The Rule of Governor Macrae (1725-30)

• Macrae was known as the “Prince of Merchant Governors” despite his humble origins.
• He started his career in the sea, becoming the captain of an Indiaman and later securing a lucrative post with the Company.
• Macrae accumulated wealth through private trade without causing any scandals.
• He became Governor of Fort St. David and later Governor of Fort St. George in 1725, serving for five years.
• During his rule, Macrae was a quiet, capable leader, focused on practical improvements.
• He repaired the fortifications and buildings in White Town, Black Town, and the Egmore Redoubt.
• A new powder factory was built in the Island under his leadership.
• Armenian and Jewish communities gained prominence in Madras during his tenure.
• Macrae was dissatisfied with the behavior of Armenian merchants, as they preferred Danish and foreign ships over English ones.
• Coja Petrus Uscan, a prominent Armenian citizen, made a significant impact on Old Madras.
• Uscan financed the rebuilding of the Marmalong Bridge (now Mambalam Bridge) over the Adyar River in 1726.
• He is also believed to have built the stone steps to St. Thomas’ Mount.
• Uscan was employed as a political agent by the Madras Government, particularly during negotiations with Raghuji Bhonsle in 1740.
• Uscan also built a chapel in Vepery, later handed over to the Missionaries.
• Uscan’s loyalty to the British was well-known.
• Mesrovb J. Seth provided valuable insights into the history of Armenians in Madras, including their early trade activities since the 16th century.
• The first Armenian church in Madras was erected in 1712 in Black Town and the current church was built in 1772.
• Uscan’s contributions included establishing charitable and educational institutions and other charities at various Armenian pilgrimage sites.
• Agah Shameer, another Armenian merchant, received a grant of a town in Armenia from the Persian King.
• Samuel Moorat, another wealthy Armenian merchant, promoted the education of Armenian youth in Europe.
• The first Armenian journal in Madras was started by Rev. Arathoon Shumavon in 1704, though it didn’t last long.
• Uscan helped expose the grave of St. Thomas at San Thome in 1729, which became a site for veneration.
• A slab with an Armenian inscription commemorates this event.
• Uscan owned significant properties in Madras, particularly in White Town, and had a portrait painted in 1737 in Madras, which hangs in the Cathedral at Julfa, Persia.
• He died in January 1751 at the age of 70 and was buried in his chapel in Vepery, where a bilingual tombstone marks his virtues.
• A small Jewish community also thrived in Madras, primarily involved in the diamond trade and importing coral.
• Jewish merchants lived in the Coral Merchants Street (now Pagadalpet) in the northern part of Muthialpet.
• Jews were represented on the Board of Aldermen and were allowed to live in the Fort.
• The Jewish cemetery was located in Peddanaickenpetta, and a portion of it is still visible near Mint Street.