Gc
929.2 Sw65s 1219454
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01433 4756
m.l;
GENEALOGY COLLECTTON
The Bible was
handed down in the manner indicated by the heavy line.
Lacty tAavjy Keith
TWIGE n/tPRIED
Ji^ to Sir oJameS \
Hope of Eopetown
Sir WiUtam Hope of Balcontve
pnd/y fy
John Uulf Campbell Smnton Present Possessor
G / L'
CONCERNING
SWINTON FAMILY
RECORDS AND PORTRAITS
AT KIMMERGHAME.
PRIVATELY PRINTED.
JOHN LINDSAY,
EDINBURGH.
M.C.M.VIII.
o 12194vS4
rJ
THESE RECORDS OF HIS ANCESTORS ARE INSCRIBED BY PERMISSION ^ TO
RANDALL THOMAS DAVIDSON,
ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY.
BY
THE COMPILERS, A. C. AND J. L. CAMPBELL SWINTON.
CONTENTS.
PAGES.
Prefatory Note, y\[
PART I.
Some Account of the Families of Keith, Hope of Balcomie, and Semple. Archibald Swinton. His First Years in India. Expedition to the Negraio. Expedition with the Hardwick to Gangam. Affair with the Dutch - 1-16
PART II.
Journal of Archibald Swinton during his Campaigns under Major Calliaud, Sir Robert Fletcher, and Lord Clive. Battle of Gaiah. Meckley Expedition. Taking of the Fortress of Mongheer. Recapture of Patna - - 17-46
PART III.
Narratives of Two of those who were Inhumanly Butchered at Patna and of One who Survived. Archibald Swinton's Notes describing the Capitulation of Sujah Dowlah, whereby Lord Clive acquired the "Dewanee" of Bengal 47-106
PART IV.
Archibald Swinton in Scotland. His Marriage. Letters to
his Children. Life at Kimmerghame. His Death -107-150
PART V.
Concerning Mrs Ferguson (born Catherine Swinton). Young
Archibald Swinton's Life and Letters as a Midshipman - i5»-«79
vi CONTENTS.
PART VI.
Marriage of John Swinton to Catherine Rannie. Concerning the Rannie Family. Letters of Congratulation on the Marriage. Catherine Rannie's Letters to her Husband descriptive of Domestic Country Life from 1809 and onwards 180-218
PART VII.
Life of Archibald Swinton's Son James in India. Concerning Mrs Mure of Caldwell and Lord Easdale. Letters of Catherine Rannie until her Death in 1821 - - - 219-24$
PREFATORY NOTE.
Among the books treasured at Kimmerghame there is a Bible which has belonged in successive generations to many members of the family. Our researches, when tracing its possessorship, led us to collect records, on behoof of our daughter, of the lives of its many owners, whose descendants may, we hope, like to know in detail how their great-grandfather and their uncles fought in India, lived at sea, and passed the course of daily life at Kimmerghame, more than a hundred years ago.
After reading the familiar letters of these ancestors, their portraits no longer represent to us mere names, but departed personalities with whom we feel inti- mately acquainted, and whose memory we love and revere.
A. C. AND J. L. CAMPBELL SWINTON.
Kimmerghame, May igo8.
PART I.
(^I^IHIS Bible was "Imprinted by the Deputies of Chris- iW topher Barker, Printer to the Queenes Most Excellent Majestie, 1599." It is bound in red velvet and tar- nished old gold lace, and it has the following inscription on its fly leaf :-
" This Bible, which belonged to my Grandmother, Lady Mary Keith, I make a present of to my cousin. Miss Katty Swinton. Anne Hope, Oct., 1764.
(Then follows in a diflferent handwriting) And with the greatest pleasure it is presented to Archibald Swinton, Esq., by his most affectionate sister,
Katie Swinton.
July 15th, 1767." The first possessor, Lady Mary Keith, married Sir James Hope in October, 1657. Of the Keiths, Nisbet tells us that "Anno 1006 at the battle of Panbride, one Robert, a Christian amongst the Chatti (from which came the surname Keith), joined Malcolm II. of Scotland, and was very instrumental in obtaining a notable victory over the Danes. When King Malcolm perceived that Robert had killed the Danish King Camus, he dipt his fingers in the blood of the slain and drew five long pales of blood down Robert's shield, which has ever since been the Armorial Bearing of his descendants — never marshalled with any other."
In the year 1010, the chief of the family of Keith was advanced to the dignity of Marshall of Scotland for his eminent valour, and was given a Barony in East Lothian. No male descendant now exists. The last Earl Marischal has been fully described by Andrew Lang in his "Companions of Pickle."
2 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
His brother Marshal Keith's life, was romantic and interest- ing. A fragmentary autobiography is extant describing his military career, and many glimpses of his latter life are shown us io contemporary memoirs.
Sir Robert Murray Keith, of the branch of the Keith of Cray, who was known as " Ambassador Keith," was of true male descent, but left only one daughter, Scott's " Mrs Bethune Balliol." There is a charming little memoir of him entitled " The Story of Felix," by Mrs Cockburn, authoress of " Flowers of the Forest."
There is at Kimmerghame a curious old watch, which is known as the "Emerald Watch." This was thought to be a complimentary name owing to the colour, but an expert in stones has pronounced the works to be sunk in a true emerald of a coarse type. The legend regarding it is that the watch was presented by Anne, Princess of Denmark, wife of James VI. of Scotland, to George Keith, fifth Earl Marischal, who in 1589 was sent Ambassador Extraordinary to the Court of Denmark to arrange the marriage. The satisfaction he gave is noted in "Douglas' Peerage." This legend is substantiated regarding dates by the period of its maker. "Jolly Paris" is engraved on the works. He was watchmaker to the Paris Town-Hall in 1550, and worked for Catherine de' Medici. Other watches made by him, of great beauty, are extant.
Lady Mary Keith's son, Sir William Hope of Balcomie, was a younger brother of the first Earl of Hopetown. He was born 15th April 1660, and was created a baronet 1st March 1698.
He served in the Army in his younger days, travelled much abroad, and became one of the most accomplished cavaliers of the age ; being renowned for skill in fencing and horsemanship, and uncommon gracefulness and agility in dancing. In 1700 he was made Constable of Edinburgh Castle, and was thus Deputy Governor, under Earl of March and Earl of Leven, till 1715.
He purchased Balcomie in Fifeshire in 1705, and seems to have had difficulty in getting possession, previously raising an action against Mr Gordon, previous owner, "ejecting him before sunrise," and there being barricading and threatening to shoot with guns. Subsequently he acquired the property for £7,500. He published in Edinburgh, 1724, " The Vindication of the
AND PORTRAITS 3
True Art of Self Defence," including "A Short, but very Useful Memorial for Sword-Men," which book is in the Kimmerghame library. It fully describes the art of fencing, together with directions how to behave in a single combat upon horseback. According to a tradition in the country, the fame of Sir William and his book induced a foreign cavalier to take a far journey in order to try his skill. Having arrived at Crail (near Balcomie) with this intent, he challenged Sir William to meet him on horseback in the open field.
The parties met within a mile of the Castle of Balcomie, where the standing stone of Sauchope stood a few years back, close to the side of a road which then led from Crail to Balcomie. The onset was dreadful; but at length Sir William's sword, with deadly force, penetrated the body of his antagonist. The wounded cavalier fell, and with his dying breath declared his name and title, and requested his victorious antagonist to become the protector of his widowed lady. Sir William marrie<l Elizabeth Clerk. He died in 1724 of a fever brought on by dancing the well-known minuet — "The Louvre," at an assembly^ and was buried in the Canongate Church, Edinburgh.
He left a daughter, Anne Hope, who is the next in my chain as second possessor of the Bible, inheriting it from her grand- mother. Lady Mary Keith. Beyond that fact, which is recorded in her own handwriting on the fly-leaf, I have been unable to obtain any further information concerning her, except the notice of her death in the Scots Magazine, which took place on tlic 8th of November 1785.
On the death of Sir William, his son, George, succeeded to the Baronetcy and estates; he married in November of the same year, Anne Mackenzie, daughter of Sir John Mackenzie of Coul, Bart., and died five years after in Ireland. He was Captain in the Earl of Orkney's Royal Foot Regiment. Two records of Sir George Hope are in the Record Room in Edin- burgh. The earliest is a deed arranging for the payment of numberless loans of money and recovery of small sums owing to him, leaving all in the hands of Robert Lumsden of Innergellio. The second deed is " Given by Dame Anne Hope only Executrix
4 SWINTON FAMILY RECOKDS
Dative Qua Kelict discerned to him, Goods and gear following Wooset Bed at ten pounds. Item 8 old kain chairs with cushions, each chair at 2s., are sixteen shillings. Item small black cabinet, one pound. Item eleven large family pictures and two small at 5s. per piece, value £15 and in Scots money £180, 12s."
He died in November 1729, and left two children — a daughter, Helen, and a son, William, who succeeded him, whose history will be related further in these pages.
The third possessor of the Bible was " Miss Katty Swinton," who was Anne Hope's cousin, being a great-grandchild of Lady Mary Keith, her grandmother having been Elizabeth Murray of Blackbarony, and her mother, Mary Semple.
This Mary Semple, whose picture, painted by Martin, hangs at Kiramerghame, is a personality of interest to many now living, as she is the common ancestress of so many branches of the Swinton and other families. She is depicted in a white satin neglig^ over a soft muslin cross-over garment, and a broad cap or bonnet with strings under her chin, swathed round, which may have given rise to the tradition in the family that she was painted on her death-bed.
Her ancestry on both sides was noble and heroic. On her mother's side she was descended from the Keiths (previously mentioned), and from the Earls of Winton, Murrays of Black- barouy, Cockburns, and many other families of note. On her father's side she inherited the blood of heroism for conscience sake, and undaunted bravery and steadfastness in adversity. Her great-grandfather. Sir Bryce Semple, was the great, great grandson of John, the first Lord Semple, who received the title from James IV^. in 1488, and fell with his royal master at Flodden, A.D. 1513. Her grandfather, Gabriel Semple, sou of Sir Bryce by Margaret Lauder of Hatton, was ordained minister of Kirkpatrick-Durham. After the Revolution he was trans- ported to Jedburgh, where he continued until his death in 1706, and during that time he passed through many sufferings. He is mentioned by Wodrow as being taken prisoner when in the house of his nephew, " Blackcastle," near Old Hamstacks, by a
AND PORTEAITS 5
party of the guards, and that Sir Patrick (of Blackcastle) was fined two hundred pounds sterling for harbouring and con- versing with Mr Semple, a declared rebel. " This reverend and worthy person endured much trouble."
When ordered to leave the mause, he went to the house of Corsack, and the first Sabbath preached in the hall of the house to such as came ; next Sabbath, the hall not holding them, he preached in the close ; third Sabbath in the garden, and that not answering, they went to the fields, multitudes coming from all hands. Afterwards Mr Semple went to Ireland, and later returned to the Border of Scotland, and for several years had possession of the church at Ford, and dispensed the Sacraments to great multitudes. He continued there till his wife died, and the persecution became hotter, and he sickly ; and a little before the Both well rising, which he would not join, owing to " the divisions among them which only the Lord can cure," he returned to Scotland. At this time he stayed at Old Ham- stacks, till he was taken, as previously mentioned, by the guards. He was so ill of ague when taken that it was represented to the Council that he could not ride alone. Nevertheless, orders came that he was to be brought to Edinburgh, so he had to ride there, double, behind his nephew, William Semple, to whom he held on until he got as far as Haddington, when he got the Lady Stevenson's calash. He was carried to the Canongate Tolboth, where he continued till the Parliament was up. On his suppli- cation, and after interrogations without end, he was later re- leased and withdrew to England, where he continued till King Charles' death.
Gabriel Semple had several wives. According to a paper drawn up by Lord Swinton, his great grandson, Samuel Semple, was Gabriel's son by Ann Lochart, niece of Loch art of Deer. He was for many years minister of Liberton, and is probably buried in the ministers' burial ground, which is under the present church tower.
The records of the church were unfortunately burnt in a conflagration of many years ago, but the modern church, stand- ing so beautifully on the slope of the Blackford Hills, with a
6 SWINTON FAMILY EECORDS
lovely view of Edinburgh to the north, itself a landmark, with its tall spire, for a great surrounding distance, is on the very spot where Samuel Semple lived and laboured, and where he wrote a voluminous history of the sufferings of his Church. Wodrow says : " One night I was his guest, and he let me see a vast many papers, upwards thirty quire he had caused copy out of the Bodlian and Cotton Libraries." He got assistance from Sir James Dalrymple, Sir Robert Sibbald, Mr James Anderson, and others about Edinburgh, and had the advantage of Mr Baillie's letters.
Wodrow showed him his own work on " The Sufferings," and they corresponded much together about the year 1726.
Samuel married Elizabeth Murray of Blackbarony, and they were the parents of Mary Semple. After their daughter's marriage, Mrs Semple must have visited at Swinton House, and when there written the letter of which the following extract exists in her grandson's pocket book : —
" From Mrs Semple,
" SwiNTON House, 1746. " My dear . . .
" When I came to this place I expected to have had
the pleasure of seeing you here, but I found you was gone back
with Mrs Hutcheson, where I am persuaded you are much
better, being in such good company, which I hope you will
improve to the best advantage that you may be fitted for the
business you was designed for. Let me know how you are just
now and what you want, which I shall endeavour to provide for
you, be what it will. I am very ill in my health by reason of
weakness and great pains, so that it is probable I may never
see you, but I pray God Almighty bless you with his best
blessings in Christ Jesus, and spare you in the world if it be
His holy will, but keep you from the evil of it, that you may be
a blessing upon the earth in what ever station He is pleased to
place you by living to the glory of God, and to prove a comfort
to your Parents and all your friends."
Mrs Semple died 18th January, 1748, aged 77 years. Her
daughter, Mary, married John Swinton of that ilk in 1723, and
AND PORTRAITS 7
had twelve children. There is a tradition that her married life was not a very happy one, but she lived to see her eldest son rise to eminence on the Scotch Bench, and her fourth son come back from India, having won his laurels. She was living with her husband, according to the munchi (of whom more hereafter), in Edinburgh when her son, Archibald, returned from India in 1766, and had also two sons and several unmarried daughters with her. Two years after she died in Leven Lodge,* viz., on September 4th, 1768. It was the country villa of the Earl of Leven, and stood to the west of Edinburgh Castle on the site of the present Leven Street. It was a plain but massive old edifice, and contained a grand oak staircase and stately dining- hall, with windows facing south.
To two of the children of John Swinton and Mary Semple the Bible now successively belonged, having been given by Ann Hope to her cousin Katty Swinton the year after her nephew Sir William Hope's death, and two years later Katty gave it to her brother, Archibald, on his return from India.
There are two portraits of Archibald in Kimmerghame, one depicting him in red coat and epaulettes (by Sir Joshua Reynolds, 1723-1792), and the other is the family group by Nasmyth, done in 1787 or 88,— scene, on the Blackadder bank at Kimmer- crhame. Here he is shown with his wife and five of his childreu.
He was the son of John Swinton of that ilk and Mary Semple, and was born 1731, in all probability iu the old house of Swinton, as we know that in the year 1730 his father, " impelled by a spirit of patriotism as well as of interest, drained, planted, and completely enclosed his whole estate," and that in 1747 he reserved the Mansion House for himself when making over the family estate to his eldest son.
* In 1811, Penelope, Lady Belhaven, lived in it, and in 1816 it was the property of Captain Swinton of Drumdryan.
Drumdryan is a name of Celtic origin. Where the «' Meadow8 now lie there was once a loch some three-quarters of a mile long, and near there the old house of Drumdryan stood close to the road that led to the convent of Scienne, on the side where now there stands ' The Sciennes.
8
SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
He was fourth son, and one of a family of twelve children. He studied surgery in Edinburgh, and went to India, engaging as surgeon-mate's apprentice when twenty years old.
The following notes of his journey left by him are interest- ing as showing how slowly one travelled to London in these days, and is curious when contrasted with the same journey now done in a motor : —
1751.
|
December 11. Left Edinburgh. |
|
|
,, „ To Braefoot |
|
|
5> »5 5 |
, Whitburn |
|
12 |
, Swinton |
|
»» i1 5 |
. Compton |
|
13 |
, Belford - |
|
)» »1 5 |
, Alnwick |
|
14 |
, Morpeth |
|
J) ?» 5 |
, Newcastle |
|
'> ?? 5 |
, Chester - |
|
15 |
, Darlington |
|
!» 5» ) |
, Northallerton |
|
16 |
, Burrowbridge |
|
)» ?> 5 |
, Selby . |
|
17 |
, Bawtry |
|
»» »» 1 |
, Tuxford |
|
18 |
, Newark |
|
>9 »> 5 |
, Grantham |
|
i? ?» ? |
, Stamford |
|
19 |
, Huntington |
|
5» »> 5 |
, Royston |
|
20 |
, Ware |
|
5) »> ) |
, London |
|
15 miles. |
|
|
5 |
|
|
12 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
16 |
|
|
14 |
|
|
19 |
|
|
14 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
25 |
|
|
15 |
|
|
19 |
|
|
28 |
|
|
33 |
|
|
16 |
|
|
13 |
|
|
14 |
|
|
25 |
|
|
21 |
|
|
(no number) |
|
|
17 |
5» |
|
10 |
)> |
|
miles. |
On Wednesday, 8th January 1752, he "fell down the river, and sailed from the Downs" on the 16th. Touched at the Cape, March 29th, and sailed from the Cape, April 10th. Reached Madras Road, 10th June 1752.
At this time Clive had commenced his brilliant campaign in the Carnatic. We read that he had undertaken an enter- prise which, "whether we consider the means employed, the obstacles to be surmounted, or the results that were produced.
AND PORTRAITS 9
must ever rank high in the lists of those achievements where skill and energy supply the place of numbers." This was the taking of Arcot, the capital, and later Congeverem, which was the foundation of English supremacy in that part of India.
Archibald Swinton, six weeks after he went ashore, volun- teered to join Captain Clive, and went into camp with him (having first what he calls a great Tomashy at his apprentice- ship being ended).
On the 28th of August they marched from Madras— 300 Sepoys, 200 Europeans and 8 officers, 6 of whom were never before in action — and took Arcot on the 31st, marching through 100,000 spectators.
On January 25th, 1753, he records, " Went to Arcot," and on "21st April — wounded." This was in the fierce struggles just before Clive returned to England,
"14th July 1754— went frou Arcot to Madras. 22nd — went from Madras to Chingleput." This was one of the Forts taken by Clive in 1754. " October 20th — rode from Chingleput to Madras in the space of four hours, and gained two thousand six hundred rupees" — this was a distance of about sixty miles.
"3rd November 1755 — left Chingleput, and quitted the Company's service. March 8th, 1756 — was again engaged in ye Service. 15th March — imbarked for the Negraio, and arrived 12th August."
He again engaged in the Company's service, apparently as surgeon's mate or full surgeon. He started with the ships from Madras that were despatched to succour the little English settlement at Negrais point, on the other side of the Bay of Bengal. The kingdom of Ava, of which this place formed a part, had long been torn with dissension between two factions, viz., the Peguers and Birmans. The English had taken possession of Negrais about the year 1751, and had a small settlement under a Governor. The trade was chiefly timber. In 1755 the war became much hotter, and the Frencli and English were alike menaced by whichever native power was in the ascendant, and were on rival terms; tliey therefore asked for assistance, and English ships with the Company's
10 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
soldiers came to aid the settlement, and in one was Archibald. The Encylish sided first with the one side and then the other. A powerful fleet of Birmans assembled on the coast of Negrais. Immediately on arrival the English, siding with the Peguers, opened fire on the Birman fleet, caused them to abandon their boats and take shelter in the groves.
The Peguers maintained their advantage for some days until their ammunition was exhausted, when they and the English and Fi-ench ships returned to Syriam. There followed negotiations — battles by sea, skirmishes by land, men left in Forts, massacred — survivors swimming wounded to the boats. English ships going up the river towards the capital Ava, and being seized. All this took place, but as it is uncertain how long Archibald Swinton remained at the Negrais, which he himself merely says he reached in August 1755, it is useless to fully describe the incidents. Circumstantial evidence points to him having accompanied Lieutenant Lister on an Embassy, full of adventure, to the King of Ava in July 1757, but of that we cannot be sure. He preserved an MSS. description of the expedition, written by Lieutenant Lister.
We know for certain that in 1759 he was on board the Hardwick, which ship came to anchor in the roads of Gangam, on the coast of Orissa, on October 6th. The Captain hoisted Dutch colours, and with a pretended tale of want of provisions slipped up under the French Fort. They received by a catamaran (native boat) a note in Monsieur Moracin's name, demanding the name of the ship and whence she came. It will be realised that at this time France and England were at war. The stratagem was soon discovered, and the Captain sent a letter in which he says : — ■" As I have now obtained all the intelligence I think necessary (pardon therefore the means used for it), it is needless further to conceal what I really am, and for what purpose I come. Know then that the ship is the English Hardwick, that about a month ago, Colonel Clive received a letter from Narraindoo by a Hasker informing him of your being in the country, and proposing if be would send a party of Sepoys and Europeans down to Gangam, he would join
AND PORTRAITS H
them to his forces and cut off your party. The troops I have aboard with an answer to Narraindoo, but am willincy before going to extremities to put it in your power to give a termina- tion to our Expedition, more agreeable to you as well as to us."
