A History of the Mahrattas v2.c56.11

v2.c56.11

The chief end of these overtures, in the present instance, was with a view of connecting the chain of military posts between the frontier of the British possessions in Bundelcund and the territory of their ally the Nizam. The same object was attainable, by taking Govind Rao Nana, the chief of Sagur,¹ and Wuzeer Mohummud, Nabob of Bhopaul, under British protection; but being by this time involved in hostility with the Goorkhas of Nepaul, Lord Hastings intended to postpone the offer of protection to the principalities in question, when he obtained information that a negotiation for a treaty, offensive and defensive, was in progress betwixt Sindia and Rughoojee Bhonslay, and also between Sindia and the ministers of Toolsee Bye Holkar²: he further learnt that Sindia, who had made great efforts against Bhopaul the preceding year, was determined to renew the siege; that in its exhausted state even the heroism of Wuzeer Mohummud¹ must prove unavailing; and finally, that this chief earnestly solicited to be taken under British protection.²