A History of the Mahrattas v2.c33.21

v2.c33.21

Offers to surrender the fort of Tannah, by the Mahratta officer in charge, for the sum of two lacks and sixty thousand rupees, had been made to Mr. Hornby as early as the preceding month of February or March, at a time when the greatest confusion prevailed at Poona, and with the consent of his Council Mr. Hornby offered one lack. The Mahratta authorities were disposed to betray their trust for one lack and twenty thousand rupees, which would have been complied with, but, on considering the state of the Mahratta government and the probability of obtaining possession by other means, the negotiation with the Killidar was suspended. On receipt, however, of the intelligence from Goa the scheme was renewed, and Mr. Mostyn was instructed, in case of their obtaining possession, to use every possible endeavour to reconcile it to the ministerial party, as a measure of precaution to prevent the island from falling into the hands of the Portuguese; and to Rugoba similar assurances were to be given. In the meantime information of the preparations at Goa had been received at Poona, and had induced the ministers to reinforce the garrison of Tannah with five hundred men; which circumstance, and the strict watch kept up, effectually obstructed the designs of the Mahratta party disposed to make it over.