Volume 1

Materials towards a statistical account of the town and island of Bombay in three volumes.

  • Bombay Presidency
Date:
1893-1894
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Materials towards a statistical account of the town and island of Bombay in three volumes. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    198/522 (page 180)
    Chapter I- History. Sainbhaji Aiigr:a's Designs oil Underi, 1737. Sliahu Rdja’s intended Attack, 1737. 180 BOMBAY TOWN proceed as soon as possible without the mouth of the harbour. If they discover the enemy^s fleet, that they immediately attack them to prevent their landing* any force upon Underi; and should Prince of Wales galley appear and the enemy stand towards her, that our ships make the best of their way to her relief. Ordered that the Prince of Walps^2^\Qj likewise join them and that they lie near to the mouth of the harbour to observe such signals as shall be made from the Fort.^ The rumour of Sambhajks invasion seems to have been false. Four days later (8th April) the Council write: Having reason to believe that the report of Sambhaji Angria^s design to come to the northward with his lleet is without foundation, it is agreed that the Decker be ordered to return into port as it is now time to get her in readiness to prosecute her intended voyage.^ With the close of the rains Sambhaji and Mandji Angria who had made up their quarrels again became troublesome. On the 26th August the President acquaints the Board that two days ago (2dth August) he received intelligence that the Shahu Baja had got together a body of 20,000 foot and 50,000 horse. liat 20,0*00 of the horse were designed against Goa, and as many against Daman, and that with the remahrder of the force they were resolved to attack Bombay. The 'patainars who arrived last r’light report that they were detained three days at Tirana cluringAvhieh time 5000 men came to that place. Resolved Avhether tliis intelligence prove true or not, it is our duty to be in constant readiness to defend ourselves. It is therefore directed that strict orders be given to the commanders of the several oirtforts to keep a careful rvatch in their respective posts to prevent the enemy getting upon the island by a surprise.^ On the 1st September the President acquaints the Board Avith the substairce of a letter I'eceived tAvo days before from the Sidi officer at Underi advising that Sambhaji Angria had fitted and sent out part of his fleet to intercept the A^essels expected from Mokha. That on receipt of this notice he had desired Commodore Massey to get his ship in readiness and had ordered tAvo of the cruizers to be also got ready Avhich Avould be done by to-morroAv night (2nd September), and he noAV desires the opinion of the Board on this occasion. A messenger Avho arrived this day from Goa likewise informs the President that he ])ut into Gheria in his passage hither Avhere there lay only four grabs though as AA^e are told Sambhaji has not less than 13. Hie Consultation proceeds: The Victoria from Mokha is indeed this instant arrived. But the King George and the ship laden AAnth coftee do not yet appear and the Heaihcote also from England is daily expected. In these circumstances as our vessels are nearly in readiness AA^e tliink Ave should be inexcusable not to send them out AAliether the report proves true or not. For if by neglecting so to do any accident should happen Ave should justly incur the censure of our Honourable Masters. It is therefore agreed that the Wilmington, Britannia, and Princess Carolina be sent out as soon as they are ready to cruize the latitude of Gov, Consultation, 4th April 1737, Puh. Diary 10 of 1736-37, 86. “ !)Oiu. Gov. Consultation, 8tli April 1737, rub. Diary 10 of 1736-37, 92.