how much the military force in Bengal had been diminished by the expedition to Masulipatam, and might suffer by the usual mortality of the climate; and reasoning from the antipathy of the Dutch government to the great successes and power which the English had lately acquired in Bengal, suspected that the armament he saw was principally intended to reduce their influence in that country: and, with the spirit of considerate gallantry, and zeal for the general success of the public service, which on all occasions distinguished his command, sent all the troops to Madrass, recommending, that a part of them might be immediately forwarded to Bengal. They were all landed by the 25th, and marched in different parties, as soon as refreshed, to the main body at Conjeveram, where Colonel Brereton, having recovered from his illness, again took the command.
A few days after the return of Major Calliaud from Tripetti, the Polygar of Carcambaddy with his own, and a number of the Matlaver's people, began to repair the town; on which Ensign Wilcox marched with the 25 Europeans, 300 of the Sepoys, and an iron three-pounder. They were galled the whole way, and obliged to force the three barriers in the path; and when they came to the open spot of the town, where they expected no resistance, met the most, by a continual fire from the thickets round. Wilcox nevertheless persisted, and, being aimed at, received at once three musketballs, and was mortally wounded. On which the troops put him into a dooley and retreated, likewise bringing off the gun. The enemy did not follow them earnestly; so that the loss was only three Europeans killed, and 14 Sepoys wounded.
The French party of Sepoys and black horse from Arcot, had been beaten back by Bomerauze's people, and lay at Lallapet, near the mountains, 10 miles N. w. of Arcot, waiting an opportunity of renewing their incursion; but were beaten up there on the 26th, by three companies of Sepoys, and the troops of the renter of Covrepauk, sent by Captain Wood, who commanded in the fort. The enemy fled at the first fire, leaving 70 muskets, and 17 horses, and the Sepoys remained to guard the nearest pass leading from Lallapet into Bomerauze's country.
