History of Orissa from the Earliest Times to the British Period v2.c44.92.3

v2.c44.92.3

The Sarbarāhkār was directed by Stockwell to wait upon Rājā Jadunāth Bhañja and settle with him the terms for the future, more specially on the point of doing homage to his chieftain, but the latter vanished during the night. Rājā Jadunāth Bhañja was not competent to deal with the Sarbarāhkār and so Stockwell marched to Bāmanghāṭi with a company of the 47th Native Infantry. The Government ordered troops at Medinipur to be ready but Stockwell was informed that the Government did not propose to order the regiment at Medinipur to march immediately. On the 14th April, Stockwell replied that the five Pirs should be rendered entirely independent of the Rājā and his Sarbarāhkār and placed under some Kol chief who possessed sufficient influence. The Sarbarāhkār opposed Stockwell's advance and the latter was compelled to call on the Officer Commanding at Medinipur to advance with all troops available. On the 15th a foraging party of British troops was attacked and plundered and Stockwell retired towards Bangiri-musi. He was again attacked and a Hāvildār killed and two Sepoys wounded in this action. Stockwell now applied for re-enforcements from Chhoṭanāgpur. He reached Bāmanghāṭi on the 10th May with the troops from Medinipur after meeting with some opposition. On the 15th May, he reported to the Government that he did not require the co-operation of any troops from Chhoṭanāgpur.