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the government, and to render the loss to the Company as inconsiderable as possible. Effectual means will be used by stationing some small detachments at proper posts on our frontier to prevent any future incursions from the Sannyasies Fakeers, or any other roving banditti, a measure which only the extraordinary audacity of their last incursion have manifested to be necessary. This will be effected without employing many troops, and I hope that in no future time the Sannyasies shall again suffer from this cause— Hastings to Sir George Colebrooke—dated 31st March 1773.
The Sannyasies threatened us with the same disturbances from the beginning of this year as we experienced from them the last But by being easily provided to oppose them, and one or two servere checks which they received in their first attempt, we have kept the country clear of them. A party of horse, which we employed in pursuit of them, has chiefly contributed to intimidate these ravagers, who seemed to pay little regard to our Sepoys, having so much the advantage of them in speed, on which they entirely rely for their safety. It is my intention to proceed more effectually against them by expelling them from their fixed residence, which they have established in the north eastern quarter of the province, and by making severe examples of the Zemindars, who have afforded them protection or assistance—Hastings to Lawrence—30th March 1771.
