Изображения страниц
PDF
EPUB

his Highness's government should be secured from loss; but that the subject appeared to merit attention, and that he would discuss it along with me on a future day.

In reply I observed, that circumstanced as the claim was at present, I could not discover how his Highness's government could suffer; and that at all events I should be happy to pursue the subject with him at our next meet ing.

course about Suddasheo Munkai-
ser, who he said had been recall-
ed by repeated letters; but con
tinued at Hydrabad probably at
the instance of Ragotim Kao, who
might be desirous of detaining him
for the adjustment of some points
relative to the Sholapore. If this
was the case it was possible, he
observed, that I might have re-
ceived some information on the
subject, or that if Ragotim Rao
really detained Munkaiser, it was
possible I might be induced to
write to Hydrabad for the pur-
pose of further investigating the
fact. In answer to this strange
suggestion I said, that the Peish-
wa had very properly promised to
recall Munkaiser a considerable
time since; that I had accordingly
waited in daily expectation of
seeing him return to Poona; that
the difference of 10 or 12 days in
his arrival was of little conse-
quence; but that as I considered
him a very unfit person to be em-
ployed by the Peishwa for the ad-
justment of any concern, and that
as his Highness, under the same
impressions, had recalled him by
repeated letters, it only remained
with him to enforce his orders.
Gopaul Rao replied, that as such
was my opinion, further measures
should be taken for his recall;
and then putting on an air of great
mystery, began to insist on the
desire which he felt to be on the
most intimate and confidential
footing with , observing, that
matters connected with his High-
ness's government often occurred
for communication to the British
resident, which could not with-
out inconvenience be made known
at different places; that the inter
course maintained by the British
residents at the several Durbars
went to divulge the subjects agi-

7. Gopaul Rao then told me that he was charged by his Highness to mention a few points which he thought were proper to be made known to your Lordship, namely, that his Highness had come to a resolution to use his endeavours to bring about an accommodation between Dowlut Rao Scindia and the Holkars, and that the Siddee of Dunda Rajapore, or Guyera, had of late shewn repeated marks of contumacy towards the Poona state; his Highness was prepared to take proper notice of such conduct, and doubted not but the British government would hold him at liberty to proceed against the Siddee on this occasion, agreeably to the terms of the treaty, which made a provision for Balloo Mian, and placed Ginjera at the disposal of this government. These points of communication appeared to me to require little notice. I said, that his Highness was no doubt the best judge of the part he should take in the differences between Scindia and the Holkars, and that I was well acquainted. with the terms of the treaty alluded to, which certainly transferred Ginjcra to the Poona govern

ment.

Gopaul Rao then began to dis

tated

tated at each, but that if I could observe secrecy, he would impart a few matters, which, being of a private domestic kind, his Highness could not allow to be made public here. I told Gopaul Rao, that I could not receive any intimations from this court without being at liberty to convey them to your Lordship; but where necessary, your Lordship would be induced to prevent my dispatches from being recorded till a disclosure of their contents could not be attended with inconvenience: this assurance, Gopaul Rao observed, was sufficient.

8. He then proceeded to explain that the Peishwa felt some pressure from the correspondence of Dowlut Rao Scindia, who aspired to the authorities exercised at any period by his predecessor; continued to urge his Highness to abstain from forming any engage ments with the British government, in addition to the obligations of the treaty of Salby; further statting, that should the Poona state be desirous of negotiating any new or separate points with your Lordship, it was proper that his Highness should leave the conduct of such negotiation to him (Dowlut Ras) agreeably to the practice of this court during the time of Madhajee Scindia and that in a predicament so uncomfortable his Highness was desirous to benefit by my advice. To be referred to by his Highness on any occasion of difficulty, I observed, could not fail of being highly flattering to me. It might be expected, I said, that Dowlut Rao would aim at the authorities attached to his predecessors. Experience, I added, had long shewn, that in state affairs the greatest advantages VOL. 6.

