INDIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XI, Issue 656, 19 February 1859, Page 5

INDIA.

(From the ' Argus' Correspondent.) Calcutta,. BOth December, 1858.

The principal event which I have to record since my last is the defeat of a body of rebels under Beni Madho, 7000 strong', by the Com-mander-in-Chief in person; they were utterly routed and dispersed, with the loss of about 500 killed and wounded, and all their gams. Lord Clyde was preparing to cross the Gograj and it is certain that active rebellion is dyingout, although the temper of the people is still sulky and unsubdued and will require careful watching", with an adequate European force available to be concentrated on any given point for years to come. Tentia Topee would seem to possess the power of übiquity, and is still at large, notwithstanding the most strenuous efforts to surround him; his forces are are said to have diminished greatly, and it is very generally believed that he contemplates coming to terms and surrendering under the amnesty, if the Government will allow its extension' to such an active and notorious rebel leader. The south of Oude is nearly quiet, and the civil power is once more asserting its sway, following in the wake of our army, and gradually settling down matters with firmness tempered with mercy. In Northern Oude the Begum and Nana Sahib still stirup the elements of strife, and it will be vain to hope for the restoration of order until one or both of these vermin are disposed of. The Begum, as I mentioned in my last, is said to be anxious to surrender, but her followers will not allow her to take such a step. . „.,'' <.-. , The Nawab of; Banda, who surrendered under the terms of the amnesty, has arrived at Mhow, and there is no doubt that his secession will be much felt by the, rebels, and have great weight with the people. In Shahabad, Mr. Money, the collector and magistrate, reports the rebellion to be almost at an end, the bands of Hurkissen and Meghur Sing being entirely dispersed. In Scindiar's dominions Maun Singh has once more been beaten by Brigadier Smith's force, which is still in pursuit..; The ex-King of Delhi was quietly put on board her Majesty's steamer Megsera on Saturday last, and departed from the land of his fathers. Not the least notice was taken of the matter, and as the old monster did not stop in -Calcutta, not above a dozen of the faithful saw the embarkation, which took place at Diamond Harbour. He, was attended by his two favourite wives, closely veiled,-,- bus son and grandson.- The latter two took things with the greatest sangjrpid,, and asked for cheroots on reaching the deck of the steamer. The ex-King himself is described as being broken down, and apparently careless of his fate. From Jbis extreme age (97) he must be in his dotage, albeit it is a wicked one. It is not certain whether his destination is British Oaffraria or some country nearer India, but I hope and believe the former. A correspondent of the' Mofussilite' gives a clear account oi the victory gained by Brigadier Smith over the rebel chief Mauri Singh. The forces came up with the enemy on the 12th November, bivouacked all night without fires, and attacked at daylight. The enemy were taken completely by surprise, the sepoys flung away their firelocks in their haste to escape, and above 800 bodies were left upon the plain. Maun Singh himself, who, when the battle began, had 3000 followers, rode away for his life almost unattended. Maun Singh has been pursued by Brigadier Smith since December with a deadly perseverance of which we have had several instances during the war.

A supplement to the " Bombay Gazette" of December 9, says :— It is with the deepest regret, we announce that intelligence has been received this morning* of the death, "on the 6th instant, from an attack of brain fever, of Brigadier John Jacob, G. 8., Political Superintendent and Commandant on the Frontier of Upper Sind, and Commandant of the Sind Irregular Horse, the corps in connection with which his name has been rendered so famous. We need hardly say that the loss of such a man, at this time especially, cannot be too deeply ploredThe latest intelligence we have from Oude is dated the Ist inst. On the 28th (Sunday) the Commander-in-Chief entered Lucknow, but w hat his future intentions are we have not been informed. It is probable he may remain in that city until some time next month, when he will proceed in the direction of theTJogra to overlook the movements of the various columns now lining its banks, and which are preparing to give a blow to the insurgents in the Bj-r'aitch districts. :