Page:The Marquess of Hastings, K.G..djvu/84

76 operations in the field had now passed away, and there was a lull in the war lasting over the summer months. During this time, preparations were made for a renewal of hostilities. The forces in the eastern theatre were reinforced, and a brigade was formed on the Kálí and put under Colonel Adams, the former commander in this quarter, Colonel Nicholls, relieving General Wood on the frontier near Palpa; while General Ochterlony, having been withdrawn from the west, assumed command of the main force destined to march upon Khátmándu.

It was only natural that the Gúrkha government should seek for peace after the disasters to which they had been subjected, and the summer of 1815 was accordingly devoted to negotiations to this purpose. The following were the terms offered by the Marquess of Hastings: —

1. Cession of the conquered country from the Sutlej to the Kálí river, and of the whole of the Tarái, or the fertile plains skirting the southern limits of Nepál and extending from the upper Ganges to the Tistá river;

2. Independence of the Sikkim Rájá; and

3. Acceptance of a Resident at the court of Khátmándu.

These terms were rejected, but it was ascertained that the only point which was a real obstacle to a settlement on the above basis was the cession of the Tarái, the court of Khátmándu being ready to give up those portions which were claimed as British