A History of the Mahrattas v2.c37.58

v2.c37.58

Hartley, however, in the first place was required to march to the relief of Captain Abington, who still occupied the lower part of the fort of Mullungurh; but a large body of upwards of three thousand of the enemy, principally infantry, had cut off his communication with Kallian, so that he was attacked by the garrison from the works above him, and surrounded by the body in question. This service Colonel Hartley effected on the first of October, without loss; and another corps under Captain Jameson joined the party at Mullungurh, which now consisted of the 2d and 8th battalions under Major Hopkins. The enemy, however, were also reinforced and pitched their camp next day on the south-east side of the hill, where they began to lay waste the country. Colonel Hartley immediately prepared to attack them, and for this purpose marched from Kallian with the Bombay European regiment and the 1st battalion of Sepoys, directing Major Hopkins to send down the 8th battalion under Captain Jameson to assist in the attack. The Mahrattas were apprised of Colonel Hartley’s advance, and met him at the foot of the hill. Thence they gradually retired towards their camp, which was left standing in the confidence of perfect security, and maintained a running fight, as if they had intended to draw the troops into an ambuscade; but all at once, Captain Jameson’s corps, advancing from the hill, came upon the whole body, and without waiting for the rest of the troops instantly attacked them; to use the words of Colonel Hartley, ‘with the utmost eagerness and spirit, pursued them to their camp (of which they took possession), and were shortly afterwards joined by the rest of the troops.’ This spirited success, which was effected with the loss of only a few men of the 8th battalion, put the troops into high spirits, of which Hartley took immediate advantage, followed up the enemy’s parties with alacrity, drove them out of the Concan, occupied a position not far from the Bhore Ghaut, and thus for a short time enabled the Bombay Government to carry their plan of collecting the revenue into effect.