mand was assumed by the next in rank, a managing committee of officers was instituted, and a correspondence was opened by them with the Hyderabad and other mutinous divisions. On the 3rd of August garrison orders directed the regiment to hold itself in readiness for field-service; a plan having been concerted for the junction of the troops from Musulipatam with those from Jaulna and Hyderabad, and for their united march to Madras, where they threatened to compel the restoration of the officers, and to depose Sir George Barlow from the post of Governor.
But, fortunately, the Commander-in-Chief, and a great majority of the officers highest in rank, were stanch advocates of the principles of order and military subordination. The Madras Government was further assured of the decided support of the Government of Bengal, and had the command of the resources of that presidency, as well as of Bombay and Ceylon. The King's regiments also steadily adhered to their duty; and there could be little doubt that the native soldiery, when the case was explained to them, would prefer the cause of the Government from whom they derived their subsistence and hopes of promotion to that of their officers, whose objects they imperfectly understood, and from whose triumph they could anticipate no advantage.
Thus confident of support, Sir George Barlow prescribed a test to be signed by the officers; pledging themselves to support the measures of the Government, on penalty of being removed from their regiments to stations on the sea-coast, to reside there, but not to forfeit their pay, until the situation of affairs should allow of their being again employed. Commanding officers were also ordered to explain to the native officers that the discontents of the European officers were entirely personal, and should not affect or diminish the advantages which the men enjoyed, and that the Government confidently relied upon their attachment and fidelity. The Company's troops were also so distributed in connexion with his Majesty's as to render the latter an efficient check upon the former.
