New History of the Marathas v2.c34.29

v2.c34.29

Now only two places, Shrirangapattan and Bednur remained in Haidar Ali's possession to which the Peshwa next directed his attention. This move so paralysed Haidar, that he sent his agents humbly seeking terms and agreeing to surrender all the territory in the Karnatak that the previous Peshwa Nanasaheb had possessed. About this time Raghunathrao, highly discomfited in his northern expedition, again started trouble at Poona which obliged the Peshwa to return, accepting the terms offered by Haidar Ali, instead of finishing him completely. While the Peshwa was in the Karnatak the British Government of Madras made overtures to him for his co-operation against Haidar Ali and sent their agent Lt. Tod to arrange a friendly treaty. But knowing how dangerous it was to take foreign help for putting down one's enemy, the Peshwa wisely rejected the British offer. Tod thus reported to his superiors, "I blush when I think the degree of contempt I was treated with considering my station and those I represented. Nevertheless I kept my temper and showed as little sign of disgust as possible." Madhavrao concluded a separate peace with Haidar Ali and went to Poona, having established a high position for Maratha arms and prestige in the minds of his rivals.⁶