Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/241

Book III. by ill success, and commanded by officers of no great talents; nor does it appear that the French ever entertained any thoughts of carrying it into execution. They flattered themselves in their irresolute councils, that Mr. D'Auteuil would make his way good into the island, notwithstanding this attempt was now become more difficult than ever; and they hoped, with the supplies he was bringing, to protract the defence of the pagoda to the end of June, at which time ships were expected at Pondicherry with a considerable reinforcement of troops from France; however, for fear of the worst, Mr. Law determined to take such measures as he thought would place the person of Chunda-saheb out of danger.

Deserters informing the English how much the enemy's future resolutions depended on the arrival of Mr. D'Auteuil's convoy, it was determined to make another attempt against that reinforcement; but as it was reported that they were in possession of all the fortifications at Vol-condah, it was thought necessary, if possible, to bring the governor over to the Nabob's interest. A letter was written to him full of promises: the man changing sides with fortune, answered, that although he had permitted Mr. D'Auteuil to take up his quarters in the pettah, he had not suffered him to take possession either of the stone fort, or the fortifications of the rock; and that if any troops were sent to attack the French, he would assist to destroy them. About the same time Mr. D'Auteuil, pressed by the repeated sollicitations of Mr. Law, quitted Vol-condah, and to conceal some other plan gave out that he intended to retake the fort of Utatoor. Such an opportunity of attacking him was more to be relied on than the promises of the governor, and captain Clive marched against him without delay.

He left a strong garrison in Pitchandah, and in his camp a number of troops sufficient by well contrived dispositions, to prevent Mr. Law from suspecting the absence of the force he took with him, which consisted of 100 Europeans, 1000 Sepoys, and 2000 Morattoe horse, with six field pieces, They set out on the 27th of May in the evening, and arrived before morning at Utatoor, where they shut themselves up in the fort all that day and the ensuing night, in hopes