We had them in our power, and should have finished the matter, straight off." Delay and inactivity, the natural consequences of utter incompetence and of divided councillors, had occurred.

Colonel Egerton, in consequence of sickness, had resigned the command; and had been succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel Cockburn.

On the 9th of January they were within eighteen miles of Poona, and they had still three weeks' provisions with them.

Two or three skirmishes had taken place, but without any result; yet Mr.Carnac, without having suffered any reverse, and now within a day's march of the capital, proposed that a retreat should be made, at once.
The proposal was combated by Captain Hartley, a gallant young officer, and Mr.Holmes of the Civil Service.

Cockburn, being called upon for his opinion, said he had no doubt the army could penetrate to Poona; but that it would be impossible for it to protect its enormous baggage train.