A History of the Mahrattas v2.c44.13

v2.c44.13

In 1756, piracy received a considerable check by the subjugation of Toolajee Angria, and had the Peishwa then united his endeavours with those of the English, it might have been exterminated. But like predatory incursions on shore, it was profitable; and so far from being suppressed, it was encouraged by the Poona court. The Peishwa had two fleets, the one under his Sursoobehdar at Bassein, the other commanded by Anund Rao Dhoolup his admiral, who was stationed at Viziadroog. The Peishwa’s fleets did not molest vessels under English colours until the war of 1775. After that period, even in times of peace, we find that occasional depredations were committed, and unless speedy detection followed, which was not always the case, the vessels were not restored: when the capture, however, was clearly ascertained, they were released, and the apology offered for their detention was that they had been mistaken for ships of some other nation.¹