is six feet and upwards. The Rajpoot is born a soldier, and is, when well treated, obedient, zealous, and faithful. He sometimes wants energy, but never courage. Such is the general character of a race of men constituting the main proportion of the Bengal army, and of whom we can recruit in our own provinces to any amount.[1]
MADRAS.[2]
One brigade of Horse Artillery, European and Native. Four battalions of European Foot Artillery. One battalion of Native Foot Artillery. Corps of Royal Engineers. Eight regiments of Native Light Cavalry. Two European regiments, Fusiliers and Light Infantry. Fifty-two regiments of Native Infantry.
The native, cavalry of this Presidency are, generally speaking, from five feet five to five feet ten inches in height, of light but active make. The native infantry is generally composed of Mahomedans and Hindoos of good caste. At its first establishment none were enlisted but men of high military tribes; in process of time, however, a considerable change took place, and natives of every description were enrolled in the service. Subsequently, orders were given to recruit from none but the most respectable classes of society, and many consider the regular and orderly behaviour of these men as one of the benefits which have resulted from this system. The infantry Sepoy of Madras is rather a small man, but he is of an active make, and capable of undergoing great fatigue upon a very slender diet; while his moderation, sobriety, and patience give him a steadiness that is almost unknown to Europeans. The most marked general fea-
- ↑ "It is, perhaps, worthy of being noted among the mirabilia of the age that a very large portion of the Bengal army, perhaps not less than a fifth or sixth part, is composed of Brahmins. It has, however, been observed that, where corps have been detached on foreign service, the Brahmins have been remarkable for desertion; and, indeed, they always have been found to be the main though secret spring of every mutiny." – Williamson's "Oriental Field Sports."
- ↑ The Madras army is also commanded by a lieutenant-general of the royal service, and its divisions are commanded by two or three general officers, one of whom belongs to the royal army.
