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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
(August, 1926
here. Under these circumstances I requested fresh orders regarding them; and Lord Elphinstone has ordered them to remain on the left bank of the Nerbudda, until the arrival of the column from Aurungabad. On the Ilth one column left Aurungabad, and another column left Bombay on the 9th. Two or three hundred dragoons here would be sufficient to place the whole of Malwah in as tranquil and peaceable & state as it was in, six months ago.
The Durbar report that some of their troops in the district have shown signs of disaffection, and several of the vakeels of petty States, who used to be in attendance at Indore, have, left Indore. The impression that their superiors will receive from the absence of all political authorities from the seat of your agency, would have been so injurious that I have, during your absence, assumed political authority here, so far as to be able to communicate with the Maharaja, and advise him on subjects which were of much importance, and regarding which, in your absence, he was at a loss how to act. These matters I have reported in detail to Lord Elphinstone, and trust that, under the circumstances, I shall be borne out in what I have done.
My position here has been a difficult one; but I have acted to the best of my ability for the good of the service. Captain Elliot has been most kind in assisting me; and, had it not been for his advice and assistance in many matters, much would have been unthought of, which has been of great use and benefit. I trust that what I have said will induce you to return to Mhow. Your presence would restore confidence. The country itself is tranquil. A few European troops would enable Holkar to disarm those who were implicated in the late outbreak; and a small moveable force, to punish those tributaries of Holkar who have taken advantage of the disturbances at Indore to cause dissensions in their own petty districts, would be sufficient to bring the whole surrounding country under complete control
The mutineers from Mhow and Indore are to-day at Pacbore, moving as expeditiously 88 they can, on Agra or Delhi.
Yours sincerely, (Signed) T. Hungerford, Captain.
Telegraph Message from Lord Elphinstone, for delivery to Holkar.
13th July 1857. I have received your Highness' Khureeta ,' dated the 1st. The assurance of your regret at the part taken by your troops in attacking the Residency, and at the lato unfortunate occurrences at Mhow and Indore, is very gratifying to me, and I trust that the Governor General's Agent will soon return to Indore. General Woodburn has been obliged, from ill health, to give up command of the troops that are advancing to Mhow, but Colonel Stuart, who has suoceeded him, is fully impressed with the necessity of using all practicable speed. I hope that your Highness will be able to maintain the tranquillity of the country until the reinforcements arrive.
M. Answer to above.
July 14th, 1857. Your Lordship's message has been delivered to Holkar; and he is most grateful for the manner in which his explanations have been received. A long lotter has been forwarded by him for delivery to your Lordship, expressing his feelings of loyalty and attachment to the Government, and sorrow for what has occurred, which will be sent by letter Dak.
Captain Hutchinson, assistant to the Resident, with his wife, Mr. Stockly and family, and others, were taken prisoners, and Bhopawar burnt down and pillaged, by order of the Raja of Amjheera. Holkar, although Amjheera is a tributary of Scindiah, immediately
