New History of the Marathas v3.c37.s3.28

v3.c37.s3.28

Wellesley acquired the distinction of having successfully conducted his first independent campaign in co-operation with Indian allies. He came into close contact particularly with the Patwardhans and obtained valuable information about the Maratha administration in general and the present troubles and ways of the Poona rulers. Col. Wellesley thus gained a close acquaintance with the Maratha character, their Government, their leaders, the calibre and methods of their troops. The friendship which the Patwardhans were able to form with Col. Arthur Wellesley in their present close association, went on increasing, cemented as it was in the brotherhood of war. It is this friendship which saved the Patwardhan chiefs from Bajirao’s enmity in the long run and enabled them to hold their former positions to the present day. The campaign in addition enabled Arthur Wellesley to go through a most valuable rehearsal of the process of fighting in the Maharashtra country, which proved of inestimable benefit in the war which came three years later.