And in addition to this consideration for stationing the cavalry as near as possible to the place which is likely to become the scene of action, it may further be remarked, that an army on the frontier can commence its operations much earlier after the rainy season, than troops can conveniently move in the provinces, or to the eastward, on account of the country being higher and drier, and of the rains being lighter, and taking off sooner, beside which there is another advantage arising from the situation proposed, and which is of no inconsiderable consequence in military operations, i. e. the facility of carrying the war into the enemy's country, and not waiting the attack; defensive measures to us must, as we are now situated, prove ruinous, and should therefore be carefully guarded against. This position is so obvious, that I conceive it unnecessary to adduce arguments in support of it.

From what has been stated above, it will appear that the countries which separated the Mahratta empire from the Nabob Vizier's dominions twenty years ago, and which served as a secure and impenetrable barrier to the latter at that time, have been completely conquered and annexed to the former. That the Mahrattas by this conquest, have acquired a large and permanent additional revenue, which enables them to maintain a large and powerful army, con-sisting of cavalry almost innumerable, regular infantry, and a most respectable train of artillery. That this force is rendered still more formidable in being disciplined and commanded by European officers, of whom the principal are Frenchmen, the mortal enemies of our nation. And that so numerous an

army being distributed in the coun tries situated along the Nabob Vizier's frontier, for the space of five or six hundred miles, gives the Mahrattas every advantage of position they could desire in the event of a war: it is hence evident that an entire change in our system of defence has become indispensably necessary, with a large augmentation of the troops in the field, but particularly, a powerful and numerous cavalry. Since without such a body of cavalry it is, under the existing circumstances, utterly impossible to afford protection and security to the Nabob Vizier's possessions, and ultimately to preserve the tranquillity and peace of the honourable company's provinces.

P. S. In perusing the aforegoing paper, the reader is requested to refer to Major Rennell's Map of Hindustan. He will there observe, that a large irregular chain of mountains runs in a direction nearly east and west, with a bend in the center to the northward, from Cuttack on the Bay of Bengal to Ajemere, and the Sandy Deserts, that divides that Soubah from Multan, and which seems to form the natural boundary between the Deccan, or southern Hindustan, and the northern.

This chain of mountains was the limits of the Mahratta empire to the northward twenty years ago, and in sound policy they should not have been permitted to pass it. Since their crossing this barrier, and getting a firm footing as they have done, in the Dooab, gives them an advantage over the rich and fertile dominions, under the protection of British troops. Similar to what the French would' gain over Great-Britain, from the possession of the southern coun

MALWA is in length 245 coss, and in breadth 230. It is bounded on the north by the Ajmere Soubah, on the south by Baglana, on the east by parts of the Agra and Allahabad Soubahs, on the west by Gujerat. The principal rivers are the Sind and Nurbadah, but it is watered by many smaller streams, at the distance of 3 or 4 coss, the land, in general very fertile, and higher than the rest of Hindûstan.

The Patan princes, of the race of Khulleejee, conquered the province from the Hindus, and fixt their seat of government at Maudo, which is now in a ruinous condition, but there are still "its remains" which point out its former magnificence, particularly the walls of the forts, which are some coss in circumference. From the Patans, Malwa was totally wrested by Akbar, who annexed it to his empire, and it continued in the -hands of his successors, till the conclusion of the reign of Mahommed Shah.

At this period, here, as in other parts of the empire, the Zemindars and new adventurers divided the province amongst them, and formed several petty states, throwing off all, but a nominal allegiance to the throne, so that nothing was left to the Imperial Soubahdar, but the vicinity of whatever city he resided at. The Rajah of Chun

deli, descended from the ancient princes of the country, seized on the north-east parts, the Keeches upon the south, the Zemindars of Ancintwara and Sundwara, assumed the style of princes, and in the center of the province started up the little Nabobship of Bopaul, which will be mentioned more particularly hereafter. While these rebels were bidding defiance to the royal authority, another enemy entered the province, destroyed the hopes of these petty sovereigns, and soon became masters of the whole.

When Kullick Khan Nizam ul Muluk, celebrated in history as the inviter of Nadir Shah into Hindûştan, was entrusted by the emperor with the government of the Deccan, he sought to make himself independant, and therefore, to employ the royal army, and prevent its being turned against himself, suffered, if he did not persuade the Mahrattas, to invade the rich province of Gujerat, after which they entered into Malwa, overturned that country, and penetrated as far as Biana and Ajmere.

