reduce the great city of Burhampoor, and the adjoining fort of Asseerghur, which bore the reputation of being almost impregnable. The town yielded without opposition, and the fort, after a very short resistance. The Mahratta chief then sued for peace in earnest, and the terms of an armistice were arranged for all his territories south of the Nerbudda.
The British general next led his army against Berar, and found the Rajah, with his troops, drawn up on the plains of Argaum; where, contrary to the convention, he was still supported by a strong body of Scindia's cavalry, which formed the right of the line. On the left were the Berar infantry and guns, flanked by the Rajah's cavalry; while a cloud of Pindarries[1] was observed on the extreme right of the whole array. The enemy's line extended about five miles, having in its rear the village of Argaum, with extensive gardens and inclosures. In its front was a plain, but considerably intersected by watercourses.
It was late, the day had been intensely hot, and the British had marched a long distance; but, notwithstanding these circumstances. General Wellesley resolved not to lose the opportunity which presented itself, and he accordingly marched forward to attack. The advance was made in a single column, in a direction nearly parallel to that of the enemy's line, the British cavalry leading. The rear and left were covered by native cavalry. As the British army approached, it deployed into two lines, the infantry in the first, the cavalry in the second, supporting the right, which was rather advanced to press upon the enemy's left, while the left of the British was supported by the Mogul and Mysore cavalry. Some delay occurred at the commencement, by a part of the native infantry getting into confusion at the enemy's cannonade, though far inferior to what they had previously
- ↑ Freebooters inhabiting Central India, several bands of whom followed the Mahratta armies in their early wars in Hindostan. They were extinguished as we shall see further on, by the Marquis of Hastings.
