THE BATTLE OF PLASSEY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 24, 13 September 1911, Page 2

THE BATTLE OF PLASSEY.

The foundation of our Indian Empire was laid on June 23rd, 1757, when Robert Clive defeated Surajan Dowlah at the memorable battle of Plassoy, Surajah Dowlah’s army consisted of 50,QU0 infantry, 50 pieces at ordinance cf the largest size, and some smaller cannon under the direc- ::• >i■ of a few f ronch .gunner * Ine force which Clive had to oppose to this great multitude numbered only three cnousaud men, and of these nearly two-thirds wore Sepoys; but all wore led by English officers. The battle commenced with a cannonade, in which the artillery of the nabob did scarcely any execution, while a few field pieces of the English produced great effect. Several of tlie most distinguished • officers in the Nabob’s service fell, and disorder began to spread through the ranks, and lie was urged to retreat. This advice, agreeing as it did with what his own fears suggested, was readily received, and lie ordered Ids army to fall back. Clive, quick to snatch the advantage, ordered Ids troops to advance, and the confused and dispirited multitude gave way before their onset. The little hand of French men alone ventured to confront the English, but were swept down. In an hour the forces of Surajah Dowlah had been dispersed, never to reassemble. Five hundred of the enemy were slain, and their camp, guns, baggage, waggons, and cattle were in the hands of the English. Thus, with a loss of only twentytwo men killed ami fifty "wounded, Clive had scattered an army of over 50,01)0 men, and subdued an empiie. Five years later Clive was raised to tlie Irish peerage, as Baron Clive of Rlassay. His life came to a sorrowful end, however. On his second return from India, Ids enemies managed to mis-' a storm of obloquy <■ ;ainsi: bun, ami worry, in combinaiim with opium and sickness, caused

'im t r ' dv '■■y ’ns own hand on November 22nd, 1774.