A History of the Mahrattas v2.c34.24

v2.c34.24

Rugoba’s horse, after their first skirmish on leaving Cambay, instead of acting on the flanks and guarding the baggage, used constantly to intermix with it, and with the characteristic feeling of Mahrattas, depressed by previous discomfiture, on occasions of the smallest danger crowded for safety towards the British detachment. Colonel Keating, at Rugoba’s request, in order to give them a little confidence, had formed two guards consisting each of two hundred rank and file, one hundred Europeans and one hundred native infantry, supported by two guns. One of these guards was posted in the rear, and one on the reverse flank of the whole army; the front and rear of the British detachment were composed of European grenadiers; and the orders were that, in case of an attack on the flank, the rear-guard should move to its support, whilst the division of grenadiers occupied their place; but in case the attack should be made on the rearguard, the division of grenadiers should fall back and join it.