There then followed a correspondence endeavouring to come to terms between Captain Brock Samson and Monsieur Morracin. An amicable arrangement not having been effected, a Hasker with a letter and one Sepoy was sent to Narraindoo, the Native power, and Mr Swinton accompanied it in the jolly boat to see the letter was safely landed. He also took sound- ings of the shore. The letter, of which there is a copy, says : " The ship was sent from Bengal by Colonel Clive, and asks Narraindoo to concert measures to ridd us both of our common enemy."
Narraindoo answers : " We have seen your ship eight days, and knew not it was English. We understood from Calcutta that your ship was to be sent, and are overjoyed to see you. If you will send some Europeans and Sepoys and four guns ashore, we will immediately engage the enemy."
Next day, Mr Swinton went ashore about nine o'clock p.m. and was conducted to a village about five miles distant, where he stayed till the Rajah should be informed of his arrival. The messenger returned about three in the morning with a horse and palanquin, which the Rajah had sent with an escort of one hundred Sepoys, requesting that he would set out immediately, and he would come to meet him. Mr Swinton set out accordingly and met the Rajah, before morning, near the camp of Pallar his Dewanzer, which is about five miles from the above village, his own camp being about three miles beyond that. The Rajah received him with great civility; earnestly pressed him to bring ashore some troops to his assistance, and offered him the command of his army.
Mr Swinton spent the day in reconnoitring the Fort, and viewing the Rajah's troops, etc. N.B.—Mr Swinton had only fifty Sepoys and fifteen volunteers about the Hardwick, besides the ship's crew.
12 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
The Rajah surrounded the whole place, so that the French could not get farther off than about two miles. Those on the ship, meanwhile, were anxious, and record on 13th, "No appearance of Mr Swinton. 14th. — Heard a report of three or four guns, and soon after observed a body of horse and some foot on the top of a hill near the Fort. Could distinguish Swinton by his red cloaths. As we imagined, the Rajah or some of his great people were with him. Mr Samson saluted him with eleven guns, and sent his boat ashore."
Mr Swinton returned in her about three in the afternoon. Next day he rowed to the Fort and examined its strength. 15th. — A letter came from the Rajah asking Mr Swinton to come ashore to determine what to do. Mr Swinton, Mr Samson, and the writer went ashore.
The Rajah offered, if Clive would make an allegiance with him, he would deliver up Gangam, Calingapatam, Maphisbunder, and Sunapore, but after Mr Swinton spends all night recon- noitring the Fort, Mr Samson comes to the conclusion they have not enough men to attack it, so wrote accordingly to the Rajah ; promises to acquaint Colonel Clive with the situation, and says he was obliged to sail for Calcutta, and he sends a Harcar to Colonel Ford letting him know how affairs are.
Just about this period, Archibald Swinton quitted the medical department of the army, and changed to an ensigncy in the Company's Service. It would be as well to take a slight retrospect of previous events. In the year 1756, Calcutta was taken by Surajah Dowlah after a siege, and Mr Hoi well (the Governor) and one hundred and forty-six gentlemen were put in the memorable " Black Hole of Calcutta," from whence only he, Mr Holwell, and twenty-two others came out alive after the most horrible sufferings. Such was the terrified reverence with which Surajah Dowlah was held in that the guards refused to ask his clemency to reduce the sufferings of those in the Black Hole because he was asleep, and no one dared waken him. What a reverse must it have been when the year after (1757) he was defeated by the English under Lord Clive, and their ally, Meer Jaffier, given over to Meer Jaffier's son, " a ferocious
AND PORTRAITS 13
youth," who ordered him to be assassinated that night, and we are told the perpetrators showed such indecent haste that when Surajah Dowlah, guessing his fate, asked time to wash first, the executioner flung a pail of water over him, and then cut off his head !
After the defeat and death of Surajah Dowlah, Ally Jaffier reigned in his stead, was nominally allied to the English, and his son Merran, henceforth described as the " Young Nabob," joins the English Army, as will be shortly seen. New troubles soon arose at Calcutta. The Hardwick made all possible speed from Gangara back to Calcutta, and joined in the " Affair with the Dutch," of which this is the following account, and has been described as " one of the most brilliant incidents in the war," when Colonel Ford, by the dexterity and success of his exploit, took prisoner or slew all but fourteen out of a force of seven hundred Europeans.
Archibald Swinton writes : —
From a Narrative of the Disputes Subsisting be- tween THE Dutch and English in Bengal in November 1759.
"Early in August we received advice that a powerful Armament was fitting out & embarking. Destined as was rumour'd for Bengal. On representation of this by the Governor the Nabob sent a Perwannah to the Dutch prohibiting them from bringing Troops into Bengal. Soon after one of their ships arrived in the River with European Troops & Buggosis on board. On this the Nabob sent a second Perwannah & order'd Omar Beg Cawn, Fouzdar of Houghly, to join the Govr- with a body of Troops. Early in October the Nabob Jaffier Aly Cawn arrived at Calcutta on a visit to the Govi- During his stay six or seven more Dutch capital ships crammed with soldiers and baggage arrived in the river & now the Dutch mask fell off. The Nabob left Calcutta the 19th Octr- We as Allies of the Nabob and under his colours, had on the arrival of the first ship stopt & searched their Boats coming up the Eiver & finding 18 Buggoses conceal'd in one of them, sent them
14 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
back to their ships. Now the Dutch themselves openly com- menced Hostilities by attacking with shott and seizing seven of our vessels (amongst which was the Leopard Snow, Cap*- Barclay, & tore down our colors. On this we concluded with the greatest probability that the Dutch had received intelligence of a Rupture between them and us in Europe, or that they were sure of the Nabob's joining them, or of his standing neuter at least. Wrote to the Nabob that now we considered the quarrel as subsisting between the Dutch and us only, desired that he would leave chastising them to us, and Desist from sending his son, or any part of his Army to our assistance.
" Our whole force then consisted of 240 Europeans of the Battalion (of whom . . . were Topazes) about 80 of the Train & 1200 Sepoys (besides . . . Militia & . . . Gentlemen volunteers form'd into an independent Company).*
"On the 19th Nov""- Col. Ford march'd to the Northward; with part of these & cross'd the Ganges above Barnagores Cap*- Knox being at Fauna's Fort & Channoc's Battery with the remainder, and a few of Omar Beg's Troops. Mr Holwell was order'd to take charge of Fort William with the Militia, consisting of 250 Europeans besides some of the Portuguese inhabitants.
" Col. Ford cross'd over the River Ganges to Syrampore a Danish Factory with his Troops and four pieces of Field Artillery & marched towards Chundernagore.
" On the 22nd Nov- the Dutch landed about 700 Europe. & 800 Buggoses. Cap*- Knox and the Parties at the Batteries were immediately order'd to join Col. Ford which they did on . . . at midnight near Serampore.
" On the 23rd Orders were sent to our Commodore, Captain Wilson, to demand immediate restitution of our ships. Subjects and property, or to fight, sink, burn & destroy the Dutch ships on their refusal ; the next day the demand was made and refused. True British spirit was manifested on this occasion, notwithstanding the inequality, the Dutch having seven to
* All these figures are left unfilled in the MS.
AND PORTRAITS 15
three (and four of them capital ships) we attacked them and after about two hours engagement the Dutch Commodore struck & the rest followed the example, except his Second who cut & ran down as low as Culpee when she was stopped short by the Oxford & Royal George which arrived two days before and had our orders to join the other Captains. The Dutch Com'^- had about 80 men killed and as many wounded, she suffer'd the most amongst them, as did the Duke of Dorset on our side, who was more immediately engaged with her.
" On the same day, the 24th, Col. Ford march'd from the French Gardens to the Northward intending to encamp be- tween Chandernagore & Chinsura. In his march thro' the former he was attack'd by the Dutch with four pieces of cannon & the Garrison from Chinsura which had march'd out & lodged themselves in the houses & ruins of Chandernagore at the very time the Colonel entered with his Troops at the southermost end {N.B. — Spears brought the alarm to Ghyratty). However he soon dislodged them from their Ambush, took their cannon & pursued them with some slaughter to the very barriers of Chinsura — then encamp'd on the Glacis of Chandernagore, and having certain intelligence in the night of the near approach of the Dutch Troops from the ships who had been in spite of his vigilance join'd by part of the Garrison from Chinsura, he march'd at break of day (about 7 o'clock) (after causing the men to load and fix their bayonets on the parade) with two field pieces and (in less than half an hour) met them in full march for Chinsura, which was little more than two miles distant. We immediately filed to the right & they to the left & form'd our lines within 70 yards of each other ; in a very few minutes we were both form'd and came to action.
" The Dutch were commanded by Col. Roussel, a French soldier of fortune. They consisted of nearly 700 Europeans and as many Buggoses, besides country troops. Ours of 240 Infantry ( ... of which Topazes), 80 of the Train and 50 more Europeans composing the Troop of Horse, Independents & Volunteers, & about 800 Sepoys. The engagement was short, bloody, and decisive ; the Dutch were put to a total Rout in
16 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
less than half an hour. They had about 120 Europeans and 200 Buggoses (100 kill'd), 850 Europeans & about 200 Buggoses taken prisoners, with Monsieur Rousssell & 14 Officers, & about 150 wounded; our loss inconsiderable. The Dutch were now as abject in their submissions as they had been insolent on their supposed superiority. They disavowed the proceedings of their ships below, acknowledged themselves the aggressors, & agreed to pay costs and damages, on which their ships were delivered up to them.
" Three days after the Battle of Bederra the young Nabob with about 6 or 7000 horse arrived. . . . Thus ended an affair which had the event been different threatened us in its consequences with utter destruction, for had the Dutch gained the same advantage over us, we have now the most convincing Proofs to conclude the remembrance of Amboyna would have been lost in their treatment of this Colony.
" Mr Bisdom was in a dying condition during the whole transaction, and opposed jointly with Messrs Quydland and Bacheracht the violence of their proceedings, but they were over ruled by the rest of their Council, led by Messrs Vermet and Schivechaven, two men of desperate fortunes and violent and evil principles, who we doubt not will pay severely for their impudence."
PART II.
■eSi
^^RCHIBALD SWINTON was now with the Army under ^^^ leadership of Colonel Ford and Captain Knox in or round about Chunapore, and a fragment of his journal roughly jotted down at the time commences December 27th, 1759, a week or two after the battle with the Dutch. The Army are now taking the field against Shah Alum or the Shah Zadah, the son of the Great Mogul, and Mr Law and his Frenchmen who have joined him. These portions of journal are all fragmentary, consequently begin and end abruptly. Indeed, when the journeys by river and land, and the distance of time since they were written, are considered, it is wonderful so much is preserved.
Archibald Swinton's Journal.
December 27th, 1759. — From Sickliagut passed Huttea, Augerdeep, Butul, Keala, and Polwary. To Palassy. 17 miles.
28th. — Passed Mongerparra, Doudpoore, and Burwah, and Chuna- poore where the Army lay. To Cossinbazar. 21 miles.
January 6th, 1760.— Col. Clive and Col. Ford arrived in camp at Chunapoore. 8th. — They marched from Chunapoore and crossed the river below Cassimbazar.
9th. — The rest of the Army marched from Chunapoore and encamped at Ghisabad.*
January 18th.— Marched from Ghysabad.
ToGouda - - - - Smiles.
,, 19th. — Passed Mahometpoore.
,. „ To Belgooty - - - 10 miles.
„ 20th.— To Auringabad - - - 11 miles.
,, 21st. — Passed Donnapoore. „ ,, To Bonneagong - - - 14 miles.
* Cailland (called from the Carnatic) took over the command from Colonels Clive and Ford, who departed for Europe, and the young Nabob Meeran joined with 15,000 horse and foot and 25 cannon. B
18 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
January 22nd. — Passed Bonneagong, Gurrahmurrah, Turukabad,
Dowgutchi, and Futtapoore. ,, ,, To Futtapoore - - - 12 miles.
,, 23rd. — Passed DuanuUah, and Rajahmaul. ,, ,, To Duanhaat - - - 11 miles.
„ 24th.— Halted.
,, 25th. — Passed Mus Barry to Goverpoore 12 miles. ,, 26th. — Passed Siklia Gurry.
To Ganga Persaad - - 14 miles.
,, 27th. — Passed Telia Gurry.
To Shahabad - - - 8 miles.
,, 28th and
29th.— Halted. ,, 30th. — Passed Bannapoore.
To Poyntea - - - 6 miles.
Halted here till the 8th of Feby. February 7th. — The Purreah Rajah met Major Cailland* in the
middle of the river, and came on board his boat,
where everything was pacifically accommodated
between them. „ 8th. — Passed Pialapoore & Shahabad.
To Sultan Seray - - - 16 miles.
,, 9th. — Passed Colgang.
To Causpoore - - - 13 miles.
,, 10th. — Passed Furaka Chokee.
To Gous Khan's Tank - - 11 miles.
,, 11th. — Passed Baglypoore & Champanagurr.
To Chickaraun - - - 13 miles.
In the evening arrived from Patna the news of the Victory gained by the Shah Zadah over Ram Narrain.
,, 12th. — Passed Chickraun, Merra barra. Sultan Gunga, &
Tongera.
To Goorgut - - - 14 miles.
,, 13th. — Passed Goorgut & Saffiabad.
To Dekria Nullah near Mongeer 14 miles.
,, 14th. — To Hybat Gunje - - - 11 miles.
,, 15th. — Passed Suraja Gurra, Nabob Gunje, Rui Nullah,
Lechmepoore and Burrei.
To Derriapoore - - - 25 miles.
* Major Cailland's Narrative is often quoted in Indian History.
t N.B. — The English who remained alive fought their way to the City of Patna, led by Dr Fullarton, and had the courage to retire in the face of a victorious enemy without shrinking.
AND PORTRAITS 19
The Battalion and part of the Sepoys march^ from the ground near Hybat Gunje at 25 minutes past 4 in the After- noon, the artillery having been sent forward, with an Escort of Sepoys at 12 at noon. The Army reached Ruinullah at about 10 at night, where the artillery was then encamped. After a halt of an hour and a quarter at Ruinullah they proceeded to Derriapoore, and arrived there at 25 minutes past three the next morning, passed three dry and two wet nullahs ; over the last were bridges.
February 16th.— Halted.
,, 17th.— Passed Sunar, More Serang Chokee, and Panarac. To Barr - - - - 19 miles.
18th.— Halted.
Received intelligence from Patna that the Shah Zadah had marched from thence and had encamped at Raunah Seray. ,, 19th. — Passed Jelgovan <fe Ratman quegola.
To Calladera - - - 7 miles.
Found the Shah Zadah encamped about five miles from Calladera; in the evening the Major rode out to reconnoitre the enemy, saw their colours very plain, and approached within a mile and a half of them. „ 20th.— Halted. 21st.— Halted.
Violent rain in the night prevented the Nabob's marching. Mr Wilson, with a Battalion of Sepoys, this day joined the Army from Patna.
February 22nd, 1760. — From Calladerah to Cirsey 5 miles.
Here Lieut. Brown joined the Army with a Detachment of 25 men.
While the Tents were pitching the Major rode towards the encampment of the enemy to reconnoitre, and took possession of two villages, about a mile in the Front of his Camp, where he posted two companies of Sepoys and a battalion of Sepoys in their rear at a small Distance to support them in case they were attacked; these villages were situated rather obliquely towards the Front of the enemy and were near a mile and a half from the center of their Camp. They very soon discovered by some flying partys of horse the approach we had made
20 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
towards them, for it was presently observed that they had advanced some cannon in front and a body of Horse, the Major * perceiving this ordered out a Picquet of Europeans with a battalion of Sepoys and two guns to reinforce the Party in the Villages and in this posture both sides remained inactive for at least an hoar. At Eleven o'clock word was brought from the villages that the Enemy were seen to be in Motion on all sides, and the Major riding to an Eminence on the left found that the Shah Zadah had struck his camp, and was in full march, but which way was not yet very clearly distinguished. But a motion they soon after made towards our left, and a body of Horse which appeared rising from behind a small hill on the right, convinced him they intended that day to draw out their whole Force.
Upon this he gave orders for the Army to march up and the Nabob with his Troops immediately to follow the whole was formed between the two villages, the Europeans in the centre and the Sepoys divided on the right and left of them, the guns in the Interval and the villages on the flanks of the whole.
The Nabob (Meeran) by a Disposition before agreed on, was to have been with his army drawn up in an even line in the rear of the Major's line, which together with the villages would have covered almost his whole front and his wings only would have been left exposed. But instead of this he crowded his whole Force in a confused multitude upon the right, nor could all the Persuasions of the Major induce him to alter his situation and form them into better order, but thus they stood, a Body of 15,000 men with a front of scarce 300 yards in a tumultuous heap. Thus his inflexibility had very near lost him the day.
The enemy now advanced very quick and in appearance directed their motions towards our left, the guns were turned that way and played upon them very warmly as they came on, but unable to withstand so hot a fire, they still inclined more and more to the left, till they at length got quite in oar rear.
* Major Cailland.
AND PORTRAITS 21
Then we left them, for an object of more Importance now converted our attention to the right. The enemy had lonf^ descried the Nabob from the Number of Colours around him. Their motion to the left appeared a Finesse only to engage us, while led on by Kamdar Khan they bore down, the best and bravest of their Troops against the Nabob. Our cannon were again ordered to be turned, and with 5 or 6 pieces of the Nabob's we again cannonaded them as they approached in a long column, but with little effect, for they still advanced with great rapidity and resolution, and indeed were received on the Nabob's side with much more Bravery than was expected. They had now passed the Nabob's cannon, which were deserted in an instant, and engaged hand to hand cutting away for about 10 minutes, when the Nabob's troops began to give ground, and the enemy seemed to have much the advantage of the battle.
It was then at this critical juncture that the Major headed his Sepoys himself, and led them on to the Nabob's assistance, unregarded by the enemy they drew up upon their flank and poured in their whole fire, then pushed in with their bayonets, and drove them back in a moment. This Body recoiled upon a second, that upon a third, the Nabob's Horse galloped in amongst them all, and the whole plain was cleared in an instant.
They were pursued about three miles (| of a mile) and the night favoured their retreat. But while we had thus beat them on this side, the body which had advanced first on our Left, and afterwards inclined towards our rear, rode round in the heat of the engagement, and plundered our camp, and then made off after the rest, but most of the things were again recovered. The Victory was complete, we took 17 pieces of cannon, the action lasted from 12 a.m. till 3. Yet among such numbers engaging there was not in all above 400 killed and wounded.
The Emperor fled the same night to Bahar, a town ten miles oflF. On the 29th Meeran and the English marched there and onwards, a long and diflficult march across the mountains to Moorshedabad.
22 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
February 24th. — Passed Eannah Seray.
To Mussimpoore - - - 14 miles.
,, 25th. — Passed Bycentpoore and Futwa.
To Jaffier Cawn's Gardens - - 10 miles.
„ 26th.— Passed Futwa.
To Bunnell - - - - 10 miles.
The Army marched this morning from Jaffier Khan's Garden, passed the Bridge at Futwa, there struck off into the Road leading towards Bahaar, and marched over a large plain to Bunnell ,
The Major went this morning to Patnato visit Ram Narrain, and spent the rest of the day and the following night at the English Factory.
„ 27th.— Halted. The Major, from Patna, paid a visit to the young Nabob, and then proceeded to the Camp.
,, 28th. — To Shahzadpoore - - - 3 miles.
29th.— Halted. March 1st.— Halted. ,, 2nd.— Halted.
Received advice that the Shah Zadah had made a march of 10 coss eastward of Bahaar.*
,, 3rd. — Passed Dunnel, Futwa, Byeuntpoore.
To Massimpoore - - - 12 miles.
The Enemy having made a forced march from Bakaar, eastward, to enter the Province of Bengal, obliged the Nabob and the Major to make all possible haste back again to prevent their progress.
,, 4th. — Passed Rannah Seray.
To Cirsey - - - - 14 miles.
„ 5th. — Passed Calladera, Ratmanquegola and Jelgovan.
To Bar - - - - 9 miles.
„ 6th. — The Troops embarked on board the Boats at Bar, and
proceeded to Derriapoore - 19 miles.
The Artillery, with the Sepoys and Baggage, marched by
Land.
,, 7th.— To RuinuUah - - - 8 miles.
* A coss is about 2 miles. The Shah Zadah is Shah Alum, leading " The Enemy." The Nabob is the young Nabob Meeran, allied to the British.
AND PORTRAITS 23
The Europeans in Boats, the Artillery & Sepoys by Land. Received advice that the Shah Zadah was incamped at about 5 coss distance near the hills. March 8th.— Halted.
At 7 o'clock the Major rode to reconnoitre among the Hills, and climbing to the top of one of them had an extensive pro- spect of the Country all round, not the least sign of the Enemy were to be seen ; it seems they had decamped the night before, and retired among the hills.
„ 9th. — To Nabob Gunje - - - 5 miles.
„ 10th. — To Belgooda - - - 6 miles.
,, 11th. — To Pachna - - - - 6 miles.
,, 12th. — To Seersundee - - - 8 miles.
,, 13th.— To Modosemilia - - - 13 miles.
„ 14th.— Halted.
„ 15th.— Halted.
„ 16th.— Gudovra - - - - 7 miles.
„ 17th.— Halted.
„ 18th.— Halted.
,, 19th. — Passed Junneah.
To Domireah - - - 11 miles.
,, 20th.— To the entrance of the Pass - 6 miles.
„ 21st.— Halted. All day the Bildars at work in the Pass. A Storm of Hail.
,, 22nd.— Through the pass to Chaukwayeh - 9 miles. The pass is about four coss (8 miles) long, and in many places very difficult to march through, having many steep declivities and ascents, and large rocky stones lying in the road. The first part of it is between several hills, the latter thro' a thick jungle ; about the middle of it is a rivulet of clear
water.
