whole of that of Holkar. Colonel Monson immediately formed his troops in order of battle, and was proceeding to the support of the party attacked, when the fearful intelligence arrived that they were no longer in a situation to receive support. They had been nearly cut to pieces; and their gallant commander, dreadfully wounded, had fallen into the hands of the enemy.[1] It is said that this catastrophe was occasioned by the cavalry having remained longer on the field than Colonel Monson intended.
On receiving the news of the destruction of so large a portion of his force, Colonel Monson resumed his march towards the Mokundra pass, which he reached on the following day without molestation. On the 11th, Holkar divided his force into three bodies, which at the same point of time attacked the front and flanks of Colonel Monson's corps. The assailants were bravely repulsed, but, not dismayed by their first failure, they repeatedly returned to the attack, and were as often driven back with severe loss. Finding that he could make no impression, Holkar drew off his troops to the distance of about four miles, where he was joined by his infantry and guns.
The brave resistance offered by the British force on this occasion is but a brilliant speck in the train of disaster and suffering. Colonel Monson continued his retreat to Kotah; and so great was his anxiety to avoid an engagement that he left his camp standing to deceive the enemy. His march to Kotah was performed under inclement skies, and through an inundated country; and when he arrived at that place fresh difficulties awaited him. The Rajah refused to admit the British troops into the town, and declared that he could furnish no provisions, of which they began to be greatly in want. Colonel Monson was, therefore, compelled to pursue his march amidst nearly all the privation and suffering that
- ↑ This brave officer, who had rendered excellent service in the war with Scindia, died soon after the action – of his wounds, aggravated by neglect and ill-treatment, according to one report; of poison, according to another.
