, in their General letter dated 4th January last, represented that the settlement is in much distress, for want of medicines, and requested our early compliance with their medical indent, we should have been inclined to concur in the request of the Deputy Governor and Council, if it had been possible to procure the articles in time, to send out on the ships of last season; but this having been impracticable, we desire that you will forward to Fort Marlborough by the earliest opportunity a temporary supply of medicines, and for your guidance, we transmit you a copy of the indent beforementioned. In future,, we shall supply Fort Marlborough with medicines and stationery direct from England. 8. We have permitted the Hon’ble Charles Andrew Bruce to return to his rank in our civil service at your Presidency. He proceeds overland. 9. We-have appointed Mr. John Hall to succeed Mr. Baird as Master Attendant at Prince of Wales’s Island. 10. It appearing by the ledger of the Walpole} that Mr. Tough, late Purser, quitted that ship at Madras, on the 1st August 1799, without having obtained the permission of the Governor and Council, or without assigning any cause to Captain Venner for such proceeding, we direct that, should he be at your Presidency on the receit of this letter, you give him immediate notice to return to England, and that you do not on any account permit him to remain in India. 11. - The Navy Board'having taken up the ship Thetis (teak built), 630 tons burthen, commanded by Captain Alexander Lindsay, for the purpose of carrying out a quantity of naval stores for the use of His Majesty’s ships of war in India, we have accordingly granted the said ship our license to proceed thither, on the owners entering into an obligation under the penalty of £ 5,000, that the ship shall be sold in India under the usual regulations, and also that no articles the produce of Europe shall be imported in her into any of the Company’s settlements. 12. We have permitted Mr. James Beaumont to proceed to his brother at Calcutta. 13. Having received an application from Mrs. Petronella Sebastina Counsell, widow of Captain William Counsell, late of your marine establish-ment» praying ^at tHe: pension of £50 per annum, which was granted her by our orders of the 9th May 1797, and payable in Bengal, may be paid to her in England, with the arrears due upon it; and being satisfied that she had not received any part thereof- in India, we resolved to comply with her request, and have accordingly paid’ her the amount due, from Christmas 2 DECEMBER 1800 161 1797 to midsummer last, and as we shall continue to pay die said pension in England, you will not make any payment in India on account thereof. 14. Mr. John Lindsay has our leave to return to India as a free mariner. 15. We have permitted the following persons to proceed to India as free mariners vizt., Thomas Vanthuysen, Robert Henry Robertson, John Morton. We are, Your affectionate friends, Hugh Inglis / D. Scott / J. Manship / George Tatem / Edw. Parry / Tho. Parry / Joseph Cotton / Stepn. Lushing-ton / G. W. Thellusson / Jacob Bosan-London, quet / Abram. Robarts / Chas. Mills / the 28th August 1800. S. Toone J William Thornton. 34 LETTER DATED 2 DECEMBER 1800 Civil and military government of Malabar and Canara to be placed under the authority of Fort St. George—commercial settlements to continue under Bombay Government. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. We have already transmitted to you several copies of an Act passed in the last session of Parliament entitled “An Act for establishing further Regulations for the Government of the British Territories in India and the better administration of Justice within the same”. Since the passing of this Act, by which we are empowered to declare and appoint what part or parts of the territorial acquisitions subject to the Presidencies of Fort St. George and Bombay, and the establishment of civil servants respectively connected therewith, shall in future be subject to the Government of either and which of the said Presidencies, or of the Presidency of Fort William in Bengal, we have been advised of a resolution of the Governor General in Council, vesting the civil and military government of the provinces of Malabar and Canara under the controul and authority of the Governor in Council of Fort St. George. 2. The Government General have assigned such cogent and satisfactory reasons for the adoption of the measure that we have come to the resolution, and accordingly direct, that from henceforward the civil and military government of the provinces of Malabar and Canara including the revenues and tlie administration of justice be placed under the controul and authority of the Governor in Council of Fort St. George. 3. We further direct that the Governor in Council of Bombay do place all the civil, military, revenue and judicial officers employed in the said Vol. XIII—11 162 PUBLIC LETTER FROM COURT provinces of Malabar and Canara (including Goa and the possessions formerly Held by the Dutch in Malabar) under the orders of the Governor in Council of Fort St. George, directing those officers respectively to correspond with the said Governor in Council of Fort St. George, on all matters connected with their respective official duties, in the same manner as they have hitherto corresponded with the Government of Bombay and to consider the instructions of the Government of Fort St. George as the rules for their guidance with respect to those duties. 4. We also direct that ail accounts and proceedings heretofore transmitted to Bombay in the several beforementioned Departments in the Malabar Province be in future transmitted to the Government of Madras. 5. With respect to the instruction from the Government General upon this subject to the respective Governments of Fort St. George and Bombay of the 26th May last, we have only to signify our entire approbation thereof, and to direct a compliance therewith. So soon as we shall be advised of the proceedings of those Governments in consequence of the beforementioned instructions, particularly as to the selection of the civil and military servants to be employed in the provinces of Malabar and Canara, we shall resume the subject, with a view of coming to a decision upon the future establishment of servants for the Bombay Presidency in consequence of these provinces having been put under the Government of the Presidency of Madras. 6. We observe with much satisfaction, that it has been left to the Government of Bombay to transmit to Fort Saint George a list of the civil servants and military officers whom they may deem eligible to offices in Malabar, specifying the offices for which they may consider them respectively qualified; and we direct, that due attention be paid to the recommendation of the Bombay Government upon that occasion. This direction is founded upon an opinion that, since the acquisition of the Malabar Province, our Bombay servants may have acquired a knowledge of the language; and as they have long been habituated to the customs and manners of the people, they must consequently be more eligible for such offices than the servants of Madras, who are entire strangers to the country, it’s language, customs and manners. 7. With respect to the commercial settlements on the Malabar Coast, we direct that they continue under the exclusive authority of the Government of Bombay; and that the line may be clearly defined between the servants of the two Presidencies. We further direct that the authority of the Commercial Residents shall extend to all the possessions on that coast which were held by the Company previous to the acquisitions of 1792, and that they be vested with the civil controul and conduct of all matters appertaining to the police within those places respectively, and be allowed to exercise all the functions formerly exercised by the Chiefs and factors. We further direct that the sea ports taken from our European enemies be likewise continued under the authority of the Bombay Presidency. The reasons which principally induced the adoption of this measure, are as follows: — ^e possessions previous to 1792 seem to have been very limited, not having yielded on an average of 4 years from 1788-9 to 1791-2, in landed revenue and duties on imports and exports, altogether above Bombay rupees 24,000 per annum. The possessions taken from European enemies at Cochin 2 DECEMBER 1800 163 and Mahe, though so very inconsiderable in their produce, yet when added to the above, will, we trust, defray our commercial charges on that coast, and obviate the necessity of drawing on either of our Presidencies for the amount thereof* There certainly is a conveniency in these factories being thus enabled to pay their own charges, but this stands amongst the smallest reasons for the above measures. ^Bombay and Surat are the centrical places on which principally depends the extensive trade carried for eight months in the year (from August to May) from one end of the Malabar Coast to the other, to the Gulphs, and from Cape Comorin to Scindy etc. Bombay being open at all seasons must be considered the first port in point of consequence, as it connects the whole of the commerce on these extensive coasts in such manner that, in fact, no proper assorted cargoe can be depended upon the scarce [sic] any one market without the greater part being furnished at one of the above places. Ships in the fair season for China, Madras, Bengal and Europe, take in the first part of their cargoe at Bombay, and then fill up on the Malabar Coast. In the rainy season, they must solely depend on Bombay, it being the depot for such parts of their cargoe as is the produce of the Malabar Coast and countries to the northward as far as the Indus, because the rainy season admits of no navigation on these shores. The valuable trade to the Gulph of Persia and Red Sea, which brings its returns in gold and silver to Bombay, is almost exclusively carried on from Bombay and Surat. 8. This being the state of the general trade, of which our regular ships for China and Europe make but a part, it appears to us obvious, that the management of all the commercial concerns on these coasts, and all the boats and shipping, should be continued exclusively in the Bombay Presidency, and that the commercial chiefs and factors should have the superintendance of the same districts, and be vested with the same powers as they formerly possessed, in order to give them that degree of respectability and consideration in the eyes of the natives which is necessary for carrying on the business entrusted to them. We are, Your affectionate friends, D. Scott / J. Manship / Lionel Darell / Stepn. Lushington / George Tatem / Edw. Parry / S. Toone / Thos. T. Metcalfe / William Thornton / Chas. Mills / W. Devaynes / Joseph Cotton / R. London, Thornton / Paul Le Mesurier / George the 2nd December 1800. Smith. SEPARATE DEPARTMENT (salt, opium and customs) 35 LETTER DATED 6 APRIL 1796 Supply of opium by agency to be considered. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. We have received by the Royal Admiral your Separate letter of the 30th May 1795, referring to a letter and proceedings of the Board of Trade relating to the provision of opium. From what is stated in these papers relative to the bad quality of the opium provided by contract, and the inferiority of it’s prict in foreign markets, occasioned by it’s being no longer estimated as formerly by the Chinese and Malays, we should feel no hesitation in authorizing you to adopt the system of agency for the future provision of this article, should you continue to think it expedient so to do; but from a recollection that during the government of Lord Cornwallis, the question being agitated whether the opium should in future be provided by contract or agency, it was, after the most ample discussion, determined in favor of the former. We therefore direct, that you take the whole subject again into consideration, and if, after yon shall have attentively perused the several papers and information, referr’d to in the 45th paragraph of the Revenue dispatch from your Presidency of the 10th August 1789, which induced the above determination, you shall continue of opinion, for the reasons assigned by the Board of Trade, that me system of agency for the provision of opium is preferable to contract, we authorize you at the expiration of the subsisting contract in September 1797, to adopt the same. But, in as much as great doubts have arisen in the minds of the most respectable of our servants, whether the provision of opium should be by contract or agency, we direct that you especially report to us every circumstance attending the proposed plan of agency, when carried into effect, in order that we may hereafter consider the subject with the deliberation it deserves and give you our decided opinion thereon, care being taken in the first instance, for preserving the opium in it’s utmost purity. We are Your affectionate friends Step. Lushington / D. Scott / John Roberts / Thos. T. Metcalfe / Lionel Da-rell / Joseph Cotton / Chas. Grant / Thos. Parry / Simon Fraser / R. Thorn-London, ton / Jacob Bosanquet / George Tatem/ the 6th April 1796. Paul Le Mesurier / George Smith. 36 LETTER DATED 22 APRIL 1796 Reply to advices relative to salt, ophim and customs—abolition of the Calcutta town duty. OuR Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. By the present conveyance, we shall reply in a separate dispatch to such parts of your advices received in the course of the past season as relate to salt, opium and customs. Salt Commercial letter, dated 24th December 1794 (22 and 23) Advising a sale of 2. Need no reply, eight lacs of maunds, which yielded an average of sicca rupees (276-9-9) two hundred and seventy six, nine annas, and nine pice p% maunds, and that the aggregate amount was sicca rupees (22,12,856-8-3) twenty two lacs twelve thousand eight hundred and fifty six, eight annas and three pice. Commercial letter, dated 7th February 1735 (8) Referring to a letter from the Board of Trade, enclosing an estimate of the receipts and disbursements of salt in 1794-5, with explanations. 3. On the grounds upon which this estimate is made, as explained by the Board of Trade, in their letter of 12th August 1794, and from their observations on the subject, it seems probable that the nett proceeds of salt in 1794-5 may not amount to sixty lacs of sicca rupees, and although this sum falls short of the actual nett profit of the two preceding years, yet as we always wish that the estimates of our expected revenues should be formed on the most moderate terms, we see no reason to be dissatisfied with the principles on which the estimate referred to, is framed. 4. But we must observe that this differs very materially from the profit on salt for 1794-5, as inserted in the general estimate of resources and disbursements transmitted by the Essex, 166 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT (9) Advising that instructions have been sent to the Presidency of Madras, to advertise a new contract for four lacks of maunds, to be delivered by the 1st November. (10) Advising the adjustment of the account with the administrators of Mr. Hall, respecting his contract for the delivery of Coast salt in Bengal in 1792-93. (11) Mentions the receipt of a quantity of Coast salt, on account of the contract with Messrs. Porcher, Redhead and Co. notwithstanding the expiration of the period for its delivery. (12-15) Provision of Maratta salt on a plan proposed by the Salt Agent of Hidgelee. In the latter account, the expected receipts for sales of salt are stated at sicca rupees 96,00,000, and the advances and charges at 26,70,000, including the purchase of the Coast salt, the nett proceeds are sicca rupees 69,30,000, which is more than the amount stated in the Board of Trade’s letter by upwards of 8 lacs. 5. This difference may probably be owing to the different principles on which the two accounts are made up; in the general estimate, we conclude, the probable receipt and disbursement within the year are inserted ; in the account enclosed in the Board of Trade’s letter, the receipt for the year, and the advances from which that receipt is to be produced, although made in the year preceding, are possibly included, but this is not accurately to be ascertained, and therefore requires explanation. 6. We approve of the measure advised in this paragraph. 7. We acquiesce in the propriety of your determinations on the points mentioned in these paragraphs. 8. We have perused the letter from the salt agent at Hidgelee, referred to in these paragraphs, proposing a plan for securing the surplus produce of the salt manufactured in the Maratta neighbouring districts, at a very moderate price ; and for the reasons which have been assigned, approve of your having agreed to give the plan proposed a trial for one year, of the 22 april 1796 167 (16-18) Restrictions on the importation of Muscat salt into Bengal. success of which you will of course advise us, and particularly whether it has answered the principal object intended thereby, that of checking the contraband trade in this article from the Maratta districts situated on the western frontier, amounting, according to Mr. Chapman’s estimate, to the annual quantity of (15,000) fifteen thousand maunds. We likewise approve of your having commuted the russoom or fee usually received by the Berar vakeel on salt purchased by the Company in the territories of the Berar Rajah, by an annual payment of sicca rupees (5,000) five thousand. 9. We have perused the letter from the Board of Trade of 5th December 1794 and 20th January 1795, and approve of the regulations which at their recommendation have been established, for restricting the importation of Muscat salt into the Company’s provinces. (19-23) Advising their having' authorised an increase of price to certain salt molungees. (24 ) Mentions their having declined complying with an application for adjusting the allowances to the officers of the salt establishment, and to the corps of armed peons, in sicca rupees instead of arcots. (25-29) State of the salt business in Belluah and Chittagong, and in commendation of Mr. Crommelin, while the agency was under his charge, and recommending him to the Court for a recompense. 10. We approve of your determina-* tions upon the points mentioned in these paragraphs. 11. We had great pleasure in receiving your testimony to the merits of Mr. Crommelin, while the salt agency of Belluah and Chittagong was under his charge, and particularly in his increasing the produce beyond that of the most productive of former years, to a very considerable amount, by which, as represented by the Board of Trade, the Company have derived an excess of benefit during the single manufacturing season, that the agency was under Mr. Crommelin’s management, to the amount of near four lacks of rupees, and (as appears 168 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT (30-32) Seizure of contraband salt at Belluah and Chittagong. Association of native servants for the seizure of smuggled salt. (33) Augmentation allowed to the establishment of armed peons, by the summary transmitted to us by the Royal Admiral, of the proceedings of the Board of Trade in the Salt Department) a permanent benefit of two lacks of rupees per annum. We have already acknowledged, in our Separate dispatch of the 28h October last, that Mr. Crommelin’s character, from his activity and address in the service of the Company, had made a very favourable impression upon our minds. We agree with you that his merit should not go unrewarded, and as, from a sense of the benefits which the Company have derived from his zealous and successful exertions, you have recommended it to us, to grant him a recompense, we have agreed that Mr. Crommelin be presented with the sum of sicca rupees (50,000) fifty thousand for his beforcmentioned services. 12. ' Upon this occasion, we have great satisfaction in noticing that the great attention of the Board of Trade to prevent smuggling, and their instructions for procuring fuel, the chief disadvantages which the salt manufacture in those districts labor under, have met with your approbation; and we rely on the continuance of their exertions for the benefit of the Company, in this and every other branch of our affairs under their superintendance. 13. The effect produced by the late regulations, in the seizure of a large quantity of contraband salt in the Belluah and Chittagong districts is very pleasing to us, as well as the information contained in the letter from the Board of Trade of 23rd December 1794, of the expected amount of the salt to be provided for the Company, mentioned in the 32nd paragraph. 14. We approve of the augmentation to the establishment of armed 22 april 1796 169 belonging to the salt agency of the 24 Purgunnahs. (34-43) Abolition of the Roymun-gul salt agency, and transfer of the manufacture, to that of the 24 Purgunnahs. (44) Assistants to the Salt Agents to be covenanted servants. peons, belonging to the salt agency of the 24 Purgunnahs, as noticed in this paragraph. 15. We attended with much regret to your representation respecting the declining state of the salt agency of Roymungul, under the superintendance of Mr. John Mackenzie. The state of this gentleman’s health, as described in his letter of 2nd February 1795, precludes us from animadverting on the total defect of information from him, as to the cause of this declension. We can only therefore express our approbation of your resolution for abolishing this agency, and annexing the provision of salt in the districts, comprising it to that of the 24 Purgunnahs. Mr. Goodlad’s report, referred to in your subsequent dispatch of the 15th May 1795, has made some amends for the want of information complained of, previous to the salt business of Roymungul having been put under his management; and we are pleased to find by that report, that a reasonable prospect is held out of restoring the salt manufacture of that district, to its former prosperity. 16. The circumstances mentioned in the 10th paragraph of Mr. Good-lad’s report, respecting the total want of official records and papers to aid his enquiries into the state of this agency, appear very extraordinary. We trust, however, that directions have already been given for the observance of the necessary regularity in this respect, for the future. There are several other parts of this report, which no doubt have attracted your notice, particularly with regard to the poor manufacturers; and we trust that every measure which humanity and prudence could suggest has been, or will be adopted for ameliorating their situation. 17. Concurring entirely in the propriety of the reasoning in this 170 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT (45) Relative to the abolition of the separate office of Salt Agent of Roymungul. (46) Referring to a statement relative to the Bengal, Balasore and Coast salt of the year 1199[?]. (47 and 48) Relative to the salt advances. Commercial letter (44) Transmitting abstract of the' salt sale, shewing that six lacs of maunds produced sicca rupees 17,44,035-7-8 seventeen lacs forty four thousand and thirty five, seven annas and eight pice, and that the average selling price was sicca rupees (290-10-9) two hundred and ninety, ten annas and nine pice p% maunds. (45) Mentions that the actual produce of the September and March salt sales exceeded the estimate by rupees (12,93,791) twelve lacs ninety three thousand seven hundred and ninety one. paragraph, we approve of your determination that the assistants to the Salt Agents shall be in future selected from among our covenanted servants. Indeed this is perfectly consonant to our former orders for the employment of our own servants in every branch of the Company’s affairs. 18. Already replied to. 19. The account referred to in this paragraph is drawn out in a very satisfactory manner, and we direct that a similar statement be transmitted to us annually. 20. We approve of the directions you have given, as stated in these paragraphs, relative to the advances to the several Commercial Residents and Agents. of 8th March 1795 21. These accounts are very satisfactory. Commercial letter, dated 15th May 1795 (85) Enclosing copy of a summary from the Board of Trade, containing all the material transactions in the Salt Department, from the commencement of their management on 15th March 1793 to 5th May 1795. 22. We have perused with great attention and equal satisfaction the summary prepared by the Board of Trade, containing all the material transactions in the Salt Department, from the commencement of their management on the 15th March 1793 to the 5th May 1795; and it would 22 april 1796 171 (86) Adulterated salt received from Madras, part of the contract with Messrs. Roebuck and Abbott. (87 and 88) Advising of a contract with Kistno Churn Naug, for the delivery of (45,000) forty five thousand maunds of Balasore salt at Sulky, at sicca rupees (80) eighty p% maunds. (89 ) A reward of rupees (1,000) one thousand, to the persons concerned in the seizure of a large quantity of contraband salt, which was afterwards rescued from them. (90 ) Mentions that Mr. Crommelin has been paid his bill of expenses, amounting to rupees (3,233) three thousand, two hundred and thirty three. be unjust to withhold our tribute of praise to that Board, for the very able, disinterested and successful manner in which they have superintended this important branch of the Company’s affairs. The regulations they have suggested are as conspicuous for their humanity as for their ability; and which have happily blended together a large increase of profit to the Company, with the melioration of the situation of the poor manufacturer, by whose labor this profit is principally derived, and with relieving the inhabitants of the provinces in general from the high price they formerly paid for this necessary article. And we cannot too strongly impress upon your minds our earnest wish that the ease and happiness of the people subject to the British Government in India should be ever considered as inseparable from the prosperity of the Company. 23. We approve of the letter which was written to Madras, on the subject of the adulterated salt received from that Presidency, as part of the contract of Messrs. Roebuck and Abbott. 24. For the reasons you have assigned, we approve of the contract with Kistno Churn Naug, for the delivery of (45,000) forty five thousand maunds of Balasore salt, on the terms mentioned in these paragraphs. 25. We likewise approve of the reward of rupees (1,000) one thousand to the persons concerned in the seizure of a large quantity of salt, under the circumstances related in this paragraph. 26. We approve of your having discharged Mr. Crommelin’s bill of expenses, partly incurred in the prosecution of the objects of his very laudable researches, in the discharge of his duty as salt agent at Belluah and Chittagong. 172 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT (91) Mentions that the excess of! benefit derived to the Company, dur- | ing the time that Mr. Crommelin was । salt agent at Belluah and Chittagong, I amounted to rupees (3,95,000) three lacks ninety five thousand. (92 and 93) Referring to Mr. Good-lad’s report on the state of the Roy-mungul agency. (94) Advising the sale of ten lacks of maunds of salt, at an average of sicca rupees (288-13-2) two hundred and eighty eight, thirteen annas, and 2 pice p% maunds. (95) Claim of Sake Ausseen to the restoration of the proceeds of a quantity of confiscated salt admitted. 27. Already replied to. 28. Needs no reply. 29. For the reasons assigned in this paragraph, we approve of the claim of Sake Ausseen to the restoration of the proceeds of a quantity of confiscated salt, having been admitted. (96) Mentions the authorizing of' the construction of a substantial wall for the preservation of the Company’s golahs at Sulky. (97) Advising of a house having been hired for the salt and opium offices. 30. Need no reply. Opiumt Commercial letter of 7th February 1795 (49 and 50) Advising the proceeds" of two sales of opium. (51) Advising their having consented that Mr. James Hay, the Bengal opium contractor, should substitute Mr. Fairlie for one of his securities in the room of a native, named Sooroop Chund. (52) Representation of the agent for the Behar contractor on the subject of encroachments made by the indigo manufacturers in that quarter, and that the agent had been called upon for further information. - 31. Need no reply. 22 april 1796 173 (53-58) Report on the quality of some Behar and Rungpore opium. (59) Remarks of the Company’s law officers on the draft of the Benares opium contract, and the Board’s answers thereto. (60) Referring to an application from the opium contractors for an advance on account of surplus opium. 32. We have perused the observations made by Mr. Fleming, referred to in these paragraphs, upon some Behar opium, with the subsequent explanations of the contractor’s agent, referred to, in the 46th paragraph of your letter of the Sth March 1795, and have no particular observations to make thereon. And as we find by that dispatch, that Rungpore opium noticed in the 53rd and following paragraphs of the letter to which we are now replying, sold at a higher price than that which the opium of the same place sold for in the preceding year, wc approve of your having discharged the balance due to the contractor, calculating the value of the opium, according to the full contract price. 33. We approve of the orders issued by your Board, on the queries and remarks inserted by the Advocate General and Standing Council, in the draft of the opium contract deed for Benares. 34. It was certainly proper to require separate security from the opium contractors, for advances made to them, on account of surplus opium, as mentioned in your subsequent dispatches of the 8th March and 15th May 1795. Commercial letter of 8th March 1795 (46) Referring to some explanations 35. Already replied to. of the contractor’s agent, on Mr. Flemming’s observations on (650) six hundred and fifty chests of Bengal opium. (47) Subjoining a statement, show- 36. Needs no reply, ing the particulars of the produce and selling prices of the opium disposed at the second sale. 174 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT (48) Advising of the balance to the " contractor of the Rungpore opium having been discharged. (49) Relative to requiring security for advances on account of surplus opium. 37. Already replied to. Commercial letter of 15th May 1795 (98 and 99) Opium contractors re- 38. Already replied to. quired to give separate securities for advances on account their surplus delivery. (100 ) Advising that the new secu- 39. Needs no reply, rity bond of the Bengal opium contractor having been executed. 40. Your Separate letter of the 15th May 1795, as to the preferable mode of providing the opium by agency, instead of by contract, has been already replied to. Customs Commercial letter of 7th February 1795 (61 and 62) Advising that the collection made by the Custom Master, under the denomination of kyally dustore, on grain etc., having been relinquished. (64 ) Mentions that sundry papers from Fort St. George and Bombay, relative to the equalization of duties, have been forwarded to the Board of Trade. (65 ) Mentions a fire having happened in one of the Company’s godowns, but not attended with bad consequences, owing to the activity of two of the tide waiters, to whom a reward has been given accordingly; and that two fire engines had been allowed to the Board of Trade, for the use of their Department. 41. For the reasons you have assigned, we approve of your determination that the collection on grain etc., under the denomination of kyally dustore should be relinquished. 42. Need no reply. Commercial letter of 8th March 1795 (50-75) Abolition of the Calcutta town duty, and a duty of (2%) two and an half percent substituted in it’s stead, and referring it to 43. We approve of the manner in which our orders of 19th February 1794, for abolishing the Calcutta town duties1 and substituting a duty of (2%) 22 april 1796 175 the Court, to determine as to the ex- two and an half per cent on all goods action of this new duty on foreigners, imported or exported, have been carried into execution, with the exemptions enumerated in your subsequent dispatch of 15th May 1795. And with respect to the proposition of the Board of Trade for exempting from duty the exportation of coin and bullion, we confess that the reasons assigned in 102nd paragraph of your last mentioned dispatch have convinced us of the propriety of subjecting the exportation of coin and bullion to the payment of the duty. But if your endeavours to lay a duty upon these articles shall still be found to be vexatious and ineffectual, you will take into your serious consideration the propriety of prohibiting the exportation of coin and bullion, under such penalties as may appear to you to be proper. 44. With respect to the question whether foreigners shall be subject to the same import and export duties, on all goods imported or exported on their vessels, whether delivered in, or sent from Calcutta or elsewhere, as are in future to be levied on the commerce of British individuals, we do not see that any material inconvenience can arise in the present state of political affairs from postponing a decision thereon. In the mean time, you will endeavor to ascertain whether the custom house at Houghly could not be re-established, and the internal duties with respect to foreigners restored upon such terms, and under such regulations, as would tend to counterbalance any advantage they would derive from being exempted from the new import and export duties ; and if you see this eligible, carry it into effect. But you are to observe that they are on no account to be exempt from the payment of this duty, on all goods imported or exported on' their vessels, delivered in or sent from Calcutta. 176 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT 45. We have perused the proceedings of the Board of Trade, referred to in the 101st paragraph of your letter of 15th May 1795, and approve of the instructions to the respective Governments of Fort St. George and Bombay, of the 30th March, relative to the equalization of duties at the several Presi- dencies. Commercial letter (101-103) Duties. (104 and 105) Mr. J. T. Brown appointed Examiner and Appraiser of Piece Goods at the Custom House. London, the 22nd April 1796. of 15th May 1795 46. Already replied to. 47. We approve of the appointment of Mr. J. T. Brown, to be Examiner and Appraiser of Piece Goods at the Custom House, agreeably to our directions of the 23rd April 1794, upon the terms and conditions of which you have advised us. We arc, Your affectionate friends, D. Scott / Hugh Inglis / Lionel Darell / J. Smith Burges / Paul Le Measurier / John Travers / Thos Parry / A. Montgomery Campbell / Joseph Cotton /J. Hunter / George Tatem / John Roberts/ Stepn. Williams. 37 LETTER DATED 4 OCTOBER 1797 Concern at the loss in opium trade. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last dispatch in the Separate Department of Salt, Opium and Customs, was dated the 22nd April 1796. We shall now reply to your letters in that Department of the 2nd November 1795, 11th January, 7th March, 20th May and 5th July 1796. Answer to the letter in the Separate Department, dated 2nd November 1795 (1) Customs on exports to be levied in future on the Calcutta prices. 2. For the reasons assigned in the representation from the Custom Master and the Examiner and Appraiser of Piece Goods, we approve of your having resolved that in future the 4 OCTOBER 1797 177 (2-13) Opium. customs on exports of piece goods be levied on the Calcutta price, instead of the aurung price, deducting 1/10 part for preventing the Company from being eventually loaded with goods in case of dispute about the value of them. 3. We have given due attention to your proceedings, referred to in your several dispatches in consequence of the proposition of the Board of Trade for securing to the Company the opium imported from the Vizier’s dominions. This subject is very ably discussed in the Governor General’s minute of the 26th October 1795, and which led to a reference to the Resident at Lucknow; from a perusal of whose reply and of Sir John Shore’s minute in consequence of the 29th February 1796, we approve of your resolution prohibiting the importation of opium, the manufacture of Oude, into the Company’s provinces, having previously obtained the acquiescence of the Nabob Vizier for that purpose. With respect to the application of Mr. James Augustus Grand, who enjoyed the exclusive manufacture of that article in His Excellency’s dominions, for some indemnification on account of the injury he will sustain in consequence of such prohibition, he certainly was entitled under all the circumstances that have been stated, to some degree of consideration ; at the same time we are of opinion that the Board of Trade have very fairly ascertained the extent of the compensation which might reasonably be granted to that gentleman, and we accordingly approve of your having authorized the Board to make him an allowance for the building he may have necessarily erected for the manufacture. 4. We are aware, however, that the prohibitory measure alluded to in the preceding paragraph will contri- Vol. XIII—12 178 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT bute in a very inconsiderable degree towards restoring the revenue arising to the Company from the article of opium to its former standard. It will afford us great satisfaction to be informed that the causes of its decline, enumerated in your several dispatches and proceedings, are gradually vanishing. The alteration which is shortly to take place in the provision of this article, under* the latitude given you for this purpose in our Separate dispatch of the 6th April 1796 by changing the contract for an agency, will no doubt accelerate the object in view, so far as the restoring the commodity to its former estimation in the foreign markets can be supposed to contribute to that end. 5. We were extreriiely concerned to find that the net gain to the Company on opium in 1794-5 fell short of the profits in the preceding year to the amount of above fifteen lacs and a half of rupees, and that the estimated profit on this drug for 1796-7 is very little more than one lack of rupees. As the revenue from opium has long been considered as a permanent resource, your zealous and unremitted attention cannot be better employed than in the pursuit of such measures as may be likely to restore the profits on this article to their former value. Before we quit this subject it is necessary to observe that having perused the proposal of Messrs. Fairlie, Reid and Co., dated 23rd February 1796, to purchase the whole of the Bahar and Benares opium at specific prices, we concur entirely in the opinion of the Board of Trade thereon and approve of the proposal having in consequence been rejected. 6. Whilst we saw so much reason to lament the very considerable defalcation in the revenue arising from (14-17) Salt 4 OCTOBER 1797 179 the sale of opium, we had great satisfaction in observing by your Separate dispatch of the 31st August 1796, that the amount proceeds of the salt sales exceeded your estimate for 1795-6 in nearly five lacs and a half of sicca rupees. We are further pleased to observe, by your overland dispatch of the 2nd March last, that the actual produce of salt for 1796-7 is likely to exceed the estimated produce by Rs. 8,00,000. 7. The answer to your Separate letters of the 11th January and 7th March 1796, on the subject of opium is included in the preceding paragraphs. Answer to the letter in the Separate Department s dated 20th (1) Mentions the date of the last dispatch. (2) Mr. Cotton appointed Secretary to the Board of Trade in the Salt and Opium Department. (3) Advising the amount sale of salt. (4) Opium. 12. Your Separate letter of the 5t May 1796 8. Needs no reply. 9. For the reasons which have been assigned, we approve of your having separated the establishment of the investment and customs from that of the salt and opium, and of the consequent appointment of Mr. Cotton as Secretary to superintend the latter, and of the salary and allowances you have assigned him for the execution of this duty. 10. Needs no reply. 11. Already replied to. l July 1796 requires no particular reply Answer to such parts of the Commercial letter dated 24-th August 1795 as are in the Separate Department (56 and 57) Advising the produce of the salt sales. (58) Transmitting salt statements. h 13. Need no reply. (59-63) Importation of Coast salt 14. We have perused the papers by individuals allowed under certain referred to in these paragraphs, on the restrictions. subject of allowing the importation 180 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT of Coast salt for the purpose therein mentioned. The combined objects of the propositions therein detailed were highly deserving your attention ; but we have been advised from Madras, in a dispatch of the 23rd February 1796, that not a single application was made to that Government for permission to import salt into Bengal on the terms prescribed by you. 15. The advantages to be derived to our possessions upon the Corro-mandel Coast, from the discontinuance of the embargo on Coast salt imported into Bengal, have been repeatedly submitted to our consideration by the Government of Madras. But when we reflect on the magnitude of the revenue arising to the Company in Bengal from the monopoly of salt, and the apprehension of its being affected by any material deviation from the established plan feel that it must be ultimately referred to your judgment to what extent with security to the revenue the importation of foreign salt can be admitted and under what regulations and at what price the article is to be imported. 16. We observe by the Governor General’s minute upon this subject that the average quantity of salt annually imported from the Coast since 1785 is 4,20,000 maunds. If the importation of this article could be encreased with safety to your revenue, it certainly would be a very desirable object, as connected with the general prosperity of the Northern Circars; and your attention will of course be directed thereto. Indeed, we are encouraged to hope that a more extensive importation of Coast salt may hereafter take place, from a perusal of the following passage in Sir John Shore’s minute above referred to. “We may infer from general experience that the 4 OCTOBER 1797 181 (64-66) Adulterated Coast salt, part of the contract of Roebuck and Abbott—adjustment of the contract account. manufacture (of salt) in Bengal is not capable of very considerable extension, and if the population of the country should encrease in the same proportion as it has done for some years past, an event highly probable, the demand for this article will require an additional supply.” 17. We approve of the manner in which you have- agreed to adjust the contract accounts of Messrs. Roebuck and Abbott for the delivery of Coast salt in consequence of a part of the quantity imported at your Presidency having been adulterated. We must remark, however, that your statement thereof in the paragraphs before us is extremely incorrect. (67 and 68) Transmitting general^ statement of the opium of 1794-5 and estimate of the resources expected from this article in 1795-6. (69) Calling the Court’s attention to a proposal from the Board of Trade relative to the future provision of the opium. (70) Relative to the impositions practised by the opium manufacturer on the contractor. (71) Transmitting further proceedings relative to the customs. > 18. Already replied to. 19. Needs no reply. We are, Your affectionate friends, Hugh Inglis / J. Manship / F. Baring / J. Hunter / Paul Le Mesurier / Thos. T. Metcalfe / W. Elphinstone / W. Bensley / J. Smith Burges / G. W. Thellus-, son / Chas. Grant / Stepn. Williams / John Travers / Lionel Dar ell / Stepn. London, Lushington / Joseph Cotton / George the 4th October 1797. Smith / Edw. Parry. 38 LETTER DATED 15 MAY 1799 Increasing profits from salt trade—compensation to James Grant. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter in the Separate Department relating to salt, opium and customs was dated the 4th October 1797. Such of your dispatches in that Department as remain to be answered will be replied to by the present opportunity. Answer to the letter in the Separate Department, dated 31st August 1796 (1) Mentions the date of the last dispatch. (2) Jewels exempted from duty both on export and import. (3-7) Salt statement and summary transactions in the Salt Department. 2. Needs no reply. 3. For the reasons which you have assigned, we approve of your determination exempting jewels from duty both on import and export. We direct, however, that you transmit to us an account of the revenue from this duty for ten years previous to the late exemption, distinguishing each year. 4. The several reports of the Board of Trade of the 12th July 1796 and the 14th July 1797, which contain a summary of their proceedings in the Salt Department, are highly pleasing to us. Although by the former the net resource from this article for' 1795-6 appears to have fallen short of the preceding year by upwards of two lacks of rupees, yet they have very satisfactorily accounted for the decrease. In the latter report, however, we observe that the excess of revenue for 1796-7 beyond that for 1795-6 is sicca Rs. (4,98,980) four lacks ninety eight thousand nine hundred and eighty, the total amount of the resource from salt for 1796-7 being sicca Rs. (78,79,721) seventy eight lacks seventy nine thousand seven hundred 15 may 1799 183 (8) Advising their determination to import six lacks of maunds of Coast salt. (9-11) Customs. and twenty one. Indeed, it is highly creditable to the present system of management that on a comparison of the net resource from salt for the first 4 years under the Board of Trade, it exceeds upon an average that for the 4 last years, whilst it was under a Comptroller, by upwards of nineteen lacks of sicca rupees per annum. The Board of Trade have very candidly acknowledged the vigilance and activity of the officers employed under them in the conduct of this important branch of the Company’s revenue ; yet we are nevertheless sensible that the present productive state of this revenue is to be principally attributed to the zeal, ability, and watchful superintendance of that Board. The circumstance of the increasing profits upon the article of salt to more than double the amount at which they were estimated in England in 1793 cannot but be highly gratifying to us ; and the pleasure which we derive therefrom is greatly augmented by the consideration that there does not now exist any necessity for the use of compulsion in procuring labourers for carrying on the manufacture. 5. Before we quit the subject of the Salt Department, we must observe that the Board of Trade, in their minute of the 26th January 1798, have very satisfactorily replied to the observations of the Accountant General, entered on the proceedings of that day, respecting the irregularity in the realization of the produce of die sales of this article. 6. Needs no reply. 7. We observe by the report of the Board of Trade of the 22nd July 1796 that the net proceeds of the customs for 1795-6 amounted to sicca rupees (7,24332) seven lacks twenty four thousand three hundred and 184 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT (12) Collection of the customs at Benares placed under a separate officer. thirty two. Although by their subsequent report on the customs collected in 1796-7 there appears, on a comparison with the preceding years a deficiency of near half a lack of rupees, and which they have satisfactorily accounted for ; yet we have the pleasure to observe that notwithstanding this deficiency the actual net proceeds exceed the amount estimated in England in 1793 in the sum of sicca Rs. (2,74,804) two lacks seventy four thousand eight hundred and four. 8. For the reasons which have been assigned we approve of the arrangement advised in this paragraph; and we direct that you acquaint us whether its adoption has produced the expected augmentation in the receipts of the Benares customs. (13) Referring to a former estimate ' of the receipts and disbursements in the Salt Department. (14) Transmitting proceedings. J 9. Need no reply. Answer to the letter in the Separate Department, dated 3rd October 1796 (1) Complaint against Mr. Tomlinson. (2 and 3) State of the salt manufacture in 24 Purgunnahs. 10. We are perfectly satisfied with the information which has been communicated to us on the subject noticed in this paragraph. 11. We are advised in your subsequent dispatch of 15th August 1797 of the still further diminution in the produce of the salt in the 24 Purgunnahs. We acknowledge with the Board of Trade that our concern for the decrease of the produce is more than overbalanced by the pleasure we derive from a knowledge of the causes to which it is attributed, namely, to the improved state of the country furnishing readier and more advantageous employment (raising indigo and sugar) than making salt in the woods, to the cheapness of grain and to the judicial regulations securing the people from exactions. 15 may 1799 185 It were to be wished, however, that some means could be devised for restoring the produce to it’s former amount without increasing the price paid to the manufacturers which, since the late addition, the Agent deems most ample ; and we recommend the subject to the serious consideration of the Board of Trade. We likewise direct that you report to us the state of the salt balances in the 24 Pur-gunnahs which by the letter from that Board of the 14th July 1797 appear to be of increasing magnitude. (4) Salt statements. 12. Already replied to. (5) Advising the sale price of ten " lacks of maunds of salt. (6) Transmitting a statement of }• 13 Need no reply, the export and import transit trade in Bengal via Mangee for 1795-66. Answer to the letter in the Separate Department, dated 9th January 1797 (1 ) Mentions the date of the last dispatch. (2-6) American trade. (7 -26) Referring to a table of exchange fixed for the regulation of the Calcutta customs, in respect to the several countries trading thither. (2 7-29) Contain a comparative statement of the export and import transit trade of Bengal via Mangee for 1793-4, 1794-5 and 1795-6. 14. Needs no reply. 15. The points brought into discussion at your Presidency relative to the construction of the 13th article of the treaty of the 19th November 1794, between Great Britain and the United States of America, will be submitted to the consideration of His Majesty’s ministers, and our final instructions thereon will be transmitted by a future opportunity. 16. We are not at present aware of any objection to the rates established in the table referred to in these paragraphs for the regulation of the Calcutta customs. 17. By the statement contained in these paragraphs we observe that the average imports for three years exceed the exports in the sum of (14,64,007) rupees fourteen lacks, sixty four thousand and seven. We are sorry that no means can at present be suggested 186 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT (30 and 31) Referring to a report of the opium sale. by which an encrease of revenue might be obtained from the customs at Mangee, or by which the trade to the Company’s provinces might be rendered more advantageous, so as to bring the exports on a level with the imports. We are pleased, however, at the information you have afforded us that the exportation of bullion and coins is gradually decreasing. 18. We have given due attention to what you have written to us from time to time relative to the opium sales. We observe that the net profit on the opium for 1795-6 was sicca Rs. (4,84,518) four lacks eighty four thousand five hundred and eighteen, and for 1796-7, sicca Rs. (3,30,000) three lacks thirty thousand. In your estimates of receipts and disbursements on account of this article for 1797-8, a difference is shewn in favor of the receipts of only sicca rupees (2,46,245) two lacks forty six thousand two hundred and forty five. We observe, however, by your letter of the 10th December 1797 that the result of the first sale prices was considerably more favourable than those of the preceding year. 19. In your subsequent letter in this Department of the 15th August 1797 we are advised of the alteration of the system for the future conduct of this branch of revenue, by changing the contract into an agency, agre-ably to the option given to you for that purpose in our dispatch of the 6th of April 1796, and we approve of the plan and establishments which you have adopted in Bahar and Benares for carrying the same into effect. As the advantages to be derived by the Company from this new plan are said to depend chiefly on the quantity and quality of the opium manufactured, and the economy observed in the management of the business, we cannot too strongly 15 may 1799 187 (32) Proposition for removing the prohibition on the exportation of bullion in order to obtain an accurate knowledge of the amount exported, impress upon your minds the necessity of a most minute attention to points of so much importance; but more especially to the quality of the opium in order to prevent adulteration, and to restore its lost credit in the Eastern markets. 20. Upon your finally resolving to discontinue the provision of the Bengal opium, for reasons which appear to us to be satisfactory, we observe that you are properly determined to make some compensation to the cultivators and ryotts, whose lands could not at once be converted to other purposes; but of the nature and amounts of this compensation you have not yet advised us. 21. The estimated profit on opium for 1798-9 is stated at eight lacks. But we are aware that the advantages to be expected from the recent change of system for the future management of the opium, cannot be realized at once. We have, however, the satisfaction to find that there is every rational ground to expect that the revenues collected on this article will reach their former amount, within a period of three or four years, which for 1793-4 was above nineteen lacks and an half. We are confident that nothing will be wanting on the part of the Board of Trade which zeal and ability can supply in the furtherance of our views respecting an object of such material importance to the Company’s finances. 22. We cannot quit the subject of opium without directing your attention to what is stated in the letter from the Board of Trade of the 16th February relative to the proper time at which this article should be brought to sale as materially affecting the price. 23. We have considered of the proposition contained in this paragraph for removing the prohibition on die exportation of bullion for the purpose 188 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT and thereby to judge of the expediency of establishing a duty on the exportation of coin etc. (33) Advising that the Government of Madras have concluded a contract for the delivery of six lacks of maunds of Coast salt in Bengal. of obtaining an accurate knowledge of the amount exported, and thereby to judge of the propriety of establishing a duty on the exportation. But so forcibly are we struck with the reason assigned against the measure in the 102 paragraph of your Commercial letter of the 15th May 1795 “not to authorize by a public Act the degree of encouragement which would be held out by taking off the prohibition on the exportation of coin and bullion from a country already so much in want of it for it’s own use, that the ordinary circulation is considerably assisted even by the casual supplies imported from other quarters”, that we must for the present withhold our assent thereto. Indeed such an assent might be considered as premature, since in the 20th paragraph of your subsequent dispatch in this Department of the 30th April 1797 you have intimated an intention to submit to us your sentiments “on the expediency of prohibiting the exportation of coin, and on the penalties to be prescribed for the breach of the prohibition.” 24. Needs no reply. 25. Your short letter in the Separate Department of the 2nd March 1797 requires no particular reply. ' Answer to the letter in the Separate Department, dated 30th April 1797 (1 ) Mentions the date of the last"' dispatch. (2 ) Acknowledging the receipt of > the Court’s letter of 22nd April 1796. (3 -20) In answer to the above letter. J (21-24) As to foreigners being subject to the same duties as British subjects. 26. Need no reply. 27. Agreeably to your recommendation and for the reasons you have assigned, we shall take an opportunity of suggesting to His Majesty’s ministers, that in the event of it’s being 15 may 1799 189 determined on the conclusion of a peace to restore the French and Dutch possessions in Bengal, it be made a condition of the restoration that their trade shall be liable to the same duties as the trade of British subjects. (25) Answer to the Court’s letter of the 22nd April 1796 concluded. (26) Referring to a statement of the sales of six lacks of maunds of salt. (27) Request of certain commanders of the Company’s ships for a remission of duties upon their outward-bound investments. 28. Need no reply. 29. The application of sundry commanders of our ships for some compensation on account of their long detention in India is under consideration. Answer to the letter in the Separate Department} dated 15th August 1797 (1) Mentions the date of the last dispatch. (2-18) Provision of opium by agency. (19-20) Advising several sales of salt. (21 and 22) Referring to the annual accounts of the Salt Department. (23-25) Increase of price to the salt molunghees of Belluah. (26) Salt Agent at Roymungul permitted to charge sicca Rs. (200) two hundred per month for a second assistant. 30. Needs no reply. 31. Already .replied to. 32. Need no reply. 33. Already replied to. 34. We have perused the proceedings to which you have referred us, and for the reasons assigned by the Agent, we approve of your having agreed to the proposed increase in the prices paid for the salt of certain aurungs in the Belluah Division. 35. This charge appears to be of a temporary nature and to cease when the plan for the future management of the Joynaghur Division of the Roymungul agency shall be determined upon, of which determination you will of course advise us. We must upon this occasion observe that it behoves you not to admit of any additional charge in this or in any other Department of your Government, without the most evident necessity for so doing, but on the contrary to 190 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT (27) State of the salt in the 24 Pur-gunnahs. (28) Advising that Mr. Grindall has discharged the balance of sicca Rs. 11,357-2 demanded of him as security for Mr. Griffith. (29-31) Advising that the Vizier has acquiesced in our imposing a duty of 15 per cent, in addition to the existing duties payable in Benares and Bahar, upon all indigo imported from his dominions. endeavor to effect every possible retrenchment in the various branches of your expenditure. 36. Already replied to. 37. Needs no reply. 38. We are much pleased with your having obtained the consent of Vizier to your imposing a duty of fifteen per cent in addition to the existing duties payable in Benares and Bahar, upon all indigo imported from His Excellency’s dominions, which, as you justly observe, will be the means of obtaining a decided preference to the manufacture of our own territories. We rely upon your vigilance to prevent any illicit importation of this article. 39. The most material points contained in your Separate letter of the 31st of October 1797 have been already noticed in the preceding part of this dispatch. The only remaining subjects which require any observation from us are—the compensation of (20,000) twenty thousand rupees allowed to Mr. James Grant for the buildings erected by him in the Vizier’s dominions for the manufacture of salt and the establishment of writers for the office of the Reporter of" External Commerce. As the compensation to Mr. Grant was deemed by you fair and adequate, and as Mr. Brown, the Reporter of External Commerce, has evinced, by the accounts which have been transmitted to us of the export and import trade of Bengal, the usefulness of his office, we approve of your determination upon these subjects. We shall expect from Mr. Brown an annual report upon the several points contained in his instructions of the 17th June 1796. 40. Your letters in the Separate Department of the 30th December 1797 and 28th February 1798, require no particular reply. 41. Since writing the preceding paragraphs, we have received your dispatches in this Department by the Eurydice, to which we shall reply hereafter. London the 15th May 1799. We are, Your affectionate friends, Stepn. Lushington / Hugh Inglis / W. Devaynes / J. Smith Burges / Chas. Mills / W. Bensley / Thos. Parry / John Travers / George Smith / S. Toone / Thos. T. Metcalfe / Simon Fraser / W. Elphinstone. 39 LETTER DATED 11 JUNE 1800 Agency system preferred to contract. Our Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last dispatch in the Separate Department of Salt, Opium and Customs was dated the 15th May 1799. To your several letters in that Department of 16th March, 17th May, 31st July, 29th September, and 25th December 1798, we shall now proceed to reply. Answer to the letter in the Separate Department, dated 16th March 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the last 2. Needs no reply, dispatch. (2 and 3) Indigo. 3. This subject will be replied to hereafter in the Commercial Department. (4-6) Mentions the average sale 4. Need no reply. prices of salt. Answer to the letter in the Separate Department, dated 17th May 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the last dispatch. (2 and 3) Advising the amount sales of salt. (4-6) Thirty pounds per chest fixed as the valuation of claret from London, beyond which it is not to be rated in calculating the customs. At falling below £36 (the present rate) the customs to be again charged upon the cost. Answer to the letter in ] dated 31st 5. Need no reply. 6. For the reasons assigned, we approve of your determination upon the point mentioned in these paragraphs. Separate Department, July 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the last' dispatch. (2) Forwarding proceedings. (3- 14) In answer to the Court’s * letters in the Separate Department of Salt, Opium and Customs, dated 4th October. 7. Need no reply. 192 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT (15-18) Opium. 8. Your several dispatches in this Department, received in the course of the past season, on the subject of opium, have afforded us great satisfaction. The improved quality of the drug and the increasing price which it experiences at your sales have very fully established the superiority of the present agency system over that of contract; and we concur in opinion with the Board of Trade, contained in their letter of the 5th July last, that this system, intelligently, faithfully and vigorously administered, will most undoubtedly maintain it’s superiority. We have the further satisfaction to observe that the opium produced under the first year of the agency has met with the approbation of the Malays, thus affording a prospect of it’s entirely recovering, in a short time, it’s credit in the foreign markets, and producing confidence in your own. 9. Since the preceding paragraph was written, we have received overland .Mr. Secretary Barlow’s letter of the 27th December last, enclosing copy of a letter from the Board of Trade of the 23rd of that month, by which we have the pleasure to find that the amount produced by the opium sale on the 16th was sicca rupees 781 per chest or sicca rupees 414 more than the price of the corresponding sale in the preceding year. 10. From this very favorable state of the opium sales, and the rapidity of it’s progress, under the present system of management, towards its former estimations, our attention has been again drawn to the subject of the best means of applying the opium manufacture, with the exception of what may be required for the consumption of Bengal and for exportation to Fort Marlborough, to the exclusive benefit of our China trade. It is certain that with the advantages 11 JUNE 1800 193 arising from the trade in opium, and other Indian commodities, supplies to a very considerable amount might be annually secured to our Canton treasury. 11. In recommending this important subject to your consideration, we are desirous of calling your attention to the minute of Sir John Macpherson, entered on your proceedings in the Secret Department of Inspection of the 9th April 1785, containing three distinct plans for the management of the opium trade; the letter from the Government of Bengal of 29th of that month; and our opinion and directions upon the whole, contained in our dispatch of the 27th March 1787. Formerly the want of an emporium to the eastward seemed to be the principal obstacle in the way of establishing an advantageous commerce in the article of opium, with a view to the assistance of our funds in China. But the present state and condition of our settlement on Prince of Wales’s Island, and the possession of Malacca, effectually obviate this objection. We, therefore, direct that you consider the subject with all the deliberation that it’s importance demands; in doing which it will naturally occur to you that the most substantial security must be required, in whatever engagements may be entered into, for the due and regular payment of the opium proceeds into our treasury at Canton, in order to prevent a repetition of those losses and disappointments which were experienced under former transactions of this nature. (19 and 20) Report sale of salt. 12. Need no reply. Answer to the letter in the Separate Departments dated 29th September 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the last 13. Needs no reply, dispatch. (2-3) Referring to an estimate of 14. We have much satisfaction in Vol. XIII—13 194 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT the receipts and disbursements in the Salt Department. observing by your dispatch of the 2nd September last, that the net profit on salt for 1798-9 was sicca rupees (83,69,826) eighty three lacks. sixty nine thousand eight hundred and twenty six, exceeding the estimate by sicca rupees (6,66,039) six lacks sixty six thousand and thirty nine, and the profit of the preceding year in sicca rupees (10,10,561) ten lacks ten thousand five hundred and sixty one. The very able and satisfactory report of the Board of Trade of the 19th July 1799, referred to in your last mentioned dispatch, on this very essential branch of our revenue has been perused with great pleasure. The amazing increase in this resource for the last six years under their administration, amounting to above one hundred and twenty five lacks of sicca rupees, in comparison with the six preceding years under the Comptroller, is highly creditable to the Board, as evincing great attention, ability and integrity in then' superintendance of this important concern. (4-7) Madras Government desired to contract for the delivery of six lacks of maunds of Coast salt at Calcutta. 15. Mr. Dring’s failure in his contract for the delivery of Coast salt in the preceding year, and the small deliveries under that which was subsequently concluded with Mr. Yeats, have been already adverted to in our letter to the Madras Government of the 31st October last, a copy of which has been transmitted to you. (8-11) Opium. (12-20) Duties on foreign trade. 16. Already replied to. 17. We have perused the papers to which you have referred us, and, for the reasons which have been assigned, we approve of and confirm your resolution that all goods the produce of Bengal or of the upper countries, which may be exported from Calcutta to any of the foreign settlements, shall be subject to duty in the same manner as goods exported by sea direct from Calcutta. It is impossible for the Danish Government to con- 11 JUNE 1800 195 tend that their subjects, or others, resorting to Serampore, shall have greater indulgence in the article of duties than what is granted to British subjects and others resorting to Calcutta ; if this be admitted the business with the Danes will be soon adjusted by every vessel passing Calcutta paying the duties on the amount of the cargo certified by the Custom House at Serampore, when it is an export cargo from Bengal, and on the amount of the import cargo to be certified by the invoices and oaths of the Master and Super-cargo. Should the Danes, contrary to our expectation, resist an arrangement founded on such equitable principles, or find means to evade it, we have further to signify our approbation of your determination for taking into consideration the propriety of re-establishing the Custom House at Houghly for collecting the duties formerly levied on the trade of the foreign settlements, or of adopting such other measures as may appear more advisable. It never can be considered as a hardship that a factory of a nation residing under the protection of another should be put on the same footing with respect to privileges as the subjects of the protecting nation. Answer to the letter in the Separate Department^ dated 25th December 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the last dispatch. (2) Forwarding proceedings. (3 and 4) Referring to statements showing the resources which have been derived from salt in 1797-8. (5 ) Advising the amount sale of eight lacks of maunds of salt. 18. Need no reply. 19. You have very satisfactorily accounted for the profit arising from the salt in 1797-8 having fallen short of the profits of the preceding year in the sum of sicca rupees (5,20,456) five lacks twenty thousand four hundred and fifty six. 20. Needs no reply. 196 SEPARATE LETTER FROM COURT (6 and 7) Pension to Mr. J. Wilson an Assistant in the Salt Department. (8-13) Opium. (14-17) Relative to Captain Canning’s suit against the Company and advising his having been nonsuited. (18) Advising the net proceeds of the customs for 1797-8. 21. In the 14th and 15th paragraphs of your last dispatch in this Department of the 2nd September 1799, we are advised of the death of Mr. Wilson, shortly after this indulgence had been granted to him. 22. Already replied to. 23. Need no reply. London, the 11th June 1800. We are, Your affectionate friends, Hugh Inglis / D. Scott / J. Manship / John Roberts / George Tatem / Abram Robarts / Thos. Parry / William Thornton / G. W. Thellusson / Rob. Thornton / Joseph Cotton / Jacob Bosanquet / Stepn. Lushington / Chas. Grant / Lionel Darell / Thos. T. Metcalfe / Paul Le Mesurier / Chas. Mills. LAW DEPARTMENT 40 LETTER DATED 5 AUGUST 1796 Judicial administration of the Presidency towns—matters relating to the Supreme Court at Calcutta, OuR Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Our last letter from this Department was dated 8th July 1795. We now proceed to reply to such parts of your advices received since that period as relate to Law matters. Public letter of 24th December 1794 (29-31) Transmitting a further and more detailed opinion of the Advocate General relative to the ransom of Nattal, and mentioning that the Residency of Fort Marlborough have been directed to supply the information on the points therein required. (40-43) Relative to Mr. Galley’s refusal to act as a Justice of Peace at Bombay. (44-52) Taking that the expectation of defraying the Police Establishment of Calcutta from the produce of the Abkarry tax is frustrated, the Company’s right to collect it within the limits of Calcutta being doubtful, information required from the Board 2. We shall cause the opinion of the King’s Advocate to be taken upon the case mentioned in these paragraphs. 3. The question which has arisen at Bombay on the construction of the late act of Parliament in consequence of Mr. Edward Galley’s refusal to act as Justice of the Peace appears to us of considerable importance, but as it does not require our immediate decision, we shall defer giving our sentiments upon it till we hear from that Presidency on the subject or learn what steps have been there taken in consequence of your communication of the Advocate General’s opinion. 4. We shall reply to these paragraphs when the information required from the Board of Revenue shall be received. 198 LAW LETTER FROM COURT of Revenue as to the general exercise of this right prior to the passing of the Regulating Act of 1773. (53) Office of Collector of Taxes annexed to that of Collector of Calcutta, and a commission of ten per cent allowed on the collections. (55) Stating why only a part of the assessment of Calcutta has been confirmed. (56) Office of the Assessor of Calcutta rendered a permanent office with a salary. 5. In the 5th paragraph of our letter of 8th July 1795 we informed you that we entertained a doubt of the legality and propriety of the commission allowed to the Collector of the scavengers rates in Calcutta, and recommended the subject to your reconsideration; and as we entertained the same doubts with respect to the commission allowed to the Collector of Taxes we refer you to the directions therein contained; and which we also consider as equally applicable to the salary annexed to the office of Assessor of Calcutta as mentioned in the 56th paragraph of the letter to which we are in part replying. 6. Needs no reply. 7. Already replied to. Public letter of 5th February 1795 (28) A question from Madras submitted to the Judges relative to the mode of proceeding at the Quarter Sessions in the absence of the Governor. (29-31) Suits against Justices of the Peace not to be defended by the Company. 8. As we do not find from an examination of your consultations, hitherto received, that the Judges have yet delivered any opinion on the reference from Madras, we have no observation to make on this para-graph. 9. We approve your determination in not defending Justices of the Peace against actions which may be brought against them for wrongs in their offices. No such indemnification is given them in England when they appear to have acted honorably altho’ guilty of little errors. Courts of Justice will give them every reasonable support and as much as possible discourage complaints and actions against them and where they a.ct 5 august 1796 199 (32) Transmitting the proclamation fixing bounds of Calcutta. (33-34) Balance of Police receipts when exceeding a certain sum to be remitted to the General Treasury— Justices and Collector of Calcutta required to send a periodical account of receipts and disbursements. (35) Stating that a further loan of Rupees (40,000) forty thousand has been made to the Justices to enable them to keep the town of Calcutta in repair. (36-38) Stating the circumstances under which the house allotted to the Justices for an office has been engaged for a further period and the terms of engagement. (39) Advising the revival of the office of Clerk of the Peace and of the from improper motives or with improper views they ought to be left open to the law. An expectation of indemnity might induce them to be less attentive than they ought to be to the fair discharge of the duties of their stations. We therefore as at present advised cannot give our sanction to your resolution to offer indemnity in any case where an action or complaint shall appear to be malicious, vexatious and groundless; they will be entitled to recover their costs from the party by whom they are sent or prosecuted, and very few instances will be found to justify a resort to Government for indemnification which from private friendship may be abused. 10. Needs no reply. 11. We approve of the regulations advised in these paragraphs. 12. Of the propriety or necessity of making this loan to the Justices, you yourselves are the most proper judges and we have only to express a hope that some resource will be found adequate to the expence of the police establishment, without having recourse to loans from the Company’s treasury. 13. We approve of your having allotted the house formerly hired for the reception of the Vakeel of the Nabob of Oude, for an office for the Justices, and of the terms on which it is continued to be rented but we are of opinion that this expence should not be continued as a charge on the Company distinct from the general police establishment, but included therein. 14. Upon comparing the allowance and establishment made to the Clerk 200 LAW LETTER FROM COURT salary and establishment annexed thereto. (40-41) Stating the amount of the allowance granted to the late temporary and the present permanent Assessors of Calcutta. of the Peace as mentioned in your letter of the 5th of February 1795 with those formerly made to that officer as referred to in the Governor General’s minute entered on the Public Consultations of 16th January 1795, it appears that the allowance and establishment of that officer has sometimes been greater and sometimes a trifle less and as what is now proposed is upon due consideration of the business annexed to the office, we approve of the allowance and establishment you have made. 15. We have already expressed our doubts of the legality of applying any part of the public assessments to any uses whatever except to those for which they are made, and which doubts we still entertain, notwithstanding the opinion of your Advocate General that all the charges necessarily incurred by making such assessments may, under the true construction of the Act, be lawfully deducted from the sums collected; we cannot therefore yet give you full approbation for having granted to the four temporary Assessors of Calcutta the. allowance of rupees (300) three hundred per month salary and (100) one hundred rupees per month for ex-pences from the date of their appointments until the delivery of their respective accounts. The same objection lies against the salary you have granted to the permanent Assessor which, if on a reconsideration of the subject as directed in our orders of the 8th July 1795 should be found improper, must be immediately discontinued. We also think five hundred rupees per month too large an allowance for this duty, if there should be no legal objection to it, and therefore in that case direct it to be reduced to three hundred rupees per month which we deem a very adequate compensation both for trouble and expence. 5 august 1796 201 (43) New Commission of the Peace" for Madras applied for. (44) Transmitting a list of Euro- >-pean inhabitants not in the King’s or Company’s service. 16. Need no reply. Public letter of 8th March 1795 (42-43) Respecting fires arising from huts built by natives. (47) Stating that an order has been issued for payment of the salaries to the late Assessors of Calcutta and the Advocate General’s opinion on the subject. (44, 46, 48) Respecting British subjects in India executing covenants. 17. The mischiefs and inconveniences complained of in these paragraphs respecting fires are of a very serious and alarming nature and require the utmost and most speedy exertions of Government in the application of every legal remedy. What that remedy should be can best be considered and determined upon by your Government and from the conclusion of your letter tve hope that it has long before this time been established. 18. Already replied to. 19. We approve your proceedings for getting covenants executed by the various classes of British subjects resident under the protection of your Government except what respects the establishment of a separate office for the registry of covenants being of opinion that such a separate establishment is unnecessary. We agree that your Secretary should not have his mind diverted from more material business by all the minute details relating to the covenants nor is this necessary although the business of the covenants should remain in his office. The various businesses transacted in our Secretary’s office in England are divided into departments amongst the different clerks in the Secretary’s office who go through the minute details under the control and inspection of the Secretary. In like manner we conceive the business relating to covenants may be put under the care of 202 LAW LETTER FROM COURT one of the clerks in your Secretary’s office acting under the Secretary, and the expence of the establishment of a new office be wholly avoided. Public letter of 15th May 1795 (32-33) Stating that a new Com- 20. Need no reply, mission of the Peace has been issued for Bombay. Commercial letter of 7th February 1795 (114-118) Relative to the claim of the assignees of Mr. Lawlie on the Company. (119) Return of commission for examining witnesses in suit against Keighley. 21. Your proceedings in resisting this claim have our fullest approbation. The payment to Mr. Farquhar - son appears to us to have been regular and it seems pretty clear from what Sergeant Hill says in his opinion that if the case had been correctly stated to him he would not have recommended a claim to have been made on the Company, and defective or erroneous as the case is, the principle laid down by the Serjeant justifies the payment but if any doubt had remained upon the right that doubt would have been removed by the payment having been made with the knowledge and under the sanction of the assignee’s agents. 22. Under these circumstances we cannot suppose that the demand will be persisted in but if it should, you must defend it first giving notice to Mr. Farquharson and calling upon him to take the defence upon himself and to bear the charge which we think he will be liable to, notwithstanding his indemnity bond has been cancelled in the unaccountable manner which appears upon the enquiry you have caused to be made into that transaction. 23. The depositions of witnesses and exhibits advised by this paragraph to have been sent home by the Lord Hawkesbury and Essex have been received but we must complain of the inattention and neglect of your solicitor in not attending to the instruc- 5 august 1796 203 Concerning American ships taken by Captain Charles Mitchell’s squa- tions sent out for executing the commission. By these it was desired “that as correct a state as possible might be sent home of what was supposed to be the substance of each witness’s deposition on the part of the Company, and also the names of all the witnesses examined by Mr. Keighley with an account of what it was probable each of them had said that we might be able to form as good a judgement as possible before publication passes [sic] whether any deficiency in the evidence could be supplied here.” 24. But this instruction has been wholly neglected. Not a syllable has been written upon the subject, and we are therefore wholly at a loss to judge whether any additional evidence can be given here of what may have been defective in India. We desire you will point out this negligence in strong terms of reprehension. 25. We also desire that the return of the commission may not prevent your investigating the causes of delay in its execution noticed in our Commercial letters of 15th April and 6th May 1795 to which we shall expect full and explicit answers. 26. Since writing the foregoing paragraphs concerning the commission in the cause against Mr. Keighley, the depositions of the witnesses have been published and we are sorry to add that if the instructions had been attended to the evidence would have been more pointed and complete; however, the cause has been heard and we have obtained a decree for accounts of all Mr. Keighley’s dealings impeached by the bill to be taken before a Master in Chancery except the loss arising upon the silk of 1782 which demand under the advice of our Council was waived. 27. We approve every part of your conduct respecting the ships America 204 LAW LETTER FROM COURT dron as per letters—30th December 1794, paras 144 to 160, 4th February 1795, paras 16 to 18, 6th March 1795, paras 24 to 30, 12th May 1795, paras 54 to 56. Concerning the demand on Mr. Holt’s sureties. and Enterprise mentioned in these paragraphs as the most likely both to avoid any misunderstanding with the States of America and to conciliate the minds of the parties by affording them reasonable assistance to perform their voyage home. The principle upon which you acted in leaving the consequences of the capture both as to benefit and damage to the captors is certainly a right one and from which we shall not depart. The gratuities therefore which we have given to the commanders and officers of the several ships employed in the expedition in the Eastern Seas is not to be considered as freeing Captain Mitchell from the decrees against him respecting these American ships but the damages awarded against him must be paid and so far has it been advanced by the Company as mentioned in your letters be refunded by him in like manner as if no reward had been given him for meritorious services. 28. No demand has yet been made here by the Americans for the damages awarded them by the Supreme Court; if such a demand should be made it will be resisted on the part of the Company, but we hope they will pursue their remedy against Captain Mitchell and not pursue the Company. 29. We are exceedingly surprised at not having heard from you upon this subject to any material effect since your letter of 27th October 1793, para 146, at which time you informed us that a letter had been addressed to you by Mr. Bathurst on the subject of the claim on him and Mr. Arbuthnot as sureties for Mr. Holt, but you neither stated to us the substance of the letter nor transmitted us a copy thereof, but merely acquainted us that it was under reference, and that the result would be advised by a future dispatch. 11 JUNE 1800 205 30. This reference ought to have produced and we must presume did produce a refutation of what Mr. Bathurst alleges by way of objection to the demand made upon [him] and Mr. Arbuthnot and therefore we rely that if our instructions to proceed against them have been pursued the money has been or will be recovered, but if contrary to our expectations the misconduct of our servants from their engagements, [sic] we direct that those who have so misconducted themselves be called upon to make good the Company’s damages as such misconduct must either have arisen from wilfulness or the grossest negligence. 31. Whatever may have been done or doing we desire to be fully informed of all your proceedings with every circumstance relating to the transaction. We are, Your affectionate friends, D. Scott / Hugh Inglis / John Roberts / R. Thornton / J. Smith Burges / Simon Fraser / Thos. Parry / John Travers / Joseph Cotton / A. M. Campbell / W. Elphinstone / Stepn. Williams / Paul Le London, Mesurier / W. Bensley / George Tatem / the 5th August 1796. Thos. T. Metcalfe. 41 LETTER DATED 11 JUNE 1800 Revision of the establishment of the Supreme Court of Judicature and reduction of law expenses. OlJR Governor General in Council at Fort William in Bengal. 1. Your several dispatches in the Law Department which require any answer from us are dated the 22nd February, 29th September and 25th December 1798. 206 LAW LETTER FROM COURT Answer to the letter in the Law Department dated the 28th February 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the last" dispatch. (2-5) Answer, in part, to the Court’s letter in the Law Department dated the 5th August 1796. (6) Referring to the reports of the Revenue Collectors relative to the Abkarry tax. 2. Need no reply. (7-15) Answer to the Court’s letter of the 5th of August 1796, continued. (16-19) Inconvenience and danger of straw huts in large towns, occasioning frequent conflagrations. 3. We have perused the reports from the Revenue Collectors, referred to in this paragraph on the subject of the Abkarry, or tax upon spirituous liquors, which appears to have been pretty generally levied throughout the provinces in one shape or other previous to the Company’s acquisition of the Dewanny. It further appears from a document which accompanied the report from the Collector of Kishenagur, that before that period, the tax which was levied on the makers and venders of spirituous liquors within the towns of Chinsura, Chandernagore and Calcutta was higher than in the interior, on account of the superior quality of the spirits manufactured in those places. 4. As it may be necessary to have recourse to various other articles of taxation, and as doubts have been entertained of the Company’s right to collect duties within the limits of Calcutta, the principal place of consumption, the propriety of obtaining the sanction of the Legislature for that purpose, and for imposing regulations for the police of that city, and for other purposes, is now in contemplation. 5. Need no reply. 6. As it appears by the opinion of your Advocate General that the Justices do not derive from the Statute of the 33rd of His Majesty, under which they were appointed, any powers or authority adequate to the purpose of preventing or remedying the mischiefs arising from the erecting of habitation in Calcutta, thatched with 11 JUNE 1800 207 (20-23) Answer to the Court’s letter of rhe 5th of August 1796, continued. (24) Respecting the Commission in the cause of Mr. Keighly. (25) Capt. Mitchell’s application to be allowed the balance of his Proctor’s bill of law charges, in the suit relative to the capture of the ships, America and Enterprize. straw and constructed of mats and other combustible materials, we trust that powers will soon be sent out so that the accomplishment of this salutary purpose may be attained. 7. Need no reply. 8. Already replied to. 9. Upon the subject of the capture of the two ships named in this paragraph by the squadron under the command of Commodore Sir Charles Mitchell, it is necessary to inform you that Mr. Babcock in whose favor a decree was obtained in the Supreme Court for the Enterprize, applied to us for payment of the balance due on that decree, after deducting the sum of sicca rupees 37,500, which you had ordered to be advanced him in Bengal on his several applications. 