A History of the Mahrattas v2.c37.119

v2.c37.119

When the replies did arrive on the 9th January, it was determined to send on the detachment, and Colonel Pearse, on entering the territory of Moodajee, was instructed to observe an exact discipline, to protect the country, and to consider the Raja of Berar as a friend, until any attempt was made to obstruct his march, when he was commanded to force his way against all opposition. To reconcile Moodajee, however, to this measure, the Governor-General deputed an agent, Mr. David Anderson, to Kuttack, for the purpose of explaining the reasons and obtaining, if possible, a body of two thousand horse to co-operate with Colonel Pearse. Before Mr. Anderson reached Ballasore, Chimnajee had proceeded with his army to attack the fort of Dhikanall, the Raja of which had neglected to remit the tribute and refused to pay the arrears Mr. Anderson, however, proceeded to Kuttack, and thence returned to Calcutta. Chimnajee, in the meantime, had quitted the hills and come down with his army to the open country. Colonel Pearse had not only been allowed to pass without molestation, but assistance was afforded in procuring supplies through the province of Orissa ; and the most friendly assurances were continued on the part of Chimnajee. The position of this Mahratta army was threatening : the government of Berar had behaved liberally to General Goddard, and civilly to Colonel Pearse : Moodajee had been so situated as to be compelled to join the confederacy, or at once declare his alliance with the English ;—the last a daring, a doubtful, and a generous policy, too great for any Mahratta to adventure. The Governor-General secretly promised to advance Moodajee the sum of sixteen lacks of rupees, in order to engage his aid, either in the alliance or mediation proposed ; for it is not very clear how this bribe was originally tendered. Twelve lacks were now offered to Chimnajee if he would withdraw his troops and return to Nagpoor ; at the same time it was carefully expressed that the money was not given in a manner to enable them hereafter to demand it as a right or to expect it in future, but merely to bespeak their friendship and engage them against Hyder, who was represented to have at this period received sunnuds from the Emperor for the whole Deccan ; at the subjugation of which, including the complete peninsula of India, he was said to be aiming. The son of Moodajee observed that on payment of fifty lacks he would be happy to afford the British Government a proof of his friendship, by retiring to Nagpoor and uniting against Hyder, especially if it should appear that he had procured sunnuds for the Deccan. This fictitious report obtained credence, especially with Nizam Ally, and it tended greatly once more to turn his versatile and treacherous mind against Hyder, whom as a rival Mussulman, and an upstart eclipsing him, he hated and feared.