246 GANJAM. 



and moving into the hills with a sepoy 

 force rescued victims destined for the 

 Meria from many Khond villages. But 

 the Khonds collected in great numbers, 

 and surrounding his force compelled 

 him to give back the rescued victims. 



After this unfortunate occurrence the 

 Government organized a special agency 

 for the accomplishment of their pur- 

 pose. An irregular force of two or 

 three hundred men was levied among 

 the Ooriyah population, men inured 

 to forest life and acquainted with the 

 Khonds and their ways ; they were 

 suitably armed and equipped under 

 intelligent native officers of their own 

 class, and placed under the command 

 of Colonel Campbell, assisted by his 

 subordinate officer, Captain MacNeil. 



