Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/258

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252
The War of Coromandel.
Book VIII.

to Tinivelly by the end of November; and on the 28th of this month, a Jemautdar of horse, lately enlisted, endeavoured, with some of his troops, to break through his guards to the apartment in which he was, as usual, laid down to sleep in the afternoon. Mahomed Issoof starting up joined his guards, and more coming, all the intruders were cut down on the spot, but killed some of their opponents. At this time he received intelligence that the French garrison in the pagoda of Seringham had sent a detachment of Europeans and Sepoys with artillery, to Hyderally at Dindigul, who, on their arrival, it was said, was preparing to return against Madura: the news, although premature, was believed, and determined Mahomed Issoof to be there before them. Accordingly, on the 1st of December, he began his march from Tinivelly, leaving there and in the other posts, a sufficient force to make head against Maphuze Khan and his allies, and on the 4th arrived at Chevelpetore, where he remained waiting for more certain advices concerning the Mysoreans, until the end of the month; and in the mean time, sent a strong detachment to repair the fort of Sholavanden. Before this time, no farther expectation remained of Moodilee's abilities to manage the revenues; and he was called to Madrass, in order to exhibit and explain the details of his administration; but remained sick and settling his accounts in the woods of Tondiman. Calliaud had sent Lieutenant Rumbold in the month of August to communicate the state of the country; but this officer died on the way at Fort St. David in the month of September: and the presidency, as soon as the rains were set in, ordered Calliaud himself to come. He arrived on the 14th of November, under the safeguard of a passport from Pondicherry, and having communicated his knowledge and opinions, returned on the 4th, aud reached Tritchinopoly on the 12th of December; his representations convinced the presidency, that the disturbances would never cease, nor any revenue be collected adequate to the military expences, whilst Maphuze Khan maintained his force, pretensions, and alliances in these countries. It was therefore proposed to the Nabob, who still continued at Madras; that Maphuze Khan should be assured