A History of the Mahrattas v2.c39.18

v2.c39.18

To this arrogance he was probably encouraged by the departure of Mr. Hastings on the 8th February for England; but Mr. Macpherson, who had succeeded to the temporary charge of the Supreme Government, not only denied the existence of such a claim, but insisted on its being disavowed; and Sindia, perceiving that the acting Governor-General would not submit even to temporize with encroachment, acknowledged its impropriety. Mr. Macpherson conceived that the ambitious nature of Sindia’s policy was very dangerous, and endeavoured to raise some counterpoise to his progress by exciting the jealousy and rivalry already entertained towards him among the other Mahratta chiefs. Moodajee Bhonslay being at Poona when the demand for the Chouth of Bengal was made, the Bombay Government, by Mr. Macpherson’s desire, paid him extraordinary attention, which had the effect of gratifying Moodajee and alarming Sindia. Nana Furnuwees was encouraged in a desire he had frequently expressed of having a British Resident at the Peishwa’s court, and Mr. Charles Malet was chosen for that important mission. Although no part of the treaty of Salbye precluded the British Government from sending an envoy to Poona, yet as considerable delicacy was due towards Sindia, it was desirable that he should give his assent to the appointment; and it was supposed that this could be best obtained by Mr. Malet’s proceeding in person to Sindia’s camp; but the latter was too sagacious not to perceive the loss of influence which Mr. Malet’s mission would occasion him.¹ He observed that, after having been entrusted for three years with the management of the English affairs at the court of Poona, the appointment of a Political Agent of their own would naturally impress the chiefs of the Deccan with an idea that the British Government was dissatisfied with his conduct, and had revoked the confidence it had previously reposed. But these objections, however plausible, were not of sufficient weight to dissuade Mr. Macpherson from the measure which he deemed it necessary to adopt. It was determined that Mr. Malet should proceed as envoy to the court of Poona ; but before the arrangement was finally settled, events had taken place to the southward which rendered the appointment still more essential to the interests of the British Government.