poot blood, in Mr. Thomas's opinion, may be traced to the unhealthinefs of the climate. Though affable in their manners and civil to strangers, the rajepoots of Oudipoor do not poffefs an equal fhare of fincerity with their brethren in other parts of Rajepoo

tana.

The military force of Oudipoor may be estimated at twelve thousand cavalry; the infantry, which is retained by the different omrahs in their refpective forts to guard against Mahratta invasion, is very inconfiderable. The arms of the Oudipoor rajepoots confist of a matchlock, a lance, and a fabre, though the former are not fo much used as the two - latter.

They are fond of glittering armour; and clothe their horfes with a thick quilting, which it is faid will refift the stroke of a fabre.

Mr. Thomas moreover confiders the inhabitants of Oudipoor as more inclined to pomp and luxury than the other tribes.

It is however to be remarked, that "when the honour of their women is concerned, or they are afraid of their being infulted, the Rajepoots of Oudipoor, in common with their brethren in the other states, not only make a desperate resistance, but if unsuccessful seldom furvive their difgrace.

If the natural strength of this country, its internal resources, and, above all, the fpirited and warlike character of its inhabitants, be confidered with attention, it can furely, concludes Mr. Thomas, be no matter of wonder, that the fubjugation of a country fo difficult of accefs should be attended with innumerable obftacles; or that the hardy and independant chiefs, immured within their native faftneffes, fhould not only still be enabled to preserve themselves from the Mahratta yoke, but continue even to the present hour to enjoy their patrimonial estates in an undisturbed tranquillity.

We must now carry back our narrative to the commencement of Mr. Thomas's expedition against Luckwa; who, as before stated, had

taken a strong position on the frontiers of Oudipoor.

While on the march towards that country, Mr. Thomas was alarmed by a mutiny which broke out among his troops, occafioned by delay in the payment of their arrears. As an apology for a conduct fo unmilitary, they urged, that as they were now marching towards the Deccan*, their families who were left behind would fuftain much inconvenience. Although there appeared fome reafon for the demand, Mr. Thomas deeming it a dangerous precedent to yield compliance, therefore gave them a denial. The mutineers, growing outrageous, wished to furround and take him prifoner: this he evaded by encamping apart from them with the foldiers who were still faithful. He then called in a body of cavalry to his affiftance, when the mutineers advanced with their guns to attack him. Refolved to repress their infolence or perish in the attempt, Mr. Thomas now mounted his horfe, and went to meet them. Several fhot were fired

*This word implies the south, in opposition to otur or the north poorub is the east, and puchum the west.

at him but having refolutely feized on the ringleaders, he expelled them from the camp; and the remainder, perceiving the fate of their comrades, returned to their duty,

He then proceeded against Luckwa. On the road he was joined by vakeels from the rajahs of Joudpoor, Jypoor, and Kishen Ghur, each of whom brought prefents from their refpec tive mafters. It was now reprefented to Mr. Thomas, that Scindiah having pardoned Luckwa, it was therefore improper to proceed to hoftilities with that chief; but Mr. Thomas, who only confulted the interests of Ambajee in whose service he was now engaged, and from whom he had received pofitive orders to fight Luckwa wherever he came up with him, did not, from thefe confiderations, think himself at liberty to defift. But the former mutiny among his troops, not having been properly quelled, from a mistaken lenity in Mr.Thomas, and unwillingness on his part to push matters to extremities, now broke out again with redoubled violence. With his usual prompitude, he feized on the ringleaders, and instantly caufed one of them to be blown from the

mouth of a cannon; the others were fecured by putting them in irons: this prompt severity was attended with the happieft effect, the mutiny was entirely fubdued, and was the last he ever experienced.

He was now joined by a brigade of troops under Mr. Sutherland, who came for the avowed purpose of opposing Luckwa. On uniting their force, they advanced towards Luckwa. That chief, as yet unable to make an effectual refiftance, encamped near the pass leading to Oudipore, the nature of which has been before defcribed. Into this pafs he threw his heavy baggage and ftores, a measure which on any other occafion would have proved his ruin ; but Luck wa had previously received information that the rana of Oudipore, being favourably inclined towards him, was ready to afford protection to himself and followers.

A plan of attack was now concerted by Mr. Thomas and Mr. Sutherland, and the enfuing morning named for carrying it into execution. That very night, however, Mr. Sutherland, without affigning any cause, to Mr. Tho