A History of the Mahrattas v2.c35.13

v2.c35.13

Mr. Hornby and his Council were not blameless even in what has already been mentioned, and their subsequent conduct accelerated rather than averted the misfortunes which ensued. But the precipitate interference of the Governor-General and Council was attended by effects pernicious to the interests of their country; effects which, but for the weak government of France, might, together with the loss of the American colonies, have proved a fatal blow to Great Britain. Confining reflections, however, to the boundary of Maharashtra, suffice it to say that it depressed the Bombay Presidency, lowered its political importance, and obstructed that advancement and prosperity which, from its situation and maritime advantages, it would otherwise naturally have attained; it immediately tended to strengthen the hands of the ministers at Poorundur, and it ultimately cemented the tottering confederacy of the Mahrattas under the administration of Nana Furnuwees.