Madras under Saunders and Pigot and their Successors (1752-1775)
History of the City of Madras
Chapter – 13
- In December 1749, Richard Prince became Deputy Governor of Fort St. George under Fort St. David, followed by Richard Stark (1752) for three months, and then Thomas Saunders, who moved to Madras when it became the Presidency in April 1752.
- The historian Robert Orme arrived in Madras in 1751 and made the acquaintance of Clive and others. Orme became a Member of Council in 1754 and was appointed Export Warehouse-keeper and Commissioner for Nawab’s accounts.
- Orme was instrumental in convincing the Council that vigorous hostilities were needed to make Nawab Siraju’d-Daula pay reparations after the capture of Calcutta.
- Orme also secured Clive’s appointment to lead the expedition, recognizing him as the best fit for the task.
- Orme played an active role in military deliberations between 1754-1759 and was later considered for the Governorship due to his abilities.
- Orme’s literary talents were valued, and he frequently drafted important public letters. He also contributed to the inscriptions on monuments for Colonel Lawrence and Sir Eyre Coote.