was completely defeated. Totally demoralised, he fled to the banks of the Káverí. Here, to his surprise, he was joined by Astruc, bringing reinforcements of 400 Europeans, six guns, 2000 sipáhis, and 3000 Maráthá horse. Astruc took the command.
Astruc was a more capable man than Brennier, and he had now a great opportunity, for his total of Europeans exceeded that of Lawrence, whilst his horsemen surpassed those of Muhammad Alí alike in quality as well as in number. It was indeed hard on Dupleix, to whose splendid exertions the despatch of this reinforcement was due, that at such a conjuncture Astruc should have become over-cautions. The third day after his arrival he had enticed the English force into a position in which it could be assailed with advantage. The Maráthá chief, Morárí Ráo, pointed out to Astruc the opportunity, and implored him to use it, but afraid to risk all on the issue of a battle, Astruc declined. He had reason to repent it, for a fortnight later Lawrence received a reinforcement of 237 Europeans, under a very able soldier, Captain Calliaud. Four days after the arrival of this reinforcement, 1st October, 1753, Lawrence marched out and offered battle to Astruc. Astruc declined it. Thereupon Lawrence encamped where he stood, attacked him the following morning, and completely defeated him, taking prisoners Astruc himself, nine officers, and ninety-one men, capturing eleven guns, and killing or wounding about 100 men. His own loss did not exceed twenty men and six officers killed and
