Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/239

Book III. Indian camp became again exposed to a cannonade. The dread of this, and of the many other distresses which straitened the army more closely every day, determined the greatest part of Chunda-saheb's officers to quit his service; and they went in a body and informed him of this resolution. He heard it with great temper, and instead of reproaching them for deserting him, said, that if they had not prevented him, he should of himself have proposed what they desired; that although he was not able to discharge the whole of their arrears, they might be assured lie would punctually acquit himself of all his obligations whensoever his better fortune should return; and, as a proof of his sincerity, he offered to deliver up to them the greatest part of his elephants, camels, horses, and other military effects, which they received at a valuation in part of what he was indebted to them.

The next day these officers sent messengers to the confederates, some offering to take service, others desiring to pass through their posts: but the Indian allies, who had for some time regarded the whole of the enemy's baggage as a booty which could not escape them, hesitated to comply with their request; and the Morattoes particularly, who scarcely rate the life of a man at the value of his turban, were averse to the granting of any terms which might hinder them from exerting their sabres to get the spoil, being persuaded that, if hostilities were carried on to extremity, their activity would acquire much the larger share of it. The English frustrated these cruel intentions, by determining to give their own passports, if the rest of the allies persisted in refusing; upon which they consented to give theirs likewise. Accordingly flags were planted on the banks of the Caveri and Coleroon, as a signal to the enemy's troops that they might pass over in security. Two thousand of Chunda-saheb's best horse, and 1500 Sepoys, joined captain Clive at Samiavaram; others went to the Mysoreans; very few to the Nabob: the troops of Morawar and Madura, and other independent bodies, returned into their own countries. On the 4th day not a tent was standing in the island; and there remained with Chunda-saheb no more than 2000 horse and 3000 foot, who