ccesses over us. You showed such intelligence
in the matter that he says I can place every confidence in you.

"Although the Nizam has been obliged to dismiss the French troops
in his service, and to send a portion of his army to act in
connection with our own against Mysore, he is in no way to be
trusted; being as slippery as the rest of these Indian princes and,
like the Mahrattas, would assuredly join Tippoo if he saw his way
to doing so. This is so certain that nothing would be gained by
sending another agent to Hyderabad. I therefore propose to open
communications with the Rajah of Berar.

"None of my officers is able to talk Mahratti; though many of them
are, of course, familiar with the southern dialects. The rajah is
already practically at war with the Mahrattas as, for a long time,
his troops have been ravaging the territory of Purseram Bhow; which
he was invited to do by the Peishwa, when Purseram took sides
against him. He is doubtless in some apprehension of an attack by
the Mahrattas and, upon our promising to guarantee his dominions,
and to give him support if attacked, he may be willing to venture
into an alliance with us; and his doing so would, alike, help us in
keeping the Nizam to his engagements, and deter the Mahrattas from
moving.

"This is the mission that I intend to confide to you. I believe
that it could not be in better hands. If you will call, tomorrow
afternoon, your written instructions and powers to act for me, and
to enter into engagements in my name, will be ready for you; and I
should wish you to start the next morning. You will have an escort
of twenty troopers. These Indian princes have little respect for
persons who travel unattended.

"You will understand that the instructions recite the maximum that
you are authorized to offer to the rajah. If he will be satisfied
with less you will, of course, grant as little as you can; if he
demands more, you must refer the matter to me. At any rate, so long
as you are negotiating, he will take no active steps against us;
though I have learned that Bajee Rao has already been at work,
trying to persuade him to join himself and Tippoo against us. Were
such a treaty concluded, we could no longer hope to retain the
Nizam; and indeed, should find it difficult to contend against so
powerful a confederacy. At any rate, if the rajah will not join us,
you must endeavour at least to secure his neutrality.

"The day after tomorrow you will start. I