A History of the Mahrattas v2.c48.38

v2.c48.38

Appa Sahib refused the command, but the offer having led to a reconciliation between Pureshram Bhow and Nana, the Bhow agreed to head the contingent himself, on condition of having his fine remitted and receiving Dharwar, with several places in the Carnatic, in Jagheer. An English detachment, similar to that formerly employed and under the command of the same officer, was held in readiness to join Pureshram Bhow ; but these endeavours on the part of Nana Furnuwees were frustrated by Bajee Rao, who acted under the influence of Doulut Rao Sindia. After the English had commenced hostilities against Tippoo,¹ his envoys were publicly received at Poona, although repeated remonstrances were made on the subject by the British Resident. Even after their formal dismissal was intimated to Colonel Palmer on the 19th March, they only retired to Kikwee, a village twenty-five miles south of Poona. Colonel Palmer at first supposed that the detention of the wukeels was a mere repetition of the former plan of obtaining a sum of money, on a false pretence of neutrality or aid. The British Resident knew that Bajee Rao had received thirteen lacks of rupees from Tippoo to which Sindia was privy, but it was not known at that time to Nana Furnuwees ; and when the Governor-General noticed the conduct of the court of Poona, by simply countermanding the detachment which had been prepared to accompany Pureshram Bhow, Nana Furnuwees could not comprehend the reason.