A History of the Mahrattas v2.c57.11

v2.c57.11

It was the Peishwa’s wish, previous to the commencement of hostilities, to invite Mr. Elphinstone to a conference, and murder him; but this plan was opposed by Gokla, who, though he concurred in that of corrupting the Sepoys, and was most sanguine in his belief of its complete success, disdained to perpetrate so base a crime, especially as Mr. Elphinstone had more than once proved himself his friend. But Bajee Rao was unwilling to relinquish a favourite scheme of personal revenge, and proposed to assassinate the Resident as he rode out; or, should that fail, to get Trimbukjee with a body of Bheels to endeavour to surprise the Residency by night, whilst a simultaneous attack should be made on the cantonment.