The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c6.8

c6.8

On 15 January the Viceroy wrote a second letter to Shivaji: ‘I have already written to Your Highness another letter, in response to two of yours, which I delivered to Pitambar Shenvi, Your Highness’s envoy. And I thought (it proper) to write this letter to renew my thanks to Your Highness for the demonstrations with which Your Highness welcomed my arrival which I shall reciprocate with loyal friendship, preserving for ever (the good relation) that Your Highness has with this state, as Your Highness will experience throughout the whole term of my administration, for I have conceived special affection for Your Highness, as I had already heard much about your great qualities while yet in Portugal, and also because the Prince, my master, had likewise charged me with all possible earnestness (to that effect). As regards the business on which the above mentioned envoy came I shall send an answer to Your Highness with all possible speed as Your Highness (may perceive) in this letter. The above mentioned envoy will be able to assure Your Highness of the good will that he finds in me and the expedition that I have given to the letters. I have ordered (letters) to be written to Moro Pandit and Annaji Pandit in reply to those of theirs, and to the captains of the fortresses of the North to inform them truthfully about the particulars of which I asked them to make enquiry regarding the *chauth*, and their answer I shall send to Your Highness; and in the said letters I have charged them to maintain good relations and amity with the Subedars of Your Highness, and not to suffer in our lands the malefactors of the Kolis and the Chauthia, so that they may not create disturbance or commit robberies in the territories of Your Highness. I expect Your Highness will also on your part require the said Subedars to keep the same relations and friendship with the said captains, so that there may not be between us any occasion for resentment or grievance. May God illumine the person of Your Highness in His Grace.’¹