Dismayed by the result of his first attempt in hostility, Appa Sahib sought refuge in negotiation; but while he temporised with the Resident, he continued to increase his army, and render his artillery more efficient. It was therefore determined to crush him as speedily as possible; and reinforcements were sent to Nagpore, including the division under General Doveton. The movements of this officer at length compelled Appa Sahib to give himself up as a hostage, and to order the surrender of his artillery both in camp and arsenal. General Doveton suspecting treachery, advanced his whole line to take possession of the guns; and as he proceeded, a heavy fire of artillery was opened upon his front and right flank. He immediately brought his infantry to the charge, while his cavalry and horse artillery making a détour, took the enemy in flank. In less than an hour all the batteries were carried, the Arabs put to flight, and upwards of eighty guns, mortars and howitzers, with forty-five elephants, the entire camp, and all Appa Sahib's camp-equipage, were in our possession.
Part of the Arab infantry rallied in the city, occupied the fortress, within which were the Rajah's palaces and other strong buildings, and there they maintained themselves with such desperation that it was not till the 30th of December that they could be driven out. Doveton's siege-artillery not having yet come up, in an attempt to storm the fort through an insufficient breach he lost 90 killed, and 179 wounded. Preparations were then made to invest the place on a more regular plan; but the garrison, satisfied with the display of valour which they had already made, capitulated, on condition of being allowed to march out with their baggage and private property. With the departure of these daring Arabs resistance ceased: the Rajah, his city of Nagpore, and all his country were at our feet, and the fate of Appa Sahib remained in suspense for a few months longer.
Meanwhile the Pindarrie chiefs could not view the
