nions had not to bestow, being without a single drop even for themselves. Thus surrounded within by death and suffering, exposed without to the attacks of a vast army, supported by the guns of a well-appointed fortress, did this gallant band maintain, not their post only, but their own honour and that of the country which they served. Great were their labours and their difficulties, but brilliant and unfading is the glory by which they were compensated.
Preparations for a siege were now commenced without delay by the British troops, who had taken possession of the Laul Baugh, a beautiful garden situated on the eastern point of the island, ornamented with several palaces, and made sacred by the mausoleum of Hyder Ali. The cypress and other magnificent trees which adorned this favourite place of the Sultan's recreation were now destined to fall beneath the axes of the English pioneers, as no other materials could be procured for making fascines and gabions; the palaces and choultries being, at the same time, converted into hospitals for the sick and wounded.
The proud soul of the Sultan was irritated almost to madness at seeing this charming spot, to ornament which he had bestowed so much pains, laid waste, and the tomb of his father contaminated by the touch of Infidels. He vented his rage in a continual discharge of cannon from the fort, directed towards the Laul Baugh, and every other part within sight, if not within range, occupied by his enemies. But his efforts were vain to retard the progress of the besiegers, whose victorious forces were now further increased by the corps under General Abercromby, by another from the south, which had ascended the pass of Gujelhutty, and even by the Mahrattas under Purseram Bhow, who had at length been shamed or frightened out of his predatory course.[1]
- ↑ The Mahrattas seeing that we considered the late defeat of Tippoo as a matter of course, and that we looked forward with confidence to the capture of the capital, expressed themselves to the following effect: "We have brought plenty – do you get more guns – we will feed you, and you shall fight." – Dirom.