23rd.— Halted. ,, 24th.— Rain.
ToRuerah - - - - 14 mUes.
About Ruerah the country extremely woody ; two Coss and a half from the place is a Pagoda called Bajanant, which the Jentoos hold in great veneration, and come from the most distant parts of Bengal to worship and wash there. There is nothing very remarkable in the appearance of the Pagoda,
24 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
which is dedicated to the Idol Maadil, but the village of Baganant is a most charmiDg spot in the depth of woods, and in the middle of it a Fort.
March 25th. — Rained.
To Bellowry - - - 6 miles.
,, 26fch.— Thro' Seray.
To Seerkut - - - - 17 miles.
,, 27th. — To Oparbaund - - - 13 miles.
,, 28th. — To Jamjourai - - - 10 miles.
,, 29th.— Thro' Coorahut
To Beerboon - . - 24 miles.
30th.— Thro' Booleagatt.
To Sooly - - - - 14 miles.
The road this day but very indifferent, mostly thro' a Jungle, tho' not so close and thick as the two former days. Six miles round the City of Beerboon is a ditch and bank which forms a very strong and tenable post, particularly at the village of Booleagatt having a very thick Jungle on the outside, the passage thro' it is over a small bridge beyond which is a Gate- way, at the extremity a narrow turning. Just within the bank is two tanks.
,, 31st,— Halted. April 1st. — To Ambarra - - - - 18 miles.
,, 2nd. — Thro' Attinda and over the River Adgoy.
To Jussera - - - - 10 miles.
,, 3rd.— Halted. ,, 4th. — Over the River Agi in two places.
To Mungalcoote - - - 7 miles.
This day joined Cassim Ali Khan, the Nabob's * son-in-law, together with a party of 300 Europeans, with two field pieces, under his command.
,, 5th. — Mungalcoote Haraul.
To Sakerakahaat - - - 8 miles.
„ 6th.— Simdal.
To Bearpoore - - - 8 miles.
Crossed one nullah (no bridge), the country very open and seems well improved.
* Nabob Jaffier AUi Cawn.
AND PORTRAITS 25
About 8 o'clock the Major having descried a party of the Enemy halted the battalion and formed them in order of battle at the Village of Sindel, but this proving to be only a large drove of cattle the Battalion marched and encamped at Beerpoore.
About one an Alarm being given of the Enemies' approach the whole line turned out and remained under arms near an hour, and a detachment of 2 Platoons of Europeans, 2 guns, and 2 companies of Sepoys was sent to support the Nabob. But only a few straggling Maharattas appearing on the skirts of the camp the Troops returned to their Tents.
April 7th. — Thro' Conchanagurr.
To Bellgass - - - . 6 miles.
The Army marched over the fields until they came to the Banks of the Dammoodah, where they perceived the Enemy encamped on the opposite side. When the Army came opposite to them Major Cailland ordered up two pieces of cannon which playing upon them briskly for about a quarter of an hour obliged them to quit the banks of the river and retire further into the country. The Troops then encamped close to the river side.
„ 8th.— Halted.
,, 9th. — Crossed the River Dammoodah and encamped on the opposite side ; the River very shallow, and about 400 yards over. ,, 10th. — To Sangal Gola - - - 6 miles.
The country open, level, and fertile, producing the grain peculiar to the country in great abundance, but a good deal encumbered with low thorny bushes. Encamped by the river side close to a very fine tope, the Nabob's army in
our rear.
„ 11th.— Halted.
,, 12th. — Passed Nawgutti.
To Omarpoore - - - 10 miles.
Crossed two branches of the Dammoodah separated by a small slip of land. This march, the most pleasant of the whole campaign hitherto, all along the banks of the river adorned with a succession of beautiful topes (little woods) and an avenue of fine trees, ranging for 4 or 5 miles, a delightful tract of land,
26 SWINTON FAMILY BECORDS
rich and plentiful, and a great many of the fields planted with sugar canes.
April 13th— Halted.
,, 14th. — To Degnagurr - - - 10 miles.
Crossed one small nullah and passed thro' an open country interspersed with variety of topes and seemed to be entirely cultivated with rice. Encamped close to the village of Degnagurr. Near the camp two topes.
„ 15th.— Halted.
,, 16th.— „ In the afternoon Captain Knox set out with a detachment of three companys, two field pieces and one battalion of Sepoys for Patna.*
,, 17th. — To Organy ... - 7 miles.
,, 18th. — Passed Serypoore, Rampoore, Mungalcoote.
,, ,, To Mungalcoote - - - 11 miles.
,, 19th. — Passed Madga Seray.
,, ,, To Dunkuneah - - - 7 miles.
,, 20th. — Passed Burrah, Cutwah.
,, ,, To Gopera - - - - 8 miles.
The Army was this day very long on the march by crossing the river at Cutwah, the water being very deep. The country much the same as yesterday, encamped on a very good spot nigh to a large tope.
,, 21st. — Passed Coolburreah.
,, ,, To Palassy - - - - 8 miles.
The whole country round about extremely pleasant and full of topes.
,, 22nd.— Halted. Captain M'Lean with the two Battalions of Sepoys from the Deccan arrived and joined the Army at Palassy. The Major in the evening proceeded to Doudpoore house on his way to Cassimbazar.
* Patna was being besieged by the Shah Zadah and Mr Law when Captain Knox set out with a flying column. Under the burning heat of a Bengal sun he performed the march from Moorshedabad to Patna in the extraordinary space of thirteen days, himself marching on foot to encourage the men. Surprised the enemy when asleep and drove them from their works.
AND PORTRAITS 27
April 23rd.— The Major went from the Doudpoore, two coss. The Army marched from Palassy to Burrewah, 10 miles. ,, 24th.— The Major went four coss to Moradbang. The Army
marched from Burrewah to Chunapoore, 10 miles. ,, 25th.— The Army marched from Chunapoore across the river, 6 miles. The young Nabob made an entertainment for the Major, at the Palace of Surajah Dowlah, the late Nabob.
,, 26th.— The Army marched from the river to Ghysabad, 8 miles, where they halted till the 16th of May. May 16th. — The Detachment under Captain Yorke marched from Ghysabad to Gaudee, 8 miles. ,, 17th. — The Detachment marched from Gaudee to Belgootty, 10 miles. The Major set out for Moradbang and lay at Saddoc Bang, a garden house of the old Nabob.
,, 18th. — The Detachment halted. This day the Major arrived from Saddoc Bang at the camp. On the 7th of May, when the Army lay at Ghysabad, after a most sultry day, there suddenly fell an extraordinary shower of hail about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, attended with a strong wind, and followed by a very heavy rain. The hailstones were of an uncommon size, weighing from 10 to 14 ounces each. ,, 19th. — The Detachment halted.
,, 20th. — From Balgooly to Auringabad - 11 miles.
,, 21st. — To Dounapoore - - - 12 miles.
Downapoore is a large village situated on an extensive plain, and surrounded with a fine wood.
,, 22nd. — To Gurrahmurrah - - - 11 miles.
Passed Bonneagang. Encamped close to the river on a fine spot.
,, 23rd. — To Balkisnah's Gardens. Balkisna Bang, 10 miles. Passed Furakabad, Dougootchy, FuUahpoore. The Army encamped close to the river side on a very good ground near a fine tope, about a coss from the entrance of Rajahmahl. Here the Army halted till the 1st of June.
June 1st. — Marched from Balkisna Bang to Govenpoore, 16 miles. Passed through Rajamahl Duanhaat, Meer Barry. The encampment on a very bad spot, overrun with high grass, and the water bad. A very good tope about a mile and a half farther.
28 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
June 2nd. — From Govenpoore to Ganga Persaad, 14 miles. Passed through Siklia Gurry. ,, 3rd. — From Ganga Persaad passed Pelliagurry to Shah Abad,
8 miles. ,, 4th. — Passed Pialo Poore.
To Sultan Serai - - - 10 miles.
,, 5th. — To Colgung - - - - 10 miles.
,, 6th. — Passed Gaseepoore and Furaka Chaukee.
To Gausee Khan's Tank - - 14 miles.
Crossed the nullah in three places, a bridge over two of them.
,, 7th. — Passed Baglypoore and Champanagurr.
To Chickeraun - - - 13 miles.
,, 8th. — Passed Chickeraun, Meerbarry, and Sultan Gunje.
To Jehan Geer or Jongeer - - 13 miles.
,, 9th. — Passed Goorgut and Suffiabad.
To Dekrinullah - - - 15 miles.
This day the Battalion embarked on board of boats, and proceeded to Mongeer. The Artillery and Sepoys marched by
land.
,, 10th. — From DekrianuUah to Hybat Gunje 12 miles.
The Battalion went by water.
,, 11th. — Passed Suraje Gurrah and Nabob Gunje.
To Rui Nullah - - - 14 miles.
The Battalion proceeded by water, the Artillery and Sepoys by land. /
,, 12th. — Passed Lucknapoore and Burry.
To Derriapoore - - - 10 miles.
The Battalion by water.
,, 13th. — Passed Sunar More Serang Chokee.
To Pannarac - - - 10 miles.
Part of the Troops which had come up marched by land with the Artillery and Sepoys.
,, 14th. — Many of the boats with the soldiers not coming up, the army was obliged to halt for them. Lieut. Matthews with a Battalion of Sepoys being sent to Bar, burnt and destroyed all Kaudin Hassein Kahn's boats.
,, 15th. — Halted. The boats not coming up.
,, 16th. — Passed Bar.
To Jelgovan - - - - 10 miles.
AND PORTRAITS 29
About nine in the morning heard the firing of guns. Eight companies of Sepoys were detached to Rupe, news being brought that Captain Knox was engaged with Caudim Hassein Khan. The Army marched in the afternoon to Rupe.
June 16th. — From Jelgovan to Rupe - - 5 miles.
When the Army arrived at Rupe the Major detached 500 Sepoys to the assistance of Captam Knox, and prepared to cross the Army over the river. Accordingly 2 pieces of cannon were embarked, but on fresh intelligence the design of crossing was laid aside.
,, 17th. — Passed Calladurra, Mannaserai, and Massinpoore. To Byeuntpoore - - - 15 miles.
This morning the news arrived that Caudim Hassein Khan had attacked Captain Knox's party at a place called Biddapoore, opposite Jaffier Khan's gardens.
Captain Knox had possessed himself of an advantageous post with 200 Europeans, 600 Sepoys, 300 horse, and 5 pieces of cannon. They attacked him with 10,000 horse and foot and 30 pieces of cannon. The action lasted from sunrise till 2 in the afternoon. The Enemy were repulsed with the loss of about 300 men and two elephants killed on the spot, all their wounded they carried off. On our side 15 Europeans killed and wounded, and 50 or 60 Sepoys and Lascars. The Major this day left the Army and went to Patna, where he heard the above news. ,, 18th. — Passed Futwa.
To Jaflfier Khan's Gardens - - 10 miles.
„ 19th.— Halted.
,, 20th. — The troops marched in the evening to Patna. ,, 21st. — The troops crossed the river and encamped at Sidi
usman Serai, about two coss from the river. „ 22nd.— Halted. ,, 23rd.— Passed Rajah Paulk.
ToMowah - - - - 12 miles.
Crossed a nullah waist high ; no bridge,
,, 24th.— From Mowah to Nunah Nuddee - 11 miles. A violent rain the whole march. Crossed another nullah waist high. No bridge. Lodged the men in huts. „ 25th.— Passed Seidpoore and Maduflferpoore.
ToShittee - - - - 16 miles.
30 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
After a march of about six coss (12 miles) we came in sight of the enemy's rear guard (about 10 o'clock). Advised of our approach they had just struck their camp wherein they left 12 small guns, and began their march ; our army followed them to the extremity of a large plain, two coss, where they made a stand among some topes and villages (in order to amuse us and give their baggage time to get off, which they were just then come up with, and which must inevitably have fallen into our hands if we had pushed on briskly to them) a mutual (distant) cannonading ensued and continued about four hours, during which they fired about 20 shot. Once or twice a large body of horse made some appearance of attacking us, but our artillery playing very briskly upon them effectually stopped them {N.B., four or five men being killed by it). About 3 o'clock in the afternoon they quitted the field, leaving behind them 9 more large pieces of cannon, as many camels, and a number of empty Hackery's which they had unloaded of their Treasure during the action.
The Nabob all the while kept a mile in the rear looking on, but not one of his people engaged.
We had one European killed and one wounded, and two or three black people. After the action Sergt. Tate was taken prisoner and immediately hanged for desertion. The troops lay all that night in the village of Kittee, in which is a small
post.
June 26th. — Passed Sien and Hadgeree.
To Pansruckee - - - 14 miles.
,, 27th. — From Pansruckee through Messy - 7 miles.
The Army passed through Messy, a large town, where the
enemy had abandoned several more of their Hackerys, and a
good deal of their baggage.
,, 28th. — Passed Burmundea.
To Bulwah Pukree - - - 10 miles.
The road remarkably good, and the country extremely pleasant and fruitful, as it has been all the way, on this side the Ganges. The Army encamped on the banks of the little Gunduh.
AND POETRAITS 31
June 29fch. — Passed Ruttenpoore, Muttorapoore.
To Ambooah - - - 12 miles.
,, SOfch. — Passed Lowar and Conchaddea.
To Muknow - - - 12 miles.
Passed a deep nullah. July 1st. — Passed Barutfc and Lukraan.
To Benteah - - - - 11 miles.
In the beginning of the march passed the nullah, which was chin deep. The road pretty good, but three coss of it was through a thick jungle with a nullah on one side of it, however there is another road over a plain to Benteah. A long foot causeway (not paved) reach several coss from the town, encamped within a mile of the fort.*
,, 2nd. — Passed Benteah, Mutteah, and Benseah.
To Lusmipoore - - - 12 miles.
„ 3rd.— Halted.
This day was rendered remarkable by the death of the young Nabob, who was struck dead by lightning as he lay in his tent, between twelve and one in the morning.f
,, 4th. — Passed Mutteah and Banseah.
To Benteah - ... 8 miles.
Gave over pursuing the Purneah Nabob, who is now about 18 miles off from Lusimpore on the banks of the great Gunduk, which he cannot pass for want of boats.
The Army encamped eastward of Benteah about a mile from it.
,, 5th. — Halted. „ 6th.— Halted. ,, 7th. — From Benteah to Sickownah - 6 miles.
This day the troops marched in the rear of the Nabob's army.
,, 8th. — Passed Barutt Luckraun and Kirmnawah.
To Muknow - - - - 8 miles.
* From Benteah to Napall 61 coss (122 miles). From Benteah to Lama, the capital of Thibet, 35 days march.
+ All his attendants in the tent were also killed, and his followers much discouraged by this bad omen.
32 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
Passed the nullah by a bridge made by people sent on two days before.
July 9th. — Passed Conchuddea and Lowar.
To Ambooah - - - - 14 miles.
,, 10th. — Passed Muttriapoore and Ruttenpoore.
To Bulwa Pukree - - - 11 miles.
,, 11th. — Passed Bulwah Pukree and Burmundea.
To Messy or Meassy - - 10 miles.
,, 12th. — From Messy to Doorjun Serai - 11 miles.
Passed a nullah, the waters of which were near breast high. ,, 13th.— Passed Byah.
To Jaidpoore - - - 8 miles.
Passed a large and deep nullah. ,, 14th. — Passed Singee.
To the Company's house at Singee - 16 miles. „ 15th.— Halted. ,, 16th. — Passed Guddy Serai, Nizam Gunje.
To Hadgipoore - - - 10 miles.
The Major made this march with only a Company of Europeans, the Sepoys and two pieces of artillery, and the Nabob's army, the rest of the troops were left at Singee, where they remained till the 28th, when they also marched to Hadgipoore, joined the former detachment, and encamped on the banks of the Ganges. At Hadgipoore the great Gunduk flows in the Ganges.
29th. — The army crossed the river and took up their quarters at Moolidar's gardens, Meer Abzul's gardens, and the French factory at Patna, consisting of five companies of foot (340), with 10 field pieces and 2 Howitz, 1 company of artillery (70), and three battalions of Sepoys (3200), besides two com- panies who were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to go down to Calcutta.*
After the above date, there are no entries in the small book of Journal until the following November, but I found an account of the Battle of Gaiah, which „took place fifteen days later, written by Archibald Swinton himself, as well as a fuller account written by Gilbert Ironside on loose sheets of paper, fortunately complete.
* Troops distributed in winter quarters.
AND PORTRAITS 33
November 22nd, 1760.— From five in the morning till six at night, from Bogwangola to Nabob Gunje, about two coss below the mouth of the Cass river, where I had the pleasure of meeting Atchumbah.
There are some entries of daily marches during December, ending with the mere date Jan. 1st 1761, followed by blank pages, evidently left with the intention of ultimately recording the Battle of Gaiah, Jan. 15th, 1761. The Journal is not resumed again until November 1761.
Archibald Swinton's Account of the Battle of Gaiah.
Major Carnac, as soon as he took command of the Army at Patna, marched in quest of the Shah Zadah,* whose Army had wintered in the heart of the Baher province unmolested. He came up with him on the 15th of January 1761, and gained a complete victory without the least assistance from Cossim Ali Cawn, the new Nabob. On the contrary, his forces, astonished and discontented at the revolution, at first refused to march from Patna, but finding Major Carnac was determined to act against the Shah Zadah independently of them, they followed him reluctantly, but never were of the least utility to him in the Action, and he had more to dread from their treachery — they being in his rear — than from the enemy he was about to engage. The happy success attending this enterprize kept them to their duty, and was the means of establishing the tranquility of the three provinces.
Mr Law, with most of his party of Frenchmen, were taken prisoners, and the Shah Zadah was so closely pursued that he
* The Shah Zadah is Shah Alum, a great-grandson of Aurungzebe. C
34 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
found himself reduced to the necessity either of abandoning his Army and quitting the Provinces with a few followers, or of trusting to the Major's generosity by putting himself in his power. He chose to risk the latter, and desired that a gentle- man might be sent to inform him in what manner he would be treated. The Major was pleased to send me, and according to my instructions, I assured his Majesty that he might depend on being received and entertained with all possible deference and respect, and that the Major would consider his life and honour as his own. On these assurances he determined to submit to the Major, and taking a moderate but splendid retinue with him, ordered me to conduct him to the English camp. So extraordinary a sight as the Emperor of Hindostan (for he was even then universally considered as such) throwing himself upon the protection of an English Army with whom he had but a few days before engaged in the field, filled the breast of every one with such admiration and delight that I am persuaded there was not a private soldier or sepoy in our Army who would not have risked his life in his defence, and fought for him with more zeal and fidelity than his own troops.
Major Carnac, whose heart is all sensibility, received him in the kindest and most respectful manner, and could hardly refrain from tears. Nazars were presented to him by the General and other ofiicers, and after a short visit he re- turned highly pleased to his own Army, which was but a few miles off".
Next day both Armies marched near each other, as was concerted, towards Patna.
Another Account of the Battle of Gaiah, BEING A Letter from Gilbert Ironside.
" Sir,—
" The last time I had the honour of addressing you was from this place, under date the 20th December, wherein I
AND PORTRAITS 35
mentioned the respectful 1 liberty I should take to trouble you with another letter if anything material occurred before the departure of the latter ships. 1 ^^ 1 Q/? f~ /9
JL /»..y Jl. «Z? 'tS: O -i
" This short interval has produced indeed a series of events the most fortunate that could happen for the affairs of India, the two principal points in view, the possession of Dondi- cherry, and the reduction of the Shahzadah being happily accomplished.
" Our army in Bengal, from many obstacles on the part of the Nabob's troops, were prevented taking the fields untill the beginning of the year, for it was a long time before Major Carnac could prevail on so many unpaid, and for that reason dissatisfied people, to remove themselves from Patna and follow him, and to leave them there was to abandon the city to that danger which threatened from their known disaffection.
" However the day at length arrived when we met the enemy, who appeared on the 15th of January on the banks of the Swan, a river about 10 coss W. of Bahar. Under cover of the cannon we immediately crossed, and without any opposition, for the enemy, retired to the distant shelter of some banks and ditches, left a free passage, and thus lost the fairest occasion they could meet with to take us at a disadvantage while our troops were divided by the water. When the guns' ammunition had passed the river, we hastened to drive them from their intrenchment. On our approach they instantly abandoned it and retreated to another, equally tenable with the former, had they been resolute to defend it, but this too they quitted, as we advanced, were dispossessed also from a third, before they made a stand and drew up in some order upon a large plain.* We still kept moving towards them, cannonading as we marched, and expected the moment their horse could begin the charge, but a lucky ball from a twelve-pounder killing the driver of the
* Plains of Gaiah.
36 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
elephant on which the Shahzadah * was mounted, the beast, deprived of his guide, turned about and carried his rider and consequently all his followers with him into the rear. This very much disconcerted them, and the artillery being served very briskly just at that time, they could stand no longer. They all followed their leader and fled in great disorder.
