'History of the Province of Gohud' [‎6v] (12/72)

12
ment consultations of the 14th June, and calculating that the
despatch could not have reached Calcutta from Futtey^hur
in less than three weeks, as it was the rainy season, it may
be presumed that the despatch was forwarded to the Rana
about the 17th or 18th May from Futteyghur, and would
have occupied a week at least in reaching Gohud, across the
river Jumna, and probably the Chumbul. The harsh and
peremptory tone of Colonel Muir's despatch to a prince of
the position and rank of the Rana is very striking, consider
ing it was his first application, more especially when it is
borne in mind that the Rana had, as reported by Colonel
Camac, rendered already timely and efficient aid to the
troops under his command in money and supplies, by which
alone they had been able to keep the field. From a despatch
addressed by Colonel Muir to the Governor-General, dated
17th June 1781, it appears that that officer had, before that
date, been joined by two battalions of the Rana's infantry,
and had received from him 200 bullock loads of grain for the
supply of his troops. Now, considering the great difficulties
which exist in moving troops and supplies during the rains in
a country destitute of roads and bridges, as all the country of
Gohud was at that time, it is only a matter of surprise, and
a proof of his alacrity and regard to Treaty obligations, that
the Rana could in so short a time as can only have elapsed
since the requisition reached him, have sent his troops and
supplies into the British camp, as is proved by this despatch
he had done.
Nevertheless, in the same despatch, the commanding-offi
cer, Colonel Muir, transmitted to the Governor-General a copy
of a memorial or protest which he had deemed it necessary to
address to that "misguided Chief, the Rana of Gohud.' ,
" His conduct, your orders, and the necessities of my charge
have at length rendered this measure unavoidable," wrote
Colonel Muir. " He continues to give me general assurance of
his intentions to join the army; but his preparations for that
end are too languid and dilatory for me to form any sanguine