A History of the Mahrattas v2.c37.34

v2.c37.34

¹ [In a letter to General Goddard of April 30, 1780, President Hornby and Council wrote: ‘The possession of Bassein, considered in every point of view, is an object of so much importance to the Company, that we cannot help expressing our anxiety at the probability there appears of this season elapsing and Bassein still unsubdued. The danger of such a fortification, so contiguous to our possessions, remaining in the hands of the enemy at this time of a European war, and the advantage and security the acquisition of it would give to this Presidency, makes us very earnest in our wishes not to leave the reduction of this place to the hazard of future accident or circumstances; nor can we think that any other object can claim a preference to your attention or bring this campaign to a more honourable and