Page:Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan.djvu/165

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OVERTURES OF TIPÚ
161

of five months, when intelligence of the capture of Bangalore in the previous month induced the garrison to surrender. The Nizám's troops then marched to the south-east, to regain possession of the Kadapa territory and the adjoining districts. A large force of his cavalry also proceeded to join Lord Cornwallis' army, on its way to Seringapatam.

Tipú had, on various occasions since the British army entered Mysore, written evasive letters to Lord Cornwallis, expressing a desire for amicable negotiations, and complaining of the conduct of the Travancore Rájá. These overtures for a reconciliation were repeated the day after the Governor-General broke up his camp near Seringapatam, and a short time afterwards he sent a Bráhman to make advances to Lord Cornwallis. But the envoy, having been prohibited from negotiating with any one except the Chiefs of the allies, declined to treat with deputies, and returned to his master without effecting any result.