They were centers on their own account
of isolated small detachments, and each commander was given leave
to act as he saw best, provided that he acted and did it quickly.
He could either march to the relief of his detachments or call them
in, but under no condition was he to sit still and do nothing.
So, Colonel Carter's note addressed to O. C.--Jundhra only got two-thirds
of the way from Doonha. The gunner who rode with it was brought to a
sudden standstill by an advance-guard of British cavalry, and two
minutes later he found himself saluting and giving up his note to
the General Commanding. The rebels at Jundhra had been worsted and
scattered after an eight-hour fight, and General Turner had made up
his mind instantly to sweep down on Hanadra with all his force and
relieve the British garrison at Doonha on his way.
Jundhra was a small town and unhealthy. Hanadra was a large city,
the center of a province; and, from all accounts, Hanadra had not
risen yet. By seizing Hanadra before the mutineers had time to
barricade themselves inside it, he could paralyze the countryside,
for in Hanadra were the money and provisions and, above all, the
Hindu priests who, in that part of India at least, were the brains
of the rebellion.
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