107 
1893.] C. R. Wilson — Topography of old Fort William. 
his absence which we accordingly complied with. * * * *• Col. Scott 
in consequence of Mr. Saunders and Council’s 1 request for relieving 
Major Lawrence in the Field, left us on the 18th March, but it is with 
concern we informed yr. Hons, he died at Madras on l‘2th May of a 
violent fever. 
3. From the Bengal Government to Wm. Watts at Moorshedabad, 
the 22nd August 1755. 
It has hitherto been very unfortunate to this Settlement that every 
gentleman, who has had capacity or been appointed by our employers 
to fortify this place, have not lived even to make a beginning on the 
plans proposed, 2 * * we have therefore agreed to wait our Masters last com- 
mands hy this year's shipping , when if they are absolute and the situation 
of affairs in Europe portends war we must employ those who have the 
most experience and knowledge to execute plans of fortification, and 
this we shall put in practice without showing any diffidence to the right 
we have of securing our Settlement. 5 
4. A letter, signed by Messrs. Drake and Manningham, to the Court 
of Directors, the 3rd September 1755. 
The death of Col. Scott put a check to our pursuing his plan for 
securing this settlement from any attack of the country foices with 
much alacrity as we were cautious of laying out much money until yr. 
Honours signified yr. approbation of that work which shall now be set 
about in as expeditious a manner as the season of the year will permit 
our carrying it into execution. Here we must remark that the Go- 
1 The Council of Madras. II. E B. 
2 See Long’s Selections No. 166. 
8 Perhaps it would have been wiser if they had shown some “ diffidence ” now 
after having for so long neglected their defences, even in the face of repeated orders 
from home. The new Nawab in the following year opened their eyes on this 
subject. However, to give the Fort William Government their due, they had con- 
sulted Watts, the chief at Cossimbazar, as to the prudence of seeking permission 
from the Mursliidabad Government before they took their defences in hand. They 
were prepared to conciliate the Nawab and to resort to the customary bribery to 
him and his ministers. Watts opposed the idea, chiefly because the Nawab was 
really so rich that no bribe which Calcutta could afford would bo likely to convert 
him if unfavorably inclined ; he urged moreover that the precedent of asking and 
paying for such permission might prove a very embarrassing one in tbe future, and 
that if the Nawab should refuse, the English would be worse off than ever. On 
the whole Watts advised them to go on with the fortifications and say nothing, and, 
if in the meantime exception should be taken by the Mursliidabad Court, Watts 
was not without confidence that he could prevail upon tlio Minister “ Ilnckambeg,” 
for a consideration, to divert the possible anger of the Nawab. Events did not 
justify this confidence. H. B. 
