Page:The Marquess of Hastings, K.G..djvu/126

Rh his march northwards, but to leave Generals Smith and Pritzler (the 4th and Reserve Deccan Divisions) to deal with the Peshwá. Hislop receiving this order, left Doveton to summon Asírgarh, and, returning to Málwá, re-crossed the Narbadá on the 2nd December, with the intention of marching to Ujjain.

Meanwhile Marshall, Adams, and Malcolm drove the enemy before them, occupying their lands, which were immediately restored to Sindhia or to Bhopál; no resistance was offered, but the troops were unable to entrap or even attack the bands opposed to them, for they were too quick and in every case made a timely and orderly retreat. The three divisions were now in line, and facing the north-west, and a general advance was ordered, Marshall on the right through Sironj, Adams in the centre, and Malcolm on the left, when it was ascertained that Kárím and Wasil Muhammad had joined their forces and were retreating towards Gwalior, while Chítu was moving in a westerly direction to Holkar's territory and towards Jáwad, where Jaswant Ráo Bháo, one of Sindhia's officers, had offered him support and protection.

Upon this, Malcolm turned sharply after Chítu, but this band had disappeared, and he found himself not only in contact with a few mutinous detachments of Sindhia's army but close to Holkar's forces, who about this time joined in the struggle, as will be explained presently. He therefore deemed it wise to delay his advance, and, collecting the scattered columns of his own division, to allow time for the approach of Sir T.