" The pursuit continued near three miles, when it being observed that the French brought up their rear, Major Carnac determined to make an effort at them, that at least they might not escape with the rest. The guns were therefore left behind, and two battalions of Seapoys with the Europeans made a push at Mr Law. They played 6 pieces of small artillery as we advanced, but being levelled too high the balls passed over us. Our soldiers much to their credit passed their guns with shouldered. . . . The French troops broke and ran away before our Musquetry could reach them, not a shot was fired on our side nor did we lose a single man. Mr Law with several of his officers and 50 men were then taken, and best part of the remainder have surrendered since. f The same night the Shah- zadah fled beyond Bahar. Having few horse of our own, and the Nabob's as well absolutely refusing to pursue, the Victory was not so decisive as it might have been had the troops done their duty. The Prince easily recollected his scattered forces the next day, but no more respite was given him than was
* Shah Alum. There was found among the belongings of the Shah- zadah upon the driverless elephant his Majesty's writing-desk or " Kelemdar." It is an oblong box on a stand or small tray, lacquered, with a gold ground, ornamented with the flower called " Herzargulah, " and contains silver ink-holders, steel penknives with handles of the bone of lion lish, and carved ivory implements and Persian letters gold dusted, etc. The "lucky ball "from the twelve-pounder was fired by Captain Bradbridge, and when it killed the Royal Elephant Driver, his Majesty was forced to dismount, and the desk was taken. Archibald Swinton preserved it, and brought it home with him, and it is now at Kimmerghame,
t This battle was rendered famous in all accounts of this portion of the history of Britain acquiring India by the capture of Mr Law. He was the nephew of the Law of the great Mississippi scheme, and the
AND PORTRAITS 87
absolutely requisite for the relief of our owd people. The Major pressed close upon him the morning after the battle, and in a few marches reduced his army (retreating through a country they had before laid waste) to the utmost distress for substinence (sic).
" On the 29th the Prince sent an embassy to know the pro- posals which would be accepted. The terms insisted on were the instant dismission of Comda Khan, and confiding for the rest that he would rely upon the honour and good faith of the English nation. During their negotiation our marches were rather quickened than delayed, and this accelerated their reso- lutions, for the Prince seeing no hopes of protracting the time, complied in a few days with the terms stipulated. Fhousdar Khan was sent away, and the Shahzadah on the 7th of Feby. joined the English Camp. On the 10th the Major marched with him towards Patna, where we arrived the . . . and this day the Prince is safely lodged in the Palace of Patna, an event which has terminated the war in these parts. His main- tenance is fixed at one thousand Rupees a day defrayed by the Nabob.
" The Fhousdar of Beerboon refusing to acknowledge the present Nabob, Major Yorke marched with a detachment against him, drove him his capital into the hills, and appointed another to govern this district in his stead.
" Captain White being sent with a body of 80 Europeans, 2 guns, and 300 Seapoys to quell some disturbances in Berdaowan, was fallen upon by the Rajah of that place, whom he defeated, and entered the town. He was afterwards ordered to join
leader of the French in Bengal. He had joined various Native Potentates, and on the issue of he and his party, or the handful of British, winning the day, hung the supremacy of the French or British in Bengal. The scene when he was led a captive into the English camp, and hid himself behind the palanquin curtains, and a Native Leader pushed in and said jeeringly : " And Bibby Law " (Lady Law) ; " where is she ? " for which he was sternly reprimanded by the English Commander, "It is not thus we treat our fallen foes," is well known to readers of Indian History.
38 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
Major Yorke at Beerboon, but when he approached he found his communication with the Major's party cut oiF by 8 or 10,000 Marrattas. He fought them, repulsed their repeated attacks, destroyed a great number of them, and at last took possession of a post which he maintained for a long time, but in the end would have been worsted for want of ammunition when Major Yorke, who was luckily near enough to hear the firing, made a forced march to his relief, upon which the Marrattas dispersed and fled the province. These strokes have entirely cleared the countries belonging to the Company of all their enemies, and there seems from our late success and present strength to be a fair prospect of a long and settled peace.
" A violent storm blew lately off Madras. Two Men-of-War of the line foundered in it. Most of the men as is reported lost. Two ran ashore, one since got off, five were dismasted otherwise damaged, but are again partly refitted, and only wait for some masts to get off, the Men-of-War lately arrived from England to be completely so.
" Dondickering fell the 16th of January, yielded at dis- cretion for want of provisions. Colonel Coote would not grant them no other terms than the whole garrison surrendering prisoners of war. He took possession the same day of the Niller gate, and the day following that of the Citadel.
" Colonel Coote is expected in Bengal with his regiment by the latter end of next month. We shall then have a very considerable force here, either to defend the country or to support the title of the Shahzadah as was lately thought of to the. . . .
" It is a very sensible satisfaction to the people on this side the world that they have not themselves . . . while their country were so well employed in Europe, and that everything has been done which was left to do.
" The Mauritius and the island will we hope be the con- quest of the Fleet.
AND PORTRAITS 39
" Permit me, Sir, to congratulate you on these many and signal successes of the British arms, and once more to subscribe myself
" Your very obliged
" And obedient Servant " (From Gilbert Ironside.) In June Carnac was recalled from Patna.
Next portion of Journal begins, November 6th, 1761 (after rainy season).
A detachment of 200 Sepoys and 27 Europeans set out from Morad Bang in boats at noon, having under their charge twenty-four chests of treasure in as many boats containing about 30,000 gold mohr and 200,000 rupees, besides about 150 other boats of provisions, etc. Halted at night near a mosque a little way above the city.
November 7th. — Rowed - - - - 20 miles.
To Narsipoore about two or three coss beyond Gundee (rowed) from 6 to 4.
„ 8th. 20 „
To Soontee (rowed) from 6 to 4.
9th. 24 „
Halted on the eastern side of the river after tracking from 6 in the morning till 7 at night; great part of the fleet could not get up that night— one Treasure boat lost, but the Treasure saved.
November 10th 12 mUes.
Halted near Futtapoore, from 7 till 2 p.m.
11th. 5 „
Balkisnah's garden, from 7 to 10. „ 12th.— Halted.
13th. 7 „
Duanhaat.
14th.— Halted.
40 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
November 15th. - - - - - 12 miles.
Near Govenpoore, from 9 to 4. Lost another Treasure boat but saved the treasure,
16th. 18 „
Gonga Persaad, from 6 to 4. 17th. 18 „
About 6 miles above Poynlau, from 6 to 4. 18th.
On the eastern side of the river, from 6 to 4.
19th. 18 „
About 5 miles below Seepe Gunje,
from 6 to 4. Lost another Treasure boat but saved the treasure.
20th. 16 „
About 6 miles above Baglypoore, from 6 to 3. Contrary wind. „ 21st. - - - - - 18 ,,
About 4 miles above Jehanquire, from 6 to 4. Near Goorgut. „ 22nd. - - - - - 14 „
Gougry, from 6 to 4. Wind contrary all day.
„ 23rd. 12 „
Mongeer, 6 to 2.
24th. 18 „
Hybat Gunje, from 6 to 4. 25th. - - - - - 18 „
Opposite to RuinuUah, from 6 to 4. 26th. - - - - - 18 „
To Derriapoore, from 6 to 3.
27th. 23 „
To Barr, from 6 to 6. 28th. Here Captain Champion joined us from Patna and took charge of the fleet, which halted a little above Barr till eleven o'clock, when the Colonel and Major* crossed the river with
* Colonel Cailland and Major Carnac.
AND PORTRAITS 41
Kajah Bally, who had come to meet them, and left the fleet to proceed to Patna with Captain Champion, while they lay this night at Mahodeena Gurr, from whence they reached Hadgipoore (16 coss) next day at 12 o'clock, and Patna at 4 in the afternoon.
November 29fch, 30th.
Jaffier Khan's Gardens. December 5th, 1761.
I left Patna at 2 in the morning, stopped 10 minutes with Captain Bradbridge near Panarac about noon, and ten minutes to let the Dandies go ashore ; passed some boats about 9 at night, in which Mr Perry and some other officers ; passed Mongeer about 10, stopped at 4 in the morning, having been aground several times and being entangled among shoals out of which we could not find a passage in the Dark, at Daybreak (6th) discovered That we were near Gougry, from which place I was no less than five hours & a half before I got to Jehanguir owing to the slowness of the current and shallowness of the river which had fallen much since the Col. went up, we being obliged to drag both the Kelnah & Bhollio, with much labour, over shallows, where the largest boats of the Colonel's fleet had passed without interruption, which induced the Major to go thro' this channel in preference to another further about only 15 days before ; about 10 o'clock, near Goorgut, saw a small party of Horse marching towards Mongeer, who (as I was informed by some country people who were making off in a boat) belonged to the Carrickpoore Rajah, and were come from burning and plundering the village of Baglypoore & country about it, the Fort at that place being in possession of our Sepoys and the Nabob's Topasses. I called to the horsemen ashore, but as they returned no answer I ordered 4 Sepoys, who were with me, to fire upon them as fast as they could while the boat passed, to which the horsemen returned two or three shot, at the same time retiring from the banks of the river, however when I got a little further I thought proper to order the boats to pull away further from the shore, upon discovering a con- siderable body of Matchlock men close by the river side ; I
42 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
suppose they had only begun to light their matches & load, on hearing the firing immediately before, which We still continued and as they are not very expeditious there was but a few shot fired by them before the boat was out of their reach.
I met some salt boats belonging to Mr Hay above Bagly- poore, whom I informed of their danger and advised to cross the river. Reached Seir Gunge about 2 o'clock p.m., where I stopped half an hour to let the people buy provisions ; saw one of the two Sepoys whom the Colonel had left here, and ordered them to remain till my return. I did not stay to acquaint the Rajah of my arrival, who they told me had delivered up two horses to the Sepoys.
7th. — About 4 in the morning passed Mr Amyatt's boats without stopping, & reached Ganga Persaad about 8, where All Khonli Khan was encamped with most of his Troops, some having been sent on. Here I was informed in passing that the Colonel's Horses & Elephants were gone to Calgong. Passed Rajahmahl at one o'clock, and came to, at ^ past eight, on the eastern shore, the people being quite spent with fatigue, having halted only three hours out of 66 and for want of sleep the two preceding nights, tho' I had divided them into two watches, and permitted the one half to sleep while the other rowed, but they were so often disturbed, and obliged to go into the water when the boat ran aground, that this was of little service to them. Set out at 6 in the morning, passed Seeve Gunje on the eastern shore, and reached Sada Gunje at 9 in the morning, and spent two hours wrangling for a horse. To Cumra 3 coss, from whence sent back the horse. To Dewan Serai 6 coss ; to Boninea 4 coss, here took boat & proceeded to Moradburg 3| coss, which I reached about 8 o'clock at night on the 8th inst. (Deer- 1761.
During the year /62 the troops were inactive.
Early in 1763 Archibald Swinton was given the command of an expedition to Meckley, which was a hilly country, bounded on the north, south, and west by large tracts of Cookie Mountains, and on the east by the Burampoota, beyond the
AND PORTRAITS 43
hills to the north by Assam, to the west Cashai, to the south and east Burmah.
It will be remembered that in 1756 he was at Negrais, and concerned in the war between Burmans and Peguans in the dominions of the King of Ava, and the country of Meckley was included in his kingdom, consequently it is presumable that Archibald was already in some measure acquainted with the dialect and people.
He says, "There is no intercourse between Meckley and China, if they want to send a letter they cross the Burrampoota, put the letter in a bamboo, which they hang to the end of another bamboo and stick it in the ground on the Burmah side."
The reason of this expedition is not very clear. Mention is made of 100 Frenchmen and 30 English who were kept prisoners, and forced to fight for the Birmans. It may have been to release them, or more probably to assist some allied Rajah or investigate the country to see if it would be a probable settlement for the Company, as Archibald Swinton makes careful notes of route, distance, and products and wealth of the country.
He set out on Saturday, 21st of May 1763, taking Lieu- tenants Scotland and Stables for Meckley. The rest of that month he records negotiations with natives, on the route, for provisions, etc., and further writes as follows : —
" June 27th. — Embarked at seven o'clock, rowed till seven at night. Same, two till ten. Rowed till nine in the morning. 28th. — The . , . reached Silett, took three boats from a Tanna a little above, promising to pay for, and dismiss them at Dacca. Waited on the Phousdar and requested an immediate supply of 50 Dandies and a few boats on the same terms. He behaved with civility and sent them, but three of the principal boats sank and most of the Dandies ran away soon after, one of the artillery boats did not arrive till night. After repeated messages to the Phousdar concerning boats and Dandies, I at last sent to acquaint him that if they were not sent before morning, I should be obliged to send Sepoys to take them, which might cause a disturbance. Accordingly having waited
44 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
till seven in the morning, I sent the large boats on before and crossed the river to Silett with 3 dingeys and 15 Sepoys, and ordered them to take 3 pulmars which were lying at the Gaat, which was opposed by some troops which seemed to be stationed there to protect them — on which I landed the Sepoys and made them load and fix their bayonets, and after warning them of the consequences of resisting and the necessity I was under of taking the boats as far as Dacca, I ordered 2 Sepoys into each pulmar and the remainder into their own dingeys, on which some drew their swords, others prepared their bows and arrows and pointed them at us and some struck the Sepoys with bamboos, on which I ordered five or six of them to fire. Four men dropped, and the rest ran off a little way, then fired their matchlocks and shot their arrows from behind walls, their numbers increasing I took away their pulmars, and was about to return when I perceived that Lieutenants Stables and Scotland on hearing the firing had put off the other boats and were coming to my assistance, on which I put ashore again, and on their arrival marched towards the Kellar with about a company, having first sent a message to the Phousdar demand- ing satisfaction for the insolence of his people. He immedi- ately sent a person with his hands bound, in token of submission, begging me to halt and he would himself come out and meet me, which he did in a few minutes in spite of the remonstrances of his troops, who suspected treachery and that he would be carried off. He met us with a few attendants within musket shot of Kellar, where his troops were assembled.
"29th. — Set out from Silett about nine. Rained much. Blowed a little squall, proceeded till 6 p.m. Halted in the Jungle till eleven, then proceeded. Reached Resout Gunge about seven a.m."
When on the expedition to Meckley he heard of the new troubles in Bengal, and as the Council afterwards wrote in a general letter: — "on being ordered to return to Dacca he contributed greatly by his activity and bravery to recovering the Factory and reduction of the City. From thence he made the greatest expedition to join the Army."
AND PORTRAITS
45
He left Dacca on 4th August 1763, and rowed usually from 4 a.m. till 6 p.m. every day until the 17th, when they landed and immediately marched, reaching the Army on the 19th. It was under command of Major Adams, and was surrounding the Enemy at a post called Auda Nullah, or sometimes spelt Oudanullah. "The Enemy had strongly fortified this post. It was protected on one side by the Mountains and on the other side by the Ganges, and they had thrown up a great work and mounted a hundred pieces of cannon, having in front a deep ditch 54 feet wide, and full of water in every part.
The breadth of ground which the English had for carrying on their approaches did not exceed 200 yards, and lay between the swamp and the river, they therefore laid siege instead of attacking, from the 21st of August till the 4th of September 1763, when the commander, tired of this slow procedure, resolved to attack on the side of the Mountains. He sent
MONGHEER. From a Contemporary Drawing
Major Towin with a chosen body of Europeans and Sepoys and carried the entrenchments, when incredible slaughter and confusion ensued, and the rout of the Indians was total." They
46 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
surrounded all but Mongheer, which the Nabob had made the place of his residence, and it next surrendered to the English after nine days' open trenches, during which Archibald Swinton was severely wounded in the left arm.
Note. — Topasses, often referred to, signify black foot soldiers, descended from Portuguese marrying natives, and were called Topasses because they wore hats.
PART III.
.^E^IARLIER in this same year General Coote had been very ^^1 dissatisfied with what he observed of the state of mind of the Nabob, Ali Cassim. He wrote warning the Council that the Nabob was unfriendly and treacherous, but they reproved him for too much firmness in his dealings, ordered him to cut down expense by reducing the Army at Patna, and bid him return, himself, to Calcutta.
Barely was he recalled than the Council repented and wrote to him to remain where he was, but too late, as the letter missed him. General Coote suspected that Cassim made an attempt on his party while coming down the river, but that it was carried out on Messrs Amyatt and Hay, who were killed, June 24th, 1763.
Mr Ellis, Governor of Patna, was hot tempered and indiscreet, and brought matters to a crisis by seizing the City of Patna. Archibald Swinton has preserved three deeply interesting accounts of what followed. One is the account of oar party at Patna attacking the City, written by one of the five men whom it records gave themselves up. The other is by Dr Anderson, another of these five men. The third narrative is by Dr Fullarton. It will be clearly understood that Mr Ellis and 48 gentlemen eventually were prisoners at Patna, some of whom were Civil and some Military, and that five men were separate at Mongheer, and Dr Fullarton kept near the person of the Nabob. Somers, so often alluded to, was a German or German- Swiss Renegade from European Forces, and was called by the natives " Somroo."
48 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
[The spelling and grammar are unchanged.]
An Account of our Party at Patna Attacking the City the 25th June, 1763.
On the 25th June about one o'clock in the morning the Troops ware Ordered under arms and Divided into three Divisions which consists of as follows.
The 1st Division.
Capfc. Charles Ernot Jacker Lieut. Morris Roach Ensign Hugh M'Kay
Private men - - 44
The 2nd Division.
Capt. Henry Somers Ensign Sam Bluwitt Ensn. John Perry
Private men - - - 44
The 3rd Division.
Capt. Ambrozer Perry Esn. Jno. Armstrong Ens. Willm. Crawford
Private men - - 44
132
The Division being telled off and compleated we ordered the men into their Barricks as there was some drizzling rain, about a Qr. before 2 o'clock Capt. Carstair's came on the parade and ordered the Officers to their own Divisions and see that they ware served 36 round each man, when compleated Capt. Carstairs called for Lieut. Thomas Puckering and Ensign John Guntree and ordered them to stay in the Gardens, with three or four Companys of the Aukard Seapoys, to take care of the Bagage. About 2 o'clock the whole marched to a mosk oppersite Capt. Carstairs Gardens, when we passed the guns and here marched into the Road that leads from Mitipoor right to the Chuta Mutna of Patna, about J a mile from Meer
AND PORTRAITS 49
Abdoosta, About | past 3 o'clock took ten Harcarrab's in the Road way, put them under a Guard of Seapoy's and kept them along with us, about 4 in the morning we escalided the Bastion on the south face of the city to the right of the Chuta Mutna, where we entered. All the time we were entering the Seapoys on the Cilasse kept a very heavy fire upon us, but did no damage, Capt. Carstairs finding it was impossible to stop them from firing, and that the Europians was very much exposed to their fire, ordered us under a Bank that we might be more secure from their fire, and to halt till the next of the Europians was got in, as there was only the 1st Division and | the 2nd ; the time that we were here was about | an hour, to the best of my Judgment, and then marched from the west gate. In the way we was a little Trubbelod with the enemy in firing a few shott out from their straw houses, but did us no damage, when arrived at the gate-way met with no resistance, and found the gate shutt, we opened it and halted at this place a small time, where we found Serjt. Price of Capt. Tabby's battalion of Seapoys killed. We marched on from the gate opersite our Factory, when we came there the enemy had been routed by Capt. Tabby's Seapoys, but finding the gate shutt we opened and let Lieut. Downey with 3 Companys of Seapoys belonging to Capt. Turner's Battalion in, Capt. Tabby's Battalion still engaging in the front and Ensign John Bluwitt with some companies of Seapoys was engaging some of the enemy, that was inlodged in Meer Abdoola's House. We halted about | an hour and had something sent us out of the Factory, to refresh us. In this time there was a message arrived to Capt. Carstairs that the 3rd Division and i of the 2nd were engaging in the main street. He immediately ordered us to face to the right and march to the west gate where we found them engaging some of the enemy in the main street. We joyned the 3rd Division and | the 2nd and found a few of the enemys horse which we soon despersed, still we kept marching on, with the loss of a few men towards the Killa where we fired a shott or two, we not seeing any Body, but the Burgandasses who was making off as fast as they could, we left the Killa and marched D
50 SWINTON FAMILY RECOEDS
for the east side where we halted 3 or 4 hours. Lieut. Downey and Lieut. Perry and Ensn. Krafts we despatched to the Killa as the enemy had got in again in a small time. After they were marched Ensn. Krafts came back and Informed us that they were engaging the enemy very hott, but that Lieut. Perry was wounded and Lieut. Downey very much, and was not able to get off. In about 2 or 3 minutes, Lieut. Perry was brought in wounded, by a Seapoy. Still the Europins remaining on the east Bastion in about half an hour after Lieut. Perry was brought in, we was informed that the enemy had drove the Seapoy's that was with Lieut. Downey and that he was cutt to pieces, in a little time after this the enemy took possession of the Bastion that overlooked us. The Europins gave them a fire and went to the right about and would not obey the word of command, but never stopt till they reached our factory, which about 2 o'clock to the best of my judgment. I dont think there was above a hundred men of the enemy that drove us out of the City. Still kept firing from our Factory upon the Enemy the remainder of the afternoon, and kept up a small fire all the night. An account of the Officer's killed and wounded as follows.
Capt. Ambraze Perrey - - 3rd Division
Lieutenant Downey - - - in the Seapoys
Lieut. M'Dowell - - - Quarter Master
Lieut. Reed - - - - in the Artillery
Officers wounded as follows : —
Captn. Charles Emot Jacket Capt. George Willson Lieut. Kichd. Perrey
Serjeants and Private men wounded and killed in all : —
Men wounded and killed - - - 37
Artillery men do. do. - - - - 10
June the 26th, 1763.
