Resident at the Court of Nagpore, remonstrated with the Rajah on his dangerous proceedings; but the only answer he got from Appa Sahib was an invitation to see him invested with a khelaut, or dress of honour, and the juree putka, or golden streamer – an emblem of high command, both of which had been transmitted to him by the Peishwa. Mr. Jenkins indignantly declined the invitation, as an imprudent and premature insult, by which the Company's servants were warned of approaching danger.
On the following day all communication between the Residency and the city was interdicted. The palaces were stripped of everything of value, and the families of the Rajah and of his principal Ministers left the city. Upon this, Mr. Jenkins lost no time in sending for the troops from their cantonments. The whole British force then at Nagpore consisted of only two battalions, the 20th and 24th of Native Infantry, three troops of the 6th regiment of Bengal Native Cavalry, and four six-pounders, manned by Europeans of the Madras artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel Hopetoun Scott was the officer in command; and with this force, which did not comprise fourteen hundred men fit for duty, he had to resist an army of eight thousand infantry and twelve thousand cavalry, including three thousand very brave Arab troops,[1] supported by thirty-five guns.
The British troops took post on the hills of Seetabuldee, overlooking the Residency, which was situated outside the town; and the brigade was scarcely in position, when the enemy's infantry, cavalry, and artillery drew up around them. At sunset the picquets were fired upon by the Arab infantry, and soon after a general discharge of artillery was opened upon the whole of the position, which was continued till two in the morning with much effect; Captain Sadler being killed, and Captain Charlesworth wounded. During the night the
- ↑ The Arabs in the pay of the native princes were frequently the only part of their troops that could be depended on for bravery and fidelity.
