"حياة ومراسلات اللواء السير جون مالكوم، قائد فرسان وسام الطُهر، المبعوث السابق إلى بلاد فارس وحاكم بومباي؛ من رسائل ومذكرات غير منشورة. في مجلّدين. المجلد II." [‎٢‎٤‎٠] (٦٥٤/٢٥٧)

240
THE SURRENDER OF THE PEISHWAH.
Malcolm reasoned that neither of these results would so
advantageously contribute to the general pacification of
India as the voluntary submission of the Peishwah.
"The opportunities I have had," he wrote to the Chief
Secretary, 11 of judging the state of feeling of every class,
from the prince to the lowest inhabitant of this exten
sive empire, now and formerly subject to the Mahrattas,
makes me not hesitate in affirming that so far as both the
fame of the British Government and the tranquillity of
India are concerned, the submission of Badjee Eao and
voluntary abdication of his power are objects far more
desirable than either his captivity or death
Should he be slain, his fate would excite pity, and might
stimulate ambition, as the discontented would probably,
either now or hereafter, rally round a real or pretended
heir to his high station. If he were made prisoner, sym
pathy w T ould attend him, and the enemies of the English
Government would continue to cherish hopes of his one
day effecting his escape. But if he dismisses his adhe
rents, throws himself upon our generosity, and volun
tarily resigns his power, the effect, so far as general im
pression is concerned, will be complete, and none will be
found to persist in defending a cause which the ruler
himself has abandoned."
With these opinions strong in his mind—opinions, the
soundness of which cannot be gainsaid—Malcolm re
doubled his exertions to induce the Peishwah to sur
render. He judged rightly that intimidation would be
the most cogent instrument he could use. The advance
of our troops filled the unhappy prince with measureless
alarm. " Badjee Rao," wrote Malcolm to Lord Has
tings, " has from the moment he made the first overture
been naturally anxious to prevent the advance of our
troops; but to have paid attention to such a desire
would have been not only to sacrifice a real advantage