Freda Bedi Cont'd (#3)

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De La Touche
Excerpts from The Diary of Ananda Ranga Pillai
translated from the Tamil by Order of the Government of Madras
Volumes 1-3 edited by Sir J. Frederick Price, KCSI., Late of the Indian Civil Service, Assisted by K. Rangachari, B.A., Superintendent of Records, Government Secretariat, Fort St. George
Volumes 4-12 edited by H. Dodwell, M.A., Curator, Madras Record Office
1904-1928

Tuesday, 26th September 1741, or 14th Purattasi of Durmati. — The Duc D' Orleans, captain, M. de la Touche, set sail at . . . * [Blank in the original.] to-day, bound for Acheen. The supercargo who embarked in this ship was Sultan Kandu Marakkayan Tambi....

Monday, 9th [Sic in original. But the correct date is 8th.] January 1742, or 28th Margazhi of Durmati. — This afternoon at 2, the French ship Duc d’Orleans returned from Acheen. She saluted the fort with nine guns, which was responded to by a similar number. M. de la Touche, the new super-cargo Sultan Kandu Marakkayan Tambi, and the late supercargo Husain ’Ali Beg — disembarked at 4. It is reported that the French have seized a ship of the former king of that country, for the dues outstanding against him; that frankincense and some other articles of merchandise which were on board her, together with her crew, have been transhipped to the Duc d’ Orleans, and brought away; and that the ship herself has been taken direct to Mauritius, with MM. Cotteril and Cornet on board. The cargo of the Duc d’ Orleans is said to consist of forty-four horses, thirty candies frankincense, arecanut ... [Blank in the original.] avanams, [Avanam=20,000 arecanuts.] sugar candies . . . , [Blank in the original.] and some other goods...

Sunday, [10th] January 1745, or 1st Tai of Raktakshi. — Written intelligence came this night from Karikal that a vessel belonging to Tranquebar had returned from a voyage to Acheen. The tidings brought by her were to the following effect. The French ship Favori, which sailed, on the 27th [Sic. But the correct date is 28th — vide p. 260.] Purattasi [9th October] last, from Porto Novo for Acheen, arrived at the latter place. On the 9th Arppisi, [21st October] she cast anchor at Boutrian, [In a letter of remonstrance from the French, Boutrian is said to be "on the coast of Acheen." It has not been identified. ] where she landed all her goods, and the mercantile agents who were on board. She remained there until the 23rd Karttigai, [4th December] when two English ships arrived, and after an engagement captured her. The letter further stated that M. de la Touche and a few Europeans had come by the Tranquebar ship...

Monday, 15th August 1746, or 3rd Avani, of Akshaya.—I went to M. de la Touche, and said to him: “Fifty or sixty casks of Colombo arrack are available at Porto Novo. Kindly write a letter to M. Astruc asking him to purchase them. Please also tell him to buy 500 or 600 blocks of jaggery, packed in palmyra-leaves—as many as can be procured.” He promised to do this, and asked me whether I would take twenty casks which he had by him. I inquired how he would sell them. He replied: “I will let you know what the cost to me was. Allow me some profit.” I replied: “Certainly. What is the price?” His answer was: “I paid 50 pagodas. I will take whatever profit you may give me over that sum.” I replied: “I do not require any for myself. I will pay you the full amount for which I sell to the Company.” On this he said: “Very well. There are at Madras about fifty casks more belonging to M. Vermont. The English will not permit their being taken to Pondichery. I shall, however, attempt to procure them. I will also endeavour to arrange for the purchase of as many more as may be available there. Will you, without fail, take the twenty casks which are with me? I exclaimed: “Most assuredly. The goods are mine.” He said: “So be it;” and I took leave of him. I then returned, prepared in consultation with him a list of the articles of merchandise to be supplied to the Company in the ensuing months of October and January respectively, and then went home...

Wednesday, 17th August 1746, or 5th Avani of Akshaya. —M. de la Villebague, the brother of M. de la Bourdonnais, sent for me to-day, and asked for a statement of the goods which were being manufactured, telling me that he required some for sale on the Malabar coast. He then said that the goods of which his brother had furnished me with a list must be completed soon, and promised to send me 20,000 or 25,000 pagodas on the morrow. I then remarked: “Your brother left word with you very long ago. Why did you delay so much in giving the order?” Upon this he poured forth all the sorrows of his heart, and I made a reply of some sort to him. I then took leave, and came away.

M. Paradis, who set out on Saturday for Karikal, returned to Pondichery by boat this morning, at about 6 or 7. Surprised at his speedy journey and quick return, I instituted inquiries, and learned that after reaching Karikal he breakfasted there, went on board the ship commanded by M. de la Bourdonnais, conversed with him, slept there that night, landed next morning at sunrise, breakfasted at Karikal, and started thence in a double boat, reaching Pondichery at 6 this morning. When I came to think over this journey of M. Paradis, it occurred to me that he was entrusted with some message to deliver to M. de la Bourdonnais, which either could not be conveniently conveyed in writing, or which it was feared might, if so communicated, be intercepted on the way. Trusting to time to reveal the truth or falsity of it, I will hazard a conjecture as to the nature of the message carried by him. It appears to me that the French have decided to attack either Madras, or Fort St. David. It seems probable that as soon as powder, ball, and all other munitions of war, had been conveyed on board the Marie Gertrude and two other sloops, M. Paradis was sent to communicate to M. de la Bourdonnais the time of departure of these vessels, as well as their destination; and to intimate to him at the same time that he should direct his fleet to proceed to the same place.

When M. Paradis returned, he had a talk with the Governor. After he had gone home, the Governor and M. d’Auteuil were closeted together. After a while, the former sent for me, and asked whether the horses were ready. I replied that they would be at any time, provided that three hours’ notice was given. He directed me to make the necessary arrangements.

In the afternoon, the Governor and M. Paradis went to the beach, and had a long talk. The Governor then sent for M. Auger, the Superintendent of the Port office, and directed him to engage for transport purposes all the boats, coasters, and other craft, lying in the port. He accordingly boarded everything of this class in the roads, in order to inspect, it. M. Paradis had previously visited the Company’s ships and sloops, and examined them. The Governor and he continued to converse on the beach until the evening. After they had departed, the boatmen were all impressed, and were, during the whole of the night, compelled to convey to the boats tents, poles, and other supplies; together with all the materials and stores required for a campaign by land. Such was the intelligence communicated to me. I surmise from this that a land attack is meditated, either on Madras, or Fort St. David. By and by, the matter will be made clear.

