BURHAMPORE. 75 
wrote to Mr. Becher, who, during the absence of Mr. Pattel, was 
his representative at the durbar,* requesting that he would make 
arrangements to enable me to pay my respects to her, and the 
Nawaub, on the morning of the ^4th. To this we received for 
answer, that the Nawaub was out of town, and consequently that 
it was, at so short a notice, impracticable. My whole arrangements 
had been made for quitting Burhampore on the evening of that day; 
not only had the dawk been laid, but gentlemen resident at the 
different places had received notice of the day I should arrive; 
consequently, I felt it impossible to put off" my departure, in order 
to visit the Nawaub on a future day ; I therefore determined to make 
my excuses to his Highness, and to pay my respects on my return. 
This I requested, by letter, Mr. Becher would do. In the middle of 
the night we were surprised by a message from this gentleman, 
informing us that he had been completely mistaken, for that his 
Highness was in town, and expected the pleasure of my company 
the next morning. However surprised, I would willingly have 
gone, had it been in my power; but we had no carriage, and it was 
too late to procure bearers. I was therefore necessitated to keep 
to my former purpose, and requested him to make my apologies. 
By some strange neglect this was not communicated to the Nawaub 
till so late, that he sent off* twice, to know whether I did not mean 
to come. Mr. Parlby fully explained the case, and that the fault 
was not mine. In the evening I received presents of fruit from the 
Begum and Nawaub. A large party of the officers and gentlemen of 
the vicinity had been invited by Captain Parlby to meet me this 
day (^4 th), amongst whom I had the pleasure of seeing three sons of 
* Durbar is the place where the sovereign actually is, and answers to the English 
word, court. 
VOL. I. L 
