A History of the Mahrattas v2.c56.35

v2.c56.35

The four principal Bengal divisions were to be assembled at Rewaree, Agra, Sikundra near Kalpee, and at Kalinjer in Bundelcund. The two divisions in reserve were intended as detachments of observation; the one was stationed under Brigadier-General Toone on the upper Saone, the other, under Brigadier-General Hardyman, in Rewah on the upper Nerbuddah. The division from Bundelcund, under the command of General Marshall, was to advance with the Deccan army against the Pindharees. The division from Rewaree, the most northern point, was under the command of Major-General Ochterlony, and was intended to expedite the arrangements with the Rajpoots, and to co-operate in overawing the Patans or attacking the Pindharees. The main body, to be assembled at Sikundra, was under the personal command of the Marquis of Hastings, and was prepared with considerable celerity and secrecy by the middle of October. It was destined to cross the Jumna by a bridge of boats a little above Kalpee, to march due west, and to occupy, in the first instance, a position south of Gwalior, whilst the division from Agra, under Major-General Donkin, took up its station at Dholpoor, immediately to the northward. This judicious manœuvre, which gave the command of Sindia’s camp with the best part of his artillery, was executed with great success; it disarmed one important member of a hostile confederacy formed against the British Government, and compelled Sindia to sign a treaty, which, however unpalatable at the moment, was really ensuring his safety.