A History of the Mahrattas v2.c55.59

v2.c55.59

This person, who had been for some time the chief director of the Peishwa’s councils, was at last appointed his minister in the transaction of affairs with the British Government. He studied his master’s humours, and attained entire ascendancy over his mind; his measures were vigorous, though marked by ignorance, violence, and treachery. His punishments were at once lenient and severe; robbery and murder might be compensated by a small fine, but a failure in a revenue contract was an unpardonable offence.