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preparations in Assam for a punitive expedition against Konoma and its allies |
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In the meantime the military and civil authorities in Assam were fully alive to the gravity of the situation, and active measures were being taken for the information of an expedition, the progress of which is now about to be detailed. But before proceeding to this task, it will be as well to note the distribution of the troops serving on the Assam frontier, as they stood as they stood on the date of Mr. Damant's murder (14th October 1879) . |
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42nd Assam Light Infantry.- At Shillong:- Head Quarters and 7 companies, with 6 British officers and about 664 all Native ranks. Detachments at Jawai (53) , Tezpur (20) , Gauhati (9) , and Golaghat (94) . Total 840. |
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43rd Assam Light Infantry.- At Dibrugarh:- Head Quarters and 4 companies, with 4 British officers and about 318 all Native ranks. Detachments at Sadiya ( 1 company 123) , Pubamukh (46) , Siri (25) , Samaguting (46) , Kohima (2 companies 251) , ( As shown in the distribution returns of 1st October and 1st November 1879; but Captain Reid does not appear to have had more than 100 rifles at Kohima itself.) Dibong (14) and Naga Hills (61) . Total 884. |
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(27) 44th Sylhet Light Infantry.- Shillong:- On board steamer 'Koladyne' and flat 'Konai' returning from Goalundo, which they left on the 18th October ; strength,- 7 British officers, and 830 all Native ranks. |
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34th Native Infantry.- At Cachar:- Head Quarters and 8 companies, with 5 British officers and about 523 all Native ranks. Small detachments on Cachar border, including Colonel Johnstone's escort of 1 Native officer and 34 rifles at Manipur. |
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In the Presidency District the following troops were available in case of emergency:- |
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10th Native Infantry.- At Barrackpore:- Head Quarters and 4 companies, with 5 British officers and about 554 all Native ranks. Wing at Dacca with 3 officers and about 280 all Native ranks. |
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18th Native Infantry.- At Baxa:- Head Quarters and 4 companies, with 4 British officers and about 628 all Native ranks. Wing at Jalpaiguri, with 3 officers and 224 all Native ranks. |
