ing up the river, to steer clear
of these artful and mischievous creatures.

In the midst of all our gaiety our little division was again put in
requisition, to proceed against the strong hill-fort of Asseerghur, some
three hundred miles from Saugar. The monsoons or rains had commenced,
and this sudden news distressed all the ladies exceedingly; but no
faint-hearted husband shammed sick to remain behind. In two or three
days we bade farewell to our fair spouses, and bent our way towards
Asseerghur. The weather was intensely hot, so much so, that in a large
double pool-tent, with tatties, or mats, suspended all round, made of
grass, and continually kept wet, the glass stood at mid-day, at 120 and
130, and, after a shower of rain, the earth was like a hotbed.
Notwithstanding this, we were obliged to proceed by forced marches, to
reach Asseerghur as soon as possible. Our force was not very large, but
our battering-train was considerable. The country in the immediate
vicinity of this fort is barren and desolate, infested with wild beasts
of every description, and many of our smaller cattle were carried away
at night by them. The forces of the other two Presidencies, Madras and
Bombay, had arrived before us, leaving a space for the Bengal division;
and a most dreary and barren spot it was. The earth was dried and
parched up, and nothing like vegetation could be seen except some
prickly bushes. Not a leaf or blade of grass condescended to smile upon
this spot. It was about a mile and a half from the fort, the gigantic
sides of which seemed, even at this distance, to hang over us. They were
really terrific even to look at; and, how we were to ascend such a
precipice would puzzle a wiser head than mine. We that morning
breakfasted with Major-General Doveton, commanding the whole of the
forces before Asseerghur; but, not having the least fancy to their
insipid dried fish and meats, we saved our appetites for our Bengal
luxuries, and made a hearty second breakfast on our return to our tents.

[Illustration: MADRAS, BENGAL AND BOMBAY NATIVE TROOPS OF SHIPP'S DAY.

From a Sketch taken at the time by the Earl of MUNSTER.]

The fort had been the property of Scindia, who had agreed to cede it to
the Company for some equivalent; but the governor had the impudence to
refuse to obey the orders of his master and the summons of the Company,
and to fire on the troops of both whenever they passed. This fellow
trusted, no doubt, to the sup