A History of the Mahrattas v1.c29.3

v1.c29.3

Rugonath Rao, naturally fond of power, contemplated with no small satisfaction the prospect of gratifying his favourite inclination during the minority of his nephew. When the preparations of Nizam Ally gave reason to expect a rupture with the Moghuls, he became desirous of putting an end to some existing disputes between the Presidency of Bombay and Ramajee Punt, the Soobehdar of the Concan, which had arisen in consequence of protection afforded by the English to their ally, the Seedee of Jinjeera, who had been besieged the preceding season by Ramajee Punt, assisted by a corps of Portuguese. The conduct of the Bombay Government on this occasion was equally judicious and spirited. They saved a petty chief, by whom they had frequently been much accommodated, prevented his throwing his island into the hands of any other European power, and compelled the Mahrattas to respect the British flag, which was hoisted at Jinjeera, when Ramajee Punt, after every representation, persevered in his intention of reducing the place. Mr. Crommelin¹ was President in Council at this juncture, and an agent having arrived on the part of Rugonath Rao, for the purpose of accommodating all differences, an agreement was concluded by the Bombay Government and Govind Sew Ram on the part of the Peishwa.² A gentleman was also sent to condole with Mahdoo Rao on the occasion of his father's death; a customary form which civility requires. The agreement itself was rather an assurance of civility and friendship than a definite treaty, but Rugonath Rao, being ill-prepared to resist the expected invasion of the Moghuls, wished eventually to obtain from Bombay some European soldiers and guns, and prolonged the negotiation for that purpose by sending another wukeel to Bombay, on pretence of making some alterations in the agreement, but in reality to negotiate for military aid.