New History of the Marathas v2.c31.19

v2.c31.19

The Peshwa thereupon moved his camp from the banks of the Ghod river to Alegaon about 15 miles further south, near the northern bank of the Bhima. Here R’rao’s forces now joined by his friend Nizam Ali soon came in pursuit and suddenly fell upon the Peshwa on 12 November; the latter not being ready suffered a severe reverse. Unwilling to protract this civil strife, the young Peshwa made up his mind to surrender. He fearlessly rode into the uncle’s camp and delivered to him both his power and person. Malharrao Holkar acted as the mediator and brought about peace between them. Madhavrao completely humbled himself before his uncle, placing the latter’s shoes on his own head. Raghunathrao reciprocated the kindly sentiments in apparent sincerity, declaring that he did not covet power or prestige. But he was bent upon wreaking his vengeance upon some of the Peshwa’s ardent supporters, particularly Gopalrao Patwardhan, Trimbakrao Pethe and Baburao Phadnis. The two latter were sheltered at Baramati by Babuji Naik; Gopalrao proceeded to join his father at Miraj and like a soldier prepared there to resist Raghunathrao.