and at midnight they opened against the town; continuing to fire at intervals, but with little other effect than that of harassing the garrison, who were little able to endure fatigue, as they had been put on famine allowance since the expulsion of the native inhabitants. On the 30th of December the English suffered severely from a dreadful storm. The sea broke over the beach and overflowed the country, carrying away the batteries and redoubts. Their tents were destroyed and their ammunition rendered useless; while the soldiers in many instances abandoned their muskets to secure their personal safety, and many of the native camp-followers perished. The squadron which was stationed to prevent the introduction of provisions into Pondicherry by sea felt the effects of the storm. Several ships were stranded, and most of the others considerably damaged; but the repairs of the latter were carried on with great celerity, and within a week Pondicherry was again blockaded by an English fleet. Similar diligence was also employed in restoring the works and stations of the army.
On the 5th of January, 1761, the English made an attack on a redoubt which was still in possession of the enemy, and it was carried by stratagem; but on the following morning it was vigorously attacked by a party from the garrison, and the officer in command and the greater part of his men surrendered themselves prisoners. Lally, however, sent them all back to the English lines, under a promise not to serve again, the French being unable to spare food to keep them alive.
On the 12th of January the English began to open trenches; and nearly fourteen hundred men were employed in this work, which was conducted with extraordinary rapidity and great caution. Other batteries were also in preparation, when a flag of truce announced the approach of a deputation. They came on foot, having neither horses nor palanquin bearers; and declared on the part of Lally that he and his troops, reduced to extremity by want of provisions, were ready to surrender themselves
