CHAPTER XI.
_THE DOWNFALL OF ANGRIA_ Toolajee fights successful action with the Dutch--He tries to make peace with Bombay--Alliance formed against him--Commodore William James-- Slackness of the Peishwa's fleet--Severndroog--James's gallant attack-- Fall of Severndroog--Council postpone attack on Gheriah--Clive arrives from England--Projects of the Directors--Admiral Watson--Preparations against Gheriah .-- The Council's instructions--Council of war about prize-money--Double dealing of the Peishwa's officers--Watson's hint--Ships engage Gheriah--Angrian fleet burnt--Fall of Gheriah--Clive occupies the fort--The prize-money--Dispute between Council and Poonah Durbar--Extinction of coast piracy--Severndroog tower.
In the beginning of 1754, the Dutch suffered a severe loss at Toolajee's hands.

A vessel loaded with ammunition was taken, and two large ships were blown up after a stiff fight, in which Toolajee had two three-masted grabs sunk and a great number of men killed.

Six months later, Toolajee sent an agent to Bombay to propose terms of accommodation.

They were terms to which a conciliatory answer, at least, would have been returned in Conajee Angria's time.

The Council's reply betrays a consciousness of increased strength.