254 
J. Beames —Notes on the History of Orissa. 
[No. 3, 
meddling, he is warned that if he does not return at once to Balasore 
“ immediate steps will be taken against him.” Moharbhanj, however, does 
not appear to have quieted down, and two Companies of Infantry one from 
Balasore and one from Jellasore were sent to Ilariharpur (spelt Hurispore 
and Huriorpoor) “ to promote the peace and tranquillity of the Mohur- 
bundge district.” Further instructions are to the effect following : 
“ Having cause to believe that the Rani of Mohurbundge and her 
adopted son Te-koit* are both desirous of the protection of the British 
Government being extended to them you will direct the officer proceeding 
to Huriorpore in command of a detachment, to conduct himself towards 
the Rannee and Te-koit, or their vakeels with every mark of friendly 
attention. He may open any necessary communication with them, but 
you will be pleased to enjoin him to avoid committing himself by any pro¬ 
mises or agreements that may be constructed by them as binding on the 
British Authorities in Cuttack.” (Harcourt, 16-11-1803.) 
Cuttack now begins to be noticeable as it is at frequent intervals 
throughout the early years of British rule as a place in constant want of 
supplies and always on the verge of famine. On 1st December 1803 an 
urgent call is made for fifteen thousand maunds of rice from Balasore. 
Again on the 1st June 1804 Captain Morgan is ordered to warn all pil¬ 
grims of the great scarcity of rice and cowries at Cuttack, and to endeavour 
to induce them to supply themselves with provisions before entering the 
province. 
On the 1st September 1804 a third call is made on Balasore for 20,000 
maunds of rice which were accordingly despatched in boats from Dhamra 
and Churaman. A long correspondence follows in the course of which 
occurs an important letter of Captain Morgan’s, dated 27th September and 
marched “ Private” in which he explains the cause of the continual scarcity 
at Cuttack. 
He begins by pointing out that twenty miles north of the Mahanadi 
there was no scarcity at all, that Balasore had rice in store enough for 
three year’s consumption, and it was selling at 65 seers (of 80 
tolas) for the rupee : there were immense stocks at Dhamra and Churaman 
intended for export to Madras, and consequently he concludes that the 
scarcity of rice at Cuttack is not natural, but must have been artificially 
produced. In examining the causes for this state of things he arrives at 
the following conclusions: 
1. The large number of Marathas still resident at Cuttack are bitter¬ 
ly hostile to the English and do their best to stop the import of rice in 
* Te-Koit is Tikait one bearing the tika (tilaka) or mark of sovereignty, and is 
the usual title of the heir-apparent to a throne. 