or

were to be derived from sincere friendship, and intimate alliances; and that on the present occasion I had little inducement to offer explicitly any advice, when it was evident that a moment's reflection only was requisite, to point out to his Highness the line of proceeding by which he might remove his difficulties, arrange his affairs, and secure prosperity and permanency to his govern ment. Gopaul Rao having heard me with attention, appeared to be at a loss how to reply; after being silent for a time, he said that Madajee Scindia had not always exercised the authorities alluded to by Dowlut Rao, the treaty of having been concluded without his concurrence knowledge; and then changed the subject by observing, that the Peishwa wished him to mention another point to me of a private nature, which was, that his Highness had received information from Ougein that Scindia gave out that your Lordship had first proposed that Colonel Collins should proceed to his (Scindia's) Durbar, although it was well known that the the Colonel had come to Ougein at Scindia's particular solicitation; that the Peishwa's information further stated, that since the arri• val of M. Perron his influence in Scindia's councils had greatly increased, and that his advice went constantly to impress Scindia with the expediency of being watchful of the English, whose views were hostile to his interests, and against whose intentions he would be secure if he would pursue a policy that would enable him (Mr. Perron) to support him with European aid: for the truth of this intelligence Gopaul Rao said E

the

the Peishwa could not vouch ; but as his Highness conceived that it was deserving of attention, he had it in mind to caution Scindia against the ruinous consequences that would result to the whole Mahratta empire, should he by any motives be prevailed on to resort to the false measure of introducing the French,

9. Here Gopaul Rao paused, apparently desirous of learning my sentiments on this last intimation: complying with his wish, I expressed my approbation of his Highness's intention, but observed, that whatever credit he was willing to allow to the information from Ougein, I could not persuade inyself that it was authentic; that Dowlu: Rao Scindia was on the most friendly footing with the British government, being particularly allied to it by treaty, and that no part of his conduct, nor any consideration of his interests, could justify the notion that he was really disposed to throw himself into the arms of the French. Gopaul Rao declined a reply, but recurring to the letters received by the Peishwa from Scindia, proposed that his Highness, with my sanction, should acquaint Scindia, that the negotiations in which he was at present engaged with the British government related solely to the propositions made to this court immediately after the fall of Seringapatam, concerning the distribution of the territory of Mysore. This proposal, indecent as it was, I did not permit to affect my temper. I told Gopaul Rao, that he had long abundant cause to know, that, in its intercourse with foreign states, the Brithis nation was always governed by the principles of truth and

honour, and that being ever alive to this great fact, it would be strange indeed could I be brought to countenance a misrepresentation.

10. Checked on this point, he again resumed the subject of the Guickwar affairs; said that his Highness had some time since dispatched a Karkoon to Brodera; that the Guickwar Vakeel had refused to give him letters to the address of Anund Rao, and the minister; and that from that momeut it was evident that the Vakeel was bent on mischief; that the Karkoon was accompa nied by a Vakeel from the Nabob of Cumbay, who was returning to his master; that on their arrival at Gundavee they were stopped by the Guick war troops, and ill treated, and that it was impossible for the Peishwa to pass over such insolent behaviour. Finding that he spoke with much warmth, I reminded him that the Guickwar Vakeel was absent on a visit to Futteh Sing, but would probably soon return, when he might be examined respecting the grounds of the complaint; that in every difference it was proper to avoid a decision till both sides had been dispassionately heard, and that I trusted, when circumstances should be fully ascertained, it would appear that nothing very material had happened. Gopaul Rao repeated that the account of the injury was particular and deserving of credit, and afterwards observed, in a more composed manner, that he was charged by the Peishwa to make a represen tation to me on some other points relating to the Guickwar affairs, but that he should reserve himself on such topic till a future ce

casion;

casion; and here the conference ended.

11. The Peishwa's lady, Radha Bhye, proceeded lately with a numerous retinue on a pilgrimage to Nassuck, and it was his Highness's intention to follow her at a short distance of time; the alarms, however, which have spread within these few days from the return of Jeswunt Rao Holkar to the Nurbudda, with the apparent intention of crossing that river, have induced the Peishwa to postpone his journey, and augment the escort which attends his lady.