10. Having attended to the proceedings advised in your several letters in the Political Department of the 30th December 1794, 4th February, 6th March and 12th May 1795, and to our reply thereto of the 5th August 1797, having also taken the opinions of His Majesty’s Advocate General and our Standing Counsel, we thought it advisable under all the circumstances of the case to pay Mr. Babcock’s demand which was adjusted as follows: Amount of costs and damages decreed by the Supreme Court ... £9,428- 3-11 Interest for one year from the 9th April 1795 (which we considered as a sufficient period for the arrival of Mr. Babcock in this country and for preferring his claims) at 5 p.c. 471-8-2 £9,899-12- 1 208 LAW LETTER-FROM COURT Deduct sicca rupees 35,000 advanced in Ben- gal the 9th March 1795 @ S.1/1 Id. the current rupee £3,890-16-8. In- terest to 9th April 1796 @ 5 per cent per annum £210-15-1. And sicca rupees 2,500 advanced 1st May 1795 with interest as above £291 4,392-11- 9 The balance being £5,507- 0- 4 was accordingly paid to Mr. Babcock on his giving a full discharge of all demands against the Company and the captors in respect of the capture and detention of the American ship Ent er prize and her cargo by the squadron formerly under the command of Commodore Mitchell. 11. Some time after this had taken place we received a memorial from Sir Charles Mitchell representing the great expences incurred by himself and the other captors jointly in prosecuting the suit against the American ships captured by the squadron under his command amounting to upwards of £7,400 for the balance of which being sicca rupees 22,712-6-5 he had been called on in his former voyage to Bengal and was obliged to give bond for payment in England before he could be permitted to leave Bengal, and praying we would take the whole of this subject into our consideration and afford him relief. 12. As we entertained no doubt but that in his proceedings relative to the capture of the American ships, Commodore Mitchell was actuated by a laudable zeal for the public service committed to his charge, we agreed to indemnify him against the bond for sicca rupees 22,712-6-5 for the balance of law' charges in the suit brought in the Supreme Court for the condemnation of those ships, and 11 JUNE 1800 209 (26) Answer to the Court’s letter of the 5th August 1796 concluded. (27-28) Request of Mr. Justice Royds to be allowed his salary either from the date of the letters patent of his appointment or from the date of their receipt in Calcutta. (29-32) Mentioning that the Court will hereafter be informed of the result of an application to Mr. Collie, one of the securities for Mr. Cotton’s China remittance, to make good the amount due from him on this account. (33) Transmitting a list of the" European inhabitants of Calcutta and its environs. (34) Forwarding the covenants of such Europeans as have executed them. have accordingly paid the same with interest from the date of the bond, the amount at 2s. the current rupee being £2,849-5. You will therefore direct these payments to be brought to account on your general books in the proper manner. 13. Needs no reply. 14. Agreeably to the directions in the Act of Parliament Mr. Justice Royds’ salary is to commence from the time of his taking upon himself the office of Judge of the Supreme Court of Judicature viz. the 23rd of October 1797. 15. We are anxious to be informed of your ultimate proceedings against Mr. Collie for the recovery of the amount due to the Company on account of Mr. Cotton’s China remittance, which has been so many years unadjusted. ► 16. Need no reply. Answer to the letter in the Law Department dated 29th September 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the last dispatch. (2-7) Conduct of Mr. Charles Mac-lean. 17. Needs no reply. 18. We approve of your proceedings respecting Mr. Charles Maclean, as advised in these paragraphs. We trust that the regulations referred to in the 94th paragraph of your dispatch in the Public Department dated the 2nd of September 1799, of which we have already signified our approbation, will effectually prevent, in future, the insertion of improper Vol. XIII—14 210 LAW LETTER FROM. COURT paragraphs and essays in the news papers printed at your Presidency. (8) Advising the arrival of Sir John 19. Needs no reply. Anstruther and Sir Henry Russell. Answer to the letter in the Law Department dated 25th December 1798 (1) Mentions the date of the last advices. (2-8) Revision of the establishment of the Supreme Court of Judicature and reduction of Law expenses. 20. Needs no reply. 21. We have perused with great pleasure the letter addressed to you by Sir John Anstruther, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William, together with the report therein referred to on thc establishment of the Supreme Court, made to you by the Judges of that Court, pursuant to the Act of Parliament passed in the 37th year of the Reign of His present Majesty; and having duly considered the same, with the several statements thereto annexed, we have to express our satisfaction with respect to the matter of the report, and our approbation of your resolutions thereon of the 24th December 1798, confirming the abolition of several offices and salaries proposed to be immediately or eventually abolished, and also the establishment of salaries and allowances recommended by the Judges to be annexed to the several offices proposed to be continued. 22. We entirely concur with you in the opinion you have formed of the salutary regulations which the Judges have adopted for reducing the expenses of law suits, and for correcting the abuses in the office of Sheriff; and approve of the assurances you have given them of affording the most effectual aid in the execution of the process of the Supreme Court, by passing a law binding the Judges of the several provincial 11 JUNE 1800 211 Courts to assist in the execution of that process, in the cases and in the manner suggested in the report. 23. We likewise very much approve of your having requested to know the sentiments of the Supreme Court of Judicature with respect to the charges incurred on account of the Law Officers of the Company—of the estabhshment of Justices of the Peace—of the Police of Calcutta—of the Court of Requests—and of the Coroner’s Office. Although the Court has no control over these several articles of charge, it is certainly very desirable that you should be furnished with any suggestion which might occur to the Judges with regard to the number and the duties of the Justices of the Peace; the regulation of Police of Calcutta; and of the Office of Coroner; and the better administration of Justice in the Court of Requests. The sentiments and suggestions of the Supreme Court will probably enable you to make a considerable reduction in these several articles of charge, which appear to amount, in the aggregate, to rupees (1,67,145) one lac, sixty seven thousand, one hundred and forty five per annum; and we direct that you acquaint us with your final determination herein. 24. Upon this subject it remains for us to observe, that in compliance with the request of tlie Judges, we have resolved not to allow any person to proceed to India for the purpose of practising either as an advocate or as an attorney until the Judges shall have signified to you their opinion that the number of advocates and attornies practising in the Court is so reduced as to require an augmentation. 25. We should not do justice to our feelings, if, in conclusion, we did not express the high sense we entertain of the able and impartial manner 212 LAW LETTER. FROM COURT (9-10) Advising the resignation of Mr. Carrington, Junior Counsel to the Company, for the purpose of returning to Europe for the recovery of his health. (11) Advising the appointment of Mr. John Bateman to succeed Mr. Carrington in the office of Junior Counsel. London, the 11th June 1800. in which Sir John Anstruther and his associates, in obedience to the directions of the Legislature, and at our recommendation have entered into the revision of the establishment of the Supreme Court of Judicature. The regulations which they have adopted for the reduction of law charges, thereby facilitating the attainment of justice to all, and particularly to the poorer classes of the community, cannot be mentioned but in terms of the warmest approbation; indeed, the whole of the arrangements proposed by the Supreme Court evince a high sense of duty rising superior to every other consideration and manifest the most unequivocal disposition in the Chief Justice and the rest of the Judges to discharge the important functions of their stations with integrity and honor. 26. Need no reply. 27. We approve of the appointment of Mr. John Bateman to succeed Mr. Carrington in the office of Junior Counsel. We are, Your affectionate friends, Hugh Inglis/D. Scott/J. Manship/ John Roberts / George Tatem / Abra’m Robarts / Thos. Parry / William Thornton / G. W. Thellusson / Robt. Thornton / Joseph Cotton / Stephen Lushing-ton / Chas. Grant / Lionel DareU / Thos. T. Metcalfe / Paul Le Mesurier / Chas. Mills. LETTERS TO COURT PUBLIC DEPARTMENT i LETTER DATED 11 JANUARY 1796 Shipping news—insufficiency of gold coins in Madras—request to Bengal Government to consign to that Presidency a quantity of gold bullion—use of grain ships freighted by the Company—Smith the nurseryman sent to the Spice Islands—state of the general treasury. To the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, We have the honour to inform you that the Prince William Henry and Worcester last from the Cape of Good Hope imported here on the 3rd instant. 2. As the dispatches by these ships contain only duplicates of your Hon’ble Court’s letters already replied to under date the 2nd of November, we shall by this opportunity answer those of the Sth of July, of which we acknow-ledgefd] the receipt on the 16th ultimo by the Nonsuch. 3. The Lord Thurlow and Minerva got clear of their pilot on the 30th Consn 9th ultimo in order to fill up at Madras, conformably to our November. resolutions for despatching the Indiamen of the season agree- ably to the established practice. A copy of the Board’s minute on this head is sent a number in the packet. 4. The Hillsborough and Francis having received their cargoes are now under sailing orders to join the abovenamed ships at Madras and proceed with them to Europe. 5. We have the honor to send by this conveyance copies of our despatches of 28th of August, 2nd of November and 16th ultimo. Answer to the General letter, Public Department, dated 8th July 1795 (1) Date of last dispatch the 3rd ” (2) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. 6. Need no reply. (3) Expressive of their approbation of our having built a new yacht to replace the Charlotte, 216 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (4) Solicitous to know the result of the experiment relative to the new buoy, and the opinion of the Committee for investigating the state of the Marine on Captain Blair’s1 letter relative to the navigation of the river and pilot service in general. (5) Adverting to paragraphs that' need no reply. (6) Approve of the regulations for pensions to pilots. (7) Adverting to paragraphs that have been already replied to. (8) Noticing paragraphs that need no reply. (9) Approving of the reduction in the Marine expences as also of the conduct of the Marine Pay Master and Master Attendant. (10) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (11) Mean to limit the naval stores to the quantity specified in our indents but desire that indents in future be forwarded by the first packet for the supply requisite for the Calcutta merchants. (12) Adverting to paragraphs that" need no reply. (13) Expressive of their approbation of the new method of regulating advances to the Marine Paymaster. (14) Approve of our recommendations to the Bombay Government to retard the liquidation of their debts till their disbursements and advances for investment were provided for. (15) Contents of the preceding paragraph equally applicable to this. ► (16) Approve the proposed sale of naval stores. (17) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. 7. We beg leave to refer you to the 36th and 37th paragraphs of your Commercial letter of the 24th December 1794 for our report upon the buoy proposed by Captain Blair, also to the 67th and subsequent paragraphs under the head of Marine of our letter to the Hon’ble Court of the 20th of March last, together with the letter and report from the Marine Committee which accompanied it. 8. Need no reply. 9. We have furnished the Master Attendant and Marine Pay Master with copies of this paragraph. 10. Needs no reply. 11. We have directed our Secretary to transmit a copy of this paragraph to the Marine Board for their information and guidance. 12. Need no reply. 11 JANUARY 1796 217 (18) Coinciding in the expediency of employing the snow Viper as a packet between Bengal and the coast of Sumatra during the war. (19) Noticing paragraphs that need no reply. (20) Approve the postponing of a sale of naval stores. (21) Presenting Mr. Larkins the late Accountant General2 with 50,000 sicca rupees in reward for his exertions and abilities. (22) Desiring us to apply to the attornies of Messrs. Moore and Wombwell for sums ordered to be refunded by them. 13. Agreeable to your instructions we have authorized our Sub Treasurer to sicca rupees 50,000 to the attornev of Mr. Larkins. 14. We have directed enquiry to be made after the allowances of Messrs. Moore and Wombwell, in order to make the prescribed demand upon them and the result will be communicated to your Hon’ble Court. Fort St, George 15. We Consn. 2nd November ’95. forward with this dispatch copy of a letter from the Madras Government under date the 10th of October explanatory of the great inconvenience they then suffered from the insufficiency of gold coin in circulation and requesting we would consign to that Presidency a quantity of gold bullion equivalent to five lacs of pagodas. 16. The Governor General having made enquiry respecting the most eligible mode of supplying the exigencies of the Madras Government with specie, it appeared that instead of purchasing gold bullion or November^ pagodas it would be more advantageous to appropriate for this purpose the gold bullion sent to the Mint to be coined, giving the proprietors thereof an order upon the treasury for the nett amount of their bullion. And in order to procure the requisite supplies more speedily by this mode, we directed a notification by advertisement to the public, that the Mint Master had authority to grant certificates dischargeable on presentation at the general treasury for the nett amount of gold bullion sent to the Mint, to be ascertained by assay, and after a deduction of the established duties. 17. By the adoption of this measure, gold bullion to the amount of sicca rupees 7,96,988-7-6 was purchased at the Mint in the space of one month between the 9th of November and 9th ultimo when the authority to the Mint Master ceased. The bullion was consigned to Fort St. George by the Hawke then under dispatch, and we have the satisfaction to inform your Hon’ble Court that it was received at Madras on the 20th ultimo. 218 PUBLIC LEITER TO COURT 18. From the pressing and unexpected demand for cash for particular services of great importance and emergency, of which your Hon’ble Court Consn. 30th November. are aware, we expressed to the Madras Government our apprehensions that it would not be in our power to afford them pecuniary aid to the apparent extent of their exigencies, and therefore recommended it to their consideration to endeavor to raise money by the sale of promissory notes at a rate of discount somewhat higher than what they bore in the market in order to secure a more ready sale. This mode of supply, if practicable, we observe would tend to the material relief of our fund as the notes which the Government might issue are exchangeable for other notes only, whereas bill drawn upon us must be paid in cash. 19. In addition to the foregoing suggestion and adverting to a possibility that the Madras Government would not thereby be able to raise sufficient sum for their public exigencies, we recommended that they should avail themselves of the authority granted to them by your Hon’ble Court under date the 25th of February 1793, for raising money by drawing bills upon you, referring them to the advertisement issued by us under date the 18th of September last for the terms on which money is received at this Presidency for bills upon your Hon’ble Court. 20. Of the success of the measures abovestated, we shall have the honor to advise you by a future opportunity. 21. At the period when the preceding resolutions were adopted, bills for cash ^ad been drawn upon this Government by the Madras 9 ecem er o. presjjenCy from the 23rd of September last to the amount of sicca rupees 10,91,000 and further bills have been transmitted making on the 21st ultimo a total of sicca rupees 14,05,541. Bombay 22. In continuation of the subject of the ship Surat Castle freighted by the Bombay Government at 35£ per ton on which our opinion November23^ will be found in the 71 and 72 paragraphs of our Public General letter of the 2nd of November last, we transmit for the information of your Hon’ble Court a number in the packet copy of a letter dated the 21st of October containing a further explanation of that transaction. 23. By this opportunity you will also receive a report from Bombay on the trial made of Mr. Sabatier’s machine for packing cotton, with an estimate of the cost of each bale. We expect two bales screwed with this machine will shortly arrive, for the inspection of the Board of Trade. 24. On the 27th of November, we received a letter from Mr. Duncan at Anjango of the 31st of the preceding month giving cover to several letters from Mr. Hutchinson expressive of his disinclination against proceeding to his station in Council at Bombay. 25. For the better information of your Hon’ble Court, we beg leave to send herewith a copy of the correspondence at length together with copy of 11 JANUARY 1796 219 the Governor General’s minute and of our opinion as given to the Bombay Government, that under the disqualifications of ill health stated by Mr. Hutchinson, he should not be compelled to accept the appointment at present, but be permitted to retain his rank in the service and remain in his present station so long as he may be thought qualified to hold it, but that Mr. Hutchinson should be called upon to declare formally his resignation of the appointment conferred on him by your Hon’ble Court with a view to obviate the inconveniences that might accrue from his nominally retaining it. 26. Having taken into consideration the orders of your Hon’ble Court as contained in the 213th paragraph of your Commercial letter of the 15th of April 1795, we do not find that the records of this Government afford any information beyond that which is already before you on the subject of the Bengal contract rice sent from Bombay and Tellicherry to Madras in 1792. 27. The advertisement inviting proposals for the Bombay rice contract issued by the Government on the 24th January 1791, contained a clause which was a regular and sufficient security against any imposition on the part of the contractor by the delivery of rice inferior to the sample agreed for. The terms of it were as follows: “In case the quality of the rice should not be approved, five merchants mutually chosen by the Governor in Council at Bombay and the contractor or contractors shall examine the same and determine whether it is bonafide good merchantable Backergunge cargo rice. If it does not prove so, it shall be in the option of the Governor in Council to refuse, or receive it at a reduced rate to be settled by the merchants who may be chosen to examine it.” 28. If rice of a quality not answering the description in the advertisement was received by the Bombay Government, the responsibility attaches to them. 29. The information contained in the papers communicated to us by your Hon’ble Court applies to a very small proportion of the rice received there, and in order to the pursuance of the investigation prescribed by you, we have directed a copy of the paragraph to be sent to the Presidency of Bombay with a request to transmit us a statement of the quantities of rice received at Bombay and Tellicherry from Bengal, in discharge of the contracts of 1791, specifying the name of each ship, the quantity imported on it, on account of which contractor the quantities received or rejected, the authorities and reports by which they were so received and rejected and particular information as to the packages, and to the mode on which it was deposited. Secondly, a statement of the quantities of rice sent from Bombay or Tellicherry to Madras or the Northern Sircars specifying the name of the ship by which it was sent, of what contract it was a part, the nature of the package and the names of the persons by whom it was packed and laden. St. Helena 30. Upon the information we received that the exigencies at St. Helena are very urgent, we gave an early order to the Board of Trade to take the most expeditious mode of supplying that settlement with double the usual 220 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT quantity of rice and rum for the expenditure of the ensuing season. We trust, however, that as the communication of their necessities was made by Sir G. K. Elphinstone,3 the surrender of the Cape of Good Hope will enable him or the commanding officer there, to furnish the required relief. Company^ Servants 31. Mr. William Dent having resigned the office of Salt Agent of the Tumlook Division, we have appointed Mr. John Champain to succeed to that station. 32. Mr. Dent, with his resignation of your service, transmitted to us certificates from the Head Surgeon at the Presidency shewing the necessity of his proceeding to England for the reestablishment of his health, and we have no hesitation to request the permission of your Hon’ble Court for his return to Bengal without prejudice to his rank on his application for it within the period limited by your regulations. Europe Ships 33. In the 56th paragraph of our Commercial letter of the 2nd of November last, we informed your Hon’ble Court that the following store ships vizt., Marquis Cornwallis, Prince of Wales, and Admiral Parker, would on their discharge be ordered to proceed to Canton. We have however since determined on the expediency of ordering them round to Bengal for the conveyance of Company’s freight to Europe and have written to the Madras Government to that effect in the event of their touching there. Freight and Tonnage 34. On the 17th of November, the Board of Trade reported to us that the engagements they had made for tonnage taken up for England then amounted to 5,008 tons, and the first advance being then due, we granted the Board a credit on the treasury for sicca rupees 3,43,405-11-5. 35. The following is a list of the grain ships freighted by us and for the most part dispatched to Europe. [For the list see page 221.] To accelerate the despatch of these ships carrying grain to Great Britain, we deemed it expedient to desire that the Board of Trade, on the invoice, bills of lading, and other documents, of each being prepared, would direct their Secretary to transmit them under cover to the Secretary at the India House, with any information that might be necessary respecting any particular case or circumstances of any ship despatched. 36. For the more particular information of your Hon’ble Court, we forward a number in the packet copy of our instructions on this head to the Board of Trade, and also of our deliberations bn the orders contained in the 127th, 128th and 129th paragraphs of your Hon’ble Court’s letter of the 8th of July. Ships Commanders Owners Date of engagement Tonnage Cargoes Chichester Benjamin Blake Benjamin Blake 15th October 1795. 500 5,000 bags of rice Dispatched 23rd of December 1795. Britannia Thos. Dennett Lambert and Ross 15th Do. Do. 400 5,000 bags of rice and piece goods Do. Do. Nonsuch Robt. Duffin John Canning 15th Do. Do. 500 5,000 bags of rice Sailed the 17th December 1795 ; dispatched 23rd. General Medows Wm. Me. Donald Wm. Me. Donald 15th Do. Do. 320 4,000 Do. Do. Sailed the 1st January ’96. Harriet Berwick Mattw. Sparron John Me. Taggart John Farrer Jn. Me. Taggart 30th 17th Do. Novr. Do Do. 500 450 6,000 Do. Do. Rice Dispatched 23rd of December 1795. Princess Royal John Reid John Reid, owner’s part 17th Do. Do. 1,200 12,000 bags of rice and sundries Duckenfield Hall J. C. Morris Owners in Europe, Agent here Rt. Campbell 17th Do. Do. 600 6,000 bags of rice Eliza Anne John Lloyd John Lloyd 17th Do. Do. 500 7,000 bags of rice and 62 chests of sugar Abercromby Warren Hastings Allen Gilmore Fleming Wm. Fairlie Wm. Fairlie 700 500 6,820 bags of rice Sailed the 3rd January ’96. Superb Romain Captn. Romain 550 Sailed the 20th November from town. Royal Charlotte Greenway 700 Amelia Crawford Captn. Parks 953 Ganges Patrickson Mr. Fairlie 600 11 JANUARY 1796 222 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 37. But as the necessary preparations of new forms of registery required consideration, and some time to prepare, and consequently would have procrastinated the despatch of several ships already laden, thereby frustrating the object of expedition inculcated by the orders of the Secret Committee, we had no hesitation in directing that they should be forthwith dispatched under the established passes and register heretofore in use. Miscellanea 38. We transmit a number in the packet copy of a letter from the Surveyor General containing a list of plans and surveys which are sent by this opportunity, also a list of drawings and a package of seeds from the Superintendant of the Botanical Garden, at whose recommendation we have consented to Mr. Smith, his nurseryman, being deputed to the Spice Islands to collect the cinnamon and other plants with a small extra allowance for his expences during the voyage. 39. The state of our treasury this day is as follows: State of the General Treasury the 11th January 1796 Ready money Gold mohurs Siccas Dollars Copper Bills receivable Balance account deposits Account General Mayor’s Court Ditto. Supreme Ditto. Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased Loans at 12 per cent —Do.— Register debt Fort William, 11th January 1796. 51,869-7-0 8,29,911-0- 0 4,05,968-0- 0 12,000-0-0 25,800-0- 0 395-2-11 12,62,074-[2-ll] 3,26,916-13-4 Sicca Rs. 15,88,991-0-3 1,47,780-2-9 90,457- 1-9 8,925- 4-0 31,122- 6-9 900- 2-5 3,92,91,543-10-3 3,95,70,728-11-5 We have the honour to be, etc. etc. (Per Francis,) 2 LETTER DATED 2 FEBRUARY 1796 State of the general treasury. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, I. We have the honor to forward herewith duplicates of our last dis- 2nd February 1796. patches from this Department under date the 11th ultimo, the originals of which were transmitted by the first division of Indiamen. Triplicates of our letters of the 2nd of Novem- ber and 16th ultimo also attend you as numbers in the packet. 2. The ships now under sailing orders are the Earl of Oxford, the Lord Walsingham, and Marquis of Lansdown. 3. Your Hon’ble Court wall be advised from the Secret Department of the reasons which operate against the Woodcott being of this division, as also of the grain ships, and others, which proceed under convoy. 4. Your Hon’ble Court’s dispatches of the 3rd of July were lately received by express from Madras, where they were landed from the Triton. 5. Those in the Commercial Department have particularly occupied our attention, and we shall reply fully to the whole by the earliest opportunity. 6. The state of our treasury this day is as follows: Ready money Gold mohurs Siccas Copper Dollars Bills receivable 35,311 5,64,976- 0-0 4,72,314- 0-0 3,854-10-2 25,800- 0-0 ------------------- 10,66,944-10-2 ................... ... 2,62,516-13-3 Unsorted treasure Balance account deposits Accountant Genl., Mayor’s Court —Do.— Supreme —Do.— Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased Loans at 12 per cent Do. Register debt Sicca Rs. 13,29,461-7-5 5,50,906-4-0 1,47,962- 7-8 90,457- 1-3 8,925- 4-0 31,122- 6-9 900- 2-5 3,91,44,248-14-6 Fort William, We have the honour to be. 2nd February 1796. Hon’ble Sirs, (Per Walsingham.) Your most faithful, humble servants. 3 LETTER DATED 7 MARCH 1796 Dr. Roxburgh’s services more useful for the Botanical Garden at Calcutta —establishment of a hospital for Indians at Calcutta—purchase of ground contiguous to the Botanical Garden—Dr. Balfour’s treatise—sickness and mortality in the Andamans—effects on the settlement—state of the general treasury. To the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. The Indiamen which form the 3rd division now under sailing orders for Europe are the Prince William Henry, the Woodcotte and Hawke, and the Worcester has received her consignments for Bencoolen. 2. We have now the honor to transmit duplicates of our last letter of the 2nd ultimo, also triplicates of our despatches under date the 11th of January and quadruplicates of those of the 16th of December and 2nd of November. 3. The Earl Howe, Berrington, and Henry Dundas imported here on the 24th ultimo. 4. We avail ourselves of this opportunity to reply to your Hon’ble Court’s letter in this Department of the 3rd of July 1795. Answer to the General letter in the Public Department from the Court of Directors dated 3rd July (1 ) Acknowledging the receipt of ” various dispatches. (2 -3) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (4 ) Referring us to former orders on the subject of stationary. (5 ) In reply to our suggestions on the bad preservation and size of the English paper sent to India comparatively speaking with the French, they stated that the regulations they intend to establish will effectually remove the inconveniences we have supposed, and enjoin us at the same time that, should it be necessary to purchase stationary in India, not to allow commission. 5. Require no orders. 6. Your instructions on this subject have been duly attended to. 7. Your orders on this head will be duly attended to. 7 MARCH 1796 225 (6) Suppose that the chest notes," whether transmitted sealed or open, cannot in any way assist in ascertaining the damage which stationary may sustain in coming out. (7) Suggest that the best method to obtain a knowledge of the damage so incurred is by enforcing a strict obedience to our orders of the 3rd December 1790. (8) State that the transmission of the chest notes will be continued as they may occasionally be of use to the person employed to unpack the stationary. (9) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (10) Approve our measures for carrying into effect their orders of the 25th February 1793 for preventing the nefarious practise of selling natives of Bengal, as slaves, at St. Helena. (11) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (12) Relative to paragraphs which have already been replied to. (13) Adverting to a paragraph that needs no reply. (14) Signify their approbation of our contract with Messrs. Lambert & Ross for a supply of rice for Madras and our subsequent resolution of the 18th November 1795 on the same subject. (15) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (16) Expressive of satisfaction at the reduction of the interest on bond debt effected at Madras. (17) Recommending Doctor Roxburgh1 to be employed in whatever place his abilities can render the greatest service. 8. On the receipt of your dispatches, we directed our Secretary to transmit copies of these paragraphs to * the Committee of Stationary for their information and for the guidance of the person appointed to examine the stationary of die season. f 9. Require no answer. 10. We conceive that the abilities of Doctor Roxburgh would be useful in any situation, but the field for their exertion is much more extensive here than it would be on the Coast, unless an establishment were formed there similar to the Botanical Garden here. Vol. XIII—15 226 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT The effects of Doctor Roxburgh’s zeal and knowledge are much more extensive than appears in the attention paid by him to the propagation and distribution of useful plants. (18) Noticing paragraphs that have ” already been replied to. (19) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (20) State that they have replied to the subjects of the Andamans and Prince of Wales Island in preceding letters. (21) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (22) Approve of certain arrangements in the Accountant General’s Office. (23) State then* acquiescence to the option we allowed the subscribers to the Europe remittance to draw bills for such sums as were most convenient to themselves instead of the sum specified by the Court. (24) Expressing satisfaction at our having reduced the interest to 6 per cent issuable at par, instead of nego-ciating 8 per cent notes at a premium, as also of the promissory notes we negociated for 40,00,000 current rupees at a premium of 1 and 2 per cent, bearing interest at 8 per cent, and at par bearing interest at 6 per cent. (25) Suggest that although our Deputy Accountant’s plan to procure the necessary advances for investment may have failed, yet in a more favourable situation of affairs it may be productive of an advantage detailed in our letter of the date above alluded to. (26) Adverting to paragraphs that have already been replied to. (27) Noticing a paragraph that needs no reply. (28) Acquiesce in the propriety of the salary allowed to the late Salt 11. Require no answer. 12. We have transmitted a copy of this paragraph to the Accountant General. 13. Require no answer. 7 MARCH 1796 227 Comptroller after the abolition of his office, whilst making over charge to the Board of Trade. (29) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (30) State that our subsequent advices on the petition from the grand-daughters of the late Seragee-Ul-Dowlah do away the necessity of an answer on the subject. (31) Commend the establishment of an hospital for natives at Calcutta2 and of our monthly donation thereto on the part of the Company; but enjoin that it be not augmented without their consent. (32) Cite the judicious conduct of Lord Cornwallis in refusing to comply with the request of the late Mobaruck-Ul-Dowlah3 for a loan of 2 lacs of rupees. (33) Approve our orders relative to the regular payment of the Nizamut stipends. (34) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (35) Regret the frequent occurrences of perjury and approve of our punishments in consequence. (36) Direct that the pension granted to the widow and family of Capt Hepburn be reduced to sicca rupees 200 per mensem. (37) Enjoin that no similar pensions be granted on any occasion. 14. Requires no answer 15. Copy of this paragraph has been communicated to the Governors of the Native Hospital and we shall attend to your instructions. (38) Anxious to know the result of the experiment on the munjeet plant, and to have samples of the drug. (39) Direct that Mr. Fleming4 report the success of the person sent to Napaul for botanical purposes, as 17. Agreeably to your instructions, we issued the necessary orders for the diminution of the pension, and transmitted a copy of this paragraph to the widow of Captain Hepburn. 18. Your injunctions on this head will command our attention, but we trust your Hon’ble Court will admit a deviation from them in the instance of Mrs. Pott which we shall particularly state in another part of this letter. 19. We shall furnish the information required in this paragraph of your letter by an early opportunity. 20. We have directed our Secretary to transmit a copy of this paragraph to Mr. Fleming with injunctions to 228 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT also that he transmit drawings of such plants etc. as the native may bring back. (40) Adverting to a paragraph that' has already been replied to. (41) Adverting to a paragraph that needs no reply. (42) Noticing paragraph that requires no reply. (43) Adverting to paragraphs that have already been replied to. (44) Approve of the reinforcement sent to Prince of Wales Island. (45-47) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (48) Observe with pleasure that we " rejected but a small quantity of the stationary consigned to us in 1792-3 but remark at the same time that mismanagement in the unpacking may have been the cause of that little being rejected. (49) Report that the wafers sent out this season are packed in small tin cannisters. (50) Regret that the deficiencies stated in our survey reports have been greater than those in any former year. Attribute those by the Francis to some chests .having been unpacked at Madras but are at a loss to conjecture the reasons of the deficiencies by the other ships. (51) Remark that while the consignment of stationary to Madras and Bombay corresponded with the invoices, there appeared great deficiencies at Bengal. (52) Desire from the above circumstances that greater care be in future taken by the person employed to unpack the stationary. (53) Will comply as far as circumstances will permit with our request to have the medicines for Bengal sent out by the four first ships. attend to the order of your Honorable Court. 21. Require no order. 22. We transmitted copies of these paragraphs to the Committee of Stationary for their information and for the guidance of the persons who may be employed to survey the Europe stationary. 23. Your intentions as expressed in this paragraph have been communicated to the Hospital Board. 7 MARCH 1796 229 (54) Adverting to a paragraph that ' needs no reply. (55) Noticing a paragraph that requires no reply. (56) Adverting to the subject of the China remittance which has already been replied to. (57) Approve the construction we put upon the /2nd paragraph of their letter of the 25th June 1793 relative to Mr. Fleming’s application to have his bond on account of Mr. Bruere’s China remittance cancelled. > 24. Require no reply. 25. On the receipt of your advices, the subject of this paragraph was communicated to Doctor Fleming. (58) Adverting to paragraphs that -] have already been replied to. (59) Noticing paragraphs that require no reply. (60) Adverting to paragraphs that have already been replied to. (61) Relative to paragraphs which they remark ought to have come from the Military Department and to which they refer us for their answer. (62) Refer us to the Law Department for their sentiments on our proceedings against four soldiers for theft at Bencoolen. (63) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (64) State that their Military letter replies to the subject of allowances to the officers stationed at Prince of Wales Island. (65) Adverting to a paragraph j which has already been replied to. (66) Refer us to their military advices of this date for their sentiments on the force to be stationed at the Andamans. 26. Require no reply. (67) Approve of our determination to send convicts to the Andamans. (68) Coincide with us as to the expediency of employing a vessel for the Andaman service. (69) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. 230 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (70) Observe with, satisfaction that the five lacs of pagodas consigned to us from Madras in October 1793 proved to be an eligible mode of remittance. (71) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (72) Commend the salutary advice contained in the Governor General’s letter to the Nabob of Bengal and Munny Begum,5 and desire us to acknowledge the receipt of their letter. (73) Adverting to paragraphs that 1 need no reply. j (74) Refer us to their reply on our ^ report upon the stationary imported on the Francis. (75) State that by a reference to ' our ledgers of 1792-3 and ’93-4, they find the account of stationary credited for current rupees 3,953 and Rs. 879 the invoice cost of articles so disposed of. (76) Do not approve burning or destroying large quantities of stationary although deemed unserviceable. (77) Revoke former orders and desire that all condemned stationary may be sold except where the damage sustained has arisen from the fault of freight-owners or sloop contractors, when the damage is to be carried to the account of those persons. (78) Observe that Mr. Peris has not given the documents as required by us to prove the discovery of the longitude. (79) Desire to be acquainted with the sentiments of the Hospital Board on Dr. Roxburgh’s manuscript on the subject of indigo. (80) Anxious to know the success of the experiments on teak seed. 27. We furnished the Governor General with a copy of this paragraph and requested him to comply with the wishes of your Honorable Court. 28. Require no reply. 29. The orders of your Honorable *■ Court as contained in these paragraphs will be attended to. 30. Mr. Peris has not answered the requisition which we made concerning his professed discovery. 31. We have directed our Hospital Board to submit their sentiments on the manuscript your Court allude to, relative to the cultivation and manufacture of indigo. 32. Doctor Roxburgh has been instructed to report the success of the experiment made in different parts of EXTRACT FR( 7 MARCH 1796 231 the country, and the result will be communicated to your Honorable Court. (81) Adverting to paragraphs that * have already been replied to. (82) Approve our purchase of the ground contiguous to the Botanical Garden and of the money laid out upon it. (83) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (84) Direct that we transmit the remaining thirty copies of our subscription to Mr. Upjohn’s Plan of Calcutta.^ (85) Adverting to paragraphs that ) need no reply. (86) Noticing a paragraph that requires no reply. (87) Refer us to their letter in the Law Department for their advices on the Calcutta Police and on the appointment of justices of the peace. (88) Adverting to paragraphs that J> need no reply. (89) Acknowledge the receipt of plants and seeds sent by the Warren Hastings. (90) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (91) Noticing a paragraph that requires no reply. (92) State that they have already replied to the subject of Captain Canning’s China remittances. (93) Adverting to paragraphs that' require no reply. (94) Approve of our having fixed the rate of exchange of bills drawn upon them from Bombay at 2s 2/2d per Bombay rupee. (95) Refer us to their Military letter of this date for their sentiments on the reinforcement required at Bencoolen, 33. Require no reply. 34. We transmit copies by this opportunity. 35. Require no reply. 36. We shall reply to this subject by the next dispatch. 232 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (96) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (97) Approve of the new form for issuing promissory notes in sicca instead of current rupees. (98) Coincide with us as to the expediency of the measure adopted at the recommendation of the Accountant General that the issuing promissory notes and keeping the register of indorsements on bonds and notes should be confined to the SubTreasurer’s Office. (99) Postpone for a time their decision on the subject of the tranfer of the unliquidated bond debt from the other Presidencies to Bengal. (100) Report that they have transmitted to Lord Cornwallis the address from the British inhabitants of Calcutta. (101) Expressive of the satisfaction they have received from the perusal of Sir W. Jones’ translation of the Code of Hindoo Laws and report that the copies intended for the King7 have been presented to him. (102) Adverting to a paragraph that needs no reply. (103) Noticing paragraphs that require no reply. (104) Approve very much of the reduction of the principal and interest of the Bombay bond debt and confide in our exertions to enable that Presidency to accomplish their orders of the 25th June 1793 on that subject. (105) Adverting to a paragraph that has already been replied to. (106) Desire us to transmit the result of Major Kyd’s investigation of Prince of Wales Island. > 37. Require no reply. 38. We shall continue to pay particular attention to the subject of this paragraph. 39. Requires no reply. 40. Major Kyd’s reports with our sentiments on it at large were transmitted with our dispatches of the 23rd of March and 5th of November 1795. (107) Approve of the augmenta-' tion of table allowance granted to Major Kyd. 7 MARCH 1796 233 (108) Confirm the additional allowance to the Fort Adjutant for extra duties. (109) Adverting to paragraphs for their advice on which they refer us to the Law Department. (110) Noticing paragraphs that have already been replied to. (Ill) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (112) Report that they have already replied on the subject of the memorial from Mr. Edward Fenwick8. 41. Require no reply. (113) Augment the Post Master General’s salary to sicca rupees 1,000 per month and reestablish the dawk bearers as regulated in their letter of the 27th March 1787 but limit the expence to 12,000 sicca rupees. (114) Commend the encouragement we gave to Doctor Balfour’s treatise on sol-lunar influence.9 (115) Express their regret at the death of Sir William Jones but hope that his works may be completed. 42. We directed our Secretary to inform the Post Master General of the augmentation you have been pleased to make to his salary and have authorized the reestablishment of the dawk bearers, subject to die several restrictions pointed out by your Hon’ble Court. 43. Requires no reply. 44. We are happy on the subject of this paragraph to inform you that Mr. Henry Colebrooke, Judge and Magistrate of Mirzapore in the Benares District, has undertaken to translate the Hindoo Code10 and that he has made considerable progress towards the completion of this work. (116) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (117) Concur in opinion with us as to the beneficial effects derived from the equipment of Commodore Mitchell’s squadron. (118) Adverting to a paragraph that needs no reply. (119) Approve of our refusal to grant bills for subscriptions received at Bombay on account of remittances to Europe and censure their servants at that Presidency for issuing any more certificates either in discharge of the bond or promissory note debt 234 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT after the receipt of their orders of the 25th February 1793. (120) Commend the measures we had adopted to liquidate the Bombay bond debts bearing interest at high rates and trust to our exertions to reduce their paper engagements in India to 6 per cent interest. (121) Adverting to a paragraph that needs no reply., (122) Approve of Mr. Belli’s11 appointment to the Assay notwithstanding the deviation it occasioned from the established system. (123) Adverting to a paragraph that needs no reply. (124) Noticing paragraphs that require no reply. (125) Trust that we have received by the Thetis and Pitt forms of licenses for persons not in the Company’s service allowed to remain in India. (126) Adverting to a paragraph that has already been replied to. (127) Direct that we transmit with every dispatch by a regular ship a continuation of our consultations down to the latest day possible and the complete annual sets by the latter ships. (128) Adverting to paragraphs that have already been replied to. (129) Commend our proceedings on the state of the Bombay resources and disbursements. (130) Noticing paragraphs that have already been replied to. (131) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (132) Referring us to their Military letter of this date relative to the appointment of Captain Howell as Commander-in-Chief of Fort Marlbro’. 45. Require no reply. 46 The forms herein mentioned have been sent to the Register of Covenants. 47. No reply requisite. 48. We have enjoined our Secretary to pay particular attention to the orders of your Court on the subject of this paragraph. 49. Require no reply. 7 MARCH 1796 235 (133) Approve our proceedings iative to the capture and ransom Natal and desire to be informed our final decision on the subject. re-of of (134) Refer us to the Law Depart-' ment for their advices of the 8th of 50. The bills for 30,000 dollars, the amount of the Natal ransom, have lately been presented to us, and we determined to accept them provided it should appear that the stipulation for exempting the fort of Natal from attack for two years had not been infringed and that the complaints preferred by Mr. Maidman, the Resident, under date 2nd of February 1794 vizt., that after the articles were signed, the fort and it’s inhabitants were plundered of property in breach of the terms of them, shall not have been substantiated. We have accordingly called upon the Deputy Governor and Council to acquaint us, as early as possible, whether the fort has or has not been attacked within the stipulated period of exemption, and also whether the complaints of Mr. Maidman above alluded to, with respect to the plunder of property by the captors, have been established. For what should or should not be considered as amounting to the violation of the articles on this last mentioned point, we referred the Government of Bencoolen to the opinion contained in your Advocate General’s letter of the 14th September 1794 (transmitted as No. 12 in the list of the packet per Rose 29th December 1794) in the distinctions laid down in which we acquainted them we entirely concurred. 51. We at the same time directed, in the event of the enquiries they might have made respecting the asserted plunder of property by the captors after the articles were signed, not being such as would enable us to determine the question, on the grounds of those distinctions, they would make the further enquiries necessary for that purpose, and transmit the result to us with all practicable dispatch. 236 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT July 1795 on the subject of justices of the peace for Fort Marlbro’. (135) Confirm the salary we allowed the 3rd civil member of Council at Bencoolen and will reward Mr. Braham12 on a regular representation of his services. (136) State that their Military letter of this date contains their sentiments on the subject of encrease of allowance to the Commander-in-Chief and 2nd in Council at Fort Marlbro’. (137) Adverting to paragraphs that have already been replied to. (138) Rules to be observed relative to the rank of writers appointed in any season who are at the time of such appointment residing in India. 52. Require no reply. 53. We shall reply to this paragraph from the Military Department to which you have referred it. 54. Needs no reply. 55. Will be particularly attended to. We take this opportunity of remarking to your Hon’ble Court that as the word season, applied to the appointment of writers, is indefinite, it would effectually prevent the possibility of misinterpretation of any advice from you on this head, if a correct list attested by your Secretary were to be regularly sent at the close of the appointments of each year respectively. (139) Adverting to paragraphs that have already been replied to. (140) Approve of the adoption of the system of refining gold by contract. (141) Report that they have adverted to the subject of the scarcity of silver in their letter of the 15th April last. (142) Noticing paragraphs that have already been replied to. (143) Approve of the new regula-' tions with regard to the bonds of our Government but desire that they be furnished with an annual set, and that the bonds be inserted in the General Registers transmitted home. (144) Expressive of satisfaction at the reduction made in the establishment of the Accountant General’s Office. 56. Require no reply. 57. Copies of these paragraphs >were transmitted to the Accountant General for his information and guidance. 7 MARCH 1796 237 (145) Adverting to paragraphs that have already been replied to. 046) Concur with us as to the policy of the new police establish* ment and approve of the method tve adopted to raise funds for its support. (147) Noticing paragraphs that have already been replied to. (148) Acquiesce in the addition we made to Lieutenant Wilford’s13 salary for the prosecution of his literary pursuits but recommend that from time to time he report his progress, which they deem us sufficiently competent to judge. (149) State that on the receipt of Lieutenant Wilford’s map of the upper part of India they will judge of what remuneration he is entitled to. (150) Approve our acceptation of Mr. Morris’s contract for repairs of the Calcutta goal. (151) Desiring us to abolish the allowance granted the person in charge of the Europe Post Office. (152) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (153) Permitting Mr. George Pur-ling to return to his rank in the service. (154) Allowing Messrs Henry Parry and Walter Farquar, two writers, to remain in England another year. (155) Authorizing Mr. Richard Fleming to come to Bengal and prao tise as an attorney in the Supreme Court. (156) List of persons permitted to proceed, to India as free mariners. (157) Resolution to appoint one writer more for this establishment in addition to the number advised in their letter of the 15th April. 58. Require no reply. 59. On the subject of these paragraphs, we are happy to observe that of the labors of Mr. Wilford, the Asiatic Researches furnish no inconsiderable proof and we are from our own knowledge authorized to assert that his time is dedicated to the pursuits which the salary given to him was meant to encourage. We have directed our Secretary to transmit by this opportunity 30 copies of the 3rd volume of the Asiatic Researches to your Hon’ble Court and shall continue to forward the succeeding volumes regularly. 60. Requires no reply. 61. This order was complied with on the receipt of the letter we arc now replying to. 62. Needs no reply. 63. Require no reply. 64. Copies of these paragraphs were transmitted to the Register of * Covenants for his information and guidance. 65. Requires no reply. 238 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Andamans 66. It is with much concern we inform your Hon’ble Court, that by recent reports received from Major Kyd, it appears that Mr. Reddick14 the surgeon, and no less than fifty settlers have in the course of the last rains at the Andamans fallen a sacrifice to the baneful effects of the 17%h February dimate; that Lieutenant Stokoe,15 the acting Superintendant, was very ill, and that Lieutenant Ramsay16 was compelled from extreme indisposition to quit the settlement, which continued so exceedingly unhealthy, notwithstanding an abundance of fresh provisions, and wholesome diet, as to dispirit every class of men, and make them all solicitous to leave it. 67. From these circumstances, the apprehension that the sickness and mortality at the settlement will continue, added to the great expence and n , embarrassment which arise to Government in maintaining Consn. . , , • r • , ° February. the settlement and conveying supplies to it at the present period, we deemed it advisable on the grounds both of humanity and economy to withdraw it. We had the less hesitation in determining on this measure, as from no permanent or valuable buildings having been erected, and there being but few stores to remove, the settlement can always be re-established with little disadvantage, should it be hereafter thought expedient to prosecute the original plan with vigor at the termination of the present war. 68. It is not probable that any foreign nation avail themselves of our withdrawing the settlement from Port Cornwallis to form an establishment on the islands with a view to claim to them or any other purpose, but to obviate any attempt of this nature, it is our intention to station a small vessel at Port Cornwallis to be relieved every six months. 69. The near approaching of the change of the monsoon rendered it necessary that no time should be lost in adopting the necessary measures for withdrawing the settlement; we directed the Marine Board loth February. t0 t^dce up a proper vessel for conveying the settlers and the convicts amounting to about five hundred and fifty persons, and the superfluous provisions to Prince of Wales Island, Bengal, together with such military and naval stores, as the Military Board and Major Kyd should deem it eligible to transport to that settlement. 70. The Fairliey one of the ships employed in transporting the recruits raised in Bengal for the Madras Army, has been accordingly engaged to proceed to the Andamans on her return from Madras, and, with the Cornwallis schooner, will accomplish these services before the change of the monsoon. Marine /I. Our consultation of the 8th of December will furnish your Honhle Court with the proceedings at length of a committee held on Edward Shoul-dam, a pilot in your service, charged with having suffered the Gillet schooner, which he commanded, to be surprised and boarded by a party of armed Frenchmen who captured the schooner and carried her to sea. 7 MARCH 1796 239 72. Our deliberations on this subject, as well as on the expediency of stationing an armed vessel for the defence of the river, are detailed in the same consultation to which we beg leave to refer you. 73. In December last, the Marine Board submitted to our consideration a new establishment proposed for the vessels employed in December/ * the Marine, founded on the proposition of the Marine Committee, of which you are already advised, for raising the pay and victualling the crews, natives as well as Europeans. 74. The encrease of expence is inconsiderable whilst the advantage to be derived from securing the service of able men is important. It may be proper at the same time to remark that this necessity of augmenting the pay of the Bengal seamen in the Company’s Marine may be considered as an indication of the improving state of the commerce of the country. 75. We forward by this dispatch, copy of letter from the Secretary to the Marine Board together with the indent, to which it has reference, of Marine stores for the use of the individuals in Bengal, which we request may be complied with. Europe Ships 76. On the 8th ultimo, your Secretary was advised from the Political Department of the capture of the Triton. The crew having subsequently arrived here on a ship freighted for their conveyance by the Collector of Ganjam, we immediately ordered a court of enquiry to be assembled for examining into the cause of the loss of the ship, and for investigating into certain charges preferred by Messrs. Gribble and Davies, the second and third officers, against Mr. Bell, the chief officer, for his conduct on the occasion. 77. The court is now sitting and we shall transmit then- proceedings at length, together with our decision thereon by the earliest opportunity. Company3s Servants: Resignations and Appointments 78. We have the honor to subjoin a list of resignations and appointments since our advices under date the 11th of January last: — Mr. J. B. Smith, Judge and Magistrate of the zillah of the 24 Pergunnahs, vice Mr. Champain. Mr. Thomas Boileau, one of the justices of the peace, vice Mr. Smith. Mr. Edward Parker, Assistant in the office of the Secretary to the Government in the Political Department. Mr. C. Bird, Collector of Momunsing. Mr. William Douglas, Judge of the Zillah Court at Dinage pore, vice Mr. Wilkinson. Mr. SI. Haselby, Commercial Resident at Commercolly, vice Mr. Becher. Mr. C. Bird, Collector of Dinagepore. Mr. Francis Le Gros, Collector of Momensing. Mr. Thomas Myers, Accountant General in the room of Mr. Caldecott resigned. Mr. R. W. Cox, Accountant to the Board of Revenue, Deputy Accountant General in the room of Mr. Myers. Mr. Wm. Egerton do. do., Board of Trade vice Mr. Cox, The Hon’ble Mr. Ramsay, Assistant to the Collector of Midnapore. Mr. Rees, Assistant to the Collector of Rajishay. Mr. John Cotton, Secretary to the Board of Trade in their Departments of Salt and Opium. Mr. John Richardson, Assistant to the Register and 2nd Assistant to the Magistrate of the zillah 240 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT of Serun. Mr. J. Barton, Assistant to the Register and 2nd Assistant to the Magistrate of the zillah of Tirhoot. Mr. D. Campbell, Register to the Dewannie Adawlut and z^ssistant to the Magistrate to the zillah oi Burdwan. Mr. G. Cumming, Register of the Dewany Adawlut and Assistant to the Magistrate of the zillah of Rungpore. Mr. W. O. Salmon, Assistant Register to the Provincial Court of Appeal and Circuit for the Division of Moorsheda-bad. Mr. W. E. Wynch, Assistant Register to the Provincial Court of Appeal and Circuit for the Division of Moorshedabad. Mr. C. Becher, Assistant Register to the Dewanny Adawlut and Nizamut Adawlut. Mr. N. Rees, Junior Assistant to the Collector of Burdwan. Hth February Mr. Edward Hay to a seat in the Board of Trade, vice Mr. Kennaway resigned. Mr. G. H. Barlow, Secretary to the Government, vice Mr. Hay. 15th February Mr. J. H. Harrington, Register to the Sudder Dewanny and Nizamut Adawluts, vice Mr. Barlow. Mr. John Thornhill, Sub-Secretary, Military Department, vice Mr. Harington. Mr. H. St. G. Tucker, Sub-Secretary, Revenue Department, vice Mr. Barlow. Mr. J. Stuart, Deputy Register. Mr. T. Baring, Translator to the Dewanny Adawlut. Mr. W. Douglas, Judge and Magistrate of Rajeshahee, vice Mr. Grant resigned. Mr. J. Spottiswood, Judge of Dinagepore, vice Mr. Douglas. Mr. T. Pattie, Judge of Burdwan, vice Mr, Spottiswood. Mr. Cumming, Register to the Zillah Adawlut of Rajeshahee. Mr. Deane, Assistant to the Resident of the Board of Revenue. Mr. H. Darrell, Assistant in the office of the Accountant General. Mr. Webb, Assistant in the office of the Register to the Sudder Dewanny Adawlut. Mr. Stone, Assistant in the office of Translator to the Sudder Dewanny Adawlut. Mr. Fergusson, Assistant in the Secretary’s Office, Pub. Department. 25th February 1796 Mr. John Routledge to the temporary charge of the Benares collectorship during Mr. Duncan’s absence for the recovery of his health. Mr. John Deane to the charge of the collectorship of Behar. 3rd March Mr. Thomas Parr, Judge and Magistrate of Jessore, vice Mr. Hesilrege resigned. Mr. D. Seton, Head Assistant to the Sub-Secretary in the Public Department. Mr. Ross, Assistant in the Revenue and Judical Department. 79. Mr. Kennaway,17 with his resignation of his seat at the Board of Trade, and of your service, transmitted to us a certificate from the Head Sui geon at the Presidency shewing the necessity of his proceeding to Europe for the recovery of his health. 80. On this occasion, the Board of Trade thought it incumbent on them to testify their sense of the services Mr. Kennaway has rendered the Consn Pth Company in the several departments committed to their February. charge, by his ability and constant attention to promote the interest of his employers in the zealous execution of the general duties of a member of the Board ..of Trade, and other offices under Government during a long series of years in trusts of importance. Fully 7 march 1796 241 concurring in the testimony of Mr. Kennaway’s colleagues to the merits of his conduct, we beg leave to recommend him to your particular notice, and that he mav be permitted to return with his rank in the service upon the re-establishment of his health. 81. Upon our acceptance of Mr. Kennaway’s resignation, our Secretary Mr. Hav intimated a wish to exchange his office for the vacant seat at the Board of Trade. We are concerned to inform your Hon’blc Court that this wish was suggested by the injury his health has sustained by an unremitted attention to the laborious duties of his office, yet we add with satisfaction that the long acknowledged zeal, integrity and indefatigable exertions of our Secretary, of which Marquis Cornwallis bore so honorable a testimony, give a strong claim to our acquiescence in his appointment to an important and respectable station. 82. Your Hon’ble Court have been long since apprised of the intention of your Accountant General Mr. Abraham Caldecott18 to resign your service and proceed to England; this he has lately with our sanction u^Ah^31 cai*rieci into effect. His conduct in your service in every Januar/l??!. situation which he has filled has been deserving of our entire approbation, and we do not doubt that the merits of so able and useful an officer will attract the particular notice of your Hon’ble Court and ensure him your permission to return with his rank upon his application so to do. 83. Mr. William Wilkinson19 has been compelled by continued ill health to relinquish his station of Judge and Magistrate at Dinagepore in order to proceed to Europe, and w’e readily comply with his request to recommend to your Hon’ble Court that he may be permitted to return to his rank in the service, if his recovery permits him so to do within the limited time. 84. Mr. James Grant resigned the office of Judge and Magistrate of Jessore, and with it your service, but he has requested wre will mention to your Hon’ble Court his intention to return and to add our recommendation that he may attain your permission when applied for. Miscellaneous 85. Conformably to the orders contained in your Hon’ble Court’s Commercial letter of the 6th May last, the Company’s Attorney was called upon for a full explanation of the circumstances which occasioned so much apparent delay in the examination of witnesses in the suit of chancery brought by the Company against Mr. Keighly, for which a commission was sent out in May 1792. We transmit Mr. Jackson's report a number in the packet. 86. We beg leave to recommend to the indulgent consideration of your Hon’ble Court the accompanying copy of a letter addressed to us on the 6th ultimo by the widow of the late Mr. Robert Percival Pott20, in consequence o, of which we agreed to allow her a pension for life of sicca * rupees 325-9-2 per month, (the amount received by her late husband as a senior merchant out of employ), to commence from the date of Mr. Pott’s demise, subject however to your confirmation. 87. In complying with Mrs. Pott’s application, notwithstanding your orders of the I5th of April and 3rd of July 1795, we rely for our justification Vol. XIII—16 242 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT on the well-known necessitous circumstances of the widow of a gentleman who had been upwards of twenty one years in your service, the attention particularly due to them from the general esteem in which Mrs Pott is held, and the humanity of your Hon’ble Court, so often interested in cases of distress. 88. We are confident that these considerations will induce you to sanction this deviation from the strict letter of your orders, in favour of a solicitation possessing claims to regard, which we are satisfied would have ensued to it the most ready attention, had it been preferred immediately to yourselves. 89. By this opportunity your Hon’ble Court will receive a small pot oi opium made in the Botanic Garden under the inspection of Doctor Roxburgh who conceives it to be of the purest kind. It was collected in the last month and we forwarded it at the Doctor’s request, as it may be of import to determine whether or not pure Bengal opium is as strong and otherwise good as the freshest Turky opium imported into England. 90. We have also the pleasure to send a sample of about seven ounces of cochineal collected by Doctor Roxburgh, after having supplied a variety of persons with a sufficient number of the living cochineal insects for stocking plantations, and also Doctor Dinwiddie21 with what he required for experiments. 91. The state of our treasury this day is as follows: Stale of the General Treasury the 7th March 1796 Ready Money Gold mohurs ... 1,13,484 4 0 18,15,748 0 0 Siccas ... ... 4,46,991 0 0 Copper ... ... ... 10,529 8 3 Dollars ... 12,000 0 0 25,800 0 0 22,99,068 8 3 Bills receivable ... ... ... ... ... 84,156 13 3 Sicca rupees 23,83,225 5 6 Unsorted treasure ... ... ... ... ... 57,000 0 0 Balance account deposits ... ... ... 1,75,336 13 8 Accountant General, Mayor’s Court ... ... ... 90,457 1 3 Do. Supreme Court ... ... 8,925 4 0 Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased ... ... ... 31,122 6 9 Loans @ 12 per cent ... ... 900 2 5 Register debt ... ... ... 3,91,71,701 7 3 3,94,78,443 3 4 Fort William, 7th March 1796. We are etc. etc. 4 LETTER DATED 20 MAY 1796 Pressing demand for cash in Madras—health in Prince of Wales Island— drawings made by Roxburgh of the plants of the Coromandel Coast—state of the general treasury. To the Court of Directors. Hon’bie Sirs, 1. Our last advices in this Department were dated the 7th March last. 2. The Earl Fitz William and Fort William imported here on the 2nd February last, and the Berrington and Henry Dundas on the 24th following. 3. The Indiamen which form the 4th and last division under sailing orders for Europe, after completing their cargoes at Madras, are the Berring-ton, Henry Dundas, Earl Fitz William and Fort William. 4. We have the honor to forward duplicate of our addresses of the 7th March, triplicate of those under date the 2nd February and quadruplicate of our letter of the 11th January last. Fort St. George 5. In our letter of the 11th January last (paragraphs 18 to 20) wTe acquainted you that from our apprehension that the pressing demands which then existed for cash in our treasury would preclude us from supplying the exigencies of the Madras Government, either by remittances from hence, or by allowing them to draw bills on us dischargeable in cash, we recommended them to raise money either by the sale of their promissory notes, at a rate of discount somewhat higher titan that which they bore in the market, so as to ensure a ready sale of them, or in the event of this measure not producing an adequate supply, by availing themselves of the authority which they possessed of opening their treasury for bills upon you. 6. From the letter from the Madras Government of the 31st December recorded in our proceedings of the 22nd January you will observe that, instead of adopting our recommendation of -the 30th November, they deemed it advisable, in the hope of accomplishing the double object of assisting our funds, and keeping open a medium of remittance between the two presidencies, to advertise the disposal of their promissory notes transferrable tG Bengal, at the exchange of 418 current rupees per one hundred star pagodas, at the same time opening their treasury for money for bills on your Hon’bie Court at an exchange of 7s-9j^d the star pagodah, payable at twelve months after sight, with an option to you of postponing the payment for one year longer. 7. The additional quantity of paper thrown into the market by transfers of their notes to a large amount, added to the great demand for money 244 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT occasioned by the extensive commercial speculations then carrying on at this Presidency, raised the discount on the notes, so as to prevent our obtaining those supplies which we expected from the ready money remittance, the subscription of the notes purchased at the discount affording a more advantageous remittance. 8. To remove the embarrassment occasioned to our finances by this operation of the measures adopted by the Madras Government, and to prevent Consn. 21st che further depreciation of the public securities, we directed March. them to discontinue the transfer of their notes; at the same time, as we could not expect that they would derive any considerable aid from bills on you at the exchange of 7s-9%d per star pagodah, whilst better terms could be obtained in Bengal by the purchase of their transfer notes, we authorized them to raise the exchange on their bills to 8s per star pagodah} which, from the calculations in our Accountant’s letter recorded on the 21st March, you will observe is more favorable to you than the bills which were granted here for their promissory notes transferred at the exchange of current rupees 418 for one hundred star pagodas. We further recommended to them, if necessary, to adopt the mode of disposing of their promissory notes suggested in our letter of the 30th November last. 9. It is with much satisfaction we acquaint you that the discontinuance of the transfer of the Madras notes, added to a payment of 5,50,000 rupees 20th Ma *n discharge of the register debt which we advertised on the 1 ay* 28th April, has been productive of the expected effect, our eight per cent notes being now at par, and the discount on the six per cents having gradually fallen from ten to about five per cent. 10. Concurring however entirely in the opinion as expressed by the Madras Government in their subsequent letter of the 16th of April as to Consn. 23rd die detriment to be apprehended to the country by the May. unavoidable exportation of the specie that would take place unless some channel of remittance were kept open, we authorized them, if necessary to draw bills upon us for a sum not exceeding three lacks of rupees each month. This supply added to the sums which they may raise by the sale of their notes, and by bills on your Hon’ble Court, and the further relief which we have afforded to them, by having determined to provide for the payment of the peishcush to the Nizam from Bengal, commencing with the instalment that will be due on the 31st October next, will, we trust, prevent their experiencing any pecuniary embarrassment. 11. On the 11th January we informed you of our having written to the Government at Madras to send the store ships Marquis Cornwallis, Prince of Wales and Admiral Parker to Bengal in the event of their touching on the Consn. J 2th Coast, but your Honorable Court having, as we afterwards February. learnt, engaged considerably more tonnage for Bengal than we had any reason to expect, and consequently precluded the probability of any want of tonnage here, we thought it adviseable that the transports on their arrival at Fort St. George should be directed to proceed to China for cargoes according to their original destination, and to intimate to the supracargoes at China our wish that they should load from thence any ships which 20 may 1796 245 mav eventually put in their from New South Wales instead of sending them to Bengal. Canton 12. In continuation of our advices under date the 2nd November per Surprize relative to Captain Canning’s engagements, we have the satisfaction Consn. 28th to inform your Honorable Court that the principal and March. interest due on his bonds for three, and one lack, of sicca rupees have been discharged. Copy of the letter from the supracargoes at Canton relative to this subject and to the state of their finances is transmitted a number in the packet. Prince of Wales Island 13. Our earnest desire to provide at all times a compensation to the Company for the expences incurred in maintaining their establishments induced us to take into consideration the subject of establish-cemberni795St De” ^2 duties on goods imported at, or exported from, Prince of Wales Island. We beg leave to refer your Honorable Court to the proceedings noted in the margin for our resolution on the subject. 14. The state of Mr. Mannington’s1 health precluding all expectation of a restoration of it sufficient to enable him to resume the duties of his station, added to the very bad state of the health of Mr. Pigou2, the Head Assistant, we judged it necessary to appoint a successor and in consequence selected Major Forbes Ross Macdonald whose conduct had been very satisfactory when employed by the Government at Madras on a mission of an important nature to Batavia. 15. We are concerned to inform you that our apprehensions both for Mr. Mannington and Mr. Pigou’s recovery were but too well founded ; both having died since our last dispatches. We have consequently made the following arrangement in addition to the appointment of Major Macdonald: Mr. Beenland Head Assistant, Mr. Philip Mannington second, Mr. Counter third. Europe Ships 16. The commander of the Woodcot having represented to us that Consn. 22nd Mr. Thomson was eligible by the regulations to succeed him February. as chief mate, he was accordingly sworn in to that station. 17. The captains of the Lansdown and Hawke having been called upon Consn. 14th to state their reasons for parting from their convoy and March. proceeding to Bengal without touching at Madras conform- ably to your orders, we directed our Secretary to forward their answers a number in the packet. 18. By our last advices your Honorable Court were informed of Consn. 25th the capture of the Triton and that a court of enquiry April. had been constituted to investigate the cause of this unfortunate circumstance, 246 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 19. The enquiry closed on the 19th ultimo when the Court was dissolved and we beg leave to' refer you, Hon’ble Sirs, to the appendix of the consultation noted in the margin for a transcript of the proceedings. Freighted Ships 20. We beg leave to refer you to the proceedings noted in the margin for duplicates of letters submitted by the Board of Trade to your Hon’ble Consn ^8th Court on this subject of the respective consignments by March. the extra ships Duckenfield Hall, Warren Hastings, Camilla, Berwick, Princess Royal, Abercromby, Anna Amelia, and Royal Charlotte. 21. Your Board of Trade having represented to us that they deemed a compensation due to the owners of the ships, which were diverted from Consn. 18th the original intention of the parties when hired to carry April. grain to England to relieve the national distress for grain, we authorized them to make the following payments: 3/4 at the Company’s risk Sicca Rupees 1/4 at owners’ to be eventually returned Sicca Rupees Total now payable Sicca Rupees Nonsuch 5,379 6 10 1,793 2 3 7,172 9 1 Harriet 6,192 0 0 2,064 0 0 8,256 0 0 Britannia 5,924 9 2 1,974 13 8 7,899 6 10 Duckenfield Hall ... 6,577 11 5 2,192 9 1 8,770 4 6 Chichester 4,983 6 10 1,661 2 3 6,644 9 1 Eliza Anne 7,755 6 10 2,585 2 3 10,340 9 1 Princess Royal 15,413 2 10 5,137 11 7 20,550 14 5 Amelia 16,133 2 10 5,377 11 7 21,510 14 5 General Medows ... 4,294 4 7 1,431 6 10 5,725 11 5 Sicca rupees 72,653 3 4 24,217 11 6 96,870 14 10 22. Our earnest desire to encourage the shipping of the port, and the moderate rate at which the ships were engaged, expressly for grain, after it was known that a number had been hired by the Company and after individuals had been permitted to send grain to Europe on their own account, joined to the accommodating conduct of the owners, when the Company, for the sake of affording relief to the national exigencies, were the first to deviate from the minds of both parties, made us feel less hesitation than we otherwise should have done in giving our sanction to so large a disbursement. 20 may 1796 247 23. The strong commendations we received of the assistance afforded bv Air. Smith in calculations to ascertain the above compensation induced us to remunerate his services with sicca rupees 1,000. Company’s Servants 24. We have the honor to subjoin a list of resignations and appointments since our last dispatches:—Mr. William Cunningham, Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of the Zillah Dinagepore; Mr. Patterson, 28th March. Assistant to the Register of the City Court of Dacca; Mr. A. Montgomery, Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of Rungpore; Mr. J. H. Travers, Assistant to the Collector of Nuddea; Mr. M. Campbell, Assistant Register, Tipperah ; Hon’ble Mr. Elphinstone, Assistant to the Register of the City Court of Benares ; Mr. G. Moncton, Assistant to the Register of the Sudder Dewannee and Nizamut Adawluts; Mr. Laing Do. Collector of Consn. 11th Midnapore; Mr. Bell Do. Collector of Tipperah; Sir F April. Hamilton Do. to Persian Translator; Mr. Robert Scott Do. Secretary Board of Trade; Mr. Charles Becher Do. Magistrate Burdwan : Consn. 18th ^r- Ker, Register Dacca Jelalpore; Mr. King, Assistant to April. the Collector of Jessore; Mr. T. S. Hollond, Head Assistant to the Secretary Revenue Department; Mr. Watson, Assistant to Register and 2nd Assistant to the Magistrate of Moorshedabad. 25. In resuming the consideration of the subject of Mr. Kennaway’s resignation of your service, of which we advised you in our letter under date the 7th March, we are happy to transmit in testimony of his services a minute we have received from your Board of Trade; by which your Honorable Court will observe the progressive improvement of the commerce from Europe which we in justice must ascribe to the exertions of Mr. Kennaway. 26. The Civil Auditor has submitted to us a report on which some doubts occur with respect to the rank intended to be assigned to the different writers on this establishment. 27. We have directed our Secretary to forward to your Hon’ble Court a copy of the Auditor’s letter on this occasion together with his report, and we request to be furnished with the necessary information and instructions on the following points. 28. 1st, whether it was your intention that the list of waiters commencing with the Hon’ble H. W. Stuart and ending with Mr. J. Stracay (invariably called by you writers of 1790) should form a part of the list commencing with Mr. Thomas Baring and ending with Mr. Shakespeare, called also the list of 1790, except on occasion of the appointment of Mr. T. Palmer whom in your letter of the 11th April 1792 you mention to have appointed to complete the number of writers agreed to be sent out in 1789. 29. Should it have been your intention that the writers on these two lists should have the same rank and that the former commencing with the Hon’ble Mr. Stuart should be considered a supplementary list to the latter commencing with Mr. Baring, it will appear that the following gentlemen, 248 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT who were not of age prescribed by Act of Parliament at the time of their nomination, should rank after all the writers of the season of 1790 vizt., Messrs. James Pattie, Thomas Twing, Robert Ker, John Deane, Thomas Thornhill. 30. On the contrary, if it were your intention that the two lists should be entirely distinct, the one being considered the list of 1789, and the other of 1790, which we presume was the case, it will then appear that the five gentlemen abovementioned should take rank immediately after the former and before the latter and the writers who were in the country at the time of their appointment in 1790 will only be entitled to local rank from the arrival of the first writer of the second list which was not till the 24th June 1791, whereas if the two lists be considered the nomination of the same year they will be entitled to local rank from the date of the arrival of the first writer of either list, or from the 1st August 1790. Miscellanea 31. We avail ourselves of this opportunity to transmit to your Honorable Consn. 14th Court an original letter from Doctor Roxburgh containing March. his report on the Rajahmundry teak tree, and to recommend to your attention his request to be furnished annually with certain plants and seeds. 32. In the 39th paragraph of your letter of the 3rd July last, you desired to be furnished with Doctor Fleming’s report on the success of the person sent for botanical purposes to Napaul; we regret that we did not derive the benefits expected from the measure, and beg leave to refer you to Doctor Roxburgh’s letter for the causes of its failure. 33. On the receipt of your advices under date the 15th April 1795, Consn. 18th Doctor Roxburgh was enjoined to attend to Sir John Sinclair’s3 April. request to be supplied with whatever animals and seeds benefit might be expected from in Great Britain. We now forward Doctor Roxburgh’s report with a box containing the seed of flax—the product of this country. 34. We regret that the 20 copies of a periodical work mentioned by your Hon’ble Court to have been formed from a collection of drawings made by Doctor Roxburgh of the native plants of the Choromandel Coast, have never been received. In your Commercial letter of the 3rd July, they are noticed as being on the Triton, but your Secretary on the 6th following states his having sent them on the Berrington. On enquiry however it does not appear that they came on that ship ; consequently we could not comply with your directions to have one colored copy presented to Doctor Roxburgh in testimony of your Hon’ble Court’s approbation of his service. 35. We refer your Hon’ble Court to the proceedings noted in the margin for a very favourable statement of the funds of the Native Hospital from Consn. 12th the 1st November 1795 to the 29th February inclusive,—and March. are happy to inform you that the benefits derived by the natives from this institution are progressively encreasing. 5 july 1796 249 36. The state of our treasury this day is as follows: Readv Money Gold mohurs ... 1,07,982 6 0 17,27,718 0 0 Siccas ... ... 2,86,531 0 0 Copper coins ... ... ... 11,087 12 0 20,25,336 12 0 Bills receivable ... ... ... ... ... 5,59,693 3 0 Sicca rupees 25,85,029 12 3 Unsorted treasure ... ... ... 1,367 3 0 Balance account deposits ... ... 1,75,197 1 8 Accountant Genl., Mayor’s Court ... 90,457 1 3 Accountant Genl., Supreme Court ... 8,872 1 4 Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased ... ... ... 31,122 6 9 Loans at 12 per cent ... ... 900 2 5 Register debt ... ... ... 3,89,56,758 14 9 3,92,63,307 12 2 Fort William, 20th May 1796. We are etc. etc. 5 LETTER DATED 5 JULY 1796 Settlement withdrawn from the Andamans—narrative of a route by Ensign Blunt—state of the general treasury. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Since we had the honor of addressing you on the 20th ultimo by the last division of Indiamen, we have been favored with your letter in this Department dated the 28th October 1795 per Dart packet, which imported here on the 2nd instant and is now under sailing orders. We therefore avail ourselves of this opportunity to reply to your Hon’ble Court’s dispatches under the abovementioned date. 250 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Answer io General letter in Public Department dated 28th October (1-2) Ackonwledging the receipt of our advices till the Sth March inclusive. (3) Mr. William Grant appointed a writer on this establishment. (4- 6) Engagement with the owners of the Dart to carry provisions to St. Helena and instructions for her return from Bengal to England. (7) The proposed regulations for the army to be sent by the Georgiana. 2. Need no reply. 3. Do. 4. On the receipt of your advices your Board of Trade were directed to load the Dart in order that she might be dispatched with the least possible delay. 5. Needs no reply. 6. We avail ourselves of this opportunity to forward to your Honorable Court duplicate of our addresses under date the 20th May, triplicate of those of the 7th March and quadruplicate of those of the 2nd February. Fort St. George 7. To provide for the conveyance of our annual accounts, we deemed it expedient to request that the Madras Government would order the Swallow round to Bengal, in the event of her not being wanted by 16th May. the commanjer of ^s Majesty’s ships. She is in consequence now here, and we expect to dispatch her early in the ensuing month with the annual accounts, and with orders to touch at Madras to receive the dispatches of that Presidency. 8. We beg leave to refer you to our Public proceedings of the 23rd May for our letter to the Madras Government relative to the appropriation of the tonnage of the Indiamen of the last division (vizt., the Fort William, the Earl Fitz William, the Henry Dundas and the Berringtori) and their capacity to carry surplus tonnage. The explanations and instructions contained in our letter were given under the apprehension that the remaining chartered tonnage would be insufficient for the purposes of the Coast investment, in consequence of the Board of Trade having been influenced by the consideration of these ships being full armed, to appropriate a part of the tonnage originally alloted for the Madras investment to carry home a large quantity of saltpetre, together with some very valuable piece-goods, and raw silk for organzine, articles of much greater importance than any that could be furnished from rhe Coast. 9. Since our last dispatches to your Hon’ble Court of the 20th of May, up to which date we fully detailed our correspondence with the Madras Government relative to the best mode of raising supplies for their Presidency, they have informed us that they were apprehensive it would not for some time be in their power to raise supplies by one of the ways recommended by us vizt., by the sale of their 6 per cent promissory notes at a discount of four 5 july 1796 251 per cent, as the small quantity of their six per cent paper then in circulation bore a discount of 15 per cent, and the consolidate bonds of the Nabob’s debt, which bear interest of 6 per cent per annum payable every two months, a discount of 14 per cent. 10. They accordingly deferred advertising the sale of their notes and propose to avail themselves of the latitude we have given them to open their treasury for bills upon us to the amount of three lacs of rupees monthly at the exchange of 350 arcot rupees per % pagodas, a measure which they then more readily adopted in consequence of information that a considerable quantity of specie had been exported notwithstanding their prohibitory orders. 11. We have further to add that the Madras Government expect to derive much relief by the transfer of the payment of His Highness the Nizam’s peishcush to Bengal, not only from the effect it 'will have on their funds but as it affects the Northern Circars, from which a considerable amount of specie has been heretofore drawn for this purpose. Bombay 12. In the 21st paragraph of our letter under date the 2nd of November per Surprize, we informed you of our having been under the necessity of Consn. 30th appointing new’ arbitrators to adjust the claims between the May. Company and Mr. Mair on account of his contracts for the delivery of 75,000 and 50,000 bags of rice at Fort St. George. 13. The period fixed for closing the deed of award was the 6th ultimo Consn. 27th and we have now the satisfaction to inform your Hon’ble June. Court that the accounts with the securities are finally adjusted, as shewn in our proceedings noted in the margin. Andamans 14. On the 16th May we received a letter from the Superintendant stating the particulars of his arrangements in withdrawing the settlement. The Consn. 