words of a contemporary writer, 'by his gallant conduct gave the first prognostic of that high military spirit which was the spring of his future actions[1].' Subsequently, he accompanied Major Stringer Lawrence, also as a volunteer, in the attack on Devikota, 1749, and there, in the leading of the storming party, distinguished himself by his coolness and intrepidity. Referring subsequently to this period of his career, Major Lawrence, himself a man of remarkable ability and a distinguished soldier, thus wrote of his subordinate: 'A man of an undaunted resolution, of a cool temper, and a presence of mind which never left him in the greatest danger. Born a soldier, for, without a military education of any sort, or much conversing with any of the profession, from his judgment and good sense he led an army like an experienced officer, with a prudence that certainly warranted success. This young man's early genius surprised and engaged my attention, as well before as at the siege of Devikota, where he behaved in courage and judgment much beyond what could have been expected from his years and his success afterwards confirmed what I had said to many people concerning him.'
For his conduct at Devikota Clive was transferred to the military service of the Company, and nominated Commissary to the Army. Very shortly after this nomination the break-down of his health compelled
- ↑ Journal of the Siege of Pondichery, republished in the Asiatic Annual Register for 1802. It is from this journal that Mr. Orme obtained his materials for that portion of his history.
