Goorkhas were so greatly superior in numbers that the British force was compelled, in each instance, to retire with severe loss, including the two commanding officers, Captains Sibley and Blackney, both of the native infantry.
On the 6th of January, 1815, General Marley made a forward movement towards Pursah; but this position he almost immediately abandoned, alarmed by reports of the designs of the enemy and some desertions amongst his own troops. He accordingly retrograded for the purpose of covering the depôt at Betteah, and favouring the junction of a long-expected battering-train; and here ends "the strange eventful history" of General Marley, who was, of course, recalled. By a curious coincidence, Bhagut Sing, one of the Goorkha commanders, having evinced some unjustifiable caution about the same time, was not only recalled, but, being the subject of a semi-barbarous state, he was publicly exhibited in woman's attire as one unworthy to wear the habiliments of man.
The interval that elapsed between the departure of General Marley and the arrival of his successor was distinguished by an affair of some brilliancy, which tended to abate the presumptuous confidence of the Goorkhas, and to revive the exhausted hopes of the British force. Lieutenant Pickersgill, while reconnoitring, discovered, at no great distance from the camp, a party of the enemy about five hundred strong; and the discovery was immediately communicated to Colonel Dick, who had assumed the command on the departure of General Marley. A party of irregular horse was, in consequence, despatched to strengthen Lieutenant Pickersgill, and Colonel Dick followed with all the pickets. The Goorkhas, encouraged by the small number of Lieutenant Pickersgill's force, resolved to attack him; but, on emerging from a hollow where they were posted, they perceived the force that was advancing to his assistance. Struck with panic at the discovery, they made a precipitate retreat, but were all eventually cut to pieces; and so great was the terror
