A History of the Mahrattas v1.c14.19

v1.c14.19

Whilst such was the state of his political relations in the Deccan, Sivajee turned his attention to acquiring complete possession of the Concan. Goa and Jinjeera were his first objects; but a plot he had formed for the surprise of the Portuguese settlement was discovered and frustrated,⁵ and his utmost efforts were in vain exerted to possess himself of the impregnable Jinjeera. The Seedee, however, was hard pressed; he solicited assistance from the English at Bombay; and the factors were so little conscious of the importance of their own island, that they suggested to their supreme council at Surat the many advantages of Jinjeera over Bombay as a settlement⁶; but their injudicious recommendation appears to have been treated with the neglect it merited.