On this day, the Governor-General of Bengal Presidency, Richard Wellesley, wrote to his younger brother Arthur Wellesley, who had led very successful military campaigns in India on behalf of the colonial British government, including against Tipu Sultan: “From the Raja of Berar I wish to acquire the whole province of Cuttack so as to unite the Northern Circars by a continued line of sea coast with Bengal. This cession including Balasore & c. to be made either absolutely or upon payment of a moderate rent or as a security for a subsidiary force to be introduced into the dominions of the Raja of Berar.”

Richard further instructed Arthur that since in the event of a war with the Raja of Berar, the objective could be easily attained, Arthur should not make peace with the Raja till Orissa was secured.

Arthur went on to become the Commander of the British forces and later became the Prime Minister of Britain.

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