A History of the Mahrattas v1.c26.38

v1.c26.38

A considerable part of these arrangements was preparatory to the secret scheme contemplated by the Peishwa¹ and Shah Nuwaz Khan, of compelling the French to quit the Deccan. Shortly after the fall of Savanoor it was intimated to M. Bussy that the services of his corps were no longer required by the Soobehdar of the Deccan. This unexpected communication at once laid open to Bussy the extent of the machinations against him, and he took measures for counteracting them with admirable prudence and decision. Few Europeans in India have been placed in greater difficulties than those which were surmounted by M. Bussy on this occasion. His corps consisted of two hundred cavalry and six hundred infantry, all Europeans, five thousand sepoys, and a fine train of artillery, enough to have made the whole army of the Deccan pay dear for their treachery; but Bussy knew the influence of the deserter Muzuffir Khan over some of his oldest sepoys, and had great reason to doubt their fidelity. He was surrounded by a host of enemies, in a part of the country where he was an entire stranger, and he at once adopted a plan which divided his enemies, secured his retreat, and enabled him to recover his power at the court of Sulabut Jung. He accepted his dismissal from the service, demanded passports to Mausulipatam,