A History of the Mahrattas v2.c42.37.1

v2.c42.37.1

We have noticed the delay of the Mahratta commanders in collecting their detachments, and in engaging actively with the English in the operations against the capital. The object of Hurry Punt was obviously plunder, but that of Pureshram Bhow extended to the long-meditated Mahratta scheme of obtaining possession of the district of Bednore. Pureshram Bhow conceived that the present opportunity, whilst aided by a body of British troops at his absolute disposal, was too favourable to be omitted. Though fully informed by Lord Cornwallis of the general plan of operations, in which he was requested to co-operate, he no sooner saw the English army engaged in besieging the fortresses already mentioned, on its route towards Seringapatam, than he directed his march straight towards Bednore. Hooly Onore having been assaulted and taken by the British detachment, the Mahratta general continued his advance along the left bank of the Toong, intending to reduce the fort of Simoga. But at that place, besides the regular garrison, there was a force consisting of seven thousand infantry, eight hundred horse, and ten guns, under the command of Reza Sahib, one of Tippoo’s relations, who, on the approach of the Mahrattas, either from not deeming his position advantageous or with a view to attack Pureshram Bhow when engaged in the siege, quitted his entrenchments close to the walls of the fort and took post in a thick jungle a few miles to the south-west of it.