n its retreat, in face of enemies estimated differently at from
fifty to a hundred thousand men.

Against such vigilant foes there was but little hope, indeed, that
the movement would be unnoticed and, at two o'clock in the morning,
a party of horse attacked the advance guard. Cockburn sent forward
two companies of Europeans to support them, but the Mahrattas had
succeeded in plundering part of the baggage.

In a very short time the rear was also attacked. This was covered
by some six companies of Sepoys, with two guns, commanded by
Captain Hartley. These received the charge of the enemy's horse and
foot with great steadiness and, several times, took the offensive
and drove their assailants back.

When morning broke, the little force found themselves altogether
surrounded by the whole army of the Mahrattas. Hartley's Sepoys
were now sorely pressed, but still maintained their position, and
were reinforced by five companies of Europeans and two more
companies of Sepoys. With this support, Hartley beat off every
attack. At ten o'clock he received orders from Colonel Cockburn to
retreat, but the officer who carried the message returned, begging
that he would allow Captain Hartley to await a more favourable
opportunity. Cockburn agreed to this, but sent Major Frederick to
take command of the rear, with orders to retire on the main body.
This movement he effected without serious loss, and joined the rest
of the force at the village of Wurgaom.

It was already crowded with camp followers, and the wildest
confusion reigned. The enemy's horse took advantage of this and
charged through the baggage, and the troops were unable to act with
effect, being mixed up with the crowd of fugitives. However, they
soon extricated themselves, drove off the enemy, and placed the
guns in commanding positions round the village. At four o'clock the
enemy retired.

Early the next morning the Mahratta artillery opened fire on the
village. Some of the Sepoy troops now became dispirited; but
Hartley's men stood firm, and the Mahrattas did not venture to
attack. The loss on the previous day was found to amount to three
hundred and fifty-two killed, wounded, or missing; including many
who had deserted during the night. Among the killed and wounded
were fifteen European officers, whose loss was a great misfortune
for, although the Sepoys fight well under their European officers,
they lose heart altogether if not so led.

Mr. Palmer, the secretar