A History of the Mahrattas v2.c36.74

v2.c36.74

The separate negotiation thus opened with Sindia flattered him exceedingly and accorded most fully with his plans of policy ; but no ebullition of joy prevented his taking every advantage of the English, as far as was consistent with the control he now had and was determined to preserve over Nana Furnuwees. Mr. Holmes settled that everything was to be restored to the Mahrattas as held in 1773. The committee were obliged on the spot to send an order countermanding the advance of the Bengal troops, and Sindia’s favour was purchased by a private promise to bestow on him the English share of Baroach, besides a sum of forty-one thousand rupees in presents to his servants. The committee were so completely humbled that they viewed with gratitude the kindness of Sindia in suffering the army to depart ; they were obliged to give two hostages, Mr. William Gamul Farmer and Lieutenant Charles Stewart, as a security for the performance of their engagement ; but their first act on descending the Ghauts was to suspend the countermand they had addressed to the officer commanding the Bengal detachment.