Singh with 13,000 men. That wily chieftain was resolved not to stake the issue of the campaign on a single battle. Whilst ranging his troops, therefore, so as apparently to guard the Tons, he really left there a widely spread out screen, whilst with the main body he hastily retreated towards the Ganges. Lugard forced (April 15) the passage of the Tons, but the 'screen' left by Kunwar Singh had made so resolute a defence that the main body had gained some twelve miles before they were overtaken. They were mostly old sipáhís, and on this occasion they did credit to the training they had received. Forming up, on the approach of the British, like veterans, they repulsed, whilst still retreating, every attack, and finally forced the pursuers to cease their efforts. The latter had to mourn the death this day, from wounds received in the fight, of the illustrious Venables, the famous indigo planter, who, with his comrade Dunn, had almost single-handed held his district when it had been abandoned by those to whose care it had been committed. On this day Middleton of the 29th Foot greatly distinguished himself by the rescue from crowds of the rebels of young Hamilton of the 3d Sikhs, who lay seriously wounded, and who ultimately died of his wounds.
Lugard, on entering Ázamgarh, had found for the moment sufficient occupation cut out for him in the district. He therefore committed the pursuit of Kunwar Singh to Brigadier Douglas. But before Douglas could make much way the rebel chief had reached the village of Naghai, where, in a strong position, he awaited his pursuer. Douglas attacked him there on the 17th, but though he forced the position, it was only to find himself baffled. Kunwar Singh had defended it long enough to secure two lines of retreat to his troops. By these his divided army fell back, misleading the pursuers, and reuniting when the