This day at half-past 9, M. de la Touche visited me at my arecanut storehouse, and asked if I would really take the twenty casks of Colombo arrack which he had by him. I replied: “Why do you doubt? I will give you a note saying that I have purchased them from you, and you had better also furnish me with one stating that you have sold them to me.” On this he said: “Your word is enough. I hear that a ship laden with arrack has arrived from Colombo. If the Governor takes the consignment, there will be no need for what I have. It was in consequence of this that I asked this question.” I replied: “Even should the Governor reject it, I will cause it to be kept in my liquor shop, for retail sale. I will certainly not withdraw from my bargain with you. Believe me implicitly that I am as honest with you, as you are with me.” Then, after talking to him on general topics for a while, I bade him farewell.

This morning, Chinna Mudali, having heard that Annapurna Aiyan was also an applicant for the situation of chief dubash, reviled him before an assembly of 100 persons, in a most intemperate manner, and without any decency whatever, in the following words: “His daughter is an unchaste girl. His wife is a lustful woman, who has in her amours no scruple as to caste or creed. She is also on terms of intimacy with Muhammadans and East Indians. He owed my brother about 80 or 90 pagodas, but declines to repay the amount, on the ground that, as a set off, he treated some sick members of the family. I will take care that he is imprisoned.” Then Krimasi Pandit, addressing Madananda Pandit, said: “Chinna Mudali is as excited as he is, because he fears that Annapurna Aiyan may secure the appointment. I suppose that he will calm down when this man fails to get it. I will tell him not to seek the post. I do not know who gave him such false information.” Madananda Pandit replied: “Annapurna Aiyan told me, in person, that he had secured Rs. 10,000, that if I would be instrumental in obtaining a further sum of Rs. 6,000 from Tarwadi, he would be appointed to the situation, and that this had been settled through the intervention of Madame Dupleix.”

The foregoing account of what occurred in Chinna Mudali’s house was related to me by Krimasi Pandit....

Tuesday, 13th September 1746, or 1st Purattasi of Akshaya. — This morning, the Governor directed me to tell my brother Tiruvengadam to set out with Krishnaiyan the Hasty and Chinna Tambu Rangappa Chetti, under escort of twenty peons. They were to pass through Mortandi Chavadi and Tirukkazhukkunram, halt at Covelong, and thence make their way to Madras along the sea shore. He gave me a letter addressed to M. de la Bourdonnais, and two others to MM. d’Espremenil and Paradis, which were to be handed over to my brother, and he instructed me to despatch him at once on his journey. I accordingly delivered the three letters to my brother. The Governor, in person, told him to see the merchants and others at Madras, and persuade them to settle at Pondichery with all their effects. He also authorised him to execute the necessary agreements, and make such conditions as he thought fit. These the Governor promised to ratify. He further enjoined on me to caution my brother to be always circumspect; which I did. In addition to this I advised him to report to me, from time to time, what took place at Madras, and to maintain in a book a concise diary of the occurrences of every day. I further suggested to him that inasmuch as M. de la Bourdonnais was accompanied by his brother, he should keep M. d’Espremenil and others informed of everything done by M. de la Bourdonnais that might come to his knowledge, and I urged on him that his conduct should be such as would earn the approval of the Governor.

It was about 9 o'clock when my brother set out with Krishnaiyan the Hasty and Rangappa Chetti. These being troublous times, Heaven only knows how uneasy I felt when he bade me farewell. Just as he got into the palanquin, somebody behind us sneezed, and Kunjan, the interpreter of M. de la Touche, drew the attention of Arunachala Chetti to this. I requested Arunachala Chetti to escort my brother as far as the Vazhudavur gate. He did so, and on his return informed me that with the exception of the sneeze, there was no other omen— auspicious or otherwise. I remarked: “This is a journey which has been undertaken with misgivings and feelings of depression. The sneeze signifies that there is no ground for anxiety, and that he will return to us in safety. Under the circumstances, the omen portends no ill.” With these words, I permitted him to retire.

All the town-gates, which for the past two days had been closed in view to prevent the residents from leaving, were thrown open at day-break to-day, and people have been going in and out, as freely as ever....

Sunday, 18th September 1746, or 6th Purattasi of Akshaya.— The following are the contents of a letter received this day by Tanappa Mudali, from Maduranayagam of Mylapore: “Those [See appendix.] who were encamped at Tolasinga Perumal Koyil at Triplicane have since moved to Chintadripet, and have displayed the white colours. The Madrasis, seeing them, fired seven cannon, but without effect, as the shot fell about five furlongs short of the camp. Mr. Morse, the Governor of Madras, has become insane, and his place is occupied by the Chief [See appendix. The “Chief” referred to is evidently Mr. Stratton, who for some time had been Chief of Vizagapatam, this title being that applied to the civil officer in principal charge of a factory. In the original, the term used is “Chief Captain.”] of Vizagapatam. All the guns mounted on the out-works of the fort have been spiked, and cast away. The English have thrown open the gates of the city, and are only looking to the security of their fort. Some of the troops raised by Peddu Nayakkan there have deserted, and Mr. Barneval has had an interview with M. de la Bourdonnais.”

This letter was read and explained to the Governor, who then apprised his councillors and others, in detail, of the circumstances of Mr. Morse’s mental aberration, of his being succeeded by the Chief of Vizagapatam, and of the encampment of our army at Chintadripet. They all exultantly indulged in jeering at and depreciating the English. I, also, was summoned, and made acquainted with everything mentioned above. I replied to the Governor: “This does not come as a great surprise to me. The people of Madras were in utter dismay at the mere report that you had set out for Ozhukarai. Is it then a marvel that the actual sight of an army should have unhinged their minds?” Concurring with me, he asked some particulars concerning the position of Chintadripet, and the fortress at Madras. I described them as far as I knew, and in such terms as would be likely to please him. It would probably occupy six pages to record here the whole of the conversation which took place then, but the gist of it was as I have written above.

About noon, a letter was brought to the Governor by some Brahmans from Mahe, who had performed the journey in twelve days. In this it was stated that seven ships which left France this year had touched at Mahe, and had set out on their way hither. The joy which this intelligence has aroused in his breast is beyond description. The news concerning Madras, when added to this intelligence, has raised in him hopes of ample resources to enable him to prosecute the expedition against the English with success, and to place the Company’s trade once more on a sound basis. The gratification which this prospect has caused to him is indescribable.

This day, a letter was received from M. de la Bourdonnais.

