A History of the Mahrattas v2.c55.35

v2.c55.35

Mr. Elphinstone had been an assistant to Colonel Close at Poona, before he was attached to General Wellesley’s staff in the war of 1803, so that he took charge of his appointment as Resident with considerable local information. Being in the habit of communicating with the natives direct, he saw all persons who had business, and discontinued the form of introduction through any one agent. This alteration, superadded to a quarrel which had taken place between Khoosroojee and Sewdasheo Bhow Mankesir, was a source of secret vexation and discontent to the former, as it so greatly tended to lessen his importance and his gains; but Khoosroojee had much personal influence with the Peishwa, which he unfortunately exercised in prejudicing his mind against the Resident, by representing him as one who entertained the same sentiments as General Wellesley, whom Bajee Rao hated, because he had opposed his schemes of vengeance against Amrut Rao and the family of Pureshram Bhow Putwardhun. Several instances might be adduced of the effect which the Moodhee’s insinuations produced on the mind of the Peishwa; but although many subjects hitherto kept back were now brought into discussion in hopes of creating a necessity of again interposing the agency of the Moodhee, Bajee Rao had soon reason to acknowledge the impartiality of the Resident on the subject from which his chief prejudice against him had arisen.