23rd stores and convicts had been sent to Prince of Wales Island May. and as the military detachment is arrived in Bengal, we have consequently the satisfaction to inform you that every expence on account of the establishment had ceased, except the freight of a small vessel stationed at the Andamans merely to keep possession. Freighted Ships 15. We beg leave to refer you to the proceedings noted in the margin Consn 9th May ^or duplicates of letters from the Board of Trade to your „ 6th June. Honorable Court on the subject of the respective consign- „ 13th Do. ments of the extra ships Sally, Britannia, Achilles, Varuna, Earl Spencer and Favourite, 252 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Consn. 16th May. Dacca, vice 6th June. Company’s Servants 16. Wc have the honor to subjoin a list of resignations and appointments made since our last advices dated the 20th May:—Mr. Cowell,1 Register, Zillah Court of Moorshedabad; Mr. Edward Colebrook, 3rd Judge, Court of Appeal, Moorshedabad; Mr. Crisp,2 3rd Judge, Do. Mr. Colebrooke C Mr. James Wintie,4 Collector of Jessore, vice Mr. Parr ;•' Mr. Richard Parry,6 Assistant to the SubTreasurer ; Mr. A. H. Vansittart,7 Assistant to President, Board of Trade, vice Mr. Parry ; Mr. Laing,8 Assistant to Secretary, Board of Trade, in Salt and Opium Departments ; Mr. G. F. Cherry9 removed from Lucknow and appointed Head Judge of Court of Appeal 13th June. anj Circuit, Benares; Mr. Lumsden,10 Resident, Lucknow. 17. We have thought it adviseable to abolish the office of Assistant in-Charge of the stationary and annex the duties required as clerk to the Stationary Committee to the Civil Paymastership by which the salary of the Assistantship is saved. 18. We have received a letter from Mr. Charles Coates,11 a senior merchant of this establishment, requesting to resign your service. In November last, he had obtained our permission to proceed to the Cape for the '’’’rd NFv recovery of his health, but as he did not derive the benefit x ' * expected from change of air, we have accepted of his resigna- tion and beg leave to recommend that he may be permitted to return to his rank in the service should he be desirous of so doing within the limited period. 19. We have also to request that your Hon’ble Court will allow Mr. William Blunt,12 son of Sir Charles William Blunt13 in your Civil Service, to return to his father in Bengal when his health is re-established; he came to India with your sanction and obtained our leave to return on the Berrington. Miscellanea 20. Our proceedings of the 26th of October 1795 contain a memorial of Mrs. Petronella Counsell, widow of the late Captain William Counsell. The Consn. 26th destitute situation in which she and her children have been October 1795. left by Captain Counsell after a long and active service on the Marine establishment induce us to recommend to your favorable notice the circumstances stated in the memorial and that you will be pleased to allow the widow a pension suitable to the situation of her late husband. 21. We have the honor to forward, a number in the packet narrative vifknT^ofthe °^ a rOUte Per^orme^ by Ensign Blunt14 of your Corps of first list of packet Engineers, from Chunarghur to Yetnagoodum and Rajah-per Berrington for mundry in the Ellore Sircar, the narrative noticed in this paragraph. 22. The principal merchants and inhabitants of Benares have requested, through the medium of the Governor General’s Agent at that station, that Consn. 13th we would forward congratulatory addresses, the originals and Iune* the translates of which are sent numbers in the packet, from them to Mr. Hastings on his acquital. 31 august 1796 253 [23.] The state of our treasury this day is as follows: Stale of the General Treasury the Sth July 1796 Readv money Gold mohurs ... 87,612 2 0 14,01,794 0 0 Siccas ... ... ... 2,059 0 0 Copper ... ... 22,881 10 5 14,26,734 10 5 Bills receivable ... ... ... ... ... 2,911 12 3 Sicca rupees 14,29,646 6 8 Unsorted treasure ... ... ... ... 3,062 8 0 Balance account deposits ... ... 2,01,238 4 8 Accountant Genl., Mayor's Court ... 90,457 1 3 Do. Supreme Court ... ... 8,872 1 4 Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased ... ... ... 31,122 6 9 Loans at 12 per cent ... ... 900 2 5 Register debt ... ... ... 3,85,90,000 0 0 3,89,22,590 3 1 Fort William, 5th July 1796. We are etc. etc. 6 LETTER DATED 31 AUGUST 1796 Plan for erecting a new court house on the site of the old—arrangements between Bombay Government and the firm of Manohar Das and Gopal Das— botanical drawings presented by Dr. Buchanan to the Governor General—state of the general treasury. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors etc. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices in this Department were dated the 5th July last. 2. The Georgiana packet imported here on the 1st instant and brought us dispatches from your Hon’ble Court dated the Sth January last. 3. As on a comparison of the charterparties of the Georgiana and 254 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Swallow, we found that if any accident occurred to occasion their detention, Consn. Sth Au- tKat the demurrage incurred by the Company would be greater gust. on the former than on the latter, we countermanded the dispatch of the Swallow, and directed that the Georgiana should be prepared for sea with all possible expedition. 4. By her we have now the honor to forward duplicates of our addresses to your Hon’ble Court of the 5th July, triplicate of those of the 20th May and quadruplicate of those under date the 7th March last. 5. We proceed to reply to your letter in this Department dated the 5th January. Answer to General letter from the Hon’ble Court of Directors, dated Sth January 1796 (1) Date of last letter 28th October 1795. (2) Acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Secretary Hay’s letter of 28th May 1795 per Bergin. (3) Have also received overland Mr. Sub Secy. Barlow’s letter dated 27th July 1795, enclosing copy of a letter in the Revenue Dept, dated 15th May 1795. (4) Shall reply by this opportunity to Public letter of 24th December 1794. (5) Adverting to paragraphs which require no reply. (6) Direct that the certificates remaining uncancelled of those issued at Bombay previous to 11th August 1795 and by order of the Governor General in Council of 16th January 1793 be liquidated in a fair and equitable manner, the proprietors being entitled to exchange at 2s. 4d tire rupee. (7) Expressive of their satisfaction at the reduction of the whole of the debt at Bombay to 6 per cent interest. (8) Adverting to a paragraph requiring no reply. (9) Referring to the Law Department relative to the Natal ransom. (10) Noticing a paragraph which -will be replied to in the Military Department. 6. Require no reply. 7. On the receipt of your advices, we transmitted an extract from this paragraph to the Bombay Government for their information and guidance. 8. Do not require any reply. 3 r august 1796 255 (11) Adverting to a paragraph which needs no reply. (12) Approve of Mr. Mannington’s appointment to Prince of Wales Island and of the augmentation made to his salary. (13) Have perused with much pleasure Major Kyd’s very able report relative to Prince of Wales Island and the Andamans. Defer giving their opinion thereon till they receive our sentiments on the subject. (14-15) Noticing paragraphs which require no reply. (16) Direct that we transmit to England a copy of the survey made by Major Kyd, and a statement of the fortifications at Prince of Wales Island. (17) State that their letter in the Law Department replies to our questions relative to the collection of taxes in Calcutta. (18) Arc sorry to observe the large balance which the Police accounts exhibit; rely upon our exertions to reduce it as much as possible. (19) Noticing a paragraph which will be replied to in the Law Department. (20) Authorize an encrease of salary to the office of Persian Translator of 1,000 sicca rupees per month. 9. We ordered a copy of this paragraph to be communicated to Major Kyd for his information. 10. Require no reply. 11. We are happy in having anticipated the orders of your Hon’ble Court contained in this paragraph under date the 2nd November 1795 per Surprize when the subject was fully detailed and the Commander-in Chiefs observations on Major Kyd’s report relative to the state of the fortifications on the island were communicated to vour Hon’ble Court. 12. In the 2nd paragraph of our Law letter under date the 11th January we informed your Hon’ble Court of our full conviction of the legality of the measure, and of the commission granted on the amount collected. 13. We are very apprehensive that the outstanding balances of tax will not be much reduced but every exertion for that purpose has been directed to be made both by the Collector, and His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace. 14. Requires no reply. 15. We directed a copy of this paragraph to be sent to the Persian Translator and directed the encrease of his allowance to take place from the 1st August—the date of the receipt of your orders. 256 PUBLIC LEITER TO COURT (21-22) Exonerate Mr. Harris from his debts to the Company, but observe that in future no persons will be permitted to recede from their engagements. (23) Noticing a paragraph which requires no reply. (24) Approve the appointment of the Reverend Mr. Brown1 to be junior chaplain at the Presidency. Mr. Carr’s claim not admitted. (25) Injunctions to watch over the conduct of the chaplains and to make competency a rule in our selection of these servants for the performance of the dutv at the Presidencv. (26) Approve of the establishments for the provincial mints and the salary and allowances to the Assay Master, revision of the establishment for the Mint at Calcutta. (27) Approve the additional build- 1 ings at the Mint. (28) Approve the allowance of sicca rupees 150 per month for keeping in constant repair the apparatus belonging to the Assay Office and laboratory. (29) Noticing a paragraph which will be replied to hereafter. (30) The further aid we had agreed to extend to the Native Hospital at Calcutta has received their approbation. (31) Adverting to paragraph which requires no reply. (32) Relative to the court house approve of the orders given for providing the officers of the court with such offices as were indispensably necessary and of the temporary establishments and allowance to the Keeper of the Records. 16. We have directed extracts of these paragraphs to be sent to the Board of Trade and Mr. Harris for their information and guidance. 17. The death of Mr. Carr renders > any reply to these paragraphs unnecessary. 18. We shall pay particular attention to the orders of your Hon’ble Court contained in this paragraph. 19. A copy of this paragraph was sent to the Revenue Department from whence the report required by your Hon’ble Court will be furnished. 20. Do not require any reply. 21. The Governor General’s minute recorded on the Public proceedings of the 24th February 1794, to which we find we omitted to draw your attention, furnishes the information herein required. It was therein suggested to submit for your approbation two plans, the one for erecting a new court house on the scire of the old, the other for purchasing and making sundry repairs and improve 31 august 1796 257 (33) The sale of 6 per cent notes at a discount of from 1% to 3 per cent to pay off the bonds and notes at 8 per cent has met the entire approbation of the Court. (34) No reply necessary to Mr. Cuthbert Fenwick’s memorial. (35) Noticing a paragraph which requires no reply. (36) Observations on the incomplete state in which our proceedings have been hitherto transmitted, in consequence of which they are unable to reply to several of our letters. ments to the house at present occupied by the judges so as to render it in every respect suitable to the purposes for which it is required. We were however apprehensive that your decision would not arrive before the expiration of the lease and therefore agreed to extend it from the 1st January 1796, the day on which it was to expire, till the 1st January 1798 in the hope of receiving before this latter period your final orders on the subject. In the same expectation, we shall forward to you the papers and the plans, elevations and sections, which have been received from the Chief Engineer and Civil Architect referred to in the Governor General’s minute. The documents cannot be prepared in time for the present dispatch, but will be transmitted to you by the earliest opportunity. 22. Require no reply. 23. We have perused with great concern the remarks of your Hon’ble Court contained in this paragraph and we trust with confidence that you will not in future find any occasion to repeat your animadversions on similar occasions. 24. For the grounds of the confidence, and the satisfaction of your Hon’ble Court, we beg leave to refer you to our resolutions of the 27th June last, and to the report of our Secretary on tire proceedings of the same date on the arrangements which have been adopted for the more speedy, regular, and ceconomical discharge of the duties of his office. It is with great satisfaction, we are ena- Vol. XIII—17 258 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT bled to add that those arrangements have been actually carried into effect, that the proceedings have been recorded and transmitted with great care and regularity, that the expences of the Secretary’s Department have been reduced in the amount of one lack of rupees per annum, and that from the subsidiary regulations framed for the conduct of the business under the Secretary there is no doubt that your Hon’ble Court will receive the records of this Government up to the latest date of each dispatch, and in a state of correctness to give entire satisfaction. 25. We have only to add that by this conveyance you will receive all the proceedings in the several Departments including those in arrear, up to the 29th instant, the date of our last meeting. (37) Adverting to sundry paragraphs transferred from the Secret Department. (38) Respecting the plants sent from China by Lord Macartney. (39) Approve of our having declined to authorize a settlement on the Company’s account on the N.E. coast of New Guinea. (40-42) Approve our conduct relative to the sending Mr. Duane2 to England. (43-45) Relative to Mr. Henry Pitts Forster. ► 26. Require no reply. (46) Transmit copy of Capt. Mitchell’s reply to an application they have received from Moonoo and Loll, serangs, respecting wages due to 2 tindals and 33 lascars who served on board the William Pitt, and direct that the same be communicated to the serangs. 27. We are happy to find that measures we took to send home Mr. Duane have met with the approbation of your Hon’ble Court. 28. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our letter from the Revenue Department of this date for our sentiments on the subject of these paragraphs. 29. We have directed a copy of this paragraph to be sent to the Marine Pay Master, together with the papers to which it alludes with instructions to attend to the orders of your Hon’ble Court. 31 august 1796 259 Fort St. George 30. On the 11th July the Government at Madras informed us that the Company’s ship the Berrington had, after coming to anchor in those roads, struck the ground and sustained considerable damage. Captain Robertson, Consn. 11th on being called upon, reported the ship incapable of prose- july. curing her voyage, in consequence of which she has been, agreeable to your orders in similar cases, discharged from the service, and her cargo transferred to the Wyecombe. The Berrington has since arrived here and will shortly undergo repair. Cape of Good Hope 31. It is with great concern that we inform you of the fate of the Ann and Eliza, one of the ships which we had chartered to carry rice to the Cape. Consn. Sth She was wrecked and entirely lost on that coast about a August 1796. month’s journey to the eastward of the place. The two mates, a Spaniard and three lascars, were the only persons who were saved from the wreck. The amount of the loss sustained by this ship is sicca rupees 24,128-2 on account freight paid for the vessel and sicca rupees 13,394-6-9 on account invoice cost of the rice and rum shipped by the Garrison Storekeeper, the total amounting to sicca rupees 37,552-8-9; we beg leave to submit to your Hon’ble Court whether this loss should be borne by the Company or by Government as the supply was consigned to the Cape by order of the Commanding Officer of the garrison for the use of His Majesty’s troops. 32. We have lately received an application to know whether a Consn. 22nd part clearance would be granted for a ship to False or August. Table Bay. 33. Table Bay being out of the limits of the Company’s exclusive trade, legal considerations prevented us from granting a clearance to that place for private British ships freighted on account of individuals, and although some objections might be made on different grounds with respect to False Bay, we determined to grant a part clearance to any such vessel carrying only articles for the general consumption of the settlement at the Cape of Good Hope. Bombay 34. - On our proceedings referred to in the margin is recorded our Consn. 11 th July, correspondence with the Bombay Government respecting „ 29th Aug. their supplies for the ensuing year. 35. We have authorized them to accept a joint proposal which had been submitted to them by the gomastahs of Monohur Doss, Dewarka Doss, and Gopaul Doss3 for supplying them treasury for twelve months with three lacs of rupees a month for bills to be drawn upon the Collector of Benares payable 51 days after sight at the exchange of 97% Bombay rupees for 100 Benares rupees. 36. We had great satisfaction in giving our assent to the acceptance of this proposal as, compared with the terms of former engagements, it is highly advantageous. We also transmitted instructions to the Government of Bombay not to negotiate any further supplies on Benares beyond the monthly supply of three lacs of rupees, as funds to answer the excess could not be remitted to that treasury but at a very disadvantageous charge. For any addi- 260 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT tional supplies they might require, they have been directed to draw bills for upon Calcutta or Moorshedabad. 37. On the 11th July, we were informed by the Governor in Council of the Princess Royal, freighted ship, had been driven back to that Port, after having been on the passage homeward bound as far as the JutyOnSn’ 1Uh CaPe of Good Hope. We beg leave to refer you to our proceedings noted in the margin for the survey reports held on her, and to our proceedings of the 18th July for the instructions we deemed it advisable to send to Bombay in consequence. 38. On the grounds stated in these instructions, we have authorized them, should they after enquiry see reason to be satisfied with Captain Reed’s conduct on the voyage from the time of his leaving Madras till his return to India, to make to him the following tenders. 39. 1st. That there shah be purchased, on account the Company, so much wheat or rice as shall replace the deficient part of the cargo, on condition that Captain Reed will agree to carry the same to London without any charge for freight, other than would have become due to the ship, had she duly performed her voyage direct from Bengal, and safely delivered the whole cargo shipped in Bengal, and that he will engage to submit to the pleasure and determination of your Hon’ble Court whether the invoice value of the rice or wheat, which may be shipped, shall be placed to his debit in England or be borne by you ; that the Bombay Government however shall recommend it to your Hon’ble Court not to charge him therewith. 40. 2nd. In case Captain Reed should decline the above offer, we have in that case desired the Bombay Government to signify to him that he has permission to purchase grain, either rice or wheat, of good quality to replace the deficiency of cargo occasioned by the disaster of the voyage, and dehver the same in London to the Company, your Hon’ble Court not charging any thing upon accompt the losses of rice hitherto incurred. 41. In case Captain Reed should decline either of these tenders, or in case the Bombay Government see cause to be dissatisfied with his conduct, we desired, they would require him to proceed on his voyage according to the strict letter of his engagements, without giving him any further cargo. 42. Since it was impossible for us at this distance to foresee every contingency which might occur, we thought it adviseable to request that the Bombay Government would be pleased to make any modification in the above suggestions which might appear to them expedient. 43. We thought it at the same time necessary to communicate to them the opinion of our Advocate General that he does not think it adviseable for the Princess Royal to proceed to England with any cargo but provisions. Prince of Wales Island 44. We beg leave to refer you to our proceedings of the 22nd August for the instructions we have thought it adviseable to send to Prince of Wales Consn ^nd ^an^ aS PreParatory t0 ^ establishment of a more regular August "D f°rm of administration for that settlement. On the receipt of the Resident’s reply, we shall proceed to frame the necessary regulations. 31 august 1796 261 Freight and Tonnage 45. We beg leave to refer you to our proceedings noted in the margin for duplicates of letters submitted by the Board of Trade to your Hon’ble H th July. 18th July. 25th July. Court on the subject of the respective consignments by the extra ships Caledonia, Boyd and Dart packet, by the Sovereign for St. Helena and England, by the Brunswick and Three Sisters for Do. and to our proceedings of the 11th July for the consignments of the regular ships, Fort William, Earl Fitz Wi'lHam, Henry Dundas and Berrington, the cargo of which latter ship has been transferred as we have above informed you to the Earl Wycombe. The only deficiencies the Madras Government have noticed to us in landing the cargo from the Berrington were 21 gallons rum and Consn. 29th 286ct., 3q. 271b. of saltpetre, for an explanation of the causes ‘ ° ’ of which our Board of Trade have been instructed to call upon* the commander. 46. The Board of Trade having suggested the expediency of sending to 4th April. England by way of experiment a quantity of wheat, we have 8th1 August given them authority for that purpose. 47. There being a quantity of rum consigned to St. Helena on the Sovereign, Three Sifters and Brunswick, we have, at the recommendation of A the Board of Trade, written to the Governor in Council 22nd August. . , - . , . _ , . , , m the event of it not being wanted at the island, to forward it to England. Bills of Exchange 48. On the 28th March we authorized the Residents at Benares and Lucnow and the several Collectors of Revenue to receive cash into their respective treasuries to the amount of 20 lacs of rupees for bills to be granted by them on you at an exchange of 2s and 4d the sicca rupee. The amount of the remittance being nearly subscribed, we on the 11th July directed the further receipt of money under this authority to be discontinued. 49. The Commander of the Three Sisters has made an application to us for an advance of 5,000 sicca rupees to enable him to defray the necessary Consn. 25th expences of his ship, offering his bills upon Mr. Charnock. July. As it appeared that Captain Steel could not procure money otherwise, we agreed to accept his bill at an exchange, as in the instance of the commander of the Brunswick, at 2 shillings per current rupee. Company’s Servants: Appointments. 50. We have the honor to subjoin a list of appointments which have taken place since the date of our last dispatches. Mr. Routledge to be Collec-Consn. 25th tor of Benares vice Mr. A. Duncan deceased; Mr. C. Shakes^ July- pear to be Collector of Government Customs at Benares; Mr. Pitts Middleton to have charge of the Gollagore Residency;4 Mr. Frayer to be Collector of Behar proper; Mr. George Purling to be Collector of Beerbhoom vice Mr. Frayer; Mr. T. Woodford to be Assistant in the office 262 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT of Persian and Bengali Translator, Board of Revenue;. Mr. Hugh Macleod to be Sub-Secretary, Public Department; Mr. James Morgan removed from 15th Au ust ^ °®ce °^ Assistant Collector of Dinagepore and appoint- 8 ‘ ed Register, Dewanny Adawlut and Assistant to Magistrate and Collector, Sylhet; Kir. Edward Webb removed from the office of Assistant to Register, Sudder Dewanny Audawlut and appointed Assistant Collector, Dinagepore. Miscellanea 51. We transmit to you a separate number in the packet a copy of a letter from Lady Watson, and although the circumstances of her peculiarly unfortunate and unhappy situation could not fail to excite in us the strongest sentiments of commiseration, considerations of public duty compelled us to acquaint her that we could only forward her letter to your Hon’ble Court. 52. We take this opportunity of forwarding a set of botanical drawings and descriptions of flowers and plants in the Burmahs Dominions, presented to the Governor General by Doctor Buchanan who accompanied Captain Symes on his embassy to Ava. 53. From the satisfaction which you expressed at the receipt of Doctor Roxburgh’s drawings and from the liberal encouragement which you have invariably given to pursuits of a scientific nature, we entertain no doubt that the drawing of Doctor Buchanan will also be highly acceptable to your Hon’ble Court. 54. The state of our treasury this day is as follows: State of the General Treasury the 31st August 1796 Ready money Gold mohurs ... 95,177 9 0 Siccas Copper Bills receivable 15,22,841 0 0 1,19,528 0 0 39,180 4 3 3 3 ’ 2,911 12 Sicca rupees 16,84,461 0 6 Unsorted treasure Balance account deposits ... Accountant General, Supreme Court ... Ditto. Ditto. Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased Loans @ 12 per cent Register debt Fort William, 65,803 1,76,854 7 8 8,872 1 4 90,457 1 3 31,122 6 9 900 2 5 3,81,76,755 0 10 3,84,84,961 2 4 0 3 31st August 1796. We have the honour to be etc (Per Georgiana.) 7 LETTER DATED 3 OCTOBER 1796 Arrival of a French squadron on the coast—increase in the expenses of the Government of Madras—Rev. C. Buchanan appointed Chaplain at Fort William—funds of the Native Hospital—state of the general treasury. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors etc. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. The arrival of the French squadron on the Coast having induced us to postpone the dispatch of the Georgiana packet to Madras, and apprehending that before their departure, the season might be too far advanced to admit of her touching on the Coast without considerable risk from the mon-Consn. 12th Sep- soon’ we determined on the 12th ultimo to detain her until tember in the we should receive the Madras accounts, -which we desired to Secret Dept. be forwarded to us by land, that they might be transmitted from hence direct to England, with the accounts of this Presidency, and those of Bombay which we had received. 2. The Madras Government having anticipated our orders by the previous transmission of a copy of their accounts to us, we now dispatch the Georgiana direct from hence. 3. We think it proper to notice that the accounts from the Madras and Bombay Presidency were not originally intended for transmission to your Hon’ble Court. This will account for some of them not being attested as usual by the members of the respective Governments but signed only by the Accountant General. We trust, however, this circumstance is immaterial as they are attached by the public office whose duty it is to compile them. 4. Her detention enables us to forward to you, in addition to our advices of the 31st August last, our further proceedings and the detail of the principal occurrences to the 3rd of October. 5. We take this opportunity of replying to your letter in this Department received by the Europa. Answer to the General letter from the Hon’ble Court of Directors in the Public Department, dated 22nd April 1796 (1) Last letter dated 22nd March, j (2) Enumerate advices since re-> ^ ^° reply necessary. ceived. j (3) The Secret Committee respect- 7. We shall not fail to attend ing the shipping enumerated. I punctually to the instructions con- (4) The Secret Committee Do, ) tained in these paragraphs. 264 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (5) Mention the writers appointed in further part of the number agreed to be sent out last season. (6) Three other gentlemen appointed writers this season. (7) Nine clergymen appointed to Bengal. (8) This arrangement to be particularly attended to. (9) Request our sentiments whether any more chaplains are required. (10) The Reverend C. Buchanan1 appointed a chaplain to do duty at the garrison of Fort William. (11) Enumerate the names of persons allowed to proceed to India as free mariners. 8. Needs no reply. 9. Do. 10. We have attended to the Court’s order contained in this para-graph. 11. Needs no reply. 12. We shall hereafter communicate to you the result of our enquiries on the subject of this paragraph 13. Needs no reply. 14. Needs no reply. Fort Saint George 15. The Government of Madras having intimated to us by a letter re- corded on our proceedings noted in the margin that from the great encrease in their expences occasioned by the expeditions which they had equipped against the enemy’s possessions, by the support of pri-September^ soners of war, by a material addition to the strength of their native corps and by a considerable advance for the investment, their receipts would fall short of the current disbursements from the 23 August to the 31 December 1796 of upwards of four lacs of pagodas, we have authorized them to draw on us for whatever sum may be necessary, as we consider it of the highest importance that their military establishments should be regularly paid, that the public faith and credit should be maintained and also that the necessary advances should be made for the investment. We trust this measure will meet the approbation of your Hon’ble Court. 16. To enable us to answer these extraordinary demands and any other unforeseen exigencies, we have opened our treasury for the receipt of money at 12 per cent payable in one or two years at our option, as you have been more particularly advised from the Secret Department. Cape of Good Hope 17. We beg leave to call your attention to a letter from the Board of Trade which we transmit a number in the packet respecting the loss of the 3 OCTOBER 1796 265 Ann and Eliza freighted by desire of the commanding officer of His Majesty’s forces and consigned to the Commander-in-Chief of the British Squadron at the Cape of Good Hope. The Board state that they have paid on account of the freight and cargo the sum of £ St. 37,522-8-9 which sum, by the wreck of the ship on the south east coast of Africa, is entirely lost. We are of opinion that under these circumstances the loss should not fall on the Company but on His Majesty’s Government and therefore recommend that your Hon’ble Court call in His Majesty’s Ministers for the reimbursement of this sum. Coinage 18. We beg leave to call the attention of your Hon’ble Court to a minute of the Governor General sent a number in the packet and recorded on our proceedings of the 3 October respecting the batta on the gold coin. Freight and Tonnage 19. In our proceedings of the 16th September is recorded under the head of Board of Trade a letter from Mr. Alexr. Colvin regarding the freight of the contract indigo of last year. His former application on the subject was forwarded to your Hon’ble Court per Dart and his renewal of his solicitations appears to have been produced by the accounts received here since the departure of the Dart of the unfavourable sale of the indigo sold at the India House in Feburay last. 20. We beg leave to call your attention to the proceedings noted in the Consn. 16th September. margin for a summary of the proceedings of the Board of Trade upon such subject requiring to be particularly noticed to your Hon’ble Court as have occurred since the dispatch of the Dart. 21. From these proceedings it appears that the charge incurred on account demurrage of the ships taken up in Bengal last season amounts to only sicca rupees 3,666. 22. The Board of Trade therein also point out the inconveniences arising from the present practice of sending out the different sorts of manufactured copper invoiced under one general head. We beg leave in compliance with their suggestion to recommend that the several sorts be in future put up separately and invoiced under distinct heads of Thin, Middling and Thick according to the form which accompanies that Board’s proceedings in a letter from the Import Warehouse Keeper. 23. We transmit a number in the packet, a bill forwarded by the Board of Trade against Capt. Richard Whilford, owner of the freighted ship Exetery for sundry goods which he has permitted to ship on his own account. 266 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 24. We beg leave to recommend that the amount be deducted when the ship’s accounts are finally settled with your Hon’ble Court. Europe Ships 25. We have the honor to transmit numbers in the packet an account of the supplies and bills paid by your Naval Storekeeper here for the use and on account of the Company’s ship Georgiana. Company^ Servants 26. Mr. John Rider has requested our permission to resign your service and to be allowed to proceed to England for the arrangement of his family concerns. We have complied with his request and recommend that he may be allowed to return to the service without prejudice to his rank on his application for that purpose within the time limited by your regulations. 27. Mr. Richard Becher, whom we permitted to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope for the benefit of his health, not having derived the advantages he expected from change of air, has been under the necessity of availing himself of the permission we had granted him to proceed eventually to Europe. We have no hesitation in requesting the indulgence of your Hon’ble Court that he may be allowed to return to the service without prejudice to his rank as soon as his health will admit of his doing so. Miscellaneous 28. We transmit a separate number in the packet, a letter addressed to us on the part of the Asiatic Society. 29. From the liberal encouragement which you have always paid to the extension of useful knowledge, we doubt not your Hon’ble Court will be pleased to comply with our recommendation that the request contained in their letter be favourably received. 30. We have the honor to transmit a number in the packet, statement of the funds of the Native Hospital made up to the 1 September comprehending the second year from the date of its institution. The statement exhibits a balance of sicca rupees 51,436-7 in favor of the institution after the purchase of a house and ground to the amount of sicca rupees 24,000 and, from the return of the patients admitted into the hospital as well as the out patients who have been relieved from it, your Hon’ble Court will observe that the benevolent purposes intended by the institution have been fulfilled. 9 JANUARY 1797 267 31. The state of our treasury this day is as follows: State of the General Treasury the 3rd October 1796 Readv money Gold mohurs 117,524-12-0 18,80,396- 0-0 Siccas 102,131- 0-0 Copper ... 46,289-12-6 20,28,816-12-6 Bills receivable Sicca Rupees 4,66,896- 2-3 24,95,712-14-9 Unsorted treasure Balance account deposits Accountant General, Su- preme Court 2,22,597-11-8 8,872- 1-4 2,31,469-13-0 90,725-10-0 Ditto, ditto. Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has 90,457- i-3 ceased 31,122- 6-9 Loans @12 per cent ... Ditto ditto on which the interest has 2,43,360- 0-0 ceased . . . . 900- 2-5 Register debt 3,79,45,051-11-5 3,85,42,361-2-10 Fort William, 3rd October, 1796. We have the honor to be etc. 8 LETTER DATED 9 JANUARY 1797 Finances in Bombay and Madras—despatches from Fort Marlborough— unadjusted balances of Munni Begam, Raja Gurudas and others—two boxes of plants sent to Kew Garden and to Sir Joseph Banks—Dr. Roxburgh to go on leave and Dr. Fleming to take his place—new duty on exports and imports —chapels to be erected at important army stations—state of the general treasury. To the Hon’bie the Court of Directors. Hon’bie Sirs, 1. Our last dispatches in this Department were dated the 3rd of October. 268 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Canton 2. Our last dispatch from the Secret Committee are dated the 31st Consn. 30th October and recorded in the proceedings referred to. December 3. Your Hon’ble Court will observe that the destination of the Earl Howe to China would be such an accession of tonnage as to enable them to dispatch at an early period of the season a valuable cargo of their surplus stock, as well as prove a very favorable addition to the strength of their first fleet. We observed with much concern the very low state of the Canton treasury; to supply the deficiency they have drawn upon this Government, for the amount of one hundred thousand tales1 [taels] at the medium rate of 41 and 30 days’ sight, reserving to us the option of discharging their drafts in cash, or by the issue of promissory notes at the discount of the day. On the receipt of this intelligence, we thought it our duty to exert every practicable endeavour to relieve the exigencies of the Company at Canton, and, accordingly, determined to make a remittance of twelve lacs of rupees upon the terms of an advertizement recorded in the proceedings of the 16th instant in this Department, notwithstanding the embarrassment to our funds. We also notified to the public that all bills drawn by the supracargoes at Canton were to be paid in cash. The Resident and Select Committee have further informed us that they have opened their exchange on your Hon’ble Court at 5s. 5d. and one year’s sight, expecting from 'these liberal terms the beneficial consequence of a ready sale of their bills at your market. Bombay 4. The Government at Bombay having referred to us a letter which is recorded in these proceedings from Mr. Forbes requesting October ^^ payment of his Tellicherry debt with the current interest of that place from 1st September 1793, we wrote to them in reply that we could not recommend their deviating from your instructions with respect to the adjustment of Mr. Forbes’s claim. 5. From the estimate of the Bombay Government for the current year it appeared that supplies would be required by that Presidency from Bengal to the extent of upwards of twenty three lacs of rupees, in addi-October 21St tioxi to the amount already contracted to be supplied from the treasury at Benares; we therefore recommended to the Governor in Council, as the most eligible plan for them, to adopt the opening of their treasury for the receipt of money for bills to be granted upon us, or upon the Collector of Moorshedabad at the option of the party paying the money; the bills to be payable thirty one days after sight at the exchange of 100 Calcutta sicca rupees for 100 Bombay rupees. 6. We have to observe to you that these terms are more advantageous for the Company than the average rate at which the supplies to Bombay have been remitted for four years past, by nearly two per cent. This measure, therefore, we trust will meet with your approbation. 7. The Government of Bombay having stated to us, in a second letter, that the extra supplies required from this Presidency would amount to 24 lacs 9 JANUARY 1797 269 instead of 9 as they had at first intended, we wrote to them, that in the event of their not obtaining the necessary supplies by bills on the terms specified in the advertisement recorded in the proceedings of the 21st instant, they might draw bills on the treasuries of Moorshedabad and Calcutta for the deficiency on the terms at which money might be procurable, from time to time, as the occasion demanded. 8. Your Government of Bombay having further represented to us, in a letter dated the 19th October and recorded in these proceedings, that they were still in tvant of supplies, we authorized them to open their Number ^ treasury for a loan to the extent of their exigencies, provided x they did not exceed 10 lacs of rupees, at such advanced rate of interest, not however exceeding twelve per cent, as they conceived might ensure the necessary subscription ; at the same time recommending it to them, to reserve to themselves the option, if possible, of paying the principal in one or two years, or at any subsequent time. 9. The Governor in Council at Bombay transmitted to us copy of a repre,, , , sentation on the subject of law tonnage from Messrs. Bruce November J 0 ' Fawcett & Co.2 of that Presidency, which your Hon’ble Court will find recorded on these proceedings. 10. These gentlemen state the inconvenience attending an application to the Supreme Government in India for determination on tonnage according to the Act of Parliament. Although ’with them, we were sensible that inconvenience might some times arise from delay, yet we informed the Government of Bombay in reply to then’ reference that we could not alter the mode laid down by the legislature for our guidance on the subject of law tonnage. 11. We shall conclude the subject of supplies to Bombay by remarking, that we have since received a letter from that Government with the satisfactory information that upon these terms they had raised supplies Decemebr to ^e amount °f seven ^acs °^ rupees, and that upon an accu- rate review of their exigencies, it appeared that a provision had been made for them exceeding rather their demands. The particulars are detained in the proceedings referred to. Fori St. George 12. In these proceedings is recorded a letter from us to the Government of Fort St. George relative to the finances of that Presidency to which we beg leave to call your attention. To enable us to judge 28th October. of the best mode of providing that Presidency with resources adequate to the deficiency in then’ treasury, we requested to be furnished with the exact present estimate they might be able to form of the amount in which the supplies, expected to be obtained from bills on us, was likely to fall short of their exigencies, and to state the ground on which they formed the estimate. We authorized that Government to raise supplies by drawing on us, as it suited our convenience and was more advantageous than receiving money for notes transferable to Bengal, at the exchange of current rupees 418 per 100 pagodas or remittances in bullion. We 270 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT did not conceive it necessary to provide them with any other means of supply, as neither their advices nor the statement of their receipts for bills upon us appeared to afford any grounds for supposing that the sums obtainable in this mode were likely to prove inadequate to their exigencies. We further informed them that should the supplies which they expected to obtain from the bills not prove equal to then* wants, we should again have recourse to consignment of bullion if a more advantageous mode could not be devised. To this letter we subjoined a calculation of the comparative advantages of a remittance by bills, and in bullion founded on the then rate of exchange, by which it appeared to us to be a more eligible plan for that Government to raise the exchange of the bills upon us, eleven per cent, than for us to remit bullion to them, and we, accordingly, authorized them to raise the exchange in any sum, not exceeding that amount, provided they could by that means procure the necessary supplies. Having observed that His Lordship in Council had not discontinued the receipt of money for bills upon your Hon’ble Court, and having found that bills to the amount of thirty three lacs of rupees had been already drawn upon you, during the season 1795/6, we thought it necessary to recommend to His Lordship to discontinue that measure unless the necessity for continuing it appeared to him to be absolute, as we wished to avoid adding to your embarrassments in Europe, unless actually compelled to do so by pressing exigencies. 13. The Government of Fort St. George having expressed their apprehension of their not being able to raise the necessary supplies N^mber^ ^or ^s uPon USs we determined in pursuance of our plan already detailed to you, to make a consignment in bullion to that Presidency. 14. To effect this purpose the more easily, we directed the Mint Master at this Presidency to reserve on account of the Company until further orders, all the gold bullion which might be sent to the mint for coinage, and to grant certificates to the proprietors entitling them to immediate payment at the treasury of the net amount that might be due after deducting the established duties. 15. In continuation of the subject of Madras finances, we beg leave to point out to your notice another letter from that Presidency recorded on these proceedings, with the reply to it; your Hon’ble Court November.^ will observe by what we have already stated that we anti- cipated the wishes of the Madras Government in authorizing them to raise the exchange if they found it absolutely necessary, and we had already informed them that in the event of their requiring it we should make a consignment in specie on this occcasion. We accordingly informed them that they might rely on our sending by the first eligible opportunity a supply of about ten lacs in gold. We further informed them that we approved their having proposed for a loan of two lacs of pagodas for the immediate occasion, to be paid by bills on Bengal, at such an exchange as the proposers might specify in preference to their having °Pene^ a subscription to the twelve per cent loan, payable at a specific period at that Presidency, because it might have proved difficult to fulfil such an engagement with good faith. In reply to a request of that Government, that we would specify the limits to which the advances for their investment 9 JANUARY 1797 271 should be restricted, we expressed our desire, that the necessary advances might be made for the investment as directed by your Hon’ble Court, and we finally assured them that we should take the most adviseable measures in our power to supply them with funds adequate to the extent of their exigencies. 16. On the 25th of November we received a further letter from the Governor in Council at Madras, on the subject of their finances, which you will find, with our reply, recorded on these proceedings. Number5111 Conceiving it, from their statement, to be a measure of indis^ pensible necessity, we acquiesced in the propriety of their borrowing money for the present at twelve per cent, the more particularly as it was likely, the amount would not be so considerable as to create any serious embarrassment when the time of payment should arrive. With respect to their proposal to transfer their eight per cent bonds we did not think we could acquiesce with propriety. As the whole of the register debt contracted at this Presidency since May 1793, bears interest only at the rate of six per cent per annum, to issue any other than six per cent notes in exchange of their eight per cent bonds would no doubt have tended to excite discontent amongst our own creditors. 17. We, therefore, recommended to them to notify to the public, that the eight per cent bonds might be exchanged for the six per cent notes, subscribable to the remittance to England and transferable to Bengal at the established exchange for the tune being. 18. In a letter dated the 29th October, the Government at Madras represented to us the expediency of dispatching some of the expected ships directly from that Presidency to England with cargoes. I Sth November. On the grounds of the advanced season of the year, and the consequent commencement of the monsoon, we approved the suggestion of that Government, and authorized them, in a letter recorded in these proceedings, to load and dispatch four of the expected ships as soon after their arrival as possible. 19. To this number we proposed at the same time to add the Fort William which we advised you in a former dispatch, had ben compelled to return to this port to refit, under the protest of the Government of Fort St. George. To give full effect to this protest we only directed the usual survey of her, and she was then after having undergone the necessary repairs to proceed under former orders. 20. As it appeared from a further letter from Madras, dated the 28th of November, that a supply of specie was indispensibly requisite for the re-_ _ establishment of their credit, and that a consignment to the 26th December. . . £ L u L i amount or about five lacs or pagodas would be likely to enable them to raise sufficient supplies by their bills upon us, at the rate of exchange of arcot rupees 355 per 100 pagodas, we determined to send them a consignment of gold to that amount by the first convenient opportunity. It will afford your Hon’ble Court satisfaction to learn from the Madras letter here recorded, that the sale of the cinnamon will indemnify the Company in the expences of the war. 272 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Fort Marlbro’ 21. In these proceedings your Hon’ble Court will find the latest dispatches from the Government of Fort Marlbro’ together with our resolutions on the different subjects referred to us. Relying with con-D^ember^1 fidence on the endeavours of the Deputy Governor in Council, to dispose of the Benterim plantation on the most advantageous terms, we approved the measure adopted for that purpose, and confirmed the agreement with Messrs. Watters, Dinning and others the purchasers. On the subject of the mode of paying the military establishment, we authorized the continuance of the rate of the exchange which has hitherto prevailed at Fort Marlbro’, as the difficulty of procuring dollars appeared to be a bar to the expedient, which had been suggested by us, of disbursing the pay of the military at all times in one denomination of specie, at a fixed value. 22. The Deputy Governor and Council having given favourable testimony of the conduct of Mr. Hartley,3 we have determined to revoke oui former order for his dismission. 23. As it appears that the articles of capitulation with respect to the ransom of Natal, had been violated, we resolved not to accept the ransom bills. 24. With respect to the removal of Mr. Coles from the temporary chiefship at Padang, we approved the conduct of the Bencoolen Government on the grounds of Mr. Terhoff’s4 letter, as we were of opinion that until the necessary enquiry had been made into the representation of Mr. Terhoff, Mr. Coles would be improperly placed as Chief at Padang. Prince of Wales Island 25. We Cons. 19th. December. can only refer you generally to our correspondence with the Superintendant of Prince of Wales Island, recorded on the proceedings noted in the margin intending to address you particularly on the subject hereafter. Marine 26. In these proceedings your Hon’ble Court will observe that we took 17th October ^t0 cons^eration the subject of the moorings at Diamond Harbour, on a detailed reference from the Board of Trade. 27. We thought proper to adopt their proposition for abolishing the fixed allowance of 1,200 sicca rupees per mensem, and directed that the actual expenditure only should be charged, by which plan you will have the satisfaction to observe that the charge for anchor boats is reduced from sicca rupees 10,354 to sicca rupees 6,262. 28. It will no doubt afford you satisfaction to find that a reduction in Cons 14th consequence of a proposition from the Board of Trade, had November. been effected in the Marine establishment of 16,000 rupees per annum as will appear in the perusal of the proceedings referred to. 9 JANUARY 1797 273 29. We have given permission to Mr. Gillespie5, a pilot in your service, to proceed to England for the recovery of his health and 0 tober ^^ have allowed him the usual pension granted to invalid pilots vizt., 1/3 of their pay to be drawn for in this country on a certificate of his being alive being produced from the magistrate of rhe place where he may chance to reside, on grounds which we trust will appear satisfactory to your Hon’ble Court. Accounts 30. In these proceedings are recorded our resolutions on a report of the Accountant General relating to unadjusted belances, to which we beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court. We beg however to Cons. 21st detail those articles which more particularly demand vour November. . r , . ' . attention, and on which we request your determination whether they are to be written off or the payment enforced. Such papers as could be found relative to the different items are sent numbers in the packet. 31. It appears that the Begum was removed from the office of guardian to the Nabob by order of the Governor General and Council in the Public Munnv Begum Department on the 9th of May 1775 to which date the allow-sicca rupees ances granted to her in that capacity have been carried to 16,/22-3-13-1. Her credit, and the balance appearing due from her arises from the Resident at the Durbar having advanced to her sicca rupees 40,110-7-0 in February 1776, perhaps previous to his receipt of the order of Council above mentioned, as the Secretary’s letter communicating it to the Accountant General is stated to have been dated on the 11th of December 1775. Whether the balance stated against the Begum be accurate or erroneous, as a period of more than twenty years has elapsed since the date of it, we are of opinion that the demand could not be recovered at this time either with justice or propriety, and although we did not determine that the amount should be written off without the sanction of your Hon’ble Court, wre agreed to apply for your sanction for that purpose. 32. This balance appears to have arisen from his having been paid his allowance for the month of Chite 1184 (in Asstzr 1185) by the Collector of Ahteramull- Rajemahal.6 Although the same allowance was charged by Dowlah sicca the Resident at the Durbar in April 1779 his allowance ceased rupees 7,552-1-6-3. jn March following, and this overcharge, or overpayment, has been since continued to his debit. 33. This balance arises from the Resident at the Durbar’s advances to the Rajah Goor Doss7 ^ajah *n ^ Year ^^> having exceeded the amount of his sicca rupees allowances ; he was recalled from his office at Moorshedabad 14,442-12-8-3. on the jg^ Qctober 1775, to which time only his allowance has been credited. 34. This balance arises from the Resident at the Durbar having paid Row Uldien his shpend at the rate of sicca rupees 5,000 per month Hussein Cawn from the 1st January 1775 to the 7th of April 1783—the time of his death; and his account having been credited annually from its commencement at the rate of stcca rupees Vol. XIII—18 274 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 4,687-8 per month only; for the reasons before assigned, we recommend it to your Honorable Court to authorize these two sums to be written off the books. 35. This balance of sicca rupees 1,000 is transferred in the Patna treasury acccount for Assar 1184 by order of the Governor General and Council under Thos Goddard date lst °^ W ^^7 t0 ^ personal debit of Mr. Goddard,8 sicca rupees as due from him to the treasury. The records of the office 950-I-l-s. afford no information of it’s origin. Wishing to obtain all possible information on this article, we ordered a reference to be made to the records of the Secretary’s office for information respecting it, and that a copy of such information, if it could be found, should be transmitted to vour Hon’ble Court, who will determine whether the sum should be demanded from the heirs of General Goddard or be written off. No fresh information has been traced. 36. This balance arises as follows: — It appears that the amount collected by Lieutenant Colonel T. „ Camac9 on account of the revenues of Sheergatty Camac Bollagaut to the 5th April 17/0 tor which the iicrayupees Collector of Ram Gur10 is credited on account of 10,04/-8-l-2. the former is ... ... 16,414-5-0-0 Deduct— Amount received from Major Metcalf and Colonel Camac’s other attornies, in part of the above in April 1783 ... 6,366-12-18-2 10,047- 8- 1-2 Gerard Gus Ducarel sicca rupees 3,751-4-18-2. Our remarks on the foregoing paragraph are applicable to this. 37. This balance appears to be a sum overdrawn by him on account of his commission on the collections of the revenues of Burdwan. Mr. Ducarel11 having long since returned to Europe it only remained to notice this balance to your Hon’ble Court for decision, and for the purposes of adjustment, to then be credited. Mr. Holt12 was called upon by Robert Holt. transfer the amount to the debit of “Account Current London” on the General Books. 38. This is the balance of his last treasury account dated 1st May 1786, including the establishment for the month of May, of course he could not order of late Superin- ' Government on the 21st August 1789 to liquidate this tendant^of die balance and his reply was transmitted to the Board of Dufter of Behar Revenue by their Accountant under date 18th September sicca rupees 1789, since which nothing relative thereto has been commu- 6164-9-6. nicated to this office. On this article it only remains to remark, that Mr. Holt has absconded. Your Hon’ble Court will determine on the propriety of continuing or writing off the amount. 39. Being aware that your Hon’ble Court were desirous that the statements you receive from the several Presidencies should be constructed on the 9 JANUARY 1797 275 same general principle, we directed our Accountant General to prepare a copy ot each of the most material quarterly and annual statements for the last vear of account which we forwarded with the necessary instructions to your Governments of Fort Saint George and Bombay. Europe Ships 40. Captain Simson of the Fort William whose ship returned to this Presidency to refit under a protest from the Madras Government, exonerating Consn. 28 tine Company from the expense of demurrage or other con-October. tingencies arising from the state of the ship, applied to us for the monthly charterparty allowances. 41. It appeared to us that the owners were not entitled from the ship’s incapacity to the allowance, but in order to prevent loss or inconvenience to them from want of funds we agreed to advance it to the 2nd of January to Captain Simson on his accountable receipt leaving the question of right to be settled between the owners and the Company in England. 42. Captain Richardson of the extra ship Cornwallis having applied to us for charterparty allowances, at the recommendation of Consn. 2bth tjle 3oarj of Trade we complied with his request, and advanced the sums winch he stated to be necessary for the repairs of his ship, for which the ship’s owner will account with your Hon’ble Court in England. 43. On the 20th October the Company’s ships Dublin, Thetis, Bridge-water, and Europa imported here, and on tlie 16th instant, we received the pleasing intelligence of the arrival at Madras of the Hon’ble December19 Company’s ships Essex, Asia, William Pitt, Manship, Lord Camden, Lord Macartney, and General Goddard on the 20th of November. His Lordship in Council for the benefit of convoy to this port dispatched those ships to Trincomalie. 44. Mr. Hogan, owner of the extra ship Marquis Cornwallis having stated to us, that the commander Capt. Richardson wTas incapable December °° from severe indisposition from attending to the duties of his station, he requested our permission to appoint Mr. J. Roberts thy chief officer to the command of the Marquis Cornwallis with which we complied, Mr. Hogan having previously presented to us the regular register to prove his property in the ship. Freight and Tonnage 45. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to some papers recorded on these proceedings respecting the Exeter chartered ship Consn. 21st r i j i October. from this port, which the captain states he was under the necessity from the leaky state of the ship to carry into Bombay, to undergo the necessary repairs. 276 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 46. To this measure the officers of the ship entered their protest whilst in Saint Augostinho Bay, and proposed carrying the ship to the Cape of Good Hope. On the subject of this dispute, we have only to adopt the remarks of the Board of Trade, that Captain Whitford is two thirds owner as well as commander of the ship, and has a quantity of goods of his own on board, from which it may fairly be inferred that his interest in the speedy termination of the voyage must have been strong and unequivocal. It may therefore be presumed that Captain Whitford has not been actuated by improper motives. 47. From the names of the officers who signed the protest it appears they are all of them foreigners. It remains however with your Hon’ble Court on the ship’s arrival in England, to decide on the propriety of Captain Whitford’s conduct on this occasion. 48. Having taken into consideration the provision of tonnage for the cinnamon, and captured property at Ceylon, it appeared from a detailed report of the Board of Trade on referring to the records on this subject, and more particularly to a letter from Mr. Greenwell recorded on the Political proceedings of the 21st October, that there would be sufficient cargo for four ships. We therefore determined to send the four chartered ships Herrington, Dublin, Bridgewater, and Thetis to Columbo for that purpose as soon as they could be prepared for the voyage. 49. The Board Trade having made a reference to us on the subject of a sum of sicca rupees 47,367-9 standing against Mr. John Cheap, being the proportion of freight payable by him in Bengal for sundry Nm°mbe/5th goods shipped by him in the Company’s tonnage for last season upon the terms of our advertisement of the 8th instant, with different propositions from that gentleman soliciting relief, we agreed in opinion with the Board of Trade, that it was most advantageous to permit him to deliver the amount in sugar, on the same terms as that article was provided for the investment charging the agency commission of five per cent. This measure we trust will meet with your sanction, as it will assist in filling the tonnage, of which there is so large an excess. Company's Servants 50. From the proceedings of the Board of Trade it appears that independent of the sum of sicca rupees 88,965-11-3, from the payment of which you C 10th were phased to exonerate Mr. Herbert Harris,13 he is still a October. debtor in the dead stock to the amount of sicca rupees 1,17,195-2-5 as also a debtor on the books of Salt Department to the amount of sicca rupees 16,975 on account of salt bought by him jointly with Mr. Samuel Touchet, who died some years ago, insolvent; although with the Board of Trade, we entertain no doubt that your Hon’ble Court meant to liberate Mr. Harris entirely from all claims of the Company against him, we think proper to submit to you, for your final decision, the two additional articles stated against Mr. Harris by the Board of Trade. 9 JANUARY 1797 277 51. We transmit a number in the packet a memorial from the Hon’ble Andrew Ramsay addressed to your Hon’ble Court; you will observe that he claims his allowances from the period the Winterton was wrecked in August 1792 until his arrival in Bengal in January 1796. We have only to remark on this subject that we did not consider ourselves authorized on the grounds stated bv Mr. Ramsay to admit his claim without a reference to you. 52. The following gentlemen have had our permission to resign your service and to proceed to England: The Hon’ble Frederick Consn. 16th Fitzroy,14 Mr. Henry Ramus/5 Mr. Robert Bathurst,16 ecem er. ^^ Cornelius Fryer, and Mr. Thomas Holland. The two latter gentlemen have intimated then* wish to return to your service as soon as their private affairs shall have been adjusted, which we recommend to your favorable consideration. Miscellaneous 53. From the report recorded on these proceedings from the Register in this Department, it appears that part of the marked paper for October 10th printing promissory notes has been so much damaged by time as to render it unfit for use. We therefore request that a fresh supply be sent by the earliest opportunity. 54. Messrs. Frushard and Laprimandy,17 merchants at this Presidency, applied to us for permission to ship a quantity of 1334 tons of spices, which they have lately imported from the eastward, on one of the November“5th Company’s ships for England ; as the experiment upon which those gentlemen sent their ships appears to lead to the opening of a trade, which may eventually prove beneficial to the commerce of Bengal, on a principle of encouragement, we granted the solicited permission. 55. On the 9th July we directed the Board of Trade [to] revise their establishments in order to make any reduction that might be effected without detriment to the public service. The habitual attention of December2nd tHau Board to ^economy did not authorize the expectation of any very material reduction. We refer for particulars to their minute, and in consequence of the suggestions in it, adopted the following alterations in their establishment by which a small saving has been effected. The salary to the Import Warehouse Keeper was 24,000 rupees per annum; his salary is now reduced to 12,000 rupees, and as an equivalent for the deduction, a commission has been substituted for reasons which we doubt not will appear satisfactory. The other alteration respects the vendue master Mr. Williamson, who received a commission on the import sales estimated at 10,000 rupees for annum. The appointment was unnecessary, and certainly ought to have been abolished, but as the income arising from it furnished the only subsistence of Mr. Williamson, considering his advanced age, his infirmities, the insolvency of his affairs, and that if this resource were withdrawn, he might be left to perish or to the chance of a charitable subsistence, we agreed that he should receive five hundred rupees per month and 278 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT no commission. A trifling reduction has also taken place in the factory at Luckipore.18 56. The merchants of this settlement have addressed to us a letter on the scarcity of money and praying for relief by an advance of cash. It would have afforded us great satisfaction had it been in our power December12th t0 give them the r^ef they requested, but we were sorry the state of the public funds would not admit of our doing so without involving the interests of the community and the Company. By the most accurate estimate which we can form of the probable state of your finances at the close of the year, we are of opinion that the relief derived from the twelve per cent loan will not be more than adequate to the exigencies of this government. The increased military expences, the extraordinary supplies required by the Governments of Fort St. George and Bombay, the remittance of twelve lacks of rupees to China, and the addition of six lacks for the provision of gruff goods to meet the superfluous tonnage, estimated to exceed 7,000 tons, will require all our resources, although there is no apprehension of their failure in any instance, excepting in the article of opium. 57. We think it further necessary to add that admitting even a scarcity of specie in some degree, of which we have no satisfactory proof, wTe are more inclined to attribute the distress of the commercial body to a deficiency of credit. Speculations to a very large amount have been entered in by them, chiefly we understand upon credit in the expectation of profitable returns, and the failure of these expectations, particularly with respect to the indigo, has naturally produced much of the existing distress. 58. At the request of Doctor Roxburgh we have forwarded two boxes of growing plants on the Berrington and Thetis, one for the Royal Garden at Kew, the other for Sir Joseph Banks, which we beg may be delivered on their arrival in England. We also transmit from the same gentleman a package containing 11 hundred drawings and descriptions of India plants. The Company’s Hydrographer having applied for some specimens of the different sorts of timber in this country, we have put on board the extra ship Thomas, twenty different kinds chosen by Doctor Roxburgh. The Doctor having stated in his letter which is recorded on these proceedings that his health was declining and that he was desirous of trying the effect of a change of climate we acquiesced in his request for leave to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope for that purpose, and eventually to Europe, if he should not find his health reestablished. Doctor Fleming has been appointed to take charge of the Botanical Garden during the Doctor’s absence. 59. The enemy’s cruizers having committed depredations in the mouth of the river and carried off some of the pilot schooners, we thought it neces-sary to equip a force sufficient to repel them, a particular No^mber'3^ account of which you will receive from our political dispatches. We will here only observe that in order to defray the extra expences occasioned by this armament, we directed a new duty to be raised upon the exports and imports of this port vizt., one per cent in addition to the 2*4 per cent now payable upon all such goods as already bear 9 JANUARY 1797 279 custom, and one per cent upon all other articles which are at present exempted from custom: and we have at the same time reserved to ourselves the option of continuing or discontinuing the duty after the present service is over, as we may find it convenient. 60. In these proceedings are recorded two depositions made before one of His Majesty’s Justices of Peace for the town of Calcutta and presented to us by a person named Cornelius Carey,19 who asserts to have T Con^' “nd effected his escape from the island of St. Thomas in the West Indies, where he had been confined and otherwise ill treated by the Danes for upwards of two years, concerning the hardships sustained by him. We have sent him as a charterparty passenger on board the Bridgewater. The object in submitting the depositions to us is probably the hope of obtaining redress through His Majesty’s minister. 61. On a representation made by the Secretary to the Board of Trade which is recorded in these proceedings supported by the recommendation of that Board, we have authorized an augmentation of sicca rupees one thousand per mensem to his salary. The augmented duties of the Board of Trade had necessarily increased the labour and responsibility of the Secretary, and after perusing the proceedings to which we have the honour to refer you, we have no doubt that you wall confirm our determination, as founded in justice and propriety, whether the importance of the office be considered with comparison to others, or to its original state when the salary was fixed at a very moderate sum. 62. In the paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 of your letter of the 22nd April 1796, vou advert to the state of the clergy within these provinces. We have no doubt of the propriety of the suggestion of your Hon’ble Court to augment the ecclesiastical establishment of this Presidency by the nomination of chaplains to those situations where there is the greatest resort of Europeans. Under this description the cities of Dacca and Patna may be included, as well as the factory of Cossimbuzar, and we would accordingly recommend the appointment of chaplains to these stations, more particularly at the twn former. 63. But wTe beg leave to observe to your Hon’ble Court that to give efficacy to the important objects of such appointments, it will be necessary that proper chapels be erected for the performance of divine service at the different stations of the army as well as at the three places specified by us. As this would be attended with considerable expence, supposing the buildings to be all erected at once, notwithstanding every attention to economy, we would recommend that they should be progressively undertaken; that in the first instance a chapel should be erected in Fort William where it is most immediately wanted at the field stations, afterward and progressively at the other stations of the army where there are the greatest number of European officers and soldiers. 64. You have been already informed of our determination to erect a chapel in Fort William, and of the measures sometime ago adopted with a view to the execution of it. Different plans were proposed, and there is one now under reference for determination. 280 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 65. The state of our treasury this day is as follows. Ready money Gold mohurs Siccas Dollars Copper coin 1,43,704-13-0 18,000- 0-0 22,99,277- 0-0 2,26,768- 0-0 37,485- 0-0 46,813- 5-9 26,10,343- 5-9 1,44,055-12-3 Bills receivable Unsorted treasure Balance account deposits ... Accountant General, Supreme Court 2,53,287-11-8 8,872- 1-4 Sicca rupees 2,62,159-13-0 90,457- 1-3 31,122- 6-9 13,73,711- 0-0 900- 2-5 3,71,49,081-15-4 27,54,399- 2-0 11,436- 0-0 Ditto ditto, Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased Loans at 12 per cent. Ditto ditto on which the interest has ceased Register debt 3,89,07,438- 6-9 Fort William, the 9th January 1797. We have the honor to be, Hon’ble Sirs, Your most faithful humble servants. (Original per Marquis Cornwallis. Duplicate per Alexander. Triplicate per Maria. Quadruplicate per Coverdale.) 9 LETTER DATED 2 MARCH 1797 Statement of chartered tonnage—loss of the Ganges pilot schooner by fire —three vessels for pilot service to be built, one in Bombay and two in Calcutta —recapture of the Ranger pilot schooner—state of the general treasury. T O the Hon’ble the Court of Directors for affairs of the Hon’ble the United Company of Mercants of England trading to the East Indies. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices in this Department were dated the 9th January last by the Dublin and ships of that division. 2 MARCH 1797 281 2. By the Essex, Asia, Manship, William Pitt, General Goddard, and Lord Macartney which imported here on the 1st of February we had the honor to receive your letter in this Department, under date the 22nd March to which we shall now reply. Answer to Public General letter 22nd March 1796 (I) Date of last dispatches, 5th' January. (2) Acknowledge receipt of advices. (3) Mr. Walter Ewer to succeed Mr. Bruce Boswell as Marine Paymaster. (4) Names of Select Committee of supracargoes at Canton. (5) Names of supracargoes under said Committee. (6) Have granted Captain Mitchell a reward of £S8,000 for his services, to be deducted out of his debt to the Company. (7) 5000 £ granted the heirs of J Captain Cheap and 3,000 £ to Captain Hudson for their services. (8) Mention the sums granted the officers of the different ships that composed the squadron. (9) Reward granted to Lieutenant Roper and officers of the Nautilus. (10) Mr. George Dandridge permitted to return to the service. (11) Twenty four writers appointed this season. (12) Six more writers appointed in part of the number agreed to be sent out last season. (13) Four writers appointed in part of the number agreed to be sent out this season. (14) Twenty six free mariners permitted to proceed to India. (15) Mr. Chas. Shutt allowed to come to India as a miniature painter. 3. Require no reply. 4. We have directed a copy of this paragraph to be forwarded to the Marine Board for their information. 5. We shall pay due attention to the information contained in these paragraphs. 6. In reply to this paragraph, we think it necessary to remark that all accounts between vour Hon’ble Court and Captain Mitchell were sent to England for adjustment. 7. Require no reply. 8. We have directed a copy of this paragraph to be sent to Bombay, Lieutenant Roper having long since joined his corps. 9. Require no reply. 282 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 10. Your Hon’ble Court has been informed from the Political Department of the Governor General’s visit to the Upper Provinces. 11. In conformity to the statute of the 33rd of His present Majesty, the Governor General nominated Mr. Speke to be Vice-President Consn. 30th ancj Deputy Governor of Fort William during his absence January. from ^g presidency ; Mr. Speke accordingly assumed the exercise of the powers vested in him by the Act from the 1st February, the day after the Governor General’s departure from the Presidency. 12. The minute laid before the Board by the Governor General on the occasion is sent a number in the packet. Fort St. George 13. On the 14th January the Government of Fort St. George informed us that agreeably to the permission we had given them on the 17th November to detain four of the regular ships to be loaded and dispatched direct to Europe from the Presidency, they had detained the Rockingham, Melville Castle, Airly Castle, and Princess Charlotte, and had ordered the Hawkesbury, the remaining ship of the third fleet to proceed to this Presidency. Bombay 14. The Bombay Government informed us that the extra ship Exeter being ready for sea, they gave the commander the option of proceeding by himself through the Mosambique Channel, and waiting for February ^^ convoy at the Cape or St. Helena or of going under the protection of your ship the Nottingham to Columbo, and there waiting the arrival of the Indiamen from hence, and afterwards prosecuting his voyage in company with them. 15. From the proceedings of the Bombay Government referred to in the Consn. 20th February. margin, you will observe that the commander preferred repairing to Colombo to' obtain the protection of the regular ships from that place. 16. In our letter to your Hon’ble Court of the 9th January last, we communicated the measures we had adopted for the supply of the exigencies of the Bombay Government; from their letter recorded on our proceedings of the 20th February you will observe that they expect to obtain such money as they may find it necessary to take upon loan under our orders of the 11th of November at 9 per cent. In consequence, however, of the state of our finances we have desired that, instead of calling on us for any further aid, in the event of the loan not being sufficiently productive, they will raise their present terms in such degree as may be likely to be effectual to secure us from any extraordinary demand. 17. By the estimates of tonnage and value of goods provided and ex-Consn. 20th pected to be provided at Bombay and it’s subordinates, it February. appeared that there would be required for that Presidency 2,745 tons exceeding the tonnage at their disposal. 18. To supply this deficiency we determined to dispatch to that Presidency your ships Asia, Essex, Manshif and William Pitt, having laden on them a 2 MARCH 1797 283 considerable quantity of valuable piece goods from hence, in consideration of the ships being full armed. 19. The commanders have received their sailing orders and will proceed without delay. 20. It was originally intended to send five ships to Bombay : but as pepper in comparison with the goods from hence is of little value, and as it is a commodity that will not spoil by remaining in warehouse, wre determined, at the recommendation of the Board of Trade, to dispatch only four ships and to detain the Camden towards making up for the tonnage for valuable cargo, of which we have been deprived bv the accidents that have happened to the Coddard and Lord Macartney. 21. The following is a statement of the chartered tonnage laden here on the ships proceeding to Bombay, including kentledge and what is left open for that Presidency with the estimate of the value of the Bengal goods. Laden here Left for Chartered including Bombay tonnage kentledge Asia ... tons 311-16 504- 4 816 Essex do. 311-16 481- 4 793 Manship ... do. 322-12 489- 8 812 William Pitt do. 308- 3 489-17 798 Estimate of the Bengal goods Asia Essex Manship William Pitt 3,85,600 3,72,500 3,82,300 3,82,100 22. Pepper being a favourable cargo, we have authorized the Bombay Government to engage surplus in the event of the tonnage left for their investment not proving sufficient. 23. For the detail of our correspondence with the Board of Trade on Consn 20th this subject, wre beg leave to refer you to our proceedings February. of the annexed date. Canton 24. In our letter of the 9th January last, we noticed to you the advertisement which we had published inviting the proposals for the payment of money into your treasury at Canton. 25. The proposals tendered in consequence of that advertisement, and Consn. 3rd rhe report of our Accountant General on them, are recorded February. on our proceedings noted in the margin. 26. From this report of your account you will observe that, in the three first of these offers, the proposers request to be permitted to pay only one moiety of the sum proposed for in cash, and the remainder by transfers ; and that the supracargoes have particularly desired, in their letter of the 1st of December last, to have it expressly stipulated in any engagements that might 284 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT be entered into with a view to furnish them with pecuniary aid ; that the payments to be made into their treasury should be made wholly in specie, as no other mode of supply would afford them any material relief. We further observed that all the four proposals contain in other respects precisely the same terms vizt., to pay the sum proposed for at Canton at the exchange of 40 head dollars per 100 current rupees; and that, as the supracargoes drew upon this Presidency in December last, at the rate of 41 dollars per 100 current rupees, the terms of the proposals before him were less advantageous for the Company than the supracargoe’s draughts by full fifteen per cent, allowing interest at 12 per cent per annum on the intervals between the receipt of the money and the payment of their draughts, and between the issue of money here, in the event of these proposals being accepted, and the repayment of it at Canton. Under these circumstances he recommended that none of these proposals should be accepted, but that the mode suggested by the supracargoes in their letter of the 1st of December be adopted for the supply of the whole of the twelve lacs proposed to be remitted to them, and that it should be notified accordingly by public advertisement at the three Presidencies, that the supracargoes have been authorized to open the Hon’ble Company’s treasury at Canton for the receipt of all sums that may be tendered to them in the ensuing season in specie to the extent of twelve lacs of rupees, and to grant bills upon the Governor General in Council for the amount payable in Calcutta in cash, at 30 days’ sight, and at a favorable rate of exchange. Adverting to the exhausted state of the Company’s finances in China, and to the solicitude expressed by the supracargoes that every means that are feasible should be tried to furnish them with aid from Bengal in specie, and also, to the probability that the offer of a certain, prompt and advantageous mode of realising the returns of consignments to the eastward would lend to enhance the demand for the ophium at the ensuing sales, he stated it as adviseable to raise the exchange to 38% head dollars per 100 current rupees, which though higher by six per cent than the supracargoes’ bills this season, is nevertheless more favorable for the Company than the terms at which the supracargoes have frequently drawn. Freight and Tonnage 27. Agreeably to the recommendation of the Board of Trade, we have judged it expedient to order valuable cargo to be laden on five of the extra ships vizt., the Thomas, Ocean, Alexander, Maria, and Frederick, as will appear from the papers forwarded to you by them respectively. They are to proceed under convoy of the Nonsuch to Trincomali, where the regular ships from Colombo and Madras are to rendezvous, and proceed under convoy for England. They are ready for sea, and will sail as soon as some repairs necessary to be made to the Nonsuch are completed. Company’s Servants 28. Mr. Henry Ramus and Mr. Robert Bathurst have obtained our permission to resign your service and return to Europe. They have requested to be allowed to return to the service as soon as their private affairs shall 2 MARCH 1797 285 have been adjusted, and we recommend their request to your favourable consideration. 29. Sir John Harrington has obtained our permission to resign your service. 30. We are concerned to inform you of the death of Mr. Charles Taylor,1 who held the appointment of 2nd Assistant [toj the Commercial Resident at Patna. 31. The following arrangements and appointments have taken place since our last advices in this department:—Mr. Thomas Pattie removed from the office of Judge and Magistrate of Burdwan, and appointed Senior Judge of the Court of Appeal at Moorshedabad and Paymaster of the Nizamut Stipends; Mr. James Spottiswoode2 removed from the office of Judge and Magistrate at Dinagepore and appointed Judge and Magistrate of Burdwan; Mr. Thomas Parr removed from the office of Judge and Magistrate of Jessore, and appointed Judge and Magistrate of Dinagepore; Mr. John MelvilF removed from the office of Paymaster to the Artillery, Garrisons, and Ordnance, and Paymaster to the King’s troops, and appointed Judge and Magistrate of Jessore; Mr. Leonard Collings/ removed from the office of Paymaster to the troops, and Superintendant of Bazar Duties at Dinapore, and appointed Paymaster to the Artillery, Garrisons, and Ordnance and Paymaster to the King’s troops; Mr. John Becher to be Judge and Magistrate of Moorshedabad; Mr. Richard Pattie removed from the office of Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of the 24 Purgunnahs, and appointed Deputy Paymaster to the troops at Berhampore, and Superintendant of the Bazar Duties; Mr. George Monckton removed from the office of Assistant to the Register of the Sudder Dewanny and Nizamut Adawluts, and appointed Assistant to the Collector of Beerbhoom; Mr. George Cumming removed from the office of Register to the Dewanny Adawlut and Assistant to the Magistrate at Ramghur and appointed Register to the Dewany Adawlut and Assistant to the Magistrate of Shahab ad; Mr. William Armstrong removed from the February ^ office of Collector of Dacca Jellapore, and appointed Collector of Midnapore; Mr. W. W. Massie removed from the office of Register to the Dewanny Adawlut and Assistant to Magistrate at Nuddea, and appointed Collector of Dacca Jellapore; Mr. James Rattray removed from the office of Register to the Dewanny Adawlut, and Assistant to the Magistrate at Midnapore, and appointed Register to the Dewanny Adawlut and Assistant to the Magistrate of Nuddea; Mr. James King removed from the office of Assistant to the Register, and 2nd Assistant to the Magistrate of the Dewanny Adawlut at Jessore, and appointed Assistant to the Register, and 2nd Assistant to the Magistrate of the Dewanny Adawlut at Dinagepore. Europe Ships 32. Instances having frequently occurred of seamen being left sick at the hospital on tire sailing of the ships to which they belong, without any provision for their subsistance, or a return to Europe after their recovery, and as persons of this description, when discharged from the hospital, are frequently impelled by their necessities to have recourse to criminal practices, we have judged it advisable to obviate in future the evils which have resulted from seamen so circumstanced being left destitute, to make it an additional 286 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT article in their instructions given to the commanders of your ships and vessels on their arrival, to transmit to our Master Attendant previous to their departure from this port, a certificate specifying the names and describing the persons of such of their seamen either brought from Europe, or hired here, as may be left at the general hospital, that means may be taken for their employment, or return to Europe when recovered. To prevent any charge being incurred by the Company, in the event of the commanders not leaving funds to defray the expences of such men, we have directed the proper officers to keep a regular account of any disbursements made under this head, that it may be transmitted to your Hon’ble Court for adjustment with the owners of the ships. 33. We have also thought it necessary to direct that the commanders of crews on their your ships shall, in addition to the returns of their crews delivered on their "arrival, transmit to our Master Attendant returns of their departure, that the instances in which the two returns shall not correspond mav be noticed. 34. The commander of your ship the Europa reported to us, that he was under the necessity of sailing without his chief mate Mr. Turnbull, who had absconded from his ship. 35. The master of the extra ship Ocean,, having had occasion for sicca Rs. 5,000 to defray the expences of his ship, and being unable to negotiate his bills, we agreed to accommodate him with money from your treasury, as in other instances of Mr. Charnock’s ships,5 and upon the same terms. 36. We have also advanced to the commander of the Thomas sicca Rs. 10,000 for his bills on Mr. Charnock in the same manner as has been done to the commander of the Ocean. 31. We have also advanced to the commanders of the Maria and Fame the sum of sicca Rs. 6,000 on account their bills on Mr. Charnock on the same terms as in the preceding instances. 38. We beg leave to refer you to the proceedings noted in the margin, 13th Februar ^OI ^ rePort °^ ^ surveying officers upon the seven India-men lately arrived. In consequence of the leaky condition of the Lord Macartney and General Goddard, we have discharged them the service until they are put into a proper state of repair. Marine 39. We are concerned to advise you of the loss of the Ganges pilot schooner by fire on the 11th of January last. She was ordered to attend on the Consn. 23rd January. cumstances of Laurel, the ship fitted out to cruize against the enemy’s privateers in the roads. We beg leave to refer you to the proceedings noted in the margin for a narrative of the cir-this disaster. We have however the satisfaction to observe that only one European soldier and three native servants lost their lives. 