A History of the Mahrattas v2.c52.9

v2.c52.9

been in the possession of the Mahrattas since their garrisons were driven out by Shujah-ud-doulah, after the recall of the Peishwa’s general, Visajee Kishen, in 1773, and had been ceded in 1801 by the Nabob of Oude to the East India Company. The wukeels proceeded, in a high strain of menace, to exaggerate the power of Holkar and the value of the connexions, hostile to the British Government, which he had formed. General Lake replied, ‘that it was not customary with the English to boast of their power, but that Holkar would find, in the event of a rupture, that he had much overvalued his own.’ General Lake also took occasion to mention to the wukeels that their propositions and their language were so much at variance with the tenor of Holkar’s letters, that no judgement could be formed of his real wishes and intentions. On the ensuing day the wukeels attended to receive a reply to the letter they had brought from Holkar, when they solicited a grant of some country, or an annual sum in lieu of an increase of country, and asked whether or not Holkar was to be allowed to collect the customary tribute from the states of Oudepoor and Kotah. To all which General Lake merely replied that Holkar must first evince his friendly intentions by returning into his own country, before the British Government could be enabled to enter upon a discussion of any claims.