It was but five
years since he had first taken up arms to defend Fort Saint David, an
unknown clerk, without prospects and without fortune, utterly
discontented and disheartened.
Madras was in the hands of the French. Everywhere their policy was
triumphant, and the soil surrounded by the walls of Saint David's,
alone, remained to the English in Southern India. In the five years
which had elapsed, all had changed. The English were masters of the
Carnatic. The French were broken and discredited. The English were
regarded by the natives throughout the country as the coming power;
and of this great change, no slight portion was due to the energy and
genius of Clive, himself.
Chapter 11: An Important Mission.
A few days after the return of the expedition against Covelong and
Chengalpatt, Charlie received a note from Governor Saunders,
requesting him to call upon him at eleven o'clock. Charlie, of course,
attended at Government House at the time named, and found Captain
Clive with Mr. Saunders.
"I have sent for you, Mr. Marryat, to ask you if you are ready to
undertake a delicate, and somewhat dangerous, mission. Captain Clive
tells me that he is convinced that you will be able to discharge the
duties satisfactorily.
Pages:
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194