Since then Rugoba has become a fugitive and, without a shadow of reason, is making war against the whole force of the Mahratta confederacy; who, although divided amongst themselves and frequently engaged in the struggles for supremacy, have united against us--for they say that Scindia, Holkar, and Hurry Punt are in command of their army.

To send four thousand men, of whom less than six hundred are Europeans, against the whole Mahratta power is a desperate step.
"I know we have fought and won against greater odds, many times in the history of India; but our forces have always been well led, marched with the smallest amount of baggage possible, and made up for inferiority in numbers by speed, activity, and dash.

Here, on the contrary, we have a force hampered to an unheard-of degree by baggage and camp followers; with an invalid at its head, controlled by two civilians; and moving at a rate which, in itself, testifies to divided councils and utter incompetency on the part of its commander.

It is almost impossible even to hope for success, under such conditions." "The lookout is certainly bad," the younger officer agreed.
"However, before now the fighting powers of the British soldier have made up for the blunders of his commanders; and we may hope that this will be the case, now." "If a disaster happen," the major said, "we shall have the Mahrattas down at the gates of Bombay; and as soon as I hear a rumour of it--and news travels wonderfully fast among the natives--I shall return to the city." "Oh, I don't think you need fear anything of that sort, Major! Besides, this is not on the direct line between the Ghauts and the city.

And even if they find they cannot push on, I should say our force would be able to secure their retreat.