Page:The Marquess of Hastings, K.G..djvu/137

Rh occurred, and for a time it was uncertain whether he would abide by the treaty or not, more especially since his Sirdars bitterly resented the stipulation which cut them adrift without sufficient compensation. But the successes at Poona and Nágpur, his own inclinations, and his position between General Donkin on the Chambal and Sir D. Ochterlony (who advanced from Rewári to the south of Jaipur), contributed to bring about an amicable settlement, and the treaty was definitely accepted on the 19th of December. Thenceforward Amír Khán proved himself a peaceable ally, and the Pindárís lost his support just when they most required it. Ochterlony remained in the vicinity and, placing himself skilfully between the two principal divisions of the Pathán forces, he effected the disarmament of the greater portion of this army in January and February without the necessity of striking a blow; the artillery was surrendered, and some of the best troops were drafted temporarily into the British service, where they found employment congenial to their restless dispositions. The last body of these mercenary bands was disbanded in March.

It has also been mentioned that Lord Hastings approached Holkar's court. No answer was received till the 15th November, when the regent, Tulsí Bái (widow of the late Holkar), offered to put herself and the young prince under British. protection. No one was deceived by those overtures, which seemed to present little chance of leading to any satisfactory result, but General Donkin was nevertheless directed