A History of the Mahrattas v2.c57.66

v2.c57.66

When the Marquis of Hastings heard of the Peishwa’s treachery, superadded to the numerous proofs of his insidious and persevering intrigues against the British Government, he determined to put an end to the dynasty of his family, and to annex his dominions to the Company’s territory; merely reserving a small tract, sufficient for the comfort and dignity of the imprisoned Raja of Satara, which might serve as a counterpoise to the remaining influence of the Bramins, conciliate the Mahratta nation, and leave an opening for the employment of many persons, in their own way, whom it would have been expensive to subsist, and who could not obtain a livelihood under the English administration. Instructions to this effect were transmitted to Mr. Elphinstone, vesting him with full powers as sole Commissioner for the settlement of the territory to be conquered. The 4th and 6th divisions of the Deccan army, under Generals Smith and Pritzler, were withdrawn from Sir Thomas Hislop’s control, and placed at the disposal of the Commissioner. These instructions were received by Mr. Elphinstone early in January, but various reasons induced him to reserve their promulgation for a short period, until it could be done under impressions more favourable to the British cause than existed at the moment; and be then followed up, in a manner which should convince the Mahratta nation of the advantages of submission, and the hopelessness of resistance. Hitherto, the pursuit of the Peishwa had been productive of nothing important, excepting the political effect of holding him up as a fugitive. Whenever Bajee Rao was pressed, Gokla, with all the light troops, hovered round the pursuing divisions, firing long shots with their matchlocks, throwing rockets in favourable situations, and cutting off cattle and baggage. Some skirmishes took place in consequence, and the Mahrattas frequently suffered from the shrapnel shells of the horse artillery; but these affairs were attended with no advantageous result to either party.