s no longer required, moved north towards the
Godavery, to protect the country against the irruptions of Holkar.

Four weeks later Bajee Rao arrived from the coast, and resumed his
seat on the musnud amid great rejoicings by the inhabitants; who
had suffered terribly, both at the hands of Ghatgay and Holkar.

Scindia, having recovered from the effects of his defeat by Holkar,
had returned, crossed the Nerbudda, and encamped on the Nizam's
frontier. He was busy preparing for war, in conjunction with the
Rajah of Berar; and had even made overtures, to Holkar, to join in
opposing the English. Bajee Rao himself, as was afterwards
discovered, was also in friendly communication with Scindia.

The Resident at Scindia's court was ordered to leave it, unless
that prince retired from his position on the Nizam's frontier.
Scindia, when summoned, sent a defiant reply and, as it was now
evident that war was impending, General Wellesley was invested with
full powers; and Lord Lake, who commanded the army of Hindustan,
was ordered to advance to attack the formidable force of French
infantry, under Perron, and take possession of Delhi, Agra, and
other places held by the Mahrattas. Another attempt was made to
persuade Scindia to retire; but evasive answers were returned, and
it was not until the 3rd of August that the Resident quitted
Scindia, and Wellesley prepared to attack Ahmednuggur.

The possession of this place was of great importance, because it
was situated close to the Nizam's frontier, and afforded great
facilities for future operations. The town was surrounded by a
wall, flanked by towers; and was defended by a number of Arabs, and
a battalion of Scindia's regular infantry. These offered a vigorous
resistance for, after a breach had been made in the walls, and the
troops had entered, they retired; fighting from house to house, and
keeping up a heavy fire. However, by nightfall they were driven
inside their fort.

A battery of four guns was erected, within four hundred yards of
it; and these opened with such effect that the governor
surrendered, on being allowed to depart with the garrison and their
private property.

On the 24th, General Wellesley crossed the Godavery; Colonel
Stephenson moving in the direction of Aurungabad. Scindia and the
Rajah of Berar were now within forty miles of him; but they
suddenly turned off, as if intending to make a dash for Hyderabad,
where the Nizam had expired, three weeks before.