A History of Assam c14.28

c14.28

Gaurināth begged Captain Welsh to continue his journey, and declared that he had many adherents who would openly declare for him if he returned accompanied by a sufficient force. The advance was, therefore, continued. On the 21st November, the Bar Barua, who had also fled, attached himself to the expedition. On the 23rd Hātimorā was reached, and the tributary chief of Rāni joined the party. Next evening the boats arrived at a point about eight miles west of Gauhāti. Leaving a company in charge of the boats and the Raja, Captain Welsh, with the remaining five companies and several nobles, including the Bar Barua, made a night march to Gauhāti, apparently along the line now followed by the Trunk Road. The gateway near the town was reached without adventure. Hearing footsteps, the men on duty went out with torches, but, on seeing the sepoys, they threw them down and fled in all directions, without even giving the alarm. The troops crossed in silence the wooden bridge which then spanned the Bharalu river and, making straight for the Bairāgi's house, surprised and overpowered the occupants. In all, sixty persons were made prisoners and handed over to the Raja's people, who were told to treat them kindly. No resistance was anywhere encountered, and the ensuing day was spent in pitching camp and securing the position occupied by the troops.