In the morning we began to canonade which the enemy returned and killed us a man or two, and we kept up a very brisk fire from the top of the house and our boats which the
AND PORTRAITS 51
enemy did return. About 2 and 3 o'clock in the afternoon hove a shot or two out of the Howitz which did the enemy some damage, but they still kept a brisk fire upon us. Mr Ellis and Messrs Lushington Hewitt and Capt. Carstairs went in to Mr ElHs's room and held a council what was best to be done, in about half an hour it was determined to leave the Factory and proceed for Souja Dowlah's country, on that they sent Dr Fullarton who talk the country language well. About
3 o'clock we had a chitt from Doctor Fullarton who acquainted us he had got 40 or 50 boats. In the evening, about 6, Capt. Wm. James Tabby was ordered out with his battalion of Seapoys to the Sand beyond the French factory to cover our retreat. At 8 went out of the Factory Mr Ellis with the rest of the factory gentlemen employed from 8 to 9 in getting the money out which amounted to about a lack of rupees. The Euroaping and Capt. Turners battalion of Seapoys marched out of the Factory about 11 o'clock to the best of my judgment. We took the Howet with us but only 30 rounds of grape. Lieut. Thomas Puckering was ordered to stay in the Factory for half an hour, after that we had marched out, and kept up a brisk fire on the enemy, about 2 we came to the Ground where was appointed to meet the boats but did not find them. We halted a minute or two, and we had intelligence that the boats were 2 coss in our front, we marched immediately for them and joyned about 3 o'clock and embarked immediately for the other side of the river. I was embarked on board Capt. Wilson's Budgerow with 30 men and Mr Ellis, about
4 o'clock we arrived on the other side where we halted all that night.
June the 27th, 1763.
The morning strong gales with drizzling rain our boats employed in bringing over the Seapoy's. About 10 o'clock the whole got over, we halted here till the afternoon. About 8 in the morning we was alarmed by a few straggling horse. The Howit and some of Capt. Tabby's Seapoys advanced in the Tope in front, a Qr. guard mounted, which consisted of 30
52 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
European's and one Subelton, orders that the Companies to be reviewed at 4 in the evening the boats proceeded up the river with the wounded men.
June the 28th, 1763. At day break we marched about one coss, and reached a villao-e where we halted, and refreshed, till three in the after- noon, we found in the Fhusdar's house a cammel which we used the freedom of carrying along with us, and some carriage bullocks. We marched about 5 coss, and found out a village where we halted all night.
June the 29th, 1763. At half past two this morning we marched, and our boats proceeded up the river, we came to Chuppra about 8 and a few of the gentlemen stoped there at our Factory where they found about 3 dozen of different kind of Liquors which was very agreeable to us for we did not carry any along with us, found also some turkeys with some other poultry which was divided amongst the gentlemen, and soldiers. We marched on a coss further, and halted in a Tope near a village, where we sent and got some provisions for the troops. In this time we were alarmed two or three times, and ordered under arms, as there was a party of horse near us as we understood that the Fhusdar whose name is E-amnidu had collected about 1000 Foot and 200 Horse. To the best of my judgment, we marched off the ground about 4, and halted about 4 coss from hence. Capt. Turner's battalion having the rear guard, informed us that just as they left the ground, a party of the enemy's horse took possession, which made us keep a very good look out all night. We had intelligence from our boats that they had been pur- sued by some of the Enemy's boats from Budgepoore, and that they had taken two of our small boats, two of our Seapoys that was in that fray that was wounded came to us which made us very anxious about them, as they had both our money and Treasure on board them. Nothwithstanding we did not endeavour to join them soon this evening which proved very unfortunate.
AND PORTRAITS 53
June the SOtli, 1763. We had no alarm all this night. We marched about 3. Scarcely could find anybody to be our guide as our chief's sarvents and Harcarra's had left him, our intention was to joyn our boats, we crossed a Nulla which was betwixt us and the river, we marched betwixt them, about 7 o'clock we saw in front a stand of red collour's about a coss distance which we took to be some Chokee, but on our advancing prety brisk on them we found there was about 50 Burgandasses. Immediately Capt. Tabby's battalion of Seapoys marched to right, in order to cut them off from the water, but they took to the water and most part of them was drowned, two or three took prisoner, but we could not learn anything from them. At this ground we intended to halt, till we brought up our rear and as we was no more than a coss from the place where we intended to embark, but hearing a firing in our rear, we found that our rear guard was attacked by the enemy, and they were advancing on us very brisk. Immediately beat to arms, and marched to meet them. They appeared in number about 2000 foot and 2000 horsemen. Our men were in very good spirits, and marched on in a very regular manner, and Capt, Turner's battalion behaved extremely well, and kept up a very brisk fire which did the enemy a great deal of damage, which put them to the right about. Still marching after them, when we came to the Nulla, the Europian s halted, Capt. Tabby's and Capt. Turner's battalions still pursuing the enemy. When we had crossed the Nullah the enemy began to canonade them very briskly with we think an account that one Summerow * with 5 or 6 Company's of Seapoys joyned them this day, with 4 or 5 pieces of cannon. Marched out from the Nulla upon a good piece of ground, where we halted all this day and this night. . . .
July the 1st, 1763. Marched about 2 this morning along the river side to joyn our boats. About day break, saw the enemy, in a tope abreast
* Somers or Somroo.
54 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
of US, they marched out of the tope and crossed the Nulla and began to cannonade us very brisk, upon this we marched two or three passes in the front, as we was too nigh the river, and sat down that we might be more secure from the enemy's cannonade. About 10 we got the Howetz ashore, out of the boat, and fired a round or two of grape, but fell short of them. They still kept up a very brisk fire upon us, but did not do us any damage. Captain Carstairs was wounded by a cannon shott about 12 o'clock. We sent him over to the boats, to be dressed. Captain Tabby took the Command. We still remain in the same way, about 3 o'clock Mr Ellis sent some gin over to the men. The enemy still kept a very brisk cannonading upon us. About 6 the enemy's left wing marched and joined their right wing, and came down on us. Immediately we marched down to front them, the enemy kept a very heavy fire with grape, which our people took a Panuick and went to the right about, and took the river. I finding that my platoon had left, I made to the river, and swam over, and got to Capt. Wilson's Budgerow. Everybody in great confusion. Capt. Wilson finding it was all over with us, he immediately pushed down the river.
July the 2nd, 1763. This morning was boarded by a Chowkey boat, gave them 20 Rupees and they let us go. Still kept going down the river, saw a Jamidar with some Sepoys & an elephant, they fired a shot or two at us, but would not stop, but still kept driving down to Hodepoor. About 3 arrived there, and delivered ourselves up to the Fhusdar. In number 6 of us, whose names are as follows, Capt. Carstairs, Capt. Wilson, EnsD. Armstrong, Ensn. M'Kay, Doctor Anderson and Mr Campbell. Capt. Carstairs very bad of his wound. The people behaved very well to us, they did not take anything from us. Nothing more remarkable these four and twenty hours.
July the 3rd, 1763. Captain Wilson went up to the Fhusdar, received a chitt from Dr FuUarton who was a prisoner at Patna and acquainted
AND PORTRAITS 55
US that he was extremely well used and would have us come over as soon as possible. Capt. Carstairs extremely ill of his wound and smelt very strong, this day the Fhusdar got a house to put Carstairs in, which removed him into & had Budgerow washed and cleaned. Capt. Carstairs departed this life about 4 in the afternoon, we applied to the Fhusdar for a coffin for him, which we had made. Buried him about 5.
Had for dinner to-day some roast mutton & curry, the Fhusdar made Capt. Wilson a present of a Huckaw and 2 bottles of the country arrack which was very good. Nothing more these 24 hours.
July the 4th, 1763.
This morning came down the Fhusdar's son and took an account of our cloathing and things that we had in the boats, and acquainted us that we was to go Patna. Had for dinner to-day some mutton and curry, nothing more these 24 hours,
July the 5th, 1763.
The first part fair weather. The Fhusdar came down him- self in order to go with us, he went in another boat, we reached Killa about 12 o'clock. Capt. Wilson was sent for up, we remained in the boat, as the Nabob was not yet come in from riding, about 2 we was sent for, and was received in a verry genteel manner by the Nabob, where we met Fullartou. He ordered us some Victuals, and gave us a beetle, which is a mark of friendship, and put us under care of his brother, who is an extremely good man, did all that lay in his power to oblige us. In the evening he called us into his own apartment, and sent for some Country arrack and entertained us in a genteelest manner. The Nabob himself came in and set him- self down along with us, and talked very free with us, and Doctor Fullarton. About 8 Doctor FuUarton came and acquainted us that we were to set out for Mongheer to-night, but Capt. Wilson went to the Nabob's brother, and obtained liberty to stay this night. In the morning we set out about 8 o'clock, the Nabob's brother went with us to the water side
56 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
and see our things in the boat. This day reached Bahar, our guard was very troublesome to us, for they shutt the Budgerow windows, and lashed their boats along side of us, halted there this night.
July the 6th, 1763.
This morning set out for Bahar, for Mongheer, and reached Gunje and lay there all this night, our Guard behaved a little better then the two days before our boys went on shore and brought us some milk for our supers. Nothing more happened these 24 hours.
July 7th, 1763.
This morning set out from Nabob's Gunje for Mongheer, arrived below it about 5 o'clock, and was obliged to track up to the fort, had for dinner to-day some rice and curry and lay very near the fort all this night and there was nobody come to ask us who we was, or what we were, whether men or beasts. Had for supper some rice and curry with some mutton stake. Still remaining in the Budgerow, nothing happened more these 24 hours.
July the 8th, 1763.
This morning gave some cloaths to the washerwoman, had for dinner to-day some rice and curry and stakes, received nothing from the Nabob to subsist upon, but still remaining in the Budgerow, nobody came near us but a dirty fellow of a Dutchman who had been in our service before. I judge he was sent by Gunger Cawn, nothing more hapens these 24 hours.
July 9th, 1763. This morning have some more to the washerwoman to be washed. Still remaining in the Budgerow without anybody enquiring anything about us, received a chitt from Capt. Harris who informed us that they were allowed half a sear of coarse rice a man, and that he was prisoner with 3 more whose names are as follows : —
Captain Johnson,
Captain Place,
Serjt. Anderews.
AND PORTRAITS 57
Our Boy informed us that the Harcarry had got a purwannah to carry us up to Patna, still remaining here for want of dandye, had for dinner to-day some rice and curry; nothing more happened these 24 hours.
July 10th, 1763. This morning gave to the washerwoman some cloaths. Still remaining in the Budgerow at the Goll, the Harrcarrah brought six dandies down to the boats, but more my cooly's than any thing else, about the evening there were 4 of them run away, which stopted our going away. To- day had for dinner some mutton curry. Came on board three Armenians. Capt. Wilson asked them the favour to carry thirty rupees to Capt. Harris and the rest of them that was confined with him, but they denied. Nothing happen, no more, only Mr Campbell's boy run away with 30 Rupees of his. Nothing more these 24 hours.
July the 11th, 1763. This morning prety fair weather, gave the washerwoman some more cloaths to wash, rec'd no more dandye's, still remain- ing at the Golh Had for dinner to-day some rice & curry. This day came down and landed. At this got our 24 pounder with the transport & cartridge, nothing hapens more these 24 hours.
July 12th, 1763.
This morning the Jemidar of our guard sent some of his people and brought 14 dandies, set out about 12 o'clock for Patna. Went about 6 coss this day, and halted here all night. Nothing more these 24 hours.
[Here this narrative ends. It seems to have been written by Ensign M'Kay.]
Dr Anderson's Narrative. June 23rd being the anniversary of the Battle of Plassy, we all dined at the Factory, when it was easy to observe by the
58 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
faces of the Gentlemen that somewhat of importance was on the Carpets, for our Council had been sitting and orders were issued out for the Guards to be relieved by the Aukward Men, and to the Capt'n to meet the Commanding Officer at his quarters at 8 in the evening. It seems the Gentlemen at the Factory had advice of Mr Amyatt's Negotiation at Mongeer being broke off and a Day appointed for his Departure, also that a strong Detachment of Horses and Sepoys, to the number of 3000 with 6 guns, were on their March to Patna, so that as War seemed inevitable they thought it best to strike the first stroke, by possessing themselves of the City of Patna. How- ever they were willing to wait for certain advises from Mr Aymatt, accordingly the 24th at night, in Consequence of that advice, orders were given to attack the City. Next morning about one, the Troops were under Arms, and marched off at two— about two Companys of Aukward Men with two officers was left at the Gardens for a Guard. In the following Order Capt'n Tabby's Sepoys and the Europeans were to March to the right of the Chuta Moating (alias Bastion) with their Scaling Ladders, etc., and enter there, Capt'n Turner and Wilson and four Companys each and two pieces of canon were to proceed to the west gate and enter there, while Lieut. Downie, with three Companys, Escaladed opposite the Factory. Capt'n Finch with the remainder of the Guns was stationed in Mr Howie's Compound, in order to fire upon the Walls, and be as a signal for a general attack ; three pieces 3 pounders, with two Companys of Seapoys, were to keep up a Constant fire from the Top of the Factory house.
Capt'n Carstairs with the Europeans and Tabby's Seapoys after . . . passed along the N.W. front and opened the gates so that the other . . , with the two guns passed in without any difficulty, we possessed ourselves soon of all the . . . but had great difficulty in going up the great street as there was a great fire from the North side — at which we lost men and officers, but at length proceeded to the Killa, into which the only force in the City had retired. The Subah with most of his Jemidars had left the City and we now began to
AND PORTRAITS 59
think ourselves secure, but alas how greatly mistaken. Lieut. Downie and Perry with some Sepoys had gone quite thro' the Kella to the water side. Our Europeans were in possession of the East gate with one of our guns but all the rest of our Sepoys were dispersed in plundering so that scarce 100 could be got together. Everybody quite fatigued having marched thro' thick mud and had no refreshments, when near one o'clock, about 120 of the Enemy entered the Kella and drove some Seapoys who were there before them. The Europeans and other Seapoys seeing this followed their Examples, and so scarce looked back, till they got to the Factory. A party of Marcott's Seapoys who belonged to the Detachments to reinforce the City arrived with some guns soon after, and began to fire on the Factory house. Thus ended this unfortunate affair and without great loss and effusion of blood. The Enemy must have suffered much but can give no particulars. Our Loss is as follows : —
{Captain Perry, Lieut. Downie, Lieut. M 'Dowel, Lieut. Read, And about 6 Europeans.
'Captain Jacker,
Captain Wilson, Wounded - Lieut. Dowy,
10 Europeans, .100 Seapoys.
Our whole Force Consisted of
50 Europeans Rank & File. 40 Artillery. 2200 Sepoys. Killed and deserted, but mostly the latter, and I believe loaded with Plunder, one thousand Seapoys with Officers in proportion, lost two field pieces which could not be brought off. Twenty-sixth. — In the evening the Guard for the Gardens was called in and arrived soon after. After the Disaster the Council was called, in which the Captains were desired to attend. That they might Consult what was best to be done in our present Circumstances, various were the opinions on this occasion.
60 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
1st. — The Factory being but small and badly provided with provision and firewood for above 1200 Seapoys and 200 Europeans, besides we must have expected to have been entirely shut up with the fresh Troops which would have come from Mongheer. Therefore to defend it was thought of no purpose. 2nd. — To take Boats and proceed by water to Calcutta, but in the first place boats could not be procured for such number, and must have expected opposition at Mongheer, where intelligence must arrive one day before us. 3rd. — To cross the River and march down on the opposite side. This must have been to have sacreficed many. Must have embarked in the face of a numerous enemy, and had doubtless Troops ready opposite Mongheer to meet us, besides it was impossible without Bullocks and Coolies to have either guns or much of ammuni- tion with us, therefore the final determination, and indeed that which had most chance of succeeding, was to procure by force as many boats as we could, send them up to Phylogy pass, to cross the river there, with one Howitz, march up the Sircar Serang country, and so cross over to Sujah Dowlah's country. This was approved of, but boats could not be procured that night, on the day following having got as many boats as we could, and sent them up to the pass, we prepared everything for evacuating the Factory, in the interim a very brisk and incessant fire, of both great guns and musketry, was kept up on both sides, in which we lost a European, 3 or 4 Seapoys. About 10 at night we got our sick Europeans, and Treasure about one sack, embarked. Soon after Captn. Tabby's Seapoys were ordered to march out to the ground to the northward of the French Factory, and there wait for the Europeans, Mr Ellis with a Company of Seapoys from that Body, attended by some Civilians, made the best of their way to the Boats. Capt. Carstairs, with the Europeans and Turner's Seapoys, kept up a brisk fire till near 12 o'clock, and everything being quite ready spiked up the guns, etc., and marched out, and so proceeded to the boats without the least molestation. About two we began to cross as quickly as possible and without confusion, and before one-third was over it began to blow and rain so that the boats
AND PORTRAITS 61
could not cross. In the meantime those who had crossed were alarmed with a body of horse running to attack them. They beat to arms, got the Howitz ready and . . . 2 or 300 yards to be clear of the village and so waited for them, but they thought proper to keep at a distance. About 10 the weather changed fair, and wind moderate, so that in the afternoon everybody was crossed, even our Horses. We began to prepare for marching, accordingly the Sick, Treasure, and Howitz, with part of the ammunition, were to go by water for want of Coolies, etc., while the army marched by land, on account of the sick I went by water. The . . . afternoon about 5 o'clock the army marched, and we got under sail with a fair wind, being about 80 boats in all, here I was greatly disappointed for the Boat with my clouths. Instruments, Medicines, and servants did not arrive, so that I imagine this must have stopt. We sailed the best part of the night and then came to, at day-light got under way, and haulted at Oheran, soon after we were alarmed with 2 or 3 companys of Seapoys which we discovered on the opposite shore, and observing them drawing some boats together we sent immediate advice to Mr Ellis, who sent a company of Seapoys to reinforce us for we had only 50. About 5 the Army joined us — the . . . only, got under way, but our Budgerow being heavy, we generally brought up the rear. Those Seapoys of the enemy having got three boats chased us until about 8 o'clock, but having a fresh wind, and by the help of our oars, we happily got clear. A Guard Boat and another in our rear fell in with them, the former cleared herself after a brisk fire, but the other was taken. The Seapoys having jumped overboard after having two killed and two wounded. We entered this afternoon the River Duah, brought to within a Coss of the Army, about three coss above Choprah.
30th. — Got under way but made a bad hand of it, the stream being very strong in this river which obliged us to put to the other shore, when we discovered within a mile of us two stand of colours and some horse which obliged us to put into the stream, and getting foul of another boat broke our rudder. We were taken in tow by two Guard boats, who with great
62 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
labour brought us to the ground, we left in the morning, here we patched up our rudder as well as we could, and was greatly assisted in it by Mr Place, who came in the Pinnace for that purpose ; we observed several villages on fire about a coss from us and heard of one Somers with four or five companys of Seapoys and three or four guns having crossed over hereabout in order to join Ramnidy, the fousdar of the country, who has got together about three thousand horse and foot in order to oppose us. We got to the fleet with great danger and diffi- culty, for we had near overset two or three times. When we joined them had the agreeable news of our having defeated Ramnidy that morning, and killed about 200 of his people. In the evening had an account of Somers having joined him and their having encamped within a coss of our Troops. The place we now lay at is an Island opposite the upper end of which our people are encamped, but the stream is too strong for us to get round to them. Therefore having informed Mr Ellis of it, we are ordered to proceed to the lower end, where in the morning they will march down to us. About 400 men horse and foot are on the opposite shore attending our motions, but they have only one boat.
July 1st. — We drop'd down and joined the army and immediately landed our Howitz, but before they could get it mounted, the enemy appeared and began a brisk cannonade with 3 or 4 pieces of canon, our people — beat to arms and drew with the River which forms the island on their left and two pretty high banks with the great river about 200 yards behind them in their rear much as follows.
They seemed not inclinable to attack us, therefore our people all set down in order to be more safe from the canonade, which was brisk about 8 o'clock. Mr Ellis and all the civil gentlemen except Mr Lushington came over to the island to the Boats. We began soon after to transport over the baggage, by which means great number of Seapoys stole over and con- cealed themselves in the jungle. The enemy seeing their fire did but little affect us, slacked it much ; however, about 11, an unlucky shot hit Captain Carstairs as he was sitting down, it
AND POKTRAITS 6$
entered the inside of his thigh and passed out at his side, from the nature of it it must be mortal, all the day after we had only two or three Seapoys killed and as many wounded. Mr Ellis had resolved if possible to attack the enemy in the even- ing, and so cross to the island and thence to Budgepoore side, where we had not above a coss to march out of the Province. In the evening it was thought by Captain Tabby who com- manded, and most of the other officers, that it was very im- practicable to attack the enemy in their present disposition, more especially as they found they had lost one-third of their Seapoys, so that their present force would not exceed 700 Seapoys with the Europeans, which were about 100 includino- the artillery, which while they were deliberating on the matter, they were alarmed by the enemy being in motion and advancino- on them. We beat to arms. The party of the enemy on the right marched, and joined the main body, who advanced and kept firing from all their artillery, when they came within a proper distance Turner's battalion gave their fire regularly, but could not observe any regular fire from the right, only a universal popping. Some few Europeans Platoon gave their fire, and then on a Grape coming amongst them, they went to the right about, which threw everything into the utmost con- fusion, and everybody sought their safety in flight, some swam to the island, and brought us the melancholy news. The boat people were frighted by the numbers that came pressing on them, and put off at a small distance from the shore. It was with difficulty that our Budgerow could get disengaged from the numbers that clung to her, at last by force we got at a small distance, having on board Captain Carstairs, Captain Wilson, Dr Campbell and myself. Ensign Armstrong and M'Kay, who had swam to the island,* came off to us with two soldiers, and five or six gentlemen's servants, and three or four seapoys, and six women, and six children, in this confusion we observed many boats going off and knew not what to do for the
* This identifies the writer of the previous account to have been Ensign M'Kay.
