A History of the Mahrattas v2.c58.10

v2.c58.10

(Dec. 14.)—In the meantime, the first and third divisions having united, advanced towards Holkar’s camp. Terms agreeably to Lord Hastings’s instructions were offered, and a show of negotiation was kept up by Ghuffoor Khan and the Patan commanders, in the name of Mulhar Rao Holkar; but their horse committed hostilities, molested the foragers, carried off cattle, and at last made a direct attack on a body of the Mysore horse. So determined were the Patans to cut off all chance of pacification, that, suspecting the regency of an intention to accept the terms, they confined Gunput Rao and put Toolsee Bye to death. When Sir Thomas Hislop found his parties attacked, he immediately determined on bringing affairs to a crisis. Holkar’s troops, estimated at nearly twenty thousand men, of whom about one-half were infantry, were posted on the left bank of the Seeprah,¹ and on the opposite side from that on which the British army was advancing. Sir Thomas Hislop had four regiments of native cavalry, two squadrons of dragoons, a battalion of Europeans, and, including the Nizam’s corps, seven battalions of native infantry, besides a considerable body of irregular horse. The position of Holkar’s troops, at the point attacked, was exceedingly strong. The ford, by which it was determined to cross, was about eight hundred yards from the enemy’s line of infantry; which was drawn up at an angle of the Seeprah, with its left flank protected by the steep bank of that river, and its right covered by a deep ravine; its front was lined with a formidable artillery, consisting of about seventy pieces, many of them heavy guns, which, being well served, overpowered the light English field-pieces, and occasioned a heavy loss before the British troops, after crossing the ford, had time to form and advance, which they did with all their characteristic bravery. The first and second brigades, gallantly led on by Sir John Malcolm, had the principal duty to perform; the Madras rifle corps bore a very conspicuous part in the battle, but earned the honour at a high price, having suffered most severely. Holkar’s artillerymen stood bravely to their guns, even after their battalions had retired; but all the cannon were taken, excepting five or six of the lighter pieces, which were carried off by the flying troops. Holkar’s horse showed considerable spirit in skirmishing, before the British army crossed the river, but fled as soon as the action became general. This victory cost the British troops a loss of seven hundred and seventy-eight men, in killed and wounded, of whom thirty-eight were European officers. Holkar’s army lost three thousand men, principally in the pursuit; but it is creditable to his battalions, that two bodies of the infantry effected their retreat, when the British general was so strong in cavalry.