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Rh mutinied to a man. After a brave endeavour to assert his authority, he was forced by the fire of his own artillery and the combined attacks of his troops and of the rebel army to fly to Agra, which place he reached with difficulty, accompanied by only one or two attendants. The rebels had meanwhile entered Gwalior and looted the treasury and jewels; amongst these latter being a famous pearl necklace taken from the Portuguese regalia. The garrison of the fort at the same time opened its gate to the rebels; and from 50 to 60 fine guns (comprising horse, field, and siege artillery), as well as an arsenal with abundance of warlike stores, fell into the enemy's hands. Thus the rebels who had fled a disorderly and helpless mob from Kálpi, now found themselves provided with abundance of money, with a serviceable park of artillery, with matériel of war, and with Sindhia's army as their allies. To render the situation still more embarrassing, Gwalior fell into rebel hands at the most unfavourable time of the year for military operations; on the eve, that is, of the great rains, and when the heat of summer was at its maximum.

This serious news reached Sir Hugh Rose just after his leave had been granted. A few days' rest had revived him and he at once telegraphed to the Governor-General to say that he would be glad to take command of the force ordered to recapture the city and fortress. Lord Canning thanked him warmly for this generous devotion to the public service, and accepted the offer. At the same time, Brigadier-General