m the grabs posted in the harbour for that purpose;
this, however, was soon silenced after the ships were brought to their
stations, so as to return the salutation. Between the hours of four and
five in the afternoon, a shell being thrown into one of Angria's armed
vessels, set her on fire; and the flames communicating to the rest, they
were all destroyed: between six and seven the fort was set on fire
by another shell; and soon after the firing ceased on both sides. The
admiral, suspecting that the governor of the place would surrender it
to the Mahrattas, rather than to the English, disembarked all the troops
under Mr. Clive, that he might be at hand, in case of emergency, to take
possession. In the meantime, the fort was bombarded; the line of battle
ships were warped near enough to batter in breach, and then the admiral
sent an officer with a flag of truce to the governor, requiring him to
surrender. His proposal being again rejected, the English ships renewed
their fire next day with redoubled vigour. About one o'clock the
magazine of the fort blew up, and at four the garrison hung out a white
flag for capitulation. The parley that ensued proving ineffectual, the
engagement began again, and continued till fifteen minutes after five;
when the white flag was again displayed, and now the governor submitted
to the conditions which were imposed. Angria's flag was immediately
hauled down; and two English captains taking possession of the fort with
a detachment, forthwith hoisted the British ensign. To these captains,
whose names were Buchanan and Forbes, the Mahrattas offered a bribe of
fifty thousand rupees, if they would allow them to pass their guards,
that they might take possession of the fort for themselves; but this
offer was rejected with disdain, and immediately disclosed to colonel
Clive, who took effectual measures to frustrate their design. In this
place, which was reduced with very inconsiderable loss, the conquerors
found above two hundred cannon, six brass mortars, a large quantity
of ammunition, with money and effects to the value of one hundred and
thirty thousand pounds. The fleet which was destroyed consisted of eight
grabs, one ship finished, two upon the stocks, and a good number
of gallivats. Among the prisoners, the admiral found Angria's wife,
children, and mother, toward whom he demeaned himself with great
humanity.*

* When the admiral entered their apartment, the whole
family, sheddin