Notwithstanding this triumph, Hyder felt deep anxiety as to his future prospects, and was so much depressed by some unfavourable circumstances which had intervened that he even formed the design of evacuating the Carnatic, when tidings arrived of a strong body of French troops having arrived on the coast; and accordingly, on the 10th of March, they landed, to the number of three thousand. These auxiliaries and their allies immediately laid siege to Cuddalore, which, being imperfectly provided with the means of defence, surrendered almost without resistance. They then proceeded to attack the important position of Wandewash; but General Coote having presented himself, and offered battle for its relief, the combined army, with all its boasted strength, declined that issue and retreated towards Pondicherry. The British general followed, and defeated them with considerable loss near Arnee. Thus, even after obtaining a powerful reinforcement from France, Hyder remained still unable to face the English army in the open field.
Early in the year 1782, a British force, commanded by Colonel Humberstone, landed at Calicut, and joined the troops under the command of Major Abingdon, which were previously employing vigorous efforts to make an impression on the side of Malabar. They were opposed there by Tippoo, who, after various movements, was gaining some advantages, when he was suddenly recalled to the eastward by intelligence of the death of Hyder Ali, who closed his life at an age not falling short by many years of that of Aurungzebe. To avert confusion, it was important to conceal his death till his successor was on the spot to maintain his claim. The body was accordingly deposited in a chest filled with aromatics, and sent from the camp under an escort, in a manner similar to that in which valuable plunder was conveyed. All the business of the state went on as usual; and inquirers after the health of the chief were answered that, though extremely weak, he was in a state of slow but progressive amendment. At length the illusion was
