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Rh CHAPTER XVI.

Vain Attempt to subsidise the Peishwa – Hostile Feelings between the Houses of Scindia and Holkar – Battle of Poonah, in which Holkar defeats Scindia and the Peishwa – The Latter applies for Assistance to the English – Treaty of Bassein – Scindia and the Rajah of Berar determine to oppose it – Combined Movements of the Governor-General against the Mahratta Chiefs – General Wellesley advances from Mysore, and effects a Junction with the Nizam's Subsidiary Force, under Colonel Stevenson – General Wellesley makes a Forced March upon Poonah – The Peishwa reinstated on the Musnud – Duplicity and Evasions of Scindia and Raghojee Bhoonsla – Attack and Capture of Ahmednuggur – Storm and Capture of Baroach – General Wellesley enters Aurungabad – Marches against the Confederate Chieftains – Battle of Assaye – Capture of Burhampoor and Asseerghur – Scindia sues for Peace – Defeat of the Rajah of Berar at the Battle of Argaum – Storming and Capture of Gawilghur – Devoted Bravery of the Rajpoot Commanders – Dreadful Self-sacrifice of Rajpoot Females – Glorious Termination of the War.

Though the Marquis Wellesley had evinced no resentment at the failure of the Mahrattas in the operations against Tippoo, he determined to avail himself of his present commanding position to establish, if possible, an effective control over this great and turbulent state. He tendered to them a share in the spoils of Mysore, on condition that the Peishwa should, after the example of the Nizam, receive a British subsidiary force, and cede a portion of territory the clear revenue of which might be sufficient for their maintenance. This proposal was decidedly rejected; and it evidently appeared that his Highness would never agree to any such measure, unless under the pressure of an irresistible necessity; which, however, occurred much sooner than any one anticipated.

The rival houses of Scindia and Holkar, after recently emerging from the lowest obscurity, had for some time been jealous of each other's power and pretensions; and Jeswunt Rao Holkar, who was bold and enterprising, did not, in the course of his ravages, spare the territories of