letter; that if I advised him to go to Sungum-nair, he might be disturbed by the Peshwah's troops; that if I advised him to come here, I might be obliged to reduce him to the alternative of staying without a provision from the Peshwah, or of going off again, if his Highness should not consent to pardon him; and that, besides, his Highness might have some reason to complain if I was to receive into my camp, as a friend, a person whom he should consider as an enemy.

In respect to his proposal, that I would consent to his increasing his forces, I could not recommend that measure, as I knew that he must provide for them by the plunder of the country, which would only bring him into fresh difficulties.

The vakeel then remonstrated respecting the plunder of Amrut Rao's servants at Poonah, and other places within the Peshwah's reach, in which they resided. In answer to this I observed, that this misfortune was the consequence of the state of enmity in which the brothers were, and that their reconciliation would be the only remedy for it. In answer to his request, that we should interfere in their favor, I observed, that would produce no good, and might probably draw from the Peshwah an observation, that we made friends of his enemies. The vakeel then said, we can retaliate, and have people in our power on whom we can be revenged. I answered, I could not recommend this, because it would be a breach of Amrut Rao's engagements with me, in consequence of which I had undertaken to make his peace with the Peshwah; that the principle of that measure was a desire on his part to be forgiven by his sovereign, which desire would be but ill manifested by an attack on his servants and adherents. It is very desirable, on many accounts, that this man should have an answer soon; and I shall be obliged to you, if you will urge the Peshwah to come to a decision on the subject.

The vakeel informed me that Holkar was about ten coss from Chandore, and that he had built sheds to cover in his horses for the monsoon.

'Lieut. Colonel Close.

I have the honor to be, &c.

، ARTHUR WELLESLEY.

MY DEAR COLONEL,

To Lieut. Colonel Close.

'Camp at Angah, 16th June, 1803. I have received your letter of the 14th. I sincerely hope that you may succeed in getting us some bullocks, and in bringing forward the brinjarries. I have got a few bullocks from the Nizam's country; but so few, that they do not replace the casualties even amongst the Bombay carriage bullocks.

We have had rain, which has done much mischief to our weak cattle. In short, nothing but the required assistance from Poonah can keep us in the field.

I hear good accounts of Ahmednuggur; it is full of every thing we want. The property of this country is lodged there. The capture of that place will relieve our immediate distresses, and will give every body spirits. But the resources of Poonah must keep us in the field during the rainy season.

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My people got there 3000 bullocks in one month, besides

the cattle purchased by individuals and bazaar people.

Have you got any description of Ahmednuggur?

I received accounts of Holkar this morning. He was, with all his army, Meer Khan, &c., at Abhoona, on the 10th; this place is fifteen coss to the northward of Doorup. The fall of rain had been very violent in that part of the country, and his army was in the greatest distress. It was still reported that he was going towards Guzerat. He had heard of my march from Poonah, and arrival upon the Goor river. I had a letter yesterday from Colonel Stevenson, of the 10th: he had received accounts from Scindiah's camp, stating it was reported there that it was intended to attempt to seize Holkar, if he should come to the proposed meeting.

Colonel Stevenson's man also writes him that the Nizam, the Rajah of Berar, and Scindiah are on good terms; and the Colonel appears to think that there was something in this report, as the Nizam's sirdars had not accompanied him on his march that day, on the ground of their cattle being out foraging. He therefore thinks of having recourse to the measure he proposed before, in order, as he calls it, to pledge the Nizam to his cause.

Another reason for delaying to attempt to take pos

session of Savanore, till we are relieved from all apprehension to the northward, is the necessity of keeping my rear quiet. I may get orders from Goklah and Appah Saheb to their troops, but these will not obey them. A contest will follow to a certainty, unless we should be very strong, which we shall not be without General Stuart breaks up his army. Believe me, &c.

'Lieut. Colonel Close.

'ARTHUR WELLESLEY.

To Lieut. Colonel Close.

'MY DEAR COLONEL,

Camp at Angah, 17th June, 1803. 'I have received your letter of the 15th, and I return the enclosure.

I hear this morning, from Amrut Rao's vakeel, that Holkar has crossed the Taptee, with an intention of invading Guzerat. This intention may be carried into execution hereafter, but cannot at present, I should imagine. It would be well, however, if Mr. Duncan were apprized of this movement of Holkar's army, in order that some troops may be placed between the rivers Taptee and Nerbudda, where, I believe, there are none at present.

