We have, moreover, as neighbours, another European colony considerably stronger than we are.
The consequence is, the question of right cannot enter into the considerations of the Company.

It may be said that, for every petty kingdom in Southern India, there are at least two pretenders, very often half a dozen.

So far we have not meddled much in their quarrels, but the French have been much more active that way.

They always side with one or other of these pretenders, and when they get the man they support into power, of course he repays them for their assistance.

In this manner, as I shall explain to you presently, they have virtually made themselves masters of the Carnatic, outside the walls of Fort Saint David and this place.
"Well, our people thought to take a leaf out of the French book, and as the ex-rajah offered us, in payment for our aid, the possession of Devikota, a town at the mouth of the river Kolrun, a place likely to be of great use to us, we agreed to assist him.