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to issue the strictest orders, iliat the inhabitants of Manchva and 

 its dependencies, are not, under any pretence whatever, to be 

 plundered or ill-treated ; on the contrary, you are, on their sub- 

 mission, to assure them in the most unequivocal manner of the 

 English protection. 



Wishing you health and success, 



I remain, &c. 



(signed) James Forbes, 



Dhuboy, Collector of Dhuboy, Sfr.. 



9th October, 1782. 



This expedition was kept a profound secret from the natives 

 of Dhuboy, nor did the least suspicion of our intention reach the 

 Gracia chief. The detachment marched out of the garrison at 

 midnight, and reached Mandwa by break of day. So complete 

 was the surprise, that when the guard opened the gates of the 

 fortress to turn the cattle to pasture, and for the women to &o 

 out for water, the British troops rushed in, seized the guards, and 

 obtained possession of the place with very little bloodshed. Go- 

 manny Sihng, the Gracia chief, although a very old man, escaped 

 by the vigilance and fidelity of his attendants, who on the first alarm 

 carried him on his bed across the river, and conducted him to a 

 strong hold, among the hills at some distance. Several ladies 

 were taken prisoners in the zenana, with his wife and dauo-hter 

 and sent to me as hostages. These princesses were at first very ob- 

 streperous, and occasioned much trouble before I could brine 

 them to reason, or at all reconcile them to their situation. They 

 menaced immediate self-destruction, if brought into my presence. 



