A History of the Mahrattas v2.c52.41

v2.c52.41

Holkar, at the head of sixty thousand horse,¹ fifteen thousand infantry and artillery, with 192 guns, advanced triumphantly to Muttra, which, at his approach, was abandoned by the British troops; and parties of the Mahratta horse pushed across the Jumna. But General Lake, with his accustomed energy, had already taken measures for repairing these disasters. The Mahrattas who crossed the Jumna were driven back, troops were ordered on to Agra with all expedition, and the British army, in the course of a month, again advanced on the Mahrattas. In a few days, the Mahratta horse began in their usual manner to show themselves in small parties, gradually increasing in numbers, flying before the British cavalry when sent to pursue them, evading every attempt to bring them to action, turning as their pursuers turned, firing their matchlocks, and brandishing their spears; whilst others stole in upon the flanks and rear, where they at first cut off stragglers and baggage with considerable success. The cruelties committed by Holkar on all who fell into his hands were barbarous in the extreme.² It is probable that General Lake, instead of making fruitless attempts from a standing camp to bring Holkar’s cavalry to action, would have pushed at his infantry and guns, but he seems to have remained at Muttra for the purpose of collecting supplies, which afforded Holkar an opportunity of attempting an important enterprise, being no less than that of endeavouring to possess himself of the Emperor’s person. The plan was well conceived, but it was completely frustrated by the precaution and gallantry of Lieutenant-Colonel Ochterlony, the Resident at Delhi, assisted by Lieutenant-Colonel Burn, the commandant. The whole of the enemy’s infantry and artillery attacked Delhi on the 8th, and continued the siege until the 14th, during which, though deserted by a party of irregulars attached to the garrison, a small body of British Sepoys, ably commanded,¹ made a successful sortie, repelled an assault, and under incessant fatigue defended a city ten miles in circumference.