15 



of paying his respects to Sir Charles, soon afterwards arrived at 

 onr encampment. He earnestly solicited Sir Charles to remain 

 a few days at Rajeghur, to further some views he had of enforcing 

 the collection of an arrear of tribute due to his master Mhadajee 

 Sindia, from the rajah Ameer Sihng; adding that the report of our 

 marching with him from thence to Ragoghur, would be equally 

 essential to the success of his demands on that rajah also. Nor 

 did he seem pleased when Sir Charles pointed out the impro- 

 priety of his interfering in any disputes between the native princes, 

 and especially with any evil intentions against a rajah who had re- 

 ceived him with friendship, and behaved with the greatest kindness 

 and hospitality. These considerations induced him to decline any 

 interference, and at an early hour he intended setting off for Rago- 

 ghur; on this answer, accompanied by a handsome present, he took 

 his leave. 



Dewjee Goleh, this Mahratta chief, now marching in great 

 style at the head of three thousand cavalry, was a man of low ex- 

 traction in the herdsman tribe. In order to keep clear of his 

 troublesome encampments in future, Sir Charles resolved to make 

 only three stages to Ragoghur, instead of four, at the usual divi- 

 sions ; we therefore travelled twelve miles the next morning by 

 torch-light, which prevents a description of the country ; by that 

 light it appeared to be generally a wild forest, and a most intole- 

 rable road. At day-break we reached Polycote, the customary 

 halting-place, a pleasant village situated near five distinct banian- 

 trees, spreading their venerable branches to a great extent; here were 

 also some fine mango groves profusely covered with fruit. We 