M. de la Touche having obtained the consent of his mother to marry Madle. Astruc, has sought and obtained that of the Governor also. The preparations for the wedding are progressing, and M. de la Touche’s delight, and lightness of heart, are beyond expression in writing...

Monday, 19th September 1746, or 7th Purattasi of Akshaya. —To-day, before visiting the Governor, I visited M. de la Touche, and congratulated him on his approaching marriage. I thence went to M. Cornet’s, where I checked with him the account of broad-cloths taken by me, and furnished him with a receipt, addressing it to the Governor. I also obtained from him, for delivery to the Governor, a copy in his own hand of the bill, and received the balance of the sum due for cloths required by M. d’Espremenil.

Having taken leave of him, I was proceeding to the house of the Governor, when I heard that a camel express had brought a letter from Nawab Anwar-ud- din Khan. As soon as I arrived, Tanappa Mudali, who was there, said to me as follows:—

“Nawab Anwar-ud-din Khan has sent a letter by a camel courier. He points out in it that the Madrasis had some time ago planned to attack Pondichery, but at his intercession abstained from doing so. He considers it a matter for surprise that in defiance of his remonstrances, the French should have despatched an expedition against the English. He says that it is unjust that the Guzeratis, Pathans, and other classes of people of the trading communities at Madras [Vide footnote at p. 284.] should be disquieted in this way. He reiterates his astonishment that, notwithstanding all his expostulations, the French should have done this, and concludes with an expression of the hope that they will in future refrain from affording ground for similar complaints. When this letter was read to the Governor, he, with a grimace, ordered me to send a reply couched in the following courteous terms: ‘No harm will be done to the merchants of Madras, [M. Dupliex was evidently under a misconception as to the position of Mr. Stratton, and was no doubt misled by the use of the words “Chief Captain” used in the reports perused by him, which he clearly took to mean a naval captain. Mr. Stratton was at the time of the capture of Madras a member of the Council there. See also Appendix (p. 410).] and any offender found guilty of wrong doing will be punished by the Commander-in-Chief of the French fleet.’ A letter to this effect was despatched by the camel courier.”

As we were thus conversing together, the Governor summoned me, and said: “A letter from M. de la Bourdonnais was received last night. When our people marched into the Governor’s garden at Madras, the English fired only about twenty or thirty guns, but the shot flew high. If the Governor lost his nerve, could not a councillor take his place? Was it becoming that the captain of a ship should be invested with his powers, and be called upon to exercise the functions of a Governor? Is there any other example of such a height of folly? These men have brought infamy on the whole English race.”

I observed: “They have disgraced their nation, and you have graced yours. Moreover, the fame of the French nation has, through you, spread as far as Delhi, and the French are spoken of night and day as possessing valour and prowess to a degree to which no other nation can lay claim. This is attributable to your individuality, and you have thereby cast a permanent lustre on the name of your family."

He replied: “Rangappa, did 1 not tell you before that those who laughed then would afterwards weep, and that it was their last fit of laughter, whilst those who wept then would later on laugh? Has my prediction proved untrue.”

I answered: “Sir; did I not then tell you that your hopes would be realized, that you would acquire imperishable fame, that your name would be held in great esteem throughout Europe, as well as India, and that you would be appointed a Marshal of France, and raised to the highest rank in the kingdom.”

“True,” replied he.

I added: “If you will not take offence at the liberty I take, I will mention a small incident which 1 remember.”

“Not at all,” he said: “Proceed.”

I then continued: “This time last year, a Brahman, referring to the circumstance that the ships had not arrived, assured me that in the current month of this year, the Governor would capture Madras, Fort St. David, and Cuddalore, and gather very great renown.”

“Was it a Brahman who said this,” he asked. “Yes, sir,” I replied.

“No other class of men can bear comparison with Brahmans in point of intelligence,” he observed.

I continued : “Quite so. The Brahman further said that when the attention of the King of France was drawn to these achievements, he would be so much gratified that he would appoint the Governor, a Marshal.”

“How did the Brahman come to know the title of ‘Marshal,’” he exclaimed.

I replied: “What that Brahman said was that the Governor was destined to be eminently fortunate, and that, when the news of the capture of the towns which I have mentioned reached the ears of the King, the latter would be so much pleased that he would favour him with rare presents, confer on him an exalted position, and keep him near himself; and that his career thenceforth would be one of marked distinction. It then struck me that the distinction referred to must be that of a Marshal, and I interpreted it as Marshal of France.” This aroused joy in his heart, and he cried out, laughingly, “Many thanks: much obliged.”

I said: “All your great deeds have been rendered into lays, and are being sung.”

“Who is it that sings? Who is the originator of this?” he asked.

“The people have done this in excess of the joy which fills their heart,” replied I.

He then observed: “You must have been the author of this. I imagine that you are accomplished in this branch of the fine arts. I now recollect, the way in which you were wont to listen when attending musical parties here.”

“I can pretend to but little musical knowledge,” 1 replied.

“I know it too well to need to be enlightened by you” was his answer.

He then asked what the import of the songs was.

I replied: "They set forth, amongst other matters, how undauntedly and courageously you faced the days when no ships appeared here, and when enemies were overwhelming you; how the very mention of your name so terrified the English as to cause their bowels to fall out, how, within six months, you erected earth-works and fortifications on the beach which would have taken another person not less than three years, how you, having procured men-of-war from France, defeated and dispersed the English ships sinking one and seriously damaging the rest, and how your heroic achievements have won the admiration of the Emperor of Delhi, and indeed of all European countries. I have heard that these deeds, and several others, are celebrated in the songs.”

He exclaimed: "You must have caused these to be composed, and sung; for no others knew of all these matters.”

He then retired into the room where his wife lay, and in consultation with her, sent word through Narayaua Pillai, to the minstrels to attend and sing before them. In obedience to this order, Narayana Pillai brought Kasturi Rangaiyan and Venkata Naranappa Aiyan. The Governor however put off the party to the following day, as his wife was then sleeping.

Upon this Narayana Pillai said to me: “The Governor asked me some questions regarding the songs. I told him that some Brahman songster or other had entertained us with them at a musical performance at your house, and that several of the townspeople were reported to be learning them by heart. This piece of news made the Governor merry beyond measure. The state of Madame Dupleix’s feelings was similar. He asked me whether the songs were in Telugu, or Tamil, to which I replied that they were in Telugu. He then inquired whether they could not be composed in Tamil. I answered that I would consult you.”

I pointed out to him that if the songs were composed in Tamil, they could not be sung in Arcot, Mysore, and Golconda, but that if a Tamil rendering of them was required, a performance in that tongue could be arranged for in a week. With these remarks I bade him adieu.

