POONAH. 147 
unlimited confidence. Much may be done at the moment of victory, 
which would be impracticable were an application necessary to the 
seat of Government ; more particularly in a war with a Mahratta 
power, whose whole system of policy is delay. Had not General 
Wellesley been authorised to treat after the battle of Assaye, with- 
out referring to Calcutta, the enemy would have had time to recover 
their panic, recruit their forces, and prepare for another war. 
VOL. II. 
