transfer to that place of refuge of 'any property beyond the sort of allowance which a French Customs House officer at Calais or Marseilles passes under the term of a sac de nuit.' This extraordinary prohibition, adds the same authority, entailed 'the loss and destruction of books, furniture, archives, records, public and private, and the ruin of hundreds of families.' The victualling of the fort proceeded, however, with great energy.
By the end of June Agra was completely isolated. The entire country between the Jamnah and the Ganges was 'up,' whilst to the west of the former river Bundelkhand was surging with rebels; Rájpútána and Central India had become difficult to hold. Communications with the north, south, west, and east had been severed. In fact, in what direction soever Mr Colvin might turn his glance the horizon was gloomy in the extreme.
Nor was the position mended by the news which reached him on the 2d of July. This was to the effect that a strong rebel force had reached Fathpur-Síkrí, twenty-three miles from Agra. To meet these he had within the fort the 3d European regiment and one battery of European artillery. But he had also native allies upon whom he believed rather fatuously that he could rely. These were a body of 600 Karáulí matchlockmen, commanded by Saifullá Khán, a native official of high character, some levies from Bhartpur, and a detachment of the Kotá contingent. Mr Colvin at once brought the last named within the cantonment, whilst he placed the others at Sháhganj, four miles on the road to Fathpur-Síkrí, to watch the movements of the rebel force at that place.
The following day, the 3d, Mr Colvin being ill, a council of three gentlemen, Mr Reade, the senior member of the Board of Revenue, Major Macleod of the Engineers, Military Secretary to Mr Colvin, and Brigadier Polwhele,
