march onwards, and thus effectually prevent the pacification of Bundelkhand. A month later, being alarmed at the perilous position of the loyal Chiefs of Panna and Charkhári, the Government of India sent orders to General Whitlock to march to their relief, and directed Sir Hugh Rose (March 7th and 13th, 1858) to co-operate in this duty. 'It is the Governor-Generals wish,' wrote the Government Secretary to Sir Robert Hamilton, 'that this object should for the present be considered paramount to the operations before Jhánsí, and that Sir Hugh Rose should take such steps as may most effectually contribute to its accomplishment.' On receiving these instructions. Sir Hugh Rose and Sir Robert Hamilton both informed the Government of India that the military commander desired to conform with them, but after and not before the siege of Jhánsí.
'To relieve Charkhári,' said Sir Robert Hamilton (March 13th, 1858), 'by this force would involve refusing Jhánsí, and the suspension of the plans of operations towards Kálpi; both of which operations form the ground-work of Sir Hugh Rose's instructions. However anxious, therefore, the desire to aid the Rájá of Charkhári, Sir Hugh Rose is compelled to consider the movement of his force, or of any part of it, in the direction of Charkhári at present impossible. The advance of this force on Jhánsí, in the opinion of Sir Hugh Rose, is calculated to draw the rebels to assist in its defence; whilst the fall of this fortress and its possession by us will break up the
