YOU wrote stating, “that Râo Râsta had said, ‘that if the design “against Nergûnd were relinquished, the Vakeel* of the Zemindâr “of that place was empowered to pay us a certain fine; by which “mode of adjustment we should not only be the gainer, but “appearances would likewise be saved with the world.’” It is known. You must say, in answer to Râo Râsta, that what we demand is, that not only the Paishcush due by the said Zemindâr be discharged, but that he shall also make due compensation for the ravages he has committed within our dominions; and that, on this condition, we will wave our purpose of reducing the place.

You further write, “that Râo Râsta had told you, ‘that you must “apply to have the amount of the arrears due for past years remitted “in specie, as bills would not be accepted by the bankers there.’” It is understood. We wrote before, and we now write again, to desire that Noor Mahommed Khân, who is well acquainted with all matters in that quarter, may be dispatched to the Presence. A verbal communication from him will best enable us to judge of the truth of their professions, and the rectitude of their proceedings, as well as to ascertain the extent of the Durbâr charges; after which we can consider what is to be done. What more?

By “Durbâr charges” is here meant the douceur to be paid to the Mahrattah ministers upon the conclusion of a settlement. This is a matter of course in the negociation of all treaties, and in the adjustment of differences between the native powers of India. Sometimes the presents, or largesses, made on these occasions, are, to a certain degree, reciprocal; but it is generally on the weaker, or yielding party of the two, that the chief burthen falls.