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Rh demanded quite beyond the means of the native soldier. So that there was absolute sincerity in the complaint of the men that they were not in a position to march. To take them by sea was, of course, impossible, since caste scruples again stood inexorably in the way. But there was reluctance to start on other grounds as well. The innate horror with which the Indian fighting man regards warfare beyond the familiar bounds of Hindustan or the Deccan was immensely increased by the stories, true and false, that were current of our mishaps. The defeat at Ramú was magnified into a disastrous portent of the collapse of our power, and there was a superstitious belief in the magical prowess and invulnerability of the enemy. Nay, the very indulgence with which the Bengal soldiers had been treated, and their pride in the successes that had been achieved in the campaigns against Pindárís and Maráthás, had bred a spirit of insubordination. To crown the danger of the situation some recent measures of reorganization had broken up the old regimental system. The battalions were placed under officers who were strangers to the men, and were cut away from the honourable traditions belonging to the old corps. Just when this rupture of old relations and ties was fresh, came the crisis which would have tried the most confirmed loyalty. The climate of Arakan is not unhealthy if there be the means of housing troops properly on well-chosen and well-prepared sites. But there had been no opportunity of learning the lessons of military