s. At this flattering greeting of the
commander-in-chief, we gave three cheers, in which his lordship and
staff heartily joined us. I must confess I felt at this moment
sensations I was a stranger to before--a kind of elevation of soul
indescribable, accompanied by a consciousness that I could either have
laughed heartily or cried bitterly. Nearer camp we were met and greeted
by nearly the whole European army. Such shouting and huzzaing I never
heard; nor could I have imagined that the mind of man could be worked up
to such a height of feeling. For myself, I could not help dropping a
tear--for what, I cannot tell; but so it was. On reaching the general
hospital, we saw many men without legs, some without arms, others with
their heads tied up; and it was a most affecting sight to behold these
poor wounded creatures waving their shattered stumps, and exerting their
feeble frames, to greet us warmly as we passed along. The scene that
followed would beggar description--drinking, dancing, shouting, that
made the Byannah Pass echo again! Reader, believe me when I assure you
that in those days I knew not, as I said before, the taste of spirituous
liquors; consequently, I did not join in these bacchanalian orgies, but
reconnoitred the camp, which, to my spirits, was far more exhilarating
than the jovial cup. Three days restored us to some kind of order and
discipline, and all went on smoothly.

Holkar, a Mahratta chieftain, was at this time in full force, with about
sixty thousand horse, and twenty-five thousand infantry, encamped a
short distance from us, ever on the alert to watch our movements, and
supported by Ameer-Khan and other self-created rajahs. From the very
nature of this service, against a flying enemy, thoroughly acquainted
with the localities of the country, we had but little chance of coming
up with them. Anything like a general engagement they studiously avoid;
plunder only is their aim. In this way they pay themselves, giving their
chiefs any great article of value that may fall into their hands; that
is to say, if they are known to have it. Their wives are excellent
horse-women, and many of them good shots with the matchlocks, and active
swords-women. They are always mounted on the best horse, and it is not
an unusual thing for them to carry one child before them and another
behind, at full speed. The Pindaree horsemen, and indeed all horsemen in
India, have a decided advantage over the English. Their horses a