Lawrence, in 1749; but after encountering some difficulties and disasters, the troops returned to Fort St. David. It was thought dangerous, however, to continue under the reproach of defeat; and a strong desire also existing to obtain possession of Deir-Cottah, on account of its presumed commercial advantages, a new expedition was fitted out, and Deir-Cottah was taken. In the attack and capture of this place, a young officer fleshed his maiden sword, who subsequently played a most distinguished part in the military and political history of our empire in the East.
This was Robert Clive, the son of an obscure country gentleman in Shropshire, who, at an early age, had been sent to India in the capacity of a writer; the duties and occupations of which position were very inferior at that period to what they are at present. When Madras was taken by La Bourdonnais, Clive was among the English residents who became prisoners of war, and gave their parole; but the subsequent infraction of the terms of capitulation being justly regarded as relieving them from that obligation, Clive, disguised as a native, succeeded in making his escape to Fort St. David. Here the circumstances of the times concurring with his inclinations, Clive quitted the counting-house and warehouse, which were but ill adapted to his vivacious temperament, and obtained an ensign's commission in the little army of the Presidency.
With this rank he served in the unsuccessful attack on Pondicherry, with Admiral Boscawen, in 1747; and was engaged, with the rank of lieutenant, in the second expedition against Tanjore, where he volunteered to lead the successful attack which put us in possession of Deir-Cottah. With this acquisition the war terminated, the reigning sovereign of Tanjore agreeing to confirm the English in possession of it, and to make a small provision for the support of his rival; the English, on their part, engaging for his peaceable behaviour.
But events were now ripening which opened a wider
