Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-10-01 00:00:00

MADRAS.

The Bombay Greette contained the following communi-
cation from Madras giving an account of the mutiny in
the Bth Madras Light Cavalry, which had caused con-
siderable excitement in the Southern Presidency :
" The Bth regiment of Mtdras Light Cavalry,
which was to form part of the column en route for
C ticutta from Madras, has Mutinied. Tnis toak place on
the 17th or 18th. The regiment had volunteered for
fo-eign service, and was on its march down from Banga-
lore for the purpose of embarking at Madras. But on its
arrival at Streepormatore, 26 miles from Madras, it put
forward a claim for tha rates of pay, batta, and pension,
which existed before 1837, and were more favourable to
the Sepoy than the present rates. Such a claim put
forward at such a moment, was most distressing and
p-rplexing. Nevertheless, the officers (some of th'm)
started by train at once for Madras, to see what could be
done. I believe that the Madras government agreed to
guarantee the concession of the terms demanded from the
Supreme Government, and that the officers returned to
Streepormutore and informed the Sepoys that their
requests were complied with, The corps the corps then
proceeded to Poonarnallee, 13 miles from Madras, and
then the truth came out. They would march on no terms
whatsoever ; they would not make war upon their coun-
trymen.' Fortunately two guns and some artillerymen
had arrived at Poonamalee in the very nick of time. The
sowars were at once deprived of their horses, their
pistols, caps and ammunition, and left only with their
swords. Why those were not taken away also, I cannot
tell, The partial disarming was quietly submitted to, and
the corps was halted. The 3rd Madras Light Cavalry is
now at Arcot. and is at once to proceed to Bangalore. As
soon as it has well cleared the station the Bth Madras
Light Cavalry is to march to Arcot, and do dismounted
duty there. But what :is in reserve fer the ,mutineer s I
eannot tell. Would that I could assure the safeto of the
officers, now alone:with them.
This affair has caused the greatest excitement in
Madras. The volunteers were warned that their services
are to be available at a moment's notice. There are
patrols in all the streets day and night. The Government
compound presents the appearance of a camp, surrounded
as it is with artilery, and filled as its banquetting-hall is
with soldiers. Mortars are placed on the south side of
the fort, facing Triplicane. Yet Madras is so extended a
place, the dwellings of the chief inhabitants so dispersed,
that there is a very painful and general feeling of inse-
curity. The force is thought to be most inadequate. The
Mussuloaan inhabitauts of Triplicane are notoriously
disaffected ; so are those of Arcot and Vellore ; and since
the plague spot has touched Madras, it is impossible to
predict how far it may be spr:,ad. Every one is hoping,
rather than believing, that this mutiny is the beginning
and the end of a rebellion in Medras

" The horses of the mutineers were taken in charge by
a Commissariat sergeant, ridden to Madras by the horse_
keepers, and embarked for Calcutta this,m9rning, where
they will be a valuable acquitition."