commanding the troops, was appointed to administer affairs. These gentlemen at once took active measures for the public safety. Some of these may sound strange, but they were probably justified under the circumstances. For instance, dreading lest the rebels might enter the station, and let loose upon it a number of hardened criminals, they conveyed the prisoners in the gaol across the Jamnah, and released them. Then they broke down the pontoon bridge communicating with the fort, they brought in all the native Christians, they directed that the Karáulí and Bhartpur levies should be required to give up their guns, two in number, and they directed the officer commanding the Kotá contingent to march against the rebels. These orders sufficed to clear the air. The Bhartpur and Karáulí men, angered by the removal of their guns, removed themselves from the scene. It was the best course for the English they could adopt, for an open enemy is better than a pretended friend. Similarly with the Kotá contingent. No sooner did the men composing it receive the order to advance than they shot down the English sergeant in charge of their military stores, and firing hastily at their European officers, rushed off to join the enemy they had been directed to combat. They did not, happily, effect their full purpose, for whilst a loyal gunner named Mathurá managed unseen to spike their guns, their English doctor, Mathias by name, calm and collected amid dangers, strewed in the sand their powder, ammunition, and case-shot. A party sent out from Agra brought the guns into the fort.
On the evening of the 4th, Mr Colvin entered the fort and resumed authority. The next day, the 5th, the rebels marched in from Fathpur-Síkrí and took up a position at the village of Sassiah, some five miles from the fort. They were reported to consist of 4000 infantry, 1500
