A History of the Mahrattas v1.c30.36

v1.c30.36

Mahdoo Rao, when he gave out that his preparations were intended to assist Hyder, amongst other stratagems to mask his real designs, sent his fleet to cruise off Bombay harbour; but Visajee Punt, the commander from Bassein, on being called upon by the Governor and Council to explain his conduct, gave as an excuse that he was watching two Portuguese ships, and assured the President that the Peishwa had no intention of breaking with the English. This assurance strengthened their opinion and was soon confirmed by reported commotions, the preparations of Janojee Bhonslay, and the advance of a combined army of Mahrattas and Moghuls under the Peishwa and Rookun-ud-dowlah towards Nagpoor.