I then went home, ate my dinner, and was about to lie down for a rest, when the singers told me that they were summoned by the Governor and his wife, and that two peons had come. I then instructed them, at some length, as to how they should conduct themselves in the presence of Europeans, and bade them go.

The musicians were taken into the house of the Governor where he, his consort, his sister-in-law, and the wife of Pedro Mousse, were assembled. A carpet was spread for them to sit upon, and they were asked to proceed. As the songs were poured forth by the minstrels in all their melodious grandeur, two or three European ladies translated them into Tamil to Madame Dupleix, who in turn rendered them into French to her husband. They all enjoyed the performance very much. It was mentioned in the song that two of the French ships captured by the English had been sold by the latter to the Dutch, and that the French had addressed a remonstrance to the Dutch, and wrung from them an agreement to refund the value of these. The Governor desired that this should be so altered as to convey the meaning that the French, by way of a penalty, had demanded and received 15,000 pagodas from the Dutch. He further suggested that some lines should be added to commemorate the circumstance that in an engagement between the English squadron, and the French country ship Pondichery, the captain of the latter, M. [Puel] discharged a cannon shot which inflicted a wound in the back of the British Commodore Mr Barnet and eventually caused his death. [This appears to be without the slightest foundation in fact.] Certain other additions were also mentioned by him, and he desired the minstrels to attend again, and sing once more the song as revised. The performance aroused in the hearts of the audience intense pleasure, and a show of spirits to a degree beyond all description. They wished some other words inserted in the song, and asked the singers to have it altered as directed, and to come again, and give another rendering. They were very charmed with it, laughed, and made merry: their delight was beyond measure...

Sunday, 2nd October 1746, or 20th Purattasi of Akshaya. —Nothing of more importance than the following occurred to-day. As M. de la Bourdonnais had declared that he took all responsibility for his conduct at Madras on himself, and would explain it direct to the Company, and that the Council at Pondichery had no concern in the matter, an order was sent investing M. d’Espremenil with supreme power at Madras, and directing the imprisonment of M. de la Bourdonnais, in case that he refused to acknowledge M. d’Espremenil’s authority. The Governor, and the other Europeans, were engaged to-day in discussing this subject. They did nothing but speculate on the probable conduct of M. de la Bourdonnais; whether he would obey the order of the Council, or whether, relying on his strength, he would defy it, and command those who conveyed the order to him to depart, there was, also, much talk as to the expected arrival of three ships which had been ordered to sail from Mahe, and doubts were expressed whether they would reach Pondichery by the end of October. As for me, I passed my day in the usual round of business.

This morning, the first banns of the marriage contemplated between M. de la Touche, and the younger sister of M. Astruc, the present Deputy Governor of Porto Novo, were published in the church.

I did not go to the Governor’s house, as I went to see M. Dubois in the morning, and after chatting with him proceeded at 10, to the arecanut store-house....

Friday, 7th October 1746, or 25th, Purattasi of Akshaya. — M. Bonneau, the Councillor at Mascareigne, who went some time ago from Pondichery to Madras, returned from the latter place, at 8 this morning. He had been imprisoned by M. de la Bourdonnais, but was released when M. d’Espremenil assumed charge. He left Madras secretly the night before last, and going to Mylapore, started thence, and arrived at Pondichery at 8, When he reached the Governor’s house, all the Councillors were summoned, and a Council was held. Just then, a letter arrived from Madras by post. A despatch for that place was sent by the post at noon, after the Council had broken up.

I asked M. de la Touche to tell me why a Council sat yesterday, from sunrise until 6 in the evening, and again until noon to-day, and why the Governor appeared depressed. He replied to me as follows: “M. de la Bourdonnais, in celebration of his Saint's day, ordered guns to be fired at Madras, at sunrise, on the 21st and 22nd Purattasi (3rd and 4th October). He then invited M. d'Espremenil, M. Dalaurens, M. de Bury, M. Paradis, M. Barthelemy, M. de la Tour, and other distinguished men, to dine with him in the fort at midday. When the guests were seated at table, M. de la Bourdonnais addressed them, and said, ‘I have received a report that English ships are approaching. You must permit me to embark all the soldiers from Pondichery on board my fleet.' ‘No, No’ cried M. de Bury, M. Paradis, and their companions. M. de la Bourdonnais frowned on them, and ordered twenty-four of his men, who were under arms, to seize M. de Bury, M. Paradis, and M. de la Tour, and to keep them in custody. He deprived M. d’Espremenil of his authority, and assumed the sole power. He next ordered that the soldiers be embarked on board his ships, and directed that the merchandise in the fort and town should be conveyed on board."

The prompt measures adopted by M. de la Bourdonnais,  in disobedience of the Council's orders, lead me to think that he will restore Madras to the English, and set sail with his ships for France, carrying away with him all the merchandise which he found in Madras. His future action is uncertain. The anxiety experienced by M. Dupleix is indeed great. The desire which he cherished, for the last two years, was the capture of Madras. When M. de la Bourdonnais demurred to this, on the ground that he had no orders from the King and his Ministers, M. Dupleix overruled his objections, by giving him a written statement in which he took all the responsibility on himself. Finally, when Madras was captured, and the French flag was hoisted on its walls, M. de la Bourdonnais, setting at naught the orders of M. Dupleix, plundered the fort of all the treasures which it contained, and then restored it to the English. If M. Dupleix is to derive no advantage from the capture of Madras, if his orders are to be set aside, and the men whom he sent thither are to be imprisoned, what greater evil could befall him in this world? Hence his grief is boundless, his reputation, too, has declined much in the estimation of the outside public....

Tuesday, 11th October 1746, or 29th Purattasi of Akshaya.— This day, M. de la Touche was married to a lady who is the daughter of M. Astruc, formerly the Deputy Governor of the Dutch factory at Porto Novo, and sister of the present Deputy Governor of that place. Madame [Dupleix] was present on the occasion. At night, the Governor attended the ceremony. The wedding was celebrated in the ordinary way. There were no extraordinary rejoicings, for the Governor was troubled by the state of affairs at Madras, and was sad at heart. Every one present shared the general depression. I presented the married couple with a roll of lace valued at Rs. 130, a white shawl valued at Rs. 62, plantains, sugar-candy, sugar, flowers, milk, and twenty hares. Before nightfall, in company with some others, I visited thrice the place where the marriage was celebrated. They presented betel and nut to me, and sprinkled me with rosewater.

