failure of the attack; for, being mistaken for a French officer, he was suffered to pass. Proceeding onward to the grove, he perceived that, besides the men stationed at the guns, there were one hundred Europeans to support them, but that they kept no look-out except towards the field of battle.
Having made the necessary observations, Ensign Simmonds, returned and, keeping at a distance from the trench where his progress had been nearly intercepted, rejoined his detachment. Upon his report, they immediately marched towards the point of attack, taking the way by which he had returned. They entered the grove unperceived, and at the distance of thirty yards opened a destructive fire on the enemy, who, paralysed by so unexpected an attack, abandoned their guns, without returning a shot, and sought safety in flight. Some took refuge in a choultry,[1] where they were so much crowded that they were unable to use their arms; and quarter being offered them, it was joyfully accepted.
The sudden silence of the artillery having indicated to Clive the success of his stratagem, he immediately advanced upon the main body, and threw it into irretrievable flight and confusion. The enemy's force being thus broken in Arcot, Clive and his troops were ordered back to Fort St. David, preparatory to their being despatched to Trichinopoly.
The force destined for the relief of this fortress was soon ready for the field; and Major Lawrence having arrived from Europe, was placed at its head, with Clive as second in command. After some skirmishing with the enemy, which enabled them to appreciate the value of their Mahratta allies, the British troops arrived at Trichinopoly on the 28th of March, 1752: a few days after the French had raised the siege, and retreated to the island of Seringham, carrying off their artillery and part of their baggage; but a large store of their provisions was burned.
- ↑ A place of rest for travellers.