64 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
best. To escape was impossible, therefore we resolved as we were already sufficiently full of people to proceed down to Patna if possible, and so surrender ourselves prisoners to the Subah, accordingly we put off, and in passing the Jungle, which was in the rear of our Army, was hailed and fired at, two or three times, but could not think of going to the shore, else the crowd would certainly have sunk the boat, we rowed down as softly as possible, in order to avoid alarming the Chowkees, which are pritty many in this River. We were at ten hailed but made no answer, we got our mast down, in order to dis- figure the boats, and procured Jammas and Turbands for as many of us as we could, threw many things over board, lest they should betray who we were, no swords, coats, sashes, etc., and thus melancholy spent the night with poor Carstairs and all of us in the cabin, with women and children, and every moment expecting to be stopt by Chokees, who might have found an interest to have murdered us all for the sake of plunder, for we had about twenty thousand Rupies of the Companys on board. Near to Mongheer, as we imagined it to be, our boat got aground, which perplexed us much, and a boat had kept us company for one hour, which we suspected much. In short, we were waver- ing whether to go ashore or not and take our fate by land, but could not think of leaving Carstairs, who tho' mortally wounded was perfectly sensible, it must have added to his uneasiness to have his friends leave him helpless in such distress, however while we were aground we lost sight of the boats that accom- panied us, and having got off and in the proper channel we proceeded down till about dawn of day, when we were met by a Jemedar on an elephant, with about one hundred attendants, who were marching up. They hailed us, and desired us to stop. We told them we were a Dutch Budgerow from Chopra, we not stoping they fired on us, and I believe we would have come too had it not been for a boy of Captain Turner's who told us it was the best to proceed on till we were stopt by force, and then tell them we were going to the Nabob, which we thought very just ; by brisk rowing we got clear of the people, without anybody being hurt, and were not troubled with
AND PORTRAITS 65
any more, except a small boat with three Moores, who came on board, and told us they were a Chokee ; we desired them to take us to Patna, but they seemed better pleased that we should give them Buxes so we gave them twenty Rupies, and they left us, when we drew near to the Sengia River we judged it would be better to go to Hodgepoor and surrender ourselves, as we might meet with milder treatment there than from the people at Patna, who were highly incensed. Besides the Fousdar being a brother of Musabdanlee might use us better on that account.
The 2nd. — About noon we arrived at Hodgepoor, and were kindly received by the Fousdar's son, his Father being at Patna,
The 3rd. — Poor Carstairs died on shore, at a small house that had been provided for him, we had a coffin made and had him buried as decently as circumstances would allow. The same day had a Chit from Dr FuUerton, who desired us to come over to Patna, told us we would meet with genteel usage from the Subah,
Monday, the 4th. — Had our effects taken account of, and were to be sent over to Patna next day ; our treatment here was very easy, having several provisions sent us from the Fousdar, but find our Guards and his Servants very troublesome for Buxes, which we find best to satisfie. Heard from the Fhousdar that our Army had marched, that Mr Amyatt had gone down, but Mr Hay and another gentleman still continued at Mongheer. Tuesday,the 5th. — Our Fhousdar and our Guard accompanied us over to Patna ; we landed at the Killa and were brought to the Durbar, when were kindly received by Mindy Aly Cawn, and had victuals brought us in plenty, after giving us Beetle we were shown to our apartments, under the care of Mirza Colaid, near relation of his own, who for the short time we remained with him did his utmost to render things as agreeable as possible to us, even the most menial services he sent for us
to his own , and had some country spirit for us to drink of,
gave orders to bring up all our things, and that there might not be the least thing touched, we thought ourselves extremely
66 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
happy in such gentle usage, for the Nabob himself came in, sat down with us at Mirza Colaid's, and told us he expected Mr Ellis with 30 gentlemen and 120 soldiers the next day, for they had set out from Chopra. At 9 we returned to our apart- ments, where Mr Fullarton came an hour after, and acquainted us that orders had come for sending us to Mongheer, and we must go immediately. This surprised us much as it was very dark, and the stream rapid, but by speaking to our friend Mirza Colaid it was put off till the morning, accordingly we got all ready and had every thing sent to the Budgerow, where he went himself to see us safely delivered to the Jemedar, who had charge of us, he had sent some bread and roasted kid into the boat for our use, which we took very kind. Captain Wilson with great difficulty persuaded him to accept of his sword in a compliment.
Wednesday, 6th. — In the morning we put off with two Guard boats and some Seapoys with us in the Budgerow. We had not got out of sight of the Killa when the boats were lashed along side the better to secure us and so we drove down like a log, but they soon found it inconvenient as well as us, and cast loose, one going ahead the other astern of us, and then we went on till we got to Bar, where we halted for the night ; our Guard were so careful of us to-night as to keep all the Cabin windows fast by running a rope quite round them.
Thursday, 7th. — Early we got under way, and proceeded down to Nabobgunje, where we made a hearty meal of Cutcheree and a Dram of Country Arrack our Friend at Hodgepoor had given us.
Friday, 8th. — Cast loose and proceeded to Mongheer, which makes a bad appearance from the river, where you have a front view of the palace his excellency has lately built there, with a breast work before it for thirty guns ; it began to rain and blow about twelve by which means we drove past it, and were obliged to tract up above a mile, and at 5 arrived at the gate close to the lower part of the Fort. Our Harcary went on shore with the letter, but had nobody came to us but a rascal
AND PORTRAITS 67
of a German who had been formerly in our service ; he pre- tended to have come from the Nabob to know our number, names, and nation.*
Saturday, the 9th. — As nobody has come to-day to enquire whether we want victuals, and even our own Harcarrah not returned, it is matter of surprise to our Guards as well as to ourselves, we sent to the Busar for what we want in the eating way, having money to the Amount of 800 Rupies.
Sunday, 10th.— A Servant of Mr Place's brought us a Chit giving us a Account of Messrs Johnston and Harris with two Europeans more belonging to the boats with arms, which the Nabob stopt, being close prisoners, having only half each a Seer of course rice a day each for their subsistence, that they were in want of some cloaths which they beg us to send if we could spare, they mention also their having 10 Rs, given them 2 days before, to buy Meal, etc. They had surrendered them- selves at Patna to Mr Marcott, who finding them merchants gave them leave to go down if they could, but they found it impossible to pass the Chokee boats at Mongheer, which are placed on both sides of the river pretty close, besides being sandy in the middle of the river, in all of them are one or two Seapoys, as the servants who brought the Chit had a Seapoy with him, and our Guard would scarce permit him to come in the boat. We found it impossible to send them Cloths, we therefore put up 20 Rups., and wrote a Chit giving them an account of our situation, etc., but they kept so good a look out that we could not find an opportunity of sending it. Three Armenians came on board to us who gave us news of our Army being at Cutaway, we wanted them to deliver the money to Johnston, etc., but they declined it as they were strangers, and had only come to trade. To-night we had an account from our Harcarrah that we were to return to Patna, and he was pro- viding Dandies for that purpose.
Monday, 11th. — The Harcarrah got the Purwanna for our going, but could not procure Dandies. The Jemedar of our
* Probably Somers, called Somroo.
68 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
Guard sent and pressed about a dozen in the evening, so would not set off till to-morrow. Within these few days a large boat or two has brought to this Gatt our two twenty-four pounders with carriages, and Transport Carriages with which they carried them off.
Tuesday, 12th. — We set out in our way to Patna with a fair wind but strong stream. That afternoon, about 4 coss from Mongheer, we passed Marcott encamped with a party of Seapoys who are going to Mongheer, heard that Captain Turner and two other officers came down with him and had gone on to Mongheer, we stopt a coss above them.*
Wednesday, 13th. — Got early under way, and at Nabob gunje met about five or six companys of Seapoys with two pieces of cannon & a few horse and 96 of our Europeans who had taken service, but gave us to understand it was to avoid bad usage, with a view of making their escape. They told us Mr Ellis and all the other gentlemen had gone down to Mongheer, excepting Lieutenant Pickring and Ensign Crosste who were either killed or drowned, on the 1st. We crossed the river and sailed up within a sand island, w^hen getting aground obliged us to stop for the night about a coss below Ruinulle on the opposite shore.
Thursday, 14th. — Not finding water for us within the Island, and the current being too strong without it, we crossed the river again by which we drove a coss back, and had great danger and difficulty in tracking up to Ruinulla, as the stream was very strong and the banks fell in pritty frequent. In passing the Nulla we observed three flag elephants with about 2000 horses and foot crossing in boats on their way to Mongheer. In the afternoon, being within a large island, we had a fair wind and smooth water which run us within two coss of Deriapoor, where we brought too for the night,
Friday, 15th. — We proceeded up fairly as there was little wind, at 11 we stopt at Deiapoor to Dress our victuals. In the meantime, three companys of Seapoys, mostly our own, who had
* This is where the previous narrative stops.
AND PORTRAITS 69
taken service arrived here on their way down. At 1 we put off with a pritty breeze, and at sunset reached Mohera, about two coss below Donerach.
Saturday, 16th. — Early we got under way with a fair wind, about 8 passed Panorack, and at 12 we stopt at Bar to dress victuals, here were a large body of horse and Seapoys encamped with most of our tents, etc., in their charge, their Rout is for Mongheer. At 2 put off, went 2 coss further.
Sunday, 17th. — Set out early with a brisk wind, which con- tinuing all day brought us to within a mile of Jaffier Cawn's Gardens at sunset.
Monday, ISth. — Got under way at 5 and arrived at the Killa about 9, where after waiting two hours we were ordered dinner for us. Here we remained pestered with flies and heat till about 8 o'clock when we were sent for by the Nabob, who as before received us very kindly, ordered chairs for us to sit on, gave a Hooker to Capt. Wilson, and told us not to be uneasy for we might look on ourselves as at home, that he would provide a proper place for us in a few days, as that we were in was very hot, we should sleep in a Bungelo above stairs. We took our leave, and thought ourselves happy in falling into so good hands. The Bungelo was the Deruans sleeping place, it was cleared accordingly and we ordered from our hot apartments, where we regaled ourselves with the refreshing breeze till near 11, soon after our supper came which we paid little regard to, it being so late. Our Guard consisting of 20 Burgondosses and 5 Seapoys slept on the Terras, while we crept into the Bungelo, where we found but little rest as it was swarming with Buggs and Muskittas.
Tuesday, 19th. — At day light we were roused out and returned to our hott room. Our Jentoo Friend the Dewan I believe was not well pleased at our sleeping within for he ordered Matts and carpets to be taken off and washed, and took immediate possession himself, giving us his Dewan Canna to ours, except a small part divided by a purda for his cook room, and at noon they began to cook there which filled our apart- ments with smoke, which with the heat and flies we were suffi-
70 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
ciently tormented. We made a complaint of it, and have a promise of it being removed to-day. Our boy brought in a few bottles of liquor, which was seized by Guard as they must have the Nabob's Purwcinnah for it to pass in. At night the Nabob's Consommah came to inform us that he had his Master's orders for whatever we choosed to have dressed, and we need only send to the Cook room for it. To-night we found it very disagreeable on account of heat, buggs, and a noisy Guard, who occupies the veranda of our apartment.
Wednesday, 20th. — Nothing extraordinary only a visit from Miza Calaeil who tells us he is going to Mongheer. To-night the Dewan ordered the Guard to sleep out ; we might have the veranda to sleep in, which was a great piece of service to us, as we had a little air, and less noise.
Thursday, 21st. — Nothing remarkable.
Friday, 22nd. — Afternoon about 4 we were called on a sudden from our apartments, and leaving two soldiers we were led into the City, and on our way met two Europeans with a Guard who told us there were 15 of them come up from Mongheer, were led thro' several windings and byways to a place where all sorts of prisoners are confined, for after passing two compounds we came to a third, where we observed some prisoners in irons which gave us but an indifferent idea of the place, more especially as the apartments we were put in was quite close, damp, and hung with cobwebs, some matts wherein the fronts close to the door, which were secured and tyed down, so that what light and air we had was from the door. Here to all appearance we had to expect but indifferent treatment. But we had not been here an hour before we began to be some- what better reconciled to it, for all our things was sent to us very carefully. We found this a place for state prisoners, and several people of some consequence have been here, ever since Ramnarains misfortune ; there are about 1200 Pions as a guard to this Prison, who allow us to walk all the length of the Square, so that we find we are here more retired and have more liberty.
AND PORTRAITS 71
Saturday, 23rd. — We had a visit to-day from Shah Mahmud Ramnaroins Cutwal, a man of good character and formerly of influence in the city. We had no victuals sent us so are obliged to furnish ourselves.
We heard to-day that on the 15th instant a body of our troops had an engagement at Cutway with the forces from Muxadawad and the latter entirely defeated, the two principal Jamedars being killed.
That Hugly we have taken and distroyed. Our Gentlemen at Cassim Buzar had sent off their effects and themselves got safe off. That the Nabob was preparing to go down.
Sunday, 24th. — To-day we were a good deal alarmed by some of our guard having a parcel of old iron which we imagined was intended for us, but it was only to move them to another place ; all our servants were ordered to sleep out of our square except one.
Monday, 25th. — Our boys heard a rumour to-day in the Dutch Factory of Mr Amyatt and his Brother^n-law being both killed in their passage down near Rajahmull, having made resistance to a force ordered to stop him, but we can't give it credit. Finding the want of liquor our boys to-day smugled a bottle which gave us a glass each after dinner and at bed time.
Tuesday, 26th. — To-day close and sultry, which make the flies very troublesome to us. Had a small recruit of two bottles of gin, which is two days allowance. The economy we have established is to drink twice a day. Dine at one, take a walk in the evening and sleep at ten, supper we have none. The intervals are filled up with reading, gaming, and converse with our fellow prisoners.
Wednesday, 27th.— Nothing extraordinary,
Thursday, 28th. — Our Jemedar informs us the Nabob has ordered us to send for our provisions to his cook room as usual. To-day we heard that Mr Ellis's Munchies had got safe to Bannarass, also that the King and Souja Dowlah came down to Kiabad.
72 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
Friday, 29th. — On sending to-day for our victuals the con- sumah said he had not his masters orders, by which means we were disappointed of our dinner.
Saturday, 80th. — We sent our servants to the Nabob to request that we might be allowed to send to the Dutch for a little liquor daily as custom had rendered it necessary for our health, also that we might have a daily allowance in money rather than his victuals, as it was not dressed in our way, both of which he granted, allowing us 4 Rs, p. day and liberty to bring in two bottles of liquor p. day.
Sunday, 31st. — Heard a rumour of our troops being defeated at Plassy.
Monday, August the 1st. — Heard with pleasure the news of yesterday reversed, for from authority we have gained a second victory near the troops at Muxadawad, and Mr Marcot with a large body of Seapoys, etc., now lies 8 coss on this side the city, so that we may soon hear of an action of consequence as our whole force are pritty near them. The Nabob lies encampt at Mongheer, near the Hottwalls, but no appearance of his moving yet.
Tuesday, 2nd. — Have the news of yesterday confirmed. Great commotion at Mongheer, and Camdercawn with all the other Fousdars and Jemedars called in.
Wednesday, 3rd. — Gurghe Cawn, with the remainder of the force, is gone down, and his Excellency, with a few for a Body Guard, only remain.
Thursday and Friday, 4th and 5th, — Nothing extraordinary.
Saturday, 6th. — Mr Roach's boy arrived from Mongheer, brings news of Mr Amyatt's head being brought there some time ago, that Mr Chambers and some of Cassira Bazar factory are there also ; hear that we were thrice repulsed in the attack of the city of MuxadaAvad, but the fourth attack carried every- thing, that the old Nabob is declared. Dr Nicola Musketa brings news of Marcot's being defeated ; Sumers killed, with many elephants and Jemidars, that Marcott had gone over to us with a thousand men, but I can get no credit to it.
AND PORTRAITS 73
Sunday, 7th. — Nothing extraordinary.
Monday, 8th.— Mindy-ally Cawn came into our square and went soon out. He told us not to rise or disturb ourselves, but we heard soon after that be wanted a place to put 20 Europeans that had just arrived from Mongheer. Heard at night that we had preserved Molidus and some of the R . . . 1 family, who were prisoners at Dacca, and had settled that country.
Tuesday, 9th. — Had a Chit from one Mr Bennet, Co-Factor at Rampore Bauleah, and also one from Mr Thompson, agent for Mr M'Guire. They were taken prisoners below and sent up with about 20 soldiers, are in great distress wanting every necessary, we sent them 20 Rupees for the present. The Nabob of this place is preparing to set out for Mongheer in a few days. Harcarrahs are in constant motion here transporting families and effects of the merchants out of the city, troops from the smallest Fousdarys are ordered to join at Mongheer, and a bridge building at Ruinulla. The Seeks, too, are made close prisoners, and great commotion amongst the great at Mongheer. It is said our troops are marching up, and by latest advice were 15 coss from the lowest capital.
Wednesday, 10th. — Nothing extraordinary.
Thursday, 11th. — Hear of an action below in which Marcott's army were entirely defeated, and several Jemedars gone over to Meer Jaffier, but this wants confirmation. Messrs Bennet and Thompson were to-day brought to us by the Nabob himself They gave us an account of Mr Amyatt and Ensign Cooper being killed at Muxadawad, as follows : — " They had embarked all the party and sent the horses, etc., with the Seices by land, meeting with contrary winds it was ten days ere they reached Muxadawad, when they at once saw troops drawn up on each side the river, with some great guns, they hailed them and desired them to come too, but not taking any notice of them some of them fired, on which some of our Seapoys began to fire also, and killed somebody on the shore, on which great guns and volleys were fired, which obliged them to put to the opposite shore, where there was the least firing. Mr Amyatt, notwith-
74 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
standing the fire, landed with a pair of pistols, he took the Nabob's Perwannah in one hand and held it up to them, and a pistol in the other, and advanced to the top of the bank where he was shot in the leg, and soon after cut to pieces. Ensign Cooper met the same fate in making resistance, but the other gentlemen they can give no account of, but expect they were sent to Mongheer with Mr Chambers and the others from Cassim Buzar, they also inform us Mr Hay and Mr Chambers were left at Mongheer, and remain there yet. These gentlemen have suffered greatly, being put in irons and brought up in one boat, and scarce victuals or necessarys to cover them, being in all 27 persons. The Nabob here allows 10 Rs. p. day to the 17 people left, and an addition of 2 Rs. p. day to us on account of these two gentlemen.
Friday, 12th. — Last night late we had a confirmation of the action below, but no particulars; heard that the Nabob's wives, etc., are gone from Mongheer in order to be in safety. Numbers here are sending their family over the river. Mindy Aly Cawn set out to-day with the 200 Moguls and some Seapoys to Mongheer. To-day two Padrees who had a few days ago gone from hence to Mongheer returned on account of the confusion on the roads. They report that the Nabob and all his troops are gone too from hence, and its believed he goes to make his last effort. They heard all the prisoners were embarked in the Boats, but this is only hearsay.
Saturday 13th. — By Carstairs' Boys intelligence we have gained a complete victory over Marcott, taken 9 p. of cannon, 3 Jemedars, 1300 horse and 1800 Seapoys and Europeans went over to us ; 5 days ago Gregor Cawn got the Nabob to march down with the remainder of his force, but with great reluct- ance. All the prisoners are well at Mongheer; his Treasure there yet.
Sunday, 14th. — Hear that the Nabob marched five days ago with about 6000 Men. Camdar Cawn has marched to join him with 1000 horse, and 2000 horse from Batta on their way for the same purpose.
AND PORTRAITS 75
Monday 15th.— Heard melancholy accounts of Ram Narain Rajah Bullab beiug cut off, but as yet not confirmed, tho' both families here in great distress on that account.
Tuesday, 16th. — Still the above account prevails strong in this City, with this addition of the number being eleven in all, amongst whom are Ellis, Lushington, and 3 Harcarrahs, so its imagined they have been concerned in an illegal corre- spondence.
Wednesday, 17th. — Mr M'Kay's servants to-day arrived from Mongheer in 4 days, who says he left all our gentlemen well there, that Ramnarain, Rajah Bullab, and the Sects were said to be cut off there. Hear our troops are between the passes. His Excellency at Bogol poore, and the bulk of his Army at the second pass. The Begum is said to be delivered of a child at RuinuUah, which retards her journey, she has many boats and elephants with 13,000 horse under command of Nobat Roy ; its said all his money from Mongheer is there.
Thursday, 18th. — About 500 Seapoys of ours had taken service at Mongheer are discharged the service, and ordered out of the province least they serve him as they did below.
Friday, 19th. — By a Servant arrived from Mongheer, Mr Ellis, etc., are well, and Bamnarin and Rajah Bullab and his son were put in a boat, and its believed were drowned. It is reported that the Nabob has made proposals of peace, and offered three Crors of Rupees to make good all damages, but this wants confirmation.* His Excellency for certain has marched from Bagelpoore.
Saturday, 20th. — Heard by a Messenger from his Excellency's Camp, that 500 Europeans and 3 Battalions of Seapoys, our own Horse, had marched from Muxadawad towards Berboou to pass with the . . . while Meer Jaffier with his army, and 3 or 400 Europeans lately from Calcutta, with 1600 Seapoys remain
* A Corore of Rupees are a hundred Lack, or one Million Sterling.
76 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
behind, both armys have artillery in proportion. It is said the Nabob has made a present of 6 Mohr pay to all his troops. Is in possession of the passes and ready for a run, not caring to leave Baglepoore.
Sunday, 21st. — To-day Nabob Roy arrived to see his family. The Begum being at Jaffier Cawn's Gardens; its said they proceed up the country to a place on the hills almost impreg- nable, near Muccracond.
Monday, 22nd. — Nothing extraordinary; only some Armeni- ans confined here.
Tuesday, 23rd. — Nothing extraordinary.
Wednesday, 24th. — Nothing extraordinary.
Thursday, 25th. — By advice from Mongheer hear his Excel- lency and the Armenian general are in great panicks. Letters arrive here to the Begum twice a day, often in order to quicken her marches.
