A History of the Mahrattas v1.c26.51

v1.c26.51

an attempt made, as afterwards appears, for the purpose of deterring the Mahrattas from the projected conquest of Goa, contemplated by Sewdasheo Rao Bhow. The Portuguese viceroy lost his life at Ponda by the misbehaviour of his troops, but other events prevented the Mahrattas from attacking Goa. Mr. Bourchier, amongst the arguments used to induce the Peishwa to take back Bancoote in exchange for Gheriah, lays great stress on its advantageous situation as a barrier to the Mahrattas against the Portuguese. Ballajee in reply does not conceal his contempt for that nation, and artfully parries the argument by hinting at an effectual method of obviating the necessity of a barrier, by at once assisting to expel them.¹