•^'•'^ HISTORY OF INDIA. [Book II.
A.D. icco hitherto rested satisHed with j)r(>mi.sing gi-eat things without attempting to perform them; but a new spirit having been infused into it, it was now a}>out to act in earnest, and on an extensive scale. On the very first voyage eight vessels well armed, so as to be equally prepared for war and commerce, haxl been despatched. Made aware of the fact only by imperfect rumours, the London Company were at first apprehensive, from the arming of the vessels, that piratical objects might be intended; and sent out instructions that the Iiomeward sliips should sail as a fleet, and be provided with the means of defence. On being better informed, they deemed it necessary only to inculcate the necessity of using caution, and guarding against misunderstandings which miglit lead to discussions between the two crowns. While giving the.se j udicious counsels the court gave evident indications of uneasiness, and used language which miglit be interpreted into an instinctive foreboding of the great struggle which the two nations were afterwards to wage for supremacy in the East. ioient In the desire which the Company now felt for fortified stations, they had
internal .7
dissensions ovcrlookcd 0116 danger. Their object was to secure an asylum against external foes, and it seems never to have occurred to them that foes of a different kind might arise and turn the fortifications against their o"wn employers. A remark- able case of this kind now occurred. Sir Edward Winter had, as already men- tioned, been appointed head of the Company's establishment at Madras, and, by their instructions, had added considerably to the strength of Fort St. George. His subsequent conduct had not given satisfaction ; and, under the impression that he was endeavouring to enrich liimself by private trade, the court had superseded him, and sent out Mr. George Foxcroft as his successor. On that gentleman's arrival in Jime, 1665, he was received with all due respect, and took his place at the head of the coimcil, while his predecessor, agreeably to his instructions, continued, in the interval previous to departure, to act as his second. Sir Edward Winter, though his term for office was nearly expired, had been deeply offended at his dismissal ; and while continuing to officiate in the council, had been constantly on the alert to detect something in the conduct or language of his successor on which he might found a charge against him. While under the influence of siich feelings, he probably had Uttle difficulty in finding what he wanted : and accordingly, Mr. Foxcroft, three months after his arrival, was attacked and violently carried off" to prison, on the extraordinary ground of having uttered seditious and treasonable expressions against the king's government. During the scuffle caused by the apprehension, a Mr. Dawes, a member of the council, lost his life, and Mr. Foxcroft himself, together with his son and Mr. Sambrooke, another member of councU, was wounded Its govern- After this outragcous proceeding. Sir Edward Winter was too far committed
usurped by to bc deterred by any other irregularity, and he at once re-assimied the govern-
Mir Ed wc rd
Winter. ment. It seems that he was not without supporters, for he succeeded in forming a council, including among its members the lieutenant of the gamson.