M. Labougie arrived this morning from Madras. He conversed with the Governor. A Council was afterwards held. I could not have a talk with M. Dupleix; and as I had done during the last six or seven days, I went to the arecanut store-house, and thence home.

The letters which I received yesterday, and to-day, from Arcot, mentioned that Nawab Anwar-ud-din Khan was extremely ill, that Muhammad Mahfuz Khan, his eldest son, had been invested with the title of Nawab, that Muhammad Ali Khan was encamped at Ranipettai, preparatory to marching against the Mahrattas, that Mahfuz Khan, Sampati Rao, and others, went to visit Muhammad ’Ali at Ranipettai, that Sampati Rao had been presented by Muhammad ’Ali with an elephant, and a dress of honour, and that Mahfuz Khan, and the others, had returned to Arcot. The letters also contained the following information.

Vidya Chand, the agent of Saiyid Fazl Khan, complained to the Diwan, and through him, to the Kotwal, [An official who combined the duties of a police officer and Magistrate.] that I had not yet paid the amount for which I stood surety for Vannipettu. Thereupon, the Kotwal sent tor my agent, Samba Aiyan, and intimated this to him. He replied that he knew nothing about this, that there might be a hundred such transactions unknown to him, and that the matter should be settled with his master at Pondichery. The Kotwal then directed him to address me.

I wrote letters to Appaji Pandit, and Kevurvaram Kodanda Rama Aiyan, stating that I never stood surety for any one, that I merely wrote a letter of recommendation on behalf of Ragava Pandit, that in that year disturbances took place on three occasions, and that I was therefore not responsible for anything that had happened. I moreover, enclosed a copy of the letter written by the Governor of Pondichery in reply to a reference made to him on the subject. I asked those to whom I wrote to bribe the Kotwal, settle the matter reasonably, and not allow it to be dragged before the public; and I gave them permission to put two of Husain Sahib’s men into the shops at Lalapettai and Arcot. I gave these letters to the agent of Kodanda Rama Aiyan, with instructions to him to start the next morning, and travel in company with Kanukoyi Srinivasa Rao’s men.

In connection with a dispute regarding a water channel at Karikal, I wrote letters to Prakasa Mudali, Srinivasa Rao the son of Melugiri Pandit, Kandappan, and the grandson of Sesha Aiyangar, telling them to conciliate the villagers to the west and the east of the channel, impress upon them that they should abide by the orders of M. Paradis, and urge upon the lessees of the late Kanakaraya Mudali that it was unjust to disturb a long-standing custom....

Wednesday, 12th October 1746, or 30th Purattasi of Akshaya. -- This day, M. Melville arrived from Madras, and brought news that the fort had been given back to the English, that M. de la Bourdonnais, treating with contempt the orders of the Council here, had placed in confinement those who came from Pondichery, and had subsequently set them at liberty, that M. Dulaurens, M. d’Espremenil, M. Barthelemy, M. de Bury and others, and my brother Tiruvengadam, were returning, that they had halted at Mylapore, and that they were intending to move on hither. He said, also, that M. de la Bourdonnais was making ready provisions, arms, and other supplies necessary for his ships, and was preparing to set sail.

In the letter written by my brother to me, he said that M. d’Espremenil, other Frenchmen, and he had reached Mylapore on their way to Pondichery, and that they would leave on the following day. He further requested that in the event of there being any delay in their departure I would arrange to recall him at once, as he was ill.

The trouble that the Governor took in writing despatches to be placed on board a ship bound for France, and the vexation apparent in his face, cannot be described.

At 10 this morning, a letter came by post from Madras. From this it appeared that 2 lakhs of pagodas had been buried by the English under the flagstaff, that the matter came to the knowledge of M. de la Bourdonnais, and that thereupon he said to Mr. Morse the Governor of Madras and the other Englishmen, as follows: “You have cheated me. Believing that you spoke the truth, I incurred even the displeasure of the Governor of Pondichery. I wished to give back to you your fort and town, and for that purpose I requested all his people to depart. I executed the necessary agreement, and I was preparing to leave in two or three days. But as you have deceived me in this manner, there is no knowing in how many other ways you may not mean to mislead me.” He then destroyed the agreement which he had executed in their favour, placed Mr. Morse and his companions in confinement, sent back to the ships the Englishmen whom he had brought ashore, landed the troops from Pondichery that had been embarked by him, and set French soldiers to guard all the gates of the town. Ho wrote a letter to the Governor of Pondichery stating that as the English had deceived him, he had now destroyed the treaty and remanded them all to custody, and asking that M. d’Espremenil, and others, might be sent to resume possession of the fort. Thereupon, the Governor felt relieved, and was happy. The Council met, and an order was issued to M. d Espremenil, and others, to return—wherever on their way the order might reach them—to Madras. I heard this from M. de laTouche, and others. As to the private news of the place, I know nothing. I shall inquire more particularly, and write it down by and by.

This evening, M. de la Tour, M. Bruyeres, and M. de Kerjean, arrived from Madras. The Governor started them off again, at 8, with orders to return there.

To-day the Governor posted three letters for Madras.

At daybreak tomorrow, the Dipavali festival will commence...

[Saturday], 15th October 1746, or 2nd Arppisi of Return of Akshaya. -- [This is a repetition, evidently through oversight, of the entry regarding this officer at the preceding page.] Major Avice who came from France in chief command of the soldiers on board the three vessels previously mentioned, and was sent to M. de la Bourdonnais at Madras, returned yesterday, at midnight. He delivered a letter to the Governor, and also communicated some news to him. What he said is not known.

This morning, the Council met, and did not break Council up until noon. I ate my cold rice at sunrise, went to M. de la Touche, and had an interview with him. I then visited M. Dubois, had a talk with him, and reached the Governor’s house by half-past 9. As he was engaged at Council, I proceeded to my arecanut store-house at 10, and seated myself there. Wandiwash Tiruvengada Pillai then delivered to me a letter written on palmyra-loaf sent by Kandappan from Karikal. The contents of this were:—

"The working party which went to open the bar of the river to the west of the village of Vadakkuvattam asked me for 17 pagodas alleged to be the expenses of the work. I replied: 'You know that some time ago, when the Raja came with his horsemen, a rising took place, the place was plundered, and then from 1,000 to 2,000 men assembled and fought. Are we to pay these expenses also? Is it not right that you should defray them. What is it to us?’ They answered that the Governor had told them that in former days Wandiwash Tiruvengada Pillai had taken upon himself charges of this nature. I observed that this man had been entrusted with some money on account of the affairs of the Company, but that my master had informed me that he would not bear these expenses. They told me that I must nevertheless pay them. I said that I knew nothing about it, and that I would write to my master on the subject, and I then went away.”

