A History of the Mahrattas v1.c13.27

v1.c13.27

Sivajee, who always spread false reports of his intentions, assembled an army in the neighbourhood of Kallian, and another near Dhunda Rajepoor, gave out that he meant to attack the Portuguese at Bassein and Choule, or make a grand effort to reduce the Seedee. But his real design was on Surat, at that time one of the richest cities in India, and Byherjee Naik, a famous spy in his service, was already on the spot making such preparatory observations as were necessary. On pretence of paying his respects at a temple near Nassuck, and of visiting the forts lately taken by Moro Trimmul, Sivajee proceeded to the northward, but when supposed to be engaged in devotions, he made a rapid march with four thousand horse towards Surat, which he surprised, and having systematically plundered it for six days of great riches, he leisurely conveyed his booty unmolested to Raigurh, which being now completed became the future seat of his government. The plunder of Surat was great, and it would have been more considerable had the English and Dutch factories fallen into his power, but they stood on the defensive, and the English in particular behaved so manfully, that they not only saved their own property, but a part of that of the citizens: Sir George Oxenden was then chief or governor at Surat.¹