ere the summer quarters of the enemy's soldiers. On our
left ran a ridge of hills, covered with variegated shrubs and trees. On
this range of hills we could see soldiers posted in immense force, but
they attempted not to molest our line of march, although sometimes, I am
sure, within shot of their ginjalls. They seemed rather to be on the
defensive than the offensive, as we should have imagined. Various were
the opinions as to their apparent indifference to our running all over
the country. From these huts, or military cantonments, we could see the
fort of Muckwanpore, and innumerable large stockades on the hill in the
rear of the one immediately in front of the before-mentioned huts. The
fort appeared some miles off, and looked like a speck in the sky; but,
no doubt, the approaches to it, protected as it was by the stockades,
which we could see with the spy-glass, were extremely perilous. We
encamped in the lines which had been left by the enemy, and could not
have been more than one mile and a half from the summit of this hill.
However, they still continued passive, sitting upon their legs, watching
our movements. Our position was secure and strong, being on two sides
surrounded with a deep nullah, with a nice rippling stream.

The following morning was occupied in looking about our new encampment,
and seeing what was in the adjoining woods. We found nothing but a few
partridges and woodcocks, and these we could not shoot, being too near
camp. About a mile behind the camp the whole scenery around was truly
romantic, from the white and craggy rocks, apparently living in the
clouds, behind which not a tree or a shrub was to be seen. These could
only be seen night and morning, or when the sky was clear; at other
times, these hills could not be discovered through the clouds. The fort
itself seemed high, and almost beyond the power of mortal ascent. For
the first time these ten nights I obtained some sleep, having no charge,
and no care on my mind. Sleeping in my clothes was no inconvenience to
me. I slept soundly till the broad daylight broke in through the
crevices of the tent. I rose in the morning sprightly as a lark, and
indulged myself with dry and clean linen, which was quite a treat. I
felt so refreshed, that I was quite another being from the day before,
and fit for anything. I took a stroll round my brother-officers' tents;
paid my devoirs to my commanding-officer, which I never failed to do
once a day, as a duty,