L29/568/142

Fitzherbert, Paris to Grantham, London (No 35, copy) M. de Castries has at last drawn up the orders he sends to the French commanders in India. They have been drawn up in exact conformity to the sketch sent over by Fitzherbert in his No 24. It was not accomplished without much difficulty, and was achieved mainly through the influence of M. de Rayneval. Fitzherbert felt that the bare mention of the additional clause contended for by the East India Company would create mistrust in Great Britain's good faith. Fitzherbert inculcated to Major Gails that His Majesty's intention was to abide by "the fair & literal Construction of the 16th Article, which secures to Hyder Ali Kan...an Armistice of Four Months, during which all things are to remain on both sides in status quo", with the proviso that should the chief commit any unprovoked hostility during that truce, it becomes null and void. A French messenger will accompany Major Gails. French felt it might be essential their commanders should receive the terms of the pacification before Hyder Ali Kan .."it being highly probable, from the brutal & ferocious Character of that Chief, that he might be disposed to resent their Defection from his Cause, by attempting a general Massacre of their Troops". Grantham has requested M. de Castries to direct the French Commanders in India to interpose on behalf of members of the East India Company who are being held prisoner by Hyder Ali. De Castries has complied with the request but has little reason to hope for success.

21 Mar 1783

From: 1783 To: 1783

item

Lucas,
Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Fitzherbert, Alleyn,
de Castries,
de Rayneval, Gerard,
Gails,
George III,
Ally, Hyder,
East India Company

Foreign Secretary, political correspondence, Plenipotentiary, French, Indians, French Army, Major, general royalty, peace and battles celebrations/commemorations, land warfare, courier, soldiers, East India Company, prisoners of war, Paris, London, France, India, Britain