A History of the Mahrattas v2.c32.17

v2.c32.17

Mr. Hornby’s minute respecting Mahratta affairs.—French envoy, St. Lubin—account of his proceedings at Poona.—Orders from the Court of Directors, in case the Poona ministry should not fulfil the terms of the treaty of Poorundhur.—Dissensions of the ministry.—Application for the restoration of Rugoba from the party of Moraba Furnuwees.—Bengal government assent to that measure.—Six battalions of Bengal Sepoys ordered to march overland to Bombay.—Terms on which the Bombay government agree to support Moraba’s party.—Consummate artifice of Nana Furnuwees.—Moraba’s party decline the restoration of Rugoba.—Return of Mahadajee Sindia, and Hurry Punt Phurkay.—Faction of Moraba crushed.—Unshaken constancy of Sukaram Hurry.—Observations respecting the march of the Bengal troops.—Further explanation of the motives which actuated the Bombay government—resolve to attempt the restoration of Rugoba.—Preparations of Nana Furnuwees.—The Governor-General intimates his intention of forming an alliance with Moodajee Bhonslay.—The Bombay government adhere to their resolution.—Zeal of Mr. Carnac—judicious counsel of Mr. Draper.—Colonel Charles Egerton, account of.—Field committee appointed—dilatory preparations—advanced detachment crosses over to the continent, and occupies the Bhore Ghaut without opposition.—Perverseness of Rugoba.—Embarkation—troops land at Panwell—extraordinary conduct and ignorance of Colonel Egerton—unparalleled dilatoriness of the advance.—Mahratta proceedings—manifest but slight opposition—appear in force at Tullygaom—burn the village—and retire before the British troops.—The English determine on retiring from Tullygaom—are attacked on their retreat to Wurgaom—gallant conduct of the rearguard under Captain Hartley.—Disgraceful convention of Wurgaom.—Misconduct of the committee.—Mr. Carnac and Lieutenant-Colonel Cockburn are dismissed from the service.—Distress of the Bombay Government—observations on their late conduct—fortitude and ability of Governor Hornby—his review of their affairs—revert to the proceedings of the Bengal troops.—Colonel Leslie removed from the command—but dies before the order of supersession is received.—Colonel Goddard assumes the command and continues his march—treacherous conduct of the Mahrattas at Sagur—hospitality and kindness of the Nabob of Bhopaul.—Negotiations with Moodajee Bhonslay—declines entering on the alliance.—General Goddard on learning the disaster at Wurgaom decides on marching straight for Surat—grateful acknowledgements of the Bombay government.—Mr. Hornby submits a plan of operations.—The negotiations with Poona confide to Colonel Goddard.—Conduct of the Bengal government—judicious observations of Mr. Hastings with regard to the members of the Bombay council.—Goddard appointed Brigadier-General—remonstrances of the Bombay government.—Goddard instructed to negotiate a peace, or eventually to follow the plan proposed by Mr. Hornby.—Policy of Mahadajee Sindia—he allows Rugoba to escape—sacrifices Sukaram Bappoo and Chintoo Wittul to the jealousy of Nana Furnuwees . . . pp. 70–106