Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/435

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Book V
DECAN
427

Peace subsisting at this time between Balagerow and Salabad-jing, it had been concerted by Shanavaze Khan, that Balagerow should march from Poni, to punish Morari-row, at the same time that Salabad-jing took the field against Savanore. The two armies met, united, and agreed to assist each other in the reduction of their disobedient vassals, beginning with Savanore. But before they arrived at the city, Morari-row had reinforced the garrison with a considerable body of Morattoes, and commanded them himself in person. The French company were indebted to him a large sum on account of his services in the war of Tritchinopoly, for which the government of Pondicherry had given their bond; and he had often threatened mischief to their affairs, wheresoever the opportunity should offer, if the money were not paid. But now seeing the great force that was coming against himself and Sanore, he privately offered to relinquish his claim upon the French company, if Mr. Bussy would effect his reconciliation with Balagerow upon moderate terms. A negociation ensued; it was entirely conducted by Mr. Bussy; and the Duan, so far from impeding, was secretly rejoiced that he should adjust the terms. We have obtained no information what they were, farther than that the Nabob of Sanore and Morari-row made their submissions to their respective superiors, and Morari-row gave up to Mr. Bussy the bond of the French company. As soon as the peace was concluded, the Duan struck the blow he had long meditated, representing to Salabad-jing "that the city of Sanore might have been easily taken, if Mr. Bussy had not preferred the interest of the French company with Morari-row to those of the Soubahship with its vassals: that the French had never supplied any money to his government from the province of Arcot, although it was now five years since they had been entrusted with the administration of that country; whereas the ally of the English, Mahomed Ally, was at this very time solliciting the same patents for himself, proffering an annual tribute of three millions and two hundred thousand rupees, and an immediate present of one million two hundred thousand, as soon as he should receive the patents." Whoever has considered the whole tenor of our narrative, will easily have discerned that the opposition of the English arms had