If Holkar gives battle there he will, no doubt, be defeated but, as this despatch will have informed you, General Lake feared much that, as he advances, Holkar will content himself with harassing him on the march with a cloud of horsemen while, with the main body of his army, he marches rapidly north, to endeavour to recapture Delhi and obtain possession of the Emperor's person.

It is to warn you of that danger that I have ridden here." "The danger is, no doubt, serious," the Resident said; "and the town is certainly in no position for defence.

The walls are in a most dilapidated condition, and would crumble after a few hours' cannonade.

Colonel Burns's force is wholly inadequate to defend a city of some ten miles in circumference.

The irregular troops cannot be relied upon, in case of need.