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Updated: June 16, 2025
On my entrance he spoke to me rather peremptorily "You are Mr. Ford, are you not?" I nodded. "I am told that you speak the Indostanee language. Is that so?" "Yes, sir," I said. "Mr. Holwell and Mr. Byng are aware of it." "Very good." He nodded his head once or twice. "Those gentlemen have recommended you to the Council as a discreet, intelligent young man, which I do not doubt you are.
Holwell and his friends were no sooner unfettered, than they took water from the Dutch Tank-sail or mint, in the neighbourhood of that city, where they were received with great tenderness and humanity. The reader, we hope, will excuse us for having thus particularized a transaction so interesting and extraordinary in all its circumstances.
Holwell, the second in command, who, with the assistance of a few gallant officers, and a very feeble garrison, maintained it with uncommon courage and resolution against several attacks, until he was overpowered by numbers, and the enemy had forced their way into the castle.
He asked me many questions about the taking of Gheriah, and also about Mr Robert Clive, whose character stood high in the estimation of every one in Bengal, even the Moors having bestowed on him the name of Sabat Jung, signifying the daring in war. "We had heard of this affair before you came," Mr. Holwell told me.
Holwell had scarce strength enough to answer him. He said feebly "I can only repeat what I told you last night. Your Highness has been deceived. There is no treasure here of the Company." "You are a liar, and the son of a liar!" returned Surajah fiercely. "Do you think I am a fool to believe that the English come all the way from your country here to amass a paltry sum of fifty thousand rupees?
Whether in consequence of my cousin's representations or of Meer Jaffier's, as is more probable, Surajah Dowlah suddenly decided to release all his English prisoners, except three or four of the principal ones, including Mr. Holwell. This intelligence was brought us about supper time, and an officer shortly after attended, to make the selection of those who were to be continued in captivity.
Holwell, had so far raised our spirits that some of the prisoners made merry at the difficulty the guard seemed to be in. One man asked if we were to pass the night in that gallery. Another, who stood near me, observed in jest "They don't seem to know of the Black Hole." "I'm afraid we shouldn't all go into that," replied another, laughing. "What place do you mean?" I asked out of curiosity.
He rolled his eyes savagely as he made these threats, which struck dismay into the stoutest of us. Mr. Holwell attempted no further answer, and presently the Nabob rose in a fury and marched out of the hall, giving no orders concerning our disposal. As soon as he was gone the general of his army, Meer Jaffier, came down off the daïs and approached us.
He said all this so readily that I could not feel sure he was not sincere. Marian, poor girl, gladly believed him, and gave me a look which was plainly meant to protest against my entertaining evil thoughts of Rupert. He hurried away, as he had said, and at the same time Mr. Holwell was sent for again to the Nabob. By this time it was getting to be near evening.
Watts, whom he brought with him from Cossimbazar; and our people will be more valuable to him alive than dead. Yes; by this time tomorrow I trust Mr. Holwell and the others will be safe on board the ships, and I do not envy Mr. Drake his bitter experience when the men he has deserted confront him." While Mr. Merriman was telling his story, the Hormuzzeer was slowly drifting down the river.
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