I took the letter to Wandiwash Tiruvengada Pillai, and asked him to read it, as a reply was required. Having perused it, he said: “We never paid a cash towards the expenses of the working party; what is it to us?” I at once had a reply to this effect written to Kandappan of Karikal, sealed and posted it. I sent away the peon Pichandi, who had brought the letter, and returned home at noon. When all this took place, there were present at the distillery-house Sesha Aiyangar, Gopalakrishna Aiyan, Appaji, Nilakanta Nayakkan, Tyaga Aiyan, and Venkatachala Aiyan.

It will be remembered that on the 30th Purattasi last (12th October), M. de la Bourdonnais wrote a letter to the Governor in which he said: “Please send your officers and Councillors. I will deliver the fort of Madras to you. I have cancelled the agreement whereby it was to be left in the possession of the English.” In consequence of this M. d’Espremenil, and others, returned to Madras. In another letter which he wrote on the following day, he stated that he had restored Madras to the English. Thereupon, the Council met, and as he had thus disgraced them, they sent him a reprimand. Before however this could reach him, he had, on the next day, forwarded another letter to the Governor saying: “I have neither restored Madras to the English, nor have I placed it under the control of the Council at Pondichery.  I do not know what I shall finally do. I am as yet undecided.” This was the reason why, the day before yesterday, the Council sat until 10 at night, and an answer was hurriedly prepared at 11, and despatched with proper instructions to the runners.

The measure of the disgrace brought by M. de la Bourdonnais upon the Governor and his Councillors can hardly he adequately expressed. As an attempt to enlarge upon this point would be indiscreet on my part, I have recorded the important part only. Wise people will understand it.

-- The Diary of Ananda Ranga Pillai, translated from the Tamil by Order of the Government of Madras, edited by Sir J. Frederick Price, KCSI., Late of the Indian Civil Service, Assisted by K. Rangachari, B.A., Superintendent of Records, Government Secretariat, Fort St. George, Volume 1, 1904

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De La Tour
Excerpts from The Diary of Ananda Ranga Pillai
translated from the Tamil by Order of the Government of Madras
Volumes 1-3 edited by Sir J. Frederick Price, KCSI., Late of the Indian Civil Service, Assisted by K. Rangachari, B.A., Superintendent of Records, Government Secretariat, Fort St. George
Volumes 4-12 edited by H. Dodwell, M.A., Curator, Madras Record Office
1904-1928

Monday, [28th July 1738, or] 16th Adi of Kalayukti. — The St. Geran was got in readiness this evening, to proceed to Karikal. On board were M. Aubin, the captain of the vessel, M. de la Tour the commander of the troops, M. Roussel the Chief Major, Lieutenant Coquelin, and a party of 100 soldiers. M. Delarche and M. St. Gille — the latter being a half caste — also embarked to perform the duties of accountants at Karikal. A party of bricklayers, carpenters, and sawyers — sixty or seventy in number — was shipped in the evening, together with a supply of bricks, lime, and building tools of various kinds, such as spades and saws. The ship got under weigh, and the sails were set, but the breeze dying away, she was again brought to an anchor....

Friday, 7th October 1746, or 25th, Purattasi of Akshaya. — M. Bonneau, the Councillor at Mascareigne, who went some time ago from Pondichery to Madras, returned from the latter place, at 8 this morning. He had been imprisoned by M. de la Bourdonnais, but was released when M. d’Espremenil assumed charge. He left Madras secretly the night before last, and going to Mylapore, started thence, and arrived at Pondichery at 8, When he reached the Governor’s house, all the Councillors were summoned, and a Council was held. Just then, a letter arrived from Madras by post. A despatch for that place was sent by the post at noon, after the Council had broken up.

I asked M. de la Touche to tell me why a Council sat yesterday, from sunrise until 6 in the evening, and again until noon to-day, and why the Governor appeared depressed. He replied to me as follows: “M. de la Bourdonnais, in celebration of his Saint's day, ordered guns to be fired at Madras, at sunrise, on the 21st and 22nd Purattasi (3rd and 4th October). He then invited M. d'Espremenil, M. Dalaurens, M. de Bury, M. Paradis, M. Barthelemy, M. de la Tour, and other distinguished men, to dine with him in the fort at midday. When the guests were seated at table, M. de la Bourdonnais addressed them, and said, ‘I have received a report that English ships are approaching. You must permit me to embark all the soldiers from Pondichery on board my fleet.' ‘No, No’ cried M. de Bury, M. Paradis, and their companions. M. de la Bourdonnais frowned on them, and ordered twenty-four of his men, who were under arms, to seize M. de Bury, M. Paradis, and M. de la Tour, and to keep them in custody. He deprived M. d’Espremenil of his authority, and assumed the sole power. He next ordered that the soldiers be embarked on board his ships, and directed that the merchandise in the fort and town should be conveyed on board."

The prompt measures adopted by M. de la Bourdonnais, in disobedience of the Council's orders, lead me to think that he will restore Madras to the English, and set sail with his ships for France, carrying away with him all the merchandise which he found in Madras. His future action is uncertain. The anxiety experienced by M. Dupleix is indeed great. The desire which he cherished, for the last two years, was the capture of Madras. When M. de la Bourdonnais demurred to this, on the ground that he had no orders from the King and his Ministers, M. Dupleix overruled his objections, by giving him a written statement in which he took all the responsibility on himself. Finally, when Madras was captured, and the French flag was hoisted on its walls, M. de la Bourdonnais, setting at naught the orders of M. Dupleix, plundered the fort of all the treasures which it contained, and then restored it to the English. If M. Dupleix is to derive no advantage from the capture of Madras, if his orders are to be set aside, and the men whom he sent thither are to be imprisoned, what greater evil could befall him in this world? Hence his grief is boundless, his reputation, too, has declined much in the estimation of the outside public....

Wednesday, 12th October 1746, or 30th Purattasi of Akshaya. -- This day, M. Melville arrived from Madras, and brought news that the fort had been given back to the English, that M. de la Bourdonnais, treating with contempt the orders of the Council here, had placed in confinement those who came from Pondichery, and had subsequently set them at liberty, that M. Dulaurens, M. d’Espremenil, M. Barthelemy, M. de Bury and others, and my brother Tiruvengadam, were returning, that they had halted at Mylapore, and that they were intending to move on hither. He said, also, that M. de la Bourdonnais was making ready provisions, arms, and other supplies necessary for his ships, and was preparing to set sail.

