Indian Antiquary Vol 52

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Stephen Meredyth Edwardes, Krishnaswami Aiyangar
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 539

JONE, 1923)
THE SCATTERGOODS AND THE EAST INDIA COMPANY
29
be sent thence "to compleat our complement " or else that they might be permitted to " by a couple here."146 An attempt was also made to detain Charles Cross, a young writer, to help with the arrears of clerical work, but this was not permitted.
Streynsham Master, who had visited the factory shortly before the death of Edwards, had left detailed instructions for keeping the books, and John Scattergood was evidently anxious that the Agent should have no cause of complaint, On the 10th April 1680 the following remark occurs in a letter from Balasor to Hugli :146 "Wee hope your advices are on the way for the Rectifying those severall accounts specifyed in ours of the 23 past, soe that the same may bee adjusted before the closure of our Bookes." But in spite of his more responsible position, Scattergood's salary still remained at £20 per annum, the only addition being the allowances mentioned above.
In May 1680 a deputation, of which the "Accomptant" was a member, waited upon the newly appointed Nawab of Orissa, when he and his diwan were presented "as usuall." The gifts, wrote the factors at Balasor to Hûgli, were, "to all outward show and appearance," "well exsepted of, though sence it hath appeared to the contrary, the Nabob (Nawab] haveing returned to yards of fine green (cloth) and 3 wax figures and the Duans (Diwan's) Loocking Glas, 2 Swoords, 2 knives and a wax fegure, for all which they demanded brod Clouth, notwithstanding our Vuckeele (valal, agent) acquainted them that wee [sic? it] had alwayes been Costomary, yett thay would omitt of no deniall, soe that we weare ne[ce]ssitated to Comply with there desier, upon which the Nabob granted our perwanna, 146 and ordered the same should be immediately writ, which hope in a day (or two) to bee possessed of."146 In spite of this promise, owing to the "roguery of his officers," the parwana was not forthcoming before the Nawab's departure from the neighbourhood of Balasor, and emissaries were deputed to follow him with "strick orders" not to return without the desired document.
There was much bickering between the English and Dutch at Balasor at this date, the heads of each factory striving to ingratiate themselves with the local authorities to the detriment of their rivals. It was doubtless for this reason that a messenger from the Court of Siam met with a favourable reception from the English in July 1680 and was supplied with money.146
Great pains had been taken to overtake the arrears of clerical work, and in September 1680 Byam and Scattergood were able to send up to Hagli "Coppies of one pair of bookes well maid up in wax cloth." -
About this time there was a serious dispute with the weavers in the neighbourhood of Balasor. They declined to accept "Ryalls of Eight" (Spanish dollars) instead of Rupees &s an advance on the cloth they had contracted to provide, and much haggling ensued before an arrangement was made which satisfied all parties.146
In November 1680 Byam and Soattergood reported to Hägli that their only helper, Thomas Bromley, had been dangerously ill and that his right hand was "soe benumed that hee hase now use thereof." They begged for assistance since, with "only two effective in the warehouse," it would be impossible "to gett through with this years investment," especially as it was so late before an agreement was concluded with the merchants. However, they promised to use their "utmost endeavours for the accomplishing what required "
156 Factory Records, Hugli, vol. VIII, 146 Paradna, writing, official letter: in this case for liberty of trade within the Nawab's territory.