OPPOSITE OPINIONS OP BUSSY. 585 plan to thwart him, as sure and certain proofs that they C xn ? * too regarded only their own interests and not the ^— . interests of France. So far from giving in to them, he 1758. the more firmly insisted that Bussy should accompany him. All this time he treated him with outward polite- ness, but in reality he regarded him as a most ordinary and over-rated man.* But if Lally had this opinion of Bussy, far different was the impression made by the trusted lieutenant of Dupleix on the officers under his command. They were not slow in recognising his ability, his large views, his acquaintance with the country and the true mode of managing the people. To such an extent did they dis- play their confidence in his talents and his devotedness, that on the eve of the expedition to Madras, six of their number,f including the chivalrous d'Estaing, who had already made a reputation, signed a request to the Commander-in-chief, that Bussy, the Company's general, might be placed over their heads, and occupy the position next to de Soupire. Lally was unwilling to comply ; he attributed even this request to the effect of Bussy's money; J but he could not well refuse, and the order was issued accordingly. At length, in the beginning of November, Lally col- lected his forces, amounting to 2,000 European infantry, 300 cavalry, and 5,000 sipahis, and marched upon Madras. These were divided into four brigades, com- manded by de Soupire, d'Estaing, Crillon, and Saubinet. Bussy held no actual command, but he was present with
- The memoirs of Lally and Bussy
abound with proofs of the little esti- mation in which each, in his heart, held the other. t These were MM. d'Estaing, Crillon, de la Fare, Verdiere, Breteuil, and de Landivisiau. J Lally asserts that to secure the good offices of some of these noble- men Bussy lent or gave or offered to them the following sums : to Count d'Estaing, 100,000 crowns; to the Chevalier de Crillon, 2,000 louis d'or. Crillon, however, refused them. Lally adds that Bussy offered him 460,000 livres to be sent back to the Dakhan, and stated that he was ready to advance 240,000 livres for the service of the Company, provided Lally would be his security. Lally states that he declined both offers.— Memoir e pour Lally.
