the most cowardly of men.  At first he had shown some regard for the officers of the army, because, until he was recognized as Nawab, he felt his need of them.  He had even shown generosity, but this quality, which was quite opposed to his real character, soon disappeared, to make place for violence and greed, which decided against him all those who had favoured his accession in the hope that he would behave discreetly when he became Nawab.”

Owing to the general disgust felt at Murshidabad for the Nawab, his cousin, Saukat Jang, Nawab of Purneah, thought the opportunity favourable for reviving his claims, and, early in October, Siraj-ud-daula, hearing of his contemplated rebellion, invaded his country.

“Every one longed for a change, and many flattered themselves it would take place.  In fact, it was the most favourable opportunity to procure it.  The result would have been happiness and tranquillity for Bengal.  Whilst contributing to the general good—­which even the Dutch might have interested themselves in—­we could have prevented the misfortunes which have since happened to us.  Three or four hundred Europeans and a few sepoys would have done the business.  If we could have joined this force to the enemies of Siraj-ud-daula we should have placed on the throne another Nawab—­not, indeed, one wholly to our taste, but, not to worry about trifles, one to the liking of the house of Jagat Seth,[79] and the chief Moors and Rajas.  I am sure such a Nawab would have kept his throne.  The English would have been re-established peaceably, they would certainly have received some compensation, and would have had to be satisfied whether they liked it or not.  The neutrality of the Ganges assured, at least to the same extent as in the time of Aliverdi Khan, the English would have been prevented from invading Bengal, and from sending thither the reinforcements which had contributed so much to their success on the Madras Coast.  All this depended on us, but how could we foresee the succession of events which has been as contrary to us as it has been favourable to the English?  As it was, we remained quiet, and the rash valour of the young Nawab of Purneah, whilst it delivered Siraj-ud-daula from the only enemy he had to fear in the country, made it clear to the whole of Bengal that the change so much desired could be effected only by the English.”

Mir Jafar and other leaders of the Nawab’s army were about to declare in favour of Saukat Jang when Ramnarain,[80] Naib of Patna, arrived to support Siraj-ud-daula.  Whilst the malcontents were hesitating what to do, Saukat Jang made a rash attack on the Nawab’s army, and was shot dead in the fight.