'Gahagan,' wrote he, 'to be a subaltern is evidently not your fate--YOU WERE BORN FOR COMMAND; but Lake and General Wellesley are good officers, they cannot be turned out--I must make a post for you.

What say you, my dear fellow, to a corps of IRREGULAR HORSE ?' "It was thus that the famous corps of AHMEDNUGGAR IRREGULARS had its origin; a guerilla force, it is true, but one which will long be remembered in the annals of our Indian campaigns.
***** "As the commander of this regiment, I was allowed to settle the uniform of the corps, as well as to select recruits.

These were not wanting as soon as my appointment was made known, but came flocking to my standard a great deal faster than to the regular corps in the Company's service.
I had European officers, of course, to command them, and a few of my countrymen as sergeants; the rest were all natives, whom I chose of the strongest and bravest men in India; chiefly Pitans, Afghans, Hurrumzadehs, and Calliawns: for these are well known to be the most warlike districts of our Indian territory.
"When on parade and in full uniform we made a singular and noble appearance.

I was always fond of dress; and, in this instance, gave a carte blanche to my taste, and invented the most splendid costume that ever perhaps decorated a soldier.

I am, as I have stated already, six feet four inches in height, and of matchless symmetry and proportion.