Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/296

288 competent force to support his authority: encouraged by this negligence, Mortiz-ally threatened to attack the city of Arcot itself, of which the presidency receiving intelligence, directed the commanding officer of the fort to join the Nabob's troops with as many Europeans as could prudently be spared from the garrison, and attack the enemy in the field. Abdullwahab, alarmed for his own security, with some difficulty got together 800 Sepoys, 1000 horse and 500 Peons, all of them the very worst troops in the province; they were commanded by another of the Nabob's brothers Nazeabulla, a man nearly of the same character as Abdullwahab. This force, joined by 40 Europeans, 200 English Sepoys, with two field pieces under the command of ensign Joseph Smith, marched out of the city on the 21st of April, and when half-way to Velore discovered the Phousdar's army drawn up across the road, their right sheltered by the hills. It was with great reluctance that Nazeabulla Khan could be prevailed upon to attack them, although it was evident they would fall on him, as soon as he offered to retreat: ensign Smith began a cannonade, and drove the French several times from their guns, but a party of 500 excellent Sepoys maintained themselves with much more resolution behind a bank, and in several attempts that were made to drive them from it, most of the English Sepoys were lost. The enemy's cavalry seeing this, attacked the Europeans, but were repulsed by the grape shot; on which they pushed at Nazeabulla's cavalry, who took flight without waiting the onset, and soon after his Sepoys and Peons went off likewise, leaving the Europeans, now reduced to 25 men, with about 40 Sepoys, surrounded by the enemy. Ensign Smith however kept the ground until night, when his men leaving the field pieces behind, endeavoured, as they could, to get back to the city; but they were discovered, and all, excepting three, were intercepted; some were killed, and the rest, amongst whom was ensign Smith, were made prisoners and carried to Velore. Flushed by this success, Mortiz-ally renewed his correspondence with Mr. Dupleix, and undertook to besiege Trinomalee, a strong fort situated about 40 miles south of Arcot, in the high road to Tritchinopoly, and Morari-row moved from Chillambrum to assist in the expedition. But Mr. Dupleix thinking it of more importance