ncerted with this nobleman and the
other malcontents for their defection from the viceroy. These previous
measures being-taken, colonel Clive was ordered to take the field with
his little army. Admiral Watson undertook the defence of Chandernagore,
and the garrison was detached to reinforce the colonel, together with
fifty seamen to be employed as gunners, and in directing the artillery.
Then Mr. Watts, deceiving the suba's spies by whom he was surrounded,
withdrew himself from Muxadavad, and reached the English camp in safety.
On the nineteenth of June a detachment was sent to attack Cutwa fort
and town, situated on that branch of the river forming the island of
Cassimbuzzar. This place surrendered at the first summons; and here the
colonel halted with the army for three days, expecting advices from Ali
Khan. Disappointed of the hoped for intelligence, he crossed the river,
and marched to Plaissey, where he encamped. On the twenty-third, at day
break, the suba advanced to attack him, at the head of fifteen thousand
horse, and near thirty thousand infantry, with about forty pieces of
heavy cannon, conducted and managed by French gunners, on whose courage
and dexterity he placed great dependence. They began to cannonade the
English camp about six in the morning; but a severe shower falling
at noon they withdrew their artillery. Colonel Clive seized this
opportunity to take possession of a tank and two other posts of
consequence, which they in vain endeavored to retake. Then he stormed an
angle of their camp, covered with a double breastwork, together with an
eminence which they occupied. At the beginning of this attack, some of
their chiefs being slain, the men were so dispirited, that they soon
gave way; but still Meer Jaffier Ali Khan, who commanded their left
wing, forbore declaring himself openly. After a short contest the enemy
were put to flight, the nabob's camp, baggage, and fifty pieces of
cannon taken, and a most complete victory obtained. The colonel,
pursuing his advantage, marched to Muxadavad, the capital of the
province, and was there joined by Ali Khan and the malcontents. It was
before concerted that this nobleman should be invested with the dignity
of nabob; accordingly, the colonel proceeded solemnly to depose Surajah
Dowlat, and, with the same ceremony, to substitute Ali Khan in his room,
who was publicly acknowledged by the people as suba, or viceroy, of the
provinces of Bengal, Banar, and Orixa. Soon