40. In consequence of a proposition submitted to us by the Marine Board for building three pilot schooners, to replace the two taken by the enemy (as mentioned to you in our last dispatches) and the one destroyed by fire, we determined that three vessels should be built, and in order to ascertain where, and in what mode, the best vessels for the pilot service can 2 MARCH 1797 287 be constructed, and at the least expence, we have resolved that the three vessels shall be in every respect the same as to size and equipment, that one shall be built at Bombay, and two at Calcutta, and that of the two vessels to be built at Calcutta, one shall be completed by contract, but that the hull onlv of the other shall be provided in this mode, leaving her masts, yards, rigging and stores to be furnished from the Company’s Marine yard and warehouses. The result of this experiment will be hereafter communicated to vour Hon’bie Court. 41. We are happy to acquaint your Hon’bie Court of the recapture of die Ranger pilot schooner, which was taken by a French privateer in the roads, by her native crew. We have determined that one-sixth of the value of the vessel, with her stores, shall be given to them as salvage, and another sixth in addition, as a reward for their gallant conduct. With a view, however, of not losing the services of these men, we have proposed it to them to accept of one half of the sum in houses and land rather than in money. 42. The proportions payable to the several descriptions of persons are as follows: To the scrang ... ... ... Sicca Rs. 961- 8- 7 Tindal ... ... 641- 0- 5 Helmmen sicca Rs. 641-0-5 each 1,282- 0-10 17 lascars sicca Rs. 320-8-2^4 each ... 3,448-11- 6 Sicca Rs. 8,333- 5- 4 An additional allowance to the boy who de- prived the enemy of then* pistols ... 60-0-0 Sicca Rs. 8,393- 5- 4 43. Your Hon’bie Court having been pleased to appoint Mr. George Taswell to the office of Master Attendant at Fort St. George, he transmitted to us his resignation of the office of Secretary to the Marine Board. We have the satisfaction to join our testimony to that of the Marine Board that Mr. Tasweil’s services in that situation, from the institution of the Board, have not only been creditable to himself, but useful to the public. 44. Mr. John Shore has been appointed to succeed Mr. Taswell and Mr. Gregory Jackson to succeed Mr. Shore as Agent for loading and unloading the Company’s ships. Miscellanea 45. The purchases of gruff goods for England and sundry stores for St. Helena have been hitherto made in Calcutta by the Export Warehouse Keeper without any charge for commission, but his services being required at the island of Ceylon, we have, at the recommendation of the Board of Trade directed the Sub-Export Warehouse Keeper to make the purchases on samples and prices to be approved by that Board previous to any bargain being finally concluded, and in consideration of the additional trouble and responsibility he will incur in these transactions, we have agreed to allow him a commission of five per cent on all goods and stores he may provide. 288 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 46. From our proceedings of the 16th January last, you will observe that, at the recommendation of the Board of Trade founded on a representation from the Sub-Export Warehouse Keeper, we have agreed to sundry additions to the warehouse establishment amounting to sicca Rs. 521 per month. 47. The particulars of these additions, as well as the grounds on which they have been made, are fully detailed in the minute of Sub-Export Warehouse Keeper. We shall here only insert the amount of the establishments in 1788/9 and 1795/6 compared with the amount of the exports and number of ships dispatched in those years, which we trust will sufficiently demonstrate the necessity of the encrease of establishment we have authorised. Amount establishment in November 1788 exclusive of Company’s servants per month Exports in 1788/9 on account of the Company Private goods Number of ships dispatched Amount establishment in November 1796 exclusive of Company’s servants per month Exports in 1796/7 on account of the Company Private goods Number of ships dispatched Sicca Rs. 2422-0-7. Tons 4192-8 or sicca Rs. 71,19,422-12-6-. Tons 175-1. 9. Sicca Rs. 2873-1. Tons 27,766-12 or sicca rupees 1,13,81,042-6-11 Tons 6,817-7. 59. 48. It would be but reasonable that a charge should be made to individuals in consideration of the trouble arising from the shipping of private goods as stated by the Sub-Export Warehouse Keeper, but doubts having arisen whether this could be legally done, with respect to goods going in the law tonnage, we concurred in opinion with the Board of Trade, that it would be unadvisable to charge any thing in the case of goods shipped by permission, unless a charge could also be made on the goods exported on the law tonnage. 49. In our letter of the 24th August 1795 by the Mary, we acquainted you we had appointed Doctor Dinwiddie to assist the Board of Trade in any points of Chy mistry, Mechanics, and Natural Philosophy relating to the affairs under their charge with a salary of sicca rupees 500 per Cons. 2/th month for one year. Ha vine; called on the Board of Trade January. J 0 to state how far the object of his appointment had been answered, with a view to determining on the propriety of continuing it, it did not appear to us from the description given in their reply to the above order of the services of Doctor Dinwiddie, and the expectations formed from them, that the prospect of advantage to the Company was sufficient to justify a continuance of his salary, at a time when the public necessities required the closest attention to economy, although we were satisfied that if Doctor Dinwiddie’s labours had not been more extended, it had not proceeded from any deficiency of attention or ability on his part. On these grounds we determined that his salary and appointment should cease from the end of January last. 2 MARCH 1797 289 50. We have the honor to enclose, for the purpose of the amount being recovered in England, one of a set of bills drawn in favor of the Superintendant of Prince of Wales Island by the commander of His Majesty’s frigate the Orpheus for £St. 226-3 at ninety days’ sight, on the principal officers and commissioners of His Majesty’s Navy being for naval stores supplied that ship from vour warehouse on the island. 51. We beg leave to refer you to these proceedings for a list of the arrivals Cons 16th and departures of foreign vessels from the 1st May to the January 31st December 1796. 52. By the present opportunity, you will receive a register of the marriages, births, christenings and deaths at this Presidency for the year 1796, also statement of the funds of the Native Hospital from the 7th September to the 30th November last. 53. The State of our treasury this day is as follows: Readv Money Gold niohurs Siccas Copper Bills receivable ... 33,818- 7- 0 5,41,095- 0- 0 3,03,220- 0- 0 50,624-13- 5 8,94,939-13- 5 2,911-12- 3 Unsorted treasure Sicca Rs. 8,97,851- 9- 8 18,128- 0- 0 Balance account deposits ... Accountt. General, Supreme Court Do. Do. Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased Loans at 12 per cent Do. Do. on which the interest has ceased Register debt ... 2,44,498- 5- 8 8,872- 1- 4 2,53,370- 7- 0 90,457- 1- 3 31,122- 6- 9 15,58,879- 0- 0 900- 2- 5 3,67,55,152- 3-10 3,86,89,881- 5- 3 Fort William, the 2nd March 1797. (Original per Alexander. Duplicate per Maria. Triplicate per Coverdale. Quadruplicate per Zephyr^ We have the honor to be, Hon’ble Sirs, Your most faithful, humble servants. Vol. XIII—19 10 LETTER DATED 30 APRIL 1797 Major Rennell’s opinion on the proposed canal between the Ganges and the Hooghly—Captain Canning’s suit—apartment for storing of records— Rec. Thomas Blanshard resigns the office of senior chaplain in Bengal—state of the general treasury. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices in this Department to your Hon'ble Court were dated the 2nd March last. 2. On the 28th of February imported here your ships Pitt, Lord Hawkes-bury, Royal Admiral, Lascelles, Busbridge, Walter Boyd, Tellicherry and Loyalist, the Castor on the 3rd and the Phoenix on the 6th March, Princess Mary on the 20th and Martha on the 27th of April. 3. We have had the honour to receive your letters in this Department under date the 1st of June, 27th July and 31st August. Answer to the General letter from the Hon’ble Court, dated the 1st of June 1796 (1- 2) Last letter dated 22nd April acknowledge receipt of Governor General’s letters of the 24th August and 5th November 1795. (3) Mr. Henry Scott permitted to return to India. (4) Nomination of waiters. (5) Mr. Samuel Macan appointed writer; covenants to be executed. 4. Need no reply. (6) Mr. G. Taswell appointed Master Attendant at Fort St. George. (7) Persons permitted to proceed ' to India as free mariners. (8) Bills of exchange drawn upon the Governor General in Council by the Hon’ble Court. 5. No reply. 6. No reply. 7. One set of the covenants after they have been executed by Mr. Macan, will be forwarded to your Hon’ble Court. 8. Mr. Taswell has proceeded to Madras. 9. Need no reply. Answer to the letter from the Hon’ble Court of Directors, dated 27th July (1) Date of last dispatch 1st June. 10. Need') no reply. (2) Bills of exchange to be drawn 11. We shall pay due attention to 30 April 1797 291 at tvo vears’ sight during the continuance of the war. p-4) Censure of the servants at Fort Marlbro'. (5- 7 j Writers proceeding to India: those allowed to remain in England ; rank with writers of 1794. (8) Mr. William Mallet permitted to proceed to India for two years to settle his affairs ; permitted to bring out a mill etc., and William Ellis a miller who is allowed to reside three years. (91 Mr. T. A. Streud permitted to return to India. (10) Mr. Crisp late Deputy Governor of Fort Marlbro' allowed to return to India and to reside wherever he may choose, till a vacancy occurs in the Council at Fort Marlbro’. (11) The officers of the Nonsuch not entitled to any gratuity, while serving with die squadron in the Eastern Seas. (12) Monument to be erected to the memory of Sir William Jones in St. Paul's Cathedral; statue to be sent to Bengal. (13) Mr. Hastings’ answer to the address from the British inhabitants of Calcutta.1 (14- 17) Inclusive. Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (18) Expectation that the Benares treasury will be in future fully competent to answer the bills drawn upon it by the Bombay Government. (19) Our letters to Fort Marlbro’ requiring no particular orders from the Hon’ble Court. this paragraph in the ex ent of our drawing any bills upon your Hon’ble Court. 12. We shall pay due attention to the orders contained in the 4th paragraph on the receipt of the necessary explanations and information from Fort Marlbro'. 13. No reply. 14. No reply. 15. Needs no reply. 16. Needs no reply. 17. Needs no reply. 18. We shall take particular care to have the statue erected in a proper place. 19. This address has been forwarded agreeably to its superscription. 20. Need no reply. 21. We trust that the Benares Treasury will not be overdrawn in future, as we have both restricted the drafts on it, and have provided it with additional funds. 22. Needs no reply. 292 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (20) Approbation expressed of reinforcements sent to Fort Marlbro’ and of appointments there. (21-31) Adverting to paragraphs that require no reply. (32) Improvement of the gold coin and greater circulation of it. (33) Subject of coinage to be transferred in future to the Revenue Department (34-41) Relative to stationery. (42) Orders in consequence of Major Rennel’s opinion on the proposed canal of communication between the Ganges and Hooghly. (43) Approving advertisements issued encouraging persons at a distance from Calcutta to invest their money in the 6 per cent promissory notes. (44) Stationing officers on the part of the Governor General approved. (45) Orders to the Surveyor General for preparing a table of distances for the civil auditor approved. (46) The purchase of an astronomical instrument by the Surveyor General approved. (47-48) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (49) Dr. Roxburgh’s application for plants of the Jamaica all-spice will be attended to. (50) Dr. Roxburgh’s drawings, seeds for Sir Joseph Banks, Hon’ble 23. We are happy that the measures referred to have met with the approbation of your Hon’ble Court. 24. Need no reply. 25. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to the 27th paragraph of our letter of this date from the Commercial Department for our observations on this subject. 26. Needs no reply. 27. Copies of these paragraphs have been sent to the Stationary Committee with particular instructions to attend to the injunctions of your Hon’ble Court and to make the enquiry required in the 40th and 41st paragraphs ; the result will be hereafter communicated to you. 28. Major Rennel’s opinion has been sent to your Surveyor General. The work will not be undertaken without your previous approbation. - 29. Need no reply. 30. Needs no reply. 31. Need no reply. 32. A copy of the paragraph has been sent to Dr. Roxburgh. 33. We have directed a copy of this paragraph to be forwarded to 30 april 1797 293 Court’s observation upon the jute plants. (51-54) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (55) Expressive of their approbation of the augmentation made to the salarv of the 2nd in Council and Commander-in-Chief at Fort Marl-bro". (56-57) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (58) Sum advanced to the commander of the Boddington by the Superintendant of Prince of Wales Island to be deducted from the freight due to the owners. (59) Relative to the building of an hospital at Prince of Wales Island. (60) Reasons required for our refusing to grant the same indulgence to the civil establishment at Prince of Wales Island as to the military, of drawing bills upon the Governor General in Council. Dr. Roxburgh, and have sent your Hon’ble Court’s observations upon the jute plant to the Board of Trade for their information and guidance. 34. Need no reply. 35. We are happy that this measure has met with the approbation of vour Hon’ble Court. 36. Need no reply. 37. Copy of this paragraph has been sent to the Board of Trade for their information and guidance. 38. Needs no reply. 39. The restriction on the 24th paragraph of our letter of the 8th March 1795 was calculated to prevent the Superintendant taking up more money than might be indispensibly requisite for the necessary expences of the settlement in addition to the proceeds of the sales of the opium, and the money on other articles occasionally consigned to him. An authority to draw bills for money paid into the treasury exceeding the absolute demands for the public service might have encouraged expenditures not essentially necessary, as the Superintendent provides no investment and has no decision for money, excepting for the payment of the salary of the civil officers, and the pay of the military and occasional contingent disbursements. The authority given therefore was sufficient to admit of the remittance of any part of the allowances of the public servants, and it did not appear to us that the merchants or other individuals residing on the islands had any right to expect that Government would take up their 294 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (61 to 67) Require no reply. (68 to 69) Approving of the advertisement for facilitating the transmission of the Company’s paper from one part of the country to another, also of the decision respecting Mr. Jitsing and Captain Lambert’s certificates. (70 ) Approve of the advance to the proprietor of the Government House for repairs. (71 to 79) Adverting to paragraphs that require no reply. (80 to 83) Decision of the King in Council obtaining on Mr. Adamson’s appeal; instructions to bring the subject for a final conclusion. (84 ) Captain Canning’s memorial. Consn. Sth August 1790. money when it was not wanted for the public service, merely for their convenience or advantage. In our letter of the 22nd August last to the Superintendent you will observe that we have authorized him to draw to the extent of 25,000 dollars per annum. 40. Require no replv. 41. We are happy that the measures here alluded to have met with your approbation. 42. Needs no replv. 43. Need no reply. 44. Copies of these paragraphs have been forwarded to the Governor in Council at Bombay with instructions to attend to the orders of your Hon’ble Court. 45. From our proceedings of the Sth August last, your Hon’ble Court will observe that Captain Canning demanded of us, through his Attorney at Law, reimbursement for the loss which he asserts to have sustained from the inferior quality of the opium purchased by him in 1789/ 90 amounting to current rupees 2,74,087 with interest from the year 1792, intimating that if we refused payment of the money, he should prosecute the Company for the recovery of the amount in the Supreme Court of Judicature. 46. We in consequence referred all 20th September, the P*PcrS » you* Salt, Opium, Advocate General, Custom. wlio gave it as his opinion that in the event of Captain Canning’s instituting a suit against 30 april 1797 295 the Company, it might be successfully defended. 47. Captain Canning having commenced the suit, we, at the recom- 14th November mendation Advocate of the General, determined to avail ourselves of the clause in the Charter, which allows a period of two years to the Company for entering their appearance in any action brought against them. The reasons which the Advocate General assigned for this recommendation were the magnitude and importance of Mr. Canning’s demand, the possibility that others of a similar nature might be brought forward, the vacancies on the bench, there being only two judges; the opportunity it afforded of acquainting your Hon’ble Court of the action having been brought against the Company and the time it would give you to send out instructions before the question could be brought to legal issue. 48. In consequence of this determination, Messrs. Perreau and Palling, Captain Canning’s creditors, and at whose requisition he states that he has demanded payment of the money in question from the Company, addressed us, requesting that the Company’s attorney might be directed to plead to the action brought by them in the name of Captain Canning, in order that they might be enabled to examine certain witnesses whose arrival they expected during the present season, as well as others who were then at Calcutta in support of their demand, and thereby avoid the expence to which thev would be subject in consequence of their intending to detain these witnesses at Calcutta until the time of the trial. They at the same time suggested a reference of the claim to arbitration, but for the reasons stated by rhe Advocate General in his letter 296 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (85 to 86) China funds and military subjects relative to Fort Marlbro’. (87) In the event of retaining the settlement of Prince of Wales Island, to adopt measures we may deem most conducive to it’s prosperity. recorded on the proceedings of the 2nd January, we declined a compliance with either of their propositions. At his recommendation, however, we informed Messrs. Perreau and Palling that although we meant to reserve to the Company the full and free exercise of their right of appearing and pleading to the action in question at such time as should be deemed more advisable, yet that there was not at present any reason to believe that the Company’s appearing and pleading would be thought advisable for several months, but that this appearance would probably be postponed for nearly, and perhaps more than, a year, and that if they should, in consequence of this intimation, think proper to decline detaining their intended witnesses at Calcutta, and thereby in a future stage of the cause require sometime for the purpose of recalling them in order to procure their attendance, we should direct our law officers to comply with any application they might make with respect to the extent of that time as far, and on such terms, as those officers should think compatible with your interests. 49. With regard to the merits of Captain Canning’s case, on a full consideration of all the circumstances of it, we are of opinion that no indemnification should be allowed to him, and that the Company should stand suit in the event of his prosecuting his claim in the Supreme Court of Judicature. 50. Need no reply. 51. Your Hon’ble Court have already been informed of our having withdrawn the settlement at the Andamans, and of the measures we have adopted with respect to this settlement; we shall at present only observe that it’s future prosperity will 30 april 1797 297 (88 to 94) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (95) Lieutenant Hoare’s survey of the Jumna2 with the papers and plans to be transmitted to the Hon’ble Court. (96) Canal between the Ganges ’ and Houghley. (97) Plants sent to the royal garden. (98) Paragraph that requires no reply. (99) Approbation of the building a new accommodation yatch. j (100) Approve of regulations respecting pensions to pilots. (101) Paragraph that requires no reply. (102) Have desired the Bombay Government to call on Lieutenant Fraser respecting the cost of the Hoogley schooner. (103) Adverting to paragraph that' requires no reply. (104) Approve of the sale of the J ack all packet. (105) Adverting to paragraph that requires no reply. (106) Approve of the penalty bond to be executed by persons taking native servants from India. (107) Approve of the order respecting the balance to Mr. Harding, account the ship Pearl. (108) Report of the committee appointed to investigate the state of the Bengal Marine to be sent home; approve resolutions on the report and the regulations for the Marine boys for the pilot service will be sent out. essentially depend on some legal jurisdiction being established over the settlers. On this subject we have already fully addressed your Hon’ble Court. 52. Need no reply. 53. We have not yet received Lieutenant Hoare’s survey, but shall call upon him to know what progress he has made in it. 54. Need no reply. 55. No reply. 56. Copy of this report we have the honor to transmit a number in the packet. We have directed a copy of this paragraph to be sent to the Board of Trade in their Marine Department for their information and guidance. 298 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (109) Appointment of a successor to Mr. Taswell left to the Governor General in Council. (110) Mr. Walter Ewer nominated to succeed Mr. Boswell as Marine Store Keeper. (Ill) Pension of sicca Rs. 300 per month confirmed to Mr. Tomkins, late Deputy Master Attendant. (112) Approve Capt. Canning’s appointment to be Deputy Master Attendant to succeed as Master Attendant after Mr. Allen. (113) Adverting to paragraphs that require no reply. (114) Copies of Lieutenant Hayes’s survey to be transmitted home. (115 & 116) Writers and free mariners appointed in further part of the number of the present season. (117) Duplicate of the letter of the 3rd July 1795 to be forwarded to the Nabob of Lucnow. 57. Your Hon’ble Court have already been informed that Mr. Taswell has proceeded to Fort St. George, and that Mr. John Shore has been appointed to succeed Mr. Taswell in the office of Secretary to the Marine Board. 58. Needs no reply. 59. Needs no reply. 60. Needs no reply. 61. Needs no reply. 62. The copies of this publication have not yet been received by us. 63. Need no reply. 64. Your Hon’ble Court has been already informed from the Political Department that the letter has been presented to His Highness. Answer to the letter from the Hori ble the Courts dated 31st August 1796 (1) Date of last advices 27th July. (2) Acknowledging receipt of our dispatches. (3) Transmitting copy of the 13th article of the American Treaty. (4 ) Desiring our attention to that part of the articles prohibiting American citizens, in common with other foreigners, settling or residing in the Company’s territories without the permission of the British Government. 65. Needs no reply. 66. Needs no reply. 67. Replied to in the 14th paragraph of our letter in the Secret Department of the 31st December last by the Dublin. 68. We shall not fail to pay due attention to this part of the treaty. 30 april 1797 299 (5) In the event of the Government of Fort St. George being vacated bv Lord Hobart, General Clarke to take charge of the government until the arrival of a successor to His Lordship. (6) Mr. Edward More appointed a writer on this establishment. (7) Rates of passage money. 69. Copy of this paragraph has been transmitted to Major General Clarke. 70. Needs no reply. 71. These regulations have been duly published. Europe Ships 72. In our letter of the 2nd instant, we advised your Hon’ble Court of our having, in consequence of the application from the Bombay Government for tonnage, dispatched your ships Essex, Asia, Manship, and William Pitt to Bombay with 2,745 tons unoccupied for the reception of the investment and private goods at that Presidency. Subsequent to the dispatch of these ships, we received a letter from the Government of Bombay acquainting us, that they had taken up the ship Princess Royal of tons 800, and had applied to the Government of Fort Saint George to supply them with tons 1,945. 73. This application from the Bombay Government to Madras appears to have been made before the receipt of our letter, intimating our intentions to send unoccupied tonnage from hence to supply their deficiency : but immediately on the receipt of the information from Bombay of their having applied to Madras for tonnage, we informed the Madras Government of the dispatch of four ships abovementioned to Bombay, that they might regulate the dis posal of the surplus tonnage at their command accordingly. 74. At the recommendation of the Board of Trade we had directed the ships Lord Camden, Busbridge, Phoenix, and Lord Hawkes-MarchSn " bury to be provided with cargoes to be dispatched to England with all possible expedition. 75. In consequence, however, of the address from the commanders of these ships, and the report of your Board of Trade on the subject, copies of which are sent numbers in the packet, we resolved to detail these, as well as the other regular ships now here, until June or July next, and in the meantime, to dispatch all the extra ships as fast as they could be loaded. 76. The destination of the above mentioned regular ships has been since altered, as you will be advised from the Secret Department. 77. From the letter from Mr. Bebb recorded on the proceedings of the 27th March last, you will observe that he has advanced from the money consigned to him for defraying the expences of the ships etc., at Ceylon to the commander of the Bengal freighted ship Exeter, waiting for convoy at Colombo, the sum of Spanish dollars one thousand and one hundred on the growing demurrage of the ship, to be repaid to your Hon’ble Court at the exchange of five shillings per dollar on the arrival of the ship in the river Thames. But as the demurrage, agreeably to the terms of charterparty, does not become due till the ship’s arrival in the Thames, the commander 300 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT has agreed to pay such legal interest on the advance as your Hon’ble Court may think proper to demand. 78. On our proceedings of the 3rd April, you will find recorded a letter and minute from the Board of Trade on the subject of sundry proposals made to them for freight to be sent to Europe, and one from Mr. R. C. Birch offering to hire your ship the Tellicherry ; the Company to advance one third of the cost of the goods, and to be reimbursed from the proceeds in England at the exchange of 2s. 7d. per sicca rupee. 79. The Board of Trade having stated that this mode of disposing of the balance of the funds allotted to them for the purchase of gruff goods in the past year, as detailed in their minute, would be the means of procuring a larger quantity of freight for the surplus tonnage then on our hands, than could be obtained by purchase of goods, we authorised them to accept the proposals with the exception of those of Messrs Lambert Ross & Co., as well as for appropriating to this purpose the sums due from Messrs Colvins and Bazett, and Messrs Cockerell Trail & Co. for freight and the short shipped goods in the last season. 80. We transmit to you a number in the packet copies of three letters from the Board of Trade dated the 20th and 23rd December last and the 1st ultimo, submitting sundry applications from individuals to have their ships chartered by the Company, and afterwards refreighted to them for the port of London with such goods as individuals are permitted to load on the Company’s chartered ships. 81. From the quantity of tonnage sent out by your Hon’ble Court, we had no hesitation in rejecting these offers, but we beg leave to draw your particular attention to these letters, as containing a full discussion of the policy freighting Bengal built ships to carry home the goods of individuals. Miscellanea 82. We transmit to you a number in the packet, copies of letters addressed to us by the Marine Board, submitting proposals from Captain Patrick Campbell of the Ranger, for erecting marine pyramids in the river similar to those erected at Liverpool and in other ports of Great Britain. 83. In consideration of the circumstances stated by the Marine Board we have agreed to accept of Captain Campbell’s service on the conditions recommended by that Board, and the result of the experiment will be hereafter communicated to you. 84. Captain Campbell on his services being accepted represented to us, that the first and second officers of the Ranger were totally unqualified for the charge of her, and recommended to us Mr. John Hengston Bythewood 2nd mate of the Lascelles as fully qualified for the trust; Captain Kempt of the Lascelles having added his testimony to that of Captain Campbell in favor of Mr. Bythewood, we appointed him to the command of the Ranger. 85. From the want of proper apartments for depositing and arranging the. Consn ^^t very voluminous records which have accumulated in the March^* Council House, and the consequent necessity of keeping them in boxes and cases, in the public offices, wherever room could be spared for their reception, it has been found impracticable to give that 30 april 1797 301 constant attention to them which is requisite for the preservation of papers in this country from the insects and the climates. 86. It accordingly appeared on an examination of the records, that many of die proceedings and papers of the early periods of your Government had been nearly destroyed or greatly damaged, or were altogether missing, whilst others of a more recent date, were from the causes above specified in a state of decay. 87. We therefore deemed it of essential importance, that no time should be lost in providing for the better preservation of the public records ; and accordingly ordered an apartment to be built adjoining to the Council House, for the express purpose of depositing, and arranging the records on a plan laid before us by our Secretary. The expence of the building is estimated by the Civil Architect at sicca Rs. 14,979-8 and the cost of the wooden frames on which the records are to be kept, will be about sicca Rs. 5,000, making altogether 19,979-8. . j 88. The apartment is sufficiently spacious to hold not only all the existing records, but those which may be expected to be accumulated for many years ; and independent of the primary consideration of their preservation, the reference to them will be greatly facilitated from the manner in which they wall be arranged, at the same time that the removal of them from the places in which they are at present kept, will afford considerable additional accommodation for the public offices where much inconvenience is experienced for want of room for the transaction of the public business. Company^ Servants 89. The Reverend Thomas Blanshard having resigned the office of Senior Chaplain at this Presidency and obtained our permission to proceed to Europe on the Thomas with his family, had embarked, but an accident happening to the ship, just as she was on the point of sailing with the other extra ships to Trincomali to join the convoy at that place, the commander was compelled to return with her to Calcutta. The commander of the Prince Frederick one of the extra ships with which the Thomas was to have sailed received Mr. Blanshard on board of his ship, and accommodated him with a passage to Europe. We trust that the emergency of the case will induce your Hon’ble Court to exonerate the commander of the Prince Frederick from the consequences to which he may be liable from having rceived passengers on his ship without an order from Government. 90. Mr. George Johnstone has obtained our permission to resign the service and proceed to Europe on account of his private affairs, and we beg leave to recommend, that he may be permitted to return with his rank in the service in the event of his making application for that purpose within the time prescribed by the Act. 91. The following appointments have taken place since our advices of the 2nd instant: Mr. William Spodding, Assistant in the Accountant General’s Office; Mr. Robert Brooke, Assistant to the Register of Rungpore ; Mr. Robert Digby Brooke, Assistant to the Commercial Resident at Soonamooky; Mr. John Patterson, Second Assistant to the Commercial Resident at Dacca; Mr. John Forsyth, Second Assistant to the Commercial Resident at Luckypore. 302 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Commander in Chief 92. We have the honor to transmit to you copy of a letter dated 1st of March from the Secretary to the Government at Fort St. George received here by express on the 12th following, enclosing copy of a letter dated the 19th February from Lieutt. General Sir Robert Abercromby, transmitting his resignation of the office of Commander in Chief and of second member in Council. 93. Lieutenant General Alured Clarke, whom your Hon’ble Court in your General letter of the 4th May 1796 had appointed to succeed as Commander in Chief and second member of Council on the death, resignation or coming away of Lieutt. General Sir Robert Abercromby, arrived here on the 15th of March in His Majesty’s frigate Heroine. On the 16th a special meeting of the Board was convened when, agreeably to your standing orders of the 5th April 1793, the oaths of office were administered to Lieutenant General Alured Clarke and he took his seat at the Board. 94. The state of our treasury this day is as follows: State of the General Treasury the 29th [sic] April 1797 Ready money Gold mohurs ... 44,144-4 Siccas Copper Bills receivable Unsorted treasure Balance account deposit ... 9,56,538-15- Accountant General, Sup- reme Court ... ... 8,872- 1- -0 7,06,308- 0-0 3,98,957- 0-0 41,727-10-1 ---------------------- 11,46,992-10-7 2,911-12-3 Sa. Rs. 11,49,904- 6-4 62,000- 0-0 Ditto—ditto Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased Loans @ 12 per cent Ditto----ditto on which the interest has ceased Register debt Fort William, 30th April 1797. (Original per Zephyr. Duplicate per Rose. Triplicate per Houghton.) 9,65,411-1-3 90,457-1-3 31,122-6-9 15,58,879-0-0 900-2-5 3,67,55,838-1-9 ------------------- 3,94,02,607-13-5 We have the honor to be, Hon’ble Sirs, Your most faithful, humble servants 11 LETTER DATED 15 AUGUST 1797 Whitehill and Spencer, sitting members of the Bombay Council, object to resigning their seats—expiry of engagements with the shroffs of Benares for supplying the Bombay treasury. T° the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices in this Department were dated on the 30th of April last. 2. By this conveyance we transmit to your Hon’ble Court, our broken set of proceedings from the 6th March to this date with an index. Governor General 3. In our letter under date the 2nd March last, we informed your Hon’ble Court, that the Governor General had proceeded to Lucknow. He returned to the Presidency on the 1st of May, and resumed his seat in Council. Bombay 4. On the receipt of your orders at Bombay under date the 25th of May 1796, appointing Sir Charles Warre Malet.1 and Mr. Rivet t2 provisional members of Council, Messrs Whitehill and Spencer the sitting members, and the nominees of the Governor, objected to resigning their seats. 5. Messrs Whitehill and Spencer stated that from the circumstances under which they had been called to the Board, a doubt arose in their minds of the legality and propriety of their vacating their seats in Council antecedent to the arrival of Mr. Griffith, the final acquittal or conviction of Mr. Stevens, or their removal by the special order of your Hon’ble Court. 6. On a reference to your solicitor at Bombay, he gave it as his opinion, that Messrs Whitehill and Spencer were entitled to retain their seats under the prescriptions of the legislature, and the orders of your Hon’ble Court. Mr. Rivett not being satisfied with this opinion, the Government of Bombay referred the whole of their proceedings to us. 7. Having directed the case to be laid before our Advocate General, he was decidedly of opinion on the grounds stated at large in his report recorded on our proceedings of the 17th April, that Messrs Whitehill and Spencer had not any legal right to act as Counsellors of Bombay under their respective appointments by Mr. Duncan ; but that they should withdraw from Council there, in order to give effect to the intentions, and to the several appointments and orders both provisional and absolute, contained in your letters to Bombay of the 25th May and 25th August last. 304 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 8. The Vice-President in Council not being competent to decide on the reference under the Act of Parliament, the papers were referred to the Governor General for his decision on the subject. 9. He deemed it proper, however, in the meantime, to transmit a copy of our Advocate General’s opinion direct to Bombay, and immediately on Consn. 17th the ^^T1 ot ir> Messrs Whitehill and Spencer vacated their April, Law seats in Council without waiting for the decision of the Department. Governor General, which corresponded with the sentiments of our law officers. For the correspondence on this subject, we beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to the proceedings noted in the margin. 10. The existing engagements with the shroffs of Benares for supplying the Bombay Treasury, expiring at the end of August, we requested the Bombay Government to enter into a fresh contract for the monthly supply of their treasury with money for one year more, for bills to be drawn by them on die Collector of Benares, payable, as usual, twenty one days after sight, to an extent not exceeding two lacks of rupees per mensem. 11. We judged it proper to desire that a reduction might be made of one lack of rupees per mensem in the usual amount of the annual contract, in the hope, that more favorable terms might be obtained for the Company in the negotiation with die shroffs in consequence of such reduction and in the expectation that the Bombay Government would receive subscriptions to the remittance loan and twelve per cent loans in the course of the present year. 12. We also requested the Bombay Government to encourage, as much as possible, subscriptions to those loans to the extent necessary to enable them to relieve us from any further call for pecuniary aid beyond the sum above-mentioned, and that they would inform us as soon as possible of the probable amount of supplies to be expected from those sources. We however authorized the Bombay Government, in the meantime, to continue to draw bills at par either upon us, or upon the Collector of Moorshedabad, agreeably to the terms of the advertisement published in the Calcutta Gazette under date the 21st of October 1796. 13. On our proceedings of the 7th of August is recorded a letter from Bombay informing us, that in consequence of the Accountant General at that settlement having been instructed to renew the engagements with the shroffs for a monthly supply of cash, that officer had reported, that the result of his negociation with them was not likely to prove favorable, and that the Board, therefore, to obviate the consequences to be apprehended from an interruption in the supplies, had advised the Chief at Surat and Resident at Poonah of these circumstances, and authorized them respectively to draw on Benares, Calcutta, or Moorshedabad for such sums as they might be able to procure, not exceeding a lack and a half of rupees at the rate of 97% for 100 Benares siccas, and 51 days’ sight, or on such better terms as might be procurable. Europe Ships 14. Captain Owen, the commander of the Union, and Captain Campbell, the late commander of the Hanger, having applied to us for certain supplies 15 august 1797 of cash on account of their ships’ expenses, we advanced to the former sicca-Rs. 4,310-5-6 and to the latter sicca Rs. 5,172-6-7 for which Consn. ord ^jr Charnock will account with your Hon’ble Court in ^a' ’ England. 15. The Consn. Sth Mav. Lord Macartney having undergone a repair and been surveyed by the proper officers, we, in consequence of their report, signified to Captain Hay that his ship was re-admitted into the Company’s service. 16. Bv this conveyance vour Hon’ble Court will receive an address from the commanders of your ships on the subject of being allowed a certain com- pensation at the expiration of their engagements with their May11511 ^^ owners to prevent their experiencing any distress at a period when length of service renders them unfit to be employed. The duplicate was forwarded to you by the Castor. 17. On the 22nd May Captain Willoughby, commander of the Thomas, applied to us for an advance of sicca Rs. 14,000 to defray his ship's expences, and Captain Macullock of the Walter Boyd having made an May11511' application to be supplied with sicca Rs. 12,000 for a similar purpose, we complied with both requests, as recommended bv the Board of Trade. 18. In consequence of a recommendation from the Board of Trade, the commander of the Lion was also supplied with sicca Rs. 6,000 but, as the Lion’s dispatches had left the Presidency several days prior to this application, we think it proper to notice to your Hon’ble Court, that as the furnishing of Captain Thomson with sicca Rs. 6,000 was a matter of mere accommodation, the Company ought not to be charged with demurrage for any detention of the ship, arising from the above circumstance. 19. The ship Surprize having been obliged to put back to Fulta, owing to her having lost her windlass, anchor and cable, besides other damages, and as it appeared that she must have been further detained, June1ISn' ^h unless the commander had been supplied with sicca Rs. 4,000 to discharge the sum due on account of her repairs, we made the requisite advance, for which that ship’s owners will be accountable to your Hon’ble Court in England. 20. The commanders of the undermentioned ships having made application to us, through the Board of Trade, for supplies of June11' 19111 cash in consequence of their being ordered on service, we in compliance with the recommendation of the Board thought proper to advance to them the following sums vizt., Sicca Rs. Commander of the Royal Admiral ... ... ... 9,182- 6-0 Do. of the Lascelles ... 8,433- 0-0 Do. oftheAh ... ... ... 13,120-11-0 for which the owners of the ships also wall be accountable to you in England. 21. The commander of the Phoenix having informed ^s that he had several charges to prefer against Mr. Gillon, his 3rd officer, and requested Vol. XIII—20 306 Public letter to court 22. Consn. June. 23. Consn. June. 24. Consn. Joly- on the that a court of enquiry might be assembled to investigate them, we directed the Marine Board to appoint a court of enquiry to investigate the conduct of Mr. John Gillon, and of the three charges alleged by the Consn. 21st commander of the Phoenix, namely drunkenness on duty, and June' disobedience of orders, and ungentlemanlike behaviour, the committee found him guilty of the 1st charge, and also of the 3rd charge. We, in consequence, dismissed Mr. Gillon from his situation of 3rd officer on board the Phoenix, and directed him to hold himself in readiness to embark in one of the first ships sailing for England. We have concluded a contract with Ookur Dutt, the late contractor, 23rd for the supply of sloops for the transportation of the Com pany’s goods to and from the ships. In consequences of a report from the Assistant Deputy Master Attem dant of the 15th June, that the General Goddard had com- “6til pleted her repairs, we readmitted her into the Company’s service. The extra ship Surprize, having been again obliged to put back, and the commander having, in consequence, applied i4th to us through the Board of Trade for a supply of cash, we advanced to him the sum of sicca Rs. 5,181-8 usual terms. 25. The commander of the extra ships Princess Mary and Martha made applications to us for an allowance in consequence of the additional heavy expence which they would be at for a table for themeslves JulyOnSn 2lSt and their officers, while employed in the present service; and, although we declined complying with similar requests from the commanders of the dismantled ships, we thought it just to allow the commanders of the Princess Mary and Martha some remuneration, as they have not, like the commanders of the dismantled ships, any privilege trade home, nor are they entitled to any from port to port in India; and accordingly granted to the commanders of each of the above ships the sum of sicca rupees 200 per month for the above purpose. 26. The commanders of the Martha and Princess Mary, also applied to us for an advance of cash to defray their ships’ expences, and, as they stated their inability to procure it in the way pointed out in their charter-parties, and that unless assisted by us they should be unable to discharge the demands against them on account their ships, we complied with the recommendation of the Board of Trade to advance to them for bills on their owners of the following sums vizt., • Martha ... ... ... ... Sicca Rs. 5,600. Princess Mary ... ... ... ?J 8,000. 27. We have received protests from the commanders of the under-Consn. 28th mentioned ships in behalf of their owners vizt., July. Commander of the Hawkesbury. Do. of the Lord Macartney. Do. of the Phcenix. IS AUGUST 1797 307 28. We have the pleasure to acquaint your Hon’ble Court that the Consn 11th Ceres, Marquis of Lansdoum, Houghton, King George and August. Minerva, arrived at Madras from England on the 27th of June. Marine 29. We have the honor to forward by this conveyance, an indent received from the Superintendant of Prince of Wales Island. On referring the indent to the Marine Board, they were of opinion, that only MavDSn' ^ half of it should be complied with; we have only to state ’ '' ’ our concurrence in the opinion of the Marine Board, and to recommend that the stores be sent out accordingly, not doubting but they will meet with a ready and advantageous sale. 30. On these proceedings is recorded a letter from die Marine Board forwarding with other papers for transmission to you, indents for naval stores required for the Hon’ble Company’s Marine in Bengal, as Ma\°nSn 29lh well as for individuals and, in compliance with the recommendation of the Marine Board, we beg leave to request of your Hon’ble Court to give directions, that all the articles, applied for in their indents may be furnished. The indents formed Nos. 20 and 21 of the Public dispatches by the extra ship Castor. 31. In consideration of the good character of Mr. William Chilves, late boatswain of the Ganges pilot schooner, and of his being disabled by the loss of his limb on service, we have been induced to deviate from June*1811' ^^ ^ genera^ rule? agreeably to which he would only be en- titled of a pension of 24 Rs. 13 As. 5 Ps. per month, and, in lieu thereof, to grant him the sum of sicca Rs. 38 per month, being the amount of the full pay of his rank. Company's Servants 32. The following arrangements and appointments have taken place since our last advices in this Department. Mr. Robert Digby Brooke removed from the office of the Secretary to the Board of M^v*1811 8th Revenue, and appointed an assistant under the Commercial Resident at Soonamooky. 33. Mr. Duncan Campbell removed from the office of Register to the Consn. 19th Zillah Court at Burdwan, and appointed Sub-Secretary to May. die Government in the Public Department. 34. Mr. John William Laing removed from the office of the Secretary to Consn. 29th dm Board of Trade, and appointed Assistant to the Collector May. of Rungpore. Stationary 35. We have the honor to transmit nos. in the packet, reports on the several articles of factor’s stores imported this season on your ships William Pitt, and Pitt, Musters of the damaged stationary are also sent. 308 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Miscellaneous 36. From the statement recorded on our proceedings of the 29th Mav. you will observe, that the actual saving in the expences of the establishment and charges of our Secretary’s office in the twelve months Mav11511’ 29th ending with April last, amounts to sicca Rs. 1,09,020, being a considerable excess above the estimate submitted with his report referred to in our letter of the 31st August. 37. By this conveyance we forward two packages containing seeds of P. Consn. 3rd May. noted in the culture etc. various kinds from Dr. Roxburgh, the Superintendent of the Botanical Garden, and beg leave to refer you to that gentleman’s letter and its enclosures, recorded on the proceedings margin, for a description of their several names, mode of 38. Hon’ble Consn. May. We likewise forward to you by this conveyance, an address to your Court from Captain D. T. Richardson respecting a bond for £200 which you have caused the commander of the Pitt to exe-“lst cute, as a penalty for having received the infant son of Captain Richardson as a passenger to Europe in the year 1795, and without having obtained an order from us for receiving the child on board. 39. Captain Richardson, for the reasons assigned in his letter, considers himself bound to indemnify Captain Manning for the consequences of the deviation from your instructions, however distressing to him. It must, of course, rest with your Hon’ble Court, whether, under the circumstances of the case, the fine shall be exacted or not; at the same time we have no hesitation in adding, that from our knowledge of Captain Richardson's character, he would have been careful to have obtained the necessary order to the commander, before he sent his child down to the ship, had he been apprized of the regulations on the subject. 40. The state of our treasury this day is as follows: Ready Money Gold mohurs Siccas Copper ... 29,053- 0- 0 4,64,848- 0- 0 1,20,931- 8- 0 44,284-12- 3 6 064- 4- 3 Bills receivable 2,911-12- 3 Sa. Rs. 6,32,976- 0- 6 Unsorted treasure Balance account deposit 4,15,807- 7-10 Accountant General, Supreme Court ... 8,872- 1- 4 1,625- 0- 0 424,679- 9- 2 31 OCTOBER 1797 309 Ditto ditto Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which interest has ceased Loans (F 12 per cent Ditto ditto on which the interest has ceased Remittance loan of 4th May 1797 Register debt Fort William, 15th August 1797. (Original per Zephyr. Duplicate per Rose. Triplicate per Houghton.) 90,457- 1- 3 31,122- 6- 9 15,58,879- 0- 0 900- 2- 5 17,34,801- 0- 0 3,88,08,880- 7- 4 ------------------ 4,26,49,719-10-11 We have the honour etc. 12 LETTER DATED 31 OCTOBER 1797 Loss of the Ocean and capture of the Thomas—the Royal Charlotte blown up at Kedgeree—Hay to go on leave—repairs to be made at the New Church— state of the general treasury. To the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices in this Department were dated on the 15th August last. 2. By the ships of the first division now under dispatch, we have the Rose '\ „ Houghton [ Regular Thurlow J ships Albion ] Extra Britannia hhips Isabella ) honor to forward to you a continuation of our proceedings in this Department from the 15th August to 31st October inclusive with index—also duplicates of our addresses of the 30th April and 15th August per Zephyr. 3. We have the pleasure to announce to your Hon’ble Court the arrival of the following ships: Albion 5th September. Rose ... 19th do. Houghton do. do. Lord Thurlow ... 20th do. Friendship Pursuit -j 24th Sept. Britannia 1st Novr. Auspicious 4th do. Minerva ... 24th do. 310 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 4. The Government of Fort St. George forwarded to us by the L’Oisean, frigate, which arrived here on the 12th September, the packets brought out by the Minerva, Houghton, Rose and Britannia by which we had the honor to receive your several advices under date as follows: Public Dept. General letter: 20th Jany. 1797. 1st & 22nd March 1797. Commercial General letter dated 20th Jany. ’97. Do. do. 17th Febry. do. Do. do. 1st March, do. to which we shall reply by a future dispatch. Fort St. George 5. On the 5th of May the Government of Fort St. George, in compliance with our directions communicated to them under date the 31st March Consn. Sth September. forwarded to us a statement together with copy of a letter from their Accountant, showing that their probable demands for assistance from our treasury, without drawing any bills upon your Hon’ble Court, to provide an investment of twenty one lacks of pagodas in the year 1797/8 would amount to about thirty one lacks of pagodas, and soliciting a supply of specie to the amount of five lacks of pagodas to be forwarded on the change of the monsoon. 6. In reply to this letter, we, on the 11th of August expressed our regret to the Government of Fort St. George that we found it impracticable to contribute immediately any extraordinary relief to their exigencies, and that we should be happy to find that the supplies likely to be obtained from their remittance loan would reduce the estimated demands upon Bengal, according to the statement which accompanied their letter. 7. We promised to use our endeavours through the agency of our Residents at Poonah and Hydrabad to provide as regularly as possible for the payment of the peishcush of the Nizam, and that we should also continue to provide as far as might be practicable for the pay of the troops which composed the detachment under Major General Erskine, expressing our hopes that these measures, added to the continuance of their endeavours to negociate their bonds, notes etc., would considerably reduce the amount of the supplies that it would be necessary for the Madras Government to require directly from Bengal. 8. We likewise assured them that altho’ the extraordinary services for which we had to provide were so great that we could not then promise to furnish them with supplies, either at the time they wished, or to the full extent of their probable exigencies, we should not omit sending them such supplies in specie as it might be in our power to furnish. Nana Phadnis 31 OCTOBER 1797 311 9. On the 23rd of September the Government of Fort St. George furnished us with a statement of their receipts and disbursements for the official vear 90 h ’ 179^7’ toSether with an estimate of their receipts and'dis- Ocrobef' ’ ‘ bursements for the current year, for the detail of which and their explanations, we must refer you to our proceedings. 10. On examination of these accounts, it appeared to us that many articles of supply had been omitted in the estimate. These we detailed in a brief review of the parts of the estimate which appeared to us defective, requesting that if our conclusion was erroneous they would enable us without delay to correct it. 11. In consequence, however, of their repeated and urgent calls upon us for the relief of the pressing exigencies of their Government, we informed them that we had judged it necessary to provide in our estimate of the year, supplies for their service to the amount of 66 lacks of sicca rupees or 20,00,000 pagodas, of which sum according to our calculation there remained to be supplied pagodas 8,75,496, as detailed in our letter of the 15th October. 12. We at the same time acquainted them that we should endeavour to furnish them with a considerable supply of specie by the first eligible opportunity that might offer. Bombay 13. The contract with the shroffs for the monthly supply of money for the Presidency of Bombay having expired, and the failure of the attempts of the Resident at Poonah and Chief of Surat to obtain August11' "8th further supplies by bills on Benares or Bengal, discouraging all hopes of assistance from those quarters, while the shroffs at Bombay persevered in declining to take the bills of that Government, we pointed out to them the absolute necessity of their using their utmost endeavours without delay to raise money for their exigencies, and authorizing them for this purpose to open their treasury immediately for a loan at 12 per cent. Cafe of Good Hope 14. Having received an application from Messrs. Fairlie Gilmore and Co. of Calcutta and also an application from Captain Stewart, the commander of the extra ship Britannia, for permission to send some piece Se^Tb 8th goods to the Cape of Good Hope in the Company’s tonnage, P em er’ it appeared to us that the terms of His Majesty’s Proclama- tion of the 18th December, if literally taken, might be understood to prohibit the solicited permission of sending goods, the produce of Bengal, to the Cape ; we conceived it, however, to be more probable that they were intended to prevent incroachment on the exclusive trade of the East India Company, and for that purpose only—this construction we thought justified by applying the term "licence’ to the first as well as to the second restrictive clause. 15. Two reasons might be urged in favor of the application ; the necessity and policy of supplying the subjects of Great Britain as well as the Dutch 312 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT with necessaries from India, and the propriety of allowing such a supply to be made by the British merchants of this port. We therefore agreed to comply with the applications of Messrs. Fairlie Gilmore & Co. and of the commander of the extra ship Britannia, charging the full freight to Europe of £22-10 per ton for law tonnage on the goods, but we gave them to understand that the risque of seizure was to be borne by the proprietors of the goods and not by the Company, if any question should be made at the Cape as to the legality of importation. 16. Lord Macartney having transmitted to us a. copy of His Majesty’s orders in Council of the 28th December 1796, regulating the trade of the British possessions at the Cape, we thought it necessary to apprize Consn. 25th His £orjship of the applications from individuals to send p ' piece goods to the Cape on the Company’s tonnage with our resolutions on these applications, and we requested His Lordship to favor us with his opinion as to our construction of His Majesty’s orders. 17. We likewise requested His Lordship would express his opinion as to the articles required for the use of the colony and the probable consumption, that we might supply them on the part of the Company or allow them to be shipped by individuals on the Company’s tonnage. Europe Ships 18. We are extremely sorry to inform your Hon’ble Court of the loss of your ship the Ocean, Captain A. Patten, which was wrecked on the 1st February last, on an island, in Lat. 7.19 S about 75 miles to the east of the Schiedam Islands. 19. For Captain Patten’s account of this unfortunate event we beg leave Consn. 28th t0 refer your Hon’ble Court to the proceedings noted in August. the margin. 20. On the arrival of the Lascelles, Pitt, and Royal Admiral at Fort St George, they were found so unserviceable for the projected expedition against Manilla, that the President in Council, after landing and October ^th transhipping the whole of their cargoes, ordered them back to Bengal. 21. On their arrival, the commander of the Pitt addressed our Board of Trade, stating that as his being ordered to Madras was an express deviation Consn. 6th October. from the charterparty, and as the accidents the ship met with were to be attributed solely to the bad weather they experienced in beating against the monsoon, he hoped the expences of repairing the ship and fitting her to receive a cargo for Europe would be borne by Government. 22. Sensible of the difficulty and almost impossibility of Captain Gerrard being able to raise the necessary supplies for the repair of his ship under the existing scarcity of specie in Calcutta, we determined that the expences of repairing the Pitt in the present instance should be borne by Government, but that a statement of the same should be sent to your Hon’ble Court, that you might settle with rhe owners in the manner you may deem most proper. 31 OCTOBER 1797 313 23. In consequence of the disabled state of the Pitt, we, as is usual in similar instances, dismissed her from your service, till such time as she should be repaired and fit to receive cargo. 24. To this measure Captain Gerrard objected on the plea that the damage was sustained on her voyage to Madras in express deviation from her charterparty. A copy of Captain Gerrard's letter on the subject is recorded in our proceedings of the 24th October. 25. In consequence of our determination that the expence of rendering the Pitt fit to receive cargo should in the first instance be borne by Government, the Board of Trade called upon the Master Attendant. Naval Storekeeper and Captain Gerrard for an estimate of the cxpence. 26. The report they send in, shewing that the greatest part of the charge consisted in new coppering, the necessity for which could not have arisen merely from the late voyage to Madras, they submitted it October' ^^ to our cons^erat^on’ whether it would not be better to give her merely a sheathing of boards with an outward coat of chunam, than to authorize the heavy expence of coppering. 27. For the proceedings of the Board of Trade at large upon this subject, Consn. 24th we beg leave to refer you to our proceedings noted in the October. margin. 28. Concurring in the opinion expressed by the Board of Trade on this subject, we desired them to inform Captain Gerrard that we should not advance him more money than would be sufficient to defray the expence of repairing the Pitt and giving her a wooden sheathing coated on the outside with chunam leaving it entirely to his discretion to disburse the money accordingly (an account of the disbursement to be rendered to us) or to give the ship, if he thought it more for the interest of his ovmers, a copper sheathing here, but that if he chose to incur the additional expence of coppering, he must raise the means from his own resources, and at the risk of his owners, not being able to establish any claim upon the Company for an expence which under existing circumstances we did not think would be judiciously incurred. 29. We have advanced to the commander of your extra ship Walter Boyd for bills on his owners, the sum of sicca Rs. 6,000 Au^usT' 21St to ena^e kim to defray sundry expenses of his ship arising * chiefly from a number of his men having been pressed on board His Majesty’s ship Heroine. 30. Consn. August. 31. On our proceedings noted in the margin will be found a statement of the sums which we have been under the necessity of advancing to the commanders of your extra ships hired in England. A continuance of these applications for money for bills on their owners payable in England have induced us to adopt the following regulations : 1st. That there should be granted to each ship a monthly allowance proportioned to that paid by charterparty to the regular and dismantled ships viz., 2O0£ per month to a ship of 800 tons, or after deducting kentledge of 700 at the same rate of exchange. 314 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 2nd. That should a larger sum than the regular monthly allowance be absolutely requisite, the commander shall draw bills on his owners for the sum required, payable to your Hon’ble Court, and in Sep°ember4th exchange for which we will grant him bills on you for a similar amount, leaving it to him to raise the sum required by negociating the bills in the market, the commander to endorse the bills granted by him, which are to be drawn 10 days more favourable to the holder than those we grant on you. 32. In consequence of the above regulations, the following bills have been granted on your Hon’ble Court— In favor of Captain Me Cullock of the Walter Boyd at 90 da vs’ sight for £930. In favor of Captain Scott of the Zephyr at 40 days’ sight for £350. 33. Our consignments to your Hon’ble Court in the last year viz., from 3rd August ’96 to 21st July ’97, amounting only to the sum of sicca Rs. 39,14,927, and the value of the piece goods included therein being September11 th on^ s^cca ^S‘ 26,98,855, and fearing that your Hon’ble Court might suffer inconvenience at home as well, generally from the want of the usual supplies from Bengal and particularly from not having a due proportion of Bengal piece goods at your sales, while there was in the warehouse here piece goods to the amount of sicca Rs. 33,24,727 and more in course of arrival from the subordinates, and for other causes, we directed the commanders of your ships then expected from Madras to be informed immediately on their arrival that their ships were to be loaded and dispatched for England without loss of time, and that we should evince the strongest marks of our displeasure if every exertion was not made for their departure at the commencement of the seasonable time of dispatch vizt., 10th November. 34. In consequence of the detention of the ships at Madras we were Consn. 25th September. under the necessity o£ rescinding the above resolution but determined that the ships should be dispatched as soon as was practicable. 35. For the detention of the ships at Madras we are greatly concerned, as it frustrates the hope we entertained of our piece goods coming to an early sale. 36. In our letter of the 15 August ,we informed your Hon’ble Court of the allowance we had determined to make the commanders of the Martha, and Princess Mary, an allowance of sicca Rs. 200 per month for table expenses, for the payment of which they did not apply before their departure. After the return of Captain Barnard to Calcutta (the loss of whose ship we have already reported to you in our Secretary’s letter of 12th September) he sent us in a bill for six months’ allowance amounting to sicca rupees 1,200. Taking it into consideration, that had the demand been made before the ship sailed it would most certainly have been complied with, and that a considerable expence must have been incurred for stock, wine etc., we determined that the bill should be paid, taking an engagement from Captain Bernard to repay the amount in the event of your Hon’ble Court not approving the allowance. 37. We are extremely sorry to inform your Hon’ble Court, of the capture 31 OCTOBER 1797 315 of your extra ship Thomas by the French corvette Bruelle Guelle mounting 24 twelve pounders off the south end of Celyon. 38. For Captain Willoughby’s account of the capture of his ship, we beg leave to refer you to our proceedings of the 24th October. 39. In consequence of this event, we recommended it to the commanders of your extra ships Ariadne, Isabella, Britannia, and Royal Charlotte to keep Together for their mutual defence, leaving it to them however to follow this suggestion, as they thought most advisable. 40. In consequence of our determination to ship a quantity of gun powder for the Cape of Good Hope on the extra ships Isabella, Britannia, and Royal Charlotte, the commander of the latter stated that his policv of insurance became invalid in consequence of her being loaded with gun powder, and that he therefore hoped Government would indemnify him in the event of loss from such a cargo. 41. On a reference to the policy of insurance it is stated, among other things not necessary to be mentioned here, that “all risks and losses arising from gun powder as cargo are to be borne by the assured and not the assurers.” 42. In the charterparties of the ships hired in England, gun powder is not excepted against as cargo. The engagements under which Mr. Charnock has let the Royal Charlotte to the Company, wTe have not Consn. Bth seen, and therefore cannot speak precisely as to her. Sup- September. • , , i r posing them however to be the same in this respect as Mr. Charnock’s other engagements, we determined the subject should be pointed out to the particular notice of your Hon’ble Court, and that you might act in the matter as seemed most advisable. 43. It may be proper to observe that we expect a similar question to come before us respecting the Isabella and Britannia, who are in the same situation. 44. In continuance of this subject it is with real concern we inform your Hon’ble Court, that the Royal Charlotte blew up at Kedgeree on the Consn. 13th October. Consn. 16th October. event; and on Sth October, and that every soul on board perished. On a reference to our proceedings of the 24th October your Hon’ble Court will find a statement of the loss amounting to 29,437-0-6 [?] the Company will sustain by this melancholy our proceedings noted in the margin will be found two protests from Captain Smith on the subject. 45. A quantity of sugar having been laden on this ship belonging to Messrs. Abbotts, Blanshard & Perney, they have claimed to be indemnified by the Company for the % proportion which was at their own risque, upon the grounds that they did not receive notice of the goods being blended in the same ship with gun powder, and that all policies of insurance expressly declare against gun powder as cargo. 46. For the sentiments of your Board of Trade on this subject, we beg 94th October leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to the proceedings noted in the margin, and as we perfectly coincided with them in opinion, we directed Messrs. Blanshard & Perney to be informed, that 316 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT we declined complying with their requisition for indemnification by the Company for the loss. 47. A similar claim has been preferred by Messrs. Colvins & Bazett for a quantity of indigo they had shipped on this vessel—for the particulars of this clause we beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to a letter from the Board of Trade recorded on the proceedings above mentioned. In result, we ordered it to be signified to these gentlemen, that their application would be transmitted to your Hon’ble Court; but as it might be a guide to them in any future instances to be informed of our sentiments on the subject, that we saw no grounds for the expectation of their being reimbursed by the Company. 48. In consequence of the unfortunate accident which happened to the Royal Charlotte, a question was submitted to us by the October Board of Trade, whether the bills for £2,000 which Captain Smith had applied for should be granted, and we determined in the negative. 49. In consequence of the death of Captain Walker commander of the extra ship Ariadne, who was drowned in going down to his October ^^ ship, Captain Smith late commander of the Royal Charlotte applied to us for the command. 50. Being doubtful whether by the agreement between the Company and Mr. Charnock for those ships we were competent to appoint to the command any person but the officer next in succession, we declined complying with Captain Smith’s application and appointed Mr. Sterling the late Chief Officer of the Ariadne to the command of her. 51. Captain Smith having applied to us for some consideration to enable him to procure a passage to Europe, and in the mean time to maintain himself, h ’ we granted him the same relief as was granted to Captain t cto er. Bernard of the Martha vizt., For passage money ... £100 or sicca Rs. 976-11-1 For expence here ... 1,000- 0-0 Sicca Rs. 1,976-11-1 52. Captain Gooch, commander of your ship the Sir Stephen Lushington, having protested against his ship being ordered on the expedition, a copy of his protest will be found recorded on our proceedings of the 21st August. 53. On our proceedings of the 20th October, will be also found recorded a protest from the commander of the Lascelles on his ship being ordered on service to Madras. Company’s Servants 54. The ill state of Mr. Hay’s health rendering a voyage to the Cape of Good Hope absolutely necessary, he applied to us for permission to proceed ^ t there under the usual restrictions ; and as he accompanied August* St his application with certificates from the medical gentle- men who attended him, we made no hesitation in complying with his request. 31 OCTOBER 1797 317 55. Mr. AV. T. Smith has obtained a permission to resign your service, and proceed to England for the settlement of his private affairs, and we beg leave to recommend that Mr. Smith may be allowed to Sth Septem er. return whh his rank to the service, provided he makes application within the prescribed period. Marine 56. Captain Murray of His Majesty’s ship Heroine having left the river without settling for the stores supplied him from your Hth September warehouses, we transmit a number in the packet the account for adjustment in England. 57. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings noted in the margin for the proceedings of a court of enquiry held by order of the ,,. . Marine Board on Mr. Thomas Winter, pilot, on a charge or drunkenness while in charge of the snow St. Jacoby brought against him by Captain Scott, the commander of the vessel. Being satisfied that Mr. Winter was guilty of the charge we directed him to be dismissed the Hon'ble Company’s service. 58. Captain T. Bernard, late commander of your extra ship Martha, having informed us of the able exertions of Mr. Hill, a mate in the pilot service, in having saved the lives of 38 men from the wreck Sepemebr25^ °^ r^at S^T’ un^er circumstances of danger, which places his conduct and that of the people who were employed in the boat, in a highly meritorious point of view, we resolved that a of eight hundred rupees should be granted Mr. Hill, and those who the boat with him, in the following proportions—vizt.. gratuity were in To Mr. Hill ... 30 gold mohurs. 2 Europeans 5 each ... 10 5 lascars 2 each ... 10 50 or sicca Rs. 800. 59. We trust this measure will meet the approbation of your Hon'ble Court, as it will operate as an encouragement for similar exertions whenever similar disasters mav occur. 60. The Marine Board submitted to us a petition from William Clives, Consn. 25th boatswain of the late Ganges pilot schooner, praying for an September. increase to his present pension of sicca Rs. 12 per month. 61. Taking it into consideration that all prospect of Mr. Clives’ rising in the service is done away by the loss of his leg, a misfortune which happened in consequence of his voluntarily engaging in offensive service, during which his vessel was burnt, we thought proper to comply with the prayer of his petition. 62. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings noted in the margin, for an application from the deputy and Sept°em^ assistants to the Master Attendant for some additional allowances when on duty from the bankshall. 318 PUBLIC LET!ER TO COURT 63. Adverting to the period at which the salaries of the deputy and assistants were fixed, when the annual number of Europe ships fluctuated between 6 and 8, whereas they now exceed 30, and that at the former period the business of the season generally closed by the charterparty time, that since the encreased number of ships, it has continued the whole year through, and occasioned the necessity for one or more of the Marine officers being constantly deputed down the river for the purpose of dispatching, surveying ships, and various other duties, which have occurred, we considered the application to be reasonable, and in consequence determined that they should be allowed sicca Rs. 8 per day while on duty from the bankshall, to commence from the dav of their departure, and continue until their return. 64. By the Zephyr packet, we forwarded to your Hon’bie Court, letter from the Marine Board dated the 5th September, together with the two reports which accompanied it respecting the mooring chains at Diamond Harbour. Copies of the above papers are recorded on consultation 6th October, and we beg leave to call the particular attention of your Hon’bie Court to this subject. Miscellaneous 65. On our proceedings noted in the margin will be found a minute from the Governor General, recommending that certain repairs September8111 required to be made at the New Church should be performed at the expence of Government. 66. Being of opinion that the alterations would greatly tend to the convenience and accommodation of the inhabitants at large, we acquiesced in the Governor General’s recommendation, and hope the measure will meet the approbation of your Hon’bie Court. 67. For the particulars of the alterations and an estimate of the expence, we beg leave to refer you to our proceedings of the 18th September. 68. Wc also beg leave to refer your Hon’bie Court to the proceedings Consn. 25th noted in the margin, for sundry accounts relative to the September. Native Hospital for the last year. 69. From the comparative statement of the number of patients admitted for the last three years your Hon’bie Court will observe that those for the last year are above double the number they were the first year, and we are happy to be able to inform your Hon’bie Court, that the Governors assure us, that from the present state of their funds they have no doubt of rendering the hospital of still more extensive benefit to the native inhabitants ’of Calcutta. 70. The Sub-Treasurer having reported to us that the Head Podar, whom he held in jail in consequence of the deficiency formerly discovered in the treasury, would now be released, unless sundry fees were paid, we determined to pay them, conceiving it for the ends of public justice that the podar in question should not be liberated till he makes good the whole of the amount in which his accounts were deficient. 71. The Sub-Treasurer subsequently addressed us a letter, praying that he might not be considered responsible for the breach of trust in the 31 OCTOBER 1797 319 podar, the confidence placed in him being unavoidable and the man not of his selection, but one who had been in the same station October' during the time of his predecessors,—praying that he might therefore be reimbursed the sum, which had been embezzled through the dishonesty of the podar and which he had been obliged to make good. 72. In reply to this application, we directed the Sub-Treasurer to be informed, that without the least imputation on his conduct, in this instance, we could not deviate from the established rules of the service, which makes all public officers responsible for the money under their charge. 73. The state of our treasury this day is as follows: Suite of the General Treasury the 31 October 1797 Ready Money Gold mohurs Siccas Copper 27,629-12- 0 4,42,076- 0- 0 1,66,766- 0- 0 46,386- 9- 8 6,55,228- 9- 8 2,911-12- 3 Bills receivable Balance account deposit ... Accountant General, Supreme Court 2,99,216-12-10 8,872- 1- 4 Sicca Rs. 3,08,088-14- 2 90,457- 1- 3 31,122- 6- 9 15,58,879- 0- 0 900- 2- 5 21,90,143- 0- 0 3,93,18337- 9- 5 6,58,140- 5-11 Ditto ditto Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased Loans @ 12 per cent ... Ditto ditto on which the interest has ceased Remittance loan of 4th May 1797 Register debt 3,34,97,928- 2- 0 Fort William, 31 October 1797 (Original per Rose. Duplicate per Houghton.) We have etc. 13 LETTER DATED 30 DECEMBER 1797 Mercantile houses offer a loan of ten lakhs to the Bombay Government —Captain Craig suspended for insubordination—suggestion of the Government of Bencoolen to establish a paper currency—capture of the Tryal and the Harrington by a French privateer—Dr. Roxburgh to proceed on leave— Blaquirds Dictionary and Grammar of the Sanskrit and the English languages —state of the general treasury. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. We had the honor to address you last in this Department under date the 31st October 1797 by the Rose. 2. By the General Goddard, we have the honor to forward to you a continuation of our proceedings to the date of this letter with an index, and the other papers mentioned in the list of packet. 3. We have had the honor to receive your advices in this Department under dates the 21st January, 1st March, 19th April and 9th May. Answer to Public General letter from the Hon’ble Court of Directors dated the 20th January (1) Date of last advices. (2) Acknowledging the receipt of dispatches. (3) Mentioning the number of writers intended to be appointed for this season. (4- 5) Have permitted Major Gall and Sir George Rumbold to proceed to Bengal to settle their private affairs. 4. Need no reply. (6) Mentioning free mariners they have allowed to proceed to India. Answer to the Public General letter from the Hon’ble Court of Directors dated the 1st March 1797 (1) Date of last advices. 5. No reply. (2) During the war, bills for com- 6. The orders in this paragraph mercial purposes to be drawn at 2 will be attended to, should we find years’ sight etc. it expedient to draw bills for the 30 DECEMBER 1797 321 purposes in question—the measures which we adopted on the 3rd May 1797 in the Secret Department for raising money to answer the public exigencies have already been reported. (3) Forward copies of a pamphlet 7. We shall conform to your direc-from the Board of Agriculture etc. tion with regard to the circulating of the copies of the pamphlets, and return them with such information as may be obtained. (4) Names of writers in part of the 8. Needs no reply, number for the season 1796. Answer to Public General letter 19th April 1797 (1) Date of last dispatches. (2 to 15) Respecting Indian serpents. (16) The duty of 5 per cent on gold dust and gold in bars to be discontinued. (17) Authorize us to grant bills for any subscriptions received on account the Marine Society. 9. No reply. 10. We have sent a copy of these paragraphs to the Medical Board and directed them to pursue such measures as may appear to them best calculated for procuring the desired information, and shall hereafter advise you of the result of these enquiries and experiments. 11. Needs no reply. 12. We shall circulate the letters and books of the Marine Society and have given directions for the receipt of any subscriptions that may be tendered, and shall remit the amount in the manner authorized by your Hon’ble Court. (18) Mr. Thomas Twining allowed" to return to his rank in the civil service. (19) Mr. W. B. Estwick appointed a writer. (20) Mention the names of writers in grant of the number for 1796. (21 to 24) Have allowed sundry persons to proceed to Bengal. (25) Ill-treatment of the Rajah of Allas by Captain Lemmon. 13. The information contained in these paragraphs, has been commu’ nicated to our Civil Auditor. 14. No reply. 15. We have directed inquiry to be made respecting Captain Lemmon, and if he is in Bengal, shall call upon him to answer for his conduct. Vol. XIII—21 322 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (26) Names of the Secret Committee. (27) Names of the Secret Com’ mittee relative to shipping. 17. We shall hereafter reply to your letter in this Department of the 9 May last received on the 16 instant. 18. In consequence of the Governor General’s determination to proceed to Lucknow, as communicated to you from the Secret Department by the Rose, he has nominated Peter Speke Esqr. to be Vice President and Deputy Governor during his absence from Fort William. Fort St. George 19. On our proceedings of the 15 December is recorded a letter from the Government of Fort St. George, transmitting to us the corrected statement and estimate for the year 96/7 which we informed you in our letter of the 31st October we had required from them, and acquainting us that they should stand in need of the whole of the supply of 66 lacs of rupees, which we had provided in our estimate for the exigencies of their government. 20. In consequence of the information which they at the same time communicated to us, of their being in expectation of an immediate demand on them for the pescush due to the Nizam amounting to December ^ ^^ &s* 3,17,000, we resolved with a view to afford every possible relief to their embarrassments, to authorize the Assistant at Hydrab ad to provide for the payment of this demand by drawing bills on the Collector of Benares, with the exception of such part of it as circumstances might render it indispensably necessary for him to require to be discharged at that Presidency. Bombay 21. In the 13th paragraph of our letter to your Hon’ble Court by the Rose, we informed you that in consequence of the pressing exigencies of the Bombay Government and the refusal of the shroffs to enter into engagements for furnishing them with supplies for bills on us, we had authorized them to open their treasury for loans in cash at 12 per cent. 22. The Government of Bombay subsequently communicated to us an offer from several mercantile houses to lend ten lacks of rupees to Government on the following conditions, acquainting us at the same December ^ rim6 that in consequence of this offer they had been induced to postpone the pubheation of the advertisement for a 12 per cent loan, until they received our further orders. 1st. The payment to commence to be made into their treasury immediately, and the merchants engage to pay ten lacs of rupees before the 1st July 1798, by installments of not less than one lac of rupees per month, Government engaging to receive any sums beyond the stipulated monthly lack when it might suit the convenience of the merchants to make larger payments and such payments to be considered in advance for subsequent installments. 30 DECEMBER 1797 323 2nd. An account to be opened with each merchant in the treasury books, and due credit given them for their respective payments. 3rd. On the 31st July ’98, each merchant to be allowed to determine the conditions of his loan, such part thereof as should be declared to be on account the 12 per cent remittance loan to be made up with 12 per cent interest and paid by bills on your Hon’ble Court at the periods and on the terms of that loan—such part as the merchants may not be willing to subscribe to the remittance loan, or the whole of the loan at their option, to be made up with interest at 9 per cent and discharged by bills on this Presidency at par payable 30 days after sight. 4th. Government to engage during the period of the monthly payments not to borrow money at a higher rate of interest than 9 per cent excepting on account the 12 per cent remittance loan. 23. Adverting to the frequent communication which we had made to the Bombay Government during the last twelve months respecting the low state of our finances, in consequence of the large and pressing demands upon us, and the necessity of their endeavouring to raise as large a supply as possible from the resources of their own Presidency, and considering also that the measure of their 9 per cent loan to which they had recourse instead of that recommended by us had produced little more than a fourth of the sum which they had been desired to raise, and which we expected they would have been able to have procured, we expressed to them our concern at their having persisted in declining to open their treasury for a 12 per cent loan, notwithstanding our positive orders to that effect. 24. With regard to their negotiations with the merchants, independent of the great embarrassment which might have arisen from their pledging Consn. 4th December. themselves not to borrow money at a higher interest than 9 per cent previous to the period stipulated in the merchants’ proposals, the measure would have afforded but a partial and temporary relief to our finances, at the same time that the proportion of the loan which might have been made payable in Bengal would have been demandable at a period when our treasuries are always low. 25. We therefore desired the Government of Bombay not to receive any further sums from the merchants on the terms of their proposal, and directed that such sums as might have been received previous to the arrival of our orders might be repaid either by bills on us drawn on the 31st July 1798 at par, and payable 30 days after sight, or by a transfer to the remittance loan at their option. 26. We also desired that they would not, on any account longer postpone the opening the 12 per cent loan, and expressed our reliance that the necessary advertizement for that purpose would be published by the 1st January, adding that it was indispensably necessary in the present state of our finances that they should, if possible, provide for the exigencies of their Government without drawing bills upon Bengal to a larger amount than two lacs of rupees per month, as we could not pledge ourselves to pay their bills either on the Benares or on any other treasury with punctuality, whilst their draughts exceeded as they had done for some time past our means of answering them. 324 ptJBUC LETTER TO COURT Canton 27. In our letter to your Hon’ble Court of the 9th January last, we informed you of the authority which we had given to the supracargoes to draw on us for twelve lacks of rupees and the exchange of 38% head dollars per 100 current rupees. 28. From the advices of the supracargoes, you will observe, that this mode of supplying their treasury fully answered our expectations from the certain and advantageous remittance which it afforded for the December15th returns of the country trade. A strong competition immediately ensued for their bills, not only for the sum for which we had authorized them to draw, but for remittances to the further amounts of C.Rs. 5,92.459, which from the very low state of their treasury, they determined to take up, stipulating however that we should have the option of discharging the bills for this last mentioned sum in eight per cent notes or cash. 29. As the issue of so large a sum in paper at the present high discount which it bears, would have contributed to the further depreciation of it, we have resolved, notwithstanding our own very pressing exigencies, to discharge the whole of their bills, amounting, in the aggregate, to current rupees 17,95,285-0-0 in cash. 30. For the detail of the measures we have adopted to answer this large Consn. 15th demand, we must beg to refer you to our proceedings. December. 