A History of the Mahrattas v2.c43.5

v2.c43.5

We left Mahadajee Sindia in the early part of 1790, endeavouring to conciliate his coadjutors, intent on humbling the Rajpoots, securing the dependency of Ismael Beg, and preventing the incursions of the Seiks. A temporary adjustment with Holkar and Ali Buhadur enabled him to prepare for opposing Ismael Beg, whose hostile intentions soon became unequivocal, and the Rajpoot Rajas of Jeypoor and Joudpoor were pouring succours into his camp. Sindia, before risking a battle, endeavoured with some success to corrupt the regular troops with Ismael Beg, and at last ordered Gopaul Rao Bhow, Luckwa Dada, and De Boigne to attack his camp near Patun, at a point which was left undefended by a body of troops whom Sindia had secured in his interest; but, notwithstanding this advantage, Sindia’s officers being disappointed in the promised aid of Holkar, who stood aloof during the engagement, the utmost exertion was necessary to ensure success. Ismael Beg fought with his usual bravery, and a body of his Patans thrice charged through the regular infantry of the Mahrattas, cutting down the artillery-men at their guns. De Boigne displayed great personal energy on this occasion, and to his gallantry and the discipline of his battalions was justly attributed the great victory which ensued. Numbers fell on both sides,² but the army of Ismael Beg was completely routed, and that chieftain fled with a small retinue from the field of battle to the gates of Jeypoor. All his guns were taken, and ten battalions of infantry grounded their arms and surrendered.³