"The measure pursued by the Mahrattas for some years, left little room to doubt that they aspired at the sovereignty of all Hindostan, or at least at the expulsion of the Mahomedan princes: and, in the course of their prosperity, some of their chiefs were so imprudent as to avow such intention. But the loss of the battle of Paniput, their frequent defeats by the English, and their late internal divisions, have affected their strength as a nation, sullied their renown as warriors, and moderated their view of conquest…If we only view the Mahrattas as engaged in war, they must necessarily appear as the most cruel of barbarians; but if we enter their country as travellers, and consider them in a state of peaceful society, we find them strictly adhering to the principles of the religion of Brihma; in harmony among themselves, and ready to receive and assist the stranger."