Tippoo, after this defeat, made another attempt to carry into effect his plan of desultory warfare. He had removed or destroyed all the forage and almost every blade of grass on the main road between his enemy's position and the capital; and he hovered round, ready to fall upon their rear as they marched along this desolated route. But he was completely disappointed by the movement of General Harris, who, after leaving Malavilly, turned to the left, crossed the Cauvery at the fords of Soorilly, and proceeded to Seringapatam along the southern bank of that river – a resolution which, being wholly unexpected, no precautions had been taken to defeat.
This détour was effected so secretly that the army, with its park and ordnance, had crossed the river, and encamped near the fort of Soorilly, before Tippoo was aware of the movement. On seeing their last scheme thus baffled, the Sultan and his principal officers were struck with deep dismay and despondence. Having assembled them in council, he said, "We have arrived at our last stage; what is your determination?" "To die along with you!" was the unanimous reply.
A resolution was accordingly formed to try again the fortune of the field, with the alternative only of victory or death. All present were deeply affected: one of the chiefs, before taking leave, threw himself prostrate and clasped the feet of his master, the usual sign in India of the most solemn farewell. The latter could not refrain from tears: his example quickly spread through the whole assembly, and they parted as men who had met for the last time in this world.
But the final crisis was not yet arrived. Tippoo had expected that the English commander would proceed to the eastern extremity of the island of Seringapatam, cross the branch of the Cauvery that inclosed it, and establish himself on the ground formerly occupied by Lord Cornwallis. But General Harris chose to make a circuit which would bring his army opposite to the
