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HISTORY OF THE IXDIAX XxVYY. 09
to trial on the 24th of March, 1720, on this and other charges
of treachery, and, being convicted, was condemned to life-hmg
imprisonment, and confiscation of all his property.
—
Of this alTair, Hamilton says: "Cundra (Kenery) is fortified
by the Sevajee, and is now in the hands of Conhajee Angria.
The English have made several attempts to take it, but never
could, though in anno 1719, it had certainly been taken, had not a
Portuguese traitor, who lay on one quarter of it with some
vessels of war to hinder relief coming to it, betrayed his trust,
and let some boats pass by in the night with provisions and
ammunition, which the island was in great want of. The f^nglish
landed, and were obliged to retire by some loss they received."'
On the Governor's return to Bombay, we find him turning
his attention to the construction of a novel class of vessel, for
" he gave orders to build a floating castle, or a machine that
should be almost cannon -proof." This vessel was flat-floored,
and her sides were made of a thickness that was supposed to
render her shot-proof; she was fitted to sail with one mast, carry-
ing a topsail, and mounting twelve guns, 48-pounders, and, says
Lieutenant Downing, " must have proved of great service
to us against any of those castles, which we could approach near
enough to cannonade." She does not appear to have fulfilled the
expectations formed of her invulnerability, for, in the year
following, when in tow of a vessel ]n-oceeding on a cruise, she
was attacked by pirates, and, to prevent her falling into their
hands, was set on fire and sunk.
Angria still continued troublesome, capturing and destroying
many vessels trading to Bombay, but, at the same time, losing
many of his own through the vigilance of our cruisers.
According to another account, an expedition was conducted
against Gheriah in the year 1720, by a My. Walter Brown, which
is also referred to by Grant Duff, who makes no mention of
the attack in 1717, so that it is probable that there is a
confusion of dates, and that the expeditions are identical, as
the circumstances of the failures in which they resulted, would
seem to denote. The author of "A Chapter in the History of
Bombay," who derives his information from a contemporary
couras^eous, the liberal, prudent, and pillar of fortitude, the essence of undcr-
standmg, the protector of Braminee, defender of tlie faith, prosperous in all
things, honoured of kings, above all councillors, Seuor Canhojee Angria, Sarqucel.
Kamajee Comateo, your servant writes, witli all the veneration and readiness for
your service, and with your favour. I remain as always.
" Our General here has resolved in Council to attack and tako the fort of
Cundrv, and thus it is agreed to environ the said fort the 17th day of October,
and the armada, powder, and ball, and all other necessaries for war are ready.
I therefore write your Honour tliat you may have the said fort well-furnished.
As for the side of Rajaporee, I have spoke to and agreed with Alia Naiq Loucau-
dee, that they of Rajaporee shall not help either party, thus I have given this
notice. 1 do not write more, only beg that you will retain me in your favour.
Dated the 12lh of October."
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