which were also exceedingly strong. He had likewise reduced Ramgurh, Bellaspore, and the other fastnesses that commanded this mountain region. At the same time, the province of Kemaoon being left unprotected, a detachment was sent under Colonel Nicolls, who besieged and, on the 25th of April, 1815, took Almora, its capital. Ummeer Sing, now closely confined to his fortified post at Maloun, was obliged to capitulate, though on honourable terms, being allowed to join the main army with the troops under his charge. By these victories, the countries between the Jumna and the Sutlej were effectually cleared; but the war was not yet terminated, though it had already lasted more than a year.
The Government of Nepaul were so deeply discouraged by these reverses that, notwithstanding the opposition of several chiefs, they determined to open a negotiation. The terms demanded by Lord Moira were high, including the cession of all the provinces conquered in the west, and also of the Terraie. This last article formed the chief obstacle to the treaty, not so much on account of the actual value of the territory as because most of the principal chiefs at court had in it assignments of land, from which they derived their income. The Nepaulese ambassadors had, however, agreed to the terms and signed them; but when transmitted for ratification, the Court of Catmandoo was induced, on the grounds just stated, to refuse its consent. Under these circumstances, there was no alternative left but the renewal of war.
General Ochterlony had nearly 20,000 effective men under his command, including three of his Majesty's regiments, the 24th, 66th, and 87th, who were better suited to a war among bleak and lofty mountains than the Sepoys from the hot plains of Hindostan. The enemy had intrenched themselves in the strong pass of Cherceagatee, which formed the entrance into their mountain territory. These works were altogether unassailable in front, but a mountain-track was at length discovered which turned the pass; and, on a dark night, General
