You will hear of disturbances committed by the Sannyasis, or wandering Fakeers, who annually infest the province, about this time of the year in pilgrimages to Jaggarnaut going in bodies of 1000 and sometimes even 10,000 men. An officer of reputation (Captain Thomas) lost his life in an unequal attack upon a party of these banditti about 3000 of them, near Rungpore with a small party of Pergona Sepoys, which has made them more talked of then they deserve. The revenue, however, has felt the effects of their ravages in the northern districts. The new establishment of Sepoys which is now forming on the plan enjoined by the Court of Directors and the distribution of them ordered for the internal protection of the provinces, will, I hope, effectually secure them hereafter from these incursions,—Hastings to Sir George Colebrooke—dated 2nd February 1773—Gleig's Momoirs Vol. 1282.
Our own province has worn something of a warlike appearance, this year, having been infested by a band of Sannyasis, who have defeated two small parties of Purgunnah Sepoys (a rascally corps) and cut off the two officers who commanded them. One was Captain Thomas whom you know. Four battalions of the brigade Sepoys are now in pursuit of them, but they will not stand any engagement and have neither camp equipage, nor even clothes, to retard their flight. Yet I hope we shall yet make an example of some of them as they are shut in by rivers which they cannot pass when closely pursued.
