that they disapproved of Mr Colvin's proclamation, and substituted another for it of their own composition. This, though dealing largely with offers of mercy, made exceptions against men whose hands had been imbrued in blood. But this proclamation was as ineffective as that which it was intended to supersede.
Mr Colvin's proclamation was issued on the 25th of May. Five days later three companies of sipáhís, constituting the garrison of Mathurá, thirty miles to the north-west of Agra, mutinied, shot down one of their officers, wounded another, plundered the treasury, fired the houses of the English, released the prisoners from the gaol, and started off for Dehlí. Their example was followed by the bulk of the troops sent to the aid of Mr Colvin from Bhartpur.
This outrage, known the same evening at Agra, roused Mr Colvin to striking point. He directed the Brigadier to hold a parade the following morning to disarm the native troops. The parade was held (May 31), and in the presence of a battery of European artillery and the 3d European regiment, the sipáhís of the 44th and 67th N. I. were directed to pile their arms. There was a moment of hesitation followed by sullen obedience. On examining the muskets afterwards many were found loaded with ball. The disarming of these regiments was followed by a resolution, promptly carried out, to raise volunteers, horse and foot, from the planters, clerks, traders, merchants, and others in the district.
Still the situation, though less immediately dangerous, did not improve. The risings in the vicinity had left Agra isolated. The power of taking an initiative had passed from Mr Colvin. It was for him now to await the action of the rebels. This, too, when he was to a great extent ignorant of the events passing around him. Nor was this all. The reports from Major Charters Macpherson, the
