A SPLENDID CAVALCADE, 
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midable adversaries with whom the British forces in 
India have ever had to contend, passed near the city, 
with an escort of at least thirty thousand troops and 
two thousand elephants. He was grand nephew to 
Mahadajee Scindia, being the grandson of his younger 
brother, and, though in every respect inferior to his 
uncle both as a warrior and a statesman, he has 
nevertheless shown himself to be a vigilant and en- 
terprising enemy. We were attracted to the spot to 
see the Mahratta chieftain and his followers, and the 
sight was in truth a very splendid one. The troops 
consisted entirely of cavalry variously armed and 
clad. Some had on quilted tunics, which were of a 
texture sufficiently strong to afford a successful re- 
sistance to the stroke of a sabre, and frequently to 
the thrust of a spear. Some were cased in a light 
coat of chain-armour without any helmet ; some were 
but partially accoutred, having on merely a cuirass ; 
others again had only greaves, while their bodies were 
perfectly unprotected. In fact, it appeared as if they 
had divided a few suits of armour among them, and 
arrayed themselves in whatever portion had chanced 
to fall to their lot. Their arms were principally a 
sword, a matchlock, and a dagger. Their skill in 
equitation was surprising. They would occasionally 
urge their horses forward, and when at their utmost 
speed stop them in an instant within three feet of 
the terrified spectators. The perfect mastery which 
they have over their steeds is astonishing : they seem 
to be part of the animal. An instance of their being 
thrown rarely if ever happens ; and yet some of their 
horses are the most vicious in the universe. The 
