New History of the Marathas v2.c25.46

v2.c25.46

Immediately on the arrival of the British ships in the harbour Ramajipant visited Admiral Watson on his flag-ship and mentioned that Tulaji was seeking peace terms. Watson answered, “I have no orders for making peace: but if you desire, let Tulaji come to me on my ship. If he does not come at once, I will fire on the fort.” But Tulaji could not make up his mind. Then the British fired, burnt the ships of Angria and took possession of the fort. Tulaji surrendered to Khandoji Mankar and was securely guarded by the Peshwa’s men. The next day Ramajipant again visited Watson on his ship, when the latter demanded the delivery of Tulaji. Ramaji replied that he would not hand over Tulaji unless he had written orders from his master. Ramajipant made a demand for the possession of the fort. Watson replied he had no orders but would hoist the Peshwa's flag along with his own. He would not allow the entry of Maratha troops into the fort if Tulaji was not delivered to him. The British dug up the fort for hoarded wealth, and obtained considerable amounts which they distributed to their men. As the Peshwa was absent at Savanur, no final solution could be found to dissolve the differences about the possession of the fort and disposal of Tulaji.