A History of the Mahrattas v2.c35.35

v2.c35.35

Whilst affairs were in this unsettled state a dispatch was received at Bombay, on the 20th August, from the Court of Directors, dated 5th April, 1776, in which they approved, ‘under every circumstance,’ of the treaty of Surat; and recommended that the Bombay Government should retain possession of the districts ceded. It being likewise known that prior to the date of that dispatch the Court of Directors had received information of Colonel Upton’s being deputed to treat with the ministers, the President and Council of Bombay at first came to a resolution of keeping possession of all such districts as were not given up. This determination was tantamount to a renewal of the war, and several of the members, stating their belief that very great commotions were about to take place, in which their own safety would require them to bear an active part, expressed their satisfaction at having obtained this sanction to their measures, and recommended a vigorous prosecution of their former intentions. But Mr. Draper, who was not present at the first consultation, entered a dissent, which gave a different interpretation to the Court’s dispatch and induced the Government to alter their resolution. Mr. Draper was of opinion that the Court of Directors only meant that they should retain possession whilst the negotiation by Colonel Upton was pending, but that after a treaty was concluded under the sanction of the Governor-General and Council, it could never be intended that the terms should not be exactly fulfilled.