F10195_0076

34.
As the rains were coming on, he retired
with most of his men to Cawnpore,
sending Colonel Monson with a considerable
force to keep in touch with Holkar
& to effect the junction with Colonel Murray.
Monson was drawn on by Holkar &
by hopes of soon joining Murray: but
that officer had for some reason or another
retired, & Monson suddenly found
himself surrounded. He started his fatal
retreat, Holkar continually swooping
down on him. At last at the end of August
the remnant of Monson's army
struggled back to Agra. His whole force
had been almost completely destroyed.

Recall of Wellesley

This disaster was, it is true, only momentary;
but the home authorities, their
minds already long turned against
Wellesley for what they considered his
rash & unnecessary political intrigues,
no sooner heard of the reverse than they
decided on his instant recall. Already,
when nothing but success had attended
all his plans, the Governor-General had
been so disgusted at the timid & overcautious
conduct of the Directors, & at their
suspicions concerning his honour in the
question of patronage, that he had twice
offered to resign. Now he was recalled