Page:Our Indian Army.djvu/441

Rh in small numbers in and about remote villages, or lay in the thickest jungles, exposed to the most severe hardships, till their enemies had passed by."

The hopes of the marauders were now reduced to the lowest ebb. Flight, they knew not whither, became their only resource. They had obtained Kumulneer and other fortresses in the Rajpoot territory; but these being quickly invested were, after a short resistance, all given up. On the 12th of January, 1818, Colonel Adams detached the 3rd Bengal Cavalry, under Major Clarke, with instructions to march on the village of Ambee, where it was understood that Kurreem's party of Pindarries were about to plunder. Major Clarke was met on his way by a report of the exact position of the enemy, and, continuing his march till night, halted within a few miles of them. Finding them plunged, as usual, in profound security, he delayed the attack till morning, that they might derive no advantage from the darkness; and at five o'clock he came upon them with his force in two divisions, just as they were preparing to march. One division instantly cut in amongst the enemy, and a large body, flying from the attack, encountered the other division, from which they suffered severely. The whole durra, or horde, sustained a complete overthrow, and were dispersed in every direction, leaving a thousand of their number, with several of their chiefs, dead and wounded upon the field. After suffering some further disasters, they were reduced to a miserable condition, till at length an intimation was circulated that, in case of unconditional surrender, their lives would be spared, and the means of an honourable subsistence secured for the chiefs in some remote district. One after another submitted on these terms; and at length Kurreem, after wandering for some time on foot through the jungles, gave himself up, on the 15th of February, 1818, to Sir John Malcolm. Others, driven from the lands which they had acquired, either by force or concession, sought in vain for a place of security for their families and effects.