Page:The Marquess of Hastings, K.G..djvu/155

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OVERTHROW OF THE MARÁTHÁ POWERS
147

and unalterable hostility did not fail, and the danger it gave rise to was increased by the reports that Bájí Ráo had left his own dominions and was marching at the head of a strong army to Chándá to effect a junction with the scattered fragments of the Bhonsla's forces. There was every intention of carrying the war into Nágpur, and Mr. Jenkins, who had early applied to Lord Hastings for instructions, resolved that it would be imprudent to wait any longer, and acting upon his own responsibility he made Apá Sáhib a prisoner, and lodged him for safe custody in the Residency, until the Governor-General should decide upon his future treatment (15th March).

General Smith, who had only delayed in the south to conduct Núr Náráyan to Sátára, there to receive investiture from the Supreme Government at the hands of the Commissioner, marched to the north, and halting for a short time at Sirúr, left that place on the 10th March. Shortly afterwards, he heard of Bájí Ráo's eastward march, and concerting a plan of pursuit with Doveton, the two divisions followed, the latter taking a northerly route to prevent an irruption into Hindustán, the former moving along the Godávari river to anticipate any attempt in the direction of Haidarábád. About the same time Sir T. Hislop, preparing to give up his command in the Deccan according to the orders already referred to, the division he commanded was broken up and incorporated with the forces operating against the enemy. At the beginning of April, Bájí Ráo, who had marched un-