Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 22.1.2

22.1.2

Mr. Amyatt, finding that none of his proposals to the Navvab had been accepted, and that no care had been taken to give him satisfaction in any thing, descended towards Calcutta, extremely discontented and mortified at the success of his embassy; but he had the attention to inform Mr. Ellis, that as no agreement had taken place between the English and the Navvab, the consequence would be a rupture with hostilities. Nothing can give a better insight into the temper of the English of those times, and of Mir-cassem-qhan's subtle and extensive genius in particular, than the following fact, which I find but slightly mentioned in all the papers of those times, or that are relative to that period: The Navvab, to get rid of the persecutions of the English on their private trade, at once took to the bold and comprehensive expedient of publishing all over Bengal, a general abolition of all Custom-houses, tolls, and fees; and of granting a general indiscriminate exemption to all traders whatsoever. Could any thing be fairer with regard to the English? You want only to pay but a small duty at Hoogly, Dacca, Patna, &c.; &c., I grant your demand, and add a great deal more. Pay none at all. I have supressed all duties whatever all over Bengal; nor does there exist now a single object for our quarrelling together.