A History of the Mahrattas v1.c22.70

v1.c22.70

In the meantime the war in the Concan was maintained against the Portuguese; to keep them in check, a body of horse had been sent down towards Goa, under Wenkut Rao Narrain Ghorepuray; and Khundoojee Mankur, in the northern Concan, laid siege to the fort of Asseeree near Tarrapoor; but Don Antonio Cardim Frois, an officer of reputation, had superseded the late governor of Bassein and Salsette, and exerted himself with some success in the recovery of their possessions. Colonel Pedro de Mello, with about five hundred Europeans and four thousand Portuguese, natives of India, attacked Khundoojee Mankur, stormed and destroyed the batteries at Asseeree, and was preparing to make a great effort for the recovery of Tannah. The Governor of Bombay apprised the Mahrattas of the intended expedition, and advised them to make peace with the Portuguese; at the same time the English sold them both powder and shot¹; but Khundoojee Mankur was reinforced and Mulhar Rao Holkar was sent with all speed to Tannah, where he arrived in time to repulse an attack on the fort, led by Don Antonio Frois in person, who bravely fell in the attempt.