New History of the Marathas v2.c25.47

v2.c25.47

Edward Ives a surgeon on Watson's ship has left a journal of his travels and given some pertinent details about the affair of Vijayadurg. He mentions that when the British entered the fort, not more than 20 on their side were found dead or wounded. Tulaji had three days before left the fort having stationed his wife's brother in charge. The British found in the fort Tulaji's two wives and two sons. Watson went into the fort and took a kindly interest in them. They all with tears in their eyes bowed to the ground before him as Watson entered, and the Admiral assured them of safety and care on his part. Tulaji's aged mother was much moved by this assurance and replied "Now we are without protection,—no father, and no children. One six year old son of Tulaji held Watson's hand and said, "You are now my father." These words touched Watson's heart too. The British discovered in the fort in addition to the above family of Tulaji, ten English and three Dutch men imprisoned by Tulaji. They were all set at liberty."