and even sent orders to his countrymen to withdraw from the service of Tippoo.
Meantime, the proceedings on the western coast were rapidly rising in importance; General Matthews, who commanded the British troops there, having received positive orders from the Presidency of Bombay to commence operations, and push forward without delay, by the most direct road, against the important city of Biddenoor. He accordingly landed his troops at the nearest point of the coast, and began to scale the steepest part of the Ghauts, regardless of several detachments of the enemy that were hovering on his flank and rear. He experienced a degree of success which there was little room to anticipate: everything gave way before him, Biddenoor itself having surrendered without a blow; and in that city the British general found a treasure exceeding £800,000 sterling.
Tippoo was greatly annoyed on learning the fall of this important place, and the near advance of the enemy towards his capital. Matthews was soon informed that successive corps were throwing themselves on his rear, and surrounding him with a force against which he would be unable to cope; but he was now so elated by his easy victory that he placed blind confidence in fortune. Thus reposing in full security, he allowed his communications with the sea to be intercepted, while his troops were surrounded by Tippoo's whole force, aided by the science of Cossigny, a French engineer. The garrison were driven into the citadel; and, after a brave defence, were reduced to the necessity of capitulating, though on favourable terms, receiving a promise that they should be safely conducted to the coast.
But when Tippoo obtained possession of Biddenoor, he proceeded to the treasury, and, to his rage and dismay, found it empty. Orders were then given to search the persons of the English officers, on whom unhappily was found a large sum both in money and jewels, which are always looked upon in that country as public property. Upon this discovery the Sultan considered himself ab-
