a reinforcement of two battalions of Sepoys, with four six-pounders and two howitzers, and a body of Hindostanee cavalry, had been despatched from Agra to his relief, as well as a supply of grain. This reinforcement joined Colonel Monson at Tonk Rampoora, where he remained for several days, as if with the intention of making a stand. He, however, finally resumed his retreat, but not until the enemy were close upon him. Heavy rains fell; and, on the 22nd of August, on reaching the banks of the Banas river, he found the stream impassable.
The position of this ill-fated corps was now truly desperate. In their front was a raging torrent, in their rear twenty thousand horsemen, continually receiving fresh accessions of strength in infantry and guns, as they successively came up. The river having at length become fordable, four battalions crossed over; and the enemy, seeing his advantage, immediately commenced a furious attack on the single battalion and picquets, which now remained alone on the other side. With such heroic constancy, however, was this unequal contest maintained by these brave men, that they not only repulsed the whole attacks made upon them, but, pursuing their success, captured several of the enemy's guns – an event which clearly demonstrated what results might have followed the adoption of a vigorous offensive in the outset, when the troops were undiminished in strength and unbroken in spirit.
Disasters followed fast upon each other. The Sepoy guard who accompanied the military chests was attacked by the cavalry of Scindia, their own ally; and when the Mahrattas were defeated, they treacherously deserted to Holkar. The whole of the irregular horse which had reinforced Monson at Rampoora followed the example; and a few companies of Sepoys – a rare occurrence among those faithful people – quitted their ranks, and joined the enemy. Formed in oblong square, the greater portion of the latter part of the retreat was
