Page:The Marquess of Hastings, K.G..djvu/167

Rh vigour that his policy had been successful and his results decisive.

'What I contemplated,' he says in 1820, when describing his operations, 'was the pushing forward, unexpectedly, several corps which should occupy positions opposing insuperable obstacles to the junction of the army of any state with that of another ; and even expose to extreme peril any sovereign's attempt to assemble the dispersed corps of his forces within his own dominions, should we see cause to forbid it. The success of this plan depended on the secrecy with which the preparations could be made, the proper choice of points to be seized, and the speed with which we could reach the designated stations .'

It is impossible not to admire the manner in which the plan was executed, and how carefully prepared it had been in every detail to effect the object for which it was intended. Though no blow was struck, Sindhia, when he least expected it, was isolated from the very outset of the campaign, and was obliged, much against his will, to maintain a neutral attitude. Amír Khán was in the same way separated from his allies, intimidated, and forced to disarm. The important line of the Narbadá being rapidly seized and firmly held, the native states of the Deccan were divided from those of Hindustán, and a good central position obtained, whence to operate with ease to the north and south. British forces were also interposed between Poona and Nágpur, and all co-operation between the princes of those states rendered impossible. And, lastly, the