A History of the Mahrattas v2.c53.1.1

v2.c53.1.1

A.D. 1805.—THE Bengal army arrived before Bhurtpoor¹ on the second day of the new year. General Lake being accustomed only to success, without properly reconnoitring the (Jan. 4.) place, and with a very inefficient battering train, commenced the siege by taking possession of a grove which afforded a partial cover to his operations.² Bhurtpoor is a fortified town, six or eight miles in circumference, everywhere surrounded by a high strong mud wall and bastions planted with a numerous artillery, having a wide and deep ditch, capable of being rendered unfordable. It was strongly garrisoned by the whole of the Raja’s troops and the remainder of Holkar’s infantry. The Raja pressed a great proportion of the neighbouring villagers, many of whom were of his own cast, to assist in repairing the works; and having a very large treasury, nothing to obstruct his supplies on three sides of the town and Holkar’s cavalry to act upon those of the besiegers, his means of defence were proportionate to his resolution to use them. In addition to Holkar’s cavalry, Umeer Khan was summoned from Bundelcund, and during the progress of the siege, after making on one occasion a considerable but unsuccessful effort on an important convoy, where (Feb. 7.) a number of his men were killed, he went off to effect a diversion, crossed the Jumna and the Ganges, and invaded the Company’s districts in Rohilcund.