Governor Pitt (1698-1709)
History of Madras
Chapter – 9
- Under Higginson, Madras began to experience growing wealth and prosperity, with English influence increasing both politically and commercially, leading to a marked development in trade.
- From 1692 to 1746, there were thirteen Governors, all considered Merchant Governors, focused on advancing the Company’s mercantile affairs and accumulating private fortunes.
- The Directors in London began to show greater goodwill and liberality towards their servants in India, moving away from their previous jealousy and suspicion.
- The first remarkable Governor after Higginson was “Pirate Pitt”, who was once described by the Directors as “a desperate fellow” and someone likely to cause mischief.
- Pitt started his career in the East as an interloper and soon became the head of the interlopers in the Bay of Bengal.
- He had litigation with the Company and even served in Parliament. Initially, he was arrested and admonished by the English authorities in Madras, but later moved to Persia and built a trading house at Hugli, for which he was arrested, fined, and deported.