A History of the Mahrattas v2.c34.16

v2.c34.16

(May 5-8.) Colonel Keating at length, by positive orders from Bombay, prevailed on Rugoba to change the direction of his route and proceed towards Poona. They accordingly moved on the 5th, and before they reached Neriad¹ on the 8th, were again twice opposed; once in the mode usual for Mahratta horse, and a second time in the same manner, but supported by some pieces of cannon. As Neriad was a considerable town in possession of Khundee Rao Gaekwar, Rugoba, to punish his defection and administer to his own necessities, imposed a contribution of sixty thousand rupees; but, after wasting one week, he could only collect forty thousand. On the 14th the army crept forward three miles further to the westward, and expected to have a decisive action at the Myhie; as it was known in the Mahratta camp that Hurry Punt Phurkay had received orders from Poona to attack Rugoba, in case he should attempt to pass that river.