Page:Shivaji and His Times.djvu/411

1671] may obtain from us those advantages that other nations do in whose ports we trade. But we would not positively have them [the English representatives in these negotiations] promise him those grenadoes, mortar-pieces and ammunition he desires, nor absolutely deny him, in regard we do not think it convenient to help him against Danda-Rajpuri, which place if it were in his possession, would prove a great annoyance to the port of Bombay; and on the other side, our denial is not consistent at present with our interest, in respect we believe the keeping in suspense will bring him to a speedier conclusion of the treaty, hoping thereby to be furnished with those things he desires." (F. R. Surat, 87.)

The negotiations, as might have been expected from the diverse aims of the two parties, could not possibly end in an agreement. They were protracted till December, when Shivaji was out on his forays and "now not easily to be found or treated with." The English proposed to send Lieut. Stephen Ustick to treat directly with Shivaji. (F. R. Surat, 106, Bomb, to Surat, 8 Nov. and 15 Dec, 1671.) This envoy was directed to "set out in a handsome equipage befitting the Company's honour," with Ram Shenvi, the Company's interpreter. (F. R. Surat, 87, Surat to Bombay, 30 Sep., 1671.)

As early as the end of November, the Council of Surat lost all hope of a settlement. They write to Bombay (30th November, 1671), "Ram Shenvi hath private [ly] discoursed with us [as to] what