In the letter written by my brother to me, he said that M. d’Espremenil, other Frenchmen, and he had reached Mylapore on their way to Pondichery, and that they would leave on the following day. He further requested that in the event of there being any delay in their departure I would arrange to recall him at once, as he was ill.

The trouble that the Governor took in writing despatches to be placed on board a ship bound for France, and the vexation apparent in his face, cannot be described.

At 10 this morning, a letter came by post from Madras. From this it appeared that 2 lakhs of pagodas had been buried by the English under the flagstaff, that the matter came to the knowledge of M. de la Bourdonnais, and that thereupon he said to Mr. Morse the Governor of Madras and the other Englishmen, as follows: “You have cheated me. Believing that you spoke the truth, I incurred even the displeasure of the Governor of Pondichery. I wished to give back to you your fort and town, and for that purpose I requested all his people to depart. I executed the necessary agreement, and I was preparing to leave in two or three days. But as you have deceived me in this manner, there is no knowing in how many other ways you may not mean to mislead me.” He then destroyed the agreement which he had executed in their favour, placed Mr. Morse and his companions in confinement, sent back to the ships the Englishmen whom he had brought ashore, landed the troops from Pondichery that had been embarked by him, and set French soldiers to guard all the gates of the town. Ho wrote a letter to the Governor of Pondichery stating that as the English had deceived him, he had now destroyed the treaty and remanded them all to custody, and asking that M. d’Espremenil, and others, might be sent to resume possession of the fort. Thereupon, the Governor felt relieved, and was happy. The Council met, and an order was issued to M. d Espremenil, and others, to return—wherever on their way the order might reach them—to Madras. I heard this from M. de laTouche, and others. As to the private news of the place, I know nothing. I shall inquire more particularly, and write it down by and by.

This evening, M. de la Tour, M. Bruyeres, and M. de Kerjean, arrived from Madras. The Governor started them off again, at 8, with orders to return there.

To-day the Governor posted three letters for Madras.

At daybreak tomorrow, the Dipavali festival will commence...

The Diary of Ananda Ranga Pillai, translated from the Tamil by Order of the Government of Madras, edited by Sir J. Frederick Price, KCSI., Late of the Indian Civil Service, Assisted by K. Rangachari, B.A., Superintendent of Records, Government Secretariat, Fort St. George, Volume 1, 1904

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du Laurens
Excerpts from The Diary of Ananda Ranga Pillai
translated from the Tamil by Order of the Government of Madras
Volumes 1-3 edited by Sir J. Frederick Price, KCSI., Late of the Indian Civil Service, Assisted by K. Rangachari, B.A., Superintendent of Records, Government Secretariat, Fort St. George
Volumes 4-12 edited by H. Dodwell, M.A., Curator, Madras Record Office
1904-1928

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Delarche [de Larche ] [d l'Arche]
Excerpts from The Diary of Ananda Ranga Pillai
translated from the Tamil by Order of the Government of Madras
Volumes 1-3 edited by Sir J. Frederick Price, KCSI., Late of the Indian Civil Service, Assisted by K. Rangachari, B.A., Superintendent of Records, Government Secretariat, Fort St. George
Volumes 4-12 edited by H. Dodwell, M.A., Curator, Madras Record Office
1904-1928

Select Committee, 30th May, 1762

P. 27

Letter from the Select Committee, Madras, dated 4th instant, saying that Colonel Caillaud is besieging Arni, after which the troops will go into quarters during the hot weather, that Admiral Cornish had sailed for Bombay, that a French ship, the Fidele, had visited Negapatam and had left the coast without effecting any captures, that they have embarked Captain Freake with part of his troop and 50 French prisoners for Bengal, but that the question of the cost of dieting of the former must be settled by the Court of Directors, that they disapprove of our custom of granting batta to officers whilst at sea, and have instead agreed to allow the Commanders of vessels conveying them Rs. 2 per day for the diet of each officer and 8 annas for each private, and recommend us to follow the same rule, regarding which they have also written to Bombay.

P. 29

Extract from a letter from Monsr. deLaurens at Negapatam to his uncle Monsr. de l'Arche (sic) [de Larche/Delarche] at Madras, dated 19th April, and intercepted by Mr. Turner, Chief at Cuddalore, describing the state of affairs in the French settlements.

-- An Abstract of the Early Records of the Foreign Department, Part 1, 1756-1762, by S. Charles Hill, B.A., B.Sc., Officer in Charge of the Records of the Government of India, 1901

Monday, [28th July 1738, or] 16th Adi of Kalayukti. — The St. Geran was got in readiness this evening, to proceed to Karikal. On board were M. Aubin, the captain of the vessel, M. de la Tour the commander of the troops, M. Roussel the Chief Major, Lieutenant Coquelin, and a party of 100 soldiers. M. Delarche and M. St. Gille — the latter being a half caste — also embarked to perform the duties of accountants at Karikal. A party of bricklayers, carpenters, and sawyers — sixty or seventy in number — was shipped in the evening, together with a supply of bricks, lime, and building tools of various kinds, such as spades and saws. The ship got under weigh, and the sails were set, but the breeze dying away, she was again brought to an anchor.

The news is that M. Delarche, [Son of a captain in the French service and of a Creole mother. Dupleix describes him as almost faultless save for his vanity, ‘vice ordinaire de l’enfant de l’Inde.’ (Google translate: ordinary vice of the child from India.) He knew Persian, and married an Armenian woman. Cultru, pp. 40, 50; Cj. ante ii 326.]...

