A History of Assam c14.56

c14.56

Sir John Shore had taken the place of Lord Cornwallis as Governor-General in December, 1793; and his accession marked a distinct change in the policy of the Government of India. Non-interference was the key-note of the new administration. The result, in Assam, was disastrous. Captain Welsh had succeeded admirably in the task assigned to him; and had not only shown himself a good organizer and a bold and determined leader, but had also displayed consummate tact and singular administrative ability. He had gained the confidence of all classes. He had dismissed the more oppressive and corrupt officials, and had secured the cordial co-operation of the others; while by a policy of conciliation and clemency, combined with firmness, he had procured the submission of the Darrang Raja and had induced the people generally to acquiesce in Gaurināth's restoration. Gaurināth had several times written to Government expressing cordial appreciation of his services, and begging that he might be allowed to remain at least some time longer, and had offered to pay the whole of the expenses of the troops. This appeal was seconded by Welsh himself, who reported that, if the detachment were withdrawn, "confusion, devastation and massacre would ensue"; that the king left to himself would never keep the promises of pardon which he had been induced to make; that Krishna Nārāyan, fearing assassination, would either flee from the country or import more *barkandāzes*; that the obnoxious favourites would be recalled and would wreak their resentment on all who had cultivated the friendship of the English; and that the Moāmariās would soon break out again and once more expel the Raja from his capital. But the new Governor-General had already made up his mind; and, in spite of these representations, he issued the order above alluded to, directing Captain Welsh to abstain from all further active operations, and to return to British territory by the 1st July at the latest.