Two days ago a letter came from the viceroy;
or, as we generally call him, the nabob, to Mr. Drake, ordering him
instantly to demolish all the fortifications which he understood he
had been erecting. Mr. Drake has sent word back, assuring the nabob
that he is erecting no new fortifications, but simply executing some
repairs in the ramparts facing the river, in view of the expected war
between England and France.
"That is all that has been done, at present; but, seeing the
passionate and overbearing disposition of this young scoundrel, there
is no saying what will come of it."
"But how do we stand here?" Charlie asked. "What are the means of
defence, supposing he should take it into his head to march, with the
army which he has raised to fight against his cousin, to the attack of
Calcutta?"
"Nothing could be worse than our position," Mr. Haines said. "Ever
since the capture of Madras, nine years ago, the directors have been
sending out orders that this place should be put in a state of
defence. During the fifty years which have passed peacefully here, the
fortifications have been entirely neglected. Instead of the space
round them being kept clear, warehouses have been built close against
them, and the fort is wholly unable to resist any attack.
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