KFSOLVES ON PR ACE AT ANY PRICE. named Haidar Naik (the Haidar Ali afterwards so famous), moving round the English force, fell upon the rear of the convoy, and captured thirty-five carts all laden with supplies and stores. This attack diverted the attention of Major Lawrence from the French, and offered them a good opportunity to assault with advan- tage. In vain did the Dalwai urge Maissin to use it ; in vain did he point out that one charge would finish the campaign; Maissin was deaf to every representa- tion ; reposing on the secret instructions of his superior, he moved quietly back to his position at the Five Rocks. Meanwhile, not only Lawrence's convoy, but others from different parts of the country, poured into Trichinapalli. A few days later, Maissin retired to Mutachelinur on the Kavari, abandoning his posts around Trichinapalli. He had not the firmness to remain even here when, some few days later, Lawrence appeared before the place— which nevertheless was strongly fortified — but retreated precipitately into Srirangam. The English, satisfied with this success, proceeded to house them- selves for the rainy season in the Wariur pagodas, nearly due west of Trichinapalli. Meanwhile, Godeheu, by his unskilful efforts to bring about peace at any price, had been working the most effectual damage to French interests in the eyes of the native powers. His lieutenants were everywhere left in a state of the most painful uncertainty. After waver- ing long as to whether he should withdraw his support from Salabat Jang, or leave Bussy with diminished influence and restricted powers at his court, he wrote on September 16, that he was convinced of the necessity of not abandoning the Subadar. To Moracin, however, the administrator of the Sirkars, he threw out hints in the same letter regarding his projected renunciation of the territorial acquisitions of the Company, on the ground that " he preferred a safe and extended com-
