A History of the Mahrattas v2.c36.81

v2.c36.81

(1778.)—Colonel Leslie crossed the Jumna in May, 1778, and, notwithstanding professions of friendship made by the Mahratta officers, they manifested an opposition which induced him to take possession of the fort of Kalpee. It was expected by the Bengal Government that the army would have crossed the Nerbuddah before the rains; but some of the Rajpoot chiefs in Bundelcund, instigated by the Mahrattas, attempted to cut off the supplies, murdered an officer, and frequently killed foragers and followers. Colonel Leslie, however, instead of steadily pursuing his route, entered on a war with those chiefs, took part in their feuds, and thus engaged in a task equally endless and unavailing. He attacked and carried with little difficulty their principal post at Mhow, three kos west of Chatterpore; he drove a large body of men from a strong position on the banks of the Kaine, and notwithstanding repeated orders to proceed, he wasted the whole monsoon in this unaccountable manner. In five months he had not advanced more than one hundred and twenty miles; and in the fourth month the estimated expense of his army amounted to twelve lacks of rupees.