31. With a view to create a competition in the demands for our opium by holding out to the merchants an expeditious and certain mode of realizing the proceeds, and to meet the wishes of the supracargoes at Canton as expressed in their letter of the 2nd November to be furnished with as large a supply as could be spared from Bengal, and as early in the season as possible, and at the same time to guard against the inconvenience of so large a demand again coming upon our treasury at once, we have authorized the supracargoes to receive the further sum of fifteen lacs of rupees into their treasury, in specie, and to grant bills upon us for the amount payable in cash, upon the following terms vizt., The first 5 lacs at the exchange of 39 head dollars per 100 current Rs. payable 30 days after sight. The second 5 lacs at the exchange of 40 head dollars per 100 current Rs. payable at 45 days after sight. The third 5 lacs at the exchange of 41 head dollars per 100 current Rs. payable at 60 days after sight. Fort Marl bro* 32. Our last advices from Fort Marlbro’ are recorded on our proceedings Consn. 24th of the 24th November. November. 33. You will observe that the Deputy Governor and Council resolved to dispatch your ship Queen to Bengal that we might determine on the conduct of her commander Captain Craig. 30 DECEMBER 1797 325 34, For our sentiments on this measure and our resolutions at large on Captain Craig’s conduct/ we beg leave to refer you to our proceedings. 35. With regard to Captain Craig, we shall here only observe that being of opinion that in his conduct towards the Government of Fort Marlbro’ he had been guilty of a most flagrant violation of the principles of good order and subordination, [we] judged it necessary with a view to support the autho-ritv which you have vested in your governments over your commander, and the enforcing obedience to which is so essential to your interests, to suspend him from your service and the command of the Queen until your order should be known. 36. The attornies of the Deputy Governor of Fort Marlbro’ applied to us for the assistance of your law officers in the prosecution, which he had directed to be instituted against Captain Craig, for the reflections on his private character, in his protest of the 6th of August, but we declined complying with the request, as we could not consider Captain Craig’s protest in any other light than that of an act of disrespect to the Government of Fort Marlbro’, the authority of which they ought to have vindicated by suspending Captain Craig from his command, or punishing him in such other manner as they might have judged proper consistently with the powers with which they are vested. 37. The Board of Trade having in consequence of our orders to them to desire Captain Craig to deliver over charge of the Queen to the chief officer, written to Mr. Blecheynden whose name appeared in the books as chief mate, to take charge of the ship, we received a letter from Mr. Samuel Sturmer the 2nd officer stating that Mr. Blecheynden had been suspended from the station of chief mate by Captain Craig, about a fortnight after the departure of the ship from Bencoolen ; that Mr. Blecheynden had not subsequently performed any duty, and that he (Mr. Sturmer) had acted as chief mate from the period of Mr. Blecheynden’s suspension and carried on the duty as such and requesting to know whether under those circumstances he was authorized to deliver over charge of the ship to Mr. Blecheynden until he should be reinstated. 38. Mr. Sturmer’s assertion was corroborated by the copies of the ship’s journal at Diamond Harbour2 sent up to us, being signed by him. We judged it proper, however, to call on Captain Craig to know whether he had suspended Mr. Blecheynden, and were informed by him in reply that he had never officially suspended Mr. Blecheynden, but had only waved his acting as chief mate. 39. Considering the distinction made by Captain Craig between the official suspension of an officer, and the waving his acting in his situation for a period of three months as nugatory, and moreover deeming the December *5A admission of it highly objectionable, as opening a door for private compromises between the commanders and their officers prejudicial to the discipline of the service; and there appearing to us at the same time ground to believe that this objection actually applied to the case of Mr. Blecheynden from his silence under the extraordinary circumstances of his situation, combined with an application to us shortly after his arrival, to be appointed Master Attendant and Marine Store-Keeper at Bencoolen, we had no hesitation in considering Mr. Sturmer as acting chief mate, and consequently entitled to succeed tQ the CQmmand of the ship. 326 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT and accordingly swore him in to the temporary command until your pleasure should be known. 40. Mr. Blecheynden subsequently applied to us for a court of enquiry into his conduct. We thought it proper, however, to reject his application, not only in consideration of the circumstances on which we had grounded our resolution to consider him under suspension, but because we conceive the discipline of your ships is most likely to be preserved by leaving the commanders to exercise the authority vested in them over their officers, and holding them responsible to you and their owners for the abuse of it. The report of the Marine Board recorded on our proceedings of the 1st ultimo, contains other objections to our interposition in such cases between commanders and their officers, excepting in instances in which particular circumstances or the good of the public service may require it. 41. The Deputy Governor and Council represented to us the very great distresses under which they labored for want of pecuniary aid, and their inability to provide the expected investments for Europe, unless they received an immediate supply from hence of four lacks of sicca rupees, and to provide against its not being in our power to remit to them the sum they required, they requested that Mr. Griffiths of their establishment might have the sanction of this Government to negotiate a set of certificates on Bengal with which they had intrusted him, with a view of insuring to themselves a supply of specie. 42. Not deeming it expedient to authorise Mr. Griffiths to raise money in the manner proposed by the Deputy Governor and Council, we directed him to transmit the whole of the certificates to us which had been intrusted to his care, and which we immediately cancelled. 43. In consideration however of their very urgent call for our assistance, we determined to forward to them by the Queen, which ship we determined to return immediately to Fort Marlbro’ with troops and stores, the sum of four lacks of rupees in dollars ; but our own pressing exigencies compelled us to limit the supply in specie by that conveyance to dollars 1,15,000 or sicca Rs. 2,45,775, besides the sum of 20,000 sicca rupees advanced to Nir. Griffiths agreeably to their request and to be paid by him into their treasury, and 10,000 dollars in copper coin. It is our intention, however, to complete the full supply of four lacks as soon as it may be in our power. 44. Mr. Griffiths not having brought with him the musters of copper cash which the Government of Fort Marlbro’ gave us to understand they had delivered to him, and having been informed by him that the new Bengal coin of which we had a large quantity ready, would answer equally well for the currency of the settlement, we determined to send the supply of copper in that coin. 45. As the opium consigned to Fort Marlbro* last year appeared to have sold at a premium of 25 per cent beyond the average sale here, we thought proper to send to that settlement 200 chests by the Queen, being double the quantity consigned to them last year. 46. You will observe that the Government of Bencoolen stated to us various inconveniences and disadvantages under which the civil servants and 30 DECEMBER 1797 327 inhabitants of that settlement labored, and submitted to us the following propositions for their relief, vizt., 1st. That all payments either for purchases or on account of salary and allowances, made by their treasury in paper, shall bear the established interest of the place 10 per cent in the same manner as the certificates issued in lieu of monev at the several Presidencies in India. 2nd. That their drafts or certificates on Bengal for which payment is made at Bencoolen in their own treasury certificates shall be paid in Calcutta in certificates bearing the same rate of interest as the other current and recent issues of the government. 3rd. That a paper currency be established for the accommodation of the inhabitants consisting of notes from P 50 downwards not bearing interest pavable on demand at their treasury. 47. On the first of these propositions we observed, that the certificates issued in Bengal bore the same interest as the register debts of other Presidencies of the same date, vizt., 6 per cent, with the exception of the notes issued for the Ceylon spices, and that it appeared to us that the desired relief might be effected without making any alteration in the rate of interest of the certificates of the description of their Presidency which we thought it desirable, if possible, to avoid. 48. With respect to the second proposition we remarked, that we had before noticed that their certificates were placed upon the same footing as all other issues of paper of the same description. 49. As to the third proposition, we thought it necessary to observe that your Hon’ble Court had expressed your disapprobation of the connexion which subsisted between this Government and the General Bank of India, and it appeared to us that the proposed establishment of paper currency at a settlement so circumscribed in its resources as the Presidency of Fort Marlbro’ was not likely to be attended with any advantage to the Company, adequate to the expences of management and the risk of suffering from forgeries which are said to have been frequently committed. 50. With regard to their further suggestion for the establishment of a gold coinage, we observed that very great difficulties had been universally experienced in apportioning the relative value of the two metals as coin to their relative value in the market as bullion, so as to ensure for any considerable length of time their indiscriminate circulation in money, and that the establishment of coins of the two metals in a place where the circulation is so limited as it necessarily must be at Bencoolen, would, we conceived, enable any person possessing a large capital, or considerable influence, to enhance the value of one or other of the coins and consequently subject the public and individuals to very heavy loss. Instead therefore of the proposed gold coinage, we strongly recommended it to them to render the Spanish dollar and its subdivision the general and if possible the sole currency of the place. 51. In lieu of the several propositions which they suggested to us, we acquainted them that we considered it preferable, and at the same time more likely to afford effectual relief to their exigencies, to authorize theui to transfer 328 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT to Bengal the whole of their paper debt (which according to our estimate exceeded not two lacks of dollars) at the exchange of sicca Rs. 225 or current rupees 261 per 100 dollars, and to raise supplies for the future as opportunities might offer, by drawing bills upon us for dollars paid into their treasury in specie, payable in Bengal at the same rate of exchange and at 31 days after sight. 52. Their certificates being before transferable to England at the exchange of current rupees 250 per 100 dollars, and as they possessed authority to draw upon us at the same rate of exchange, the addition made was consequently nearly equal to 4% per cent. 53. At the same time we thought it proper to express our hope that the supply of cash sent to them by the Queen with the further sum we proposed to remit, added to the encreased quantity of opium which we had consigned to them and the authority which we had given to them to draw bills upon us for specie paid into their treasury, would enable them to discharge all future demands upon their treasury in cash. 54. Adverting to the possibility of the Queen’s being captured or lost, we further authorized them in case of urgent necessity arising from such event, to endeavour to raise money by opening a loan repayable in Bengal in two years with interest at the rate of 12 per cent per annum for two years only, at the exchange before mentioned vizt., sicca Rs. 225 or current Rs. 261 per 100 dollars, the amount however not to exceed on the aggregate the sum of five lacks of sicca rupees. 55. We desired the Government to dispatch the Queen direct to England, reporting to us the quantity of goods which they might have in hand after completing her cargo, that we might determine on the expediency of sending the expected Bencoolen ship to that settlement, or otherwise employing her. 56. A copy of the letter which we propose to dispatch to Fort Marlbro’ is forwarded in the packet, and we beg leave to refer you to it for the other details relating to that settlement. Civil Servants 57. The following appointments have taken place in this Department since the date of our last advices. Mr. Beachcroft appointed Commercial Consn. 13th November. Consn. 5th December. Do. 15th Do. Do. 22nd Do. Resident at Bauleah vice Collinson resigned. Mr. Andrew Seton appointed Commercial Resident at Hurriaul vice Beachcroft. Mr. N. Hornby appointed Deputy Paymaster to the troops at Chunar vice A. Seton. The Hon’ble A. Ramsay appointed Assistant to the Commercial Resident at Benares. Messrs. Bell, Parry, and Larkins appointed Assistants in the Secret Department of the Secretary’s office. 58. Mr. Collinson having obtained permission to resign the service and proceed to Europe on account of his private affairs, we beg leave to recommend that he may be permitted to return without prejudice to his rank in the 30 DECEMBER 1797 329 event of his making application for that purpose within the time prescribed bv the Act; we deem it proper to add, that Mr. Collinson’s conduct in the employments which he has held has been such as to merit our favorable mention of him to your Hon’ble Court. Marine 59. The commanders of the Indiamen, lately returned from Prince of Lord Macartney, Lord Camden, Lord Hawkesbury, General Goddard and Sir Stephen Lushington. Consn. 27th November. to your favorable Wales Island with the troops destined for the expedition, having represented to us the great and heavy extra ex-pences which they incurred for their table whilst the troops were on board, we beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to the letter which they addressed to us on the occasion, and in consideration of the zeal and alacrity which they have uniformly manifested from their first destination for this service, we beg leave to recommend their application consideration. 60. On our consultation of the 1st December are recorded the proceedings of a court of enquiry held on Mr. Venner,3 third officer of the Royal Consn. 1st December. Admiral, at the request of Captain Fellowes. Mr. Venner was acquitted of twro of the charges, drunkenness and disobedience of orders, but having been found guilty of the third, vizt., “disrespect to his commander,” we admonished him against any similar conduct in future. 61. The Triton pilot schooner having been found upon examination to be in want of repairs, the Marine Board ordered a survey November^^ report on her, and being of opinion from her great age that she was not worth the repairs which this report stated she would require, we directed her to be sold out of the service. 62. At the recommendation of the Board, we at the same time adopted the following rules. 1st. That all the stores belonging to the vessels in the pilot service which may hereafter be condemned as unserviceable or worn out, shall be delivered over to the Naval Storekeeper. 2nd. That the hulls of all the vessels belonging to the pilot service which may hereafter be condemned as unserviceable or worn out shall be sold by public auction separate from their stores, under a condition of their being broken up by the purchasers. 3rd. That periodical sales by public auction at the times that may be found most convenient shall be made of the stores belonging to the pilot schooners, which may have been returned unserviceable as well as of all damaged and condemned stores which may otherwise have been accumulated in the Naval Store-Keeper’s yard. 63. On our proceedings of the 13th October and 13th November are recorded two letters from our Marine Board, and extracts from the log book of the Nonsuch during her late cruize, and sundry papers respecting Captain 330 PUBUC LETTER TO COURT Thomas’s interference in a dispute between the commander of a country ship and the Rajah of Tellasamoy, and also regarding the capture of the Armida a vessel under the colors of the king of Cochin China. 64. On a consideration of these papers we were of opinion that Captain Thomas’s interference on the application of Captain Piercy to recover the money claimed by him from the Rajah of Telasamoy, was, even by his own account of the transaction, irregular, unjustifiable and highly culpable, and we directed Captain Thomas to be informed that we should consider him as answerable for the consequences of his interference. 65. For his misconduct on this occasion, and for his disobedience of orders in not returning to Bengal by the period enjoined in our instructions to him recorded on our Secret Proceedings of the 12th of May last, we determined to remove him from the command of the Nonsuch. 66. The commander of the Armida having on his arrival here remons- Consn. 13th November. Do. 20 th Do. trated to us against the capture of the ship, we directed him and Captain Thomas to be informed that we could not take cognizance of the case, as the legality of the capture was a question which could only be decided in the Admiralty Court. 67. We have appointed Captain Grey, a lieutenant in His Majesty’s navy and who formerly commanded the Marine Corps at Prince of Wales Island, to the command of the Nonsuch, in the room of Captain Thomas. 68. For the instructions given to him for his present cruize, we beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings of the 4th December. 69. We are concerned to inform your Hon’ble Court of the capture of two of your pilot schooners, the Try al and Harrington, by a French privateer in Balasore Roads. Had Captain Thomas returned to November27111 Bengal by the time required in his instructions, it is probable that the Nonsuch would have been refitted, and [sic] on her cruising of station in time to have prevented the capture of these vessels. 70. At the recommendation of the Marine Board we have put Catharine Consn. 1st Guthrie, the widow of the late George Guthrie, mate in December. your pilot service on the pension list with the usual allow- ance of sicca Rs. 15 per month. 71. The Marine Board having also recommended to our favourable Consn. 20th notice a petition from the widow of the late James Morrison, November. a Boatswain in your pilot service, we have authorized them to put her on the pension list with an allowance of Rs. 10 per month. 72. The commander of the Lord Macartney having represented to us that Benjamin Terney one of the extra seamen employed for the late expedi-Consn 1st ticii1 in His Majesty’s service, had been disabled by an December. accident, whilst on that service, we have ordered him to be accommodated with a charter party passage on board that ship, and beg leave to request you will make application for such provision for him as is usually granted to persons in his predicament. 332 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 83. But a very small proportion of the nutmeg, clove and other plants sent by Mr. Smith from the Maluccas to Poolo Penang having reached that island, we have not thought it necessary to send from hence a European gardener to cultivate them agreeably to our former resolution, but have directed them to be distributed among the settlers there, who have plantations of pepper, as the most likely method of preserving them. 84. We have also the pleasure to inform you that the teak tree continues to thrive ; several thousands of them are planted out in the Botanic Garden, and great numbers of plants and considerable quantities of seeds have been sent to different parts of Bengal and Behar. 85. The China sugarcane which was imported last year thrives particularly well, and considerable quantities for planting have already been distributed. 86. Doctor Roxburgh's state of health requiring a change of air, we have allowed him to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope and eventually to Europe, should he find it necessary for his recovery. We have committed the charge of the Botanic Garden to Dr. Fleming during the absence of Doctor Roxburgh. 87. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to the consultation noted Consn. 6th in die margin for a report on the stationary imported on November. your ship the Rose. 88. For a report also on the supply imported on the Britannia from Madras, but which was shipped in England on the King George, we beg leave to refer to our proceedings of the 15th December. 89. The Vice-President in Council on the 1st December submitted to us proposals from Mr. Blaquiere for publishing a dictionary and grammar in the Sanscrit and English languages. As we were fully con-DecemberISt vinced of Mr. Blaquiere’s qualifications for the execution of this work which promises to be of great public utility, by facilitating the acquirement of a knowledge of the Sanscrit language, the attainment of which is well known is at present attended with considerable difficulty from the want of a work similar to that proposed to be published by Mr. Blaquiere, and as he could not from the nature of it expect much assistance from individuals, we have subscribed for one hundred copies which we hope will meet with the approbation of your Hon’ble Court. 90. The state of your treasury this day is as follows— State of the General Treasury the 30th December 1797 Ready money Gold mohurs ... 14,247-11 2,27,963-0-0 Riccas ... ... 44,546-8-0 Dollars . ... ... 1,15,000 2,45,775-0-0 Copper ... ... 43,742-7-8 ------------ 5,62,026-[15]-8 Bills receivable ... ... ... ... 2,911-[12]-3 Sicca Rs. 5,64,938-[ll-ll] 334 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Answer to General letter from the Court of Directors of 9th May 1797 (1) Noticing dispatches now re-' plied to. (2) Adverting to a paragraph which requires no reply. (3) Approve of our attention to the ^ pecuniary wants of the Government of Fort St. George. (4) Adverting to a paragraph which requires no reply. j (5) Approve of the agreement with Gopaul Doss and Hurry Kissen Doss for supplying the Bombay treasury. 3. No reply. 4. The measures adopted for the supply of the exigencies of the Bombay Government were communicated to your Hon’ble Court in our dispatches under date the 30th December last. (6) Adverting to a paragraph which" requires no reply. (7) Approve of Mr. Secretary Hay’s letter to Bombay respecting the Revd. Mr. Mason. (8) Noticing paragraphs respecting Captain Scott which will be replied to in the letter to Bombay. (9) Approve of our letter to Fort" Marlbro’ dated 18th August 1795 with a reservation of any orders they may think proper to give. (10) Approve of the appointment of Major Clayton to be commandant at Fort Marlbro’. (11) Adverting to a paragraph which has already been replied to. 5. Need no reply. 6. Do. 7. No reply. 8. Your Hon’ble Court will observe from our dispatches to Fort Marlbro’ of the 9th January 1797 that we confirmed the agreement which that Government had made with Messrs. Waters, Dinning, Grant, Hunter and Griegson, the purchasers of the plantation at Banterim. (12) Our correspondence with" Prince of Wales Island requires no particular observations. (13) Noticing a paragraph respecting opium replied to in the Separate letter. 336 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (33) Instructions respecting bills of exchange. (34-35) Respecting the silver and gold coinage. (36) Adverting to a paragraph which requires no reply. (37) Pension granted Mrs. Charters and infants. (38) Are pleased with the accounts respecting the Native Hospital. (39) The address to Mr. Hastings' has been forwarded. (40) Noticing a paragraph which has already been replied to. (41) Adverting to a paragraph which requires no reply. (42) Our letter of the 11th December 1795 requires no reply. (43) Adverting to paragraphs which require no reply. (44) Approve of the supplies sent to Fort St. George. (45) Noticing a paragraph which' has been replied to in the letter to Bombay. (46) Noticing a paragraph which has been transferred to the Commercial Department. (47) Adverting to paragraphs which have been noticed in the Bombay letter. (48) Approve of our directions respecting the Bengal contract rice sent from Bombay to Madras and Telli-cherry. (49) Our attention to the wants of the island of St. Helena highly commendable. 18. Replied to in the 11th paragraph of our dispatches of the 30th April last. 19. For our observations on this subject we beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to the 27th paragraph of our letter from the Commercial Department under date the 30th April 1797. 20. Requires no reply. 21. Mrs. Charters having embarked for Europe, we have communicated this paragraph to her attornies. 22. Requires no reply. 23. Require no reply. 24. Your Hon’ble Court may be assured that we shall always endeavor to supply the exigencies of your other governments, to the utmost extent of our power. 338 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (65) Are pleased with the testimonials of Mr. Kennaway’s good conduct. (66) Adverting to paragraphs which require no reply. (67) Noticing a paragraph which will be replied to in the Law Department. (68) Pension granted Mrs. Pott. 29. No reply. 30. We have made Mrs. Pott acquainted with the determination of your Hon’ble Court in respect to the pension you have allowed her; and we shall also make her a suitable allowance for her passage to Europe, should her circumstances require this indulgence. (69) Will give their sentiments' hereafter on the pot of opium made in the Botanic Garden. (70) Adverting to a paragraph which has already been replied to. (71-72) Adverting to a paragraph which requires no reply. (73) Noticing paragraphs which have been already replied to. (74) Noticing paragraphs which have been transferred to the Commercial Department. (75) Are pleased that Captain Canning’s bonds have been discharged. (76) Noticing a paragraph which has already been replied to. (77) Approve of Major Macdonald’s appointment. Observe we have not decided on Mr. Griffith’s application to be appointed 1st Assistant. > 31. Require no reply. 32. Mr. Griffith’s propositions not appearing to us adapted to the existing circumstances of the settlement, we did not consider it expedient, under the latitude given to us by your Hon’ble Court, to avail ourselves of his services in the situation applied for by him. (78) Adverting to a paragraph which requires no reply. (79-80) Noticing paragraphs which have been transferred to the Commercial Department. 33. Require no reply. 340 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (100) Authorize us to grant a pension to Mrs. Counsell. 38. In consideration of the services of Captain Counsell as certified in the memorial transmitted to you, we have agreed to avail ourselves of the permission given by your Hon’ble Court to allow his widow a pension equal to £50 per annum for her life. (101) Ensign Blunt’s narrative sent" to Major Kennel.1 (102) The Addresses from the merchants of Benares have been forwarded to Mr. Hastings. (103-104) Adverting to paragraphs which require no reply. (105) Desire to be informed whether the building of the schooner in lieu of the Chandernagore was completed within the estimate vizt., 48,000 sicca Rs. 39. Require no reply. (106-107) Noticing irregularity in the transmission of our consultations, in the Political, Foreign and Military Departments and observing that the proceedings in the Public and Commercial Departments are not properly arranged. 40. The estimate for the Harrington pilot schooner was exceeded by sicca Rs. 1,411-14-3 in her outfit as follows as stated in the report from the Marine Board recorded on our proceedings of the 26th instant. Hull of the vessel sicca Rs. 40,000- 0-0 Outfit charges ... 9,111-14-3 Total cost ... 49,111-14-3 41. The directions contained in these paragraphs for providing for the regular transmission of our proceedings to England, have long since been anticipated by the arrangement made by our Secretary as noticed in the 24th paragraph of our letter of the 31st August 1796 ; and the proceedings in all the Departments have accordingly been forwarded to you up to the date of our several dispatches. 42. With respect to the distribution of the subjects under the different heads in the Public Department, we find that it has in general corresponded with the intention of the arrangement detailed in our resolutions of the 16th October 1795. 43. We are of opinion, however, on a reconsideration of that arrangement, that the correspondence respecting your Europe ships, directed by it to be recorded in the Public Department, being properly of a commer- 342 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (114 ) Regular lists of the civil servants to be transmitted twice a year with a list of casualties by deaths or resignations. (115 ) Desire we will procure all the information we can respecting India for the information of their Historiographer. 46. We shall be particularly careful to transmit to your Honorable Court the lists required in this paragraph made up to the period desired. 47. We have directed copies of this paragraph to be circulated to such of your servants as from their situation are most likely to have it in their power to furnish information on the several subjects specified by your Hon’ble Court. Bombay 48. In our letter to your Hon’ble Court of the 9th January 1797, paragraph 5, we informed you of the authority we had granted the Bombay Government to draw bills on us for the supply of their treasury. 49. On a reference to the public accounts, it appears that the amount which the Bombay Government have procured under this authority, amounted, For Bills on the Governor General in Council—13,37,547. On Moorshedabad —5,34,525. on the 28th November last, to sicca rupees 18,72,072 and we are happy to observe that their remittances, which have been effected at par, and to an amount which far exceeded our expectations, are, on an average, two per cent more favorable to the Company than the average rate at which supplies have been remitted to Bombay for the last 5 years, the saving gained by the Company thereby is sicca Rs. 34,440. 50. The establishment of this safe and expeditious mode for the remittance of the surplus proceeds of the mercantile consignments from hence, by obliging the shroffs to grant bills on the same terms, has also kept the exchange between the two Presidencies for some time past at par; and independent of these advantages resulting to Government, and to the merchants in general, trading between Bengal and the western side of India, the plan will preclude the necessity of the heavy drafts on the Benares treasury, and consequently save the charge on account exchange and interest which has been incurred in making remittances to answer those drafts, as well as prevent the exportation of the large sums in specie, which the shroffs, through whom the remittances have been negociated, have been obliged to send from Bengal to Benares to enable them to discharge their bills. 51. From these considerations, we have requested the Bombay Government not to enter into any contract for the monthly supply of their treasury „ _, without our previous sanction, and that they will not draw Consn. 5tn January. any bills on Benares as long as the present mode of raising supplies by drawing upon us, or upon the Collector of Moorshedabad, shall be found adequate to the supply of their exigencies. 52. The Governor and Commander-in-Chief subsequently informed us on the 20th December that they had accepted a tender made them by Captain Consn. 26th Bannerman of the Madras establishment to pay into the January. treasury in Malabar, the sum of six lacs of rupees, in the coins current in the province, and at the established local rates of exchange 344 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Sheeas was begun under the superintendence of the late Sir William Jones, but was not completed until after his death. Conceiving that a translation of this useful work would be very desirable, we have, at the recommendation of the Governor General, committed the translation to Lieutenant J. Baillie, an officer in your service, who has made great proficiency in the acquirement of the Arabic language, and whom we believe to be well qualified in every respect for the execution of the work. We have promised to make Lieutenant Baillie such a recompence for his trouble, as the extent of the undertaking, and the manner of its execution, may appear to us to merit. 61. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings of the 26th January for a letter from Mr. Josiah Morgan, who was employed many years as an uncovenanted assistant in the Secretary’s office, and as we have reason to believe that the circumstances stated by Mr. Morgan are well founded, and as we consider him an object of compassion, we beg to recommend him to the favourable notice of your Hon’ble Court for such pension, as you may think him entitled to. 62. The state of our treasury this day is as follows: — State of the General Treasury on the 31st January 1798 Ready Money Gold mohurs 6,765-6-0 1,08,246- 0-0 Silver ... 2,12,665- 0-0 Copper ... 17,838- 4-0 3,38,749- 4-0 Bills receivable 25>H-12-3 Sicca Rs. 3,41,661- 0-3 Balance account deposit 2,82,839-15-3 Accountant General Supreme Court 8,872- 1-4 2,91,712- 0-7 Do. do. Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the 90,457- 1-3 interest has ceased 31,122- 6-9 Loans @ 12 per cent ... Do. on which the interest has 18,49,078- 0-0 ceased 900- 2-5 Remittance loan of 4th May 1797 27,17,498- 0-0 Register debt 3,91,12,866- 8-4 4,40,93,634- 3-4 Fort William, the 31st January 1798. (Original per Brittania. Duplicate per Lascelles.) We have the honor to be etc. 346 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (9) Have resolved to appoint one writer for the season of 1796 in addition to the number mentioned in their letter of the 20th January. (10) Names of writers appointed in further part of the number to be sent to Bengal in ’96. (11) Have allowed Mr. Richard Thackeray, a writer, to remain in England till next season. (12) Messrs. Bateman and Tatham allowed to proceed to Bengal, the former as a barrister, the latter as an attorney in the Supreme Court. (13) Names of free mariners proceeding to India. (14) The Revd. Mr. Ringletaub and Revd. Mr. Hobzbery allowed to proceed to India, free of charge to the Company. (15) The addresses to Marquis Cornwallis and Mr. Hastings have been forwarded to them. (16) Have received Mr. Secretary Barlow’s letter of the 30th November 1796. (17) Mr. W. J. Morgan, a writer, allowed to remain in England till next season. (18) Have been induced to desist from taking any further steps in respect to Captain Layman’s conduct towards the Rajah of Alas. Clause to be inserted in the charterparty of any ship engaged by us, to proceed to Europe. (19) Mr. William John Tovey, a midshipman on board the Barwell, directed to be sent to England. 8. Require no reply. 9. We have directed copies of this paragraph to be sent to the Board of Trade and Marine Board, with orders to insert the clause prescribed by your Hon’ble Court in the charterparties of any ships that may be engaged here to proceed to England with cargoes. 10. We do not understand that Mr. Tovey ever came to Bengal. Should he come here at any future period, we shall be careful that the directions of your Hon’ble Court, respecting him, are carried into effect. Canton 11. On the 3rd February the Government of Fort St. George informed us that they had, in the course of last season, negociated remittances to China 348 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT be considered as a criterion of the future expence of them, or be made an objection to their introduction generally (if found to answer) on the grounds of its exceeding that of the old buoys. The difference of dimensions between the two buoys is very considerable, and the expence must of course be in proportion as stated by the Board. 18. The utility of such an object as the marine pyramid being placed in the intricate parts of the navigation into this river, amidst shoals out of sight of land, is apparent, and therefore the experiment was well worth the expence, and as Captain Campbell authenticated his documents, we sanctioned the charge. 19. Captain Campbell has furnished the Marine Board with directions to be observed in the construction of the new buoy. He has also sent them a model of the buoy, and they have instructed the Master Attendant to direct the pilots to give particular attention to the new buoys, and occasionally to furnish their remarks on them, as well as his own. We shall hereafter do ourselves the honor of reporting the result of the experiment to your Hon’ble Court. 20. Captain Campbell having performed his part of the agreement in building and laying the buoys, and disclosing all the information which was required of him, it remained for us to determine the salary he was to be allowed while employed upon the work and which we had agreed to give him even though the experiment should fail. 21. The salary given to the commanders of ships in country service is from 3[00] to 500 Rs. per month, and as Captain Campbell may be ranked among the first class of commanders of country ships, we thought proper to allow him a salary of sicca Rs. 500 per month, and the further sum of sicca Rs. 100 per month for house rent, as he must necessarily have been at the expence of a house on the departure of his own ship. We determined also that the allowances should be paid to him from the 28th March 1797, the day on which his services were accepted, until the end of the month of December, which may be considered as a fair time to allow for his departure for Europe. We have also resolved to grant Captain Campbell for his passage to England £100 or sicca Rs. 976-11-1, the sum which has been granted to the other commanders of extra ships. 22. The state of our treasury this day is as follows: — State of the General Treasury the 28th February 1798 Ready money Gold mohurs ... 11,359-10-0 Siccas Copper Bills receivable ... 1,81,754- 0-0 43,146- 8-0 16,870- 2-0 -------------- 2,41,770-10-0 2,911-12-3 Sicca Rs. 2,44,682- 6-3 350 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Fort St. George 3. On the 21st ultimo, the Government of Fort St. George acquainted us that Lord Hobart had resigned that Government, and Consn. 13th embarked for England on board of His Majesty’s ship March‘ Heroine; and that, agreeably by your orders, Lieutenant General Harris had taken charge of the Government. Canton 4. Adverting to the communications in our late advices from the supracargoes at Canton respecting their transfer debt, we have Mard11' requested, with a view to the suggestion of any measures that may appear to us calculated to improve their credit and resources, that they will inform us of the nature and amount of this debt, and the regulations under wdiich it is incurred and also of the provisions made for the liquidation of it. Prince of Wales Island 5. The Superintendent, in a letter recorded on our proceedings of the 5th March, laid before us sundry propositions respecting a treaty which he proposed to negotiate with the King of Acheen. 6. By this treaty, the Company were to furnish the King with two armed vessels, ostensibly for the purpose of guarding the coast of his territories, and for preventing illicit commerce, but in reality to enable the King to monopolize more effectually the trade of his dominions. 7. In return for the assistance of these vessels, the King was to supply the Company with a quantity of pepper at a specific price. Against the price of the pepper, was to be charged the expense of the maintenance of the vessels, and the value of the remainder of that article was to be made up in goods. 8. We directed the Superintendent to inform the King that, although we were very desirous that this Government should remain on terms of amity with hum, we could not consent to the adoption of any measures which might have a tendency to implicate the British nation in the local policy of any native Government. 9. The objections to furnishing the vessels to the King of Acheen were, in our opinion, decisive against the policy of the proposed agreement. 10. The employment of two vessels in the manner required by the King would have been discreditable to the Government, and in all probability, involved it in distant, petty hostilities, to the great injury of the trade carried on between Bengal, the coast of Coromandel, and Sumatra. 11. Independently of these objections, it may be doubted whether the commercial advantages held out by the plan, after allowing the charge upon the pepper, and the expence of a ship of 300 or 400 tons, would be such as to be worth the experiment. But even under a different supposition, we conceive that we should not have been justified in affording the required assistance to maintain by force a monopoly in favor of the King of Acheen. 352 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 19. The state of our treasury this day is as follows. State of the General Treasury on the 16th March 1798 Ready money Gold mohurs 13,214- 9- 0 2,11,433- 0-0 Siccas Copper Bills receivable 7,091- 8-0 16,494-10-1 235,019- 2-1 2,911-12-3 Balance account deposit Accountant General, Supreme Court Do do Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased Loans @12 per cent Do do on which the interest has ceased Remittance loan of 4th May 1797 Register debt 2,99,483-1-11 8,872-1- 4 Sicca Rs. 2,37,930-14-4 3,08,355- 3-3 90,457- 1-3 31,122- 6-9 29,38,894- 7-3 900- 2-5 29,28,880- 1-8 3,91,19,654-11-5 4,54,18,264- 2-0 We have the honor to be etc Fort William, the 16th March 1798. (1 copy per Atlantic. 2nd „ per Euridice.) 17 LETTER DATED 17 MAY 1798 Sir Alured Clarke takes his seat as Governor General—construction of new vessels—“Dissertations on the Rhetoric, Prosody and Rhymes of the Persians”— state of the general treasury. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices to your Hon’ble Court from this Department are dated the 16th March. 354 PUBLIC LEtTEk TO COURT observe that those embarrassments could not be attributed to any failure in the promised supply from hence. The total amount which we had provided for the service of that Presidency in the course of the current year was 60 lacs of sicca rupees, or pagodas 18,24,000-0-0 and it appeared from public documents that the supplies which they had actually received from hence in specie, and by bills between the 1st of May and 16th March amounted to [pagodas] 16,86,330-0-0 leaving to be supplied in the remaining six weeks of the year pagodas 1,37,670-0-0. 10. From this statement it is evident that at the period when their letter is dated they had received more than a full proportion of the supply which we gave them reason to expect from us in the course of the present year. 11. We however recommended to them to proceed with their investment under a reliance that we should not fail to afford them every assistance in our power ; and we authorized them in the event of the measure appearing to them advisable to instruct the Collector of Massulipatam to raise supplies for the service of the investment by drawing bills on Bengal. 12. From a subsequent letter from the Government of Fort St. George dated the 28th April, it appeared that previous to the receipt of our directions for suspending the remittance to Canton, they had taken up bills to the amount of 1,39,000 dollars. They at the same time expressed their inability in the present state of their finances to authorize the supracargoes to draw bills on them without a prospect of their experiencing the greatest inconvenience from the measure. Bombay 13. In the 52nd paragraph of our letter of the 31st of January last, we acquainted your Hon’ble Court with the engagements which the Government of Bombay had entered into with Captain Bannerman for the supply of the Malabar treasuries with six lacs of rupees for bills on Bengal. 14. Those engagements contained a clause which left it to the option of this Government to pay the bills on their becoming due, or to postpone the payment of them as long as we might think proper on allowing an interest of 12 per cent per annum on the amount. 15. The Government of Bombay subsequently forwarded to us a representation from Captain Bannerman stating his inability to fulfil his engagements, unless this clause was dispensed with, and the bills on us made payable when they became due. For the reasons stated by that Government in their letter of the 6th March, we agreed to discharge the bills both for the six lacs, and the further sum of four lacs which Captain Bannerman agreed to supply, as they might become due. 16. The Government of Bombay likewise acquainted us that to enable them to answer the pressing demands on their treasury they had obtained at Surat the sum of three lacs of rupees for bills on us at the exchange of 101 Bombay rupees for 100 Moorshedabad or Calcutta siccas, with a clause leaving the period of payment of our conveniences, on condition of our allowing interest at the rate of 12 per cent per annum from the date on which the bills became payable. That Government informed us that they had negocia- 356 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT builders’ work, they recommended that the construction or repair of pilot sloops, of the boats which form the state establishment, of boats, buoys, and all builders’ work of whatever nature, should in all practicable cases be executed in future through the agency of the Company’s officers. They accordingly recommended that a new office should be instituted for that purpose under the appellation of “Master Builder”, and that all workmen entertained upon the establishment, as well as all ship builders’ work now executed by the Master Attendant and the Naval Storekeeper should be transferred to the new office. 24. For the reasons at large in which the Board recommended the plan, we beg to refer you to their minute. 25. The Marine Board at the same time observed that it was impossible to form any computation of the outlay that might be required in the execution of the plan, although they had every reason to believe that it would occasion a saving of expense, and that the service would be more satisfactorily performed than it has hitherto been. 26. As an experiment of the actual expense which would be incurred by the Company’s building the two pilot vessels, and the anchor and buoy boat, required to complete the establishment, they recommended that the construction of them should be entrusted to Mr. Waddel, on the plan and under the terms proposed in their minute. 27. To this recommendation, we judged it expedient to agree, and accordingly authorized an advance of 50,000 rupees to be made for the commencement of the work. 28. Before any further expense is incurred, the Board propose to frame, and lay before us the detail of the arrangements for carrying the plan into full effect. 29. In the 19th paragraph of our letter of the 28th February last in this Department we acquainted you that the Master Attendant had been directed to instruct the pilots to give their particular attention to the new spira[l] buoys constructed by Captain P. Campbell, and to report occasionally the remarks of the pilots on these buoys, with his own opinion respecting them for our information. 30. The reports made by nine of the branch pilots on the buoys, and the Master Attendant’s opinion on the subject are recorded on our proceedings of the 24th April. 31. We have much satisfaction in observing that the Master Attendant and the pilots are unanimous in their opinion that these buoys will contribute greatly to lessen the danger of the navigation of this river. 32. At the recommendation of the Master Attendant and the pilots, we have authorized the construction of two more buoys to be laid in the eastern channel. Miscellaneous 33. For a report on the stationary imported on your ship the Admiral Gardner we beg leave to refer you to our proceedings of the 1st May. 358 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Balance account deposits 6,44,750-6-6 Accountant General, Su- preme Court ... 8,872-1-4 Ditto ditto Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased ... Loans (a) 12 per cent Ditto ditto on which the interest has ceased Remittance loan of 4th May 1797 ... ......... Register debt ... 6,53,622- 7-10 90,457- 1- 3 31,122- 6- 9 39,98,744-11- 0 900- 2- 5 32,40,617- 1- 8 3,90,88,062-11- 4 ----------------- 4,71,03,526-10- 3 We have the honor to be etc. Fort William, 17th May 1798. (1 copy per Atlantic. 2nd copy per Euridice.) 18 LETTER DATED 31 JULY 1798 Mornington takes his seat as Governor-General—the officers and crew of the Nonsuch to be granted the prize in all legal captures—also compensation in case of grievous hurt or disability—widows and children of persons killed in action entitled to support—Smith the nurseryman sent to the Eastern Island for collection of plants—state of the general treasury. To the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices in this Department were dated the 17th of May. 2. We have now the honor to forward by the Eurydice the broken set of our proceedings for the 2nd March to the 30th July inclusive with an index. 3. By His Majesty’s ship La Virginie which arrived here on the 17th of May we had the honor to receive your letter of the 18th October 1797. 360 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (16) The Reverend James Car diner allowed to proceed to Fort St. George as a school master not to be employed as a chaplain in India. (17) Sir Alured Clarke to take charge of the Government General provisionally, on the death, resignation or occasional absence of Lord Mornington. 9. We shall attend to the order contained in the latter part of this paragraph. 10. We have communicated this paragraph to Sir Alured Clarke. 11. We take this opportunity of requesting your particular attention to that part of our Advocate General’s letter of the 17 th March last (recorded on our proceedings of the same date) which relates to the case of the Governor General’s having occasion to visit either of the other Presidencies. 12. These terms have been published in the Calcutta Gazette. (18-19) The public to be informed of the terms on which the Hon’ble Court have authorized the supracargoes at Canton to draw on them. 13. We have the honour to inform you that the Right Hon’ble the Earl of Mornington arrived at this Presidency on the 17th May last, and that on the following day His Lordship took his seat as Governor General. 14. The decennial loan proposed by the Governor General in his minute recorded on our proceedings in the Secret Department of the 20th June last, was opened on that date by an advertisement published in the Calcutta Gazette. 15. The subscriptions to the loan from the 20th June to the 20th July amounted only to sicca Rs. 57,000. With a view, therefore, of encouraging subscriptions, and of relieving our treasury from the Consn. 26th July, payment of a proportion of the 12 per cent notes which would shortly become due, as well as of raising the value of those notes in general, by reducing the amount of them in circulation, we notified to the public that the principal of the 12 per cent notes granted at this Presidency in the year 1796/7 would be received together with the interest which might be due on them, at par, in subscriptions to the decennial loan., provided that the notes were tendered for that purpose on or before the 30th September next, either to’the Sub-Treasurer at the Presidency, the Resident at Lucknow, or to any of the Collectors of the revenue in the several zillahs. Fort St. George 16. The discount of the 12 per cent notes of the Presidency of Fort St. George being at 4 per cent, and it appearing to us that the adoption of the measure stated in the preceding paragraph at that Presidency would contribute to raise the value of their notes, we accordingly authorized the Governor in Council to declare that all their 12 per cent notes, the payment of which might be demandable in cash in the course of the current year of account, would be received at par, in subscriptions to the decennial loan at that Presidency. 362 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Marine 23. The establishment of the Nonsuch having appeared to the Marine Board to be defective, they laid before us a new arrangement of it, for the particulars of which we beg leave to refer you to our proceedings of the 26th June. 24. The expence of the former establishment amounted to sicca Rs. 4,837. That of the new establishment is sicca Rs. 4,702 which exhibits a saving in the pay of 135 sicca Rs. per month to which may be added a saving in the provisions of the Europeans estimated at sicca Rs. 300 per month making a total saving of sicca Rs. per month 435 or per annum sicca Rs. 5,220. 25. For our instructions to the commander of the Nonsuch for his Consn. 26th June, guidance during a cruise on which we had thought it proper Do. 9th July. to order that ship, we beg leave to refer you to our proceedings noted in the margin. 26. As an encouragement to the commander, officers, and crew of the Nonsuch to exert themselves against the enemy, we also Consn. 26th July. jetermjnej to grant them under certain restrictions, the property in all legal captures and to allow them head and gun money, agreeably to the rules established for His Majesty’s Navy. 27. With the same view we directed the Marine Board to inform the commander, officers and crew of that ship, that we should make a provision for them according to the circumstances of the case in the event of their being maimed, hurt, or disabled in the service, and that the widows and children of persons killed in the action, or dying of wounds received in the service, should be entitled to support. 28. On our proceedings of the 30th July are recorded some regulations for determining the cases in which ships are to be charged with double pilotage. 29. We transmit to you in the packet, for your decision, a copy of the proceedings of a committee which we appointed to enquire into the circumstances of the capture of the Woodcot, and the conduct of her commander, Captain Hannay, on that occasion. 30. We have permitted Captain Hannay to proceed to England on the American ship Kensington. 31. For the proceedings of a court of enquiry which we ordered to assemble for the purpose of investigating into the loss of your ship the Princess Amelia by fire on the Malabar Coast, we beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings of the 16th July. Miscellaneous 32. On our proceedings noted in the margin, is a statement shewing the amount which is to be charged to the Crown on account Consn. 26th June, of the gunpowder sent to the Cape for His Majesty’s service. 364 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Balance account deposits Accountant General, Supreme Court Do. do. Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased Loans @ 10 per cent Do. @ 12 per cent Do. do. on which the interest has ceased Remittance loans of 4th May 1797 Register debt 2,46,173-1- 8 1,341-6-10 2,47,514- 90,457- 31,122- 61,400- 8- 1- 6- 0- 6 3 9 0 45,92,930-15- 6 900- 2- 5 33,71,312- 1-8 3,92,38,200- 8-10 ----------------- 4,76,33,837-12-11 We have the honor to be etc. Fort William, the 31st July 1798. (1st copy per Atlantic. 1 copy per Euridice.) 19 LETTER DATED 29 SEPTEMBER 1798 Thomas Hickey permitted to proceed to India to practise as a painter— Zoffany allowed to proceed to Bengal—conduct of Lt. Lawrence investigated— Gilchrist’s Hindustani Dictionary—state of the general treasury. To the Hon’bie Court of Directors. Hon’bie Sirs, 1. Our last advices from this Department were dated the 31st July. 2. We have now the honor to forward to you by this conveyance the broken set of our proceedings from the 6th August to the 14th instant. 3. Since the date of our last advices we have had the honor to receive your letters, in this Department, dated the 26th January and 2nd of March, to which we shall now reply. 366 PUBLIC letter to COURT (5) Names o£ additional writers appointed for 1796. (6) Names of writers for ’97. (7) Mr. Zoffany4 allowed to proceed to Bengal as a painter. (8) Mr. W. Gott allowed to proceed to Bengal as a ship builder. . 11. Require no reply. 12. Lieutenant Evans, the officer ;in command of His Majesty’s frigate La Virginiej having i*represented to us the difficulty which Consn. 20 August. ^^ experienced in negotiating bills on the Navy Board for defraying the expense of the repairs of jhat ship, we advanced him the sum of sicca Rs. 21,714 for that purpose and forward the first of a set of bills for the amount drawn by him on the Navy Board. 13. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings noted Consn. in the margin for bur proceedings on a complaint pre-14th ferred to us against,Captain Kempt of your ship Lascelles F ' for forcibly carrying. away to sea a number of balta lascars who had been engaged to work on board of his ship in the river. 14. Those proceedings were held in the Secret Department, but as there is no longer any danger of Captain Kempt’s obtaining information of the measures which we have taken respecting him before they Consn. 14th are carrjec[ jnto effect, and as it is desirable for the sake September. _ , , - . n „ of example that those measures shall be made as public as possible, we have recorded a copy of the papers in this Department and we have also published an advertisement in the Gazette of the 16th August, declaring our determination to punish, with the utmost rigour, any commanders of the company’s, or of any other ships, who shall forcibly carry to sea, batta lascars, or any other natives of this country. Marine 15. We beg leave to refer you to our consultation of the 6th of August, for the proceedings of a court of inquiry which we ordered to assemble for the purpose of investigating into the conduct of Lieutenant Lawrence for having suffered the Brisk tender to be captured by La Forte and La Prudente French frigates, in the roads of Madras on the 21st of November last. 16. We also beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings of the 10th instant, for some regulations which we have adopted at the suggestion of the Marine Board for preventing disputes between the branch pilots and their juniors in the pilot service regarding the box money, for facilitating the collection of the pilotage money, for enabling the branch pilots to collect the diet money from their officers, for regulating the terms of the pilots in taking charge of ships and for preserving due subordination in the Department. 17. The Bombay frigate having been dispatched by the Government of Fort St. George to Bengal, and it appearing to us that she could not be more advantageously employed than in cruizing for the protection of the trade of this port during the approaching North-East monsoon, we have detained her 368 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Unsorted treasure ... Balance account deposit Accountant General, Supreme Court Do. do. Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased Loans taken up @ 10 per cent Do. do. @ 12 per cent Do. do. on which the interest has ceased Remittance loan of 4th May 1797 Register debt Fort William, the 29th September 1798. (1 copy per Atlantic. 2 do per Euridice.) 40,220- 0-0 2,11,195-1- 8 1,341-6-10 -------------- 2,12,536- 8- 6 90,457- I- 3 31,122- 6- 9 1,52,674-12-10 47,40,160-13- 6 900- 2- 5 33,72,812- 1- 8 3,92,76,839- 3- 6 —--------------- 4,78,77,503- 2-5 We have the honor to be &ca. 20 LETTER DATED 17 NOVEMBER 1798 Voluntary contributions1 by British inhabitants of Calcutta for the support of His Majesty’s Government in Europe. T O the Hon’ble the Court of Directors for affairs of the Hon’ble the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. On our proceedings of the 26th of July is recorded a minute from the Right Hon’ble the Governor General communicating copies of an address to His Majesty, of an address to the Governor General and of several resolutions presented to him on the 24th of July by a committee of the British inhabitants of Calcutta for the purpose of promoting voluntary contributions in this country for the support of His Majesty’s Government in Europe at the present important period, also a copy of the answer which the Governor General returned to the committee. 2. The Governor General considered it his duty to record every circumstance relating to a proceeding so honorable to the loyalty, public spirit, and wisdom of the British inhabitants of Calcutta and he proposed that the name of every subscriber to the voluntary contributions should be entered upon the public records. 21 LETTER DATED 25 DECEMBER 1798 Luxury and dissipation among Company's servants and the Governor* General's admonitions to certain individuals—Frederick North appointed Governor of Ceylon—pecuniary affairs of the Government—Gilchrist's offer to give daily lessons to the junior civil servants in Hindustani and Persian—rates of postage for ship letters—Smith the nurseryman returns from the east—state of the general treasury. To the Hon’ble Court o£ Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices in this Department were dated the 29th September and 19th November and were forwarded to your Hon’ble Court by the Atlantic and Eurydice. 2. We have now the honor to transmit to you by this conveyance, a continuation of our proceedings from the 1st October to the 24th December 1798 with an index. 3. Since the date of our last advices we have had the honor to receive your letters in this Department dated the 25th of May and 6th of June to which we shall now reply. Answer to the Public General letter of the 25th May 1798 (1) Mention date of last despatches. (2-3) Have appointed Jacob Bosan-quet Esq. their Chairman, Sir Stephen Lushington Deputy Chairman, mention the names of the gentlemen of the Committee of Secrecy for giving the necessary directions respecting the safety of the Company’s shipping, require that all orders from that Committee be punctually obeyed. Have also appointed a Secret Committee for the purposes stated in the 24th, 26th and 33rd [Acts] of His present Majesty, desire that their orders and instructions be obeyed conformably to the said Acts. (4) Will now reply to the several" despatches in this Department, received in the course of the past season. (5) Adverting to paragraphs which require no reply. 4. Requires no reply. 5. We shall pay due obedience to the orders contained in these paragraphs. 6. No reply. 372 Public letter to court (15) Approve of our having authorized the Residents at Benares, and Lucknow, and the several Collectors of Revenue, to receive cash into their respective treasuries to the amount of 20 lacks of rupees for bills on the Hon’ble Court at 2s. 4d. per sicca rupee. (16) Adverting to a paragraph ' transferred to the Commercial Department. (17) Noticing a paragraph which requires no reply. (18) No fund has been established for affording relief to persons in Lady Watson’s situation, and as they understand that a relation of Lady Watson’s has bequeathed her a considerable property, they do not think it at this time necessary to consider the propriety of such a fund being established. (19) I have submitted Mr. Buchanan’s drawing of plants in the Burmah Dominions to the inspection of Sir Joseph Banks.1 (20 to 22) Noticing paragraphs which require no reply. (23) Approve of our having authorized the Government of Fort St. George to draw upon us to the extent of then* exigencies. (24) Mention that application has been made to His Majesty’s ministers for a reimbursement of the sum of sicca rupees 37,500, being the amount freight of the Ann and Eliza. (25) Respecting the batt a on gold coin. 15. We have great satisfaction in learning that the measure referred to in this paragraph met with the approbation of your Hon’ble Court. 16. Need no reply. 17. We have sent a copy of this paragraph to Lady Watson. 18. We have sent a copy of this paragraph to Mr. Buchanan. 19. Need no reply. 20. The approbation expressed by your Hon’ble Court at the authority which we granted to the Government of Fort St. George to draw upon us to the extent of their wants, has afforded us great satisfaction. 21. Requires no reply. 22. For our observations on this subject we beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to the 27th paragraph of our letter from the Commercial Department under date the 30th April 1797. Facsimile of a page from the Proceedings of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 374 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (42) Noticing a paragraph which requires no reply. (43) Great commendation due to the Board of Trade for the attention which they have manifested to Company’s interest in the proposed reduction of expense in the marine establishment, and approving of our having carried the same into execution. (44) Noticing a paragraph which requires no reply. (45-49) Referring to several outstanding balances from individuals, and desiring that they may be written off to profit and loss. (50-51) Will call upon the executors of Lieutenant Colonel Camac, and upon Mr. Ducarel, for the balances due from them. (52) The balance of Rs. 6,164-9-6 from Mr. Holt to be written off. (53) The suggestions of the ” Accountant General relative to outstanding balances are much to the purpose, and trust they will meet with due attention. (54) Desire that we will, at our earliest convenience, pursue the most proper and effectual means of liquidating the balances outstanding. (55) Approve of the measure we adopted in consequence of the Accountant General’s letter respecting the transmission of quarterly and annual statements from the several Presidencies. (56) Referring to a paragraph transferred to the Commercial Department. (57) Direct that the two sums due from Mr. Harris vizt., sicca Rs. 1,17,199 and Rs. 16,975 be struck off. (58) Authorize us to grant Mr. Ramsay sixteen months’ allowance from the period of the wreck of the Winterton to December 1793. 30. Needs no reply. 31. We had great satisfaction in communicating a copy of this paragraph to the Board of Trade. 32. No reply. 33. We have ordered these balances to be written off to profit and loss. 34. Requires no reply. 35 We have ordered this balance to be written off. 36. We shall pay particular attention to your directions regarding the outstanding balances. ♦ 37. We are happy that the measure referred to in this paragraph has been approved of by your Hon’ble Court. 38. No reply. 39. We have sent a copy of this paragraph to Mr. Harris, and have ordered the balances to be written off to profit and loss. 40. We have complied with the directions contained in this paragraph. 376 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT pointed out in the 63rd paragraph of the letter to which they are now replying. These edifices to be as plain and simple as possible in. order that all unnecessary expence may be avoided. (71 to 74) Respecting the profanation of the Sabbath, and desiring that divine service be regularly performed every Sunday, as in England, at all the military stations. Chaplains to be regular in the discharge of their duty on pain of being dismissed the service. (75 to 82) Respecting the luxury and dissipation in the principal settlements—authorize this Government to remove from their offices and send to Europe such persons as have introduced and encouraged the pernicious practice of gaming. of this paragraph whenever we may determine on commencing the erection of chapels under the sanction now received from your Hon’ble Court. 52. We have the honor to forward to you a number in the packet, a proclamation which we judged it proper to issue, in consequence of the salu-tory injunctions conveyed in these paragraphs, and your Hon’ble Court may reply on our enforcing the strictest obedience to the orders contained in that proclamation. 53. The Commander-in-Chief will be careful that your orders regarding the regular performance of divine service at the military stations are duly obeyed. 54. We also transmit a number in the packet, a copy of a letter which, at the suggestion of the Governor General, we directed to be written to all the heads of departments and offices in your civil service conveying to them copies of these paragraphs. A copy of the letter which we ordered our Secretary to write to the Adjutant General, transmitting these and the four preceding paragraphs to the Commander-in-Chief, to be circulated to the military stations, is also sent a number in the packet. 55. The Governor General at the same time informed us, that he had addressed private admonitions to certain individuals in the Company’s service whose names he did not think it proper, from motive of delicacy, to insert on the public records, in a confident expectation that these, his admonitions, would produce a desired effect. (83) Noticing a paragraph that requires no reply. (84) Noticing paragraphs which require no reply. 378 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT commission to continue only during the absence of the Export Warehouse Keeper. (100) Approve of the encrease to" the establishment at the export warehouse. (101) Approve of our having abolished the salary and appointment of Doctor Dinwiddie. J (102) Acknowledge the receipt of' navy bills for stores supplied to the Orpheus at Prince of Wales Island. All bills of the kind to be in future addressed to their Secretary. (103) A list of arrivals and departures of foreign vessels to form a number in the packet. (104) Noticing paragraphs which require no reply. (105 to 107) Relative to the establishment of a repository for Oriental manuscripts. (108 to 114) Respecting Ensign Blunt’s narrative. Observations regarding the mountainous tracts by which the Company’s territories are circumscribed or intersected. Recommend enquiries regarding these countries. (115) Are highly pleased with the promptness with which their orders for a supply of grain were executed, but do not sanction, as a general measure, the hiring of ships and letting them to the owners. (116) Trust that Mr. Pattie had a sufficient knowledge of the languages for the station of Senior Judge at Moorshedabad, disapprove of his St. Helena stores, during the absence of the Warehouse Keeper has met with your approbation ; a copy of this para has been sent to the Board of Trade for their information. 64. We are happy that the measures referred to in these paragraphs have met with the approbation of your Hon’ble Court. 65. We shall attend to the directions contained in the concluding part of this paragraph with regard to Dr. Dinwiddie’s appointment. 66. The instructions contained in these paragraphs shall be duly attend' ed to. 67. Requires no reply. 68. These paragraphs have been published for general information. 69. We shall hereafter do ourselves the honor of replying to these paragraphs. 70. We have perused with great satisfaction the approbation expressed by your Hon’ble Court of the measure adopted by us on this emergency. 71. The circumstances which have induced us this season to hire ships and to relet them to the owners will be stated to you from the Commercial Department. 72. We shall at present only observe to your Hon’ble Court on this paragraph, that we had removed Mr. Pattie from the office of Pay- 380 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (123) Mr. John Baird appointed to succeed to the office of Master Attendant at Prince of Wales Island on the first vacancy. (124) Mr. George Place allowed to ' proceed on the London, as a miniature painter. (125) Names of the free mariners ' allowed to proceed to India this season. (126 to 129) Mr. Sinclair3 having submitted to them a pamphlet on the best mode of rendering the hemp and ilax produced in India better suited to manufacturing purposes, have permitted him to proceed to India to try by experiment how far his ideas are founded ; should he fail, to be allowed to engage in any other concern ; mean to consign a quantity of flax and hemp seeds, the growth of different parts of Europe, to be disposed of as Mr. Sinclair shall advise. (130) Forward copy of a pamphlet relative to the hanging ships’ rudders —direct that one be sent to the commanders of all their regular ships in India. (131) Mention the amount to be paid for the passage of writers, subaltern officers, cadets, and assistant surgeons. (132) To enquire of the passengers and inform them if these allowances have been exceeded. (133) Rank of writers of 1796. (134-135) No person to be allowed' to practice as an advocate, solicitor, or attorney, unless he first obtains their permission to come to India for that purpose. (136) Have communicated the above to Sir J. Anstruther. (137) Request to be furnished with a list of all persons employed in a legal capacity in the Supreme Court. 76. We have transmitted the necessary orders respecting Mr. Baird, to the Superintendent at Prince of Wales Island. 77. Require no reply. 78. We shall hereafter reply to these paragraphs. 79. We have complied with the orders contained in this paragraph. 80. Requires no reply. 81. We shall duly conform to the directions contained in this paragraph. 82. A copy of this paragraph has been sent to our Civil Auditor for his information. 83. We have communicated these paragraphs to the judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature, and have requested the Chief Justice to furnish the list required by your Hon’ble Court in the concluding para-graph. 382 public Leiter to court having opened and inspected the patches and letter packets from Presidency by the ships then at dis-this the Hon’ble Court. Cape. Expressing their entire approbation of His Lordship’s determination on the occasion. Packets to the Court of Directors and Secret Committee per Houghton very properly forwarded by His Lordship on the Crescent. (2) The Government of Bombay to be informed when the overland dispatches are of such importance as to require their being forwarded from Constantinople and Vienna, by special messengers. To be sent by the ordinary mails on other occasions. 92. We shall duly attend to the orders contained in this paragraph. 93. The Right Hon’ble the Governor General having deemed it advisable, for reasons which we have stated to the Secret Committee of your Hon’ble Court, to proceed to Fort St. George, he has this day nominated His Excellency the Hon’ble Lieutenant General Sir Alurcd Clarke K. B. Vice* President and Deputy Governor of Fort William during his absence. 94. His Lordship proposes to proceed down the river tomorrow morning in order to embark on His Majesty’s ship Sybille for Fort St. George. 95. The sum received during the last four months for bills on your Hon’ble Court on account the Sinking Fund, amounting only to sicca Rs. 35,000, there appeared to us no prospect of the sum required for the third quarterly appropriation being subscribed for those bills unless more favorable terms should be offered ; and concerning that it would be more advisable to shorten the sight at which the bills were drawn than to raise the rate of exchange, we directed it to be notified to the public, that bills would be granted on your Hon’ble Court for cash paid into our treasury to the extent of sicca Rs. 3,25,000, the amount of the third quarterly appropriation, at the present exchange of 2/6 per sicca rupee but payable at two months after sight, instead of twelve months the present sight of those bills. 96. We also caused it to be notified to the public, that no subscriptions to the 12 per cent loan would be received after the 20th of November, but that the decennial loan would for the present continue open, October H and ^at the principal of all twelve per cent notes of this Presidency, together with the interest accruing thereon, would be received at par in payment of subscriptions to the decennial loan. The 12 per cent loan was accordingly closed on the 20th November. Fort St. George 97. It was with great satisfaction that we received advices of the arrival of Consn 15th tHc Right Hon’ble Lord Clive at Fort St. George, on the 21st October. August, on which day His Lordship took charge of that Government and its dependencies. 384 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 108. We informed that Government that, although the actual state of public credit for some time past rendered it necessary that they should regulate their drafts on us upon a scale not exceeding twenty five lacs of rupees for the service of the whole year, yet, aware that so limited a supply was"not likely to be adequate to their exigencies, we deemed it proper in an estimate for the year, to provide an addition of eleven lacs to the supply originally intended for the service of their Presidency, making together thirty six lacs of rupees. 109. On a reference to the estimate for 1798/9 which we received from Bombay we observed that this supply would be nearly sufficient to provide for the estimated services of that Presidency for the current year; and we further acquainted them, that the state of our affairs at that period enabled us to authorize them to draw upon Bengal for any additional sum which they might require, with this limitation only, that their drafts in the current year 1798/9 should not exceed in the whole, the sum of forty lacs of sicca rupees. 110. Under the supposition that it might be in their power to draw upon Benares with greater facility and advantage than upon Calcutta, we at the same time authorized them to extend their drafts on Senates from one lac of rupees (the amount to which their drafts on that place was then restricted) to two lacks of rupees per month. 111. Having however reason to apprehend from circumstances which we have communicated to the Secret Committee of your Hon’ble Court, that the exigencies of the Government of Fort St. George will December21 St render it necessary to extend considerably the provision which we had made for the supply of that Presidency, and seeing no practicable mode of providing for such excess otherwise than by a reduction in our promised supply to Bombay, we have been under the necessity, with a view of enabling the Government of Bombay to reduce the amount of their monthly drafts upon us, to desire that they will appropriate to the general exigencies of that Presidency, the whole of the bullion expected there from England as soon as it may arrive, and that they will raise funds for the provision of that cotton to be freighted on the Company’s ships to Canton, either by the issue of 12 per cent notes, or by bills to be drawn upon your Hon’ble Court, on the best terms which they may be able to obtain. Canton 112. We have authorized the supracargocs at Canton to receive fifteen n , lacs of rupees into their treasury in specie, and to grant December. kms on us tor the amount, on the same terms as those which we had the honor to communicate to your Hon’ble Court in the 31st paragraph of our advice of the 30th December 1797. Ceylon 113. We have the pleasure to inform you that the Hon’ble Frederick North took charge of the Government of the island of Ceylon on the 12th October. 386 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT removed from the office of Collector of the zillah of Moorshedabad and Consn. 17th appointed Judge of the Dewanny Adawlut and Magistrate December, of the zillah of Nuddea vice Mr. E. E. Burges resigned. Mr. Thomas Palmer, Register to the Provincial Court of Appeal and Court of Circuit for the division of Benares, appointed to officiate as Judge of the Dewanny Adawlut and Magistrate of the zillah of December^^ Mirzapore during the absence of Mr. H. T. Colebrooke. Mr. Thomas Thornhill, 1st Assistant in the office of the Register to the Provincial Court of Appeal and Court of Circuit for the division of Benares, appointed to officiate as Register to those courts during the absence of Mr. Thomas Palmer. Mr. Hugh Wilkinson removed from the office of Assistant to the Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of Tirhoot and appointed Register of that Court vice Mr. W. Leycester removed to the office of Collector of the zillah of Behar. Mr. Henry Strachey appointed Translator to the Sudder Dewanny and Nizamut Adawluts vice Mr. Hayes removed to the Collectorship of the zillah of Moorshedabad. Mr. C. Smith removed from the office of Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah of Chittagong and appointed Assistant to the Translator to the Sudder Dewanny and Nizamut Adawluts, Mr. J. B. Laing removed from the office of 1st Assistant to the Collector of the zillah of Boglepore, and appointed Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah of Chittagong vice Mr. Smith. Mr. James Donnethorne removed from the office of 1st Assistant to the Provincial Court of Appeal and the Court of Circuit for the division of Patna, and appointed Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah of Jessore vice Mr. Strachey. Mr. C. S. Maling removed from the office of 1st Assistant to the Register of the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah of Behar and appointed Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah of Boglepore. Mr. R. O. Wynne appointed Assistant to the Register of the Dewanny Adawlut of Rajeshahi. Mr. R. Vansittart appointed Assistant to the Register of the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah of Chittagong. Mr. W. Watts appointed Assistant to the Register of the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah Dacca Jelalpore. Mr. J. Monckton appointed 2nd Assistant to the Register of the Provincial Court of Appeal and Court of Circuit for the division of Dacca. Mr. C. D’Oyley appointed 2nd Assistant in the office of Register to the Provincial Court of Appeal and Court of Circuit for the division of Calcutta vice Mr. T. Powney. Mr. W. J. Sands, Assistant to the Register of the zillah of Ghazipore. Mr. Francis Morgan, Assistant to the Register of the zillah of Momensingh. Mr. Thomas Hayes removed from the office of Translator to the Sudder Dewanny and Nizamut Adawluts and appointed Collector of the zillah of Moorshedabad vice Mr. Oldfield removed to Nuddea. Mr. W. Leycester removed from the office of Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah of Tirhoot, and appointed Collector of the zillah of Behar vice Mr. Hawkins removed to Purnea. Mr. T. Powney removed from the office of 2nd Assistant to the Register to the Provincial Court of Appeal and the Court of Circuit for the division of Calcutta, and appointed Assistant to the Collector of the zillah of Chittagong. Mr. R. Thackeray appointed Assistant to the Collector of zillah of Midnapore. Mr. Thomas Halkett appointed Assistant to the Collector of the zillah of sircar Sarun. Mr. A. H. Vansittart removed from the office of Head Assistant to the Secretary to the Board of Trade, and appointed Sub-Secretary to the Board of Trade. Mr. R. A Scott, Head Assistant in the office of the Secretary to the Board of 388 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 124. At the recommendation also of the Marine Board, we have placed Consn. 2nd the lowing persons belonging to the pilot establishment November” on the pension list:—Mr. Edward Me. Innes, master of the Harriet, agent vessel, with a pension of sicca rupees 46-10-8 per month; Mr. Thomas Watson, master, with a pension of sicca Rs. 46-10-8. 125. Mr. William Gillespie, branch pilot, to whom we had given permis-Consn. 19th sion t0 Proceed t0 Europe for the recovery of his health, October. having died on the passage, we have granted to his widow the pension which has been fixed for the widows of branch pilots vizt., sicca Rs. 30 per month. 126. We have great satisfaction in noticing to your Hon’ble Court a letter from the Marine Board recorded on our proceedings of the 17th December, stating the benefit the public service had derived from the assistance afforded by Captain Cooke, commander of His Majesty’s ship La Sy belle in fitting out the Earl Howe and Princess Charlotte as armed ships. Navy 127. His Majesty’s ship La Sybelle having been sent to Bengal for the purpose of being repaired, we have at the request of Captain Cooke6 advanced to him the sum of sicca rupees 53,708 to enable him to defray the expense of the repairs. We have taken Captain Cooke’s bills on the Navy Board in favor of your Hon’ble Court for the amount of the advance, leaving the rate of exchange to be settled in England. Miscellaneous 128. On our proceedings of the 24th December is recorded a report from the committee which we appointed for investigating into the expences and for improving the revenue of the General Post Office. 129. For a detail of the arrangements proposed by the committee, and for our resolutions on their propositions, we beg leave to refer you to our proceedings. We shall here confine ourselves to observing that including the annual loss heretofore sustained under the head of the Post Office (being the amount in which the expenditure exceeded the receipts) the improvement of the public revenue from these arrangements may be estimated at rupees one lack and forty nine thousand, five hundred and forty sicca rupees per annum. 130. We have judged it proper to notice these arrangements to your Hon’ble Court as the papers relating to them are recorded in this Department. The subject will however be again brought under your consideration in the report of the Governor General on the reform of the public establishments, and the improvement of the public revenues, in which His Lordship will state such further observations in the Department of the Post Office as may appear to him necessary. 390 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 139. A statement of the funds of the Hospital for Natives, together with the return of the patients admitted for the last year, and a comparative statement of the number of patients annually admitted since the commencement of the institution, will be found recorded in our proceedings of the 1st October. 140. In our dispatches of the 31st July we informed your Hon’ble Court of the return of Mr. Smith the nurseryman, from the eastward, and likewise stated the number of plants which he had procured. 141. Having taken into our consideration the best mode of disposing of these plants, we determined, at the recommendation ot Doctor Fleming, the Acting Superintendent of the Botanical Garden, to send Mr. Smith to Prince of Wales Island, with about one half of the spice plants then in the Garden, for the purpose of forming a plantation at that island, the soil and climate of which are representated by Mr. Smith to correspond with the soil and climate of Banda. 142. We have instructed the Superintendent at Prince of Wales Island to provide Mr. Smith with a proper span of ground for the October 15th plantation, and to afford to, him any assistance which he may require. 143. After forming the plantation at Prince of Wales Island, Mr. Smith has been instructed to proceed again to the eastward, for the purpose of collecting a further supply of useful plants and seeds for the several Presidencies. 144. Mr. Smith’s attention has been particularly directed to the clove plant, and gomuti tree. 145. We are sorry to observe that the endeavours to preserve the clove plants have proved altogether unsuccessful, owing (as is supposed) to the delicacy of the plant, not above one hundred which reached the Botanical Garden alive. For an account of the gomuti tree and for the circumstances which led to the particular directions given respecting this tree, we beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to two letters from the Marine Board recorded on our proceedings of the 1st October. 146. The state of our treasury is as follows. State of the General Treasury the 2Sth December I79S Ready money Gold mohurs 3,560- 1- 0 Siccas Dollars 4,761- 0- 0 Copper Bills receivable 56,961- 0- 0 98,746- 0- 0 9,998- 1- 7 24,687- 9- 9 1,90,392-11-4 2,911-12- 3 Sicca Rs, 1,93,304- 7- 7 392 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Answer to Public General letter 1st August 1798 (1) Date of last advices. (2) Particularizing the letters they have received. (3) Mr. James Grant allowed to return to his rank in the civil service. (4) Mr. John Lloyd has resigned. (5) Mr. Henry Russell appointed a writer. (6) Sundry persons allowed to proceed to India as free mariners. 3. Require no reply. (7) Have drawn a set of bills of exchange in favor of the Revd. Mr. W. T. Ringaltaube, or order. (8) Direct Mr. Robert Turnbull, late chief mate of the Europa, to be ordered to return to England. 4. We shall direct Mr. Turnbull to be sent to Europe as soon as we have ascertained where he at present resides. Answer to Public General letter, 8th August 1798 (1) Date of last advices. (2 to 4) Forward a copy of their letter to Bombay and direct, in order to meet the increase of expence of the new marine establishment at that Presidency, that the duty of one per cent levied for the protection of the trade of this port, be rendered permanent and carried to account under the head of “Additional duty of one per cent for the Bombay Marine.” '5. Requires no reply. 6. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our letter of this date in the Department of Customs for the measures which we have adopted in obedience to the orders contained in the paragraphs now replied to. Answer to Public General letter, Sth December 1798 (1) Date of last advices. (2) Mention letters they have received. (3) Do. overland. (4) Have allowed the American ship, Benjamin, to come to this port ■pr a cargo of saltpetre. 7. Require no reply. 