Bajee Rao defeated the Soubahdar of Malwa, Deah Behaudur who had collected together a large army, and prevailed on the rebelhous Zemindars to join against the common enemy. After the victory, the Mahrattas settled them

selves in the province, and obliged those who assumed independence to pay a tribute, and part with most of the lands they had usurped. The Nabob of Bopaul, and some Rajahs, they suffered to keep a part of their territories, and exercised over them a princely power; but took care to weaken them so much, as not to leave it in their option to part them on any future occasion.

The province was divided into three shares, one of which was allotted to Bajeerao, another to the Mahratta Sircar, and the third to the chief Mulhar Rao; the chief Scindeah possesses the first, which was conferred on his father by Bajeerao; but he has usurped great part of that allotted to the state, so that his revenue may amount to about one crore of rupees. His capital is Ougein, a very large and ancient city on the Seppru river, but badly defended, it being only surrounded by a decayed wall. He last year began to erect a mud fort, of great extent, but which is but little advanced in the building.

The dependencies of Ougein are very extensive, comprehending all the country from them to Gujerat westward, and besides Scindeah possessed Belsha, a capital town, with an extensive territory, which is governed by his Naib Apajee Audoo Rao.

Tokajee Holkar, a near relation of the late Mulhar Roa, inherits his share of Malwa, which is said to produce nearly 80 lacks revenue, but this is clogged by a charge for the support of the widow of his predecessor's son, which may amount to 15 lacks, he resides at Indoor, about 15 coss from Ougein, a flourishing town of modern date.

It is supposed Scindeah can bring into the field 40,000 men, and the chief Holkar about half that number, but their late campaign against General Goddard, has much weakened their reputation, and drained their coffers, which they are in vain, endeavour. ing to fill by most oppressive exactions from the subjects.

That part of Malwa in the hands of the Peishwa, as minister of the Circar, are very trifling, and comprehends only the districts of Seppree, Jerri, Neia Seerai, Scourah, Mugul Scourah, Kutchnar, aud Bassaudah Gunje, which are governed by the chief Firmuck Rao, and his deputies. He cannot raise more than 5 or 6000 men. Sheoor and Ashtah belong to Swajee Eslott, son of the late chief Bheetal Rao, and are worth about two lacks per annum. It is said Scindeah intends him to command an army on the eastern frontiers, in order to oppose our arms, while he himself remains at Oujein, to watch the motions of General Goddard.

About 74 coss from Nawar, is the government of Bopaul, belonging to a Patan tribe, of which the following is the historical account.

A Rohilla of the Meer Jee tribe, having committed a murder in his own country, fled into Malwa, and entered into the service of Beersah Zemindar, as a common soldier; being liked by his master, he was soon promoted to the command of 10 or 12 peons, and having distinguished himself greatly at the head of this little body, obtained shortly the charge of 200 foot and 50 horse. Continuing to gain favour with his employer, he had the fort of Jugdees given him as an asylum for his family, with the farm of the Pergunnah, in which it stood, he

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changed the name of the fort to Islaamnaghur, which it now bears. Soon after this, being ambitious of raising himself to great honour, he left his family at Islaamnaghur, and with about 200 horse, went to push his fortune in the Deccan; from whence, after being very successful, and having acquired much wealth, he returned to Malwa, and brought with him many followers of his own tribe, with whom he had formed the strictest friendship. It was now that he planned the design of forming an independent government, and he began by binding the Ryots of his Pergunnah to his interest, by acts of generosity and strict justice. The town of Bopaul, about three coss from Islaamnaghur, was possessed by an independant chief, whom he attacked, defeated, and put to death, after which he seized upon his state. In the town of Bopaul he built a citadel, which he called Futty Ghur, and soon after quarrelling with his old patron, put him to death, and obtained possession of his Zemin

dary.

He next, by bribery, procured the strong fort of Kinnoor, and plundered the Rajahs of Holta and Chundely, whom he obliged to pay an annual tribute; he then carried his arms against Behlsah, took it, and put the Killar to death. By this acquisition, and his former successes, he had formed a territory of 30 lacks of rupees revenue, and was daily gathering new strength, when the old Nizam, who was returning from Delhi, to the Deccan, took the route of Bopaul, which had nearly proved fatal to his fortune.

