Page:Our Indian Army.djvu/148

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124
OUR ANGLO-INDIAN ARMY.

tory, and, failing to make their escape, were all either destroyed or made prisoners. Mr. Amyatt, also, who had been deputed by Government to the Soubahdar, was intercepted in his way from Moorshedabad to Cossimbazar, and with all his companions murdered in cold blood. It being now evident that nothing but the destruction of Meer Cossim could result from this state of affairs, the question who should occupy the throne presented itself; and the majority of the Council determined on restoring Meer Jaffier, who was accordingly once more proclaimed sovereign of Bengal, Bahar, and Orissa, on the 7th of July, 1763.

The restored sovereign, having gladly agreed to all the terms required by the Company's Government, left Calcutta on the 11th of July, to join the British force under Major Williams, which had been put in motion to effect his restoration to the throne. On the 19th an engagement took place, which terminated in favour of the English, and compelled the enemy to abandon the fort of Kutwal. On the 24th the British force stormed the lines of Mootejil, and thus obtained possession of Moorshedabad, and about fifty pieces of cannon. Pursuing their victorious course, the English, on the 2nd of August, crossed a ravine in the face of the enemy, who waited for them on the plain of Geriah, near Sootee. Here a general engagement took place: it was obstinately fought, and for a time victory seemed to oscillate between the combatants. At one period the enemy had succeeded in breaking part of the British line, and taking possession of some of their cannon; but the advantage was soon recovered; and, after a desperate conflict of four hours, the precipitate flight of the enemy transferred to the English possession of all their cannon, and of one, hundred and fifty boats laden with grain.

The defeated army fled to Outanulla, a fort situate between a chain of hills and the river, and defended by an intrenchment, on which were mounted a hundred pieces of cannon. The ditch was deep, about fifty or