Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/291

Book IV. Lawrence's march, he joined the rest of the Mysoreans at Seringham, and the country people ventured again to bring provisions into the city.

On the 6th of May, the major arrived in sight of Tritchinopoly, and entered the city without meeting any interruption; for none of the Mysoreans presumed to appear on the plain: the number of the battalion was greatly diminished during the march, which was performed at the setting in of the land winds, when they blow with the greatest heat and violence; besides several who died on the road, and others who were sent back sick to Fort St. David, and Devi Cotah, 100 men unfit for duty were carried into the hospital at Tritchinopoly on the day of their arrival: many had likewise deserted; particularly of the Swiss, of whom a Serjeant and 15 men went off in one day: so that the whole, including what the garrison of Tritchinopoly could spare for the field, amounted, when mustered, to no more than 500 Europeans, who with 2000 Sepoys, and 3000 horse in the Nabob's service, composed the army.

As soon as Mr. Dupleix was certain what rout they had taken, he detached 200 Europeans, and 500 Sepoys, with four field pieces from the camp near Trivadi: who marching by the road of Verdachelum, Volcondah and Utatoor, joined the Mysoreans at Seringham, the day after the English arrived at Tritchinopoly.

Major Lawrence having allowed the men three days to refresh themselves, determined on the 10th of May to pass over into the island, and offer the enemy battle, which if they declined, he resolved to bombard Seringham, and cannonade their camp: the Nabob's cavalry, discontented for want of pay, refused to take any share in the action. The battalion and Sepoys therefore proceeded without them, and setting out at three in the morning in two divisions, arrived at six at Moota Chellinoor, a village four miles west of the city, over against the head of the island. A large body of horse and foot, drawn up on the opposite side, seemed determined to defend the pass, but were soon dispersed by the first division, and whilst the second was crossing they retreated towards the pagoda, from whence the Mysoreans no sooner discovered the English forming on the island,