10 



History of the Ramoossies. 



[Jan. 



curring further loss,~Bhojajee Naik covered their retreat, 

 the Ramoossies loading and supplying him with their 

 matchlocks. The Sibundies were more intent in search- 

 ing for such property as the Ramoossies left on the ground, 

 in the hurry of moving off, than in pursuing them after they 

 fled. Two of the Jageerdar's men were wounded. Oomi- 

 ah mentioned that Suttoo Naik was very angry with him, 

 and gave him a great deal of abuse for having approached 

 so near Sassoor. Suttoo Naik had been unwell for some 

 time and at length died from an attack of Cholera at a 

 small village south of the Neera, on the 27th August 1825, 

 when Oomiah became the principal leader of the gang. 



In July 1825, the Magistrate of Poona, who was watch- 

 ing an opportunity of striking a blow at the Bund, gained 

 information of their being in the hills near the Hurally 

 ghaut, south of the Neera bridge ; he detached Captain 

 Mansfield to surprise them ; notwithstanding a long and 

 rapid march, the Ramoossies fled as the detachment was 

 approaching; however, a number of their families and 

 Amrootah, a brother of Oomiah's, were seized. Several 

 of the persons that were engaged in the Bamboordy rob- 

 bery had been previously apprehended; and Amrootah 

 was admitted as King's evidence on their trial, but he per- 

 jured himself, having denied his previous statements, and 

 was consequently detained in jail until the settlement of 

 the Bund affairs in 1828. Amrootah was always con- 

 sidered a most notorious liar among the Ramoossies. 

 Some time afterwards, the magistrate detached Lieute- 

 nant Carthew in charge of several detachments, to sur- 

 prise the gang posted near Sewry, but the attempt failed. 

 Several persons were subsequently taken, but they could 

 not be convicted from want of evidence, they were there- 

 fore set at liberty upon giving security. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Oomiah plunders the Putwurdun's agent-He plunders a banker of Punder. 

 poor.-Jowahir Smgh of Keekvy put in charge of the police.-The gang 

 commit many robberies.-The family of the Phultun Jageerdar plundered. 

 ^Ram Smgh seized and compelled to swear that he would refrain from mo- 

 f ih! f onnf^nir Commanding the Poona Horse, takes command 



of the tzoops employed against the Bund.-Oomiah attacks aparty at Jejoo. 

 ry, three sepoys die of their wouads.^Aa attempt made to seize Bhoojajee 



