Clive, alone, knew of the Directors' plan for the Deccan, and urged it on the Council.

Ramajee Punt was in Bombay urging them to complete the destruction of Angria, and inviting them to take possession of Bankote;[2] so they decided to devote themselves to Gheriah, on the grounds that the Deccan expedition would be an infringement of the late agreement with the French.
Seeing that nothing was to be done in the _Deccan_, Watson tendered the services of his squadron to assist in the reduction of Gheriah, and Clive offered to command the land forces.

James was sent down in the _Protector_, with the _Revenge_ and _Guardian_, with Sir William Hewitt, Watson's flag lieutenant, to reconnoitre and take soundings.

Nothing was known of Gheriah.

It was supposed to be as high, and as strong as Gibraltar.