The Nizam demanded from him a huzzir of 20 lacks of rupees, which he refused giving, and retired to the fort of Kennoor for

shelter, in which he was besieged for some time, when the Nizam agreed to accept of the bond for 15 lacks, on condition that he would give up his eldest son as an hostage, this being done, he was confirmed by the Nizam in his country, to which he soon after added many districts.

Dooast Mahomed dying, and his eldest son Fer Mahomed being in the Deccan, the second, Sultaun Mahomed was placed on the Musnud; but the Nizam hearing of the Nabob's death, permitted Fer Mahomed to return to Bopaul, and dismissed him with honour, and strong assurances of his support, should he be opposed in claiming his birthright.

On his arrival at Bopaul, the government was surrendered to him by his brother, to whom he allowed a handsome stipend for the support of his rank. Secured in the protection of the Nizam, to whom he always acknowledged allegiance, his government remained very flourishing, and he collected the tribute his father had laid on the neighbouring Rajahs, so that Bopaul was strong at home, and respected abroad. Fer Mahomed entrusted the management of his affairs to his Begum, a woman of very great abilities, who is yet alive and respected.

Fer Mahomed left behind him four sons, Fiez Mahomed, Yaseen Mahomed, Hyrat Mahomed, the present Nabob, and Saad Mahomed.

These children being all very young, Sultaun Mahomed, their uncle, formed a party, and attempted the Musnud; but the su perior abilities of the Begum frustrated his schemes, and Fiez Mahemed succeeded to the govern ment. Sultaun Mahomed raised

an army and besieged his nephew at Bopaul; but was defeated, and obliged to fly to the fort of Rautghur, in which was closely blockaded by the Nabob.

Finding, at length, resistance vain, he gave up the place, which was restored to him with a pension adequate to the support of his dignity. In the invasion of the Mahrattas, Fiez Mahomed was obliged to give up Belsah, and half his country to prevent the entire ruin of his family. After this, either through grief at the loss of his power, or from a naturally gloomy mind, he became a devotee to religion; no longer engaged in public affairs, and but once appeared in the Durbar, at the request of the Begum, to please his subjects.

Giving up every thing to her direction, he employed his time in religious austerities, wore the dress of a Fakir, lived upon the coarsest and most common diet, and would scarce be prevailed upon to speak, but in prayer; the Begum governed in his name much to the satisfaction of all his subjects; but at length a partiality shewn to a young man of her family, roused the jealousy of the Nabob's brother, who, as he had no children, looked to the succession.

Imagining the Begum wished to make her favourite, Nabob, they prevented it, by a conspiracy to seize the government; the young man was put to death, and Yaseen Mahomed, the second son, took the reins of power into his hands, under the title of Naib to his brother, who dying soon after, left him his heir; but he did not long enjoy his new dignity, being taken ill, and dying twelve days after his accession.

Hyaut Mahomed Fehan, succeeded to the government, which

he now holds; but this little state, surrounded by enemies, is at present in a very weak condition, consisting only of the districts of Bopaul, Beerza, Servassee, and Salwanee, which form a tract from Ambaree south to Korandoo, of 20 coss in length, and only two, three, and four in breadth; the revenues are not more than 12 or 14 lacks, great part of the country being hilly, and but thinly inhabited. The Nabob keeps up but a small force for the collection of his revenues, and the service of garrisoning his forts, in which his strength consists. The principal are Bopaul, or Futty Ghur, Raatghur, and Islaamnaghur.

Since General Goddard's march through Malwa, Scindeah has been extremely jealous of the Bopaul Nabob, who gave every assistance his country could afford to the English army. Since the fall of Gwalior, and the reports of our invading Malwa has prevailed, he has, one time, threatened to deprive him of his country, at another to give him up part of his former possessions, if he will join heartily in assisting his army; but the Nabob endeavours, by soothing and excuses, to keep clear of any engagements; and it is more than probable that he would, with proper encouragements, do every thing in his power to forward our views. Though what force he could bring to our support in the field, should not be very great, yet the free admission into, and use of, his country, would be of much service, as it abounds with provisions, exeeedingly cheap; would be a secure station for the sick, who doubtless will be many whenever we arrive there; and in case the want of ammunition, or other causes, should make it necessary to put off a sudden