1^2 HISTORY OF INDIA. [Book III.
A D. 17.W. Captain Calliaud, who, l^y dexterou.sly wheeling ioun<l hikI gaining the left flank of an entrenchment, behind which the French battalion was posted, poured in a close fire. The grenadiers at the siime time pushing on witii their bayonets, drove them crowding upon their centre. A well-levelled di.scharge from the centre and left of the British Vjattalion in front completed the confasion, anrl the rout became irremediable. The victory v as now gained; but the Tanjorines again prevented it from being so complete as it might have been, by remaining to plunder the camp, when they ought to have been pursuing the fugitives. Tlie loss of the enemy in Europeans amounted to 100 killed and nearly 200 taken prisoners ; among the latter was M. Astruc, regarded as undoubtedly the best of the French officers. On the British side not more than forty Europeans were killed or wounded. I'riciiinopoiy The cnemy, though still mustering about 30,000 infantry of all .sorts, and withprovi- 1G,000 horse, were so dispirited that they did not venture beyond Seringham,
SIOIV
and allowed provisions of all kinds to be poured into the city in such abundance, that a six months' supply was easily provided at a moderate rate. It was deemed advisable, however, in order not to encroach on this supply during the rainy season, which was now at hand, that tl.e troops should quit the city and be carried into cantonments. With this view Major Lawrence, after reinforcing the garrison, so as to make it strong enough with ordinary vigilance for any attempt that might be made against it, removed to Coilady on the fi-ontiei-s of Tanjore, from which abundant supplies coxdd be obtained, without the neces- sity of escorting convoys. The Tanjorines were permitteel to return home, but not without great reluctance on the part of Major LawTence, who suspected, and as it afterwards appeared on too good grounds, that the king would .scarcely be ineluced to send them back when the campaign should be resumed Treacheiy of The enemy remained in the island of Seringham as inactive as if a ce.s.sation of hostilities had taken place ; and, so far from endeavouring to take advantage of Major Lawrence's absence, allowed the market of Trichinopoly to be regularly supplied in abunelance from the surrounding coimtry. In the beginning of November they received a reinforcement of 300 Europeans, 200 topa.sses or natives, chiefly of Portuguese origin, and 1000 sepoys. Even this did not make them more adventurous, and they remained as if determined to attempt nothing till Major Lawrence should again appear and challenge them to encounter him in a new campaign. This apparent indolence was part of a scheme. It hael been conceived possible to take Trichinopoly by surprise, and the ol ject now was to lull the garrison into a false security. The circumstances were not un- favourable. Captain Dalton, whose vigilance and experience were successful in detecting and frustrating several plots, had sailed for England; and Captain Kilpatrick, on whom the command had devolved, was still confined to bed with his wounds.
The point selecteel for assault was Dalton's battery, the same recommende<l
