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1663] Khan, who was then reported to be pressing Shivaji hard (about November 1662), to importune him to move for their release. (Surat to R. Taylor, 17 May, 1662, F. R. Surat, Vol. 85; Surat Consult., 21 July, F. R. Surat, Vol. 2; also under 21st July, 19th August and 14th November in Vol. 85.)

On 3rd February, 1663, the Council commissioned the captain of H. M. S. Convertite to capture two vessels of considerable burden which Shivaji was fitting out at Jetapur for Mocha and loading with "such goods as were driven by storms upon his coast, which was of considerable value." (F. R. Surat, Vol. 2.) But such a step became unnecessary, as Raoji Pandit, the Maratha governor of Rajapur, sent for the four captives from Raigarh and set them free (about 5th February) with solemn assurances from Shivaji that the English would enjoy his protection in future. (Rajapur to Surat, 6th February, 1663, in F. R. Surat, Vol. 103.) The Council at Surat say that they "had desisted from calling that perfidious rebel Shivaji to an account, because they had not either conveniency of force or time." They were still resolved to avenge the wrong done to their masters' property and the sufferings of their "loving brethren," but sadly realised that "as yet we are altogether uncapable for want of shipping and men necessary for such an enterprise, wherefore patience." (Surat Council to R. Taylor, 9 Oct., 1663, in F. R. Surat, Vol. 2.)

Therefore, instead of resorting to force, they