On 27 May 1717, a proposal for the inauguration of two Charity schools for slaves of the English inhabitants of Madras, one in Black Town and another in White Town was approved by Collett. In April 1719, Joseph Collett issued a proclamation authorizing severe measures against Portuguese Roman Catholics of St. Thome marrying Protestants from Madras. On 25 May 1719, Collett recruited one George Foriano to translate Portuguese documents into English and vice versa making him the first translator in the Company's service at Madras. On 9 July 1719, the Honorable Court of Directors voted to reduce the garrison at Fort St George to 360 and the garrison at Fort St David to 340.