Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/190

182 first fire, and the convoy entered Verdachelum without any loss. From hence Mr. Pigot sent the detachment through the country of Tanjore to reinforce the battalion at Tritchinopoly, which they joined without interruption; The French at this time not having crossed the Caveri. He then returned from Verdachelum to Fort St. David, accompanied by Mr. Clive, 12 Sepoys, and as many servants: in their way they were surrounded by the Polygar's troops, who with matchlocks harassed this little party some hours, and killed seven of the Sepoys, and several of the attendants. The ammunition of the rest being expended, they were ordered to disperse, and Mr. Pigot and Clive saved themselves by the speed of their horses from a party of cavalry, who pursued them several miles.

In the middle of July the presidency prepared to send another reinforcement to Tritchinopoly, where the discontent which prevailed amongst the officers made it necessary to remove several of them at a time when there were very few fit to succeed to their posts: a captain's commission was therefore given to Mr. Clive, who proceeded with a detachment into the country of Tanjore, where he was joined by another from Devi-Cotah, under the command of Captain Clarke, who took the command of the whole, which, united, consisted of Only 100 Europeans, and 50 Sepoys, with one small field piece. The king of Tanjore, like all other Indian princes, cautious of declaring whilst the event remained doubtful, suffered, both the English and French troops to march through his country to Tritchinopoly: and this being the only rout by which the English from the sea-coast could now gain the city, the fort of Devi-Cotah began to acquire an importance not foreseen when they took it. The French detached from Coiladdy 30 Europeans and 500 Sepoys, who came in sight of the English party near the village of Condore, situated ten miles to the north of Tanjore; the high road led through the village, and both anxious to get possession of it, entered it hastily at the same time at different ends. A skirmish ensued, in which the French officer was desperately wounded, and 10 of his Europeans were killed, on which the rest with the Sepoys took flight; and the English making a circuit of several miles to avoid the enemy's camp, arrived safe at the city.