The cavalry had, a fortnight or three weeks before, defeated those of the rajah and his allies with heavy loss, and brought in a convoy; and Ameer Khan, who had only joined the Rajah of Bhurtpoor in the hope of plunder, had deserted his ally and ridden off, with his following and a large body of Pindarees, with the intention of devastating and plundering the district of Rohilcund.

Three regiments of British cavalry, under General Smith; and as many of native horse, with artillery, followed on his track and, after a pursuit of three weeks, at last came up with him, annihilated his infantry and captured his guns.
His cavalry, however, for the most part escaped, as the horses of the pursuers were completely worn out.
They returned to the British camp, after more than a month's absence, from a chase extending over seven hundred miles.
Their absence had greatly increased the difficulties in the British camp.

Without their protection, the danger to which convoys were exposed was great.

Provisions were running short in camp, the ammunition was almost exhausted, and numbers of the guns were rendered unserviceable.

These circumstances afforded the only excuse that can be made for a fresh attack upon Bhurtpoor.
It was even more disastrous than those which had preceded it.