in his former situation. For instance, in many of these forts there were (what is called) a fort-adjutant and a barrack-master: now, one of these had to do the duty of both, for which he received no more than his former pay. The sepoys (native soldiers) were not in much better humour; for they were dissatisfied because they did not receive the pay of European soldiers, saying, that as they did the same duty, and were exposed to the same hardships, they were entitled to the same allowances. On the other hand, the government stated, that European soldiers had removed from their own country, and should therefore be distinguished from natives of this country, who besides could live much cheaper. However, this statement did not satisfy them; and from less to more, they proceeded so far as to take some of the forts into their own possession, and were headed by Company's officers of the dissatisfied party. Things could not remain long in this state of confusion; and to compel the mutineers to desist from their purpose of destroying all order amongst the forces, an army was formed at three different stations, to proceed to the high country in various directions. Our Colonel being a man of great military

skill, was appointed to command the centre division of the army, which was formed at St. Thomas's Mount, seven miles from Madras, upon the 8th day of August, 1809. This division of the army consisted of ten pieces of artillery, two regiments of horse, the Royal Scots, 66th and 89th Europeans, two hundred pioneers, and the 8th and 20th regiments of native infantry.

An order was also issued by our commanding officer for all the heavy baggage, women, and boys, to be left at Madras. This was sorrowful news for the married people, and my wife was much grieved to hear them, particularly as I was then but weakly, and not very able to encounter the hardships to which I would thus be exposed. She was therefore

eager to go with the regiment, that she might know the worst of it. I tried all I could to dissuade her from going, but in vain; and, in short, she being a stout healthy woman, and having no children to incommode us, she was permitted to go, to my great benefit, as well as her satisfaction; for truly, had it not been for her, it would have fared but badly with me upon the march, as I will afterwards make appear.

CHAP. VI.

March against the Rebels-Tigers-Wild BoarsGutta-Number and Description of the ForcesHardships of the March-Activity and Usefulness of Mrs. B.-Illustrations of Scripture-The Shadow of a Great Rock-New Wine in Old Bottles-New Cloth sewed to Old Cloth-Glass of the EastSubmission of the Rebels-Basket Boats-Elephants crossing Rivers-Effects of Live Grass-Anecdotes of Serpents-Their Love of Music.

NOTHING took place worthy of notice here, from the time we left St. Thomas's Mount, until we arrived at the frontier of the Poligar country, which we entered upon the 27th of August; this part of the Poligar territories is all overrun with jungles, and the narrow road cut through such places, is in India called a pass. At this pass we were met by three of the Company's revenue collectors flying for shelter to our army, having been robbed of all their

wealth by a party of the rebels. We here see the dreadful condition of a country, where all laws, divine and human, are put at defiance. We received a visit from the Nabob of this district of country, who is tributary to our government, accompanied with all his retinue. He himself, and suite, were mounted on elephants, upon the back of which was placed a square tower, covered with crimson velvet; but the greater part of his guards were upon horseback, and those of them who were upon foot carried a kind of pike twelve feet long, which they manage with great dexterity." When they wish to strike an object, they place the one end of the pike upon the right arm, and after giving it a powerful throw, they immediately pull it back by a coil of rope which is held in their left hand, the one end of which rope is of course fastened to the pike. This country is very mountainous, and abounds with tigers and wild boars, (particularly the latter;) but there is a species of dog here that is a mortal enemy to the wild boar; and but for these useful creatures, the natives would often run great dangers from their bold and ferocious attacks. Our officers killed one at this camp-ground, which I saw: it was nearly

equal to one of our middle-sized hogs, but had apparently been much more active, being cleaner limbed, with terrible tusks.

September 21.-For this some time past we have been marching through woods, and jungles, and by impassable roads, until our pioneers made them so, by cutting trees, and covering them with sods, so that there might be a passage for the guns and bandies;* and it was very seldom that we could get any victuals to buy for money; because, as we advanced, the natives left their villages, and retired to the hills, carrying all their cattle and effects with them, not being quite sure whether we were friends or foes.

September 22.-The place we arrived at this day is called Gutta, where there is a very large garrison, built upon the top of an immense rock, somewhat resembling that of Edinburgh Castle, but much higher. It was formerly one of Tippoo's towers of refuge; and was taken by the British with great difficulty. We halted here until we should get a reinforcement from Bombay, which was or

These bandies are a kind of cart for the baggage,

drawn by two bullocks.