History of Orissa from the Earliest Times to the British Period v2.c41.287.3

v2.c41.287.3

Gobardhan learnt from other sources that one ship was wrecked on the coast and was plundered by his men, Kālāpāhār and Dāmodar Bhuyān. A letter was received from Rājā Gopināth Dev stating that an English ship was wrecked on the coast of the zamindar but he helped the crew and sent them to Balasore. But sometime ago when another ship was wrecked he plundered the cargo and imprisoned the crew. He refers to another shipwreck in the month of Kārtik among the crew of which there were a few Europeans. They were sent to Balasore and the matter reported to the Ṣūbahdār of Orissa at Katak. Two letters were written on the same date, 24th January, 1775. The first one was written to Sābājī Bhonsle only two days before his death in which his letter, received through Beṇīrām Pandit, was acknowledged and willingness expressed on the part of the English to maintain friendly relations with him. The second letter was addressed to Beṇīrām Pandit in which he was requested to hand over a letter to Sābājī Bhonsle.¹ A letter was received from Sābājī Bhonsle on the 7th February congratulating Mr. Hastings on his exaltation to the rank of Governor-General. It is stated in this letter that Raghunāth Rāo was supported by the Śinde and the Holkar but was defeated and fled across the Narmada.² On the 31st of the same month a letter was addressed to Mādhavjī Hari requesting him to help Russa Rām who was going to Puri on pilgrimage.