A History of the Mahrattas v2.c52.26

v2.c52.26

(July 9.) On the ensuing morning, however, Monson took post (July 10.) in front of the Mokundra pass. On the 10th the Mahratta cavalry appeared, and next morning, their numbers having greatly increased, Holkar sent a letter requiring the surrender of the arms of the British detachment. The demand was of course rejected; when Holkar, dividing his cavalry into three bodies, attacked the division in front and flanks, but after various unsuccessful attempts, he withdrew his troops in the evening, and encamped at the distance of two kos, where, being joined by his infantry and guns, he intended, as was supposed, to renew the attack on the following morning. Monson not deeming his post tenable, and being apprehensive of having his retreat cut off, quitted his position, and in two marches, though harassed by the enemy and exposed to very heavy rain, reached Kotah.¹ The Raja-Rana of Kotah, when the British troops appeared as fugitives, would neither admit them into the town nor supply them with food²; Brigadier-General Monson was therefore obliged to continue his route towards the Gaumuch ford on the Chumbul. Although its distance from Kotah was only seven miles, the obstructions occasioned by the incessant rain, and the deep nature of the soil, prevented his reaching the expected ford until next morning, when it was found impassable until the ensuing day. On the 14th Monson was obliged to halt to enable the troops to procure some grain: heavy rain continued throughout the night. On the 15th he resumed his march, but the guns sank so deep in the mud that they could not be extricated. The grain in the adjoining villages was exhausted—retreat was now necessary to procure subsistence; the ammunition was therefore destroyed, and the guns were spiked and abandoned; but they were recommended to the care of the Raja of Boondee,³ who, although he could not save the guns, had the courage to maintain his engagements with the English, in the face of the host of Holkar.