Friday, 26th. — The Begum set out on her march towards Rotasgur. She has 1500 rutts, 3 camels, 100 elephants, a number of boats, besides elephants, coaches, 1200 horse, and 200 Burgondosses are for the escort, having all his treasure with her, and its currently said from some authority that his Excellency will follow in 15 or 20 days.
Saturday, 27th. — Nothing extraordinary. Heard Jemedar from Bucier, with 4000 horse and foot, passed this place in his way down.
Sunday, 28th. — Nothing extraordinary.
Monday, 29th. — Hear many Armenians and Portuguise are arrived here on account of the commotions below.
Tuesday, 30th. — It is said our troops are yet at Souty Nulla ; that his Excellency has sent many Detachments down ; that Grejare Cawn has no command, and a Jemedar, which lately made his escape from Soujah Dowlah's country where he was a prisoner, is appointed to the command in his stead ; that his Excellency is still at Boglapoor. These 3 days past we cant get our allowance on account of the confusion here.
Wednesday, 31st. — Yesterday had an account from the Padra that some troops has arrived and joined the army, that
AND PORTRAITS 77
they had divided. Meer Jaffier with part of his troops lay at the pass near Sutty, that Faseine Battry, on the side of a lake, was raised by our troops under command of Major Carnac with Major Adams of the 84th Regt. with Roydoulep was gone to a Burbon road, a party had secured the Purnes country and stopt provisions from crossing. Its confirmed that all the best Jemedars are gone down, that Gregan Cawn is degraded because he proposed a accommodation between his Excellency and his Father. The Begum still pursues her journey. We have a report Dr Fullarton has sent word to some of his black friends here that he will see them in a few days.
September 1st. — To-day hear an account of our gaining a complete victory at Sutty Nullah, but not confirmed this even- ino". All the Armenian women set out to the westward.
Friday, 2nd. — ^Nothing extraordinary.
Saturday, 3rd. — Heard to-day from a messenger from our camp at Sutty to a black Merchant that the Armys remained there in their old position, that Major Adams had for certain gone the Barbone road with a view to pass the hills, that yesterday on account of it orders had been sent here for them to keep a look out, after which many prepared for going off. The Seats house herewith his Gamastahs were seized and three lack of Rupies. Nobab Roy with the Begum is arrived at Dandnagore, he has sent word to Ramnarain's family that he is not put to death but in a secure place in Mongheer and in irons with Rajah Bullup.
Sunday, 4th. — Nothing extraordinary.
Monday, 5th. — A report our having possess Malda.
Tuesday, 6th.— Heard to-day some ships being arrived at Calcutta with Seapoys and Europeans. Bovals Cawn is returned to Boglapoor and Mindie Aly Cawn got the command of the army below. Comdar Cawn is stopt in the hills and cant pass. Things are said to be in the greatest confusion at His Excellency's court, this by letter.
Wednesday.— By a Messenger from Muxadavad in nine days have the account of an action confirmed as follows. The enemy
78 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
made an attack on our Fashine Battery at night, our people quitted it and having let about 4000 men land, for they crossed the Nullah in boats, they immediately surrounded them and cut them off.
Thursday, 8th. — Nothing extraordinary.
Friday, 9th. — Its said the Nabob has retreated 4 coss, there is some rumour of some troops coming up the other side of the river.
Saturday, 10th. — We have from Nicolas some confused account of our storming the enemy's trenches in the nights, entirely driving them thence and taking all their camp and artillery. Somero and Marcott are missing, and the broken troops obliged to retreat. It is reported six Jemedars which went with Camdor Cawn are gone off. Things in the greatest confusion in His Excellency's house.
Sunday, 11th. — We learned by a packet from Chinsera that Mr Amyatt and Hay are ordered to Europe. Mr Summer who is coming out 2nd in council and Mr M'Guire Buxie so that Mr Vansittart seems to prevail which may produce strange effects here. A messenger arrived from our camp which brings an account of the action which he says he had from the Nabob's Harcarrahs that Mindie Aly Cawn and another Jemedar was killed and all their guns and Camp equipage were taken, that a twenty gun ship and three sloops were coming up, and had passed Nudda Santepoor.
Monday, 12th. — Hear six sack Rupies have arrived here from the Begum to pay the troops here.
Tuesday, 13th. — Have a rumour of the troops being in possession of the first pass, and that Mindie Ali Cawn is certainly killed. That Mr Vansittart is suspended by the Council. ... A boy from Mongheer brings an account from Mr Jones having arrived there in a Dooly yesterday, a Jemedar arrived at this place on some important business.
Wednesday, 14th. — It is said the Jemedars had been ordered here to put the place in a posture of defence, this place is quite full of the defeat of His Excellency's troops and the conse- quence of it. People are going off daily. He has retreated
AND PORTRAITS 79
himself to Mongheer, and it is affirmed we have a strong party coming thro' the hills and that the passes are abandoned.
Thursday, 15th. — Hear that the Armenian General is a close prisoner and a Guard put over his effects. Hear also that the Jamedar commanding at Mongheer had refused admittance to his Excellency, and our troops would be at this place as soon as his.
Friday, 16th. — We have not these nine days had any allow- ance from the Nabob on account of the confusion here, the con- sequence of the late defeats of his Excellency's troops ; heard from a peon of Sir William Hope * that Captain Turner died the night before he left Mongheer. To-day we divided what cash remained in our possession which came to 30 Rupies each, and have sent the greatest part of effects of others which were with us to the Dutch Factory, this precaution we have taken lest we be to march up the country with his Excellency.
Saturday, 17th. — Received advices of our army for certain being at Shawbad, three coss above the upper pass, that His Excellency is destroying Mongheer, and that they are here destroying our Factory house and fortifying this place.
Sunday, 18th. — His Excellency's people are going off in troops, Meria Caloil and Mindie Ali Cawn are both arrived having fled from the late action. Our gentlemen are on their way from Mongheer to this place, and it is thought His Excellency intends pushing thro' the hill to Bengal in order to draw our troops down, prolong time, and gain some assistance which he may be in expectation of from above. To-day sent my superfluous clothes to the Dutch factory. We also received nine days allowance out of the 11 due us. Our peons here seem in great agitation, and in short the whole city seem ready to take wing. Hear His Excellency is 3 coss this side Mongheer and our troops 16 coss from them.
Monday, 19th. — To-day all our gentlemen except Mr FuUarton arrived from Mongheer, it is said Lady Hope f and
* Sir William Hope of Balcomie.
t Wife of Sir William Hope of Balcomie.
80 SWINTON FAMILY EECORDS
some other women are left behind, most of the gentlemen are in irons. Captain Turner died of a fever at Mongheer, our servant Dr Nicola in attempting to get into the gentlemen was made a prisoner on account of his being dressed with a Cross sword and target. No account of either our army or His Excellency's.
Tuesday, 20th and 21st. — Nothing extraordinary. Our servant Nicola is released by making application to the Darbar. Hear the Dutch chief has sent wine, etc., to Mr Ellis.
Thursday, 22nd. — Nothing extraordinary.
Friday, 23rd. — As his Excellency still continues at Mongheer, it gives us reason to think our troops are not yet in possession of the upper pass.
Saturday, 24th. — Hear for certain that our troops are at Shawbad, that the enemy are repairing what of Mongheer they had destroyed. That everything was in the greatest confusion in His Excellency's camp. That Somers had the management of everything. His Excellency had not eat for three days nor allowed his Nagar to beat, that he being absent and Somers not at Mongheer, and his army advanced to Gulgat Nullah so that we may hourly expect some news.
Sunday, 25th. — This evening heard that 10 Europeans at Bar had been tyd and thrown in the river, so that from this we may guess what we are to expect. Have also an account that purwannahs have arrived here to several Jemedars, and that it is thought many are sent to the Jemedars of his Excellency's camp. Some think he will be laid hold of by his own people.
Tuesday, 29th. — This morning hear that Lady Hope has arrived at the Dutch Factory. A rumour prevails of his Excellency having been completely defeated a few days ago and lost every gun, etc. That he is on his way to Patna. The very peons here are in great agitation here on that account.
Wednesday, 30th. — Heard from good authority that his Excellency is retreating and was two days ago at Suriagurr. Somero and the Armenians with a party at Mongheer and our army at Baglepoor. A loose party had crossed the river and were coming up the other side. Booalli Cawn with the Seats and several other prisoners were at Bar, many prisoners having
AND PORTRAITS 81
been released. Among the rest Shake Mahomed was released from this place and put under the care of a friend of his in his Excellency's army, and goes out here to-morrow morning.
Thursday and Friday, 29th and 30th. — Hear that his Excellency is 2 coss this side Ruinulla, and Sumro with the Armenians at the Nullah ; that his people is going off daily, and he is in great fear of his life. That about three weeks ago he proposed cutting us all off, but was prevented by Somero, the Armenians, and some of his Jemedars. That Mollidore with a good force will be at Hodgepoor in three days ; that his Excellency intends striking off for the hills at Ramnasera, within a coss of this place. It is believed that his orders will not be obeyed here, as most of the city seem willing to protect us, Grogona Cawn had 15 horses which arrived here yesterday. but the gates were shut and they were not permitted to enter. As things go on towards a crisis our situation must create in us much anxiety, it is said he will be at Ramnassa the day after to-morrow, so that our fates must be determined in two or three days at furthest.
Saturday, 1st October. — Mahmet Emy Cawn, with the Seats and some other prisoners, still remain without the east gate. 12 Europeans which came with them arrived in the City to-day.
Sunday, 2nd. — Heard that his Excellency would be at Bar to-day, and our troops at Ruinullah; that Grigon Cawn is either killed or badly wounded by his Moguls in a dispute about pay. 10 Europeans arrived here to-day.
Monday, 3rd. — Hear the Seat and Mahmet Emy Cawn are safe lodged in the City, and that this Jemedar sent his Chubdar to Mr Ellis yesterday telling him not to be uneasy, and if he wanted money he would let him have it. Many of our guards have left us. Rice has rose within these few days to six seers for a Rupee. Heard this night that his Excellency is at Besconpoor, and will pass this place to-morrow ; are told not to be uneasy for we should be safe. F
82 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
Tuesday, 4th. — To-day his Excellency arrived at Eamaraine's Gardens, and to-morrow comes into the City. They have been very busy to-day mounting guns on the bastions of this place. Heard that Meer Jaffier's brother had made his escape.
Wednesday, 5th. — Hear the Seats were cut off near Bar.
Thursday, 6th. — Heard this morning that Mr Ellis and 47 gentlemen were cut off last night, so that doubtless our fate must be in 24 hours, for which God prepare us all.
" Patna, " 6th October 1763.
"Dear Davidson, —
" Since my last his Excellency has been completely defeated, and in consequence obliged to retreat. He came to Jaffier's Cawn's Gardens yesterday, and purposes coming into the city to-day. Somero with the Seapoys arrived here last night, and I suppose to effect his wicked designs, for last night Mr Ellis and 48 gentlemen were murdered, and as about an equal number remains of soldiers and us, I expect my fate this night. Dear Davidson, this is no surprise to me for I have all along expected it. I must therefore, as a dying man, request of you to collect and remit home my fortune as soon as possible, and write home a comforting letter to my Father and Mother, let them know I die bravely as a Christian ought, for I fear not he who can kill the body and nothing more, but rejoice in hopes of a future existence thro' the merits of my Saviour. O, Davidson, be not over anxious for a fortune, let mediocrity satisfie you, and go home and comfort your friends and mine ; endeavour to recover Mr Ellis's money if possible, but I believe the 14,000 Rupies with Hancock is safe, which will be a help for my poor friends. You have full instructions in my other papers ; you may give Nicola if he comes to you 200 Rs., and if you can, provide for him, for he is a good boy.
" Now, dear friend, I take my leave of you hoping that ; that friendship will still subsist, for why may there not be the same
I
AND PORTRAITS 83
friendship in a future state, friendship founded on virtue must subsist for ever. Fare you well, and may God give you satisfac- tion in life and joy in death.
" Yours,
"(Signed) William Anderson."
On the 9th or llth, Dr Anderson and Dr Campbell and Capt. Wilson & Lieuts. Armstrong and Mackay were killed by Somroo's Sepoys, also 200 soldiers. In the beginning of these notices regarding the family of Hope, we came to Sir William Hope, grandson of the first Sir William Hope of Balcomy. He began life in the Navy, and then entered the Army, 31st Foot, and then Captain in the East India Company's Service. In 1763 he was with the Army at Patna and was with Mr Ellis, and one of the 48 gentlemen whom Dr Anderson records were " cut off last night."
On hearing that the English had taken Monghir, the Nabob told Somers to make an end of the English prisoners, and this was how he did it. He invited them to sup with him, and he asked them to lend him their knives and forks in order he might entertain them in the English fashion. As they arrived " to sup," Somers stood at some distance in the cook-room to give his orders. As soon as Mr Ellis and Mr Lushington entered, the former was seized by the hair, and one forcing back his head, another cut his throat, on which Mr Lushington knocked him down with his fist, seized his sword and killed one and wounded two more, before he was cut down himself. The others thus suddenly attacked and wholly unarmed, made long and brave defence — with only bottles and plates they killed many of their assailants, but in the end they were all slaughtered. One of the number, Captain Jackine, had gone into a side place on arrival, and thus escaped for two days, but was then seized and killed. During the resistance, Somers bid the Sepoys go on the roof and fire on them from there ; the Sepoys objected, begging the English might be given arms to defend themselves, and then — thus they would
84 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
fight and slay them, but for answer, those demurring to butcher were by his orders themselves knocked down with bamboos.
Thus fell the last man of the Hopes of Balcomie. His back to the wall, fighting at fearful odds, no weapon but a broken bottle or a piece of a china plate, against cutlasses and swords, brave to the end. " One more gone for England's Glory."
His wife (Lady Hope), who was a Dutch lady, had taken refuge with Dr Fullarton and one soldier in the Dutch Factory. She afterwards married Mr Lambert, and she died in 1766, when Balcomie was sold.
Copy of Narrative Received by the Council from Dr Fullarton.
From the 17th of the month of June, preparations of War were carried on with great vigor on both sides. Mindi Aly Cawn, who governed the city, was employed in repairing the ramparts, cleaning the ditch and posting troops on the walls, and doubling all the guards to the westward of the city. The Factory Walls were likewise repaired, the Ditch was Cleaned and two 24 pounders were mounted, the Terras top of the Factory house was all round Fortified with Sand bags, and two three pounders were mounted there.
About ten o'clock at night of the 24th June, Mr Ellis sent for me from the Hospital, and ordered that the sick might be embarked in boats, and carried over to the Sand Opposite to the City, and from thence tracked up and crossed over to the Factory. My orders were to embark exactly at two o'clock in the morning (that being the hour apointed for the attack of the City), which was accordingly executed, and with the sick which consisted of 23 Europeans, got safe to the Factory, about Nine O'clock in the morning ; at half an hour before one, the troops under the command of Capt. Carstairs marched from the Cantonents in two divisions, and Capt. Carstairs having sent 50 Seapoys (25 to each of the grand Roads) ; at 11 the night of
AND PORTRAITS 85
the 24th June, to take every body that might pass that way, till the arrival of the troops, they took fifty prisoners, great many of whom were Harcarras, by which means they had not the least intelligence in the City. The first Division com- manded by Capt. Carstairs consisting of 150 Europeans, Capt. Tabby's battalion of Seapoys and five Company of Capt. Wilson's. The Second Division consisted of 50 EuropeaPL, Capt. Turners battalion of Seapoys and two guns. The first Division with the Scaling Ladders came down the great Western Road, the Second came through the Town right to the west Gate, and there remained under Cover, the first division planted their Ladders near the South West Bastion of the City, they mounted and got in with little opposition and little Loss, they marched down along the walls to the west gate which they opened (our guns & small arms keeping a constant fire from the Factory upon the City till the Second Division and Guns came in) ; Lieut. Downie who commanded in the Factory with 3 Com- panys of Seapoys, a little after our troops had got the possession of the west gate, stormed the Berbunna Gate. Got in with little loss, and marched to the Killa, partly by the River side partly by lanes near the river, Capt. Tabby with his Battalion went round the walls and drove the Enemy from them, posting his own Guards, as he went and came to the East Gate, by the time both our Divisions had got into the City, Mirza Mindi aly Cawn, the Governor, had intelligence of it and had collected a Body of Horse and Gunmen . . . and marching down the main Street he met Capt. Carstairs with Capt. Turner's Seapoys, Europeans, and Guns, he lined the Streat and filled the Lanes and the Tops of the Houses of both sides, and a warm scuffle insued with loss on both sides, Capt. Perry and Lieut. M'Dowell were both killed. Captain Jacker and Wilson were wounded and 30 Europeans killed and wounded with a number of Seapoys, but our Grape and Musketry was so warm that they retired, and Mindi aly Cawn with the rest of the commanders went out at the East Gate of the City, and took the road towards Futna ; our troops marched to the East Gate after them and there met Capt. Tabby who had just arrived
86 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
having come round the Walls, the East Gate was imediately shutt, the Bridge leading into it broke down, and the Seapoys sent alono^ the Killa Walls down to the River side, and took possession of the only Gate remaining in the hands of the enemy called the Water Gate. After this several messages passed between Capt. Oarstairs and Mr Ellis and everything seemed to be over. About 9 o'clock Capt. Oarstairs came to the Factory with several of the Officers, at 10 we heard firing in the Killa, and the Gentlemen went to the Fort, the firing continued and increased. One, Lollsa, a Foot Jemmautdaar,* who had his women in a house in the Killa, did not chuse to leave them, so retired into his house with 30 men, and there remain quiet till some of our Seapoys began to plunder his house, he then in defence of his women drove them out ; there were likewise about 200 men who had secreted themselves in a large house near the Killa called Chelsetown ; Lollsa after having driven the Seapoys from his House tired on the Gentries that were posted on the walls of the Killa near his House, and sent a Message to Mindi aly Cawn, who with the rest of the principal commanders had got the length of Fatua Bridge, that if he could return he would be able with his assistance to drive the English out of the City. Mindi aly Cawn met at Futua with Alum Cawn 100 horse and 20 camels loaded with fire arrows sent from Mongheer for his garrison just at the time of his receiving Lollsa's message ; he immediately returned, and by the way picked up about one thousand horse and foot that were flying from the City at the same time that Lollsa sent to Mindi Aly Cawn ; he sent likewise to the Chelsetoon and told those men that were there that he had still defended part of the Killa, and desired their assistance. About 50 of them came to him by a small passage from the Chelsetoon to the Killa, and there they defended themselves till near 12 o'clock, when Mindi aly Cawn arrived. About this time our Seapoys were employed in plundering the town, and little order or obedience to their Officers was observed, nor could a sufficient
* Jemmautdaar, an officer of the same rank with the Roman Centurion.
AND PORTRAITS 87
body of them be got together to make a stand, so that Hindi Aly Cawn met with little resistance in driving all our troops out of the City. As our people went along they met with enemys everywhere; the Seapoys who had concealed themselves in the different houses upon hearing of the Naib's return salHed out everywhere and fired on them, so that about 3 o'clock they arrived at the Factory in the utmost confusion, having lost in the retreat Lieut. Reid of the Artillery, Lieut. Downie of the Seapoys killed, and Lieut. Parry wounded. Several attempts were made by the officers to rally botli the Seapoys and Europeans, but to no purpose ; it was generally imagined that great part of the Seapoys were gone off with what plunder they had got, and that night at a muster there were only about 170 Europeans and 1200 Seapoys to be found, the confusion of such a number of troops with the sick and wounded in so small a place as the Factory must be easily imagined, and that even- ing about sunset the City was strongly reinforced by Marcott with 1300 Seapoys and 2 guns and some horse, who that night began to ply us with musketry from the walls, and canonading the Factory from the West Gate. Messrs Greentree and Puckering were called from the Cantonments, where they had been left with two hundred new Seapoys.
The 26th. — In the morning the fire from the City increased, and the confusion with us was greater ; early in the morning Mr Ellis sent for me and ordered me to go over to the Sand opposite to the Factory with 50 Seapoys, and collect all the boats I could get. The fire was very warm, both from the Factory and the City all that day. About 12 o'clock I was ordered by Mr Ellis to proceed with what boats I had collected to Palyeah Gott, about 3 coss upon the river, and there to remain for further orders. At three in the afternoon I was ordered to get the boats ready for transporting the troops over into the Sarcarsaring Country as soon as possible. At 10 o'clock at night they arrived in number about 170 Europeans and 1200 Seapoys with a Howitz ; our troops on their leaving the Factory set fire to the Gunje, and all the battlement Bungloes near the Factory, to hinder the enemy's approach,
88 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
and an officer with 30 Europeans remained in the Factory half an hour after the main body marched off, to bring up the rear with the baggage, but the fire from the City was so warm that the Cooleys and Lascars threw most part of the ammunition down and deserted, so that only seven Banelar of Musquet ammunition were saved, and the Seapoys and Europeans had only 12 rounds a man. About day light in the morning the troops got all to the other side of the river, and were obliged to halt there, for Mr Lushington, who had embarked from the Factory with the Company's Treasure in small Pulwars, he arrived at 10 o'clock with only the loss of one boat, which was sunk by the enemy's shott at the Factory Gott.
The 27th. — A little before sunset we marched from Paluja to Ryputtu, being four coss, where the army got no provisions, but a little rice, the country people being afraid to supply us on account of the Fousdar Nideram's being in arms to oppose us. Mr Ellis ordered me to take charge of the Treasure, with all the boats, and allotted for their Guard one company of Seapoys. The boats had a fine wind and sailed all night.
