Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1840-08-13
RoHILLABANDIT


length from Seaward and Bijore to the
toKnof Sia in Bucharest; and in breadth
from Iussia to Cabul. This territory is
termed Rohileund, and is inhabited by the
Rohillars, OF Highlanders of India, peo.
pie at one time numerous, and powerful.
ROhllcund was conquered by the English,
and its chief slain in battle, cession of
the territory was afterward made to the
Nswab Of Onde. The most revolving pc
TiOd in the history of British is thar in
which the Suiah nd DOwlah exercised
his tyranical and sanguinary despotism
over this illfaied country. The Rohillas
wertT afierward taken away from Dude,
aid SLOWED to some extent the privilege
Of governing themselves. They have al
ways been remarkable for their insubor-
dination and violence, which are favored
by the nature Of the place. An immense
forest stretched along the east, south, and
northern frontiers, alIording every oppor-
tinity for the exercise of the pillaging
propensties of the inhabitants.
The cruelties inflicted on the people
we're more than they could bear, aud ma
my Of them fed to the forest, where they
could roam in freedom unmoested by
their foes. One Of the insurgents ac-
quired a great notoriety for his many
brave acts. On account OF an insult re-
ceived from the government, he retired TO
his place OF conceament in the woods,
from which, with number Of other rob-
bers he had collected, he emerged to Ta-
wage the surrounding country. Like the
banditta Of Italy their depredations were
confined TO the more wealthy classes, and
the contributions which he extracted from
the rich were principally employed in
relieving The wants Of the poor. 1t hap
pened that one day, while he was ramb-
ling alone through the woods, (his men
beng absent on an expedition,) he per-
ceived two boys approaching him, follow
ed al a short distance by their ayahs, or
governesses. lie concealed himself
among the bushes until they came nearer,
when by their clothing he recognised
them to Ibe Of superior rank, and there
fore expected high ransom for their
liberation. AS soon as they came sulli-
cienty near, he seized upon them before
it was possible 10 escape, and holding
them between his knees, threatened the
nurses that if they approached him, he
would instantly destroy the infants.
1t was in vain they promised, menaced,
and expostulaled, all did not move him
but taking the terrified children each by
the hand, he dragged them to bis retreat,
leaving to the women the task of commu-
nicating TO the parents the disaster which
had betallen their children. The Ro-
hilla soon after met shepherd, and com
pelled him TO carry u note 10 the town
Of Hussia, the place from which the
boys had come, stating tho price oftheiI
ransom at 10, 0 rupees, and a long tailed
horse. As the night was fast coming on,
no answer was to be expected until tho
succeeding morning, he therefore kin
died fire and roasted some venison, with
which and brown bread he regaIed his in
fant prisoners, Their terror and alarm
took from them all desire TO partake of
this frugal repast, which when the Bandit
perceived, he made bed Of some dried
leaves, on which they sank into tran.
quill slumber, as though nothing material
had occurred. TO this desperate meas
ure the Rohilla had been melted by grev-
ous wrongs which be had suffered, and
was unable to redress.
The next morning they were awaken
ed by the deep tones of the robber con-
versing with person who was recogniz-
cd as the shepherd.--He had returned
with the stipulated ransom, but the rob.
Der entertained suspicious that he was
not alone, and therefore commanded him
10 lay the money on the ground, and re.
tire 10 distance until It should be taken
up. Tho prisoners were then brought
forward and given in charge of the shep.
herd, who was rewarded for his diligence
with small piece Of money. The horse
was conveyed to neighboring cottage,
the owner OF which was engaged for a
stipulated compensation TO take care oI
the animal until It should bo wanted.-
This Robilla committed great number
ofrObbeFies, and as he had never murder.
ed any person, or oppressed the poor, he
was regarded with great respect by the
peasants, who we're always willing to aid
him in every respect. At length he was
captured in cndeayoring to rob British
officer; while in tho very act Of despoil.
ing the officer, two soldiers, who were
looking on, came cautiously up and sciz-
ed him.
In the shades Of the forest, the Rohilla
Tobber had lufked for more than seven
years, and though the Government had of.
feFed 1000 rupees for his apprehension
none were found bold enough to NEE,
him in combat. The Rohilla Insurgents
are always faithful u each other, and ac-
knowledge no police or government other
than their own will. Stealing is their
profession, and no opportunity Is permit
ted 10 pass without being improved, the
more especially when there any long
tailed horses within their reach. With
~. = 4. 4 = Al