138 Lieut.-Colonel Briggs' Translation of the 



" not to cross the Godaveri or the Dharna, but to remain in his camp with 

 " his army and guns. Why should I take five hundred men with me ? If 

 " I am to reign, ten attendants will be sufficient ; if not, what would be 

 " the use of twenty-five thousand men ? With these feelings therefore I 

 " shall go on, and he may act as he thinks proper. It is very likely I may 

 " be doing wrong ; but that which is ordained by God must of necessity 

 " happen. Misfortune may befall me ; but go I will, whatever be the con- 

 " sequence. Do not shew this letter to any one. I depend much on 

 " Sewacram Pant." 



The result of this determination being made known to Ragoba, he wrote 

 the following letter to his nephew, in his own hand. 



" 9th of September I767. 



" Write to me when it will be convenient for us to meet. In case you 

 " have any troops with you, do not keep them behind, let them all come 

 " on. Do not come alone. Our meeting on this occasion should take 

 " place in proper state. It is long since we saw each other. Do not delay. 



" To-morrow will be Wednesday, and would be a good day, but the 

 " meeting cannot take place. Friday, however, will answer as well. 



" P.S. I send fourteen Kowli oranges and thirty-three ripe plantains, by 

 '• the camel messenger who conveys this letter, of which I beg your 

 " acceptance. 



" Despatched Tuesday evening." 



Madhu Rao, in his own hand, to Nana Farnevis. 



" 9th of September I767. 

 " If Naro Pant Desmukh eflfects the business at Sewnere,* a public letter 

 " may be written to him, giving him authority to act, but not till he 

 " accomplishes the object. 



" I have directed Visaji Pant Lilu's attention to the same point, and if 

 " they can be brought to co-oj^erate, so much the better." 



Madhu Rao (written by his secretary Hari Pant) to Nana Farnevis. 



" 12th of September I767. 



" Your letter regarding Sewnere has been received, stating that you 

 " require official authority to occupy it previously to the arrival of the 

 " regular infantry from my uncle's camp. At present it is not adviseable to 



* This expression alludes to tlie occupation of Sewnere by Ragoba's troops. 



