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.

    246/522 (page 228)
    ^28 BOMBAY TOWN Chapter I. History. Surrender of Chau], 1739. ketches were sent to lie off the Breach, and guard the coast thence to the mouth of Mahim riverd The 30th November 1739 the following further disposition of vessels was made for securing that island: The Rohert galley and Adventure grab merchant vessels with the Neptune’s Prize were stationed off the port and in the bays, and the Emelia sloop was ordered up the river to strengthen the guard.^ The day previous (29th November 1739) the President communicated to the Board two letters from the Viceroy of Goa. On these the following resolution was passed ; After deliberation it appears to this Board that the proposal therein made of the capitulations for the surrender of Chaul being left to our discretion and management, and the brass artillery to be appropriated to the payment of the Portu- guese debt to our Honourable Masters might have produced a very good effect, besides ensuring so large a sum in the best manner now attainable, had the Viceroy left it in our choice to treat with Bajirav upon the cession of Chaul, a place which we know he long has had an eye upon, and which must sooner or later fall into his hands, since it is evident the Portuguese are now thoroughly disabused of the hoj^te of any timely succour from Portugal. Further, his letter distinguishes in such a manner betwixt the Shahu Baja and Bajirav as might on our undertaking to treat with Bajirav give the Viceroy a pretext hereafter to disavow our measures and procedure therein. We are sensible that as matters are circumstanced, treating with the Shahu Baja directly would be to no purpose, since Bajirav^s power is so firmly established that such a step would give him a jealousy that we are aiming at subverting his interest. On the other hand the tender to him of a place of such strength and importance will be the strongest proof of the reality of our assurances that w'e have no ambition of extending our possession, or placing garrisons in his country. W^e hope this measure may produce a further confidence and good disposition in the Marathas towards us or at the least leave them no pretence for mis- trust or complaint. It is true the annexing so strong a place to the Marathas will greatly increase their power. Still it is better they should owe the obligation to us than to let it fall into the possession of Manaji Angria with whom no measures can be taken, or of the Sidi who we know is not in a condition to defend it. Agreed that an express boat be instantly despatched to the Viceroy with a letter from the President, setting forth the necessity of treating with Bajirav or Chimnaji for the surrender of Chaul and requesting an immediate reply engaging mean- while that the secret required in this affair will be duly kept.^ The llth December 1739 the President acquaints the Board that the express boat despatched to the Viceroy of Goa with a letter agreeable to our resolution in Council of the 29th ultimo is returned with an answer, wherein the disposal of Chaul is left to us without reserve. Agreed that we accept of this procuration and assignment of the brass ^ Bom. Gov. Consultation, 16th Nov. 1739, Pub. Diary 12 of 1738-39, 460-451. ^ Bom. Gov. Consultation, 30th Nov. 1739, Pub. Diary 12 of 1738-39, 491. ^ Bom. Gov. Consultation, 29th Nov, 1739, Pub. Diary 12 of 1738-39, 480-481.