Page:Our Indian Army.djvu/493

Rh CHAPTER XXVII.

Mutiny at Barrackpore – Its Origin and Suppression – Affairs of Bhurtpore – Usurpation of Doorjun Saul – Intervention of Sir David Ochterlony – His Proceedings are countermanded – Resignation and Death of Sir David – State of Anarchy at Bhurtpore – Intervention of British Government – Anglo-Indian Army takes the Field – Investment of Bhurtpore – Mining Operations – Preparations for the Assault – Storming and Capture of Bhurtpore – Restoration of the Rajah – Military Reforms of Lord William Bentinck – The Batta Question – Excitement occasioned by its Discontinuance – Suppression of Corporeal Punishment amongst the Native Troops – Its Invidious Character – Affairs of Coorg – Short Campaign in that Country – Deposition of the Rajah, and Annexation of Coorg.

We shall now return to India, where, during the prosecution of the arduous Burmese war, some occurrences had taken place connected with the history of the Anglo-Indian Army, and greatly adding to its fame; though one, we regret to say, was of a painful and discreditable character, the cause and consequences of which we are now about to relate.

About the middle of the year 1824: the 47th Bengal Native Infantry had been marched to Barrackpore, from which at a later period of the year they were to proceed to share in the operations of the Burmese war. To European readers it will be necessary to explain that no military force can move in India without a large number of bullocks and other beasts of burden, which are requisite not only for carrying provisions and stores, but also for transporting a considerable portion of the personal baggage of the men, such as their knapsacks, cooking-utensils, &c.; the expense of these animals and their drivers, so far as employed for the use of the Sepoys, being defrayed by the Sepoys themselves. Unfortunately, on the present occasion no bullocks could be provided for hire, and they could only be purchased at an extravagant