12. Notwithstanding his Highness's professions to the contrary, I am still disposed to think that he feels no desire to determine the differences between Scindia and the Holkars; at all events, so long as he continues pressed and overawed by Scindia, he can scarcely prove to be a very efficacious mediator.

13. From the intelligence which I had previously received, I went prepared to meet Gopaul Rao on the Guickwar subject, but as the Peishwa long since expressed himself in a manner which shewed that he had no objection to offer in regard to Mr. Duncan's proceedings, and as his acquiescence in the cession of Chourassee was subsequently manifested by the statement of his claim to certain customs in that district, I do not conceive that his Highness will agitate the subject more than he may judge sufficient to indicate a degree of compliance with the persuasion of the Berar Vakeels, and promote his view of obtaining an advantageous adjustment of his claims on the Brodera govern

ment.

14. I am concerned at not having it in my power to give your

[blocks in formation]

My Lord,

THE sequel of this address will explain to your Lordship the motives which induce me to give it a private form

On the 5th inst. I received intimation, through a confidential channel, that the Peishwa was desirous of having a private interview with me, provided I should agree to observe strict secrecy, as well in regard to the meeting itself as the whole of the conversation it might give rise to.

In reply, I desired that his Highness might be acquainted, that nothing could be more flattering to me than to be admitted to the honour of a private or confidential communication with his Highness, but that although I was strongly impressed with the advantages that would naturally resuit to his Highness's affairs from having the means of conversing with him personally, or communicating with him through a confi. dential and concealed medium, yet it was evident that the duties of my station did not allow me to withhold from your Lordship's knowledge any transaction at this court, in which I personally took the smallest concern; that of the proposed meeting, therefore, and the conversation it might lead to, I should eventually be obliged to give your Lordship the minutest information; but that in doing so, E2

I should

I should adopt a private mode of address that would induce your Lordship to allow the subject to continue secret till disclosing it should become a matter of indifference, and that his Highness might rely that beyond your Lordship I should observe the most profound secrecy.

A few days afterwards I learned that this reply had been conveyed to the Peishwa, and that he had received it in good part; that the manner in which I had spoken of the duties of my station appeared to him as a proof of my sincerity and candour; that he shewed himself reconciled to the exception I had made relating to the necessity of my imparting every thing to your Lordship, but by a mode that would ensure secrecy so long as it should be requisite; and that I should soon hear further from his Highness on the subject.

On the 15th instant I received a messuage that the Peishwa was desirous that the proposed interview should take place on the night of the 17th.

Having made the arrangements necessary to prevent a knowledge of my trip, I proceeded at the time appointed, attended by a trustworthy servant, and so disguised as not readily to be discovered. 1 was met on the road by persons from the Peishwa, who conducted me by a private entrance to an apartment in his Highness's dwelling here I had not remained long when the Peishwa arrived; the conversation commenced as usual by inquiries of compliment; and these being ended his Highness proceeded to enlarge on the desire he felt to preserve the most amicable footing with the British government, observing that his connection with the Honourable

Company could not be considered as of modern date, as it referred to the transactions engaged in by his father, whose intimate union with the Company was too well known to require any illustration.—That states were in their nature subject to groundless enmities, and the interference of interested or officious characters; that in my present representative situation I would in course have frequently the means of favouring the friendship he wished to preserve with the British government; that where difficulties should occur to obstruct it, I would have the means of defeating such difficulties, and that while it was his particular desire to have me as his friend, he could wish me only to act at all times a conciliating part, with the view to prevent asperities and the growth of variances, and promote those objects which should appear con sistent with the mutual interests of both states.

Finding him pause a little, I observed that I was well aware of the origin and long standing of his connection with the Honourable Company, and that both duty and inclination always led me to pursue that conduct, which I thought best calculated to strengthen it 3 that it was with a view to this object that your Lordship had, at different periods, charged Colonel Palmer with such overtures as to your Lordship had appeared most suitable for the adjustment of his Highness's affairs, and the prospe rity and security of his government; but that the negotiation relating to these overtures had on the side of this court been suffered to languish; that Gopaul Rao Moonshee had hitherto conferred on the part of his lighness with the British Resident, and that I

ton

« ПредыдущаяПродолжить »