A History of the Mahrattas v1.c22.12

v1.c22.12

Kanhojee Angria’s death happened about the end of the year 1728.¹ During his life, all attempts at reducing his power proved fruitless. The Bombay government, incensed at his piracies and contumelious conduct, joined with the Portuguese in an expedition against Kolabah. The land forces furnished by that nation, and three English ships of the line under Commodore Matthews² co-operated, but the attempt failed, owing to the cowardice of the Portuguese. This expedition took place in 1722, and two years afterwards the Dutch, with seven ships, two bomb vessels and a body of troops, made an attempt on Viziadroog, at that time better known by its Moghul name of Gheriah; but this attack also failed. Angria seized many English vessels, and about a year before his death took the *Darby*, a ship richly laden belonging to the East India Company. The crews of his vessels, like all Mahrattas when successful, became very daring, and his forts on the coast were considered impregnable.¹