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SEPTEMBER, 1926)
THE MUTINY AT INDORE
175
against any native force ; trade and business are carried on as usual in the towns in Holkar's States. The Maharaja's tributaries having discovered the mistake they first fell into, of thinking Holkar inimical to the British, have suppressed all disorders in their own districts, and are willing to assist in maintaining order. Some of the Maharaja's troops alone show a bad spirit, and are still mutinous and disaffected ; but they will, I think, be restrained from any further excess, and on the arrival of European troops the Maharaja will at once disarm and punish them.
The Company's rupee has fallen to a discount of one rupee per cent. at Indore, and three per cent. at Oojein.
27. In closing this report I trust that, should the Government deem that our duty at Mhow has been performed to its satisfaction, I may state how much I have been indebted to the untiring exertions of officers and men for everything that has been done. At this trying season the non-commissioned officers and men of my company, under the orders of Lieutenant Mallock, have worked cheerfully and laboriously night and day, in mounting heavy guns, throwing up entrenchments, and other duties, and have shown throughout a willing and ready spirit, which no praise of mine can do justice to. The officers of the 23rd Regiment N. I. and 1st Light Cavalry, and other volunteers under Captain Brooks and Captain Trower, have always been ready to turn out at any moment for duties which they have never before been accustomed to, and have taken regular sentry duties every night since our occupation of the Fort, to enable the artillery men to get some sleep after their heavy duties in the day. Mr. Madrag, the Commissariat Officer, has worked most efficiently in laying in stores of every description for the artillery, Europeans who have taken refuge in the Fort, horses and cattle, for six months; and the fact that six months' supplies have been laid in, in little more than & week, will speak for itself. Mr. Conductor Postance, too, has been unwearied in his exertions in making up ammunition and other duties, which have occupied every moment of his time, and which he has fulfilled to my entire satisfaction. To Captain Elliot I am deeply indebted for support and assistance ; his knowledge of the country has enabled him to aid me with advice in many matters of which I should otherwise have remained ignorant. Besides supporting me in my communications with Holkar's Durbar, he has readily taken upon himself a share of all the duties the other officers have been employed in.
28. I trust it is needless to repeat what I have said so often regarding the fidelity of the Maharaja of Indore; -his actions will best prove his feelings. The anxiety he laboured under, lest his conduct should be misconstrued, has been dissipated since the receipt of the message from the Right Honourable the Governor of Bombay; and yesterday I received the annexed letter (marked N) from the minister on this subject.
29. Having been left alone at Mhow, without any political officer to consult, I trust, if I have acted in an irregular manner, by assuming political authority to communicate with Holkar, the advantage which has been gained in keeping the country tranquil, and restoring the confidence of the Maharaja in the friendship of the Government, may form my excuse for the informality. I have acted with a zealous desire to serve Government, and trust my actions may not meet with disapproval.
I have the honour to be,
Sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed) T. Hungerford, Captain),
Commanding at Mhow.
