A History of the Mahrattas v1.c25.23.3

v1.c25.23.3

and as Shunkrajee Punt, Soobehdar of the Concan, was assembling troops in their rear, whilst the Peishwa’s army, which had marched nearly four hundred miles in thirteen days, was close upon them, Dummajee sent a messenger to treat with Ballajee, who solemnly agreed to abide by the terms proposed, and enticed him to encamp in his neighbourhood; where, as soon as he got him into his power, he demanded the payment of all the arrears due from Guzerat and the cession of a large portion of his territory. Dummajee represented that he was but the Mootaliq of Dhabaray, the Senaputtee, and had no authority for complying with what was required. On this reply, the Peishwa sent private orders to seize some of the family of Gaekwar and of Dhabaray, residing at Tullygaom, and imprison them in the hill fort of Loghur; whilst at a set time he treacherously surrounded, attacked, and plundered the camp of Dummajee Gaekwar, and sent him into confinement in the city of Poona.¹ The Peishwa next tried to induce Tara Bye to give up the fort and the Raja, but having assembled her garrison, she required an oath from every man that she would stand by her to the last; such of them, however, as chose, were allowed the option of quitting the fort or joining in the solemn asseveration.