Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 25.14.3

25.14.3

He had letters from the Governor, requesting that out of regard to the amity subsisting between the two Powers no opposition should be made to their passage. Chimnadji having in appearance shewn a friendly disposition, took the presents, but left the finishing of the negotiation to his father's pleasure, who resided at the Great-Naigpoor, his Capital. They say that the Ambassador went thither, exposed his errand, but received for answer, "That it appeared from the usage offered to the Sovereigns of Bengal, and of late, to the successors of Shudjah-ed-dowlah, (usage became notorious) that there was no trust to be reposed in the treaties and promises of the English; and he added, that the Court of Naigpoor was, in matters of war and peace, bound by the pleasure of the Ministry of Poonah; and that whatever party those should take, would prove a rule by which the Court of Naigpoor would be bound to abide. That as to affording passage to their people through the Oressa, the matter did not depend upon us, added he, but upon the Court of Poonah, who have ordered us to oppose such a passage, and moreover, to put every thing to fire and sword in the provinces of Bengal and Bahar; which instructions we have not yet complied with, on account of the several pretences set up by ourselves, for instance, of the treaties subsisting of old between the Court of Naigpoor and the rulers of Bengal.