The best mode of settling with the ferrymen upon the Beemah and Goor, will be to give them a monthly payment for every body belonging to us, who, in consequence thereof, must be allowed to pass without paying toll. Will you be so kind as to have that matter settled? I am very anxious for some description of Ahmednuggur.

I suspect that the chiefs are coming forward; but they have spun out the time in order to allow the rivers to fill, and that they may be late in showing themselves with this army. If the rivers should fill before they march from Poonah, they ought still to be forced to march, and to cross the Beemah at different fords. One party as low down as Gardoon. The party that passes there will be clear of the Goor.

The weather is still very bad and distresses us much. I hope that the durbar will not deceive us respecting the brinjarries.

'Believe me, &c.

ARTHUR WELLESLEY.

may appear to Rajah Mohiput Ram, and the British officers, to be most fit for the trust; and that such measures and arrangements should be adopted as will tend to the security of that fort, in case the course of operations should draw the troops in the field to a distance from it.

I observe that Rajah Mohiput Ram is referred to me upon all these points; but as some time must elapse before I can reach Aurungabad; and as it is a matter of the utmost importance that that place should be as secure as it can be made at the earliest possible period of time; and as you know as well as I do, what measures ought to be adopted upon this occasion, I must beg you to consult with Rajah Mohiput Ram, and to make such arrangements for the security of Aurungabad as you may think best.

. I think it probable that the garrison at present in Aurungabad will refuse to give up the fort, unless an engagement is made to pay them their arrears. Rajah Mohiput Ram must determine whether the arrears are to be paid or not; but, at all events, I request that the intention to make a new arrangement for the defence of the fort may be kept secret, till all your measures shall have been prepared to take possession of it by force, if the garrison should refuse to give it up.

If Rajah Mohiput Ram should consent to pay the arrears, and the troops should desire that you would engage that they should be paid, you may make such an engagement, first taking care to have from Rajah Mohiput Ram a paper, by which he will engage that the Nizam's government shall pay the sum required within a month.

When you have settled this point with Rajah Mohiput Ram, you will call upon the commanding officer of the fort of Aurungabad to give it up, and you will give him two hours to consider of your demand.

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If the garrison should refuse to give up the fort on any grounds, you must attack it, and get possession of it by force; but I request you to give strict orders that the place may not be plundered, and that no disorder may be committed by our troops who may be employed on this service. The officers must recollect that many females of the Nizam's family are in Aurungabad, and that his Highness would be more sensible of any injuries that they may suffer from the

licentiousness of the troops, than he will be of the benefit which his government might derive from their valor and discipline.

You will strongly urge Rajah Mohiput Ram to satisfy the present garrison of Aurungabad regarding their arrears; and will point out to him, as a motive for attending to your recommendation, the possibility that disorders may be committed by the troops on taking possession of the place, if they should be obliged to take it by force.

After obtaining possession of the place, you will examine it, and see what number of men, ordnance, stores, &c., are necessary for its defence; you will call upon Rajah Mohiput Ram to supply those men, &c., if possible without weakening the force which is with you in the field; and you will make an arrangement with him for the quantity of provisions that may be required, which he also must take measures to lodge in the fort.

It is reasonable to suppose that Rajah Mohiput Ram must know best to whom the Nizam is desirous of giving charge of this fort in future, and you will place there as killadar whomever he may point out.

You will observe, by the enclosed paper, that the present killadar of Aurungabad is to be sent to Hyderabad: of course care must be taken to secure his person at the time that you will summon the fort to surrender, if he should be still in your camp. The troops in the fort may be suffered to depart whenever they please, or may be disposed of in such manner as Rajah Mohiput Ram may think proper.

To Colonel Stevenson.

'Camp, 19th June, 1803.

I was so anxious that you should get my letter of yesterday in good time, that I did not detain your hircarrah longer than the time necessary to fold it up.

I have suffered a great loss in carriage bullocks, and I find it difficult to replace them in this country, which is so exhausted. I shall therefore be much obliged to you if you will endeavor to get me some. Let them be purchased on account of the Company, and send them off to me in charge