8. The ship Benjamin has not yet reached this port. On her arrival, we shall permit the commander to make the purchase of saltpetre which you have authorized, 394 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 16. In the 93rd paragraph of our letter of the 25th December last we informed you that the Right Hon’ble the Governor General had deemed it necessary, for reasons which we stated to the Secret Committee of your Hon’ble Court, to proceed to Fort St. George, where His Lordship arrived on the 31st of December. 17. For the proclamation published by His Lordship, on his taking upon himself the charge of the government of that Presidency, we beg leave to refer you to our proceedings of the 21st January. Fort St. George 18. On the proceedings noted in the margin are recorded statements of Consn. 10th and grain shipped by our directions for Fort St. George, Canna- 13th May, 15th nore, and Tcllicherry, the abstract of which is as follows: August. Bags Containing Cost and freight For Fort St. George „ Tellichery J 1,16,638 Fy. Mds. 2,56,605-32-0 Sicca Rs. 5,44,353-1-6 and j Cannanore J 51,150 „ 1,12,530- 0-0 2,47,759-8-4 Total 1,67,788 3,69,135-32-0 7,92,112-9-10 19. In consequence of the brilliant and decisive success obtained by the army under the command of Lieutenant General Harris, and of the large sup-u m P^es °^ grain> which by the abovementioned statements onsn. st ay. ^^ jjon’ble Court will observe had been sent from hence, the Right Hon’ble the Governor General informed, us that he deemed it unnecessary to incur any further expence for the purpose of sending grain from this Presidency to Fort St. George. 20. We accordingly directed the Board of Trade to dispatch such ships Consn 31st Ma on^ w^ Sra^n as m?^t actually have been engaged for that purpose, authorizing them at the same time to release from their actual engagements for freight any persons who might be desirous of being discharged from them. Ceylon 21. Your Hon’ble Court will find recorded on our proceedings of the 21st January certain regulations which have been adopted by His Excellency the Governor of Ceylon for the commerce and revenue of that island. Canton 22. On our proceedings of the 16th July, is recorded a letter written by the Right Hon’ble the Governor General in Council to the supracargoes at Consn 16th July Canton, from which your Hon’ble Court will observe that His Lordship had advised the supracargoes on the 2nd March that, having directed the whole of the bullion consigned by you this year to Canton to be forwarded to Bengal, he had endeavoured to guard against any disappointment in the funds for your investment, by enlarging their powers of drawing on this Presidency and by the negotiation of a considerable remittance from this place through the means of Mr. G. Baboom, 396 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Marine Consn. Sth February. 32. The Marine Board having represented to us that the Fly anchor-boat was in so decayed a condition as not to admit of her being repaired, we directed her to be condemned and sold, and as the Marine Board stated to us the necessity of having a new buoyboat to replace the Fly sloop, and to heave up the moorings at Diamond Harbour, we have authorized the construction Consn. 25th of a new vesseJ to be built by the Master Builder, February. rHe cost of which he estimates at about twenty thousand sicca rupees. 33. At the recommendation of the Marine Board we have placed Silvia Consn. 8th February. Bridges, the widow of Daniel Bridges (formerly a master in the pilot service and late on the pension list) upon the pension list, with the usual allowance of fifteen sicca rupees per month. 34. On our proceedings of the Sth April and 3rd May are recorded two letters from the Marine Board on the conduct of Captain Gray, the commander of the Nonsuch. 35. Concurring entirely in the sentiments expressed by the Marine Board respecting Captain Gray’s conduct, we resolved to dismiss him from the command of the Nonsuch. 36. We have appointed Captain John Canning, the Deputy Master Attcn-Consn. 6th May. dant, to the temporary command of the Nonsuch. 37. The Marine Board having represented to us that the conduct of Consn. 24th June in the situation, Consn. 16th July. Mr. Bowles, a master in your pilot service, was so very improper as to render him unworthy of being continued we directed him to be dismissed but as we understood he was totally without any other means of support, we directed the sum of sicca rupees one hundred to be paid to him with a view of providing for his subsistence until he should be able to procure some other employment. 38. On the proceedings noted in the margin are recorded a letter from Consn. August. 15th our Marine Board, and a minute of their proceedings together with sundry other papers relative to the final adjustment of accounts with the owners of the Mary packet. 39. As a compensation to the owners of the Mary (whom documents upon oath establish to have been her commander Captain Thomas Stephenson and Consn 29th ^^S C^^ mate Mr. John Peters) and in consideration of August?' 1 tHc zeal manifested by them through the whole of the service; and the exertions which they made to prevent the total loss of her, which had the effect of benefitting the Hon’ble Company by the value of her cargo, we resolved, agreeably to the recommendation of the Marine Board, to grant a release for the balance due from the owners of the Mary amounting to sicca Rs. 24,788-2 as stated, both as an act of equity and to mark our sense of the merits of the parties. 398 PUBLIC LETTER to COURT- 46. This the amount of the difference between the cost of the Convention entered into at the Mauritius with the Marquis D’Souillae by Colonel Cathcart, Sicca Rs. 10,534-6-8. Sea Horse sloop, and the value of the Esperance brig which was deserted by the French; the Sea Horse having been given to them in lieu of the Esperance, and as it does not appear that the French were to account for the difference, we have directed the sum to be written off to profit and loss 47. This is a balance on bond which was transferred to the Government of Fort St. George for recovery, but was sent back to this Presidency as Mr. Beatson was then about to come to Calcutta. We have since learned that he died at Penang, insolvent, about seven years ago, and have therefore directed this balance to be written off to profit and loss. 48. This sum is charged by Mr. Wombwell in his last account as Superintendent of the saltpetre manufacture at Purnea, for his salary from the W B Martin & 1st °^ Juty to r^e ^st °^ November 1788, when he delivered John Wombwell, over charge of his office to Mr. Wilkinson, and as the same Sicca. Rs. 2,000. sum was ajso charged by Mr. Martin, the then Resident at the Durbar, for Mr. Wombwell’s salary, one of those gentlemen should refund the amount which has been twice paid by the Company. As both gentlemen are at present in England, we beg leave to refer the case to your Hon’ble Court for adjustment and have directed the balance to be written off to “Account Current London”. 49. This balance arises from a purchase of provision stores made by Major Eaton when in command of the garrison of Buxar agreeably to the Major Isaac orders of Government under date the 3rd of March 1783. Eaton, Sicca Rs. As Major Eaton has been dead many years, and as the 1,108-13-9. proceedings of the late Committee of Accounts, from which alone any official information of this transaction could be expected, are not forthcoming, the amount may be considered as irrecoverable, and we have directed it to be written off to profit and loss. Loan to the Committee of Subscribers to the voyage to the N.W. coast of America, Sicca Rs. 19,710. 50. In the 104th paragraph of our address to your Hon’ble Court of the 14th December 1792, we requested your permission to cancel the Committee’s obligation, and in your letter of the 15th April 1798, you informed us that a “reply will be hereafter transmitted”; we therefore again beg leave to request your permission to cancel the Committee’s obliga- tion, and to write off the’ amount to profit and loss. 51. This appears to be a loan to Mr. Page Keble on a mortgage of his canal at Banky Nulla and his bond jointly with Mr. John Petrie, bearing Loan to Page Ke- ^ate ^e 5th January 1786. A particular account of this ble at 2| per cent balance will be found in the Accountant General’s report, Swca an(^ as Mt- Petrie, the surviving gran ter of the bond, is now in Europe, we beg leave to refer the matter to you for adjustment, and request your sanction to write off the amount to “Account Current London”. 400 PUBLIC LETTER tO COURT credit of “Account Current London”, where the final adjustment of the accounts of the different Presidencies are made. 57. This is a balance due to Mr. James Frazer, and for the detail concerning it we beg leave to refer your Hon ble Court to the Accountant General’s report; as Mr. Frazer’s attornies have not made . JanLes grazer, demand for this balance, and he resides at present in Sicca Rs. 1,454-10-11 , . .. T r j r England, we have directed it to be transferred to the credit of “Account Current London” for the adjustment of your Hon’ble Court. 58. The following memorandum extracted from the daily account kept at the Accountant General’s office of the average rates of Consn. 14th batta on the exchange of gold for silver in each month of January. tb.e years 1796, ’7 & ’8 shows the reduction in the rate of batta, which generally obtained in the last year. Memorandum of the average rates of batta in each month of the years 1796, 1797 and 1798 1796 Rs. as. P. Ct. 1797 Rs. as. P. Ct. 1798 Rs. as. P. Ct. January 2 4 1 7 0 12% February 3 0 1 14 1 0 March 4 3 2 15 2 13 April 4 2 2 13 3 4 May 4 0 2 3 3 0 June 3 8 3 0 2 12 July 5 1 2 6 2 6 August 3 10 I 11 1 5 September 3 2 1 12 0 9 October 2 9 1 10 0 9 November 2 11 1 5 0 4-9 pies December 1 7 1 2 0 4 Errors excepted. (Signed) Thomas Myers Accountant General. 59. We have the satisfaction to observe that the reduction in the rate of the batta of silver, and the consequent comparative facility experienced in providing the necessary supplies of silver for the army and for the advances for salt and the investment, may be attributed to the measure which we adopted of providing in part for the supply of the general treasury with silver by remittances from Lucknow. This further instance of the salutary effects of being provided with a considerable supply of silver, to be held in reserve for the usual season of scarcity, appears to us to corroborate the arguments which we have taken the liberty to submit to your Hon’ble Court in favor of your sending out an annual supply of silver bullion to this Presidency. 402 PUBLIC LUTtER TO COURT 66. For an account of the government securities purchased by the commissioners for the management of the sinking fund between the 1st of May 1798 and the 30th of April 1799, and the abstract Consn. 10th May. account which we directed to be published according to our resolutions of the 3rd April 1798, together with an estimate of the appropriation to be made towards the redemption of the public debt in the current year 1799/1800, we beg leave to refer you to our proceedings noted in the margin. 67. At the recommendation of our Accountant General, wc caused it to be notified to the public that the Sub-Treasurer was authorized to receive cash for the purposes of the sinking fund, for bills on your Consn. 30th Ju y. Hon^je court for any sum that might be required at the exchange of two shillings and six pence per sicca rupee payable twelve months after date. Company^ Servants 68. We have the honour to subjoin a list of appointments, which have taken place since the date of our last advices. Mr. George Poyntz Ricketts removed from the office of Register of the Dewanny Consn. 15th Adawlut of the zillah of Purnca, and appointed Collector February. of the 24 Pergunnahs vice Mr. John Thornhill resigned. Mr. Thomas Thornhill removed from the office of 1st Assistant to the Court of Appeals and Circuit at Benares and appointed Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah of Purnea. Judicial Department.—Mr. Thomas Palmer removed from the office of Register to the Provincial Court of Appeal and to the Court of Circuit for the division of Benares, and appointed Judge of the Dewanny April150* 22nd Adawlut and Magistrate of the zillah of Ramghur. Mr. Thomas Brooke removed from the office of Judge of the Dewanny Adawlut and Magistrate of the zillah of Bcerbhoom, and appointed Judge of the Dewany Adawlut and Magistrate of the zillah of Hooghly vice Mr. Bruce. Mr. Duncan Campbell removed from the office of the Sub-Secretary to the Government in the Public Department, and appointed Judge of the Dewanny Adawlut and Magistrate of the zillah of Beerbhoom vice Mr. Thomas Brooke. Mr. James Graham appointed to act as Judge of the Dewanny Adawlut and Magistrate of the zillah of Mirzapur during the absence of Mr. H. T. Colebrooke. Mr. J. H. Martin removed from the office of Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah Mymensingh and appointed Register to the Provincial Court of Appeal and to the Court of Circuit for the division of Benares vice Mr. Palmer. Mr. R. K. Dick appointed Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah of Behar vice Mr. Cunningham. Mr. A. M. Willcock removed from the office of Assistant to the Collector of the zillah of Sylhet, and appointed Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah of Mymensingh vice Mr. Martin. Mr. D. J. Sands appointed Assistant to the Register to the Dewanny Adawlut of the zillah of Jaunpore. Revenue Department.--Mx. Ynyr Burges removed from the office of Commercial Resident at Golagore, and appointed Collector of the zillahs of Burdwan 404 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT and sloop hire supplied to His Majesty’s ship La Sybille not having been adjusted, we have resolved to extend to sloops and bhurs ^Consn. 18th ^ ru|eSj which we informed your Hon’ble Court in the arc ' 7th, 8th and 9th [sic] paragraphs of our address of 30th December 1797, we had adopted respecting stores supplied to His Majesty’s ships vizt., that the commanders shall pay in advance for all sloops and bhurs and whatever they may want from the Marine Department, and that in the event of the commanders not having funds or credit of their own for the purpose of making the advance required, the same shall be furnished them from the treasury for their bills on the commissioners of the Navy. Miscellaneous 77. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to the annexed proceed-C sn 17th Tune ^nSs ^or a statement °f ^e subscriptions, receipts, remit-onsn. ju e. tances anj t^e balance remaining to be paid on the 4th June, on account of the voluntary contributions for the support of His Majesty’s Government. 78. The Marine Board having for some time past given their attention to the raising of hemp, they submitted to us a minute on the subject, and recommended that these should be cultivated by way of March11 18th experiment at the Company’s expence, for two years successively, about two hundred acres of land with hemp, twenty acres with flax, and fifteen with potatoes, under the superintendance . of Mr. Sinclair, the gentleman mentioned in the 127th paragraph of your Hon’ble Court’s General letter of the 25th May, 1798. 79. Before we adopted the Board’s recommendation, we directed them to lay before us an estimate of the expencc which would be incurred for such estimate; and for a statement of the probable pro-ApriI ’ duce we beg leave to refer you to the proceedings noted in the margin and as it appeared from the Board’s calculations that the Company were likely to be gainers by the experiment, we authorised the Board to carry their plan into execution. 80. A difficulty having arisen in procuring hemp-seed to sow the whole of the land, the Marine Board proposed to have the land, June.nSn 1 f°r w^ hemp-seed could not be procured, sown with sunj in order to ascertain how far, by a different treatment according to the European system, this plant may be made to answer for cordage as well as hemp. 81. We are concerned to inform you that the Marine Board have since reported to us the death of Mr. Robert Sinclair on the 5th August. 82. The Board at the same time acquainted us that they had taken - the necessary precautions to secure the Hon’ble Com- August. Panys papers and effects which had been entrusted to Mr. Sinclair’s care and we shall hereafter report to you the state in which Mr. Sinclair left the business committed to his management. 406 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 89. On our proceedings noted in the margin are recorded letters from . . .. the commanders of the American ships Indian Chief and Harmony to our Marine Board offering to freight their ships to Government to carry grain to Fort St. George. 90. Under the then scarcity of tonnage and demand for grain at Madras, we conceived it would be advisable to accept the offer, provided that no difficulties should arise under the clause in the 13th article of the Treaty of Commerce made with the United States of America in the year 1794, which stipulates “that the vessels of the United States shall not carry any of the articles exported by them from the said British territories (in the East Indies) to any port or place except to some port or place in America where the same shall be unladen.” 91. The Advocate General offered it as his opinion that, as the clause in the Treaty of Commerce with the United States of America was made for the protection and benefit of the British commerce, the ships might be employed for the purpose in question, notwithstanding the treaty, and that their papers shewing them to be in the service of this Government ought to be a sufficient protection against any of His Majesty’s ships which might be disposed to call them in question. We therefore directed the Marine Board to accept the tenders and to freight the ships. 92. The Commanders subsequently applied to us for bonds of indemnity for the security of themselves and owners in the event of any thing happening to the ships from their being thus employed, and deeming their requests reasonable we complied with them. 93. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our consultations of the 31st December and 8th February, for reports on the stationary received on the Berrington and Tellicherry. 94. Having had frequent occasion to remark the number of very improper paragraphs which have appeared in the newspapers2 at this Presidency, we have established certain regulations respecting their publication,3 for which we beg leave to refer you to our proceedings of the 13th May. 95. On these proceedings is recorded an offer from Mr. William Dick to Consn. 25th sell us the Insane Hospital which we at present hire of February. him.4 96. Being of opinion from a report submitted to us by our Accountant General that the proposal could not be considered as advantageous to the Hon’ble Company we declined accepting of it. 97. On our proceedings of the 21st January is recorded a letter from Mr. Herbert Harris expressing his grateful acknowledgements for the liberality of your Hon’ble Court in releasing him from his debt to the Hon’ble Company. 98. On the proceedings noted in the margin is recorded a memorial from Mr. James Campbell, formerly purser and third officer of the Warren Consn 4th cartel, praying us to grant him a compensation for the March. losses which he states he sustained by the capture of that vessel at the Isle of France in the year 1779 and which, by an account he delivered in, amounted to current Rs. 1,74,811-13-4. 408 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 108. In consequence however of the Resident’s representation of his great want of specie, we lost no time in dispatching to him a supply of sixty thousand dollars. 109. We have the satisfaction to acquaint you that the retrenchments which have taken place, under the resolutions founded on the minute of the Right Hon’ble the Governor General, dated the 12th June 1798, recorded in the Secret Department, amount to about thirty thousand rupees per month. Further retrenchments to a considerable amount are in the course of being effected. 110. The details of these retrenchments, with the principles on which they have been made, will be communicated to you on the return of the Governor General to this Presidency. 111. The state of our treasury this day is as follows: State of the General Treasury the 2nd September 1799 Ready money Gold mohurs 31,118-8 49,896- 0-0 Silver Dollars Copper Bills receivable 1,36,005-2 71,111- 8-6 2,82,635- 6-4 9,808- 6-1 4,13,451- 4-5 2,911-12-3 Unsorted treasure: Dollars 142 boxes (from England) Sicca Rs. 4,16,363- 0-8 44,520- 5- 0 Balance account deposit ... Accountant General, Supreme Court Do. do. Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased Remittance loan of 4th May 1797 Loans @ 12 per cent Do. do. on which the interest has ceased Do. do. @ 10 per cent New do. do. Register debt 2,53,363-3- 0 1,341-6-10 2,54,704- 9-10 90,457- 1- 3 31,122- 6- 9 33,72,812- 1- 8 99,85,102- 1- 4 900- 2- 5 42,53,616- 2-10 67,61,581- 0- 8 3,93,59,656- 4-10 6,41,09,951-15- 7 We have the honor to be &ca. Fort William, the 2nd September 1799. (Signed) Alured Clarke/P. Speke/Wm. Cowper. 410 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 7. The favourable representation that has been made of the flourishing state of the plantation has encouraged the Marine Board to continue the experiment until the crops of sun and hemp now on the ground shall have been gathered in and manufactured, when they will be able to ascertain whether it will be adviseable to persevere in the experiments for another year as originally, proposed. 8. We entirely approved of the measures adopted by the Marine Board for continuing on the experiment, and authorised them to employ Mr. Douglas to.look after the agricultural branch of the business, without prejudice to his situation as an Assistant at the Botanical Garden for the time his services may be required upon a salary of 300 Rs. a month, to commence from the 1st of the present month. 9. The result of the experiment will hereafter be made known to your Hon’ble Court. 10. At the recommendation of the Marine Board and of the Head Surgeon at the Presidency, we have directed Robert Watson, a seaman belonging to the Henry Dundas to be accommodated with a charterparty passage on the Osterley, and to be furnished with necessaries at the expence of the owners of the Henry Dundas. For the reasons which have induced us to grant this indulgence, we beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings of the 10th instant, and we recommend him as an object for the benefit of the Poplar Hospital. 11. Applications having been made to the Board of Trade for permission Consn. 10th t0 sen^ articles for presents to St. Helena, and as there September. appeared to be no objection to their going, we have invested them with a general discretion of permitting articles to be sent to St. Helena for presents or for family use, subject of course to the condition of their being delivered at the India House in the event of ships not touching at the island. 12. We enclose a number in the packet copy of a letter and enclosure from Mr. Bristow, the Chairman of the Committee of Subscribers for the relief of the seamen and soldiers serving on board the squadron September1 ^ commanded by Commodore Mitchell in the year 1793, and agreeably to his request we beg leave to recommend that your Hon’ble Court will allow the annuities and gratuities to be paid according to the statement through your treasury in England to the persons respectively entitled to receive them. 13. We directed the Sub-Treasurer to receive from Mr. Bristow the sum of sicca rupees 1,667-1 and to grant a certificate to authorise the Deputy Accountant General to draw sinking fund bills for it, payable to the order of your Hon’ble the Court, the first of which bills we now forward in the packet under dispatch. 14. We beg leave to request that your Hon’ble Court will be pleased to furnish an account of the appropriation of the money which has already been remitted, and which is alluded to in the concluding paragraph of Mr, Bristow’s letter. 24 LETTER DATED 23 SEPTEMBER 1799 The Governor-General embarks from Fort St. George and arrives at Fort William on 15 September. T O the Hon’ble the Court of Directors for affairs of the Hon’ble the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies. Hon’ble Sirs, We have the honor to acquaint your Hon’ble Court that the Right Hon’ble the Governor General embarked from Fort St. George on the 5th instant on your ship Earl Howe, and arrived on the 15th instant at Fort William. We have the honor to be Hon’ble Sirs, Your most faithful humble servants, (Signed) Mornington / Alured Clarke / P. Speke / W. Cowper. Fort William, the 23rd September 1799. 25 LETTER DATED 31 DECEMBER 1799 Repository for the records of the Council—boxes of seeds to be transmitted to the Court—Blacquire’s Sanskrit and English Dictionary—Forster’s Bengali Dictionary—Lt. Baillie completes translation of the doctrines of the Shiah sect— state of the general treasury. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors etc. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. We had the honor to address you from this Department on the 2nd and 14th September last by the Alligator, and on the 23rd of the same month by an overland dispatch. 2. We have since had the honor to receive your letters of the 5th and 12th June last to which we shall now reply. 414 Public letter to coVrI stores from Prince of Wales’s Island was lost in the Zephyr, as they have not received it. (15) Have fully complied with the indent no. 20 for naval stores for the Company’s marine, forwarded per Castor, extra ship, but could not spare tonnage for more than about 1,200 tons, being nearly %rd of the several articles of the indent of naval stores for the use of individuals. (16) Approve of the pension of sicca Rs. 38 granted to Mr. William Chilves. (17) Advert to paragraphs which require no reply. (18) State the sense they entertain of the merits of Mr. Barlow’s conduct in the reductions effected by him in the Secretary’s establishment, desire the same may be signified to him, and direct that enquiry may be made how far other oeconomical arrangements may be effected under this Presidency. (19) Express great satisfaction that Earl Mornington had anticipated their wishes on the subject of reform, and express their confidence in His Lordship’s exertions to effect every practicable and prudent retrenchment in every department of the service, on the principle which he has prescribed and which they approve. (20) The two packages of seeds from Doctor Roxburgh having been lost on the Zephyr, they direct that more be forwarded by the first opportunity, together with those contained in the catalogue annexed to his letter. another copy of this indent, a number in the packet. 9. Require no reply. 10. We have signified to Mr. Barlow the sense which you entertain of his conduct, in effecting the reductions referred to in this paragraph in the office of the Secretary to the Government. 11. In our letter of the 2nd September last, we had the honor to acquaint you with the progress which had been made in the revision of the civil establishments of this Presidency, instituted in conformity to the minute of the Right Hon’ble the Governor General dated the 12th of June 1798, and your Hon’ble Court may rely on our making every practicable retrenchment in these establishments, as well as in every other branch of the public expenditure. 12. Having referred this paragraph to the Superintendant of the Botanical Garden he has informed us that the seeds intended for Sir John Sinclair were chiefly of the leguminous kinds, and that they cannot be obtained of the crop of the present year until the month of February next; and as the seeds of the last year would not arrive in England in good preservation the Superintendent proposes to 416 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (33) Approve the additional allowance to the Master Attendant’s deputy and assistants. (34) Have sent mooring chains for Diamond Harbour—the same in every respect as those used in His Majesty’s service for ships of the line. (35) Approve the repairs at the New Church1 at the Company’s expence. (36) Express much pleasure at the state of the funds of the Native Hospital. (37) Highly approve the determination to make all publick officers responsible for the money under their charge. (38) Advert to a paragraph which requires no reply. (39) Advert to paragraphs which require no reply. (40) Advert to paragraphs before replied to. (41) Notice with pleasure a continuation of exertion for furnishing the necessary supplies to Canton, in the permission given to the supracargoes to draw upon this Government for 15 lacks of rupees, and state the sum of £5,00,000 as the amount to be remitted by them in dollars to Canton in the present year. 18. Requires no reply. 19. We are happy that your Hon’ble Court approve of our having charged the expense of the repairs of the New Church to the Company. 20. Requires no reply. 21. Your approbation of this determination affords us much satisfaction. 22. Require no reply. 23. It is with great satisfaction that we find our measures for supplying your treasury at Canton with money have met with your approbation. 24. The supracargoes have already advised us of their having actually drawn on Bengal this season for C. Rs. 18,65,965 and of their having engaged to draw for the further sum of C. Rs. 5,36,585, amounting together to C. Rs. 23,02,550; and they seem to entertain no doubt of being able to negociate bills in the course of the season, if their exigencies may require. 25. Entertaining the strongest sense of the importance of your trade from China to the interests of the Company and of the nation, your Hon’ble Court may rely that our attention will be constantly directed to give effect to your instructions and wishes with respect to that very valuable branch of your commerce. 418 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (54) Approve the pensions to the widow of the late George Guthrie and the widow of the late James Morrison, both of the pilot service. (55) Advert to a paragraph trans-' ferred to the Commercial Department. (56) Advert to a paragraph which requires no reply. (57) Approve the refusal to grant an allowance to Captain Page of the Orpheus frigate for his passage to Europe. (58) Approve the resolution that ' stores furnished the commanders of His Majesty’s ships be paid for in ready money. (59) Advert to a paragraph which requires no reply. (60) Desire to be made acquainted from time to time with the progress made in the cultivation of the nutmeg, clove, and other plants and also of the teak tree and China sugar cane. (61) Advert to paragraphs which require no reply. (62) Approve the subscription to' Mr. Blaquiere’s Sanscrit and English dictionary and grammar for 100 copies, and direct 12 to be transmitted to England. (63) Approve the support and encouragement afforded Mr. Forster2 on his compilation of a dictionary in the Bengalese language and a Sanscrit grammar annexed. (64) Advert to paragraph which" requires no reply. (65) Advert to paragraphs which require no reply. (66) Advert to a paragraph before replied to. (67) Are satisfied with the reasons assigned by the Marine Board for the encrease of charges in 1795/6 and 1796/7. 33. Require no reply. 34. We are happy, that this decision on the application of Captain Page meets with your approbation. 35. Require no reply. 36. For full information upon the subject of this paragraph we beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to a letter from the Superintendent of the Botanical Garden under date the 1st and recorded in our proceedings of the 5th instant. 37. Requires no reply. 38. We are happy that the subscription to Mr. Blaquiere’s work, and the support given to that of Mr. Forster are approved by your Hon’ble Court and we shall transmit to you the number of copies of Mr. Blaquiere’s work which you require. 39. Require no reply. 40. We are happy that the explanation given by the Marine Board of these charges has proved satisfactory. 420 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT (74) Mr. H. C. Plowden permitted to return to his rank in the civil service. (75) Mr. William Blunt’s covenants as a writer under this Presidency. (76) Mr. S. P. Rawlins’ covenants as a free merchant. 48. That proportion of the bullion which was consigned to Bengal has also contributed to produce another very important effect; as the late coinage of silver has completely relieved the government, as well as the community at large, from the inconvenience of batta on the exchange of gold for silver money, which was for so many years a most serious subject of complaint at this Presidency. 49. And we have no doubt that, when a further progress shall have been made in the coinage and circulation of our last supply of specie, we shall experience its beneficial effects in the further improvement of public credit. 50. Requires no reply. 51. Mr. William Blunt having executed his covenants in duplicate, one part of them is returned a number in the packet. 52. We shall call upon Mr. Rawlins to execute these covenants as soon as he shall have arrived at this Presidency. (77) Mr. Thomas Charters per-' mitted to return and to remain in Bengal for 3 years to settle his affairs. (78) Six free mariners permitted to proceed to India. (79) Mr. James Grant permitted to remain in England another year. (80) Mr. J. Richard Barwell of 1797 and Hastings Impey of 1798, writers, permitted to remain in England till next season. (81) Two writers of 1796 and two of 1797 proceed to their duty. (82) Mr. Leopold Fichtel, a native of Vienna, permitted to proceed to Bengal, on botanical pursuits—orders respecting him. - 53. Require no reply. 54. We shall pay due attention to the orders contained in this para-graph. 422 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT after sight, and direct that they be which has obtained in Bengal for drawn in future after sight. many years past. This practise was sanctioned by your Honourable Court in your orders of the 18th September 1785, respecting the remittance of the Indian debt and has been since uniformly observed. 61. We conceive that the orders to which we have now the honor of replying are intended to apply to such bills only as may be drawn on account of engagements which may be hereafter contracted as we have not the option of making any alteration in the tenor of bills which we are bound to grant under existing engagements. 62. We have accordingly directed that all bills to be hereafter granted on account the sinking fund or any other account shall be drawn payable after sight, instead of 12 months after date, and that for the present the exchange shall be fixed at 2s. 6d. per sicca rupee, payable six months after sight. 63. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings of the 17th September last for a minute recorded by the Right Hon’ble the Governor General on resuming his seat in Council at this Presidency, expressive of His Lordship’s sense of the zealous co-operation which he experienced during his absence from His Excellency the Hon’ble the Vice President in Council in the prosecution of the late war against Tippoo Sultan, and particularly in the prompt dispatch of the extensive and important supplies of money and other articles which were required from Bengal for the use of the army destined to act against Mysoor. Fort St. George 64. . On our proceedings of the 1st October is recorded a letter from the Right Hon’ble the Governor in Council at Fort St. George expressing serious apprehensions of a scarcity of grain in the territories under that Presidency, and requesting to be furnished as early as might be practicable with ample supplies of rice from Bengal. 65. Those apprehensions we subsequently removed, and we are happy to acquaint you that we were enabled to countermand the Octobet1 ^^ orders which we had issued for the dispatch of rice to Fort St. George before they had been attended with any expense. 424 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT are in a great measure to be attributed to the suggestions of this able and valuable public officer. 75. Under these circumstances we feel it to be our duty to recommend Mr. John Bebb in the most particular manner to the favorable notice of your Honorable Court. 76. The sense which we are persuaded your Hon’bie Court will entertain of Mr. Bebb’s merits will, we are satisfied, readily induce you to permit him to return to Bengal with his rank in the service, whenever his health shall be re-established. 77. Mr. Thomas Myers has obtained our permission to resign the office of Accountant General at this Presidency and the service of the Hon’bie Company, and to proceed to England on your ship the Earl Howe. 78. We have great pleasure in expressing to your Hon’bie Court our high sense of the benefits which the public service has derived from the abilities, integrity, and diligence which have uniformly distinguished the conduct of Mr. Myers in this important office. In the arrangements for providing the extensive and important supplies which were so promptly furnished from Bengal for the prosecution of the late war against Tippoo Sultaun, the exertions of Mr. Myers were of eminent utility. Besides this testimony to the general merits of Mr. Myers, the Governor General in Council considers it as his duty to point him out to your Hon’bie Court as a person in whose upright character and sound judgment His Lordship places the utmost confidence, and who is thoroughly conversant with the public accounts and finances of India and with all subjects relating to those important branches of the public service. 79. We beg leave to recommend that Mr. Myers may be permitted to return to Bengal with his rank in the service, in the event of his making application to your Hon’bie Court for that purpose. Miscellaneous 80. By the Alligator our Secretary transmitted to the Secretary to your _ , _ , Hon’bie Court a duplicate of bills for bhurs and towboats Consn. 17th „ • t r i 7 1 r December 1798. furnished tor His Majesty s ship La Sybille, and copies ot Do. 24th letters from the Marine Board dated the 15th December September 1799. September last, in order to enable your Hon’bie Court to adjust the payment of these bills with the commissioners of His Majesty’s navy. 81. By the same conveyance we had the honor to forward the first of a set of bills for sicca Rs. 1,66,879-10-9 drawn by the commander of His Majesty’s ship La Forte in favour of your Hon’bie Court on the commissioners of His Majesty’s navy. 82. We beg leave to refer your Hon’bie Court to your proceedings of the 1st October for an account of the sale of some bales of rejected canvas imported on the extra ship Cornwallis but received from the Cuffnels in Madras Roads, and for the documents which will enable your Hon’bie Court to adjust the account with the owners of the Cuffnels. 426 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 90. A report of the stationery imported on the Rose is recorded on our proceedings of the 5th December. 91. In consideration of the representation contained in the letter from the Marine Board, recorded on our proceedings of the 10th December, we have agreed to allow a pension of sicca Rs. 13-5-4 per month to Johannis Johnson, a native Portuguese. 92. The state of our treasury this day is as follows vizt., State of the General Treasury the 31st December 1799 Ready money Gold mohurs 4,590-13-0 73,453- 0- 0 Silver Dollars Copper Bills receivable 19,671- 5- 0 1,33,197- 0- 0 40,979- 2- 5 6,118- 1- 5 2,53,747-[3-10] 2,911 [...] Unsorted treasure: 213 boxes dollars sicca rupees 2,56,659 [,.. ] 1,73,800- 0- 0 Balance account deposits Accountant General, Supreme Court Do. do Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased Remittance loan of 4th May 1797 Loans at 12 per cent ... Do. on which the interest has ceased Do. at 10 per cent New do Do. do 8 per cent Registered debt 2,57,556-10- 9 1,010- 9- 5 2,58,567- 4- 2 90,457- 1- 3 31,122- 6- 9 33,72,812- 1- 8 91,86,689- 3- 5 900- 2- 5 42,53,616- 2-10 1,02,21,846-11-10 13,37,265- 6- 9 3,92,85,931-10-10 6,80,39,208- 3-11 We have the honor to be etc. Fort William, the 31st December 1799. (Signed) Mornington / Alured Clarke / Wm. Cowper. (Original per Earl Howe. Duplicate per Princess Charlotte. Triplicate per Rose. Quadruplicate per Thurlow.) 27 LETTER DATED 25 JANUARY 1800 A new arrangement for the conduct of public business. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, We beg leave to point out to the notice of your Hon’ble Court a minute from the Right Hon’ble the Governor General recorded on our proceedings of the 29th October last, respecting a new arrangement which we have adopted for the conduct of the public business in the office of the Secretary to the Government. 2. This arrangement is connected with considerations relating to the immediate duties of the Governor General in Council on the subject of which it was our intention to have addressed your Hon’ble Court by this dispatch. 3. We find ourselves, however, under the necessity of deferring our intended address to a future opportunity. 4. As connected with one of the subjects, of that address, vizt., the relieving the Governor General in Council of all unnecessary labour of detail, we take this opportunity of acquainting you that we have established it as a general rule that all letters and papers heretofore attested by the Governor General and the members of Council shall in future be attested by the Secretary of the Department, or other principal officer. 5. From this rule we have of course excepted our addresses to your Hon’ble Court and to the subordinate Presidencies, and other papers to which considerations of respect to superior authority or other circumstances may require the signature of the Governor General and the members of Council to be affixed. 6. The only papers hitherto transmitted to your Hon’ble Court under the signature of the Governor General in Council to which that rule will apply are the annual and broken sets of our proceedings, and the certificates of the landing of the military and marine stores. A part of the papers of this' description forwarded by the present dispatch are attested by the Secretaries of the respective Departments. We have the honor to be etc., Fort William, (Signed) Mornington/W. Cowper. 25th January 1800. (Original per Earl Howe. Copy via Aleppo overland. Duplicate via Bagdad. Triplicate per Rose. Quadruplicate per Thurlow.} 430 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Company’s Servants 6. A list of the civil appointments made by the Governor General in Council since the 1st January last is transmitted a number in the packet. 7. We have permitted Mr. John Belli, Mr. Walter Me. Guire and Mr. E. E. Pote to resign your service and proceed to Europe, and beg leave to recommend that your Hon’ble Court will allow them to return to India with their rank should they apply for that indulgence within the prescribed period. Bombay 8. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings noted in the margin for a report made by the late Accountant General Mr. Thomas Myers of the saving which has been occasioned by the adop-Cons. 7th tion of ^g suggestions contained in his letter of the 18th J December 1796, leaving the remittance of the supplies of cash required for Bombay open to general competition, instead of contracting with bankers to make the remittances. 9. The following is a statement of the saving: In 1796/7 ... ... ... ... Sicca Rs. 37,440 1797/8 ... ... ... ... „ 1,49,882 1798/9 ... ... ... ... „ 3,08,886 Total Sicca Rs. 4,96,208 10. Observing that the supplies to Calicut had been uniformly remitted at par only, we have recommended it to the Hon’ble the Governor in Council at Bombay to endeavour to effect a more favorable remittance of them in future, either by having recourse to the mode so successfully adopted at Bombay and Surat, or by such other means as might appear advisable. 11. The reports on the stationary imported on the Britannia and Charlton Cons. 7th January, are recorded in our proceedings noted in the margin. Cons. 27th Feb. r b 6 1800. 12. The following is a statement of the average rates of baita on silver in each month of the years 1796, 7, 8 and 1799: 1796 1797 1798 1799 Rs as Rs as Rs as Rs as January 2 4 per cent 1 7 per ■ cent 0 12j per cent 0 4 per cent February 3 0 „ 1 14 ,, 1 0 „ 0 3 6 per cent March 4 3 „ 2 15 „ 2 13 April 4 2 „ 2 13 „ 3 4 „ ... . May 4 0 „ 2 3 „ 3 0 „ 10 6P. „ June 3 8 „ 3 0 „ 2 12 „ 2 3 „ July 5 1 „ 2 6 » 2 6 „ 10 „ August 3 10 „ 1 11 „ 1 5 „ 0 5 „ September 3 2 „ I 12 „ 0 9 October 2 9 „ . I 10 „ 0 9 November 2 11 „ I 5 „ 0 4 December I 7 „ 1 2 « 0 4 432 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 20. The state of our treasury is as follows: State of the General Treasury the 28th February 1800 Ready Money Gold mohurs ... 8,721-1-0 1,39,537- 0- 0 Silver ... ... 7,04,746- 8- 0 Copper ... ... 4,378-12-10 ---------------- 8,48,662[-4-10] Bills receivable ... ... ... ... 2,911[....j Sicca Rs. 8,51,574[....] Balance account deposits ... 2,57,129-3-6 Account. General, Supreme Court Do. Do. Mayor’s Court Old bond debt on which the interest has ceased ... Remittance loan of 4th May 1797 Loans @ 12 per cent ... Do. on which the interest has ceased Do. @ 10 per cent ... New Do. Do. 8 per cent loan . ... Register debt Fort William, the 1st March 1800. (Original per Rose. Duplicate per Thurlow.) 1,010-9-5 ---------- 2,58,139-12-11 90,457- 1-3 31,122- 6- 9 33,72,812- 1- 8 83,65,810- 8- 7 900- 2- 5 42,53,616-2-10 1,02,22,046-11-10 19,45,478- 5- 3 3,89,19,546- 1-1 ----------------- 6,74,59,929-[6-7] We have the honor to be etc., (Signed) Mornington / Alured Clarke / P. Speke / Wm. Cowper. 29 LETTER DATED 8 JULY 1800 Convicts from Botany Bay brought to Bengal—urgent necessity of preventing such persons from arriving in India. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. We take the earliest opportunity of transmitting to your Hon’ble Court the enclosed copies of reports made to the most noble the Governor General 434 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURt 11. We have directed a correspondent proclamation to be published at all the British settlements in India. Fort William, the 8th July 1800. We have the honor to be etc., (Signed) Wellesley / Alured Clarke / P. Speke / W. Cowper. (Original overland via Aleppo and Bagdad. Per Princess Mary. „ Anna.) 30 LETTER DATED 14 AUGUST 1800 Arrival of convicts in India—William Kingston and his ship the Hunter to be seized—dangerous consequences of free intercourse between New South Wales and India. To the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. In our letter of the 8th ultimo we had the honor to communicate to you the measures which had been adopted by the most noble the Governor General in Council for the purpose of preventing persons, having been convicts at the settlement of New South Wales, from establishing themselves in India. 2. Shortly after the arrival of the Minerva, another ship named the Hunter, commanded by William Kingston, imported at Calcutta from New South Wales. 3. This ship had on board twenty two persons who had been convicts, besides a person of the name of Elliott, who had been transported to New South Wales for life, and who had made his escape from thence in the Hunter. All these persons (with the exception of Elliott) embarked on board of the Hunter, with the knowledge of the Governor of New South Wales, for Bengal, and it appears that His Excellency was apprized that they were to be landed and left at this Presidency. 4. It appeared on enquiry that William Kingston did not possess any authority from your Hon’ble Court for repairing with his ship to India, and the law officers of Government having expressed it to be their opinion that he came within the description of persons trading to India without license, the Governor General in Council judged it proper to direct the person of William Kingston and the ship Hunter to be seized, and to order proceedings to be instituted in the Supreme Court of Judicature for the purposes of having the ship condemned and adjudged to the Company, and of obtaining a decree 31 to enter into Vide General letters from the Hon’ble Court dated 11th April 1785, 31st July 1787, 29th May 1799. LETTER DATED 20 AUGUST 1800 Mr. Ewer assumes charge of the affairs of the Residency of Fort Marlborough—Philip Braham's conduct—Governor-General’s intention to carry into effect the Court's orders regarding the reduction of the settlement of Fort Marlborough to a Residency. To the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’bls Sirs, In our letter of the 27th December last we had the honor to acquaint you that we had appointed Mr. Ewer to be Commissioner for the affairs of the Residency of Fort Marlborough for the purpose of investigating into the mismanagement and of correcting the abuses which had so long prevailed in every branch of the administration of Fort Marlborough. 2. Mr. Ewer arrived at Fort Marlborough on the 29th January last, and assumed the charge of the affairs of that Residency in conformity to the tenor of his commission. 3. From the enclosed extract of a report from the Commissioner, and from the copies of the letters of Lieutenant Colonel Clayton and Lieutenant Beaghan to which that extract refers, it appears that Mr. Philip Braham, the senior civil servant at that Residency, had actually proposed to resist the orders of the Governor General in Council for placing the temporary charge of the affairs of the Residency in the hands of the Commissioner. 4. From the papers abovementioned, it appears that Mr. Braham has attempted to justify his conduct on the following grounds. First, that the Governor General in Council was incompetent to suspend the civil servants who composed the Council of the Residency at Fort Marlborough from the exercise of their functions, or to transfer the management of the affairs of that Residency to a Commissioner ; Secondly, that the Governor General in Council did not state in the first instance to the servants composing the Council of the Residency His Lordship’s reasons for deputing the Commissioner, and did not give to the Council at Fort Marlborough any other notice of the powers of the Commissioner than that which is contained in Mr. Ewer’s commission. 5. In stating our sentiments on the first point, we think it unnecessary any discussion, on the general powers of superintendance, direction, and control vested by law in the Governor General in Council, conceiving that the authority which the Governor General in Council has exercised at Fort Marlborough was fully warranted by the powers derived from your orders by the local Government of the Presidency of Fort William. 6. The orders of your Hon’ble Court of the 11th April 1785 direct that tire Presidency of Fort Marlborough be reduced to a “mere Residency”, that 438 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT servants, his attempts to resist by the most outrageous means, the prosecution of the enquiry into these abuses in which he himself had been deeply concerned constitutes a serious aggravation of his offence. 13. With respect to the letter written by the orders of the Governor General in Council to Colonel Clayton, the primary object of it was to explain to that officer that the transfer of the powers of the Council of the Residency, altho’ it necessarily excluded him from any share in the management of the public affairs, was not intended to throw any imputation on his conduct, which had uniformly been regulated by the most honorable principles. 14. Mr. Braham’s observations respecting that letter merit no notice further than as they are highly disrespectful to the Governor General in Council and as they afford a fresh instance of a turbulent, disorderly, and intemperate spirit. It is impossible to suppose that His Lordship could have judged it necessary to have recourse to the employment of a military force for the purpose of removing from office a few insignificant individuals absolutely subject to the orders of your Government in India from whom, whatever might have been the temerity or violence of their dispositions, no serious opposition could have been expected. 15. Mr. Braham’s letters, at the same time that they manifest the erroneous and dangerous opinions entertained by the servants at Fort Marl borough with respect to their relation to the Supreme Government, have disclosed a primary cause of the abuses which have prevailed at that settlement. It is not surprizing that the servants at Fort Marlborough should have disregarded the orders of this Government when they supposed that its powers over them were so inefficient as they are asserted to be by Mr. Braham. 16. We shall wait for further advices from the Commissioner before we determine what measures we shall adopt with respect to Mr. Braham whose violence and contumacy will not induce the Governor General in Council to deviate from the even course of temperate justice. 17. With regard to the justice, the expediency and the necessity of suspending the senior servants at Fort Marlborough from the temporary charge of the affairs of the Residency, and of transferring the sole management of those affairs to the Commissioner, we refer your Hon’ble Court to the public proceedings. It is now fifteen years since the efforts of your Hon’ble Court and of this Government have been in vain exerted for the purpose of extending the principles of wise policy and public integrity, established in your other settlements of India, to that of Fort Marlborough. In your above recited orders of 1785 for the reform of the affairs of that settlement, you express your expectations that the expences of the settlement of Fort Marlborough will not in future exceed the sum of pounds sterling 27,654 per annum ; and in your letter of the 31st July 1787 you estimate the investment of pepper will on an average amount to 1,500 tons annually, and ultimately to 1,800 tons. 18. But instead of this expected increase in the investment of pepper, and reduction of expence, the quantity of pepper obtained annually has diminished to tons 960, while the annual expences have swelled to the enormous sum of 7,81,570 dollars or upwards of two hundred thousand pounds sterling. 440 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT the same time that it opened to the servants invested with the care of those interests a more ready means of availing themselves of the aid of the treasury of Bengal, and consequently afforded a more extensive field for profusion and misapplication of the public money. 24. We are confident that under proper management the settlement of Fort Marlborough may be rendered a very valuable possession to the Company. The principles on which the affairs of that settlement are now conducted, while they render it a heavy drain upon the resources of Bengal, are disgraceful to the British name and character. 25. It is the intention, therefore, of the Governor General in Council to carry your orders of 1785 for reducing the settlement of Fort Marlborough to a Residency into effect, conformably to their original spirit, as constituting the only means of accomplishing the object of those orders as well as of your recent orders of the 29th May 1799. 26. With this view the Governor General in Council proposes to commit the management of the affairs of the Residency to a civil officer with the appellation of Lieutenant Governor, or such other official denomination as may appear advisable. This officer will unite in his person the general control of the civil and military power, and it is the intention of His Lordship in Council (provided the measure shall meet with your approbation) that the Lieutenant Governor shall always be appointed immediately from Bengal The servants on the establishment of Fort Marlborough will fill the several situations under the Residency which it may be found advisable to retain; and the Governor General in Council will regulate the emoluments of all persons in situations of trust conformably to the principles of justice and policy recognized in the establishments of Bengal. 27. With regard to the civil servants who formed the late Council of the Residency, we must await the conclusion of the Commissioner’s enquiries before the Governor General in Council can determine how far it will be proper to employ those servants in any public situation. 28. To give full effect to these arrangements, we beg leave to recommend that your Hon’ble Court will be pleased to discontinue all immediate correspondence with the Residency at Fort Marlborough, and that you will be pleased to address all your orders on the subject of that settlement to the Governor General in Council. His advices to you will contain all the necessary details of the affairs of that settlement. Abuses have been concealed and protracted by the advantages derived at Fort Marlborough from the double correspondence carried on from thence with your Hon’ble Court and with this Presidency, and under this system of management, your orders have been eluded. 29. In order to prevent the number of servants on the establishment of Fort Marlborough from exceeding what may be required for the public service, we further beg leave to recommend that the writers to be hereafter appointed to that establishment may be limited to such a number as the Governor General in Council shall hereafter report to you to be requisite. If they should exceed that number, their allowances will be an useless charge on the resources of the settlement and will contract the means of improving the situations of those 442 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT Answer to Public General letter, 31st October 1799 (1) State the date of their last dispatches. (2 and 3) Acknowledge receipt of despatches under date the 25th and 31st December 1798 and 4th March 1799. (4) Have appointed Mr. Henry Clive a writer of the season of 1799. (5) Have extended the period for the expiration of the rate of exchange fixed for bills from China to 30th April 1801. (6) Have appointed Messrs Hyde and Master to act as agents in the clearance of baggage, wine, presents etc., from the Company's warehouse. (7 and 8) The exportation of spirits to New South Wales to be prevented . 4. Require no reply. (9) Have permitted ten persons to proceed to India as free mariners. (10) Have agreed to send sundry lascars to India on certain conditions. Public General letter of 5th March 1800. 5. We have published the orders contained in this paragraph, in the Gazette at this Presidency. 6. In obedience to your orders on the subject of this paragraph, we have prohibited the exportation of spirits from Bengal to the settlement of New South Wales. 7. Require no reply. 8. Requires no reply. Answer to Assistant Secretary’s letter of 22nd August 1799 Mr. Charles Grant permitted to send 20,000 ounces for foreign silver on the Houghton to Bombay ; the equivalent thereof to be paid to Messrs Udny Creighton and Grant, on advice of the same having been paid into the treasury at Bombay. Secretary’s letter of 12th October 1799. 9. Advice having been received from the Government of Bombay of the payment of the silver mentioned in this paragraph into the treasury at that Presidency, the bills of that Government in favor of Messrs Udny Creighton and Grant, have been discharged. 10. Requires no reply. Fort St. George 11. On our proceedings of the 31st July last is recorded a letter from the Right Hon’ble the Governor in Council at Fort St. George, expressing apprehensions of a scarcity of grain in the territories subject to the immediate 2 SEPTEMBER 1800 443 government of that Presidency, and requesting to be furnished with large supplies of rice from Bengal. 12. The Governor General in Council has directed the necessary measures to be adopted for the dispatch of a considerable supply of rice to Fort St. George. 13. The Governor in Council at Fort St. George having found it necessary to negociate a loan for bills on Bengal to the amount of three and a half lacs of pagodas, the Governor General in Council deemed it to be indispensibly necessary, with a view of providing for the large amount of the present and expected demands on the treasury of this Presidency, and of maintaining the public credit in India on it’s present favorable footing, to direct the Government of Fort St. George to dispatch all the bullion and specie which may be consigned by your Hon’ble Court to that Presidency in the present season, to Bengal. Bombay 14. On our proceedings of the 14th March last is recorded a letter from the Government of Bombay stating that they had prolonged the term for receiving subscriptions to the new 8 per cent loan at that MarchSn 14th Presidency until the end of March, and submitting a proposition of their Accountant General for converting that loan into a decennial loan. 15. The Governor General in Council did not deem it advisable to make the loan irredeemable for ten years, being of opinion that no considerable additional supply would be obtained by that measure. But he authorized the Governor in Council to keep the loan open until the 30th April, and directed him to transmit the earliest information of the amount subscribed at that period, that the necessary measures might be taken to provide for any deficiency in the resources of Bombay for the year. 16. From the estimate of the expected receipts and disbursements of the Government of Bombay, from 1st May 1800 to 30th April 1801, it appeared T that the 12 per cent debt at that Presidency amounted to Consn. 26th June. . i a aaa sicca rupees 20,10,000. 17. The period for the payment of that debt having nearly arrived when the 8 per cent loan was opened, it would have been desirable if the Government of Bombay had, at the same time, declared all the securities of that Presidency, bearing an interest of 12 or of 9 per cent, whether in course of payment or not, to be transferable to that loan. 18. This measure not having been adopted by the Governor in Council, we judged it expedient to desire him to reopen the loan which had been recently closed, and to make the 12 and 9 per cent securities at Bombay transferable to that loan. 19. We at the same time authorized the Governor in Council to draw bills to the amount of two lacs of rupees per month on this treasury, and on the treasuries of Lucknow and Benares for the same amount; and one lack of rupees per month on the Collector of Behar and of Moorshedabad. But we positively directed that no exclusive engagement should be entered into 444 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT by the Government of Bombay with any shroff; and that a free competition should be admitted in the negotiation of the drafts, as a measure calculated to obtain the most advantageous offers for the public. 20. The Governor General in Council further authorized the Governor in Council, in the event of bullion or specie arriving at Bombay on board of any of your ships from England, to appropriate a sum equal to the amount of twenty lacs of rupees to their exigencies, although the treasure might not be consigned by you to that Presidency. Canton 21. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings of the 27th March and 17th July last for the advices which we have received from Canton since the date of our last dispatches. It afforded us the greatest satisfaction to observe from the estimate of stock transmitted by the supracargoes for 1799/1800/1 that so considerable a surplus was expected to remain in their treasury at the close of the ensuing season, without calculating upon the receipt of any bullion from Europe. 22. The Governor General in Council deems it unnecessary to make any further observations on the state of the treasury at Canton, as he has addressed the Secret Committee of your Hon’ble Court at large on the subject in a letter dated the 19th ultimo dispatched over land. Cape of Good Hope 23. On our proceedings of the 22nd May is recorded a letter from His Excellency the Governor of the British possessions at the Cape of Good Hope to the Governor General, on the subject of the botanical gardens at the Cape, and at the island of St. Vincents. 24. The reply of the Governor General in Council is recorded in the proceedings noted in the margin, and we beg leave to inform you that, in consequence of our orders to the Superintendant of the Consn. 5th June. Botanical Garden at this Presidency, he has shipped on the Princess Mary, now under dispatch, two chests of plants and a box, containing above one hundred kinds of seeds, accompanied by a catalogue of the plants at present growing in the Hon’ble Company’s Botanic Garden in Bengal, for the information of His Excellency the Governor of the Cape. 25. We beg leave to refer you to our proceedings of the dates annexed, for our determination on an application from Mr. B. Fergusson to be per-Consn. 24th April. mitted to export goods to a large amount from Bengal to „ 22nd May. the Cape of Good Hope ; and for the orders which we have „ 5th June, judged it expedient to transmit to the Agent at the Cape of Good Hope; and to the Presidencies of Fort St. George and Bombay, respecting the supplies which may in future be required at the Cape from the Company’s settlements in India. Prince of Wales’s Island 26. The Governor General in Council in his letter of the 1st of March last acquainted your Hon’ble Court that he had appointed Sir George Leith to be Lieutenant Governor of Prince of Wales’s Island. 2 SEPTEMBER 1800 445 27. His Lordship’s instructions to Sir George Leith are recorded in our proceedings of the 20th March last. 28. The increasing importance of the settlement of Prince of Wales’s Island, it’s distance from the seat of the supreme authority in India, and the factious and disorderly conduct of some of the European inhabitants of the island rendered it indispensibly necessary that its local administration should be established on a respectable footing. 29. His Lordship in Council therefore judged it necessary to substitute the official designation of Lieutenant Governor for that of Superintendant, and to annex to the office the extended powers detailed in his abovementioned instructions. 30. The Governor General in Council selected Sir George Leith for the office of Lieutenant Governor, from his personal knowledge of that officer’s integrity, prudence and firmness, and from His Lordship’s conviction that the services of Sir George Leith will be eminently useful by securing to the Company all the advantages to be derived from this important settlement. 31. The late Superintendant having repeatedly represented to the Governor General the inadequacy of his allowances for defraying his necessary expences and His Lordship being satisfied on a full investigation of the subject that those representations were well founded, the Governor General in Council has authorized the Lieutenant Governor to charge for his table and other personal expences attending his situation, in addition to the salary of 2,000 rupees per month allowed to the late Superintendant. 32. This arrangement appeared to His Lordship preferable to any increase of the established salary, as the expences of the office fluctuate with the resort of ships and troops to the island ; and His Lordship can rely on the approved honor of Sir George Leith that no charge will be made beyond the expence actually incurred. 33. The improvement of the revenues of the island and the due administration of it’s Government must necessarily depend, in a great degree, on the integrity and vigilance of the Lieutenant Governor. It is therefore equally just, wise and consistent with the principles of true economy that the allowances annexed to the office should be placed on such a scale as shall enable the Lieutenant Governor to defray those expences necessarily connected with the respectable maintenance of his situation and also to reserve what may be deemed a reasonable remuneration for zealous and honorable service. 34. Considering it to be necessary that an officer should always be on the island, prepared to undertake the temporary administration, of the Government, in the event of the absence or death of the Lieutenant Governor, we have appointed Mr. William Edward Phillips (a gentleman whose character and abilities qualify him in every respect for the situation) to accompany the Lieutenant Governor as his Secretary and we have given to Mr, Phillips a rank above the other civil officers on the island. 35. We have fixed Mr. Phillips’s allowances at sicca Rs. 1,000 per month, a sum bearing a very moderate proportion to the duties and responsibility of the office, and to the unavoidable expences necessarily attendant on a residence at that settlement. 446 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 36. With a view also of providing more effectually for the administra tion of justice on the island, the Governor General in Council has appointed Mr. John Dickens to be Judge and Magistrate of the island. This gentleman has practised for several years as a barrister in the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William with considerable reputation, and he is fully qualified for the discharge of the judicial duties of the island, which are now become laborious and important. 37. The Governor General in Council has not yet determined on the allowance to be granted to Mr. Dickens. His Lordship proposes to take a future opportunity of addressing your Honorable Court on this point, as well as on the subject of the constitution of the court of judicature which he proposes to establish at Prince of Wales’s Island. Marine 38. On our proceedings noted in the margin is recorded a letter from Consn. 24th the Marine Board, with a report on a survey made of marine April. stores imported on the ships of last season. 39. The Marine Board having recommended to us the building of two gun boats, to assist in protecting the trade of this port, and these vessels appearing to us likely to contribute materially towards the attainment of that important objects, we authorized the building of the boats. 40. From our proceedings of the 26th June you will observe that the expence of building the boats is estimated at the sum of sicca Rs. 57,976 and die amount, as well as the expence of the establishment required for them, must be considered as a charge on the additional duty levied at this port for the protection of the trade. 41. The establishment for the pilot service being complete, and a number of young men being upon the supernumerary list waiting for vacancies, we beg leave to recommend that your Hon’ble Court will not send any boys from England for the pilot service in Bengal, until we shall make further application to you for that purpose. 42. The Marine Board having laid before us the proceedings of a court of enquiry on Mr. Stone, a master in your pilot service, charged with drunken-Consn 5th Tune neSS w^e conducting a ship down the river, the charge against Mr. Stone was established; it appeared that the ship was run on shore and lost in consequence of Mr. Stone being in a state of intoxication; the Governor General in Council therefore ordered him to be dismissed from the service. His Lordship also ordered notice to be given to the marine establishment that pilots or other officers, who might be found guilty of similar misconduct while on duty, would not only be dismissed from the service, but sent to England. 43. Mr. Harding, a branch pilot, has been struck off the establishment Consn. 19th and placed on the pension list. June. Company’s Servants 44. A list of the civil appointments made by the Governor General in Council since the 1st of March last is transmitted a number in the packet. 2 SEPTEMBER 1800 447 45. We have permitted Mr. Charles Cockerell, Mr. Chas. Sweedland and Lord H. W. Stuart to resign your service, and to proceed to England, and beg leave to recommend that your Hon’ble Court will allow them to return to India with their rank, should they apply for that indulgence within the prescribed period. 46. At the request of Mr. Bcrrie we beg leave to point out to your notice a letter from Mr. Berrie recorded in our proceedings of the TSna* 3rd July? ^rd July. The Governor General in Council has nothing to offer respecting this letter, in addition to the information already before you on the subject of it. 47. In our letter of the 1st of March last, the Governor General in Coun-cil had the honor to acquaint you that he had fixed a period for holding an examination of the junior civil servants who had been appointed to attend Mr. Gilchrist for instruction in the Hindoostanee and Persian languages. 48. Pursuant to that determination the following gentlemen were appointed a committee for the conduct of the examination: G. H. Barlow Esqr., J. H. Harington Esqr., N. B. Edmonstone Esqr., Lieutt. Coll. Wm. Kirkpatrick, W. C. Blaquiere Esqr. 49. A copy of the report of the committee (with the exception of its enclosures) and of the orders passed by the Governor General in Council on the subject of the report are forwarded a number in the packet. 50. It is with great satisfaction that the Governor General in Council notices the merits of Mr. Waring, Mr. Lloyd and the late Mr. Mackenzie, the three gentlemen whose names stand at the head of the list of the first class in the report of the committee. These gentlemen established a claim to particular commendation by having, while engaged in the study of the Hindoostanee language, (of which they evinced an extensive knowledge) also made a considerable progress in the Persian language. 51. Your Hon’ble Court will participate in the concern expressed by the Governor General in Council at the premature decease of Mr. Mackenzie. The Governor General in Council is persuaded that you will approve of his having directed the prizes, to which Mr. Mackenzie would have been entitled, to be delivered to his representatives as a testimony of His Lordship’s sense of the merits and talents of that promising young gentleman. 52. In addition to these distinguished instances of merit, your Hon’ble Court will observe with great satisfaction that all the students in the first class, without exception, manifested a knowledge of the Hindoostanee langu-aSe> greatly exceeding the expectation of the committee. 53. The same observation (allowing for the difference of the period of study) is applied by the committee to a great proportion of the students of the second, third and fourth classes, particularly to Mr. Trant, who obtained the first prize in the second class, altho’ the period of his study had been considerably shorter than that of many of the gentlemen in the same class. 54. The instances of meritorious exertion were not exclusively confined to those students in the several classes to whom prizes have been adjudged; their merit was such as to entitle them to those honorary distinctions; but many others of the students evinced a knowledge of the Hindoostanee langu- 448 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT age, which entitled them to the established allowance for a moonshee, under the principle prescribed by the Governor General in Council. 55. The Governor General in Council is happy to acquaint your Hono rable Court that the gentlemen, respecting whose progress in the Hindoostanee language the committee were unable to make any favorable report, formed but a small proportion of the students. Your Hon’ble Court will observe that the Governor General in Council did not deem it proper to record the names of those gentlemen, trusting that he shall have it in his power hereafter to make a favorable report to your Hon’ble Court of their diligence and exertions. 56. The Governor General in Council is confident that your Hon’ble Court will approve of the manner in which he judged it proper to reward the merits of the gentlemen whose names are placed at the head of the respective classes. He is persuaded that the expense attending these rewards will be considered by you of little importance compared with the benefits which have been derived from the institution superintended by Mr. Gilchrist, in laying the foundation of an extensive and accurate knowledge of the Hindoostanee language among your junior servants on this establishment. 57. The merits of Mr. Gilchrist are entitled to the particular notice of the Governor General in Council. That gentleman has with great labor formed a most valuable grammar and dictionary of the Hindoostanee language, and thereby afforded the means of acquiring that useful language (hitherto spoken very imperfectly by Europeans) with facility and correctness. Mr. Gilchrist is also entitled to the fullest approbation of the Governor General in Council, for the zeal, ability and diligence with which he has discharged the duty committed to him of instructing the junior servants in the knowledge of the Hindoostanee and Persian languages. 58. For such other details respecting the examination as the Governor General in Council has deemed it proper to record, he begs leave to refer you to the report of the committee and to his orders passed in Council upon that report. In this place His Lordship will only add that the benefits which have been experienced in so short a period from this limited institution under the superintendence of Mr. Gilchrist will enable your Hon’ble Court to form some estimate of the great advantages which must result to the interests of the Company, from the regular systematic education established under the institution of the College at Fort William, in every branch of knowledge requisite for the discharge of the arduous duties and high and important functions for which your junior civil servants are respectively destined in the administration of the government of the British possessions in India. Miscellaneous 59. On our proceedings of the 14th March last is recorded a minute from the Governor General, from which your Hon’ble Court will observe that the registers of bills of exchange drawn upon you will in future be attested by our Secretary. 450 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT 71. The result of the combined enquiries of Doctor Buchanan, Major Lambton,2 Captain Mackenzie3 and Mr. Heyne4 will, we trust, furnish you with the fullest information respecting the condition and resources of those valuable possessions. 72. The instructions of the Governor General in Council to Mr. Buchanan, and the detailed plans for the survey to be made by Major Lambton and Captain Mackenzie, are recorded on our proceedings of the 14th March last. 73. On our proceedings of the annexed dates, is recorded the correspond-Consns. 7th and ence of the Governor General in Council with the acting attorney of Mr. Peter Moore,5 on the subject of that gentle-February. L r ° 22nd May. man s claim on the Hon ble Company. 5th and 22nd June. 74. From this correspondence it will fully appear that the attorney of Mr. Moore was not empowered to adjust the claim of his constituent, except on condition of our allowing him compound interest. We could not acquiesce in an adjustment on such terms, as it would have been inconsistant with your orders of the 5th June 1799. We therefore ordered the payment of the simple interest due on such of the bonds as might be tendered at the treasury, leaving Mr. Moore’s claim to compound interest to the final determination of your Hon’ble Court. 75. The sum paid by the Governor General in Council for the discharge of the debts of persons confined for small sums in the Calcutta goal, on the solemn occasion of the general thanksgiving on the 6th of February last, amounts to sicca Rs. 12,790-2 as stated in the account, recorded on our proceedings of the 3rd April last. 76. The select vestry of Calcutta laid before the Governor General in Council sundry accounts relating to the expences incurred on account of the New Church, amounting to sicca Rs. 28,219-8-9 which had not been adjusted. We directed the amount of these expences, which had been defrayed from die funds of the Charity School, to be made good to that institution. This determination was grounded on the resolutions of the Governor General in Council, passed on the 22nd July 1791, by which it appeared that it was his intention to provide the funds which might be requisite for the support of the establishment of the New Church at this Presidency. 77. In consideration of the representations contained in the letters from Michael Rodrigo® and Mr. John Mills,7 dated 7th January and 13th February, recorded on our proceedings of the 14th March last, the Governor General in Council has allowed a pension of sicca Rs. 80 per month to the former, and of sicca Rs. 100 per month to the latter. 78. On our proceedings of the 23rd January last is recorded a letter from Capt. J. Stewart complaining of the conduct of the commanders of the Hon’ble Company’s ships Manship and Lansdown. 79. We transmitted a copy of the letter to Fort St. George, that the necessary inquiries might be made into the circumstances stated by Captain Stewart, but as the ship had sailed before the arrival of our orders, we beg leave to refer the case to your Hon’ble Court, for such notice as it may appear to you to merit 33 LETTER DATED 13 SEPTEMBER 1800 Pecuniary gratification to be paid to Captain Romaine of the Triton. To the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Since closing our dispatches in this Department of the 2nd instant, we have had the honor to receive your letter of the 18th April last by the Cornwallis. 2. Our Chief Secretary has also received, and laid before the Governor General in Council, the letters from the Secretary of your Hon’ble Court dated the 17 th and 21st of the same month. Answer to the Public General letter of the 18th April 1800 (1-2) State the date of their last advices, and acknowledge the receipt of dispatches. (3-4) Have appointed a Committee of Secrecy for giving the necessary directions respecting the safety of the Company’s shipping; and a Secret Committee; name the members and direct obedience to their orders. (5) Have given positive directions to the commanders and others in their service, who may be possessed of His Majesty’s letter of marque, not to exercise any power they may suppose themselves, in consequence, to possess, in any port or harbour at any of their settlements in India, China or St. Helena, except with the concurrence of their respective governments on pain of dismission from their service. (6) Have permitted Mr. Henry' Ramus to return to his rank in the civil service. (7- 8) Have appointed four writers of the season of 1798 and two of 1799. 3. Require no reply. 4. We shall pay due obedience to the orders contained in these paragraphs. 5. Requires no reply. - 6. Require no reply. (9) Mr. Wm. Roxburgh permitted 7. We shall pay attention to the to proceed to assist his father Dr. orders contained in this paragraph 454 PUBLIC LETTER TO COURT exchange for £ sterling 33-16s-9d drawn in favor of your Hon’ble Court on Messrs. Edmund Boehm & Co. We beg leave to request that your Hon’ble Court will be pleased to direct the amount of the bill to be received and distributed to the persons respectively entitled to the sums particularized in Mr. Bristow’s letter. We have the honor to be etc., Fort William, the 13th September 1800. (Signed) Wellesley / Peter Speke / William Cowper. (Original per Princess Mary. Duplicate per Anna.) 456 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT opium, the more especially as the longer it is kept the less it is adapted for sale owing to decay, to which from the nature of the article it is subject. 5. From these considerations, we thought it most adviseable to direct, that all the opium remaining on hand should be sold outright, unless any more eligible measures should occur to the Board of Trade. 6. It is further proposed to inform your Hon’ble Court that we have availed ourselves of a claim in the contract with the Bengal contractor to direct the rejection of 309 chests of opium delivered by him and that it has been accordingly rejected. We have the honor to be &ca 11 January 1796. (Per Hillsborough.) 35 LETTER DATED 7 MARCH 1796 Fall in the price of opium—Eastern markets overstocked with last year’s export. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors etc. Hon’ble Sirs, Opium 1. Pursuant to our resolution communicated to your Hon’ble Court in our letter of the 11th of January, the sale of the whole of the opium remaining on hand took place on the 23rd, 24th and 25th ultimo and it is with great concern we lay before you the following very unfavorable result. Quality Behar When sold 23rd 24th Number of chests sold 1,800 778 Produce in sicca rupees 3,16,840 1,43,884 A Sicca rupees verage per chest 176 184-15 2,578 4,60,724 178-11 Benares 803 1,89,639 236-2 6 Boglepore 25th 721 44,120 [ 61-3 Bengal 4 Purnea 355 25,755 66- 72-8 ( Rungpore 308 21,494 69-12 4,765 7,41,732 Musters of 1793-4 8 816 Total chests 4,773 Sicca rupees 7,42,548 458 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT actually charge of this Department, we found it inadequate to the responsibility and magnitude of the trust. Accordingly on appointing Mr. Cotton Secretary, we deemed it compatible with the established principle of your service to increase his income by permitting him to receive, in lieu of his former salary, Consn. 28th December. an allowance of 500 rupees per mensem together with the amount collected on rowannah fees and a small commission under certain limitations on the profits of the salt and opium sales as particularised in the proceedings noted in the margin. 3 We have the pleasure to inform you that ten lacs of maunds of salt sold on the 2nd instant for sicca rupees 28,92,535-1-5 at an average of 289-4-1 per % maunds which is rather a more favourable sale than that of last May. Opium 4. On the 2nd November we submitted to you our sentiments on the expediency of the proposition suggested by the Board of Trade of securing for the benefit of the Company the opium imported from the dominions of the Nabob Vizier. But as on a further investigation of the matter there appeared many and important objections to this measure, we deemed it adviseable upon the grounds stated in the Governor General’s minute reFebruary 29th corded on our proceedings of the 29th February to endeavour to obtain the Nabob’s concurrence to a prohibition of the importation of opium, the manufacture of his country, into the Company’s provinces, and as His Highness acquiesced in our suggestion, we hope it will prevent any considerable diminution of the profit hitherto derived from the monopoly of this article. We are etc. etc. Fort William, 20th May 1796. (Per Henry Dundas.) 37 LETTER DATED 5 JULY 1796 Price of Bengal salt—compensation to Mr. Grant. To the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices in this Department were dated the 20th of May. 2. We have since been honored with your letter of the 28th of October per Dart to which we now proceed to reply. 460 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT of Mr. Goodlad’s plan for extending the manufacture of salt in the 24 Pergunnahs. (19-20) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. (21 ) ' Satisfactory of the conduct of the Board of Trade to whose management they attribute the increase of proceeds arising from salt sales. (22 ) Referring to the Public Department for the Court’s sentiments on the loss sustained by the purchase of silver for the use of the Salt Dept. (23 ) Approbation of the conduct of the Board of Trade. (24 to 34) Adverting to paragraphs that need no reply. of Trade for the information required in this paragraph. 10. Need no reply. 11. Copy of this paragraph has been communicated to the Board of Trade. 12. Need[s] no reply. 13. Copy of this paragraph has been transmitted to the Board of Trade. 14. Need no reply. Salt 15. We have the pleasure to inform you that ten lacs of maunds of salt produced, by public sale on the 1st and 2nd instant, sicca rupees 30,36,718-1-11 —making the average rate per % mds. sicca rupees 303-10-9 upon which we have the satisfaction to add that the prices of the Bengal salt have been considerably higher, and that of the Coast rather more advantageous than those of the July sale in 1795. Opium 16. In our last advices to your Hon’ble Court of the 20th of May, we 23rd Ma signified to you that the Vizier had given his concurrence to a prohibition of the importation of opium, manufactured in his dominions, into the Company’s provinces. We have accordingly notified to the public that the prohibition will take effect from the 1st of January 1797. 17. The Board of Trade have in consequence been called upon to submit 18th A ril to us a ^ra^ °^ a re8u^^on containing the necessary modification which it will be necessary to make in the regulations for the customs. 18. The proceedings noted in the margin contain a letter from Mr. James 18th April. *See his letter of the 21st of August 1789. Consn. 9th September, Revenue Augustus Grant stating the injury he should sustain as an extensive dealer in Oude opium by our enforcing the prohibition. Mr. Grant* having early apprized Government of his concern in opium in the Vizier’s territories, and having not been discouraged from prosecuting them, but on the Department. contrary having been allowed to import the opium, which he had annually manufactured to a large amount, we referred his letter to. the Board of Trade for their opinion as to the nature 462 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT larger sum than what we have mentioned will be realized unless some unexpected favourable change should take place previous to the sales. 26. Had the estimate for 1,796-7 been formed, according to former usage, upon the average selling prices and quantities of the three preceding seasons, the profit would have stood at sicca rupees 15,14,479-5, and if upon the average selling prices of the two sales in December and February last, the profit would have appeared sicca rupees 4,08,246-5. We have etc. Fort William, 5th July 1796. (Per Dart,) 38 LETTER DATED 31 AUGUST 1796 Remission of the duty on jewels—fall in price of salt. