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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
JULY, 1928
British subjects from enemies, and the punishment of such offenders. Such a proof of friend ship is most gratifying, and will be the best proof to evil-disposed persons that the good-will and friendship that exist between the two governments will remain unchangeable for ever.
I ant desired by Captain Hungerford to express his entire concurrence with the view taken by His Highness of this matter, with whom he thinks that in such an emergency as the present, no hesitation as to the offending state being a foreign state is admissible ; but Captain Hungerford is further of opinion that, having marched to the borders of such offending state, an enquiry as to the truth of the report should be made, and, if true, followed by a formal demand for the kidnapped prisoners previous to entering the same ; and if not complied with, you might then proceed to extremities, with the assurance from Captain Hungerford that the British Government will not fail to support you and accept the responsibility, should it be found necessary to compel the Amjheera Raja to restore these officers, ladies, and children to liberty; and I also fully concur in this opinion.
I trust the assurances of the Amjheera Vakeel are correct, and that Captain Hutchinson and party have safely reached Jhabooa, and this intelligence may be confirmed by the return of the runner you have despatched to make inquiry ; but you will allow that the testimony offered us, as to the act of violence having been committed by people from Amjheera, was deserving of a certain amount of credit.
If Moonshee Dhurm Narain could be spared to come here, he would be of great assistance in facilitating correspondence between us, as he could afford Captain Hungerford and myself much information as to the proper forms to be observed, and we should find his knowledge of official matters of much assistance to us.
I have, etc., (Signed) A. Elliot,
Asst. Govt. Superintendent in Malwah.
E. To The Maharaja of Indore-Mhow, July 7th, 1857. Maharaja,
A Sahookar has just brought me intelligence that your troops which misbehaved have returned to Indore; that they are much enraged with the mutineers from Mhow, and have either gone or are going on the road to Dewass; for the purpose of attacking them and recovering the treasure which has been carried off from Indore.
I understand also that you have made arrangements with the Raja of Dewags and others. to intercept and attack our mutinous troops simultaneously, and that it is your wish to destroy them, and that for this purpose you have assisted your troops with guns.
I trust that the above reports are correct. Your friendly feelings towards our Govern. ment cannot be better shown than by your punishing with the utmost severity the men who have been faithless to their salt. By acting in this manner it will be proved to the Govern. ment that the events at Indore have occurred contrary to your wishes; and by your taking the earliest opportunity of using your troops in a manner which will be beneficial to the interests of the British Government, you will prove that their former actions were not influenced by yourself.
Allow me to know whether the above reports are correct, as it will give me the greatest pleasure to report to Government 'how faithfully you wish to execute the duties that your friendship towards them lays upon you.
I shall feel obliged by your allowing Gunesh Shastree to come over and stay at Mhow for a short time, as there are many matters I wish to consult you upon, and he will be a better medium of communicating with your Highness than any other.
I have, eto, (Signed) T. Hungerford, Captain
Commanding at Mhow.