1 92 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
Portuguese were no longer masters of Mascat, — as it 
fell about this period into the hands of the Arabs,, — 
yet he considered it too strong for him to attempt its 
reduction, and being so far distant from his territories, 
he no doubt thought it would be a useless acquisition. 
After the surrender of Severndroog, the piratical 
chieftain could no longer make head against the Bri- 
tish and Mahratta confederation. Immediately upon 
the capture of Angria’s stronghold, the English com- 
modore anchored off Bancoote, the most northern town 
of the pirate’s dominions, which capitulated at the 
first summons. This place, which has an excellent 
harbour, is now added to the East India Company’s 
possessions. The country around it abounds with 
excellent cattle, and supplies the presidency with 
superior sheep and oxen, extremely cheap. The best 
beef, perhaps, in India is obtained in this neighbour- 
hood. The place, after its capitulation, was ceded 
by treaty to the Bombay government ; but all other 
places on the coast which Angria had occupied were 
given up to the Mahrattas, and the British flag, 
hoisted on the several forts that had lately capitu- 
lated to the English commander, was struck, and re- 
placed by the Mahratta colours. Nothing further was 
attempted after the fall of Bancoote, the season being 
too far advanced to render it prudent to continue 
longer at sea ; Commodore James, therefore, returned 
to Bombay, where he received the highest acknow- 
ledgments for his signal services. 
After the breaking up of the succeeding monsoon, 
Rear-Admiral Watson put into the harbour of Bom- 
bay with his squadron. While the ships were clean- 
