Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/15/20

Writes that he was told on 2 Jul that telegraphic communication with Indore was cut off, and that the signaller at the station south of the Nerbudda reported heavy firing from that direction. On 4 Jul a message was received from Captain Hungerford, dated 2 Jul, giving particulars of the outbreak at Mhow and Indore. Holkar's troops attacked the Treasury and Residency. Colonel Durand escaped with some others. The native troops at Mhow mutinied and killed some of their officers. The Battery of European Artillery was in the Fort of Mhow with most of the officers and their families. This place had been put into a state of defence and could be held for 10 days or longer if not cut off from water. Unfortunately the mutiny at Aurungabad has detained the Field Force, though Elphinstone has constantly urged a rapid advance on Mhow. It is to be hoped that the Field Force will relieve Mhow Fort and reoccupy the town. A steamer has been sent to the Cape, and another is being sent, for European troops and Artillery. Another step explained in Elphinstone's minute, is the increase of the Native regiments in an attempt to counterbalance the number of Hindustani Sepoys in the Bombay regiments. A telegraph has been sent asking if the force at Bushire may be withdrawn, leaving only Karrack to be held. Elphinstone fears that if Delhi is not soon retaken, Scindia and Holkar may join the rebellion, and disturbances in the Bombay Presidency may follow. General Woodburn was afraid to leave Aurungabad for fear of an immediate rising there. Lord Elphinstone has insisted upon his advance to Mhow without further delay, but is trying to collect a small Field Force to be held in reserve at Ahmednuggur. Hopes that the Bombay Government was not wrong in referring to Canning the question of sending on the wing of the 12th Lancers. At the moment it is quite unfit for service, but in two or three months horses and men will be trained and drilled.