FINAL DEFEAT OF SINDIa's TROOPS. 165 



were exceedingly scanty. The English did not indeed 

 restore any shadow of his former power ; but they main- 

 tained him in comfort, and with some semblance of the 

 pomp by which the Mogul throne had been anciently sur- 

 rounded. In return, they obtained for all their measures 

 the sanction of a name still venerated throughout the em- 

 pire ; indeed they were thus virtually seated on the throne 

 of India. 



The conquerors now marched upon Agra, the rival 

 Indiari-capital, which possessed the advantage of being de- 

 fended by a strong fort, occupied by a large body of troops. 

 Anarchy however prevailed in the garrison, and the officers, 

 being chiefly of English extraction, had become objects of 

 suspicion, and were thrown into confinement. At the 

 same time seven battalions of Sindia's army, having been 

 denied admittance lest they should claim ( a share of the 

 treasure it contained, remained posted in the town and 

 principal mosque. It was considered necessary to begin by 

 dislodging them, which was effected though not without 

 an obstinate resistance. These troops, to the amount of 

 2500, immediately transferred their services to the victors. 

 The Mahratta officers meanwhile resolved to propose a 

 treaty of surrender ; but as the time for its ratification 

 arrived they suddenly recommenced firing. The trenches 

 were forthwith opened, and a breach being effected on the 

 17th October, 1803, the enemy capitulated the same evening, 

 stipulating only for the safety of their persons and private 

 property. The treasure found here, amounting to no less 

 than 280,000/., was divided among the troops as prize- 

 money. 



There remained still in the field a corps composed of 

 troops detached from the Deccan, reinforced by fugitives 

 from the different armies. General Lake hastened in pur- 

 suit of this force ; and considering it only as a collection 

 of runaways deserted by their officers, little apprehended 

 that he was about to encounter the most obstinate resistance 

 he had sustained during the whole campaign. This body, 

 consisting of 9000 foot, 5000 horse, and a numerous train 

 of artillery, was rapidly retreating, when on the 1st No- 

 vember he overtook them with his cavalry alone, and de- 

 termined by an immediate attack to prevent their escape. 

 The enemy, however, having their motions concealed by a 



