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Rh CHAPTER XVIII.

Holkar threatens the British – Lord Lake and General Wellesley are ordered to proceed against him – Strength of Holkar's Army – Capture of Tonk Rampoora by the British – Lord Lake retires on Agra – Dreadful Sufferings of his Troops – Colonel Monson in pursuit of Holkar captures Hingslaighur – Retrograde Movement of Colonel Murray emboldens Holkar to cross the Chumbul – Colonel Monson retreats, hotly pursued by Holkar – Destruction of the British Cavalry – Brave Resistance of Monson's Troops – Their Disasters and desperate Condition – Arrival of the Remnant at Agra – A fresh Army under Lord Lake proceeds against Holkar – The Latter lays siege to Delhi – Its admirable Defence – Battle of Deeg – Lord Lake surprises and disperses Holkar's Army at Furruckabad – Capture of Deeg – Memorable Siege of Bhurtpore.

The conclusion of peace with Scindia and the Rajah of Berar did not relieve the British Government from all apprehension of danger from Mahratta enemies, nor allow of the immediate recall of its armies from the field; for Holkar, while witnessing the downfall of the other members of the Mahratta confederacy, had maintained a very uncertain and equivocal position. At first he gave them ground to suppose that he would join their league; but on the actual commencement of hostilities he remained inactive, and seemed to watch the opportunity when the other powers should have exhausted themselves by mutual conflict, to throw himself in, and secure a preponderance.

He was, however, struck with consternation at the victorious career of the English, who proceeded with such rapid steps that, before he could come to any decision, they had completely realised their object. He seems then to have shown some disposition to take advantage of the reduced state of Scindia, and to strengthen himself at his expense. That Prince, at last, was so much alarmed that he accepted the offer made by the Company of a