Saturday, 11th September 1745, or 30th Avani of Krodhana. — At noon, the Nawab sent a message that he was coming. On this, everything was put in order in the town, all the gates of which, with the exception of the Vazhudavur, on the western side, were closed. Outside the gate, and to the south of it, but within the boundary of the ditch, a tent was pitched. M. Dupleix, the Deputy Governor, the Councillors, Kanakaraya Mudali, I, and other men of rank, started in procession from the Governor’s house. We were attended by Mahe Muhammadans * [It seems probable that these were Moplahs.] and Carnatic sepoys carrying muskets on their shoulders, and by police peons, who bore spears. Musicians with flags were mounted on the backs of elephants, camels, and horses, and they played on kettle and one-headed drums, and other instruments. The procession also included dancing-girls, with their drums and cymbals. In this order, the procession set out from the Governor’s residence at noon, and repaired to the tent erected outside the western gate. The Governor and his co-administrators entered this. The soldiers were marshalled in a line on the glacis, up to the ramparts; and everything was made ready for the arrival of the Nawab. MM. Desmarets and Le Maire, and Kanakaraya Mudali, were deputed to intimate to him that everything was prepared for his reception. Having fulfilled their mission, they returned. Information arrived at 2, that the Nawab had left his camp. Immediately afterwards, Sampati Rao and Mir Ghulam Husain arrived in a palanquin. Those who were in the tent issued forth, and having embraced the new-comers, led them in, and accommodated them with seats. Shortly after this, Karim ’Ali Khan, ’Abd-ul-jalil, and a few others arrived. They were received with the same attentions; that is, those who were in the tent came out, embraced them, brought them in, and conducted them to their seats. After this, Nawab Anwar-ud-din Khan arrived in a litter; Husain Sahib, Miyan Sahib, Fath Muhammad ... * [Blank in the original.] accompanying him in others. He was attended by musicians, who rode on elephants, and played on kettle, one-headed, and other kinds of drums. In his train came three elephants, twenty horsemen, a hundred foot, and twenty palanquins. During the time between that at which the cavalcade neared the angle of the ramparts, and that when it reached the tent where the Governor was waiting, a salute of fifty guns was fired. On its approach, the Governor, taking a few steps forward, passed through the inner door of the tent, and stationed himself beyond the outer one, to receive the Nawab. Whilst the latter was still seated in his litter, the Governor embraced him, and walked along by his side until they reached the tent. Into this the litter was conveyed, and when the Nawab alighted from it, the Governor embraced him once more. Then, all sat down, and conversed for nearly, half an Indian hour. After this, they rose together, and moved into the town. The following was the order in which they entered. The Nawab, the Governor, the Nawab’s grandson, M. Delarche — who understands Hindustani — and a Muhammadan; about four or five in all, were seated in a carriage drawn by three pairs of horses. Sampati Rao and Husain Sahib followed next, in a carriage and pair. The rest of the party got into their vehicles, or rode on their horses, and thus the entire cortege entered the town-gate. On this, the firing of a salute of fifty guns began. With great pomp, and with the roll of drums, the clang of cymbals and the sound of wind-instruments, the cavalcade moved along to the western gate, then turned due Route east, marched past Kanakaraya Mudali’s house, turned south, passed the Iswaran temple on the east, skirted the walls of the fort, entered the European street to the south of these, passed the church of the Capuchins, left the eastern side of the fort behind it, and finally drew up before the Governor’s house. During the progress of the procession, the western gate of the fort was kept closed; the eastern one alone remained open. When the Nawab arrived at the Governor’s residence, a salute was fired from the ramparts facing the sea. He then entered the tent which had been pitched for him to the south of the house. The soldiers were next paraded before him, and he watched their manoeuvres for more than an hour. He then expressed a desire to visit the fort, and was taken thither in a sedan-chair. He was accompanied by the Governor in a palanquin. When they entered the fort gate, they were received with military honours. The guards presented arms, and the drums rolled forth a welcome. They went on to the ramparts, saw the clock-tower and the fortifications, watched the firing of mortars, and returned to the Governor’s house, where a table was spread, groaning under the weight of silver plates, cups, and dishes. Refreshments, consisting of sweets and fruit, were partaken of. Whilst the Nawab was at table, his mace-bearers — five or six in number — secreted some of the silver plates and cups. The theft was discovered, the men were searched, and the stolen articles were taken from them. After the entertainment was concluded, presents were given to the Nawab. A list of these will be found at the end of this day’s narrative. After sunset, the walls of the fort, the ramparts, and the outside of the Governor’s house, were all brilliantly illuminated. There was also a display of fireworks. At 8 o’clock, the Nawab set out for his camp, when a salute of fifty guns was fired. This was repeated when he passed out of the gate of the fort. The Governor accompanied him beyond the town-gate, and having there bidden him farewell, returned to Pondichery. The Nawab went to his camp at Nainiya Pillai’s choultry. On his way back, he passed through the Madras gate. So long as he was within the town, only one of the gates was kept open, the rest being closed. The Nawab’s age is eighty or eighty-five years; Sampati Rao’s, fifty-five or sixty; Husain Sahib’s, forty-five or fifty; Karim ’Ali Khan’s, thirty-five or forty; Mir Ghulam Husain’s, forty; Bangaru Yachama Nayakkan’s, fifty-five or sixty; Tamalacheri Venkatapati Nayakkan’s, fifty-five or sixty; and the Kattu Raja’s son’s, eighteen or twenty.

The following is a list of the articles which were presented to Nawab Anwar-ud-din Khan: —

Item / Total Value Pagodas / Fanams

1 Golden fillet; 1 Sukkupachi ornament [The meaning of this word which, as it stands, is an exact transliteration of the Tamil, has not been discovered.] / 460 / 0
1 Roll, Spanish taffeta velvet of Soria, blue and gold; 3 Velvet cusions / 830 / 0 
l Box of otto of roses / 60 / 0  
1 Case, 24 boxes of pigments / 40 / 0
1 Box of candy, weight 285 lb, at 3-1/2 fanams a lb. / 38 / 0
4 Boxes of sugar, weighing 639 lb. / 59 / 0 
16 Flasks Hungary water, at 3 fanams each / 2 / 0 
12 Flasks Imperial water, [Littre (Dictionnaire de la Langue Francaise) defines “Eau imperiale" as a spirit distilled from different sorts of herbs and spices.] at 8 fanams each / 4 / 0 
12 Flasks balm cordial, at 8 fanams each / 4 / 0 
13 Flasks cordial-water, at 12 fanams each / 6 / 12  
10 Flasks rose-water, at 18 fanams each / 7 / 12  
28 Beads for ear pendants / 18 / 0
1 Clock / 35 / 0
1 Roll of velvet, 26-1/4 yards, at 5 pagodas a yard / 130 / 0
1 Roll of velvet, 23 yards, at 4 pagodas a yard / 92 / 0  
Gold net, 4 marks, at 15 pagodas each / 60 / 0
1 Bale brocade containing ten rolls, length 157 yards / 235 / 12
1 Double-barrelled gun / 20 / 0
Total value in pagodas / 2,104 / 0

-- The Diary of Ananda Ranga Pillai, translated from the Tamil by Order of the Government of Madras, edited by Sir J. Frederick Price, KCSI., Late of the Indian Civil Service, Assisted by K. Rangachari, B.A., Superintendent of Records, Government Secretariat, Fort St. George, Volume 1, 1904

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