A History of Assam c14.48

c14.48

Lieutenant Macgregor was again sent on ahead to reconnoitre and arrange to get supplies. He reached Debargāon on the 11th February and, on the 14th, paid a three days' visit to Jorhāt, to interview the Burhā Gohāin, who was still maintaining the unequal struggle against the insurgents. Shortly after his return to Debargāon, the Moāmariās, who had learnt of his visit to Jorhāt, appeared before that place in such numbers that the Burhā Gohāin sent him an urgent appeal for help. Although his force consisted of only forty-six men of all ranks he did not hesitate for a moment. As soon as he received the news, he sent off a Subadar and twenty men, who safely reached Jorhāt; and the next evening he followed them in person, accompanied by Ensign Wood, a havildar and fourteen men. A nāik and eight sepoys were left in charge of the boats. The small party marched all night and, early next morning, arrived in the vicinity of the Moāmariā camp. A detour to the right was made to avoid it, and then the two officers, impatient of the delay, left the sepoys to come on with the baggage and, pushing on through the jungle with a few servants and camp followers, reached Jorhāt about 8 A.M.*