A History of the Mahrattas v1.c12.70

v1.c12.70

The besiegers were in high hopes and exceedingly alert. Sivajee first endeavoured to throw them off their guard. He began his scheme by proposals for surrendering; negotiations were commenced, and Sivajee, who well knew that he could trust Seedee Johur,¹ on receiving his promise not to molest him, came down, slightly attended, to one of the batteries, where he was met by Seedee Johur, and soon made him believe that he intended to submit. All firing ceased, and everything was adjusted except a few trifling points artfully reserved by Sivajee till next morning; and in the meantime, as the evening closed, he was permitted to return to the fort, which the whole army, now lulled into security, considered as if in their possession.