A History of the Mahrattas v2.c48.40

v2.c48.40

Bajee Rao imagined that, by the concessions made to Pureshram Bhow on the one hand and the encouragement given to Tippoo on the other, he should deceive both parties and postpone his ultimate decision, until circumstances enabled him to judge on which side it would be most advantageous to range himself. As far, however, as he was capable of following any plan, his resolution was taken in favour of Tippoo. In concert with Sindia, a scheme was laid to attack Nizam Ally, in which they hoped to engage Rughoojee Bhonslay, and as the English would, as a matter of course, defend the Moghul territory, in consequence of their late treaty, the Peishwa was then to declare the Mahrattas the allies of Tippoo Sultan. The Marquis Wellesley, apprised of those views, was on the other hand endeavouring to engage Rughoojee Bhonslay as a party to the treaty concluded with Nizam Ally.¹