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices from this Department were dated the 5th July last. Customs 2. Jewels being easily secreted, and as the attempt to levy a duty on them must consequently in a great degree prove nugatory, and at the same time prevent our obtaining information of the extent of the import and export of such commodities, we judged it proper, on the receipt of an application from an Armenian for a remission of the duties on some jewels imported by him from Madras, to declare all jewels exempted from duty both on import and export. We determined however that they should be entered at the Customs House, and their value reported, under the penalty of being subject to the payment of double customs, vizt., 5 per cent, for any neglect of such entry or report. Salt 3. On our proceedings of the 18th July is recorded a letter from the Board of Trade, dated the 12th ultimo, transmitting the annual accounts of the Salt Department, formed upon the same principles as those of the last a v t i year, together with a summary of the most material transac-Consn. 18th July. < 7, . 7 . _ . _ , tions which have taken place m this Department subse- quent to their letter of the 5th May forwarded to you with our dispatches of the 15th May 1795 (per Royal Admiral). This letter was received after the 464 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT mending it to them to insert in the engagements the same conditions as those contained in the existing contracts with Messrs. Kendersly, Watts & Co., for guarding against the delivery of salt of inferior quality, to that specified in the contract. 9. On our proceedings of the 8th August is recorded a report from the Board of Trade on the customs collected in the Company’s provinces, exclusive of Benares, from the 1st May 1795 to the 30th April 1796, from which it appears that the net proceeds so collected amount to sicca rupees 7,24,332. 10. We have great satisfaction in observing that notwithstanding the general reduction which took place in the rate of the customs on the 1st June last, and the war in Europe, the above-stated sum exceeds the proceeds of any former year since the abolition of the Government customs in the amount of sicca rupees 3,14,869 and that it is 76 per cent above the estimate of the proceeds made by the Committee of Accounts at the India House on the 15th February 1793, although that estimate was for a time of peace. 11. We ascribe this encrease of the customs to the large import of goods from the Upper Provinces; to a great extension of the exports from Calcutta by sea ; to an encreasing export direct to the United States of America ; to the half per cent paid on the export of piece goods more than the old town duties; and to the vigilance and exertion of the appraiser of piece goods. 12. With a view to the further encrease of the revenue derived from the customs, as well as to preserve uniformity in the system of collecting the duties throughout the provinces, we have thought it adviseable to appoint a separate officer to collect the customs at Benares, with the same salary and allowances as are received by the Collector of the Customs at Mangee.2 From the Governor General’s minute recorded on the Sth of August, you will observe that we had this arrangement in contemplation on the establishment of the new system in Benares, and we have little doubt but that the expected augmentation in the receipts will arise from the adoption of it, as the duties of the Collector of the land revenue, under whose superintendence these collections were before placed, entirely precluded him from giving that attention to the conduct of the native officers by whom the duties are immediately levied, which is necessary to prevent the abuse of their trust. 13. On our proceedings of the same date is recorded an estimate of the probable receipts and disbursements in Bengal of the Salt Department from the 1st of May 1796 to the 30th April 1797. This statement estimates the neat resource of Government from salt at the sum of 71,03,300. Having determined however, since it was formed, to import six lacks of maunds instead of 4,20,000, a proportionate reduction is to be made from the estimated neat profit, on account of the encreased quantity to be paid for. 14. We have the honor to transmit in the packet, broken sett of our proceedings in this Department from the 11th July to 29th August 1796 inclusive, as also a continuation of the index from the 2nd of May to the same period. We have the honor to be etc., Fort William, 31 August 1796. (Per Georgiana.) 466 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT total value of the merchandize together with coins and bullion exported from Bengal amounts to sicca rupees 98,42,359. Total value of merchandize imported into Bengal ... 1,12,93,453 Leaving a balance in favor of imports of sicca rupees 14,51,094 Fort William, 3rd October 1796. (Per Georgiana.) We have the honor to be etc. 40 LETTER DATED 9 JANUARY 1797 Repeal of duties levied on American ships—rates of exchange of coins— table of exchange for Calcutta Customs—report on opium sales. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors etc. Hon’ble Sirs, Customs 1. Our last advices in this Department to your Hon’ble Court were dated the 3rd October last. 2. Immediately after the publication of the treaty of commerce and navigation between His Majesty and the United States of America, on the Consn. 10th 30th September last, we were under the necessity of changing October. the rule for the levying of duties on American vessels from whatever places importing. 3. The duties of this port formerly were levied upon American vessels, whether importing from America or from Europe or elsewhere in the same manner as upon other foreign ships, that is to say 2^4 per cent upon the prime cost of the 'goods with an advance of 60 per cent. 4. The 13th article of the treaty above alluded to stipulates that the citizens of the United States shall pay for their vessels, when admitted into the ports and harbours of the British territories in the East Indies, no other or higher tonnage duty thanj shall be payable on British vessels, when admitted into the ports of the United States; and they shall pay no other or higher duties or charges on the importation or exportation of the cargoes of the said vessels, than shall be payable on the same articles when imported or exported on British vessels. 5. To act according to the spirit of the last part of the above stipulation, we deemed it necessary to repeal the duties formerly levied on American ships, 468 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT exchange in consequence for the Spanish dollar has been fixed at sicca Rs. 2 as. 4 each. 14. The former rate 2s. 8d. per millerea. The Board of Trade have not been able to assay this coin, but believe its value to be Madeira31 an<1 5sk 7d- ; at 10 sicca rupees per pound sterling 5sh. 7d. [is equal] to sicca Rs. 2 as. 12 p. 8. We have in consequence fixed the exchange at Rs. 2 as. 12 per millerea. 15. The former rate 3 sicca rupees per tale. The value of the tale is esti-China mated in general at 6s. 8d.; rating them upon 10 rupees to the pound sterling, the exchange will be Rs. 3 as. 5 p. 4 or 3^4 sicca rupees for tale. The exchange is therefore fixed at sicca rupees 3% per tale. 16. The invoices from China being frequently made in dollars, the exchange to [be] the same as under the article Spain. 17. Some rate star and Madras pagodas at sicca rupees 3-12 per pagoda n without distinction. The star pagoda is intrinsically worth Fort St. George. r o . J 7s. 5/4d.; to avoid fractions 7s. 6d. is assumed ; the former rate 3 sicca rupees 12 annas is then proper. 18. The Madras or swamy pagoda is worth 10 per cent more, which gives 4 sicca rupees 2as. each. 4 sicca rupees are assumed. 19. The exchange then has been fixed on the star pagoda 3-12 sicca rupees, Madras or swamy 4 sicca rupees. 20. Some rate 1 % deducted from America currency to make pounds sterl- America. ing. The Board of Trade found [this] to be inexact, on referring to the latest publication on credit, named Mr. Cowper’s Information respecting America, wherein the different rates for the different States are specified—vide page 145. The exchange has been fixed according to the rates mentioned in the book above alluded to, vizt., 21. Their currency to be converted into pound sterling by multiplying New England and by 3 and dividing by 4. Virginia States. New York. 22. By multiplying by 9 and dividing by 16. Pensilvania. 23. By multiplying by 3 and dividing by 5. South Carolina and Georgia. 24. By deducting 1 /27 part the pound sterling in rupees as before. 25. The invoices in dollars the same as under article Spain. 26. The following is the table of exchange fixed for the regulation of the Calcutta Customs:— Countries Great Britain Denmark France Ditto Spain Portugal and Madeira China Coins Pound sterling Rix dollar Livre Tournois Mauritius livre Spain dollar Mill[e]rea Tale Rates of exchange At 10 sicca rupees At 2J4 sicca rupees At 24 for 10 sicca rupees At 48 for 10 sicca rupees At 2% sicca rupees At 2% sicca rupees At 3^ sicca rupees 470 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT Consn. 26th December. 31. The Bengal opium from Boglepore and Rungpore was put up at 200 sicca rupees; the highest offer was sicca rupees 50, notwithstanding which we are happy to observe that the sale was on the whole extremely favorable. 32. In reply to the 43rd paragraph of your letter in this Department of the 22nd April 1796, we beg leave to state that it was not in our contemplation to propose the establishment of a duty on exported coin or bullion from a conviction that the attempt would be vexatious and unproductive; our proposition, however inaccurately expressed, was rather to continue the existing prohibition against the exportation of those articles, than to suggest the imposition of a duty upon them. The prohibition has in fact existed in the same manner as it has done for many years past, and if it should have been evaded, the evasion has escaped detection. But we believe that the exportation of coin or bullion, trifling sums for personal accommodation excepted, is by sea very little and not an object of sufficient importance for the imposition of duties. By removing the prohibition altogether an accurate knowledge of the quantity exported might be obtained, and with this knowledge we might be able to decide with more certainty upon the propriety of establishing a duty on the exportation or of effectual means of checking it; and upon a more mature consideration of the subject we are inclined to submit this proposition to the decision of your Hon’ble Court. Salt 33. The Government of Fort St. George have contracted with Mr. William Dring of Madras for the delivery of six lack maunds of salt in Bengal. The lowest terms offered were star pagodas 17-3-50 per 100 Bengal maunds. We have the honor to be, Hon’ble Sirs, Your most obedient humble servants, J. Shore / Robt. Abercromby / P. Speke/ 1797. W. Cowper. 41 LETTER DATED 2 MARCH 1797 Particulars of the sale of opium in February. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, Opium 1. Our last advices in this Department were dated the 9th January, and were transmitted to your Hon’ble Court by the Dublin and ships of that division. Fort William, the 9th January (Per Dublin.) 42 LETTER DATED 30 APRIL 1797 Difference in the estimates of profit in salt explained—practicability of re-establishing the duties on the trade of the foreign settlements. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices from this Department were dated the 2nd March. 2. We have received your letter of the 22nd April to which we shall now reply. Reply to the letter from the Hobble Court of Directors the 22nd April 1796 (1) Shall reply to the parts of the advices relating to salt, opium and customs. (2) Noticing paragraphs that require no reply. (3 to 5) Observing on the difference between the profit in salt for 1794/5 as estimated by the Board of Trade, and that inserted in the general estimate of resources and disbursements transmitted by the Essex, and requiring an explanation. 3. Require no answer. 4. From the explanation furnished by the Board of Trade on these paragraphs, as recorded on our proceedings of the 17th October last, you will observe that the difference between the two estimates noticed by your Hon’ble Court arose from the very moderate scale upon which the Board’s estimate was prepared, as explained in their letter of the 12th August 1794, and in which, as well as in the general estimate, only the whole of the expected receipts and disbursements from the 1st of May 1794 to the 30th of May 1795 was stated, without including any advances previously made. But, although the profit inserted in the general estimate exceeded the sum estimated by the Board of Trade by upwards of eight lacs of rupees, the actual profit was more favorable than the general estimate by upwards of four lacs, as will appear from the following statement of which your Court is already in possession. 474 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT presenting him with 50,000 rupees as a reward for his services. Command the attention of the Board of Trade to prevent smuggling etc. (14) Approving of the augmentation of the establishment of armed peons in the 24 Pergunnahs. (15 and 16) Respecting the Roy-mungal Agency, and trusting that every measure will be adopted for meliorating the situation of the manufacturers. (17) Approve of the determination i that in future assistants to the salt agents shall be selected from the Company’s servants. (18) Approving of paragraphs already replied to. (19) Salt statements of 1199 satisfactory. Desire similar statements may be furnished in future. (20) Approving of certain direc-tions regarding salt advances. (21) Accounts of salt sales satisfactory. (22) Commendation of the conduct of the Board of Trade in the Salt Department. of 50,000 rupees has been paid to that gentleman agreeably to your directions. 10. Requires no reply. 11. We have the satisfaction to observe that the measures suggested by your Hon’ble Court have been anticipated, as will appear from the papers referred to in the extract from the proceedings of the Board of Trade recorded on our consultations of the 17th October last. 12. Require no reply. 13. Similar statements have been transmitted to you annually and will be regularly forwarded in future. 14. Require no reply. 15. This paragraph has been communicated to the Board of Trade, who have expressed themselves highly gratified with your approbation of their conduct. (23 ) Approve of the letter written to Madras respecting adulterated salt received in part of the contract of Messrs. Roebuck and Abbott. (24 ) Approve of the contract with Kishtno Chun Moug for the delivery of 45,000 maunds of Balasore salt. * 16. Require no reply. (25 ) Approve of the reward of 1,000 " rupees to the persons concerned in the seizure of a large quantity of salt. (26 ) Approve of the discharge of Mr. Crommelin’s bill for his expences. 476 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT a penalty on the exportation of coin or bullion to be considered. (44) Do not conceive any material inconvenience can arise from postponing the decision on the question whether the foreigners are subject to the same export and import duties as British subjects. Desire to be informed whether the duties on the trade of the foreign settlements might not be re-established under certain regulations, so as to counter-balance any advantage it derives from the present exemption. Foreigners, importing or exporting goods into or from Calcutta, to pay the established duties. be prescribed for the breach of the prohibition. 21. With respect to the information which your Hon’ble Court desire as to the practicability of re-establishing the duties on the trade of the foreign settlements, so as to counterbalance any advantages it derives from the present exemption, we have to observe that since the Dutch and French settlements have been taken possession of by you, their import and export trade by sea has necessarily ceased. Should these settlements however be re-established on the footing on which they existed before the war, the objections to collecting duties of their trade, which we have fully detailed in our letter of the 8th March 1795 would again operate in the same degree as heretofore. 22. We therefore recommend as the only mode of obviating the objections, that you suggest to His Majesty’s ministers that in the event of its being determined on the conclusion of a peace, to restore the French and Dutch* possessions in Bengal, it be made a condition of the restoration, that their trade shall be liable to the same duties as the trade of British subjects at Calcutta ; or, (if this arrangement should be deemed objectionable,) to an export and import duty of 27 per cent, and in either case, that the duty shall be levied By this Government under the same rules and regulations as this Government may judge proper to adopt for levying the duties on the trade of British subjects. 23. Stipulations to this effect with the French and Dutch will effectually prevent their trade from interfering with such arrangements as you may occasionally think it necessary to make with regard to the import and export duties on the commerce of Bengal. But it is necessary to add that this very desirable object will not be com- 43 LETTER DATED 15 AUGUST 1797 Arrangements for providing opium by agency—arguments of the Board of Trade for discontinuing the provision of Bengal opium—statements of sale of opium. To the Hon’bie Court of Directors. Hon’bie Sirs, 1. Our last advices in this Department were dated on the 30th of April. 2. Having directed the Board of Trade to submit to us the detail of the Consn. arrangements for providing the opium by agency, they laid 19th May. before us a plan of which the following are the heads. 1st. That two or more agents, as might appear most expedient, should be appointed for the Behar and Benares opium. 2nd. That no Bengal opium should be provided in future. 3rd. That those parts of the 32nd Regulations of 1793, and 1795, which specify the prices paid to the cultivators in the several pergunnahs, secure them from oppression, and guard against fraud on their part, together with the rules for the prevention of smuggling, be continued in force as at present. 4th. That as the advantages to be derived by the Company from the new system would depend chiefly on the quantity, and good quality of the opium manufactured, and the oeconomy observed in the management of the business, a liberal commission should be allowed to the agents on the net profit arising from the opium, exclusive of such fixed salaries as might be deemed proper, in order to induce them to give their utmost attention to these objects. Sth. That the agents, on their appointment, should take an oath to render true and faithful accounts of the expenditure of the money advanced to them, and of the opium produced, whenever required and during their agencies to have no concern in opium, nor to derive any profit from their situation besides their commission and the salaries which should be allowed them ; nor, knowingly to suffer any of their dependents to derive any advantage or profits but such as should be duly allowed. 6th. That the advances in the ensuing season should be issued in the same proportions, and at the same periods, as those in the preceding year, and that the quantity required to be provided should be the same as that which was stipulated for with the contractors, viz., 3,200 chests from Behar, and 600 chests from Benares; but that the agents should be instructed to report, as early as possible, what further quantity they might be able to provide, that, in the event of the provision being limited to any fixed quantity, the necessary directions might be accordingly given. 480 SEPARATE LETTER TO COUR1' agent, difficulties would arise in respect to the superintendence of the business. 6th. That the bad character which the opium generally had acquired in the Eastern markets, had in part arisen from some of the purchasers at the sales having mixed in the same chest, cakes of the Bengal opium with the superior sorts from Behar and Benares, and afterwards disposed of it as Behar and Benares opium and consequently the continuance of the provision in Bengal would afford the means of a repetition of similar impositions. 5, With regard to the above reasons assigned by the Board of Trade, although we concurred in the expediency of discontinuing the provision of Bengal opium, we deemed the advances* made in Bengal *Note:—The average of the annual payments made to the contractors for the last Sa. Rs. 1,33,382, but the advances to the ryots would not be near so much, as in the above sum are included, the contractors’ profits, servants’ wages, and charges of package, and transportation. sufficiently considerable to afford ground for apprehension that the immediate discontinuance of the provision might occasion material distress to those ryots who relied on the usual annual advances, and who might not immediately have it in their power to appropriate their opium-land to other species of cultivation, sufficiently profitable to enable them to discharge the rent of it. It therefore appeared to us that, instead of prohibiting the cultivation of the poppy in Bengal altogether, it might be preferable to authorize the commercial agents in the Bengal districts to make advances to those persons who might, of their own accord, apply for them; but to instruct them, at the same time, not to propose to any of the ryots to receive advances, or to make them except on such applications. 6. On this expedient, the Board of Trade observed that the Commercial Agent at Rungpore was, in point of situation, the only officer of that description, who could personally superintend the management of any part of it, that he might superintend the produce in his own district, but that they were not aware of any agent to whom the superintendence of the provision in Boglepore and Purnea, which far exceeded the quantity produced in Rungpore, could be committed. For the reasons, however, stated in their proceedings, they recommended that the charge of the business in Purneah and Rungpore should be given to the Resident in the latter district, and that of Boglepore to the Resident at Maida, observing at the same time, that they offered the above suggestions with a view to the eventual continuance of the provision in Bengal, and not in consequence of any alteration of the opinion which they had before expressed of the expediency of prohibiting the cultivation of the Bengal opium altogether, although it should be necessary for Government to make a conn pensation to the ryots, or submit to a small diminution of revenue. Tliey further added that the expence which it would be necessary to incur for the requisite deputies, and establishments in Rungpore and Purnea, to receive the applications for advances, and the opium from those ryots, who on account of the distance could not attend the commercial agents at their stations on either occasion, but more particularly on the latter, would, in all probability, be almost, if not fully, equal either to the amount of such compensation or the loss of revenue. 7. On a full consideration of the subject, we at length determined that 482 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT 14. On our proceedings of the 11th instant, is recorded a letter froth the Board of Trade submitting an extract of a letter from A Consn. Uth ^ ^gent for the Behar opium, with copies of the establish- ment proposed for that Agency. 15. We have approved of the plan of establishment formed by the Agent, subject to future revision and correction, and instructed the Board of Trade to publish the advertisement noticed in the 7th paragraph of their letter. 16. Consn. 17. We have the honor to forward a number in the packet, copy of a general statement of the opium of 1795/6, the neat profit June. which is sicca Rs. 4,84,518-12-10. You will observe from the statement now transmitted that 965 chests of Bengal opium still remain on hand, notwithstanding the endeavours of the Board of Trade to dispose of it by private sale, or by barter. The bazar price of this opium being only sicca Rs. 70 per chest, all hope of disposing of it at present at the fixed price of sicca Rs. 200 per chest is of course precluded, and as it decays rapidly from its inferior quality, we are apprehensive that it will not be saleable shortly on any terms. 18. On the receipt of the opium of the ensuing year, we shall then be at liberty to dispose of it in any manner that may be deemed advisable, and we shall then take into consideration the best mode of disposing of it, should it be at all saleable. Salt 19. From the detailed accounts of the May sale recorded on our proceed- Average of Bengal salt: — Hidgelee 296-10- 0 Tumlook 307-12- 4 24 Pergunnahs 303-13-11 Roymongul ings of the 8th of that month you will observe that ten lacks maunds of salt sold for sicca Rs. 28,56,264-7, making the average selling price sicca Rs. 285-10 per hundred maunds. 305- 2-Bulwa 278-12-Chittagong 271-14- Average of Coast salt: — Marratta salt 264-10- Coast salt 223- 4-Balasore do. 330- 9- 7 7 5 0 5 4 20. The July sale was much more favorable, ten lacks of maunds having sold for 31,99,895, making the average selling price per hundred maunds sicca Rs. 319-15-10. 21. On our proceedings of the 31st July is recorded a letter from the Board of Trade, dated 14th instant, transmitting the annual accounts of the Consn. 31st July. ^a^ department formed upon the same principles, as those of the last year, together with a summary of the most material transactions which have taken place in this Department, subsequent 484 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT cheapness of grain; and to the judicial regulations, securing the people from exactions ; and he adds, that whilst the country continues to flourish, the same causes must tend to occasion an annual decrease in the provision of salt, and that he is unable to devise any means for preventing the apprehended decrease, as the price now paid for the salt is most ample. 28. From our proceedings of the 26th June you will observe that Mr. Grindall has discharged the balance of sicca Rs. 11,357-2-0, demanded of him as security for Mr. Griffith, on our granting him a release. Customs 29. In our Commercial letter of the 30th April, we informed you that it was the intention of the Governor General to endeavour to obtain the consent of the Vizier to our imposing on all indigo, imported from his dominions, whether the produce of them or other countries, such a duty as would give a decided preference to the manufacture of your own territories. 30. The Vizier has, in consequence, acquiesced in our imposing a dutj of fifteen per cent, in addition to the existing duties payable Consn. 19th June, in Benares and Behar, upon all indigo imported from His Excellency’s dominions by the way of Benares or Behar. One half of the amount of the additional duty on the indigo imported by the way of Benares is to be collected at the custom house in that province, and the other half at Mangee. 31. If the indigo is imported directly into Behar without passing through Benares the whole of the additional duty will, of course, be payable in the former province. We have the honor etc., Fort William, (Signed) Governor General/P. S./W. C. the 15th August 1797. (Original per Zeyphyr. Duplicate per Rose. Triplicate per Houghton.) 44 LETTER DATED 31 OCTOBER 1797 Customs collected between May 1796 and April 1797. To the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices in this Department were dated on the 15th August last. 486 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT Customs 11. In our proceedings noted in the margin you will observe a report from Consn. 4th the Board of Trade of the customs collected in the year September. beginning 1st May 1796 and ending the 30th April 1797. 12. The net amount realized falls short of the collections of last year by the sum of sicca rupees 42,046 to which, if with the view to the better contrasting the produce of the two last years upon equal rates, there be added the sum collected for one rupee per cent duty, the difference will be sicca Rs. 1,15,036, a difference that would have existed had not the new duty been levied. 13. The Board of Trade attribute this deficiency generally to the effects of the war, to the scarcity of cash here, and more immediately, to a smaller number of ships having been dispatched for England before the 30th of April than in the preceding year, which has occasioned a quantity of goods intended for Europe to remain in Calcutta. 14. Notwithstanding this deficiency, we observe that the actual net proceeds are still more considerable than they were in any one year since the abolition of the government customs in the course of the year 1788/9 till 1794/5, and that they exceed the net proceeds estimated by the Committee of Accounts at the India House on the 15th February 1793, though the Committee estimate was formed for a time of profound peace, in the sum of sicca rupees 2,72,804, being above 66 rupees per cent. 15. There having been sufficient experience of the business of the office of the Reporter of External Commerce to admit of the estab-September25th lishment of writers for it being fixed, we sanctioned the following which the Reporter himself deemed permanently necessary, to take place from the 1st of October: One European assistant @ sicca Rs. 200 per month One native writer ... ... 16 per do. One moherir ... ... 10 per do. Total per month sicca Rs. 226. 16. A committee consisting of the Accountant to the Board of Trade, the Collector of Government Customs at Calcutta and the October ^^ Reporter of External Commerce having been appointed to revise the forms of the several custom houses, we have sanctioned the new forms of accounts recommended by them as detailed on our proceedings of the 16th instant. 17. The payment of the import duty by the 7th section of clause IV was required to be made within ten days; but inconvenience having arisen from the practice of sending about bills for the duties, we ordered the customs as well on imports as on exports to be levied previous to the goods being passed. Understanding, however, that the merchants experienced inconvenience in depositing the amount, we directed that a credit should be allowed with collateral security for two months for the duty on imports, and that an account 488 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT Opium 4. On the proceedings noted in the margin, are recorded reports from Consns. 6th, 13th, the Board of Trade of the arrival of the several dispatches 20th, 27th Novem- of Qpium Consns. 1st, 18th December. 5. The reports of the examiners of the opium are recorded on the pro-Consns. 20th, ceedings noted in the margin. 27th November. Consns. 1st & 8th December. 6. The first sale, consisting of the undermentioned quantity, took place Consn. 1st on the 12th instant. December. Behar Chests 2,100 Benares 400 r Boglepore 400) Bengal ) Rungpore 200 ( 800 ( Purneah 200 ) Total chests 3,300 7. The conditions of sale, appear in the advertisement recorded on our proceedings of the 1st December and we are happy to acquaint you that the prices were considerably more favorable than those of the preceding year as will appear from the following statement: Quality Chests sold Produce in Average per Average per sicca Rs. chest chest of the first sales of last year Behar opium 2,100 5,96,995 sicca Rs. 284 255-8-7 Benares 400 1,14,620 286 246-9-9 Bengal (Boglepore) 10 2,015 201 Total chests 2,510 Sicca Rs. 7,13,630 8. Ten chests only of the Bengal opium were sold, as the merchants, from a knowledge that it would not be sold for less than 200 sicca Rs. per chest, would not bid for any more. 9. As the 965 chests of Bengal opium of last year, which, in our letter of the 15th August, we informed you still remained on hand, December 15th as ^ endeavours of the Board of Trade to dispose of them by sale or barter had proved ineffectual and as the quality of the article daily became worse, we, at the recommendation of the Board of Trade, ordered it to be burnt. 10. This measure, we trusted, would contribute to raise the price of'the new opium, by evincing to the merchants our determination not to dispose of the atricle at an underrate, and by diminishing the large stock on hand. 490 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT 4. The reply of the Madras Government is recorded on our proceedings of the 9th February, and as they were decidedly of opinion that the contractor was not entitled to any indulgence, we directed the Board of Trade to take the necessary steps for the recovery of the penalty amounting to sicca Rs. 27,893-1-2. Opium 5. The third opium sale took place on the 12th and 13th instant. The Behar and Benares opium consisting of 2,057 chests sold for sicca Rs. 6,30,161, being about 306 rupees per chest, or rupees 33 per chest higher than the January sales. 6. The Bengal opium was put up at the limitted price of sicca Rs. 200 but none of it was disposed of. We have the honor to be etc Fort William, the 28th February 1798. (Original per Phoenix. Duplicate per Hawke. Triplicate per Euridice. Quadruplicate per Atlantic.) 47 LETTER DATED 16 MARCH 1798 Duties on opium not to be increased—average prices of salt. To the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last letter in this Department was dated the 28th ultimo, and forwarded to your Hon’ble Court by the Phoenix. Customs 2. In our letter from this Department of the 15th August 1797 (paragraphs 29-31), we informed your Hon’ble Court that His Highness the Nabob Vizier had acquiesced in our imposing a duty of fifteen per cent upon all indigo imported into the Company’s provinces from His Excellency’s dominions through Benares or Behar, in addition to the former duties levied on that article. 3. In consequence of a letter from the Board of Trade recorded on the proceedings of the 5th March, we were induced to reconsider the policy of levying this further duty upon indigo, the produce of Oude, and, after mature deliberation, we were of opinion that it would be most conducive to the general interests of the Company, of the countries of both Bengal and Oude, as reci- 492 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT Salt Consn. From the statement of the sale of salt which took place at the beginning of this month, it appears that ten lacs of maunds May. so]d for sicca rupees 32,63,193-8-11. 3. The average prices of the sales of the Bengal salt provided at the different agencies, and also of the Mahratta and other descriptions of salt are as follows: Average of Bengal salt Hidgelee III 1 1 « • • • • , . 314-13-3 Tumlook • M « • • • • • • • • • 327-13-9 24 Pergunnahs • • • • • • • • • 339- 9-4 Roymungul • • • • . • ‘ • • 362- 6-3 Bulwa 324-13-9 Chittagong ■ • • • • * « ■ • • . * 319-15-0 Average of Coast etc. salt Marratta • • • «•• • • • • * • 306- 0-2 Coast » * t * » * • • • • • • 326- 4-5 Rock * ■ « 288- 0-0 Customs 4. The Board of Trade reported to ns that, on an inspection of the manifests of the private trade of the chief officer of the Lord Walsingham, it Consn. 3rd April. appeared that claret was charged at the rate of £36 per chest, and that they understood that this was the price charged in the summer of 1797 in London by wine merchants of the first character, being an excess of 5 shillings per dozen above the price of 1796. 5. This augmentation of the price was ascribed by them to the Legislature having, in the preceding session, imposed a general increase of duty of 5 per cent upon all imports (excepting certain commodities) without allowing an adequate drawback. 6. This increase in the customs on claret in England occasioned an augmentation of the amount of the customs upon that article at this Presidency under the rules by which they are levied; and as this further increase of customs would necessarily have operated to turn the supply of the settlement with articles, which are not British produce but which have hitherto come by British ships, into foreign channels, we deemed it advisable to fix £1 2s. 10d. per dozen or £30 per chest as the valuation of claret from London, beyond which it should not be rated in calculating the customs. We, at the same time however, determined that when the actual cost of the claret should fall below the above rate, the customs should be charged as at present upon the cost. Fort William, We have the honor to be etc., the 17th May 1798. (1 copy per Atlantic: 2 copy per Euridice.) I 494 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT of the offer of Messrs. Fairlie Reid & Co. to take all the Behar and Benares opium at specific prices. (6 ) Expressing satisfaction that the salt sales in ’95/6 have yielded so much above the estimate, and that those in ’96/7 are likely to turn out so well. (7 ) Answers to the letters of the 11th January and 7th March ’96 are included in the preceding paragraphs. 8. In the 22nd paragraph of our letter from this Department of the 15th of August ’97, we acquainted you that the neat profit on the salt for ’96/7 exceeded that of ’95/6 in the sum of sicca rupees 4,98,980. 9. Require no reply. (8) Adverting to a paragraph that needs no reply. (9) Approving of the Departments of the Investment and Customs having been separated from those of the Salt and Opium, and of Mr. Cotton’s appointment as Secretary to the latter. (10) Adverting to a paragraph that' needs no reply. (11) Adverting to a paragraph already replied to. (12) Letter of the 5th July ’96 needs no reply. (13) Adverting to paragraphs that, require no reply. . (14) Have perused the papers rela- ' tive to the importation of Coast salt by individuals. Have since been informed by the Madras Government, that not a single application has been made to import salt into Bengal on the terms prescribed by this Government. (15) Referring to our judgment to what extent the importation of Coast salt can be admitted, and under what regulations, and at what price. (16) Are induced to hope from a perusal of the Governor General’s minute, that a more extensive importation of Coast salt may hereafter take place. (17) Approving of the manner in which we have agreed to adjust the 10. We have communicated the substance of this paragraph to the Board of Trade. 11. No reply. 13. We are happy that the resolutions which we adopted respecting , 12. We have communicated these > paragraphs to the Board of Trade, and shall hereafter reply to them. 496 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT 17. The quantity of opium to be provided in the ensuing season, has been fixed at 5,000 chests vizt.. From Behar ... ... ... ... 4,200 Benares ... ... ... ... 800 5,000 18. This quantity is stated to be about equal to the consumption of the Eastern markets, according to the best information which could be obtained Salt 19. From the account of the July sale, it appears that ten lacks of maunds Consn. 9th July, of salt sold for sicca Rs. 32,15,376-15-6. 20. The average prices of the sales of the Bengal salt provided at the different agencies, and also of the Mahr at la and other descriptions of salt, are as follow: — Average of Bengal salt Hidgellee 322-15 -2 Tumlook 333- 1- 7 24 Pergunnahs 343-13-10 Roymungul 358- 7- 6 Bulwa 322- 6- 3 Chittagong ... 321- 5- 7 Average of Coast etc. salt Mahratta 302- 9- 9 Rock 270- 0- 5 Coast ... 354- 7- 0 Kurkutch 297-14 -5 Fort William, 31st July 1798. (1 copy per Atlantic. 2 copy per Euridice.) We have the honor to be etc 50 LETTER DATED 29 SEPTEMBER 1798 Salt contractors not to export more than four lakhs of maunds from the Northern Circars—all goods exported from Calcutta to any of the foreign settlements to be subject to duty. To the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1 .Our last advices from this Department were dated 31st July. 498 separate letter to court 11. With respect to the Bengal opium remaining on hand amounting to 1,860 chests, being of opinion, for the reasons stated at large in the letter from the Board of Trade, recorded on our proceedings of the 27th August, that the sale of this opium would injure the sales of the new opium provided under the agency, and prevent, for a considerable time, the re-establishment of this branch of your revenues, we have directed the whole quantity (excepting five chests reserved for purposes of experiment) to be burnt. Notice of this resolution has been published in the Gazette. Customs 12. The Danish Government at Fredericksnagore represented to us that a demand for duties had been made by the Collector of the Government Cus-Consn 16th Tul toms at Calcutta, on a quantity of piece goods exported on onsn. j y. two siOOpS from Calcutta to Serampore, urging in proof of the illegality of the demand, that it had been the practice to permit the exportation of goods from Calcutta to the Upper Provinces free of duty. 13. The report of the Board of Trade on this representation is recorded on our proceedings of the 16th July. 14. From this report you will observe that under the last arrangement for the collection of the customs, all goods sent from Calcutta to Serampore or to Chinsurah were considered in the same light as goods sent from Calcutta into the interior parts of the country and consequently were not liable to any duty. 15. For upwards of two years no detrimental effects were experienced from this rule. It having subsequently appeared, however, that considerable quantities of goods had passed to Serampore, the Collector of the Customs was directed to make a report every three months of the goods exported to that settlement. 16. From the Collector’s reports for the six months ending with April last, it appeared that the value of the goods sent from Calcutta to Serampore was estimated at sicca rupees 17,30,402, of which 13,69,800 consisted of piece goods. 17. These goods being put on board of foreign ships at or near Serampore were consequently exported free of duty; at the same time that goods of a similar description exported from Calcutta were subject to the established export duties. 18. For the circumstances which have occasioned such large quantities of goods being sent to Serampore, we beg to refer you to the report of the Board of Trade recorded on our proceedings of the 16th July. 19. This practice giving a decided advantage to persons exporting goods from Serampore, and tending to promote the trade of that settlement to the detriment of the trade of Calcutta, at the same time that it subjected the Company to the loss of the duties, we resolved that all goods, the produce of Bengal or of the Upper Countries which might be exported from Calcutta to any of the foreign settlements, should be subject to duty in the same manner as goods exported by sea direct from Calcutta. 500 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT 6. The Board of Trade submitted to us a copy of a letter from the Salt Agent at Bulwa and Chittagong, enclosing a representation December14131 horn Mr. J. Wilson, one of the Superintendents employed under that agency, with a surgeon’s certificate of his infirm state of health, and of his inability to attend to the duties of his station. 7. In consequence of the very favourable testimony contained in the Agent’s letter, both as to Mr. Wilson’s services and character, we agreed to allow him a pension of 100 Rs. per month, to be paid from the Salt Department. Opium 8. On our proceedings of the 14th December is recorded a report from the Board of Trade containing an estimate of the quantity of opium receivable from the Agents, and of the quantity to be disposed of at public sale in Calcutta. 9. We ordered 1,700 chests of Behar and 300 chests of Benares opium to be disposed of at the first sale, on the terms specified in the advertisement recorded on our proceedings of the 14th instant. 10. This sale took place on the 20th and 21st instant, the sales amounted in the aggregate to sicca Rs. 7,34,070, on average sicca Rs. 367 per chest. 11. The Board of Trade observed that as the estimation, in which the opium provided under the present agency may be held in the Eastern market, could not be known, it was not to be expected that there would be any great increase in the selling prices at the sales of the first year. If to this circumstance be added the further considerations of the present great scarcity of money, of the high rate of insurance and of the large stock of opium said to be remaining unsold to the eastward, the sale must be considered as very favourable. 12. This price exceeds that of the most productive sales in the last year, the Behar opium having sold higher at this sale by sicca Rs. 67 and the Benares by sicca Rs. 35 per chest. 13. Your Hon’ble Court will observe that we judged it advisable not to send any opium to Prince of-Wales Island or Bencoolen on the public account. 14. In the 45th and subsequent paragraphs of our advices of the 30th April 1797 (Public Department) we acquainted you that Captain Canning had instituted a suit against the Company for the recovery of the loss which he stated to have sustained in consequence of the bad quality of the opium which he purchased at your sales in the year 1789/90. 15. From the report of your attorney (recorded on our proceedings of the 26th November) you will observe that Captain Canning has been nonsuited. 16. An address from Messrs. Perreau and Palling on the subject of Captain Canning’s claim, in consequence of the decision of the Supreme Court of Judicature, is recorded on our proceedings of the 24th December, urging that as the merits of their claim had not been investigated, and that as the question was again open for our consideration, that we would order an investigation into the merits of the case, and afford an alleviation to their hardships. 52 LETTER DATED 2 SEPTEMBER 1799 Average prices of salt and opium—revision of Custom House establish’ ment. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Our last advices in this Department were dated the 25th of December 1798, and were forwarded in duplicate to your Hon’ble Court by the Berrington and Duke of Montrose. 2. We have now the honor to transmit to you a continuation of our proceedings in this Department from the 31st December 1798 to the 29th August 1799, together with the annual set of our proceedings for the year 1798, and an index to both. Salt 3. The Government of Bombay submitted to us a proposition for the annual importation into Bengal of a certain quantity of Bombay salt which they were of opinion would tend materially to the advantage October 1798 °f ^^ ^an^’ an^ ^ promotion of its commerce, enclosing at the same time a copy of a proposal from a merchant at that place on the subject, which they had thought proper to reject, as the prohibitory orders of this Government were too positive to admit of any modification in favor of it. 4. We entirely concurred in opinion with the Government of Bombay that the allowing the importation of salt from thence would be productive of considerable advantage to the commerce of that island, January’ ^ and we accordingly resolved that the licence which we had granted to ships built in Bengal to import salt from the coast of Coromandel, should be extended to ships built upon the island of Bombay, expressly stating however that this privilege was not meant to be extended to ships built at Damaun, Surat, or any other places to the west of India not on the island of Bombay. 5. For the purpose of enabling the Government of Bombay to carry our orders into effect we transmitted to them a draft of such regulations as D£tt0 appeared to us to be proper on the occasion, observing that they were nearly similar to those which we had adopted respecting ,Bengal built ships. 6. The Governor General [sic] in Council at Fort St. George informed us that he had acceded to a proposal from Messrs. Roebuck, Abbott and Co. Consn 21st ^ ^e ^livery of six lacs of maunds of salt in Bengal January^ *n ^e season 1799 at the rate of twenty pagodas and thirty fanams per hundred maunds, 504 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT 14. In the 6th and 7th paragraphs of our letter in this Department of the 25th December last, we informed your Hon’ble Court that at the recommendation of our Board of Trade we had granted Consn. 1st July. ^ pens{on of joo Rs. a month to Mr. J. Wilson, one of the Superintendants employed under the Agent at Bulwa. 15. We subsequently were advised by our Board of Trade that Mr. Wilson Consn. 8th died shortly after the above indulgence had been granted February. unto him. 16. From the statement of the salt sale recorded on our proceedings of the 8th and which took place on the 1st and 2nd March last, your Hon’ble Court will observe that six lacks of maunds of salt sold for sicca rupees eighteen lacks, ninety two thousand, nine hundred and twenty five, ten annas and four pies. 17. The average prices of the sales of the Bengal salt provided at the different agencies, and also the Mahratta and other descriptions of salt were as follows: Average of Bengal salt Hidgellee Tumlook 24 Purgunnahs ... Roymungul Bullooah Chittagong 318- 0-4 333- 3-2 336- 2-1 329- 4-7 321-13-3 317- 0-0 Average of Coast etc. salt Mahratta 317- 1-3 Kurkutch 257- 0-0 Coast 271- 5-0 Rock 298- 0-0 18. On the proceedings noted in the margin is recorded an abstract account of the salt sale which took place on the 1st and 2nd May, shewing _ , ’ that ten lacks of maunds sold for sicca rupees thirty one lacks, forty five thousand, seven hundred and ninety two, five annas and eight pies. 19. The average prices of the sales of the Bengal salt provided at the different agencies and also the Mahratta and other descriptions of salt were as follows: Average of Bengal salt Hidgellee Tumlook 24 Purgunnahs Roymungul Bulwa Chittagong 316- 7-1 326- 1-0 331- 7-8 345-14-5 308-13-8 309- 7-0 506 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT 25. The difference in the produce of the Bengal salt in the two years is vizt., Manufactured 1203 Mds. 26,99,286 Ditto 1204 „ 29,80,920 Difference 2,91,634 [sic] 26. Between the total quantities of salt sold in the two years, the difference has not been quite sixty seven thousand maunds in favour of the latter, but the proportion of foreign salt, always by far the least productive was much the largest in 1797/8, vizt. Foreign salt sold in 1797/8 Ditto 1798/9 Difference Mds. 5,96,144 „ 3,86,712 „ 2,09,432 27. The average selling prices of the salt of the two last years were as follows : 1797/8 1798/9 Bengal salt Foreign salt P% Md. sicca Rs. P% Mds. sicca Rs. 314-14-10 240- 7- 5 330-15- 7 302- 9- 8 28. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings noted in the margin for an estimate of the receipts and disburse-A^T' 20th ments of the Salt Department from the 1st May 1799 to the 30th April 1800, from which it appears that the probable resource expected from the salt of the year 1799/1800 is sicca Rs. 80,35,146. 29. It is however necessary for us to explain that the excess in the resource above stated on a comparison with that estimated for 1798/9 vizt., Estimated resources in 1798/9 ... sicca Rs. 76,83,987 Ditto 1799/1800 „ 80,35,146 Excess sicca Rs. 3,51,159 arises from a proportion of the produce of the last March sale amounting to upwards of three and an half lacks of rupees, which we estimated would have been paid before the 30th April, and have formed a part of the receipts of 1798/9. But not having been realized till after the 1st of May the receipts of 1799/1800 are consequently enhanced by that sum; had the payments of the March sale been duly made, the estimates for the two years would have been nearly the same. 30. The period being arrived at which it is usual to apprize the Madras Government of the quantity of Coast salt required in the AUgUSt. ensuing year, we requested of the Right Honble the Governor General in Council on the 20th of August last to give the necessary instructions for a contract to be entered into for the delivery of six lacks of maunds, on conditions similar to those of the present contract, 508 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT had been brought by the ships arrived from Macao and the eastward, as well as to our having grounds for thinking that intelligence had been received mentioning the arrival at Penang of some of the new agency opium, which was sold at the first sale, and that it had been approved of by the Malays. 35. The following is a statement of the produce etc., of the 2nd sale. When sold Quality Chests sold February 18 th Behar 1,750 19th Benaress 422 Produce in Average per chest sicc^Rs. sicca Rs. 7,97,540 455-11-9 1,99,559 472-14-2 Total chests 2,172 9,97,099 459- 1-1 Amount sale as above Do of old and confiscated ... sicca Rs. 9,97,099 sicca Rs. 17,925 Total 5kcaRs. 10,15,024 36. We have thought it advisable to fix the provision of opium for the Consn. 17th June. ensuing season of 1799/1800 upon the same scale as that of last year vizt., five thousand chests. From Behar Benaress chests 4,200 800 37. As the Agents have been instructed to calculate their advances for the above provision on the produce of rather an unfavourable season, the quantity will of course be in a small degree exceeded, should the season prove favorable for the poppy. 38. We transmit a number in the packet copy of a letter and sundry _ .. , T . statements from our Board of Trade, containing their report Consn. 11th July. . . r r upon the first year or the provision of opium by agency. 39. There were provided in that year 4,476 chests viz., 3,733 from the province of Behar weighing Mds. 7,861 and 743 from Benaress containing Mds. 1,493, of which one hundred chests have been sent to London, two delivered to the Medical Department, and two reserved for musters ; the remaining 4,372 chests have given a profit of sicca Rs. 9,83,514-3-10 including therein the gains arising from some old opium procured by the Agent at Benares and kept separate, and upon some confiscated opium. 40. Considering the disadvantages under which this opium came to sale, the total loss of good character among the Malays and Chinese of opium sold by the Company, the existence of a French, Spanish and Dutch war, the high rate of insurance, and the general depression of trade in India, we trust your Hon’ble Court will deem the out-turn not unfavorable. 41. On the proceedings noted in the margin is recorded an estimate of the receipts and disbursements on account of opium for the year 1799/1800 Consn. 13th shewing a difference in favor of the receipts of August. sicca Rs, 12,19,322-12-7, 510 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT 48. We approved of the recommendation of the Board of Trade contained in the 10th paragraph of their letter respecting manifests, and desired them to make the necessary alteration in the regulation and submit it for our approval. 49. Having taken into our consideration the orders of your Hon’ble Court contained in the second and subsequent paragraphs of your letter of the 8th August 1798 directing that the duty of one per cent levied for the purpose of keeping up an armed force for the protection of this port should be made perpetual, and carried to the head of additional duty of 1 per cent for the Bombay Marine. 50. It appeared to us desirable, for the sake of dispatch, in matters which will not admit of delay without hazard of injury to individuals, „ , hT that the business of the customs should be simplified Consn. 17th June. . , . . . i -i i • i and abridged as much as possible consistently with clearness and fairness of accounts. 51. We accordingly resolved that, instead of making the new additional duty of 1 per cent a separate assessment, the duty upon goods and merchandize subject to the 2% per cent duty should be raised to 3% per cent, and that at the end of each year 2/7th or 1 per cent of the amount collected should be transferred to the head directed to be opened on account of the additional duty. 52. Upon this encrease in the rate of the customs, it appeared to us proper that the Collector should draw commission upon the whole amount collected, but as at the present rate of 5 per cent the commission would be too considerable, we resolved that the rate should be reduced to 4 per cent, the Deputy to have, as we have already advised your Hon’ble Court we had agreed upon, 3/10th[?] part of the amount. 53. As the encrease in the rate of the customs will not subject the Examiner and Appraiser of Piece-goods to any additional trouble, we were of opinion that his commission upon the duty on piece goods should be computed on 5/7th of the amount collected, that is to say, upon the collection at the old rate of 2% per cent. 54. We beg leave to refer your Hon’ble Court to our proceedings noted in the margin for a comparative statement of the number of ships imported and exported at Calcutta from the 1st of September 1797 ApriLSn* 22^ to ^e ^st °^ March 1798, and from the 1st of September 1798 to the 31st March 1799 and of the customs realized in the same periods, and are glad to observe that the great increase in the collections in the last mentioned period amounting to sicca Rs. 1,33,366 is to be attributed to the cause stated in the 45th paragraph of this letter. 55. The Board of Trade having thought proper, while Mr. H. V. Darell was at Benaress, to desire him to revise the Custom House establishments, they submitted to us a statement prepared by him shewing also the present establishments, and as they conceived those proposed by him had been judiciously formed, and recommended their being authorized, we accordingly gave our consent to the change. 512 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT August 1798, the net collections of the Calcutta customs have exceeded those of the preceding year in the sum of rupees 87,862-15-6, which we attribute to the exertions of Mr. Haldane who took charge only in September 1798. 5. The net collections of Manjee have fallen short of those of last year by rupees 66,027-13-9. This deficiency is ascribed entirely to the decreased quantity of goods which have passed the Custom House. 6. The collections at Benaress are also less than those of last year, by Calcutta sicca Rs. 46,738-8-6, and we imagine that the defalcation would have been greater, but for the vigilance of Mr. Darell while he was in charge of the station. 7. The amount of the 1 per cent duty, imposed for the purpose of keeping up an armed force for the protection of this port, has produced last year, vizt., On imports ... ... ... Rs. 65,256- 8-9 Exports ... ... ... „ 1,34,256- 2-9 199,512-11-6 Fort William, the 14th September 1799. (Original per Alligator. Duplicate per Earl Howe. Triplicate per Princess Charlotte. Quadruplicate per Rose.) We have the honor to be etc., (Signed) Alured Clarke / P. Speke / W. Cowper. 54 LETTER DATED 25 FEBRUARY 1800 Increase in the selling price of opium. T O the Hon’ble the Court -of Directors for affairs of the Hon’ble the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. In our letter of the 17th of December 1799, in the Political Department, dispatched overland, we had the honor to inform your Hon’ble Court that the average price of the Company’s opium sold on the 16th of that month amounted to sicca Rs. 781 per chest or sicca Rs. 414 exceeding the average price of the correspondent sale in the year 1798. 2. We are happy to have it in our power to inform your Hon’ble Court, by this dispatch, that the average price of the second and last sale, which took place on the 17th instant, amounted to sicca Rs. 768-13 per chest, being about 12 Rs. per chest under the average of the sale of the 16th December 1799, and s^a ^S’ ^ above the average price of the correspondent sale in the year 514 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT Mds. Quantity engaged for Do received 3,27,611 6,00,000 Do arrived in the river but not landed ... Do not yet arrived, but the certificates 2,00,910 for which have been received 43,290 5,71,811 Deficiency in the cargoes of the vessels cleared out 27,406 5,99,217 of which were shipped from the Northern Circars, according to certificates received from the Collectors of those districts ... 4,94,003 From the southward 1,05,214 Mds. 5,99,217 3. The agents for the contractors having represented to the Board of Trade that several vessels with cargoes of salt on account of the contract had not arrived, though dispatched in due time, the Board of Trade were authorized to receive from the contractors such further quantity of salt as would complete the quantity contracted for, including the stipulated surplus of 5 per cent, provided that the salt imported for that purpose should be proved to have been shipped before the 20th October last. 4. The Government of Fort St. Geotge informed us on the 4th December last that they had entered into a contract for the ensuing season with , Messrs. Roebuck Abbott & Co. for six lacs of maunds 19th December. r . , _ . , . i i i of salt, at the rate of nineteen star pagodas per hundred maunds, payable ill money at thait Presidency. 5. From the statement of the sales of salt made on the 16th and 17th September last, recorded on our proceedings of the 24th September, your , , Hon’ble Court will observe that eight lacs of maunds sold for sicca Rs. 24,49,802-10-1. The average prices of the sales are as follows: Bengal salt Hidjellee Tumlook 24 Pergunnahs Roymungul Bullooah Chittagong Sicca Rs. 323-11- 6 327- 8- 5 324-10- 7 324- 6- 6 291-7-10 309- !-[..] 56 LETTER DATED 2 SEPTEMBER 1800 Average prices of salt—income from sale of opium. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors for affairs of the Hon’ble the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. We had the honor to address you from this Department on the 1st March last, by the Rose. Salt 2. From the statements of the sales of salt made in the months of March, Tannen May and July last , and recorded on our proceedings noted 14th March; in the margin, your Hon’ble Court will observe that 25 lacks 19th June; of maunds sold for sicca Rs. 65,02,627-13-4. The average 10th July. prices of the sales were as follows - March May July Hidjelee ... 284- 7- 0 250- 9- 5 264- 7- 0 Tumlook 290- 6-11 260-10- 1 275- 2- 2 24 Pergunnahs 310-11- 3 259-15- 4 270-12- 9 Roymungul ... 309-10- 4 272- 2- 8 289-12- 3 Bullooah 257- 8-10 232-10- 9 245-15- 9 Chittagong ... 259- 6- 2 253-12- 2 256-13- 7 Hidjelee Mahratta 262-14- 5 232- 9- 7 244- 1- 4 Ditto kerkutch 207-14- 0 208- 4- 0 Coast Madras permit Sulkey 235- 8-11 225- 4- 6 241-12-11 Ditto imported in Company’s ship 236- 0- 0 * Bombay ditto ... 234- 0- 0 .. .... Rock salt 229- 9- 6 218- 6- 5 215- 4- 6 Seized ditto pungah Sulkey 318- 0- 0 . . .... Ditto Coast ditto 238- 0- 0 Ditto pungah Narraingunge 283- 6- 3 Total average 274- 2- 7 248-12- 8 263- 4-11 3. Your Hon’ble Court will observe from this statement since the commencement of the present year the sales of salt have been uncommonly unfavorable. 4. The Governor General in Council has not yet been able to ascertain the real causes of this sudden and considerable fall of the price of salt at the public sales, notwithstanding the measures which he has taken to obtain the fullest information upon the subject* 518 SEPARATE LETTER TO COURT 13. In stating the great success, with which the plan of providing the opium by agency has been attended, the Governor General in Council deems it to be his duty to notice the merits of Mr. Fleming, the Consn. 19t June. jnspector of Drugs. From the letter from the Board of Trade, referred to in the margin, your Hon’ble Court will observe that the knowledge, industry and ability of Doctor Fleming have been eminently useful in the restoration of this important branch of the public revenue, and His Lordship in Council trusts that the exertions of that meritorious public servant on this occasion will meet with the favorable consideration of your Hon’ble Court. 14. We have fixed the provision of opium for the ensuing season of 1800/1 Consn. 5th June, at 5,000 chests, the. quantity provided last year. 15. We transmit a number in the packet, an estimate of the receipts and disbursements on account of the opium of the season of 1800/1, in which the profit expected to be derived from the opium of that year is estimated at sicca Rs. 24,86,030-13-3. Customs 16. On our proceedings noted in the margin is recorded the report of n T , the Board of Trade on the customs collected in 1799/1800. and it affords us much satisfaction to have it in our power to state that the increase in the net collections of that year amounts to the sum of sicca Rs. 3,31,403-3-7 compared with the amount of the collections for the past year. 17. We beg leave to refer to the report itself for the detail of the causes to which the increase in the customs at Calcutta are attributed. 18. The vigilance and activity manifested by Mr. Haldane1 and by the Deputy Custom Master, Mr. Twining, in the management of the customs of Calcutta were particularly recommended to the favourable notice of your Hon’ble Court in the letter from the Governor General in Council dated 1st March last; and the Governor General in Council trusts that under a continuance of the same active and zealous attention in this Department and under a liberal system of due encouragement to the increased and growing trade of this port the customs of Calcutta will become an increasing source of public revenue. Fort William, the 2nd September 1800. (Original per Princess Mary, Duplicate per Anna.) We have the honor to be, Hon’ble Sirs, Your most faithful humble servants, (Signed) Wellesley / Alured Clarke / Peter Speke / W. Cowper. LAW DEPARTMENT 58 LETTER DATED 11 JANUARY 1796 New Act of Parliament for regulating the police in Calcutta and appointing Justices of the Peace—litigation with Mr. Keighly. To the Hon’ble Court of Directors. Answer to the Hobble Court’s Separate letter in the Law Department, dated 8 July 1795, received per B.ellona (1) Repeat the approbation contained in the Court’s letter of the 18th June 1794 relative to keeping a separate sett of proceedings for subjects of a legal tendency. (2) Adverting to paragraphs that require no reply. (3) Approving our proceedings in consequence of the new Act of Parliament for regulating the police of the town of Calcutta and appointing Justices of the Peace. (4) The important concerns which have and still continue to engage the attention of the King’s ministers by reason of the war must unavoidably for a time delay the consideration of a new charter of justice. (5) Recommending it to us to consider the legality of allowing a commission of 10 per cent on the collection of taxes for watching, repairing and cleansing the streets, on which subject, the Court postpone giving a decisive opinion. 1. Need no reply. 2. We shall duly attend to the orders of your Hon’ble Court in this paragraph which we have hitherto been prevented considering by the urgency of more material business. In the meantime, we can inform you that the question of the legality of the commission was fully considered by us at the time when it was fixed and that no doubts have ever been entertained upon it Here, 59 LETTER DATED 20 MAY 1796 Inefficiency in the administration of justice at Tellicherry. To the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Out last advices in this Department were dated the 11th January. 2. We have lately received information from the Bombay Government, that a Christian inhabitant of Tellicherry having been tried, convinced and sentenced for murder, some of the Portuguese Chris-AoriinSn Uth tians of that district disputed the jurisdiction of the criminal court of the Northern Division of Malabar over them, in consequence of which Government were under the necessity of ordering up to the Presidency the criminal to stand his trial at the Quarter Sessions. 3. This occurrence induces us to call to the attention of your Hon’ble Court the inefficient state in which the administration of justice remains in the ancient limits of Tellicherry and to recommend that measures may be taken for adopting such amendment as may tend to obviate the present evil. All the papers of reference on this subject, which have been transmitted to us, will be found transcribed in our Law Proceedings of the 11th of April sent by the present conveyance. 4. We have appointed Mr. Charles Rothman, one of the Justices of the Consn. 14th Peace for the town of Calcutta in the room of Mr. Harding March. deceased. 5. We are much concerned to inform you of the death of Sir James Watson,1 one of His Majesty’s Justices of the Supreme Court of Judicature. Fort William, 20th May 1796. (1st copies per Berrington and Henry Dundas.) We are etc. 60 LETTER DATED 9 JANUARY 1797 Two American vessels refused port clearance—no person arriving from Europe with permission to reside for a limited time and for a particular purpose to enter into covenants. T O the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, I. Our last adivces in this Department were under date the 20th May last. 524- LAW LETTER TO COURT Answer to the letter under date the Sth August 1796. (1) Date of last advices. (2) Shall cause the opinion of the King’s Advocate to be taken on the subject of Natal. (3) Shall defer giving their opinion on Mr. Galley’s refusal to act as a Justice of the Peace at Bombay, till they hear from that Presidency. (4) Shall give their opinion on the abkarey tax, when the information required from the Board of Revenue is received. (5) Entertain doubts of the legality of the compensation allowed on the collections of the town of Calcutta. (61 Adverting to a paragraph' which requires no reply. (7) Noticing a paragraph which ] has already been replied to. J (8) Have not been informed of the judges’ opinion on the mode of proceeding at the Quarter Sessions at Madras in the absence of the Governor. (9) Approve of our determination J that suits against Justices of the Peace are not to be defended by the Company. (10) Noticing a paragraph which -requires no reply. 3. Requires no reply. 4. In our letter of the 9th January 1797 paragraph 23rd we informed your Hon’ble Court, that, on the grounds stated in the opinion of the Advocate General, we had determined to refuse payment of the bills for the Natal ransom. 5. Requires no reply. 6. The reports made by the several collectors are recorded on the proceedings of the Board of Revenue of the 10th November 1795. It appears from these reports that the persons who made it their occupation to distil or to vend intoxicating drugs, were assessed by the aumils, zemin* dars or landholders in the country, and by the darogahs in the cities although the amount realized does not seem to have been considerable. 7. In the 2nd paragraph of our letter of the 11th of January 1796, we acquainted you that we had fully considered the question of the legality of the commission, nor have we since had any reason to alter that opinion. 8. Require no reply. 9. We send by this conveyance the opinion of the judges on the subject to which this paragraph alludes. Copy of this opinion was forwarded on it’s receipt to Fort St. George. 10. Require no reply. 526 LAW LETTER td COURT were empowered to remove the inconvenience complained of. 17. The Advocate in reply gave it as his opinion, that the Justices did Consn. 16th March 1795. not derive, from the Statute of the 33rd of His present Majesty under which they were appointed, “any powers or authorities adequate to the purpose of preventing or remedying the mischiefs arising from the erection of habitations in Calcutta, thatched with straw, and constructed of mats and other combustible materials. But that part of the bye law mentioned by the Justices in their letter which prohibits the erection of such habitations and gives certain powers therein specified for pulling down all such habitations or coverings of habitations as it prohibits, still remains in force”. 18. A very considerable proportion of the lower classes of the inhabitants of Calcutta, who cannot afford to build brick houses, live in matted buildings covered with thatch, preferring this mode of covering their habitations to tiles, not only from its cheapness but from its affording a better defence against the excessive heat, and the inclemency of the weather in the rainy season. To prohibit, therefore, the use of matts, or thatch would be felt more by these classes of natives than the losses which they at present sustain from fire, and would probably occasion a great number of them to abandon the town altogether. We, therefore, did not think it proper to take any further steps, in consequence of the letter from the Advocate General. 19. The dwelling houses and warehouses of Europeans, and natives of opulence are less exposed to the accidents of fire, being in general constructed of brick. 528 LAW LETTER TO COURT 28. As we considered ourselves precluded by the Act of Parliament from ordering the payment of Mr. Royds’s salary from any other date than that on which he took his seat, we acquainted him that we could only notice the subject of his application to your Hon’ble Court. 29. In the 24th paragraph of your Hon’ble Court’s letter in the Public Department under date 7th May 1797, you express your concern at the improbability of receiving the amount of Mr. Cotton’s China remittance, and desire to know the result of the application of. the Company’s attorney to Mr. Collie, one of the securities. 30. Your Hon’ble Court will observe that, for the reasons assigned by ' Mr. Collie in answer to the attorney’s demand, recorded on our proceedings of the 7th November 1796, we allowed Mr. Collie time for the adjustment of his affairs, to enable him to make good the amount due from him on this account.; but as.Mr. Collie did not again address us on the subject, according .to his promise, although a sufficient time had elapsed to have enabled him to put.his affairs in a proper train of settlement, we ordered the attorney again to .call upon Mr. Collie to state, without further delay, in what manner he proposed to liquidate the amount due from him. 31. We shall hereafter inform you of the result of our attorney’s application. 32. Mr. Cock, the other security, of whose insolvency we apprized your Hon’ble Court in our dispatches of the 2nd November 1795, is since dead. 33. . In compliance with the orders contained in your Hon’ble Court’s Public letter under date the 11th December 1793, we have the honor to transmit the most accurate list we have been able to procure of the European inhabitants of Calcutta and it’s environs. 34. We have likewise the honor to forward to you, by the present dispatch, one set of the covenants of such Europeans as have hitherto executed them, together with the bonds of those who have given security in India, and the letters of those who have named persons in England to their securities there. Duplicates of these several papers remain deposited with our Secretary, and will be transmitted to you by a subsequent conveyance if necessary. Fort William, the 28th February, 1798. (Original per Phcenix. Duplicate per Hawke. Triplicate per Euridice. Quadruplicate per Atlantic.) , We have the honor to be etc. 530 LAW LETTER TO COURT 8. We have the honor to inform you that Sir Henry Russell, one of His Majesty’s puisne judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature onsn. June ^ Bengal, arrived here on the 28th May and that Sir John Anstruther, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Judicature arrived here Consn. 16th on the 5th August. August. We have the honor to be etc. Fort William, the 29th September 1798. (2nd copy per Euridice. 1 „ per Atlantic.) 63 LETTER DATED 25 DECEMBER 1798 Revision of the establishment of the Supreme Court. To the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. Out last advices in this Department were dated the 29th September, and were forwarded by the Atlantic. 2. The Right Hon’ble the Governor General laid before us a letter from Sir John Anstruther, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William, addressed to His Lordship in Council, together December2^11 with, the report on the establishments of the Supreme Court made to His Lordship in Council by the judges of that court, pursuant to the Act of Parliament passed in the 37th year of the reign of His present Majesty. 3. From a reference to the report, and to the statement annexed to it, your Hon’ble Court will observe that the salaries and the allowances annexed to offices, proposed by the judges to be immediately or eventually abolished, amount to sicca Rs. 78,434-7. 4. We took an early opportunity of expressing our entire concurrence in the principles on which the revision of the establishment of the Supreme Court had been conducted by the judges agreeably to the tenor of the Act. We accordingly confirmed the abolition of the several offices and salaries proposed to be immediately or eventually abolished, and also the establishment of salaries and allowances recommended by the judges to be annexed to the several offices proposed to be continued, subject (according to the provision of the Act) to the orders of your Hon’ble Court. 5. We acquainted the judges that we should be ready to consider any cases of individual hardship which might arise under the proposed reductions, whenever the parties concerned might think fit to apply to us for that purpose. 64 LETTER DATED 2 SEPTEMBER 1800 Remuneration to Mr. Burroughs, Advocate General. To the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Hon’ble Sirs, 1. We have the honor to transmit a number in the packet a copy of a letter addressed to the Governor General in Council by Mr. Burroughs, the Advocate General,1 and also a copy of a minute of the Governor General on the subject of Mr. Burroughs’s application. 2. The circumstances under which the Advocate General has held his office, are amply detailed in his letter ; and after having discharged, for nearly nine years, the laborious and important duties of his office, with equal reputation to himself and advantage to the interests of the Company, the Governor General in Council is confident that the claims of Mr. Burroughs will receive from the justice and liberality of your Hon’ble Court every attention which his long, zealous and able services entitle him to expect. 3. In forming a judgment on the justice of Mr. Burroughs’s application, it became a primary question to determine whether the salary annexed to the office of the Advocate General was adequate to the duties, responsibility and importance of his situation. 4. The Governor General in Council entirely concurred in the opinions entertained by the late and the preceding Government that the salary was altogether inadequate, considered with reference either to the duties of the office or to the principles on which the salaries of the other officers on this establishment have been so wisely regulated. 5. The recommendation of the Governor General in Council contained in his letter of the 9th January 1789 in favor of the Jate Advocate General, Mr. Davies, was founded on this consideration, and as the duties of the office, from the circumstances stated by Mr. Burroughs, were then considerably less laborious, complicated and important than they have been throughout the whole period during which Mr. Burroughs has held the appointment, the Governor General in Council cannot doubt that Mr. Burroughs would have obtained an augmentation of his salary at a much earlier period, if he had made a representation on the subject. The motives which induced Mr. Burroughs to defer his present representation are stated in his letter; and we are persuaded that your Hon’ble Court will consider them to be highly creditable to him, and that instead of diminishing, they will appear to you to increase his claims to your consideration. 6. From the concurrent opinions of your several governments, with respect to the inadequacy of the salary of the office, even when held by the predecessor of Mr. Burroughs, and from the great augmentation of the duties of the office since Mr. Burroughs has been appointed to it, it appeared to the Governor General in Council to be an act of indispensable justice to 534 ' LAW LETTER TO COURT 13. You will receive a number in the packet a letter from the attorney to the Hon’ble Company, with the appeal in the action brought by the Hon’ble Company against Mr. Michael George Prendergrast, adverted to in the 57th paragraph of our letter to your Hon’ble Court of the 27th of February last, in the Military Department. We have the honor to be etc. Fort William, (Signed) Wellesley / Alured Clarke / Peter Speke / the 2nd September 1800. W. Cowper. (Original per Princess Mary. Duplicate per Anna.] 538 LETTERS FROM COURT who also communicated “the recommendation of Nabob Nasirul Mulk to assign the pension of the deceased to his son Mir Ali Naqi”. 3. Morad-ul-Dowlah (p. 32)—Muradu’d-Daulah, Governor of Dacca, died on 2 March 1795, and the event was reported by the Paymaster of the Nizamat Stipends on 22 April 1795. The wife and the daughter of the deceased prayed that the pension of Muradu’d-Daulah might be continued to his son Shamsher Ali Khan. 4. Pension ... to the late Mirza Budhun (p. 32)—Nusrat Jang, Nawab of Dacca, forwarded an application from Mirza Asadu’d-Daulah, the husband of the niece of Mirza Buddhan, with his recommendation “that the pension of the deceased may be conferred on him”. 5. Lieut. Hayes’s Survey (p. 37)—Lieut. Hayes was a midshipman of the Bombay and the Intrepid in 1782-3. He went in 1793-4 “on a voyage of discovery” and “explored Van Dieman’s land, on the Derwent river, the South-West sides of New Caledonia, South-East and North coasts of New Guinea, the Molucca Islands, Timor, the whole North and South-East face of Java, from Cape Sandano westward, having passed through the Straits of Madura and presented the first instance of the progress of a British ship through that intricate channel”. (The Bengal Obituary, pp. 396-97.) No. 9— 22 March 1797. 1. Differences of opinion . . . between our Governments of Bengal and Madras (p. 41)—It was over the question of the debts of the Nawab of Arcot that Sir John Shore and Lord Hobart, Governor of Madras, had a difference of opinion. Lord Hobart planned to annex Tinnevclly in lieu of the dues of the Company from Nawab Umdatu’l-Umara, which the latter had inherited from his father. The Nawab appealed to the Supreme Government. Shore wrote to Henry Dundas on 12 January 1796 that Hobart’s conduct was “most unjustifiably violent, and indefencible upon any principle”. Hobart, on the other hand, in his letter to Henry Dundas on 15 December 1796, referred to “the diabolical libels contained in the Governor-General’s letters” respecting his conduct “with regard to the Nabob, and the Rajah of Tanjore”. The matter was ultimately placed before the Court of Directors and it was decided to recall Hobart. In Tanjore, Hobart’s treatment of Sarfoji, the adopted son of Tulaji (who died in 1786), also evoked protests from Shore. On the plea that his territory was badly administered Hobart “persuaded” the Raja to surrender it to the Company. Shore considered that the Raja had been intimidated to sign the agreement. He wrote to Dundas in July 1796 that as “the Rajah had been compelled to sign the Treaty, or, in plain words, dragooned into it, we had no option but to annul it”. Matters were not straightened up till the arrival of Lord Wellesley who took over the administration of the territory of the Raja and granted an allowance to him. (Furber, The Private Record of an Indian Governor-Generalship, pp. 86, 102 and 191.) 2. Army arrangements which we had adopted after much deliberation (p. 42)—This refers to the Army Regulations introduced by the Court of 540 letters from court he also edited the Natural History of Aleppo and wrote a preface to Roxburgh’s Plants of the Coromandel Coast. He died on 2 July 1805. (Buckland, Dictionary of Indian Biography, p. 369.) No. 11—9 May 1797, 1. Captain Thomas Clayton (p. 48)—He took his seat in the Council at Fort Marlborough in July 1796. 2. The Company’s Historiographer (p. 65)—In 1793, Henry Dundas, the President of the India Board, pressed the Company to have a regular Historiographer and appointed his protege John Bruce to that post. The Directors were not in favour of this appointment as in Robert Orme they already had such an officer. Dundas, however, persisted, and as a compromise Orme was officially designated Historiographer, while Bruce was promised the reversion of the post and was given £100 a year in the meantime. Orme’s death in 1801 left the office vacant, and Bruce was thereupon allowed rooms at the India House and provided with clerical assistance for the compilation of his Annals of the East India Company, 1600-1708, published in 1810. (Foster, A Guide to the India Office Records, 1600-1858, Introduction, pp. iv-v.) No. 13—18 October 1797. 1. Captain Michael Symes in his deputation to the Court of Ava (p. 69)—In 1795 Capt. Symes went as head of an embassy to the Court of Ava. The two other members of the embassy were Thomas Wood the Surveyor and Buchanan who accompanied as Medical Officer. In 1802 Symes (then Lt.-Col.) was*appointed ambassador to the Court of Ava. No. 16—25 May 1798. 1. Discussion (p. 78)—In one of the copies the word is “decision”. 2. Vendue (p. 86)—A public sale, an auction, from Fr. uendre, to sell. The Company’s Vendue Master had “the superintendence and management of all sales at the Presidency”. (Seton-Karr, Selections from Calcutta Gazettes, vol. II, p. 99.) 3. Revd. Mr. Hussey (p. 87)—Rev. John Hussey, son of Thomas Hussey, was formerly chaplain at the Aleppo Factory. He arrived in India in March 1799 and was posted at Fatehgarh, He died in October 1799. (Hyde: Parochial Annals of Bengal, p. 260.) 4. Mr. Cleveland (p. 97)—When the East India Company assumed the Diwani of Bengal (1765), Bhagalpur District formed the eastern part of the Muhammadan sarkar of Monghyr. In 1780, Augustus Cleveland, at that time Collector of the district, in conjunction with Captain James Brown of Rajmahal, “without bloodshed or terrors of authority, employing only the means of conciliation, confidence and benevolence, attempted and accomplished the entire subjection of the lawless and savage inhabitants of the jungle-territory of Rajmahal, who had long infested the neighbouring lands by their predatory incursions, inspired them with a taste for the arts of civilized life, and attached them to the British Government by a conquest 542 LETTERS TO COURT also refers to the intelligence of Larkins’s death brought by the Cornwallis in September 1800—“my old school-fellow and client, Mr. William Larkins, who lived but a short time to enjoy himself in his native country amongst his family after his return from Bengal”. (Spencer, Memoirs of William Hickey, vol. IV, pp. 57 and 239.) 3. Sir G. K. Elphinstone (p. 220)—Commander-in-Chicf of Indian Squadron in 1795. No. 3—7 March 1796. 1. Doctor Roxburgh (p. 225)—Dr. William Roxburgh, known as the father of Indian Botany, was Superintendent of the Botanical Gardens near Calcutta from 1793 to 1813. His works include Flora Indica and a catalogue of plants in the Botanical Gardens. 2. Establishment of an hospital for natives at Calcutta (p. 227)—A scheme for the establishment of a hospital “for the relief of natives suffering from accidents and sickness” was made by Dr. Robert Wilson. On 1 May 1792, at a meeting of the “principal inhabitants of Calcutta” it was resolved that “an Hospital be established for the relief of Natives requiring the professional assistance of a Surgeon”, that the “management of the Hospital be vested in an equal number of European and Native Governors”, and that a “committee be appointed to procure and receive subscriptions for the support of the institution, and to prepare a plan for the management thereof.” In one year’s time about fifty-four thousand rupees were subscribed. Lord Cornwallis contributed three thousand rupees, members of his Council one thousand and five hundred each, and Ganganarayan Das and Kissen Kanta Sen each paid five hundred. The Government granted a monthly allowance of six hundred rupees, “besides authorising the hospital to be supplied with medicines from the Company’s dispensary”. The hospital was opened in September 1794, in a rented house on the Chitpur Road, but subsequently premises were purchased on Dharamtala Street. There were separate wards for Hindus and Muhammadans, and accommodation was provided for the surgeon, subordinate officers and servants of the hospital. In 1871, it was proposed to remove the hospital “to a more salubrious situation on the banks of the river, above the mint”, and three years later the existing building on the Strand Road was opened by Lord Northbrook and named the Mayo Hospital. A Bengali newspaper gives the number of persons treated in the hospital as follows: 1794—247; 1795—420; 1796—495; 1797—616 ; 1798—673 ; , 1799—825; 1800—1024. (Seton-Karr, Selections from Calcutta Gazettes, vol. II, pp. 542-43 ; Lushington, The History, Design and Present State of the Religious, Benevolent and Charitable Institutions founded by the British in Calcutta, pp. 294-96; Cotton, Calcutta, Old and New, pp. 960-61; Bandyopadhyaya, Sanbadpatre Sekaler Katha, vol. I, p. 212.) 3. Mobaruck-Ul-Dowlah (p. 227)—Mubaraku’d-Daulah, son of Mir Jafar and Bubbu Begam, succeeded his brother Saifu’d-Daulah as Nawab of Bengal in 1770 and died in 1793. He received a pension of sixteen lakhs of rupees. 544 LETTERS TO COtTRt 9. Doctor Balfour’s treatise on sol-lunar influence (p. 233)—Published in the Asiatic Researches,, vol. VIII. Dr. Francis Balfour was a friend of Warren Hastings and a writer on oriental and medical subjects. 10. Mr. Henry Colebrooke . . . has undertaken to translate the Hindoo Code (p. 233)—Henry Thomas Colebrooke, celebrated oriental scholar, was stationed at Mirzapore in 1795. He was Judge of the Supreme Court at. Calcutta in 1801. In 1805, he was Chief Justice, and Honorary Professor of Sanskrit and Hindu Law in the College of Fort William. Later on he became Member of the Supreme Council and the Board of Revenue. He was President of the Asiatic Society from 1807 to 1814. Colebrooke refers to the translation of the Hindu Code in a letter written ’ in October 1794: “The laborious undertaking to which I allude is a translation from the original Sanskrit of a copious digest of Hindu Law which was compiled under the direction of Sir W. Jones. Unfortunately for the public he did not live to finish it. Knowing that few possess the language and therefore judging it might be difficult to find a person to complete the work, I offered my services.” Another letter, dated 3 January 1797, alludes to the completion of the work: “The task of translating the digest of Indian law on which I have been so long employed is now completed ; last week I sent it to the Governor-General. I shall probably visit Calcutta this month to arrange the mode of putting the work into the press . . .” The work was published in 1798. The title-page of vol. I reads: A/Digest/of/Hindu Law/on/Contracts and Successions/with a commentary/ by Jagannatha Tarcapanchanan/translated from the/Original Sanskrit/by H. T. Colebrooke, Esq. Colebrooke recorded in the Introduction, “From various digests, and from commentaries on the institutes of law, the present digest has been compiled ; and the venerable author Jagannatha has added a copious commentary”. Jagannath Tarkapanchanan’s commentary translated by Colebrooke was the Bibadavangarnava. The original which was never published, is apparently lost. (P. E. Colebrooke, The life of Henry Thomas Colebrooke, pp. 75 and 86; Sahitya Parishad Patrika, B. S. 1349.) 