A History of the Mahrattas v2.c53.33

v2.c53.33

Lord Cornwallis, disapproving of the system of alliances, had, as already mentioned, taken advantage of a failure in his engagement on the part of the Raja of Jeypoor, to direct that alliance to be considered as dissolved; but Lord Lake had prevailed upon Lord Cornwallis to suspend this dissolution; because at that period the Raja had it greatly in his power to assist or incommode the British army; and from that time he had performed such essential service as to render himself obnoxious both to Sindia and Holkar; to whose vengeance he became exposed, should the British Government withdraw its protection. Notwithstanding these claims, and the earnest recommendation of Lord Lake, Sir George Barlow obstinately adhered to his determination, and declared the alliance at an end. This declaration, it may be observed, did not take place until subsequent to the treaties with Holkar and Sindia; so that without infringing its engagements with them, the British Government was still at liberty to extend its protection to Jeypoor if it should see fit.