FROM UMBALA TO FATHIGARH. 299 



The captured guns were sent off to Aligarh under 

 charge of Major Eld. On arriving at Etah on the 

 24th Seaton learned that the Rajah of Mainpuri, 

 who had been raising troops and casting cannon, 

 had now declared his independence, and was block- 

 ing the highroad through his dominions. By a 

 series of bold and skilful manoeuvres Seaton speed- 

 ily outwitted his new foe. 



" On approaching Mainpuri," says Seaton, " we 

 caught a distant glimpse of the enemy's position 

 away to our left ; so, getting the cavalry to make 

 a demonstration as if we were a:oino; to form across 

 and march by the road, and to make as much dust 

 as possible, I quietly moved on with the artillery 

 and infantry, our march being concealed by some 

 mounds, a small village, and the nature of the 

 ground. As we approached the stream we came in 

 full view of the enemy, who had been firing at the 

 dust created by the cavalry. Immediately they saw 

 us well on their left there was a tremendous hubbub 

 and great confusion, which was increased tenfold 

 when the artillery, dashing through the stream, 

 opened fire and raked their whole front. 



"In a few minutes the gunners limbered up, 

 crossed the river again a quarter of a mile lower 

 down, and got into their rear ; for the stream, 

 making a sharp turn, ran at right angles to their 

 flank. The enemy were so thoroughly cowed by 

 our prompt and determined onset that they fled at 

 once, followed by the whole of the cavalry and 

 artillery." 



Marching on with his guns and infantry towards 

 the Rajah's stronghold, Seaton found it already 

 evacuated. Of the eight guns captured in the ad- 