11. Mr. Belli (p. 234)—J. Belli, Assay Master, Calcutta. He left India in March 1800. 12. Mr. Braham (p. 236)—Probably P. Braham who became Deputy Governor of Fort Marlborough in 1799. 13. Lieutenant Wilford (p. 237)—Evidence of Lt. Francis Wilford’s literary efforts may be found in the Asiatic Researches. His article 'Remarks on the city of Tagara’ was published in vol. I. Lt. Wilford had a knowledge of Greek, but, as he wrote to the President of the Asiatic Society, he was not conversant with the Hindu antiquities—“indeed I have no time to study languages.” Later on, however, he picked up working knowledge of Sanskrit and contributed 'An essay on the sacred Isles on the West’ published in vol. VIII of the Asiatic Researches, in which he attempted to prove that the Sveta-dvipa, “the holy land of the Hindoos”, should be identified with the British Isles. In 1822, Wilford, then Lt.-Col., contributed an article entitled 'Ancient Geography of India’. 546 LETTERS TO COURT him is interesting: “Doctor Dinwiddie has commenced his new course of lectures on experimental philosophy to as full an audience as could, perhaps, be expected at this gay season, composed partly of the fair sex, and we might add, some of the fairest, who, to their praise, are contented to forego the more fashionable resorts of amusement for the instructive lessons of philosophy. This attractive example has no doubt tended to increase the natural power of electricity and magnetism in drawing a numerous audience to the lectures . . . Dr. Dindwiddie, since his former courses, has received a considerable addition to his apparatus.” (Seton-Karr, op. cit., vol. II, p. 488.) No. 4—20 May 1796. 1. Mr. Mannington (p. 245)—Philip Manington, Superintendent, Prince of Wales Island. 2. Mr. Pigou (p. 245)—Thomas Pigou, Senior Assistant, Prince of Wales Island. He was Acting Superintendent in 1796 when Mr. Philip Manington was on leave due to his ill-health. 3. Sir John Sinclair (p. 248)—President, Board of Agriculture, England. No. 5—5 July 1796. 1. Mr. Cowell (p. 252)—W. Cowell, originally Assistant in the Secret Department, became Assistant to the Collector of Purnca in 1794. He was appointed Registrar of the Zilla Court of Murshidabad in 1796. In 1800 he became Registrar to the Provincial Court of Appeal and Court of Circuit, Benares. 2. Mr. Crisp (p. 252)—During the year preceding his appointment as third judge of the Court of Appeal, Dacca, Mr. B. Crisp was third judge of the Court of Appeal and Circuit at Murshidabad. 3. Mr. Colebrooke (p. 252)—Edward Colebrooke was appointed third judge of the Court of Appeal and Circuit at Murshidabad in 1796. 4. James Wintie (p. 252)—He was Collector of Jessorc from 1796 to 1798. 5. Mr. Parr (p. 252)—T. Parr was appointed Judge and Magistrate of Jessore in 1796. He became Judge and Magistrate of Dinajpur in 1797. 6. Richard Parry (p. 252)—He was appointed Sub-Treasurer in December 1799. 7. A. H. Vansittart (p. 252)—A few months after his appointment as Assistant to the President of the Board of Trade in 1796, he became SubSecretary to the Board of Trade in December. 8. Mr. Laing (p. 252)—J. W. Laing was next appointed Assistant to the Collector of Rangpur in August 1797. 9. G. F. Cherry (p. 252)—He was murdered at Benares in 1799 by the attendants of Wazir Ali, ex-Nawab of Oudh. An account of the murder was published in the Asiatic Annual Register, 1799. 10. Mr. Lumsden (p. 252)—J. Lumsden was Resident at Benares prior to his appointment as Resident at Lucknow in 1796. 548 LETTERS to COM and two hundred and twenty-five feet in breadth, is, we understand, at his own expense.” The tank, as is well known, is situated at the junction of Lindsay Street and Chowringhee. In recent times a plaque has been added, indicating the name of the donor. A locality in north Calcutta is also named after Manohar Das. (Seton-Karr, op. cit., vol. II, p. 369.) 4. Gollagore Residency (p. 261)—Commercial Resident of the Company was stationed at Golaghar in the Hooghly District, Bengal, as it was one of the centres of trade in hemp and jute. No. 7—3 October 1796. 1. The Reverend C. Buchanan (p. 264)—Rev. Dr. Claudius Buchanan became Professor and Vice-Provost of the College of Fort William in 1799. He returned to England in 1808. His works include An Apology for promoting Christianity in India, and Memoir of the Expediency of an Ecclesiastical Establishment for British India. He edited The College of Fort William, the official organ of the institution. No. 8—9 January 1797. 1. Tales (p. 268)—Taels. The tael was a Chinese money of account. One tael of Canton was treated in the accounts as equivalent to 6sh. 8d. 2. Messrs. Bruce Fawcett & Co. (p. 269)—A firm of leading shipowners in Bombay. The firm consisted, in 1792, of two civil servants, Patrick Crawford Bruce, Land Paymaster and Henry Fawcett, the Accountant-General. In 1816, the name of Remington & Co. took the place of Bruce Fawcett & Co. (Douglas, Bombay and Western India, vol. I, pp. 169 and 244.) 3. Mr. Hartley (p. 272)—B. Hartley, Surgeon, at Fort Marlborough. 4. Mr. Terhoff (p. 272)—Dutch Chief of Padang. 5. Mr. Gillespie (p. 273)—W. Gillespie, pilot to the Board of Trade, resigned in 1796 on grounds of health and asked for permission to visit England while his family would remain in India. He died shortly after. In 1798, his widow was granted a pension of Rs. 30/- a month. 6. Rajemahal (p. 273)—Rajmahal, district formerly included in the province of Bengal, bounded by Purnea, Dinajpur, Rajshahi and Monghyr. 7. Rajah Goor Doss (p. 273)—Raja Gurudas, son of Nandakumar, was appointed Diwan to the Nawab of Bengal by Warren Hastings in 1772. In May 1775, after the removal of Munni Begam from the position of the Nawab’s guardian, Gurudas was appointed in her place. 8. Mr. Goddard (p. 274)—Thomas Goddard, organiser of Goddard’s battalion, fought against the French in South India (1759-61) and the Marathas in Rohilkhand (1772). He succeeded Colonel Leslie as commander of the Bengal contingent, and fought in the Maratha War (1778-81). He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Bombay Army in 1781, and died at sea in 1783. 550 LETTERS TO COURT No. 10^-30 April 1797. 1. Mr. Hastings’ answer to the address from the British inhabitants of Calcutta (p. 291)—Published in the Selections from Calcutta Gazettes, vol. II, pp. 471-73. 2. Lieutenant Hoare’s survey of the Jumna (p. 297)—James Griffith Hoare was deputed, in 1795, to survey the river Jumna “from the confluence at Allahabad up to Delhi, or so far beyond it as he might with safety proceed . . . The object of his deputation should be not only to ascertain the course, depths and windings of the river, but also to insert in his plan all the towns, forts and villages on its banks, marking also the places where ferries are established and those where the river is at any rime fordable.” Hoare died of illness in 1798. (Phillimore, op. cit., vol. I, pp. 5 7 and 339.) No. 11—15 August 1797. 1. Sir Charles Warre Malet (p. 303)—He was Resident at Poona from 1785 to 1797, and became member of the Bombay Council in April 1797. 2. Mr. Rivett (p. 303)—James Rivett arrived in India in 1776. His sister, “a celebrated court beauty whose picture was painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds”, was married to General Carnac. On General Carnac’s death in 1810, Mr. Rivett, his wife’s brother and a member of the Bombay Council, assuming the name of Carnac, inherited the General’s property which was of a very considerable amount. He died in 1803. (Douglas, op. cit., vol. I, p. 166; vol. II, p. 253.) No. 13—30 December 1797. 1. Captain Craig’s conduct (p. 325)—In 1797, the Government of Fort Marlborough reported against Capt. M. Craig of the Queen “for his attempt to seize the goods of a Dutch prow in defiance of the orders of the government of the place.” 2. Diamond Harbour (p. 325)—Sub-division in Twenty-four Parganas, Bengal; also village of the same name. It was “a favourite anchorage of Company’s ships in olden time”. 3. Court of enquiry held on Mr. Venner (p. 329)—Following a quarrel between Capt. W. D. Fellowes of the Royal Admiral and S. J. Venner, 3rd officer of the ship, the latter was suspended and a court of enquiry appointed to investigate his conduct. No. 14—31 January 1798. 1. Major Rennet (p. 340)—James Rennell, the well-known English geographer, was born in 1742. He entered the navy early in life, but at the age of 20 abandoned the naval for the military service and joined as an engineer under the East India Company. Under Lord Clive he served with considerable distinction and gained.the rank of Major. He returned to England in 1782, and . pursued his investigations in geography, history and topography. He published Memoir of a Map of Hindostan, Marches of the British Army in the Peninsula of India during the Campaign of 1791, Observations on the Topography of the Plain of Troy, A 'Treatise on the Compara- 552 LETTERS TO COURT for delivery to the subscribers etc.” It also announced the publication of a new work entitled The Oriental Linguist, “well adapted to the capacity and attention of learners, being an easy introduction to Hindoostanee Grammar.” (Seton-Karr, op. cit., vol. II, p. 524.) No. 21—25 December 1798. 1. Sir Joseph Banks (p. 372)—President of the Royal Society, 1778-1820. 2. Request of the Asiatic Society for the grant of a charter (p. 373)— At a meeting of the Asiatic Society, held on 19 August 1796, it was proposed by the President Sir John Shore that “application be made to His Majesty for a charter of incorporation for this Society”. A committee of nine members including Thomas Graham, John Fleming, Capt. R. H. Colebrooke, Dr. J. Dinwiddie and Capt. M. Symes, was appointed “to consider on the best mode of carrying into execution the object” of the resolution and “report at the next meeting”. On 29 September, when the next meeting of the Society took place, the committee proposed that “the intended application to His Majesty to obtain a charter of incorporation of the Society be made thro’ the Governor-General in Council and the Court of Directors”. A letter addressed to the Governor-General in Council was also drafted in the course of which it was said, “In the expectation that the Society which has overcome the difficulties of a first establishment may by permanency be productive of further advantages, it is the wish of its members to establish fund for erecting a proper building for their future meetings, providing a library and museum, and to defray all incidental expenses. But to enable them to carry these purposes into execution, it is necessary to obtain a charter of incorporation; and the object of their address is to request that you will be pleased to solicit the Hon’ble the Court of Directors to take such measures as may be requisite to obtain His Majesty’s letters patent, constituting a corporation under the title of the Asiatic Society for enquiring into the history, antiquities, arts, sciences and literature of Asia, vesting in them and their successors the rights and privileges usually granted to similar literary bodies.” The letter was acknowledged by G. H. Barlow, Secretary to the Government, on 3 October with' an assurance that the Governor-General would have great pleasure in communicating the gist of the letter to the Court of Directors with his own recommendation. Nothing seems to have come out of these negotiations. The Society did not get the Royal Charter. (Ms. Proceedings of the Asiatic Society, dated 19 August, 29 September, and 17 November, 1796.) 3. Mr. Sinclair (p. 380)—G. Sinclair, Superintendent of Agricultural Experiments, was interested in carrying on experiments in hemp, flax and potato. He, however, died shortly after his arrival in India. 4. Mr. Barwell has offered to sell his buildings (p. 381)—An advertisement for the sale of Barwell’s building property by public auction appeared in the Calcutta Gazette on 11 October 1798. The list included the “capital large upper roomed house at Kidderpore, at present rented by the managers of the Orphan Society, with all the out-houses and ground thereunto belonging, contain 274 bighas, 10 cottahs more or less.” (Seton-Karr, op. cit., vol. Ill, p. 527.) 554 LETTERS TO COURT (3) There would be no publication on Sundays. (4) No newspaper would be published until it had been examined by the Secretary to the Government, or by a person authorised by him for that purpose. (5) An infringement of any of these Regulations would be punished with “immediate embarkation for Europe”. 4. William Dick to sell us the Insane Hospital which we at present hire of him (p. 406)—Probably he is the same person as W. Dick, Surgeon to the hospital. No. 25—31 December 1799. 1. New Church (p. 416)—Church of St. John, Calcutta. 2. Mr* Forster (p. 418)—Henry Pitts Forster, the celebrated oriental scholar, entered East India Company’s service in 1783. He was appointed Collector of Tipperah in 1793 and Registrar, Diwani Adalat of Twenty-four Parganas, in 1794. Later on he became Master of Mint, Calcutta. Forster had good knowledge of Bengali and Sanskrit. In 1793, he translated the Cornwallis Code into Bengali. His well-known English and Bengalee Vocabulary, which was the first work of its kind, was published in two parts, the first appearing in 1799 and the second in 1802. In 1799 Forster offered the copyright of his work to the Government on condition that they bore the cost of publication. As an alternative he prayed that he might be permitted to meet the expenses by raising subscription. The Government, however, decided only to buy one hundred copies of his dictionary. In the second volume of ’ the dictionary there is a list of subscribers who “honoured the work” with their “patronage”. Forster’s next work An Essay on the Principles of Sanskrit Grammar was published in 1810. Forster will be remembered for his services to the cause of Bengali language and the attempts he made to have it recognised as the official language of the Province instead of Persian. In the introduction to his dictionary he made out a case for the use of Bengali in the law courts. He died in India on 10 September 1815. (Stephen and Lee, Dictionary of National Biography, vol. XX ; S. K. De, History of Bengali Literature in the Nineteenth Century, pp. 88-92.) 3. Appointment of Lieutenant Baillie to translate ... of Sheeas (p. 419)—John Baillie entered the East India Company’s service as a Cadet in 1790 and arrived in India in 1791. He became Ensign in 1793, Lieutenant in 1794, Captain in 1803, Major in 1811 and Lieutenant-Colonel in 1814. In 1797 he was “employed by Lord Teignmouth to translate from the Arabic language an eminent work on rhe Mahomedan law, compiled by Sir William Jones. On the first formation of the College of Fort William about 1800, he was appointed professor of the Arabic and Persian languages, and of Mahomedan law in that institution. From 1803 to 1807 he served as political agent of the Governor-General in Bundelcund; and on the death of Col. Collins, in 1807, he was appointed resident at Lucknow, where he remained till the end of 1815; and in June 1818 he was placed on the tetired list.” 556 LETTERS TO COURT patam in May 1799 and thereafter carried on geographical investigations in South India. He contributed scientific articles entitled “An account of a method for extending a geographical survey across the peninsula of India” and “An account of the measurement of an arc of the meridian on the coast of Coromandel” in volumes VII and VIII respectively of the Asiatic Researches. 3. Captain Mackenzie (p. 450)—Colin Mackenzie came to India in 1782 and joined the Madras Engineers. He was in the war against Tipu in 1790-92 and at the siege of Seringapatam in May 1799. After the fall of Seringapatam he was “given charge of the survey of Mysore and Kanara, and commencing in 1800, he completed the field work by the middle of 1807, and the maps and memoirs twelve months later”. He was Surveyor-General of Madras in 1810; Chief Engineer to the Madras Force in Java, 1811-13; and Surveyor-General of India, 1815-21. He died in India in 1821 He was an enthusiastic collector of Oriental manuscripts. A detailed biographical note on Mackenzie will be found in Phillimore’s Historical Records of the Survey of India^ vol. II, pp. 419-28. 4. Mr. Heyne (p. 450)—Benjamin Heyne, Surgeon and Botanist, was appointed “Botanist to the Mysore Survey under Mackenzie with salary of 75 pagodas a month in addition to his pay and allowances as an assistant Surgeon”. In 1800, he “left Mackenzie’s camp on the N. border of Mysore to return to Bangalore where he spent several months on botanical work at the Gardens”. In 1806, Heyne was appointed “Botanist and Naturalist to superintend the Gardens at Bangalore”. This post was abolished after two years. In 1812, he was granted leave to visit Europe for two years. He died in India in 1819. (Phillimore, op. cit., vol. II, pp. 405-06.) 5. Peter Moore (p. 450)—Member of the Committee of Revenue. 6. Michael Rodrigo (p. 450)—He was a native of Fort Marlborough, employed at Fort William as an Assistant in the Secret and Military Departments. 7. John Mills (p. 450)—Sometime Superintendent of Police, Calcutta. SEPARATE REVENUE LETTERS No? 37—5 July 1796, 1. Mr. Tomlinson (p. 459)—Robert Tomlinson was Salt Agent in Bhulua and Chittagong divisions. No. 38—31 August 1796. 1. Adjoora system (p. 463)—Ajura or ujoora literally means hire or wages, especially to one employed by the job. In commercial transactions, however, it means the fee or percentage charged on a dishonoured bill, for the expense of returning it to the drawer when residing at a distance. (Wilson, A Glossary of Judicial and Revenue Terms} p. 23.) 2. Mangee (p. 464)—Manjhighat near Patna. LEtTERS TO COURT 558 2. Mr. Maclean’s conduct (p. 529)—-Charles Maclean, a medical practitioner in Calcutta, wrote a letter in the Telegraph, animadverting on the official conduct of Mr. Rider, the Magistrate of Ghazipur. Both the editor and Mr. Maclean were called upon by the Government to apologize for publishing the article in question. The editor complied, but Mr. Maclean refused. The latter, for this act of contumacy and his previous misconduct in quitting the ship to which he had been attached and remaining in India without permission, was sent to Europe. No. 64—2 September ISOO. 1. Mr. Burroughs, the Advocate General (p. 532)—William Burroughs, ■ afterwards Sir William Burroughs and a Puisne Judge in Calcutta. In a letter to Lord Rawdon who evidently gave a letter of introduction to Burroughs, Cornwallis wrote on 2 December 1789, “To Mr. Burroughs I can probably do little more than show the most cordial civility in which, you may be assured, I shall not be deficient”. Burrough’s predecessor Davies enjoyed good reputation. Cornwallis wrote about him to Dundas on 28 December 1786, “I find that it would by no means suit my friend Davies to go upon the bench. I trust you will not send out Sir Elijah Impey”. In another letter to Dundas, on 5 March 1787, Cornwallis wrote, “For God’s sake let us keep Davies; he is the best advocate that has ever been in this country”. Davies died in Calcutta in January 1792. William Hickey evidently entertained poor opinion of Burroughs: “Upon the death of Mr. Davies, Lord Cornwallis appointed Mr. Burroughs to the office of the Advocate General from which moment the upstart hound became so arrogant and overbearing there was no enduring him”. Hickey’s friend William Cone wrote to Hickey, in February 1796, that ‘Burroughs and all his bred are the greatest scoundrels unhanged”. (Ross, Correspondence of Charles, First Marquis Cornwallis, vol. I, pp. 249, 264 and 463: Spencer, op. cit., vol. IV, pp. 66 and 144.) 560 BIBLIOGRAPHY Brown, A. R. The Andaman Islanders. Cambridge, 1922. Buchanan, Rev. Claudius. Memoir of the Expediency of an Ecclesiastical Establishment for British India. London, 1812. Buckland, C. E. Dictionary of Indian Biography. London, 1906. Cardew, Maj. F. G. A Sketch of the Services of the Bengal Native Army. Calcutta, 1903. Carey, Eustace. Memoir of William Carey. London, 1836. Carey, W. H. The Good Old Days of Honourable John Company. 2 vols. Calcutta, 1906-07. Christlieb, Rev. Theodor. The Indo-British Opium Trade. London, 1881. Colebrooke, H. T. A Digest of Hindu Law on Contracts and Successions. 4 vols. Calcutta, 1797-98. Colebrooke, Sir J. E. A Digest of Bengal Regulations. Calcutta, 1807. Colebrooke, Sir P. E. The Life of Henry Thomas Colebrooke. London, 1873. Cooke, C. N. The Rise, Progress and Present Condition of Banking in India. Calcutta, 1863. Cotton, H. E. A. Calcutta : Old and New. Calcutta, 1907. Curry, J. C. The Indian Police. London, 1932. Curzon, Lord. British Government in India. London, 1925. Davies, C. C. Warren Hastings and Oudh. London, 1939. De, Sushil Kumar. History of Bengali Literature in the Nineteenth Century. Calcutta, 1919. Dodwell, Edward and Miles, J. S. Alphabetical List of the Officers of the Bengal Army (1760-1834). London, 1838. Douglas, James. Bombay and Western India. 2 vols. London, 1893. Durga Prashad. Some Aspects of Indian Foreign Trade (1757-1893). London, 1932. Dutt, R. C. The Economic History of India under Early British Rule. London, 1906. Emerson, G. R. (Ed.) The Dictionary of Geography, Biography, and History. Beeton’s Universal Information series. 2 vols. London. Firminger, W. K. Fifth Report from the Select Committee of the House of Commons on the Affairs of the East India Company. 3 vols. Calcutta, 1917-18. Forrest, Sir G. W. The Life of Lord Clive. 2 vols. London, 1918. — Selections from the State Papers of the Governors-General of India— Warren Hastings. 2 vols. Oxford, 1910. — Selections from the State Papers of the Governors-General of India—Lord Cornwallis. 2 vols. Oxford, 1926. Foster, Sir William. John Company. London, 1926. — A Guide to the India Office Records, 1600-1858. London, 1919. Furber, Holden. The Private Record of an Indian Governor-Generalship : Correspondence of Sir John Shore, Governor-General, with Henry Dundas, President of the Board of Control, 1793-98. Cambridge, 1933. — John Company at Work. Cambridge, 1948. Hamilton, Capt. Alexander. A New Account of the East Indies. 2 vols. Edinburgh, 1727. Hamilton, C. J. The Trade Relations between England and India (1600-1896). Calcutta, 1919. Hamilton, Walter. East India Gazetteer. 2 vols. 2nd ed. London, 1828. 562 BIBLIOGRAPHY Stephen, Leslie and Lee, Sidney (Eds.) Dictionary of National Biography,. London, 1908. Sterndale, R. C. An Historical Account of the Calcutta Collectorate. Calcutta, 1885. Teignmouth, Lord, (John Shore, 1st Baron). Memoirs of the Life, Writings and Correspondence of Sir William Jones. London, 1804. Teignmouth, Lord, (Charles John Shore, 2nd Baron). Memoir of the Life and Correspondence of John Lord Teignmouth. 2 vols. London, 1843. Thornton, Capt. Edward. Gazetteer of the Territories under the Government of the East India Company and of the Native States on the Continent of India. 4 vols. London, 1854. Turner, F. S. British Opium Policy and its Results to India and China. London, 1876. Valentia, Lord G. A. Voyages and Travels to India, Ceylon, the Red Sea, Abyssinia and Egypt, in the years 1802-06. 3 vols. London, 1809. Walsh, Col. J. H. T. A History of Murshidabad District, Bengal. London, 1902. Wilson, C. R. Old Fort William in Bengal. 2 vols. London, 1906. Wilson, H. H. A Glossary of Judicial and Revenue Terms. Calcutta, 1940. 564 INDEX Ann (ship), lost, 74, 76. Ann and Eliza (ship), amount involved in loss of, 259, 264-5, 372. Anna (ship), 246, 434, 435, 451, 454, 518, 519, 534. Annals of the East India Company (John Bruce), xl. Anstruther, Sir John, Chief Justice, Supreme Court, 100, 380 ; on revision of Supreme Court establishment, 210-2, 530-1. Arabic, 344 ; preservation of mss. in, 96. Arabs, the, xix. Arcot, Nawab of, treaty with, 69 ; debts of, 251. Arcot Rupee, see Rupee, Arcot. Ariadne (ship), 315, 316. Arithmetical Collections (Burke, —?), 467. Armida (Cochin-China’s ship), captured, 330. Armstrong, William, Collector of Midna-pore, 285. Army, E.I. Coy’s, 42 ; morality in, 88-92, 376 ; passage money for officials, 100, 380; appreciation of services, 132-7, 369 ; at Penang, 229 ; at Fort Marlbro’, 234, 272; note on, 538-9. Ashadha (third month of Hindu luni-solar year), 273. Asia (ship), 126, 127, 128, 275, 281, 282, 299, 449, 477. Asiatic Annual Register, xxxix. Asiatic Researches, xxxix, 237, 544. Asiatic Society of Bengal, xxxix, xli, 79, 266, 373; note on, 552. Askwith, John Haddon, free mariner, 126. Assam, Lt-Col. Kyd’s travels in, xxvii. Assar, see Ashadha, Assay Master, Calcutta, salary of, 9 ; on value of dollar, 489 ; see also Belli, John. Assay Office, Calcutta, repairs in, 9-10. Assessors, Calcutta, salary of, 198, 200, 201, 525. Assistant Deputy Master Attendant, 306. Assistant Surgeons, 28, 380. Astronomical Instrument, purchase of, 26, 292. Atkinson, Thomas Latham, dies, 32. Atlantic (ship), 352, 358, 364, 368, 3 70, 490, 491, 492, 496, 499, 528, 530. Attorney, E. I. Coy’s, see Jackson, William. Attornies, to obtain license to practise, xxxv, 100, 211, 531. Aumils, see Amils. Aurang (place where goods are manufactured), xviii, 7, 189, 463, 483. Auspicious (ship), 309. Ava, Burma, embassy to, 69, 262, 359, 449, 540. Babcock, Capt. A., payment to, 207-8. Baboom, G., 394. Babupur (Baboopore), Noakhali Dist„ Bengal, salt from, 483. Backergunge, Bengal, rice from, 219. Bahar, see Bihar. Baillie, C., Asst to Commercial Rcsdt at Khirpai, 387. Baillie, Lt J., to translate Jones’ work on Shiah laws, 125, 343-4, 419. Baird, Maj.-Gen. David, thanked by Parliament for services in Mysore war, 133, 135. Baird, John, Master Attendant and Storekeeper at Penang, 99, 160, 380. Baji Rao II, Peshwa, xvii. Baker, John, free mariner, 130. Balasore (Ballasore), Orissa, salt from, xvii, 170, 474. Balasore Road, xxv, 330, 403. Balfour, Dr Francis, treatise on sol-lunar influence by, 233 ; note on, 544. Ball, L., Sheriff of Calcutta, 8. Bamni Island (Bomney), Noakhali Dist., Bengal, salt from, 483. Banda Islands, Indonesia, 407-8. Banka Canal (Banky Nulla), Midnaporc, 398. Banks, Sir Joseph, Prcsdt of the Royal Society, xxix, 26, 76, 278, 292, 372. Bankshall (office of Harbour Master or other port authority), 120, 317-8. Bannerman, Capt. J., Bombay Govt’s financial engagements with, 342-3, 354, 361. Bantarim, Banteerin, Banterim, Bentcrim, see Benteerin. Baring, Sir Francis, Member, Court of Directors, 18, 41, 114, 140, 181 ; ol Secret Committee, 16, 46, 108, 139. Baring, Henry, Supercargo at Canton, 14, 64, 98, 109, 154. Baring, Thomas, Translator to Diwani Adalat, 240 ; writer, 247-8. Barker, William Raymond, writer, 139, 156. Barlow, George Hillaro, Secy, F. W. Bd, xxxiv, 67, 70, 105, 129, 156, 159, 192, 240, 346, 359 ; Sub-Secy, Revenue Dept, 3, 254; services praised, 118, 414; examiner in Persian and Hindustani, 447. Barnard (Bernard), Capt. T., of the Martha, payment to, 314. 316. Barron, Robert, seaman, 389. Barton, J., Assit to Registrar and 2nd Asst to Magistrate of Tirhut, 240. Barwell (ship), 68, 346. Barwell, James Richard, writer, 108-9, 126, 155. Barwell, Richard, sale of buildings of, 101, 381, 552. Basra (Bussora), Iraq, xvii ; Resdt at, 103. Bateman,—, barrister, 67, 346. Bateman, John, Junior Counsel to E.I. Coy, 212, 531. Bathurst, Robert, resigns, 93, 277, 284 ; to resume service, 98, 379 ; note on, 549. Batla (rate of exchange, discount), on gold coins, 23, 76-7, 265, 372, 400, 420 ; on silver, 430-1. Balta Lascars (Indian sailors employed on batta, i.e. extra pay), 149, 366, 405. 566 INDEX —Judge and Magistrate, see Campbell, Duncan. Birch, R. C., 300. Bird, C., Collector of Dinajpur, 239. Births, Burials, Christenings and Marriages, Register of, 154, 289. Black, Alexander, 2nd Lt on board the Nonsuch, 19-20. Blagrave, Anthony, writer, 137, 156. Blair, Capt. Archibald, Hydrographer of E. I. Coy, 216 ; surveys the Andamans, xxv-xxvi ; note on, 541. Blake, Capt. Benjamin, Commander and Owner of the Chichester, 221. Blanshard (Blanchard), Rev. Thomas, Sen. Chaplain at Fort William, 116, 301. Blanshard, see also Abbotts, Blanshard and Perney. Blaquiere, —", Sanskrit-English Dictionary by, 124, 332, 418. Blaquiere, W. C., examiner in Hindustani and Persian, 447. Blaquire, —, bond of, 49. Blast, Thomas, free mariner, 37. Blecheynden, —, Chief Mate of the Oueen, 325. Blechynden, Marmaduke William, free mariner, 156. Blunt, Sir Charles William, 62, 252 ; Member, Post Office Committee, 363 ; note on, 547. Blunt, Edward Walter, writer, 98, 100 ; supernumerary in Public Dept, 387. Blunt, Ensign James Tillyer, surveys Chunar-Rajahmundry route, xxxix, 62, 96, 252, 340, 378 ; note on, 547. Blunt, William, writer, son of Sir Charles William, 62, 109, 252, 339, 420. Board of Agriculture, England, 41, 118, 321, 407. —Presdt, see Sinclair, Sir John. Board of Control, Presdt of, see Dundas, Henry. Board of Revenue, 261-2, 407 ; on abkari, 197-8, 524. —Accountant, 274 ; see also Cox, R. W. Board of Trade, Madras marine placed under, 35 ; on supplies to St Helena, 55, 219-20, 250, 410; members, 58, 240-1, 247, 423 ; on shipping, 62, 76, 220-2, 300, 394; on commission to Sub-Export-Warehouse-Keeper, 94, 377-8 ; on custom duties, 176, 464, 465-6, 486, 490, 492, 498, 501, 509-12, 515, 518; revised establishment, 277-8 ; and passim. —Accountant, 486; see also Egerton, William. —Adviser in Chemistry, Mechanics and Natural Philosophy, see Dinwiddie, Dr James. —Secy, salary, 87, 279, 375 ; assts, 252. —Sub-Secy, see Vansittart, A. H. Board of Trade in Marine Department, see Marine, Bengal. Board of Trade in Salt and Opium Department, separated from Investment and Customs, 179, 457-8; services appreciated, 474; see also Opium; Salt. —Secy, see Cotton, John. Bocldington (ship), 27, 293. Bodlein (ship), loss of, 63. Boehm, see Edmund Boehm and Co. Boglepore, Boglipore, see Bhagalpur. Boileau, Thomas, Justice of the Peace, Calcutta, 239, 521 ; note on, 55 7. Bombay (frigate), 150, 366. Bombay, salt from, xviii, 502, 515 ; chaplains at, xxxiii ; Justices of the Peace at, 33, 197, 524 ; rice contract, 51, 219, 423 ; shipping, 52, 55, 218, 282-3, 299 ; marine, 8 7, 104-5, 392, 510; residents, 135 ; custom duties, 174, 176, 477; Commission of the Peace for, 202 ; stationery for, 228 ; and passim. —Government, finances and accounts, 4-5, 20, 30, 4 7, 75, 76, 84, 117, 126, 151, 216, 232, 234, 254, 259-60, 263, 268-9, 275, 282, 291, 304, 311, 322-3, 342-3, 354-5, 371, 383-4, 413, 427, 430, 442-4; not to send European convicts to thc Andamans, 21 ; members, 27, 52, 55, 116, 218-9, 303, 413 ; services in Mysore war appreciated, 132-6 ; control over Malabar and Canara, 161-3 ; and passim. —Governor, see Duncan, Jonathan ; Griffith, John. Bombay Rupee, see Rupee, Bombay. Bomney, see Bamni Island. Bootan, see Bhutan. Bosanquet, Jacob, Member, Court of Directors, 15, 37, 41, 158, 161, 164, 196; Dy Chairman, 46, 65, 68, 71, 72; of Secret Committee, 46, 73, 139, 370; Chairman, 102-5, 107-8. Boswell, Capt. Bruce, Marine Paymaster and Naval Storekeeper, Bengal, 11, 14, 36, 281, 298. Botanical Gardens, Calcutta, beginnings, xxvii-xxviii; collection of specimens for, xxix, 148, 222, 331, 363, 390; experiments at, xxix, 242, 332, 338, 414-5, 418 ; purchase of ground, 231. —Supdt, 56; quarters for, 10; see also Fleming, Dr. J. ; Kyd, Lt-Col. Robert; Roxburgh, Dr W. Botany Bay, Australia, transportation of convicts to Bengal from, 432-5 ; note on, 555 ; see also New South Wales. Bourbon or Reunion, island in Indian Ocean, xxiii ; see also Mauritius. Bowles, J., Master Pilot, dismissed, 396. Boyd (ship), 261. Braham, Philip, Dy Governor of Fort Marlbro’, 236 ; misconduct, 436-40. Brajakumar Shaw (Brijoo Comar), 521. Bramston, William, Supercargo at Canton, 64, 99, 109, 154. Brice, James, free mariner, 104. Bridges, Daniel, pilot, pension to widow of, 396. Bridges, Maj.-Gen. Thomas, thanked by Parliament for Seringapatam campaign, 133, 135. Bridgewater (ship), 275-6, 279. Brisk (barque), captured, 123, 150, 331, 366. Bristow, John, Chairman of Seamen’s Relief Committee, 410, 453. 568 INDEX Campbell, Peter, free mariner, 140. Campbell, Robert, Agent in India for the Duckenfield Hall, 221. Campbell, Clark and Co., 395. Canal, bet. Ganges and Hooghly rivers, xxxviii-xxxix, 25, 33, 292, 297. Canara, districts on w. coast of India, « administrative control transferred to Madras, 161-2. Cannanore, Malabar Dist., Madras, grain for, 394. Canning, Capt. John, 51 ; case re. accounts, 31, 59, 115, 196, 231, 245, 294-6, 335, 338, 500-1 ; Dy Master Attendant, 36, 298 ; Owner and Commander of the Nonsuch, 221, 396. Cannington, see Mannington. Cantilo, John Linely, free mariner, 130. Canton, China, finances at, 31-2, 70, 79-80, 121, 141, 152, 193, 244-5, 268, 283-4, 324, 345, 346-7, 350, 353-4, 360, 373, 384, 394-5, 409, 416, 419-20, 427, 444. —Select Committee of Supercargoes, members, 14, 64, 98, 109, 128, 153-4, 281, 379. Canvas, 57, 337. Cape Comorin, Travancore. 163. Cape of Good Hope, 153, 220, 260, 276, 282, 381-2; botanical gardens at, xxix, 128, 421, 444 ; gunpowder for, 147, 315, 362 ; health resort, 252, 266, 278, 316, 403 ; stores for, 259, 264-5, 415, 423 ; trade restrictions, 311-2, 395. —Governor, see Macartney, Lord; Yonge, Sir George. Caper Bush, for Calcutta, 26. Cardiner, see Cordiner. Carev, Cornelius, seeks relief, 279 ; note on,' 549. Carnatic (ship), 126. Carnatic, the, xxviii. Carr, Rev. —, 8 ; dies, 256. Carr, Dale, free mariner, 67. Carrington, C. E., Junior Counsel to E. I. Coy, resigns, 212, 531. Carrington, George, free mariner, 109. Castor (ship), 290, 305, 307, 414. Cathcart, Col. C., 398. Cator, William, 139, 453. Ceres (ship); 307. Ceylon, xxv, 276, 315, 327 ; aid to, 102, 287, 381 ; commerce and revenue, 394 ; rice for, 423 ; salt from, 503 : see also Colombo ; Trincomalee. —Governor, see North, Hon. Frederick. Chaitra (12th month of Hindu luni-solar year), 273. Chambers, Sir Robert, Chief Justice, Supreme Court, salary, 109-10. Chamier, J., 26. Champain, John, Salt Agent at Tamluk, 56, 220 ; Judge and Magistrate of 24-Parganas, 239. Chandernagore (schooner), 340 ; sold, 63. Chandernagore, abkari at, 206 ; judicial administration, 521. Chandrakona (Chanderconah), Midnapore Dist., Bengal, 7. Chapels, xxxii-xxxiii, 87-8, 279, 375-6 ; see also New Church. Chaplains, Court’s instructions re., xxxii-xxxiv, 9, 16-7, 87-9, 256, 264, 279, 359, 375-6. Chapman, Charles, Salt Agent at Hijili, 167. Chapman, Robert, 108, 393. Charity School, funds, 450. Charlotte (yacht), 215. Charlton (ship), 126, 127, 128, 430, 431. Charnock, Robert, manager-owner of ships, 261, 286, 305, 315, 316, 549. Charter, of justice, 520. Charterparty, additional clauses in, 67-8. Charters, Oswald, 156. Charters, Samuel, dies, 49; pension to family, 54, 336. Charters, Thomas, 49, 126, 420. Chauki (station of police or customs), xviii, 517. Cheap, John, dues from, 276. Cheap, Capt. Thomas, of the Britannia, grants to heir, 14, 281. Chemistry (Chymistry), adviser to Bd of Trade in, see Dinwiddie, Dr J. Cherry, G. F., Head Judge, Benares Court of Appeal and Circuit, 252. Chester, C., Asst to Commercial Resdt at Kumarkhali, 387. Chester, George, writer, 72, 100. Chichester (ship), 221, 246. Chief Engineer, 257. Chief Justice, of Supreme Court, see Anstruther, Sir John; Chambers, Sir Robert; Impey, Sir Eli jah. Chilves (Clives), William, boatswain of the Ganges, pension to, 117, 307, 317, 414, 415. China, opium introduced in, xix ; sugarcane from, xxix, 124, 332, 418 ; plants from, 26, 258 ; remittances to, 66. 126, 130, 142, 152, 209, 229, 231, 278, 296, 335, 442, 528; exchange rate, 70, 468 ; ban on powers of letters of marque in, 139, 452 ; and passim ; see also Canton ; Tael. Chinese, the, xxii, 164, 508. Chinsura (Chinsurah), horse-racing at, xxxiii-xxxiv; taxes at, 206, 498. —Dutch Director at, see Titsingh, I. Chinsura Court of Justice, Presdt of, see Richardson, Henry. Chisholme, Charles, writer, 108, 156. Chite, see Chaitra. Chittagong, Bengal, 386; salt, xvii, 167, 168, 491, 492, 496, 504, 505, 514, 516, 519; botanical garden, xxix. —Salt Agent, 171, 483 ; see also Cromme-lin,— ; Harris, Herbert. Chittagong Diwani Adalat, Registrar of, see Laing, J. B. Chokies, see Chauki. Choromandel Coast, see Coromandel Coast. Chunam (lime), 313. Chunar (Chunarghur, Chunargur), Mirza-pore Dist., U.P., route to Rajahmundry from, xxxix, 62, 96, 252. —Dy Paymaster, see Hornby, N. Church Committee, xxxiii. Chymistry, see Chemistry. Cinnamon, xxvii-xxviii, 222, 271, 276. 570 INDEX Coromandel Coast (Choromandel), 350, 385 ; account of serpents on, xxxix-xl, 43 ; plants from, 26, 248; adalats at, 41; salt trade, 180, 502; and passim; see also Coast Salt. Coroner of Calcutta, 211, 531. Cossimbazar, Murshidabad Dist., Bengal, 387 ; chaplains for, 87, 279. Cotton, packing machine for, 55, 218. Cotton,—, China remittances bv, 51, 209, 335, 528. Cotton, John, Secy, Bd of Trade in Salt and Opium Dept, 179, 239, 458, 494. Cotton, Joseph, Member, Court of Directors, 13, 17, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43, 46, 65, 70, 71, 72, 102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 108, 140, 154, 158, 161, 163, 164, 176, 181, 196, 205, 212; suggestions re. shipping, 99-100. Counsell, Capt. William, pension to widow, 62, 160-1, 252, 340. Counter,—, Third Asst at Penang, 245. Court,—, on stationery, 24. Court House, Calcutta, new building for, xxix-xxx, 10, 256-7, 371 ; see also Supreme Court. Court of Directors, on salt, xvii-xviii, 165-71, 179-81, 182-5 ; on opium, xx, xxii, 164, 177-8, 186-7, 192-3 ; on the Andamans, xxvii, 52; on Court House, xxix-xxx, 74 ; on maintenance of records, xxx, 11, 63-4, 154; on writers, xxxi, 156-8; on morality of Coy’s servants, xxxiii-xxxiv, 16, 87-92 ; on shipping, xxxvii, 106, 143-4; on Ganges-Hooghly canal, xxxviii-xxxix, 25 ; on collection of information re. India, xxxix-xli, 95-7 ; on bills of exchange, 18, 70, 106, 129; censure Fort Marlbro’ servants, 18, 110-4; on charterparty, 67-8; orders re furlough, 72 ; on outstanding balances. 82-5; on relief to merchants, 86 ; on legal practitioners and Supreme Court. 100-1, 210-2; on post and postage, 103; give thanks for successes in Mysore war, 131-2, 136-7; on letters of marque, 139 ; on customs and taxes, 174-5, 194-5, 206 ; on damages for American ships, 203-4 : and passim. —Secret Committee, personnel, 16, 46, 73, 109, 139 ; and passim. —Secy, see Ramsay, W. Court of Quarter Sessions, see Quarter Sessions. Court of Requests, Calcutta, 211, 531. Courts of Justice, licenses for legal practitioners, xxxv, 100. Covenanted Servants, xxxi, 11,156-8; see also Servants, E. I. Coy’s. Covenants, 209, 290, 420/523, 528 ; Secy to F. W. Bd to deal with, 201-2, 527. —Registrar, 49, 234, 237 ; office abolished, 527. Coverdale (ship), 280, 289. Coverdale, John, free mariner, 107, 393. Cowell, W., Registrar, Murshidabad Zillah Court, 252 ; note on, 546. Cowper, —, author of Information respecting America, 468. Cowper, William, Member of Board, 408, 411, 412, 426, 427, 428, 432, 434, 451, 454, 470, 477, 484. 511, 512, 513, 515, 518, 534. Cox, Lt Hiram, 21, 48. Cox, R. W., Dy Accountant General, 239. Craig, Alexander Cobham, writer, 16. Craig, Capt. M., of the Queen, 324. Crawford, Capt. J. C., of the Amelia, 221. Crawfurd, Quintin, free mariner, 17. Creighton, see Udny, Creighton & Grant. Crescent (H. M.’s ship), 101, 102, 381, 382. Crisp, B., 3rd Judge, Court of Appeal, Dacca, 252 ; note on, 546. Criso, John, Dv Governor, Fort Marlbro’, 19, Hl, 113,'291, 387. Crommelin,—, Salt Agent at Chittagong and Noakhali, 171 ; rewarded, 167-8, 459, 473-4. Crommelin, Charles Russel, Secy, F. W. Bd, 159. Cuffnells (ship), 126, 424. Cuming, George, Member, Select Committee of Supercargoes at China, 14, 64, 98, 109. Cumming, —, Registrar, Rajshahi Zillah Adalat, 240. Cumming, George, Registrar and Asst Magistrate of Rangpur, 240 ; Registrar and Asst Magistrate of Shahabad, 285. Cunningham, William, Registrar, Dinaj-pur Diwani Adalat, 247. Cunnyngham, Robert, Collector of Ram-garh, 403. Currency, see Coinage and Currency. Custom House, Calcutta, 462, 509-10. —Examiner and Appraiser of Piece-Goods at, see Brown, J. T. Custom Master, 174, 1 76-7 ; see also Foley, G. R. ; Macan, Turner. Customs and Excise, to meet expenses of trade protection,, xxv, 278-9, 375; clauses in treaty with U.S.A, re., 38-9, 466-7 ; on gold, 45, 321 ; to meet Bombay marine expenses, 104-5, 392, 510; administration at Calcutta, 174-5, 176-7, 255, 475-6, 486-7, 493, 509-11, 515, 518; question of levy on foreigners, 175, 188-9, 194-5, 476-7, 498-9; jewels exempted from, 182, 462 ; amount of revenue from, 183-4, 465-6, 469, 501, 511-2: at Benares, 184, 464, 501 ; fixation of ex-change rates for, 185, 467-9, 489; on indigo, 190, 484, 490-1 ; on claret, 191, 492 ; at Penang, 245 ; question of remission, 477 ; see also Abkari; Taxes. —Collector, see Collector of Customs. Cuthbert, Edward, writer, 15, 19. Dacca, 301, 367 ; mint at, 9 ; chaplain for, 87, 279; courts at, 247, 386. —Nawab, see Muradud-Daulah, Dacca Court of Appeal, Judge of, see Crisp, B. Dacca Jelalpur, sec Jalalpur. Dalhousie Square, Calcutta, xxix. Dalrymple,—, 21. 572 INDEX Duncan, A., Collector of Benares, 240, 261. Duncan, Jonathan, Governor of Bombav, xl, 47, 52, 132-4, 136, 218, 303. Dundas, Henry, Presdt, Board of Control, xx, xxiii-xxiv. Dunkin, Sir William, 399. Dunviddie, see Dinwiddie. Durbar, see Murshidabad Durbar. Durbijay Singh (Durbetzey Singh), 397 ; note on, 553. Dutch, the, xxii, 149, 311-2, 455, 508, 523 ; opium trade of, xix; settlements acquired from, 41 ; duties on trade of, 189, 476-7. Dutch East India Company, 397. Dwarka Das, see Manohar Das, Dwarka Das, and Gopal Das. Earl camden (ship), 146, 361. Earl Fitz William (ship), 243, 25 0, 261. Earl Howe (ship), 153, 224, 268, 388, 412, 423-4, 426-9, 511-2. Earl of Oxford (ship), 223. Earl Spencer (ship), 71, 155, 251. Earl Wycombe (ship), 261. East Indies, 42, 100-1, 130, 135, 406, 466. Eastern Archipelago, xxix. Eastern Islands, Malayan Archipelago, 148, 363. Eastwick, —, dies, 403. Eaton, Maj. Isaac, dues from, 398. Edmonstone, N. B., examiner in Hindustani and Persian, 447. Edmund Boehm and Co, 454. Egan, Charles, free mariner, 126. Egerton, William, Accountant, Bd of Trade, 239. Eliza (ship), wrecked, 74, 76. Eliza Anne (ship), 221, 246. Elliot,—, escapes from New South Wales, 434. Elliot, William Pearson, writer, 15, 66-7. Elliott, Charles, writer, 72, 100; Asst to Commercial Resdt at Cossimbazar, 387. Ellis, William, miller, 19, 291. Ellore, Kistna Dist., Madras, 62, 252. Elphinstone, Sir G. K., 220 ; note on, 542. Elphinstone, John Fullarton, Supercargo at Canton, 154. Elphinstone, Hon. Mountstuart, writer, 19; Asst to Registrar, Benares City Court, 247. Elphinstone, William Fullarton, Member, Court of Directors, 37, 40, 41, 65, 68, 70, 104, 105, 110, 114, 128, 129, 137, 181, 190, 205. England, xxix, 46, 250, 271, 328, 332, 341, 361 ; treaty bet. U.S.A. and, 38-9, 69 ; see also Great Britain. English Language, Sanskrit-English and Bengali-English dictionaries, 124, 332, 418, 554. Enterprise (American ship), damages for capture, 204, 207-8, 527. Erskine, Maj.-Gen.—, 310. Esperance (French brig), 398. Essex (ship), 165, 202, 275, 281, 282, 283, 299, 472, 477. Estwick, Willoughby Bertie, writer, 45, 67, 321« Euridice, Eurydice (ship), 126, 190, 352, 358, 364, 368, 369, 370, 389, 419, 490, 491, 492, 496, 499, 528, 530. Europa (ship), 17, 21, 24, 26, 93, 104, 263, 275, 286, 377, 392. Europe Post Office, 237. Europeans, the, 22, 201, 209, 528 ; trade by, xvii, xxi; as writers, xxxi, 11, 156-8 : churches and chaplains for, 16, 279; convicts, 21, 432-5; in Marine Bd, 146, 239 ; in Coy’s army, 369. Evans, George, pensioned, 351. Evans, R., Commander of La Virginie, 366. Ewer, John, writer, 139. Ewer, Walter, Marine Paymaster and Naval Storekeeper, Bengal, 14, 36, 281, 298; Commissioner at Fort Marlbro’, 417, 436. Examiner and Appraiser of Piece-Goods, 510; see also Brown, J. T. Exchange Rates, 70, 467-9, 489 ; see also Coinage and Currency, Exeter (ship), 265, 275-6, 282, 299-300. —Captain, see Whitford, Capt. R. Export Warehouse, increased establishment, 95. Export-Warehousc-Keeper, 287, 378. Eyoo, see Gomcto. Fairfax, Samuel, writer, 71, 100, 365. Fairlie (ship), xxvii, 238. Fairlie,—, security for James Hay, 172. Fairlie,—, Owner of the Ganges, 221. Fairlie, William, Owner of the Abercromby and the Warren Hastings, 221. Fairlie and Co., 523. Fairlie, Gilmore and Co., permitted to send piece-goods to Cape of Good Hope, 311-2. Fairlie, Reid and Co., opium purchasers, 178, 457, 493-4. Falk, Robert, mariner, 405. Fallowfield, Ernest William, Member, Madras Council, 72, 365 ; note on, 551. False Bay, see Table Bay. Falta (Fulta), 24-Parganas Dist., Bengal, 305. Fame (ship), 286. Famine, introduction of sago plant as a measure against, xxvii. Farquhar (Farquar), Walter, writer, 19, 237. Farquharson,—, payment to, 202. Farrer, John, Owner of the Harriet. 221. Fauquier, Francis, writer, 98, 100. Favourite (ship), 251. Fawcett, see Bruce, Fawcett and Co. Fellowes (Fellows), Capt. W. D., of the Royal Admiral, 329, 357. Fenwick, Cuthbert, 11, 257. Fenwick, Edward, 233 ; note on, 543. Fergusson, B., exports goods to Cape of Good Hope, 444. Fergusson, Charles Fordyce, writer, 19; Asst in Public Dept, 240. Fisher, John, free mariner, 71. 574 INDEX 238-9, 278-9, 287, 330-1, 337, 361, 366, 375; capture Natal, 112; lose influence with Nizam, 131, 133, 134; duty on trade of, 188-9, 476-7 ; squadron arrives on Coromandel Coast, 263 ; exchange rate of currency of, 467. Friendship (ship), 309. Frushard and Laprimandy, to export spices to England, 277 ; note on, 549. Fryer, Cornelius, resigns, 277 ; to resume duty, 107, 393. Fulta, see Falta. Gale, Roger, senior merchant, bonds of, 106, 393. Gall, Maj. Laurence, 40, 320. Galley, Edward, Supdt of Northern Malabar, 6; refuses to be Justice of the Peace at Bombay, 197, 524. Gambling, in Calcutta, xxxiv-xxxv, 88, 92, 376 ; see also Lotteries Ganges (pilot schooner), 117, 120, 307, 317; burnt, 94, 286, 3 7 7. Ganges (ship), 221, 355. Ganges River, canal bet. the Hooghly and, xxxviii-xxxix, 25, 33, 292, 297. Ganjam, Orissa, Collector of, 239. Garden Reach, suburb of Calcutta, 459. Gardner, Alexander, free mariner, 46. Garo Hills (Garrow), Assam, people of, 97. Gascoigne, Evelvn John, free mariner, 104. General Abercromby (schooner), cost of, 34. General Bank of India, 327. General Goddard (ship), 106, 275, 281, 283, 286, 306, 320, 329, 333, 343, 477, 487, 489. General Hospital, see Presidency General Hospital. General Medows (ship), 221 ; compensation to owner, 246. General Treasury, see Treasury. Gentoos, see Hindus. Georgia, U.S.A., Bengal’s exchange rate with, 468-9. Georgiana (packet ship), xxv, 66, 73, 76, 250, 253, 254, 263, 266, 345, 464, 483. Gerrard, Capt. John, of the Pitt, 312, 313. Ghazipur, U.P., 386 ; opium from, xix. —Magistrate, see Rider, Jacob. Gilchrist, John Borthwick, suggestions to Asiatic Society by, xli ; author of Hindustani Dictionary and the Oriental Linguist, 150, 367 ; teacher of languages, 152, 385, 431 ; services appreciated, 448 ; note on, 551-2. Gillespie, William, pilot, 81 ; pension case, 273, 388 ; note on, 548. Gillet (schooner), captured by the French, xxiv, 337 ; enquiry into loss, 56-7, 238-9. Gillon, John, 3rd Officer of the Phoenix, dismissed, 305-6. Gilmore, Allen, Commander of the Abercromby, 221. Gladwin, Francis, author of Dissertation on the Rhetoric, Prosody, and Rhymes of the Persians, 145, 357 ; note on, 5'51. Glass, Andrew, free mariner, 67. Glass, Capt. Andrew, Commanding Officer at Penang, 6. Goa, administrative control of Fort St George over, 162. Goad (Good), Samuel Thomas, writer, 15, 19. Goddard, see General Goddard. Goddard, Thomas, dues from, 82, 274 ; note on, 548. Golaghar (Golagore, Gollagore), Hooghly Dist., Bengal, 402 ; note on, 548. —Commercial Resdt, see Middleton, E. Pitts. Golah (storehouse for grain or salt), 519 ; at Salkhia, 172, 515. Gold, coinage of, 22-3, 49, 53, 217, 265, 270, 292, 327, 336, 467 ; duty on, 45, 321 ; batta on, 76-9, 372, 400 ; refining of, 236 ; see also Bullion ; Specie. Golding, Edward, writer, 69, 100, 359. Gomastah, see Gumashtah. Gometo, Gomuti (Malayan sago palm used in cordage), 149, 390. Gooch, Capt. G., of the Sir Stephen Lushington, 316. Good, S. T., see Goad, 8. T. Goodlad, R., on salt manufacture, 169, 172, 459-60. Goordas, see Guru das. Gopal Das, see Manohar Das, Dwarka Das and Gopal Das. Gopal Das Harikishan Das (Gopaul Doss Hurry Kishen Doss, Gopaul Doss Hurry Kissen Doss), bankers, to supply money to Bombay Govt, 47, 334. Gopaul Doss Manoor Doss (Gopaul Doss Monohur Doss, Gopaul Doss Monoor Doss, Gopauldoss Manordoss), bankers of Benares, supply money to Bombay Govt, 5, 20. Gorakhpur (Goorruckpore), U.P., opium from, 457. Goreham, Amherst, free mariner, 71. Gorton, William, writer, 155. Gott, William, ship-builder, 72, 366. Gould, Blissett William, free mariner, 46. Government House, Calcutta, repairs of, 29, 294. Governor General of Bengal, on agency management of opium, xxiii; on public works, 256-7, 318; visits Lucknow and U.P., 282, 303, 322; on legality of Bombay Counsellors’ resignations, 304; on public co-operation in war against Tipu, 422; relieved of routine business, 428 ; on salary of Advocate General, 533 ; and passim ; see also Clarke, Lt-Gen. Sir Alured ; Cornwallis, Marquis ; Macpherson, Sir John ; Shore, Sir John; Wellesley, Richard Colley. —Private Secy to, salary of, 159. Govey, Robert Guy, free mariner, 67. Gowan, Cloth worthy, writer, 153, 156. 576 INDEX Hawkesbury (ship), 282, 306, 513. Hawkins, Francis, Judge and Magistrate of Purnea, 385. Hay (ship), xxv. Hay, Edward, Secy to F. W. Bd, 3, 48, 63, 254, 334; Member, Bd of Trade, 58, 241 ; ill-health, 119, 316; dies, 403. Hay, James, opium contractor, 172. Hav, Capt. James, of- the Lord Macartney, 3'05. Hayes, Lt J., survey of Tasmania by, 37, 298 ; note on, 53'8. Hayes, Thomas, Collector of Murshida-bad, 386. Head Poddar (chief teller), sec Jagannath Bose. Head Surgeon, Bengal, 220, 240, 405, 410. Hemp and Flax, experiments on, 99, 154, 248, 380, 404, 409-10. Henry Dundas (ship), 153, 224, 243, 250, 261, 389, 410, 458, 522. Hepburn, Capt.—, pension to his widow, 227. Heroine (H.M.’s ship), 120, 302, 313, 317, 331, 350, 415. —Captain, see Murray, Capt. ]. Heron, Charles, free mariner, 46. Hesilrege, A., Judge and Magistrate of Jessore, 240. Heyne, Benjamin, surgeon and botanist, 450; note on, 556. Hickey, Thomas, painter, visits India, xxxv-xxxvi, 71, 365. Hickey, William, on activities of French privateers, xxiii-xxiv; on horse-racing in Bengal, xxxiii; on Lord Wellesley, xxxv; on Thomas Hickey as a painter, xxxvi. High Court of Admiralty, see Admiralty Court. Highland Chief (ship), 130. Hijili (Hidgeelee, Hidgelee, Hidgellec, Hidgelly, Hidjelee, Hidjellec), Midna-pore Dist., Bengal, ajura system abolished in, xviii, 463 ; salt, 166-7, 459, 491, 492, 496, 504, 505, 514, 516, 519. —Salt Agent, see Chapman, Charles. Hill,—, in pilot service, gratuity to, 120, 317, 415. Hill, Sergt—, 202. Hill Tribes, investigations re., 96-7. Hillary, James, 154. Hills, William, free mariner, 126. Hillsborough (ship), 55, 215, 456. Hindostan (ship), 126. Hindu Law (Hindoo), 232, 233 ; note on, 544. Hindus (Gentoos), to»be instructed in Protestant religion, xxxi. Hindustani Language (Hindostanee), dictionary of, 150, 367, 551-2; Coy’s servants instructed in, 152, 385, 431, 447-8. Historical View of Plans for the Government of British India (John Bruce), xl. Historiographer, E. I. Coy’s, xl, 65, 342 ; note on, 540 ; see also Bruce, John ; Orme, Robert. Hoar, Thomas, free mariner, 71. Hoare, Lt J. G., surveys the Jumna, 33, 297 ; note on, 550. Hobart, Robert, Lord, Governor of Madras, xxix, 3, 41, 42 ; his successors, 39, 69, 71, 141, 209, 350, 359 ; services praised, 42-3, 69, 141, 359; sails home, 350. Hobzbery, see Holzberg. Hodgson, Henry, writer, 98, 100. Hodgson, W., supernumerary in Secret Dept, 387. Hogan,—, merchant at Cape of Good Hope, 395. Hogan, Capt. M., Owner of the Marquis Cornwallis, 275. Holdford, Brev.-Capt. Dennett Montague, . 106. Holland, T. S., Head Asst, Revenue Dept, 247. Holland, Thomas, resigns, 277. Holmes, Joseph, free mariner, 67. Holt, Robert, free mariner, 46. Holt, Robert, Supdt of Baze-Zamin-Daftar, Bihar, dues from, 83, 204-5, 2 74, 3 74, 527. Holzberg (Hobzbery), Rev.—, of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 67, 346. Home, Robert, xxxv. Hooghley, Hoogley (schooner), cost of construction, 34, 297. Hooghly (Houghley, Houghly), Bengal, custom house at, 175, 195, 499. —Collector, see Burges, Y. —Judge and Magistrate, sec Brooke, Thomas ; Bruce, Hon. C. A. Hooghly River, xxviii ; activities of French privateers in, xxiii-xxiv, 238-9, 278-9 ; proposed canal bet. the Ganges and, xxxviii-xxxix, 25, 33, 292, 297 ; construction of buoys and pyramids in, 115-6, 144, 216, 300, 347-8. Hope (ship), 126, 395. Hornby, N., Dv Pavmaster at Chunar, 328. ‘ Horse-racing, in Calcutta, xxxiii-xxxv, 88. Horton, Thomas, free mariner, 70. Hospital, for seamen at Penang, 27, 293 ; .see also Insane Hospital ; Native Hospital ; Presidency General Hospital. Hospital Board, 228, 230. Houghton (ship), 101, 102, 130, 302, 307, 309, 310, 319, 382, 442, 477, 484, 487; compensation to crew, 14, 19. —Captain, see Hudson, Capt. R. House of Commons, resolutions re. religious instruction in India, xxxi-xxxii; resolution of thanks for successes in Mysore War, 134-5 ; appreciate Bengal’s contributions to war effort, 150. House of Lords, resolutions giving thanks for successes in Mysore War, 132-4. Howell, Capt.—, C. in C. of Fort Marlbro’, 234. Howell, William, free mariner, 138. Hudson, James, writer, 45, 100. Hudson, Capt. R., of the Houghton, rewarded, 14, 281. Hunter (ship), to be seized, 434-5. 578 INDEX —Bomba}7, 33 ; see also Galley, Edward. —Calcutta, 255 ; on dangers from straw -huts, xxxviii, 525-6 ; accounts of, 525 ; see also Boileau, Thomas; Rothman, Charles. —Fort Marlbro’, 235-6. Karkach (salt obtained by solar evaporation), 491, 496, 504, 505, 515, 516, 519. Kayali Dasturi (customary fee paid to weighman), 174, 475. Kazim Ali Khan, Ihtiraniud-Daulah, brother of Mir Jafar, allowance overpaid, 82, 273. Keble, Page, dues from, 398. Kedgeree, see Khijiri. Keeper of Records, see Supreme Court, Keeper of Records. Keeper of State Papers, see Bruce, John. Keerpoy, see Khirpai. Keighly, James English, Coy’s law-suit against, 58, 202-3, 207, 521, 527 ; note on, 557. Keith, George Mouat, free mariner, 46, 99. Kempt, Capt. Francis, of the Lascelles, 300 ; dismissed, 149, 366, 405, 541. Kendersly, Watts & Co., salt contractors, 464. Kennaway, Richard, Member, Bd of Trade, resigns, 60 ; his services praised, 58, 240-1, 247, 338 ; note on, 545. Kensington (American ship), 362. Kent (ship), 154. Ker, Robert, writer, 60, 248; Registrar, Jalalpur Diwani Adalat, 247. Kerkutch, see Karkach. Kew Gardens, England, plants sent to, xxix, 33, 278, 297. Khansamaganj (Consunnah Gunge), Dinaj-pur Dist., Bengal, dak bet. Dinajpur and, 26. Khijiri (Kedgeree), Midnapore Dist., Bengal, xxiv, xxxviii, 315. Khirpai (Keerpoy), Midnapore Dist., Bengal, 387 ; investment at, 7. Kilpatrick, John, free mariner, 130. King, James, writer, 19; Asst to Collector of Jessore, 247 ; Asst to Registrar and 2nd Asst to Magistrate of Dinajpur Diwani Adalat, 285. King, Thomas, free mariner, 104. King George (ship), 307, 332. King’s Advocate, see Advocate, King of England’s. King in Council, England, 30-1, 294. Kingston, William, Commander of the Hunter, 434-5. Kinlock (Kinloch), John, writer, 41, 100. Kirkpatrick, Lt-Col. William, examiner in Hindustani and Persian, 447. Krishnacharan Nag (Kishtno Chun Moug, Kistno Churn Naug), salt contract with, 171, 474. Krishnagar (Kishenagur), Nadia Dist., Bengal, Collector at, 206. Kumarkhali (Commercolly), Nadia Dist., Bengal, 387. —Commercial Resdt, see Becher,-™; Haselby, S.; Middleton, E. P. Kunjapur Khal (Conjoopee Creek), Midnapore Dist., Bengal, to be made navigable, 515. Kurkutch, Kurrkutch, see Karkach. Kyally Dustore, Kyally Dustoree, see Kayali Dasturi. Kyd, Maj. Alexander, Supdt of the Andamans, report on Penang and the Andamans, xxvi, 6, 29, 4 8, 52, 232, 238, 255, 537. Kyd, Lt-Col. Robert, Supdt of Botanical Gardens, Calcutta, xxvii-xxviii. La Forte (French frigate), 366, 424 ; captured, 403. La Prudente (French frigate), 366. La Sybelle, La Sybille, see Sybille. La Vengeance (French privateer), captures the Zephyr, 101. La Virginie (H. M.’s ship), 358, 493 ; Navy Bd to pay for repair, 149, 366. Lacam, Benjamin, dues from, 397. Laing, J. B., Asst to Midnapore Collector, 247 ; Registrar, Chittagong Dizvani Adalat, 386. Laing, John William, Asst to Secy, Bd of Trade in Salt and Opium Dept, 252 ; Asst to Collector of Rangpur, 307. Lakshmipur (Luckipore, Luckypore), Noa-khali Dist., Bengal, 28, 301 ; reduction in staff at, 85-6, 278 ; note on, 549. Lail (Loll), sarhang, 13, 258. Lambert (Lumbert), Capt.—-, property in dispute, 29, 294. Lambert and Ross, 221, 225, 300, 457. Lambton, Maj, William, to survey territories acquired from Tipu, 450 ; note on. 555-6. Lansdown (ship), 59, 245, 450. Laprimandy, see Frushard and Lapri -mandy. Larkins, John Pascal, writer, 37, 66, 67 ; Asst in Secret Dept, 328 ; Asst to Opium Agent in Bihar, 387. , Larkins, William, Accountant General, Bengal, rewarded, 217 ; note on, 541. Lascars, 57, 259, 442; of the Ranger rewarded, xxv, 287 ; wages of, 13, 130, 258 ; see also Batta Lascars. Lascelles (ship), 24, 116, 149, 290, 300, 305, 316, 333, 344, 366, 405 ; out of order, 312. —Captain, see Kempt, Capt. Francis. Laurel, Laurell (ship), 87, 286. Law, practitioners to obtain license, xxxv, 100-1, 211, 531 ; reduction in expenses of officers, 211, 531 ; see also Hindu Law ; Shiahs. Law, Mathews, writer, 45, 100. Lawlie (Lawtie),—, claims on Coy, 202, 527. Lawrence, Lt J. R., of the Brisk, 150, 366. Layman (Lemmon), Capt. William, of the Britannia, misconduct towards Raja of Alas, 46, 67, 321, 346. 580 INDEX Madeira Island (Maderia), off west coast of Africa, exchange rate with. Bengal, 468. Madras (Madrasapatnam), chaplains at, xxxiii; ships to and from, 52, 54, 104, 163, 215, 220, 250, 271, 275, 284, 312, 314, 316, 332 ; British residents at, 135 ; salt from, 166, 171, 180, 188, 194 ; Court of Quarter Sessions at, 198, 524 ; Commission of the Peace for, 201 ; rice for, 219, 225, 336 ; stationery for, 228 ; jewels from, 462 ; custom duties at, 477 ; see also Fort St. George. •—Government of, see Fort St. George, Government of. Madras Road, 424; ships captured in, 331, 366. Mahe', French settlement on Malabar Coast, 162-3. Mahmed, see Muhammad. Mahrattah, see Maratha. Maidman, Richard, Resdt at Natal, 235. Mair,—, rice contract with, 30-1, 51, 62 251. Malabar (ship), 45, 401. Malabar Coast, 362 ; courts at, 41, 522; administrative control over, 161-3; treasury at, 342-3, 354. —Supdt of Northern Dists of, see Galley, Edward. Malacca, in Malaya, 193. Malangi (place where salt is made; salt manufacturer), xviii; increased price of, 167, 189, 473. Malaya, opium market, xxii, 164, 192, 508 ; plants from, xxvii, 149. Maida, Bengal, Commercial Resdt at, 403, 480. Malet, Sir Charles Warre, Member, Bombay Council, 303 ; note on. 550. Maling, C.S., Registrar, Bhagalpur Diwani Adalat, 386. Mallet, William, 19, 291. Maluccas, see Molucca Islands. Manila (Manilla), Philippine Islands, expedition against, 106, 312, 393. Manjhighat (Mangee, Manjee), near Patna, custom duties at, 185-6, 464-6, 469, 484, 501, 511-2. Manning, Capt. E., of the Pitt, 308. Mannington, Philip, Supdt of Penang, 5, 21, 27 ; dies, 245. Mannington, Philip, Second Asst at Penang, 245; his salary, 255. ■ Manohar Das, Dwarka Das, and Gopal Das (Monohur Doss, Dewarka Doss and Gopaul Doss), bankers, supply money to Bombay Govt, 259 ; note on, 547-8. Manship (ship), 28, 275, 281, 282-3, 299. 450, 477. Manship, John, Member, Court of Directors, 37, 39, 65, 68, 70, 110, 129, 130, 135, 137, 138, 140, 158, 161, 163, 181, 196, 212; of Secret Committee, 16, 46, 108, 109, 139. Manuscripts, see Oriental Manuscripts. Marathas (Mahrattah), the, salt from dists belonging to, 166-7, 473, 491-2, 496, 504-5, 515-6, 519 ; see also Baji Rao II; Nana Phadnis. Maria (ship), 280, 284, 286, 289. Marine— —Bengal, investigation by Committee, 35, 216, 297 ; salary of crew, 57, 239, 317-8 ; accounts and expenses, 81, 125, 146-7, 272, 343, 374 ; construction of buoys and pyramids, 115-6, 300, 347-8, 356, 413; ship-construction, 143-4, 355-6, 44$; experiments on hemp, 404, 410; and passim ; see also Naval Stores ; Shipping. —Bombay, additional duty for maintenance of, 104-5, 392, 510. —Madras, placed under Bd of Trade, 35. Marine Board, Bengal, Secy to, see Shore, John. Marine Paymaster and Storekeeper, Bengal, 216,' 258, 407 ; see also Boswell. Capt. Bruce ; Ewer, Walter. Marine Society, 45, 321. Marine Storekeeper, Penang, see Lindsay, Capt. William. Marque, letters of, 139, 452. Marquis Cornwallis (ship), 59, 220, 244, 275, 280. —Captain, see Richardson, Capt. W.; Roberts, J. —Owner, see Hogan, Capt. M. Marquis of Lansdown (ship), 223, 307. Matter, see Master. Martha (ship), 290; wrecked, 120, 415; allowances to commander, 306, 314. —Captain, see Barnard, Capt. T. Martin, J. H., Registrar, Benares Provincial Court of Appeal and Circuit, 402. Martin, Roger, writer, 16, 19. Martin, W. B., Resdt at Murshidabad Durbar, 398. Martin, William Byam, junr, writer, 108-9. Mary (ship), 396. Mason, Rev. —, 334 ; dies, 48. Mason, Charles, free mariner, 67. Massie, W. W., Collector of Dacca Jalal -pur, 285. Master, Gilbert Coventry, writer, 98, 100. Master (Matter), William, agent to Coy’s warehouse, 130, 442. Master Attendant— —Bengal, part of his work transferred to Master Builder, xxxvii, 356; salary of staff, 120, 317-8, 416; and passim; see also Allen,— ; Thornhill, Cudbert. —Fort Marlbro’, 325. —Madras, see Taswell, George, —Penang, 160 ; see also Baird, John ; Hall, John. Master Builder, 396; office instituted, xxxvii, 356. Masulipatam, Kistna Dist., Madras, Collector of, 354. Mauritius (Isle of France), island off southeast coast of Africa, xxiii, 398, 406 ; exchange rate with Bengal, 467. Mayor’s Court, Calcutta, commissions addresed to, 523 ; accounts of, see Treasury, statements re. Mechanics, adviser to Bd of Trade in subject of, see Dinwiddie, Dr J. 582 INDEX Muhammad Danish (Mahmed), naib of Ambarabad zamindar, 12-3. Muhammadan Law, see Shiahs. Muharrir (clerk, writer), 486. Mundy, Henry, writer, 98, 109. Munjeet (type of plant), experiments on, 227. Munni Begam (Munnee, Munny), wife of Mir Jafar, 230; dues from, 82, 273 ; note on, 543. Munro, W. R., Head Surgeon, Presidency General Hospital, Bengal, 407. Munshi (writer, secy), 385, 448. Muradud-Daulah (Morad-ul-Doulah), Governor of Dacca, pension appropriated after death, 32 ; note on, 538. Murghihatta, N. Calcutta, Portuguese church at, xxxii. Murray, Capt. J., of the Heroine, 120, 317, 415. Murray, James, free mariner, 37. Murray, John, free mariner, 18. Murshidabad (Moorshedabad), Bengal, 247, 385 ; mint at, 9 ; bills on treasury at, 260, 269, 304, 342, 354, 361, 443-4. —Collector, 268, 304, 342 ; to pay Nizamat Stipends, 378-9 ; see also Hayes, Thomas. —Judge and Magistrate, see Becher, John. —Naib Subah, see Gurudas, Raja. Murshidabad Court of Appeal, Judge of, see Colebrooke, Edward; Pattie, Thomas. Murshidabad Durbar, Resdt at, 82, 273 ; see also Martin, W. B. Murshidabad Provincial Court of Appeal and Circuit, Asst Registrar to, see Salmon, W. O.; Wynch, W. E. Murshidabad Rupee, see Rupee, Murshidabad. Murshidabad Zillah Court, Registrar of, see Cowell, W. Muscat, Oman, restrictions on salt import from, 167, 473. Myers, Thomas, Accountant General, Bengal, 239, 400, 430; Member, Post Office Committee, 363 ; resigns, 424. Mymensingh (Momensingh, Momunsing), Bengal, 386. —Collector, see Bird, C.; Le Gros, Francis. Mymensingh Diwani Adalat, Registrar to, see Martin, J. H.; Willcock, A. M. Mysore War, xvii, 395, 419, 422 ; thanksgiving for successes in, 132-7, 429 ; see. also Tipu Sultan. Nabakrishna Deb, Maharaja, xxxiii. Nadia (Nuddea), Bengal, 247. —Judge and Magistrate, see Burges, E.E.; Oldfield, Christopher. Nadia Diwani Aaalat, Registrar to, see Rattray, James. Nain, Laurin, free mariner, 71. Nana Phadnis, Peshwa’s Minister, dies, xvii. Nancy (ship), 52. Napaul, see Nepal. Narayanganj (Narraingunge), Dacca Dist., Bengal, salt from, 516. Nasirul-Mulk (Nassir-Ul-Moolk), Nawab of Bengal, 22. Natal (Nattal,), Sumatra, ransom of, 5, 56, 81, 197, 235, 254; losses during French capture of, 18-9, 112, 272, 524. —Resdt, see Maidman, Richard. Native Hospital, Calcutta, 22, 120, 336, 339, 390 ; establishment of, 10, 227; funds, 54, 61, 79, 153, 266, 289, 416, 425 ; benefits from, 248, 318; aid to, 256; note on, 542. Natural Philosophy, adviser to Bd of Trade in, see Dinwiddie, Dr J. Nautilus (ship), 14, 281. Naval Storekeeper, 143, 266, 313, 329, 331, 347; duties transferred to Master Builder, xxxvii, 356 ; see also Boswell, Capt. Bruce ; Ewer, Walter. Naval Stores, 117, 124, 216, 329, 331, 337, 430-4, 418; for Penang, 117, 413-4; sale of, 216, 217, for Bengal, 307. Navy, of King of England, 362 ; payment of bills by, 95, 120, 149, 153, 331, 355, 366, 388, 404, 415 ; send stores to India, 140, 160, 453 ; allowances to officers of, 345; relief to families of crew, 425. Neilson (Nelson), Capt.—, sends cochineal, 50, 335. Nepal (Napaul, Nepaul), botanical mission to, 61, 227-8, 248. New Church, Calcutta, repairs, 318, 416; books for, 357 ; accounts, 450; note on, 554. New England, U.S.A., Bengal’s exchange rate with, 468, 469. New Guinea, East Indies, Coy not to have settlement on northeast coast, 12, 258. New South Wales, Australia, 245 ; ban on export of spirits to, 130, 442; arrival in India of convicts from, 425, 433, 434-5. Newmarket, England, xxxiii. New York, U.S.A., Bengal’s rate of exchange with, 468, 469. Newspapers, in 19th century Bengal, xxxiii; rules for publication, 209-10, 406, 553-4; see also London Gazette; Telegraph. Newton, Sir Isaac, his table of assay of gold and silver coins, 467. Nilmani Dhar (Nilmoney Dorr), banian of Capt. C. Mitchell, 13/ Nizam, the, Subsidiary Alliance "vith, xvii; peshkash to, 244, 251, 310, 322. Nizamat Stipends, 227; to be paid by Murshidabad Collector, 378-9 ; see also Paymaster of Nizamat Stipends. Noakhali (Belluah, Belwa, Bullooah, Bul-wa), E. Bengal, salt agency, 167-8, 171, 189, 473-4, 483, 491-2, 496, 504-5, 514, 516, 519. —Salt Agent, 483, 500 ; see also Cromme-lin,—. Nonsuch (ship), 87, 215, 221, 284 ; reward and allowances to crew, 19-20, 146A 291, 362, 367 ; establishment amended, 146; amount of compensation, 246. —Captain, see Canning, Capt. John ; Duffin, Capt. Robert; Gray, Capt. I.; Thomas, Capt. G. 584 INDEX Patton, Charles, writer, 98, 109. Patton, James, writer, 98, 109. Pavin, Peter, free mariner, 140. Paxton, Cockerell, Trail and Co., 28. Paxton, John William, writer, 19. Paymaster— —of Artillery, Garrison and Ordnance, see Collings, Leonard. —of Detachment at Penang, 28. —of King’s Army in India, see Collings, Leonard. —of Nizamat Stipends, duties transferred to Murshidabad Collector, 378-9; see also Pattie, Thomas. Peach, Samuel, Supercargo in China, 14, 64, 98, 109, 128, 153-4. Pearl (ship), accounts re., 34, 297. Pechell, Paul William, writer, 108, 109. Pedang, see Padang. Pegu, Burma, 395. Peishcush, see Peshkash. Penang (Prince of Wales Island), Malaya, convicts and stores from the Andamans sent to, xxvii, 238, 251 ; spice trees for, xxix; emoluments of officials at, 5, 28, 229, 445-6 ; Maj. Kyd’s report on, 6, 29, 48, 52, 232 ; hospital for seamen at, 27, 293 ; question of continuance of settlement at, 32, 52-3, 296-7 ; stores for, 117, 307, 413-4 ; accounts at, 128, 293-4, 421 ; custom duties at, 245 ; marine at, 330, 347; Public Dept to deal with subject of, 341 ; and passim. —Commanding Officer, see Glass, Capt. Andrew; Hamilton, Capt. Robert. —Judge and Magistrate, see Dickens, John. —Lt Governor, see Leith, Sir George. —Supdt, 141, 272, 289, 350; salary, 6; qualifications, 160 ; see also Light, Capt. Francis ; Macdonald, Maj. Forbes Ross ; Mannington, Philip. Pennsylvania (Pensilvania), U.S.A., Bengal’s exchange rate with, 468, 469. Pensions, 36, 62, 227, 317, 330, 335, 336, 338, 351, 388, 396, 409, 414, 415, 418, 419, 426, 431, 450, 500 ; regulations for pilots, 33, 63, 216, 297. Pepper, 111, 112, 283, 350, 438-9; from Jamaica, 26. Pergunnah, see Pargana. Peris,—, discoveries by, 230. Perney, see Abbotts, Blanshard and Per-ney. Perreau and Palling, 127, 295-6, 351, 500-1. Perry, Thomas, writer, 139. Persian and Bengali Translator, to Bd of Revenue, 261-2. Persian Gulf, 163. Persian Language, 98; preservation of mss. in, 96 ; Gladwin’s dissertation on, 145, 357, 551 ; study by Coy’s servants, 152, 385, 447. Persian Translator, 7, 247, 255, 381, 387. Peshkash (offering or tribute paid to great man or to govt), 244, 251, 310, 322. Peters, John, Chief Mate of the Mary, 396 Petrie, John, 398. Phillips, William Edward, Secy to Lt Governor of Penang, 445. Phoenix (ship), 39, 290, 299, 305-6, 345, 349, 355, 490, 528. Piece-goods, 311-2, 314; see also Examiner and Appraiser of Piece-Goods. Piercy, Capt.—, dispute bet. Raja of Telu-samawe and, 330. Pigou, Thomas, Senr Asst at Penang, dies, 59, 245; note on, 546. Pilot Service, construction of vessels for, xxxvii, 286-7, 355-6 ; regulations for, 33, 63, 123, 150, 216, 297, 366, 417, 446 ; see also Shipping. Pitt (ship), 20, 39, 234, 290, 305, 307, 308, 312-3. Place, George, painter, xxxvi, 45, 99, 380. Plants and Seeds, xxvii, 26, 61, 149, 153, 222, 227-8, 231, 258, 363, 390, 418, 444; Dr Roxburgh’s research re., xxix, 61, 331, 375; for Kew Gardens, 33, 278, 297 ; for Cape of Good Hope, 421, 444. Plants of the Coast of Coromandel (Dr William Roxburgh), 154, 431, 540. Plowden, Henry Chicheley, writer, 127, 420. Plowden, Richard Chicheley, writer, 71, 100, 101, 127, 381 ; note on, 553. Poddar (money changer or teller under shroff), 121 ; see also Jagannath Bose. Police, of Calcutta, 231 ; funds and accounts, 7, 197, 199, 237, 255, 425, 525 ; regulation of, 211, 520, 531. —Supdt, see Mills, John; Motte, Thomas. Pondicherry, xxiii, 153. Poolo Penang, see Pulo Penang. Poona (Poonah), Resdt at, 304, 310, 311 Popham, Maj. Gen. William, thanked for Seringapatam campaign, 133, 135. Poplar Hospital, E. London, 100. Porcher and Redhead, 166, 473. Port Cornwallis (old name of Port Blair), Andaman Islands, settlement broken up, xxvi, xxvii, 238. Portugal, exchange rate of currency of, 468. Portuguese, the, ecclesiastical establishment for, xxxi-xxxii, 16. Post and Postage, 153 ; bet. Dinajpur and Khansamaganj, 26 ; overland dispatches, 52, 103, 382; revenue from, 147-8, 363, 388-9, ' 449; dak bearers, 233; for Europe, 237. Post Master General, 148, 357 ; salary of, 233. Potatoes, Marine Bd’s experiments on, 404. Pole, E.E., resigns, 430. Pott, Robert Percival, pension to widow of, 58, 227, 241-2, 388 ; note on, 545. Potts, William Percival, writer, 72, 109; Asst to Secy, Bd of Trade, 387. Powell, Richard Joseph, writer, 137, 156. Powney (Pouney), Thomas, writer, 100; Asst to Collector of Chittagong, 386. Prendergrast, Michael George, law-suit against, 534. Presidency General Hospital, Head Surgeon at, see Munro, W. R. Press, see Newspapers. 586 INDEX Rees, John Mitford, writer, 19. Rees, N., Asst to Collector of Rajshahi, 239 ; Junr Asst to Collector of Burdwan, 240. Registrar of Covenants, see Covenants. Regulating Act, 198. Reid, Andrew Gildart, writer, 137, 156. Reid (Reed), Capt. John, of the Princess Royal, 221, 260. Reid, see also Fairlie, Reid and Co. Religion, Coy’s religious policy, xxxi-xxxv; see also Chapels; Chaplains; Protestants ; Sabbath ; Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Rennell, Maj. James, geographer, 33, 62, 340 ; opinion re. Ganges-Hooghly canal, xxxviii-xxxix, 25, 292 ; note on, 550. Rennell, William, writer, 108-9. Reporter of External Commerce, staff for, 486 ; see also Brown, J. T. Revenue, 399-400; collectors of, 206, 261, 372 ; see also Customs and Excise; Opium ; Salt. Revenue Department, to deal with subject of coinage, 23, 292. —Sub-Secy, see Barlow, G. H. ; Tucker, H. St. G. Rice, 221, 260; contract with Mair, 30-1, 51, 62, 251 ; for St Helena, 55, 219-20 ; for Madras, 55, 219, 225, 336, 422, 442-3 ; details re. Bombay contract, 219 ; for Cape of Good Hope, 395 ; for Bom-' bay and Ceylon, 423. Richardson, Capt. D. T., 308. Richardson, Henry, Presdt, Chinsura Court of Justice, 399, Richardson, John, Justice of the Peace, dies, 49. Richardson, John, Asst to Registrar and 2nd Asst to Magistrate of Saran, 239-40. Richardon, Robert, writer, 17, 66-7. Richardson, Capt. W., of the Marquis Cornwallis, 275. Ricketts, C. M., Asst to Commercial Resdt at Dacca, 367. Ricketts, George Poyntz, Collector of 24-Parganas, 402. Rider, Jacob, Magistrate of Ghazipur, criticised in The Telegraph, 529. Rider, John, 79 ; resigns, 266 ; to resume service, 71, 365. Ringaltaube (Ringeltanble, Ringeltaube, Ringletaub), Rev. W. T., of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 67, 104, 346, 392. Rio De Janeiro (Rio Janerio), Brazil, 50. Rishra (Rishera), Hooghly Dist., Bengal, experiments on hemp at, 409-10. Rivett, James, Member, Bombay Council, 303 ; note on, 550. Robarts, Abraham, Member, Court of Directors, 13, 15, 18, 40, 41, 108, 129, 130, 135, 137, 138, 154, 158, 161, 196, 212. Robarts, George James, writer, 137, 156. Roberdeau, Isaac Henry Townley, writer, 108-9. Roberts, J., Commander of the Marquis Cornwallis, 275. Roberts, John, Member, Court of Directors, 13, 17, 18, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43, 46, 70, 71, 72, 103, 104, 105, 107, 108, 140, 158, 164, 176, 196, 205, 212 ; of Secret Committee, 16, 46, 73, 139. Roberts, John William, Supercargo at Canton, 14, 64, 99, 109, 154. Robertson, Capt. G., of the Herrington, 259. Robertson, Robert Henrv, free mariner, 161. Robertson, William, free mariner, 130. Robinson, Gervas, 45. Robinson, John, seaman, disabled, 407. Robson, John, free mariner, 71. Rockingham (ship), 282. Rodrigo, Michael, pension to, 450 ; note on, 556. Roebuck and Abbott, salt dealers, 171, 181, 474, 494-5, 502, 513-4. Roebuck (Roebuck), Ebenezer, free mariner, 17, 138. Romain, Capt.—, of the Superb, 221. Romaine, Capt. George, of the Cornwallis, payment to, 153, 453. Rooke, Capt. Edward, 399. Roper, Id—, of Bombay Marine, rewarded, 14-5, 281. Rose (ship), 10, 235, 302, 309, 310, 319, 320, 322, 332, 426, 427, 428, 432, 441, 477; 484, 487, 512, 513, 515, 516. Ross, Alexander, writer, 19; Asst in Revenue and Judicial Dept, 240; see also Lambert and Ross. Rothman, Charles, gratuity to, 34 ; Justice of the Peace, Calcutta, 322. Rotton, Capt. John, Commandant at Fort Marlbro’, dies, 48. Routledge, John, Offg Collector of Benares, 240, 261. Row Uldien Hussein Cawn, Rowal dien Hassun Cown, see Ruhud-Din Husain Khan. Rowannah, see Rawana. Roxburgh, William, Junr, son of Dr Roxburgh, to assist his father in botanical researches, 139, 452-3. Roxburgh, Dr William, Supdf, Calcutta Botanical Gardens, 12, 26, 50, 58, 61, 86, 1 18, 225-6, 230-1, 242, 248, 262, 292-3, 308, 331, 335, 339, 375, 414, 449; his career, xxviii-xxix ; ill-health, 124, 278, 332 ; assistance by his son, 139, 452-3 ; note on, 542. Royal Admiral (ship), 145, 168, 290, 305, 312, 357, 462. —-Third Officer, see Venner, S. J. Royal Charlotte (ship), 126, 221, 246 ; blown up, xxxviii, 315. —Captain, see Greenway, Capt. W.; Smith, Capt. W. L. Royal Garden, see Kew Gardens. Royds,—, Judge of Supreme Court, salary of, 209, 527-8. Roymungul, see Raimangal. Ruhud-Din Husain Khan (Row Uldien Hussein Cawn, Rowal dien Hassun Cown), dues from, 82, 273-4. Rum, for St Helena, 55, 219-20, 261. Rumbold, Sir George, 40, 320. 588 INDEX Scott, William, writer, 64, 67 ; to proceed to Penang, 139, 453; Asst in Secret Dept, 387. Scottish Hospital, London, subscriptions for, 425. Sea Horse (sloop), 398. Sealy, Cudbert, writer, 16. Sealy, John Nathaniel, writer, 72, 100, 365. Sealy, William Henry, writer, 72, 109 ; Supernumerary in Public Dept, 387. Seamen, regulations re., 93, 285-6, 377 ; welfare of, 405; see also Committee of Subscribers for Relief of Seamen and Soldiers. Secret Committee, see Court of Directors, Secret Committee. Secret Department, arrival time of overland dispatches in, 52 ; to deal with subject of American treaty, 298 ; measures to raise money recorded in, 321 ; assts in, 328, 387 ; retrenchments in, 408 ; and passim. Secretary, see Fort William Board, Secy. Seeds, see Plants and Seeds. Select Committee of Supercargoes in China, see Canton, Select Committee of Supercargoes. Seragee-ul-Dowlah, see Sirajud-Daulah. Serampore (Fredericksnagore), Hooghly Dist., Bengal, xxiv; customs duties at, 195, 477, 498-9 ; foreign ships at, 405. Serang, see Sarhang. Seringapatam, Mysore, fall of, xvii, 131 ; Hickey’s paintings of, xxxvi. Serpents, 321 ; Dr Russell’s monograph on, xxxix-xl, 43-5. Serun, see Saran. Servants, E. I. Coys’, private trade, xvii-xviii, xix; morals and character, xxxi-xxxv, 88-92, 151, 376; reduction in strength of uncovenanted Europeans, xxxi, 156-8; at Penang, 28; up-to-date lists of, 65, 342; Court to be informed of retirement details, 72, 365; regulations re. passage money, 100, 380 ; at Fort Marlbro’, 110, 291, 326-7 ; retrenchments, 118, 158, 408, 414; responsibility for cash, 121, 416; study Hindustani and Persian, 152, 385, 431, 447-8; assts to salt agents to be selected from, 169, 474; appointments, resignations, transfers, 220, 239, 247, 252, 261-2, 266, 276-7, 284-5, 301, 307, 316-7, 328-9, 367, 385-7, 402-3, 423-4, 430, 446-7 ; see also Writers. Seton, Andrew, Commercial Resdt at Harial, 328. Seton, D., Head Asst to Sub-Secy in Public Dept, 240. Seton, D., Offg Member, Bombay Council, Seton, James, free mariner, 104 . Sever, William Cropton, Commander of the Lion, 124, 331. Shahabad, Bihar, opium from, 485. —Registrar and Asst Magistrate, see Cumming, George. Shaikh Husain (Sake Ausseen, Shaik Hussein), 172, 475. Shakespear, C., writer, 247 ; Collector of Customs, Benares, 261. Shanscrit, see Sanskrit. Shawl Goats, for England, 26. Sherer, John Walter, writer, 72, 100 ; Asst in Accountant General’s office, 387. Sherghati Balaghat (Sheergatty, Shcr-gauty), Gaya Dist., Bihar, 83, 274. Sheriff of Calcutta, office of, staff, 8; abuses in, 210, 531 ; see also Ball, L. Shiahs (Sheeas), translation of Jones’ work on doctrines of, 125, 343-4, 419, 555. Shipping, activities of French privateers and defence measures, xxiii-xxv, 57, 86-7, 150, 238-9, 263, 278-9, 330-1, 33 7, 361, 366, 375; rules re. passengers and passage money, xxxv, 39, 100, 107, 380, 393; ship-building, xxxvii, 94, 143-4, 286-7, 355-6, 377, 446, 502; payments and rewards, 14, 94, 106, 189, 246, 275, 287, 304-6, 313-4, 316, 329, 362, 453-4; clauses in Anglo-U.S. treaty re., 38-9, 406, 466-7, 523 ; freightage and tonnage, 97-8, 220-2, 246, 250-1, 261, 265-6, 271, 276, 282-3, 284, 299-300; anchors, 128; Indians to be trained on men-of-war, 146; pilotage, 147, 362; details of movements etc., 215-6, 245, 259, 307, 312, 378, 513 ; insurance of ships carrying gunpowder, 315 ; see also Charter-party ; Indiamen ; Marine ; Marque ; Naval Stores; Navy; Pilot Service; Schooners ; Seamen. —Agent for Loading and Unloading, see Jackson, Gregory. —Committee of Secrecy for, see Court of Directors, Secret Committee. Shirroff (Shutt), Charles, miniature painter, 15, 281. Shore, John, Secy, Marine Bd, Bengal, 94, 287, 298, 377. Shore, Sir John (Lord Teignmouth), Governor General, xvii, 17, 349, 470, 533 ; on opium, xxi, 177; on French privateers, xxiii, xxiv ; on religion in Bengal, xxxii; ill-health, 41, 69; his services praised, 42, 141 ; resigns, 142, 353, 359 ; on salt, 180-1. Shouldham, Edward, pilot, inquiry into conduct for loss of the Gillet, 56-7, 238-9. Shroffs, see Sarrafs. Shujaud-Daulah, Nawab Vazir of Oudh, xix. Shutt, see Shirroff. Sicca Rupee, see Rupee, Sikka. Silver, exchange rate, 22-3, 400, 430-1, 467 ; coinage of, 53, 336 ; scarcity of, 236; for Bombay, 442; for use of Salt Dept, 460. Sime, Robert, free mariner, 17. Simpson, James Archibald, barrister, 45. Simson, Capt. G., of the Fort William, 275. Sinclair, George, Supdt of Agricultural Experiments in Hemp and Flax, 99, 154, 380, 409; dies, 404. Sinclair, Sir John, Presdt, Bd of Agriculture, England, 61, 118, 339, 414. Sinclair, Robert, see Sinclair, George. Sind (Scindy), trade with, 163. 590 INDEX Sun Sicca, see Rupee, San Sikka. Superb (ship), 70, 221. Supercargoes at Canton, see Canton. Superintendent of Bazar Duties, see Pattie, Richard. Supreme Court, Calcutta, new building for, 10, 74; license for practice in, 100-1, 380 ; case re. American ships, 203-4, 207-8; revised establishment for, 210-2, 530-1 ; see also Court House. —Accounts, see Treasury, statements re. —Chief Justice, see Anstruther, Sir John ; Chambers, Sir Robert; Impey, Sir Elijah. —Judge, see Royds,—; Watson, Sir James. —Keeper of Records, allowances to, 10, 256. Surat, Bombay, commercial importance, 163 ; financial transactions, 304, 311, 354, 361, 430 ; ship-building, 502. Surat Castle (ship), 52, 55, 130, 218. Surat Rupee, see Rupee, Surat. Surgeons, 28 ; see also Assistant Surgeons; Head Surgeon. Surprize (ship), 245, 251, 255 ; repairs, 305-6. Survey, of Tasmania, 37 ; of territory acquired from Tipu, 449-50. Surveyor General, Bengal, 56, 222; on proposed Hooghly-Ganges canal, xxxix, 25, 292 ; purchase of instrument for, 26, 292 ; see also Colebrooke, R. H. Susanah Magueritta (French snow), 399. Swallow (packet), 52, 61, 250, 254. Swamy Pagoda (coin formerly current at Madras), exchange rate, 468. Sweedland, Charles, resigns, 447. Swettenham, William Toone, writer, 139, 156; cavalry cadet, 140, 453. Swinton, Samuel, Asst in Import Warehouse, 385. Sybille (H.M/s ship), 153, 382, 388, 404, ' 424 ; captures La Forte, 403. Sylhet Diwani Adalat, Registrar to, see 'Morgan, James. Symes, Capt. Michael, services rewarded, 69, 359 ; embassy to Ava, 262, 540. Table Bay, South Africa, excluded from Coy’s monopoly in trade, 259. Tael (Chinese coin), 268 ; note on, 548 ; and passim. Tallow Tree, 11. Tamluk, Midnapore Dist., Bengal, ajura system abolished in, xviii, 463 ; salt, 459, 491-2, 496, 504-5, 514, 516, 519. —Salt Agent, see Champain, John ; Dent, William. Tandel (petty officer on board ship), 13, 258, 287, 405. Tanjore, Madras, Raja of, 69. Tapham (Tatham), John, attorney, 67, 346. Tasmania (Van Diemen’s Land), surveyed by Lt Hayes, 37. Taswell, George, Master • Attendant at Madras, 17, 36, 50, 287, 290, 298. Tatem, George, Member, Court of Directors, 13, 15, 17, 18, 3 7, 39, 40, 43, 102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 108, 110, 114, 128, 129, 130, 135, 137, 140, 154, 158, 161, 163, 164, 176, 196, 205, 212; of Secret Committee, 73, 108, 139. Taunton Castle (ship), 126. Taxes, on liquor, 6 ; at Penang, 53 ; on exports and imports, 87 ; for road-maintenance, 520, 524; see also Abkari ; Customs and Excise ; Kayali Dasturi. —Collector, see Collector of Taxes. Taylor, Charles, Asst to Commercial Resdt at Patna, dies, 93, 285 ; note on, 549. Taylor, James, free mariner, 99. Tavlor, S. M., Asst to Resdt at Lucknow, * -dies, 150, 367. Tea Plant, 12. Teak, xxix, 61, 124, 230-1, 248, 332, 418. Teignmouth, Lord, see Shore, Sir John. Telegraph (newspaper), criticism of official conduct in, 529. Tellicherry (ship), 290, 300, 406. Tellicherry, Malabar Dist., Madras, rice from, 55, 219, 336; grain for, 394; administration of justice, 522. Telusamawc (Tellasamov), Sumatra, Raja of, 330. Terhoof,—, Dutch Chief of Padang, 81, 272, 373. Terney, Benjamin, seaman, 330. Thackeray, Richard, writer, 346 ; Asst to Collector of Midnapore, 386. Thackeray, Richmond, writer, 41, 67, 100-1. Thames River, 299. Thellusson, G. W., Member, Court of Directors, 40, 41, 43, 72, 110, 114, 128, 129, 138, 154, 158, 161, 181, 196, 212. Thetis (ship), xxix, 19, 85, 160, 234, 275-6, 278, 375, 381, 389. Thomas (ship), 116, 284, 286, 301 ; captured, xxv, 314-5. —Captain, see Willoughby, Capt. W. M. Thomas, Capt. G., of’ the Nonsuch, removed from command, 123, 329-30. Thomas, Joseph, 138. Thompson, George, Judge and Magistrate of Burd wan, 385. Thomson (Thompson), Capt. J., of the Lion, 305; dies, 124, 331. Thomson, W., Chief Mate of the Wood-cot, 59. Thornhill, —, Asst at Lakshmipur, 28. Thornhill, Cudbert, 407 ; Master Attendant, Bengal, 36. Thornhill, John, 153; Sub-Secy, Mily Dept, 240; Collector of 24-Parganas, resigns, 402. Thornhill, Thomas, writer, 60, 248; Offg ■Registrar, Provincial Court of Appeal and Circuit at Benares, 386 ; Registrar, Purnea Diwani Adalat, 402. Thornton, Robert, Member, Court of Directors, 13, 15, 37, 46, 65, 70, 71, 102, 103, 108, 140, 158, 163, 164, 196, 205, 212. Thornton, William, Member, Court of Directors, 138, 154, 158, 161, 163, 196, 212. 592 INDEX Venner, Capt. Corbyn Morris, of the Walpole, 160. Venner, S. J., Third Officer of the Royal Admiral, 329 ; note on, 550. Vice-President and Deputy Governor of Bengal, see Fort William Board, Vice-Presdt and Dy Governor. Vienna, Austria, xxxvi, 127, 420; overland dispatches through, 103, 382. Viper (snow), 217. Virginia, U.S.A., Bengal’s exchange rate with, 469. Wwdel, A., supervises ship-construction, 143-4, 356. Walker, Alexander, free mariner, 40. Walker, Capt. J., of the Ariadne, drowned, 316. . . Walker, Maj. Richard, bonds held by, 40/2 Walpole (ship), 160. Walter Boyd (ship), 290, 305, 313. —Captain, see Macullock, Capt. J. M. Walton, Thomas, executor of Roger Gale, 106. Wanchape (Wanchope), John, writer, 137, 156. Ward, Rev. Tames, chaplain for Bengal, 70, 359. Warehouse, clearing agents for, 130, 442. Waring,—, proficiency in Hindustani, 447. Warley (ship), 126. Warren (ship), 406. Warren Hastings (ship), 98, 221, 231, 246. Waters (Watters),—, purchaser of Bentee-rin plantation, 80, 272, 334, 373. Watson,—, Master of the Gillet, xxiv. Watson, Lady—, petition for relief, 75-6, 262. Watson, Edward, writer, 19; Asst to Registrar and 2nd Asst to Magistrate of Murshidabad, 247. Watson, Sir James, Judge of Supreme Court, dies, 522; note on, 557. Watson, Robert, seaman, 410. Watson, Thomas, pensioned, 388. Watts, M. W., writer, 379. Watts, William, writer, 67, 98, 100 ; Asst to Registrar, Dacca Jalalpur Diwani Adalat, 386. Webb, Edward, writer, 19; Asst to Registrar, Sadr Diwani Adalat, 240; Asst Collector of Dinajpur, 262. Webb, John, resigns, 22. Welladvice, Capt. Thomas, of the Barwell, 68. Wellesley (ship), 140. Wellesley, Hon. Henry, Private Secy to Marquis Wellesley, 155, 159-60. Wellesley, Richard Colley, Marquis, Governor General (Earl of Mornington), xvii, 68-9, 102, 142, 353, 359, 381, 426-8, 432, 451, 454, 513, 515, 518-9, 534; his mode of living, xxxv; Hickey’s painting of, xxxvi; reduces establishment, 118, 151 ; thanked for services during Mysore War, 131-4, 136; arrives in India, 145, 360; goes to Madras, 382 ; takes charge of Madras Govt, 394 ; returns to Calcutta, 412. Wemyss, James, writer, 37, 67. West Coast (probably of Sumatra), 27. West Indies, 135, 279. Wheat, 260. Wheler,—-, xxxiii. Whitehill, Stephen, Member, Bombay Council, 116, 303-4, 413. Whitford (Whilford), Capt. Richard, of the Exeter, 265, 275-6. Wilberforce, William, resolutions for India Bill, xxxi-xxxii. Wilford, Lt Francis, articles in Asiatic Researches by, 237 ; note on, 544. Wilkinson, —, Supdt of Saltpetre Manufacture at Purnea, 398. Wilkinson, Hugh, Registrar, Tirhut Diwani Adalat, 386. Wilkinson, William, ill-health, 58 ; Judge of Dinajpur Zillah Court, 239; Judge and Magistrate of Dinajpur, 241 ; note on, 545. ' Willcock, A. M., Registrar, Mymensingh Diwani Adalat, 402. William Pitt (ship), 13, 14, 19, 258, 275, 281-2, 299, 307. —Captain, see Mitchell, Capt. Charles. Williams, Stephen, Member, Court of Directors, 17, 18, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43, 65, 70, 71, 72, 102, 105, 107, 114, 128, 129, 137, 138, 176, 181, 205. Williams, Thomas, free mariner, 140. Williamson, George, Vendue-Master, allowances to, 277-8, 375. Willoughby, Capt. W. M., of the Thomas, 305, 315. Wilson, J., of Salt Dept, his death and pension, 196, 500, 504. Wilton,—, opium contractor, xx. Winter, Thomas, pilot, dismissed, J 20, 317. Winterton (ship), wrecked, 85, 277, 374. Wintie, James, 24 ; Collector of Jessore, 252. Wombwell, John, Supdt of Saltpetre Manufacture at Purnea, 398. Wood, D., Surgeon in the Andamans, to be Asst Surgeon in Bengal, 21. Woodcot (Indiaman), 59, 146, 223-4, 245 ; captured, 147, 361-2. —Captain, see Hannay, Capt. A. Woodforde, T., Asst to Persian and Bengali Translator, Bd of Revenue, 261-2 ; resigns, 403. Worcester (ship), 54, 215, 224, 503. Writers, 290-1, 321, 366, 380-1, 393, 420 ; reduction in number of uncovenanted writers, xxxi, 11, 156-8; appointments, 15, 16, 17, 37, 39, 40, 41, 45, 64, 66, 69, 71, 72, 98, 108, 109, 126-7, 137, 139, 153, 155, 237, 264, 281, 298, 320, 337, 346, 365, 379, 452; salaries, 32; ranking, 56, 60, 67, 100, 109, 236, 247-8, 339, 345, 380. Wyatt, Benjamin Deane, writer, 41, 100. Wyatt, Charles, writer, 72, 100; Supernumerary in Secret Dept, 387. Wyecombe (ship), 259. CORRIGENDA Page Line Por Read XXV 42 Public letter to Court, 1796, Public Letter to Court, 3 Oct. 1796, 21 18 Bencoolen3 Bencoolen 41 17 J. Baring F. Baring 59 24 Cannington Mannington 71 32 Richard Chicheley, Richard Chichley Plowden Plowden 137 16 Thos. J. Metcalfe Thos. T. Metcalfe 139 1 Inglis Esqr, Our Deputy Chair- Inglis Esqr, Our Chairman, man David Scott Esqr, Our Deputy Chairman 140 2^ Thos. J. Metcalfe Thos. T. Metcalfe 165 19 1735 1795 177 28 Grand Grant? 238 32 Island, Bengal Island, and Bengal 240 23 Resident President 246 9 Anna Amelia Anna, Amelia 252 39 Yetnagoodum Yertnagoodum 294 15 Jitsing . Titsingh 365 22-23 Calcutta Gazette Calcutta Gazette 365 27 Sth Sth (sic) [2nd] 372 23 (19) I have (19) Have 398 5 D’ Souillae D’ Souillac 399 11 Resident President 404 39 Robert Sinclair Robert [sic) Sinclair 442 31 ounces for ounces of 490 20 opium indigo 493 26 indigo indigo [sic] 551 30 Fallofield Fallowfield