DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.25988#0155
1803-07,
Nagpoor.
I 71
‘ Nagpoor* May 20, 1805.
4 Dear Stracliey,—
‘ The Raja has got a large army together, and probably is
weak enough to imagine that he will be able to wait till a good
opportunity offers of attacking ns. I, having no snch opinion
of his judgment, was much afraid that if Lord Lake has no
opportunity of striking a blow till the monsoon begins, this
fellow will be up in arms before it is over. Though I am
anxious for tranquillity, I must bring myself to wish for peace
with Sindia, whose long dissimulation, and final perfidy, and,
above all, his treachery, and barbarous conduct in plundering
and detaining Jenkins, require the severest chastisement. If,
as is most probable, he puts Jenkins to death, I think the war
with him should never cease till he is hung. Nothing can be
more admirable than the unsubdued spirit which Jenkins
shows even in his despatches eight days after Holkar had
joined.
‘Major Malcolm, who is gone to camp, will do admirably
to conciliate Sindia, after he has been sufficiently punished;
but as he is apt to take likings and attachments to natives, and
seems to have one to Sindia, I hope he will not have to
negotiate with him till he has lost 10,000 men and 150 guns.’
‘ July 1805.
‘ I cannot partake your joy at Lord Cornwallis’s being sent
out. I do not think Lord Wellesley deserves to be superseded,
and I tremble at the thoughts of change of measures which
must bring all the Mahrattas on us. Lord Wellesley’s evident
desire for peace has already had the most pernicious effects. If
you want to conciliate the people, givethem backtheir country.
No other plan will succeed. If you keep it, you must fight for
it. It appears to me that most mistakes in politics arise from
an ignorance of the plain maxim and its corollaries, viz. it is
impossible for the same thing to be and not to be. Hang the
subject! it makes me sick,’
Nagpoor.
I 71
‘ Nagpoor* May 20, 1805.
4 Dear Stracliey,—
‘ The Raja has got a large army together, and probably is
weak enough to imagine that he will be able to wait till a good
opportunity offers of attacking ns. I, having no snch opinion
of his judgment, was much afraid that if Lord Lake has no
opportunity of striking a blow till the monsoon begins, this
fellow will be up in arms before it is over. Though I am
anxious for tranquillity, I must bring myself to wish for peace
with Sindia, whose long dissimulation, and final perfidy, and,
above all, his treachery, and barbarous conduct in plundering
and detaining Jenkins, require the severest chastisement. If,
as is most probable, he puts Jenkins to death, I think the war
with him should never cease till he is hung. Nothing can be
more admirable than the unsubdued spirit which Jenkins
shows even in his despatches eight days after Holkar had
joined.
‘Major Malcolm, who is gone to camp, will do admirably
to conciliate Sindia, after he has been sufficiently punished;
but as he is apt to take likings and attachments to natives, and
seems to have one to Sindia, I hope he will not have to
negotiate with him till he has lost 10,000 men and 150 guns.’
‘ July 1805.
‘ I cannot partake your joy at Lord Cornwallis’s being sent
out. I do not think Lord Wellesley deserves to be superseded,
and I tremble at the thoughts of change of measures which
must bring all the Mahrattas on us. Lord Wellesley’s evident
desire for peace has already had the most pernicious effects. If
you want to conciliate the people, givethem backtheir country.
No other plan will succeed. If you keep it, you must fight for
it. It appears to me that most mistakes in politics arise from
an ignorance of the plain maxim and its corollaries, viz. it is
impossible for the same thing to be and not to be. Hang the
subject! it makes me sick,’