A History of the Mahrattas v2.c55.110.1

v2.c55.110.1

In the meantime the Peishwa continued to levy troops, both cavalry and infantry; every endeavour was used to induce him to desist—he was warned of the consequences of such proceedings, and of the dangerous course he had followed in abetting the insurgents, and thus evincing intentions decidedly hostile to the British Government. But he still persevered; the language of his ministers assumed a peremptory tone, and they demanded from the Resident whether he intended war or peace. Mr. Elphinstone, in order that nothing might be wanting to bring the Peishwa to a sense of his situation, had suspended the intercourse between the Residency and the Poona court about the time when Colonel Smith proceeded against the insurgents; he now in expectation of receiving instructions from the Governor-General, directed Colonel Smith to move towards Poona with the light division, acquainting the Peishwa with his having done so; the plan he pursued was to proceed gradually, giving the Peishwa time to correct his errors, if so disposed, at the same time relaxing nothing of the steadiness and dignity which became the representative of the British nation. Many reasons, however, combined to render it advisable to bring matters to an issue. The insurgents gained ground in Candeish: a fort fell into their hands;