Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/372

364 respected by his neighbours, enlisting none of his countrymen but such as were of approved valour, and treating them so well, that they never entertained any thoughts of quitting him: on the contrary the whole army seemed as one family; the spirit of exploit which he contrived to keep up amongst them by equitable partitions of plunder rendered them fond of their fatigues, and they never complained but when they had nothing to do. The choice he made of his officer, still more discovered his capacity; for there was not a commander of 100 horse who was not fit to command the whole; notwithstanding which every one was contented in his particular station, and they all lived in perfect harmony with each other, and in perfect obedience to their general. So that this body of troops were without exception the best soldiers of native Indians at this time in Indostan. Beside the qualities common to the rest of the Morattoe nation, such as act tivity, stratagem, great dexterity in the management of their horse and sabres, they had by their conflicts against Europeans surmounted in a great degree the terror of fire-arms, although opposed to them with the steadiest discipline; and what is more extraordinary, were even capable of standing against the vivacity of a cannonade from field pieces: although this terrible annoyance, never made use of in India before the war we are commemorating, continued to strike at other Indian troops with as much terror as their ancestors felt when regular musketry was first employed against them. Immediately after the departure of the English army, the garrison of Tritchinopoly received two or three convoys from the woods, upon which the enemy crossed the Caveri, and encamped on the plain first at Chucklypollam, and afterwards to the south of the city changing their camp several times, between Elimiserum and the five rocks: their patroles constantly traversing this line rendered it impossible for the Sepoys at Killanore to pass with any more provision and the garrison were obliged to live on their stock, which with sparing management might last for three months. More than one had already elapsed before the treaty with the Morattoes was conclude at Tanjore; after which major Lawrence, anxious to return, pressed Monac-gee to march. Few of the generals of India have any notice