Fortunately, there were on board two sturdy Englishmen, Minchin, the Company's commodore, and Keigwin, the commander of the garrison.

Undismayed by the odds against them, Minchin and Keigwin gallantly fought their ship; all attempts at boarding were repelled with loss, five of the Mahratta gallivats were sunk, and, at last, the whole Mahratta fleet took to flight, pursued by the _Revenge_, and sought refuge in the shallow waters at the mouth of the Negotna river.

Two days later, they came out again, but found Keigwin and Minchin so ready to engage, that they desisted from the attempt to reach Kennery.

In this way, for some time, a partial blockade of the Negotna river was maintained by the _Revenge_, which had been reinforced by the _Hunter_ frigate, and a number of small vessels from Bombay.

In spite of all efforts, a few Mahratta vessels from time to time evaded the blockade, and kept Kennery supplied with provisions and arms.