S i r W i l e -i a m
J a m e s .
T h e P i r a t e
,A n g r i a .
it has a good harbour, and great trade in fait, but becaufe the
neighborhood abounds with cattle, with which we can fapply
the garrifon and navy at Bombay. The country is peopled with
Mahometans, who have no fcruple to part with them, as-the'
Hindoos have *.
T h e reduction of thefe piratical powers added greatly to the
glory o f the Britijh arms. Severn-droeg, and five other : o f the
forts on this coaft, were taken in April 1755, by Commodore
James, commander o f the Ea/1 India Company’s marine forces
in Indiai'. T h eMahratta fleet madè a ihew o f aflifting; us,-
but never once came within reach of the guns. - Mr. James'
acquired immortal honor, and was among the very few who
have, o f late years, made the title o f Baronet the prrvmium
virtutis..
T h i s fuccefs facilitated the reduction o f Gberiah, the chief
fort and refidence of Angria, thè head ' of uthe piratical fta'tes.
Rear-Admiral Wat/on, who commanded the royal fquadron,
feconded by Mr. James, made himfelf mailer of the place aril
Pebruary 1756, in lefs than twenty-four hours, at the expence
o f no mote than twenty men. The chieftain, ‘Idulldgee Angria,
efcaped two or three days before the attack, and bafely' dèferted
his wife and little children. Mr. Ives gives an affeéling account
o f the interview between them and our humane admiral.. Not-
withftanding Angria forgot what ought to be dearer than all be-
fides, he took care to fecure his treafure. Our army and our
navy, who were very nearly quarrelling about the booty before.
•* Grofe*s Voyage, ii. 220. + Orme’s Hift. i. 411.
' the