A History of the Mahrattas v2.c57.18

v2.c57.18

(Oct. 29.)—Next morning, however, the officer in command of the brigade at Poona was requested to keep the men ready in their lines, but with as little appearance of bustle as possible. At three o’clock in the afternoon, Mr. Elphinstone sent a message to the Peishwa, mentioning that His Highness’s horsemen were crowding in upon the position of the brigade; that such a mode of encamping had never been practised or permitted by British troops, and therefore the commanding officer confined his men to their cantonment until those of His Highness should be withdrawn, lest, by their contiguity, disputes might arise between them. This message was delivered by Captain Ford, and created a great sensation. Gokla recommended that the attack should not be delayed; the Peishwa hesitated, stating that he wished a little more time to make sure of corrupting the Sepoys; the European regiment was still, as he believed, at a great distance, and every hour was adding to his army; another night was thus wasted in consultation, and at four o’clock of the following afternoon, the