New History of the Marathas v2.c25.44

v2.c25.44

On 7th February 1756 fourteen British ships of war with a force of 800 English troops and a thousand Indians, left Bombay under Clive and Watson, all by the sea-route. It was expected that the war would continue long and stiff, but on the 7th day after leaving Bombay, Vijayadurg fell into British hands. Watson reported on 14th February, " We arrived before Vijayadurg on 11th and learnt that Tulaji was negotiating for terms with the Peshwa. " In order to prevent him from gaining time for negotiations, I at once called upon him to deliver the fort to us. On the 12th we started firing upon the fort. At four in the afternoon, a chance shot falling upon one of Angria's ships set fire to all his ships large and small about 70 in all, and they all were quickly burnt to ashes. On the 13th a few of our men landed; and prevented any of the Peshwa’s men getting into the fort. Capt. Forde with 60 men entered the fort in the afternoon and planted the British flag on the top-mast. This morning all our men had an easy access into the fort. Ramajipant is coming to meet me today when I will demand the delivery of Tulaji Angria. We suffered no material losses.”