As the small sailing boats, in which the coast trade was carried on, made their way under convoy of the King's ships, Angria's squadrons hovered round to pick up stragglers, and several slight encounters took place.

The superior sailing powers of the Mahratta vessels enabled them to keep out of range of the big guns, while they snatched prizes within sight of the men-of-war.

Thus, in February, 1750, three small traders were snapped up, while under convoy of the _Ruby_, by an Angrian squadron that hung on their tracks for four days, between Bombay and Vingorla.

In October, the _Tartar_, with twenty-six sail under convoy, was followed for three days, between Bombay and Surat, by eleven Angrian gallivats, and lost one of the number.

Three weeks later, the _Syren's_ convoy was attacked in the same waters by thirteen Angrian vessels, which were beaten off without loss.