BATTLE OF SEETABULDEE, AND BATTLE AND CAPTURE OF NAGPOOR. November and December, 1817.

Without any previous declaration of hostilities, or the slightest act of aggression on the part of the Indian government, the Rajah of Berar attacked the troops at Nagpoor; consisting of two weak battalions of the Madras Native Infantry, and three troops of cavalry, in the evening of the 26th. November; and after an action which lasted eighteen hours was repulsed. Lieutenant-Colonel Scott at the requisition of the Resident had taken post on the hill of Seetabuldee, overlooking the city of Nagpoor, when the attack took place, in which the three troops of the 6th. regiment of native cavalry, and the 1st. battalions of the 20th. and 24th. Madras Native Infantry, were highly distinguished.

Reinforcements immediately marched on to the seat of war, of which eight companies of the 2nd. battalion of the 1st. Royals, formed part of the second division, under Brigadier-General Doveton. Upon his arrival the Rajah was desirous of treating for peace, and agreed to surrender his guns and disperse his troops; but the treachery he had already evinced made the Brigadier-General dispose his troops in order of battle, when he advanced to take possession of the guns. This precaution was not in vain. No opposition was encountered in obtaining the first battery, but on the soldiers entering the plantation, a sharp fire of musketry was treacherously opened upon them. The Rajah had formed an army of twenty-one thousand men, of which fourteen thousand were horse; the position being marked by irregularities of the ground, and clusters of houses and huts, and a thick plantation of trees, with ravines and a large reservoir. In the action of the 16th. of December, which ensued, the 2nd. battalion of the 1st. Foot added to the former honours of that corps. The batteries were carried with great gallantry, the enemy driven from all his positions and pursued a distance of five miles; his camp equipage, forty elephants and seventy-five guns being captured. The battalion had nine men killed and twenty-six wounded.

After this success the siege of the city of Nagpoor was commenced. The troops which defended this place, consisting of about five thousand Arabs and Hindoostanees, insisted upon extraordinary terms, and these not being acceded to they determined on a desperate defence. On the 23rd. of December a breach was made in one of the gates, when an assault was resolved upon. At half-past eight o’clock in the morning of the 24th. of December the stormers advanced, but the breach being found untenable, the troops were withdrawn, although the parties had gained the desired points. On the following day the Arabs renewed their offer, and their terms being granted, they marched out of the city on the 1st. of January, 1818; being permitted to go where they pleased with the exception of proceeding to Asseerghur.

“Nagpore” on the regimental colours of the Royals commemorates the foregoing services.

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