A History of the Mahrattas v2.c44.20

v2.c44.20

The most active, however, of all the corsairs on the coast, and the most destructive to the English trade, were the pirates of Malwan and Sawuntwaree. We have already cursorily alluded to the expedition sent against them in 1765. It was under the joint command of Major Gordon¹ and Captain John Watson of the Bombay Marine.² They speedily reduced the fort of Malwan,³ a much valued possession of the Raja of Kolapoor, and took Yeswuntgurh or Rairee from the Dessaye of Waree. To the former the Bombay Government gave the name of Fort Augustus, intending to have kept it, but the acquisition being unprofitable, they proposed to destroy the works; that alternative, however, was also abandoned on account of the expense, and they at last determined to restore it to the Raja, on condition of his promising not to molest their ships or trade, to give security for his future good conduct, and to indemnify them for losses and expenses to the amount of Rs. 382,896; the whole of which, except Rs. 50,000, was received before Malwan was evacuated in May, 1776. This expedition took place during the minority of Sivajee, Raja of Kolapoor. Kem Sawunt, Dessaye of Waree, was then also a minor; and a confusion, greater even than usual, prevailed amongst his turbulent relations. To this confusion may be ascribed the difficulty which was experienced in effecting a settlement with the Dessaye of Waree. The Bombay Government