A History of the Mahrattas v2.c50.20

v2.c50.20

1803. Jan. 1st.—Five days after its surrender, a detachment consisting of His Majesty’s seventy-fifth regiment and a battalion of Sepoys was sent under Major Holmes in pursuit of Kanhojee, who continued moving about, collecting troops, levying contributions, and endeavouring to stir up a party in his favour at Baroda. After a vain pursuit of one month, it was thought advisable to reinforce Major Holmes with 250 Europeans and 300 Sepoys, and at length Kanhojee took post in a strong ravine within four or five miles of the village of Sauree, where his troops concealing themselves allowed the advanced guard to enter before they gave their fire. It fell with such effect that the troops were thrown into some disorder. The Arabs immediately charged sword in hand, overpowered the advanced guard, and pressed forward in a most animated and daring manner. Major Holmes instantly dismounted, and placing himself at the head of the grenadiers of the 75th, followed by those of the second battalion, 1st regiment, he rushed forward supported by his whole line, and soon drove the enemy from the field. The loss of the British in this affair was considerable, upwards of one hundred men having been killed and wounded, of whom five were officers. Major Holmes displayed great energy on the occasion, particularly in a personal encounter with an Arab of great size, whom he laid dead at his feet, having by one cut nearly severed the body of his antagonist.²