A History of the Mahrattas v2.c36.55

v2.c36.55

The dilatory preparations at Bombay afforded Nana Furnuwees and Mahadajee Sindia ample time to assemble the army. Sukaram Bappoo’s restraint was at this crisis deemed impolitic, probably from the same cause as before, on account of the situation in which he stood with the British Government, as one of the two ministers who concluded the treaty of Poorundhur; a reconciliation had therefore been brought about, and he ostensibly resumed his office as minister. The principal part of the military operations were entrusted to Mahadajee Sindia, Hurry Punt Phurkay, and Tookajee Holkar. But they took care to place Holkar, of whom Nana was justly suspicious, in a situation from which he would have found it extremely hazardous to effect a junction with Rugoba. The whole Mahratta army, on the approach of the English, advanced to Tullygaom.¹ Bhew Rao Yeswunt Phansay, with seven guns, four thousand infantry and five thousand horse, had been sent on some time before to oppose the Bombay troops; and it was with Phansay’s party that the skirmishes had hitherto been maintained. (Jan. 6.) On the 6th of January Colonel Egerton, in consequence of sickness, was obliged to resign the command of the army, which devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel Cockburn; but Colonel Egerton continued a member of the committee, as a party of the enemy’s horse had cut off the communication with Bombay.