Where
the sides were often so closely balanced as was the case in these
intestine struggles, the aid of every rajah, however small his
following, was sought by one or other of the combatants; and the
counsellors of those able to place a respectable force in the field
were heavily bribed, by one side or the other. Those around Rajah
Boorhau found their efforts completely baffled by the influence of the
English commander of his forces, and a faction of increasing strength
and power was formed to overthrow him. The rajah himself had kept his
secret well, and one or two, only, of his advisers knew that the
Englishman was a trusted agent of the Company.
The soldiers were much attached to their English leader. They found
him always just and firm. Complaints were always listened to, tyranny
or ill treatment by the officers suppressed and punished, merit
rewarded. Among the officers the strictness of the discipline
alienated many, who contrasted the easy life which they had led before
the introduction of the European system, with that which they now
endured. So long as they were engaged in mastering the rudiments of
drill they felt their disadvantage; but when this was acquired, each
thought himself capable of taking the place of the English adventurer,
and of leading the troops he had organized to victory.
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