A History of the Mahrattas v2.c36.64

v2.c36.64

Captain Hartley sent an officer to Lieutenant-Colonel Cockburn, requesting him to bring up the main body to his support; to this Colonel Cockburn objected, as a large body of horse threatened to charge his left in case he quitted his position; but he directed five companies of Europeans and two companies of Sepoys to support Captain Hartley. With this reinforcement Hartley, holding possession of a rising ground, sustained the whole weight of a persevering attack with the steadiest intrepidity. About ten o'clock Colonel Cockburn had sent him peremptory orders to retreat, but fortunately Lieutenant Dawson, who was charged with this message, met by the way Lieutenant Rattray, an officer¹ in Captain Hartley's confidence, to whom he communicated his errand, when both concurring in the fatal consequence that must attend such an order, Rattray took the risk of stopping the messenger, of explaining to Colonel Cockburn, as if from Captain Hartley, the effects of retiring under such circumstances, and of begging that he would allow Captain Hartley to await a more favourable opportunity. To this proposal Colonel Cockburn consented; before noon, however, he sent Major Frederick from the advance to the rear, desiring him to take the command, but not to depart from the disposition previously made by Captain Hartley.