The 28th. — The boats were fired at from the Budgepoore side of the Country by Sumroo, who was there preparing to cross the river to attack us ; no news of the troops till 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when they arrived at Chiran when the boats lay for them, they had rested the night of the 27th at Ryputtu, being 4 coss from Paluja, and from Ryputtu to Chiram was 5 coss.
The 29th. — The Army proceeded to Agaib Gunje, they were discontented for want of provisions the day before, this being a village of the Company's they got some rice ; the boats were this morning, before the troops marched, reinforced by Lieut. Armstrong with another Company of Seapoys. We had news that Nideram was coming to fight with us with 3000 horse and 3000 foot.
The 30th. — We marched from Agaib Gunje to Maripore, 5 coss. The boats came up within a coss of the Camp, into the Dewa River, but it was with great difficulty, we being
AND PORTRAITS 89
obliged to track. Nideram came, and was defeated with no loss on our side, but about 200 of his men killed. This day a boat that fell in the rear was taken, a Havildan and 8 Seapoys were in it, three of them were killed, the rest joined but without their arms. Nideram went towards Chuprah a few coss, where he met Sumroo with 3 battalions of Seapoys and eight pieces of cannon and a large body of horse, sent from Patna after us. Sumroo made Nideram return, but we had no intelligence of them. Our Harcarrahs had all deserted, and none of the country people would come near us.
July 1st. — The army came to the banks of the Dewa, a coss from where they lay at Maripoor, the Dewa formed 8 streams at this place, our boats got into the middle one and could not pass thro' for want of water ; they were half a mile from the army, and were ordered down to the place where the three streams met. The army likewise moved this morning, and in marching off the party of 100 Seapoys lost their way, and had a warm scuffle with part of Shimroo's Guards, only the Subadar and 85 Seapoys, with the colours, got to us. About 8 o'clock, we were surrounded by Shimroo with 3 battalions of Seapoys, 8 pieces of cannon, a body of about 10,000 horse and foot, Nideram included. Two of Shimroo's battalions had Europe arms and one Country Matchlocks ; and on their approach orders were sent for the 200 Seapoys that had been left to guard the boats to join us; we got the Howitz landed and prepared to receive them. They came within 800 yards and began to cannonade us ; there was a Nullah about 50 yards in our front, but little water in it, and a small bank in the front of our line, behind which we were drawn up. The enemy did not seem much inclineable to attack us, but kept a brisk fire from their artillery and Gengalls. About 10 o'clock it was determined that we should attack them, and Mr Ellis being much fatigued, and somewhat out of order, came down to the boats and ordered some liquor to be sent up to the men. A little after this Capt. Carstairs was mortally wounded with a Gengall ball, and the command devolved on Capt. Tabby. Our people were not allowed to fire on account of the great scarcity of ammuni-
90 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
tion, and the enemy began to come nearer and nearer, but very slowly. At 3 in the afternoon a company of their Seapoys came down to the banks of the Nullah and lay behind them, and kept a warm fire of musketry on us. They all after this moved down by degrees, and used to stop the cannon and fire, and tlien move again. Our Troops were much fatigued for want of Provisions, etc., and being exposed to a warm fire all day. About half an hour after sunset the firing increased, and they began to ply us with musketry ; crossed the Nulla, and attacking us on all sides. About eight at night the European broke and fled, the Seapoys stood their ground keeping a warm fire upon the enemy till all their ammunition was expended, when they likewise gave way. Lieut. Puckering and Craffts, both of the Seapoys, were killed ; and the rest of the gentlemen that were in the field were taken either that night or next morning. The boats, where Mr Ellis was, finding the fire cease, and some of the Officers that could swim crossed the branch of the River (for the boats lay on an island) opposite to where the action was, pushed off and got into the river. Messrs Ellis and Howitt and Smith, with Capt. Jouker, thought proper to write to Nideram to send some of his people to conduct them to Patna, to Mindi aly Cawn, and it was likewise determined that Mr Ellis should write to Mindi aly Cawn, desiring that he should send orders for conducting him and the gentlemen safe there. About 10 at night I was sent with a letter to Mindy aly Cawn. About 12 next morning, the 2nd July, I sent immedi- ately to the Naib to let him know that I was come ; he sent for me, and used me very well, sending an order to Nideram to conduct the Gentlemen safe to him, but before that could arrive they were all taken by Shimroo that morning. About 10, I was kept a close prisoner in the Killa, and at night the Naib came and desired rae to write a Chitt to some Gentlemen that were come in a Budgerow to Hagipoore, to come to him, as they might be ill used by the country people, which I did. They came two days after, and were sent immediately to Mongheer, but were sent back again and kept in the Chelse- town. They had buried Captain Carstairs, who died of his
AND PORTRAITS 91
wound, in his Budgerow. These gentlemen were Capt. Wilson, Lieut. Armstrong, Ensign Makay, Mr Anderson, Surgeon, and Mr Peter Campbell and two soldiers.
July 6th. — Mr Ellis with the rest of the gentlemen were brought to Patna. I petitioned the Naib to be sent to them, or be suffered to see them, both which were refused.
8th. — Mr Ellis with the rest of the gentlemen were sent to Mongheer, and there confined ; there was 45,000 Rs. of the Company's cash on board the Budgerow, where Mr Ellis was taken, and some plate which was given to him, but in the care of some of the Nabob's people, to be given him when he wanted it. Some time it remained with Coja Petrusso, afterwards with Mamodom Cawn.
The 16th I was sent down to Mongheer and there confined, separately from the rest of the gentlemen, who, as I afterwards understood, were all well used, tho' strictly confined. We had victuals sent us by the Nabob regularly twice a day.
August 10th. — The Nabob left Mongheer and the Fort was left in charge of Mamodom Cawn ; he treated us with the greatest lenity to appearances, and pretended to carry on a treaty with Mr Ellis, but it was all a sham, for he never was in earnest ; I was allowed to see the gentlemen on account of Capt. Turner's being ill, who afterwards died of a flux.
The 10th Sept. — Mr Ellis and the rest of the gentlemen were sent from Mongheer. Messrs Ellis & Greentree were on Pallankeens, Lushington, Smith. Lieut. Brown, Ensign M'Leod and one other gentleman who I don't remember were on Horseback, the rest were in Irons, some in Dolleys, and some in Harcarrys, and after their arrival at Patna were confined in Hadgeehamitt's house.
Sept. 19th.— I was sent from Mongheer to Patna, and con- fined alone in the Killa.
Octr. the 5th.— Mr Ellis with the rest of the gentlemen were inhumanly butchered by Shimroo, who came that evening
92 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
to the place with 2 companys of Seapoys (he had the day before sent for all the knives and forks from the gentlemen), he surrounded the house with his people and went into a little outer square, and sent for Messrs Ellis, Hay, and Lushington, and with them came six other gentlemen, who were all terribly mangled, and cut to pieces, and their bodys thrown into a well in the square and it filled up, then the Seapoys were sent into a large square and fired on the gentlemen there, and rushing upon them cut them into pieces in the most inhuman manner, and they were thrown into another large well which was like- wise filled up.
The 7th. — The Nabob sent for me and told me to get myself in readiness to go to Calcutta, for that as he had been unlucky in the War, which he insisted with great warmth had not been of his seeking, nor had he been the Agressor, reproaching the English with want of fidelity and breach of Treaty, but he said he had still hopes of an accommodation. He asked me what I thought of it. I told him I made nod oubt of it. When some of his people then present mentioned the affair of Mr Amyatt's death, he declared he had never given any order of killing Mr Amyatt, but after receiving advice of Mr Ellis having attacked Patna, he had ordered all his servants to take and imprison all the English in the provinces wherever they could find them ; he likewise added that if a treaty was not set afoot he would bring the King, the Marattoes, and Abdullo, against us, and so ruin our trade, etc. He had finished his letters, and ordered boats and Guards to conduct me, when upon the advice of some of his people he stopped me, and said there was no occasion for me to go ; after his sending for me, at first he ordered the Seapoys (in whose chaige I was) to go to their quarters, and two Moguls and twelve Harcarras to attend me, but to let me go about the City where I pleased.* I then applyed for to have Liberty to stay at the Dutch Factory which was granted, I applyed to Mindi aly Cawn for his interest in behalf of the
* The Nabob is said to have spared Dr FuUarton because of some previous medical service he had rendered him.
AND PORTRAITS 93
gentlemen in the Chelsetoon who were seven in number, and were not killed till the 11th of Octr., but when he was petitioned about them he gave no answer, but still sent orders to Simroo to cut them off; I likewise applyed to AUi Ibraham Cawn to interceed for them, but he gave him no answer either, tho' I was present when Ibrahim Cawn petitioned for them.
The 14th. — On the approach of our army, Cossim Ally decamped with his troops in great confusion and marched as far as Fulway, 3 cosse to the westward of the city. The Harcarrahs that were with me having no orders about me, I gave them some money which made them pretty easy.
The 23rd. — After giving money to a Jamaldar, that had the Guards to the Westward of the Dutch Factory, by the River side, I set out in a small Pulwar, and got safe to the boats under command of Captain Wedderburn, that were lying opposite to the City, on the other side of the river, and at 11 o'clock that night arrived at the Army, under the command of Major Adams lying at Jutly.
[End of Dr Fullarton's Narrative.]
These cruel massacres were not long unrevenged. Major Adams marched with the body of his Army without delay from Mongheer to Patna. The Enemy made sallies with vigour and spirit after the siege commenced, and blew up a principal Magazine, but the cannon destroyed the defences, silenced the guns and made a practicable breach, and this important city was taken on the 6th November 1763, after eight days' siege.
Archibald Swinton, Lieutenant Goddart, with Captain Smith were in the advanced post, and retook the battery, when he was so severely wounded as to necessitate the loss of his right arm. His brother, Lord Swinton, preserved a copy of this paragraph in a letter from John Johnston at Bengal to his brother, Governor Johnston, in London.
94 SWINTON FAMILY EECORDS
" Dec. 14th, 1763.
" It is with particular pleasure I can inform you of the high dessert and exploits of Captains Irving and Swinton ; none stands higher in the lists of fame or in the good opinion and regard of all that know them.
" Next to those who are dead, we cannot enough mourn for the hard lot of worthy Swinton, who was wounded in the left hand at the Siege of Monghur, and in the right at that of Patna, in a sally. It has been obliged to be cut off since above the elbow, and his life saved with much difficulty. He thinks to return to England this season."
After the siege of Patna, Meer Cassim fled to the Nabob of Oude, who received him, but refused to receive his Army. The English Army was cantoned on the Frontier.
[The following here finds place, and shows the difficulties which those in command encountered even when the Army was not in active service. I give the account unchanged as regards spelling and all else.]
"Account of the Desertion of the Europeans belong- ing TO THE Honourable United Company in Bengall, February 12th, 1764."
The Army lay at Sant, under the Command of Capt. Jennings before mentioned, a considerable time without any- thing remarkable, only exersizing the Great Guns and small arms, and sending letters backwards and forwards to the King of Dillee, and Shuja Dowlah, untill the 9th day of February, in the Morning, when the Battalion being ordered out to Exersize, & the Adjutant, Mr James Forster, come upon the Parade, he gave the Word of Command — " Rest your firlocks," but not a man made any Motion ; upon which he gave the Word again, but not a man would stir. He then ordered them
AND PORTRAITS 95
to the Right about, but they would not do that neither; upon which he asked them their grevance, but not a man spoake ; whereupon Capt. Forster sent to Capt. Jennings, who came, and after a great many promises that if any one would turn out and tell their Grevance, that he should not be hurt, one of them stept out, and on being asked, he told them that the Prize money was Promised to be paid to them sev^ times but never was, and that they heard that Major Carnac had stoped payment in Calcutta. Whereupon Capt^s. Jennings & Forster told them it would be p<i in a few Days, and that concerning Major Carnac was all false, they then went to the Right about, lodged their Arms and went to their Tents, and all was very quiet, till the 11th, then about 8 o'clock the camp was alarmed by the Drums beating of the General, and all the Men Turning out in a confused Order, the Troopers began to Saddle their horses, but L*- Geo. Bolton Eyres, who commanded the horse then in Camp, Draw'd his sword upon one Symmons, Camp Colour man, upon which they Run to the Bell Tent, took up their Arms and Joined the Battalion on foot. Capt^- Jennings thought to supress the Mutiny by seesing the Ring Leader and confining on him, but here he was Mistaken, for 8 or 10 fixed their Bayonets, and if he had not run for it would certainly have took his life. They then proceeded to Appoint Officers, such as One Collenol and Two Majors, and one Jack Straw, a Desperate sort of a fellow, was made Adjutant, and sent a party of men to the Right to Secure the Park, & all the Lascars & Bollocks that they could find, and likewise one to the left, for the same Purpose, and a Party was sent along with the Troopers to gett their horses, whilse a party went with Capfn- Stables to the Nabob, with one who could speak the tounge, who told them that he would give them a lack of Rupees. Directly, and one more in two hours time, and likewise a Bill upon Patna for two lack more. In the mean- time all the officers was collecting all the Money they could, and brought it, and laid it before them on the Parade, But all this would not satisfy them, for they insisted upon the Immediate Paiment of 500 Rs- each Man, By this time the Troopers joined
96 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
them, with the aforesaid Mr Symmons, and the Black Cavalry and Mr Symmons took command of the whole Cavalry, and the two other Partys also joined them, then they faced to the Right and Marched off with 5 guns towards the Nabob, whose tent they sarounded, and pointed a Gun at it. But recollecting, they faced again and Marched for the Carramnassa, (the Granadiers who in the first Mutiny where sent to join the Advanced party of Seapoys who lay at the Carramnassa, were upon the Braking out of the Mutiny a-fresh, sent for and returned a Different road to what the Battalion went, which was the reason of their missing them) giving out that they were going to fetch the Granadiers, but when they came to a Crick which lay in their way, they left the Guns for want of Bullocks, which were presently brought back, they then pro- ceeded on to the Carramnassa, and the Officers followed beging of them to return, which several of the English Did, beginning to find out the Design of the Foreigners. The Foreigners proceeding on their March to the Carramnassa where most of the Seapoys that was there, join'd and went with them a-cross the Carramnassa River, and proceeded for Benares, by this Time Most of them Returned, as likewise the Seapoys, but the Frenchmen still march'd on till about 12 o'clock at night,* when they halted and Appointed Mr De-Le-Mar (formerly Sargant of the French Company in his Majesty's 84th Regt.) Commander in Chief. Then they sett forward again and arrived at Banaras. Cap*- Jennings & the Nabob sent Harcarars, to the Raja of Banaras to stop the Deserters, which he said he would, but on the Contrary, supplyed them with a thousand Rupees, and Boats to cross them over the River, which they Did and joined Cossun Alley Cawn & Somro and Collenol De le Mar sent a letter to Cap*- Jennings, in which he said that they had always behaved like good soldiers, all the Campaign, they had been used ill, and was always put upon, and that they had this Design in hand a great wile before, but could never find an opportunity till this June of getting away, and that as they was frenchmen we should alwas find them as Sfood frenchmen still.
AND PORTRAITS 97
A list of the Europeans who Deserted, 12th February 17G4, from the European Battalion : —
Non. Com. and Private - - 154
From the First Troops of European
Cavalry - - _ . 9
From the Second Troops of European
Cavalry - - _ . 7
Total Europeans 170
From the Different Battalions of Seapoys with Europe Arms, two hundred, and with much Difficulty were cept from firing ; had one firlock gone off by accident or other wise it would certainly been the distruction of the whole Army and the lose of almost, if not quite all, the Europeans & the total lose of Bengali, but God who foresees all things ordered it other wise."
The following letter upon the same subject I give also : — James Logan to James Campbell.
Feb. 13, 1764.
Dear Jamie,
Pray why so long silent, do you return or do you go home ? What are you doing or what are you about to do ? It would be kind but to let us know — you wrong me if you think your concerns of such moment are indifferent to me. I assure you I think myself interested in them, and I imagine your sentiments with regard to mine are the same.
Here is the Devil to pay, and no Pitch Hot about the Bill money, the day before yesterday almost the whole Europeans took up arms and demanded the payment of the Prise money immediately, they appointed a Colon ell and 2 Majors to command them, the former of whom with a body guard to attend him, went with Capt. Stables to the Nabob who proposed sending immediately to Patna for 2 lack of rupees to give them, but they would not wait nor would they accept of 30,000 Rupees G
98 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
which the officers collected and offered them upon the Parade, but since they would not have their prese money said they would go join Cassim Ali-con, accordingly they seized 5 pieces of cannon, mounted all the troop horses & marched off in regular order. Part of the Mogul Horse brought up their rear and forced along many Europeans who were unwilling to go, they soon left the guns and marched on with them in good order towards the Caremnassa which they crossed and encamped 3 coss beyond it that night, the greatest part of Shibbert's Battalion of Seapoys which was at the Caremnassa joined them and crossed it with them, but they almost all returned as well as the Europeans who are all come back, except about 200 who were almost all Foreigners that are gone for good. Serjeant Dela- mare, late of the Regiment, is their commander in Chief. All the Europeans now in Camp have received 40 cuir Rs. a man, and are contented, but to-day Swinton's, Smith's and Gaillases Battalions took up arms and were going to follow the Deserters, but I hear they've all returned, but on what terms I don't yet know, being here a coss from Camp with the Hospital, which I have had the care of for this month past.
Now the above is all the news (& a damned deal too I think) pray let me have but half as much from you in return.
I have not yet received the money of Captain Nolleking, pray deliver the enclosed Belt to Godard and receive the money if he intends to pay it, he has used me damned (ill ?) already in not paying it. I wrote him since he has been in Calcutta about it, he has not deigned me an answer. Pray write me soon, and
Believe me to be,
Dear Campbell,
Yours sincerely,
Jas. Logan.
Mahuneah,
Feby. 13th, 1764.
Major Carnac arrived to take command in March. The Army was scarce of provisions, and the troops still discontented
AND PORTRAITS 99
about pay, so they retreated to Patna and camped under the walls of the city. The following clear account of the situation and events that ensued is written by Colonel Richard Smith to Mr Orme.
From Col. Richard Smith to Mr Orme, relative to the Campaigns— 1764 and 1765.
You have long since heard that Cossin Allee had influence enough to prevail, or rather riches enough to tempt Sujah Dowlah, and he became a party in the quarrel. You must most undoubtedly have been surprised beyond measure when the news of the Mutiny (amongst our troops) arrived in Europe. In my own opinion, Bengal never was so near a crisis. It is very probable Sujah Dowlah would have secured Cossim's treasure without committing hostilities against us, if this defec- tion had not happened in our own Army. Two hundred Europeans, chiefly foreigners, joined him at once. The whole Battalion marched several miles from Camp for the same purpose, the Englishmen were prevailed on to return. Soon after the Seapoy's mutinied, & a Battalion actually marched off to join Sujah's Army. What a flattering prospect presented itself to that young Vizier not yet thirty years of age. He could not withstand it. He crossed the Carumnassa, with the most formidable army that any Nabob has commanded for many years. Want of provisions obliged our Army to retreat towards Patna, & at last we entrenched ourselves under the walls of that City. Carnac commanded in this critical juncture. The Vizier's Army surrounded Patna & our intrenchments. Armed Boats on the Ganges saved our Army from famine. It was very much apprehended that Sujah Dowlah would detach a considerable Corps from before Patna to possess even Muxadavad— but fortunately for us the retreat of our Army had elated him beyond measure. On the 3rd May 1764 he made a general attack upon all our intrenchments. Carnac wisely stood upon the defensive, and the Moors were at every post repulsed with loss. (But remark the effect of Party rage.
100 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS
Carnac was blamed at Calcutta for not following the Blow, by marching directly to attack the enemy, although his Troops had been under arms Twenty six hours, & engaged almost half the time with the Enemy.) The Vizier remained some days longer in the vicinity of Patna, & the rainy season approaching, he crossed the Carumnassa and wintered in his own Dominions. Major Carnac in the ensuing Month having had notice of his Dismission from the Service, before the public advices arrived, quitted the command of the army, and a detachment of High- landers, being arrived from Bombay commanded by Major Munro of the 89th regiment ; these were sent to reinforce our Army, & before the Season for Action Major Munro arrived at Patna in the character of Commander in chief. When the rainy season was past we took the field, & crossed the Sohn. In October the Vizier's army was assembled and marched towards us. Towards the end of the month we fought the battle of Buxar, and gained a very complete Victory, In very few days after this our Army took possession of Benares. Sir Robert Fletcher arrived in Camp second in Command. The season approached when His Majesty's Troops must either remain another year or proceed to Calcutta for embarkation. The Shahzadah or more properly the King came, once more, under our protection. Some overtures were made by Sujah Dowla for a Treaty, We demanded the delivery of Cossim Allee, Sumroo, & the Corps of Frenchmen as Preliminaries ; either he had too much Honour, or he did not suppose his Situation quite desperate. We were too much elated by success to recede. The Success Transport arrived with advice of the change of the Administration, of India affairs, in Europe. The Packet not being addressed to Vansittart, he declined opening it until he was prevailed on by his Council, & would have quitted his Government but for their Solicitations, The Brigadier's Commission for Carnac hastened Major Munro's return. He left the Command of the Army to Sir Robert Fletcher, who you know is naturally of a military turn & fond of Exploits, He did not totally approve of our inactivity after |.he Battle of Buxar, he was therefore determined to make the
AND PORTRAITS 101
best use of his interval of Command, and marched towards Ilhiabad the Capital. Chinargur, a fort of importance, after two unsuccessful attacks on our part was abandoned by the enemy, Sujah Dowlah attended the Army with a