Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/438

430 march without any appearance of opposition, Mr. Bussy dismissed the Morattoes, making greatful acknowledgments, and some presents to, Holcar and Balagerow. But he was mistaken in his security; for Shanavaze Khan receiving by his spies and scouts very expeditious information of the departure of the Morattoes, immediately detached 25000 men, horse and foot, under the command of Jaffer Ally Khan, in pursuit of the French troops. Orders had also been previously sent to all the chiefs of the neighbouring countries to obstruct their progress; but none of these ventured the risque, until they came to the districts of a Polygar, named Maladirao, situated near the bank of the Kristna, about 90 miles to the south-west of Hyderabad; who confiding in the thickness of his woods, and the perplexities of the ways which traversed them, harrassed the line of march for some hours, and killed some men, amongst whom an officer of reputation named La Martiniere. Marching on from the woods without intermission, they found the Kristna fordable, and passed it without delay; and just as the last picquet had got over, the river began to swell, and the van of Jaffer Ally Khan's army appeared on the other bank; where they were detained 15 days by this interruption, which permitted the French troops to proceed at leisure, and without further molestation. What remained of the march to Masulipatnam, even in the shortest road, was more than 200 miles; and through a very embarrassed and inhospitable country. Sickness prevailed amongst the Europeans, the stores of ammunition were not sufficient for any long continuation of service, provisions failed, money was still more scarce, the Sepoys began to murmur and desert for want of pay and Mr. Bussy knowing that these distresses could no where be so well redressed, as by means of the connexions which he maintained at Hyderabad, turned his march to this city, and arrived there on the 14th of June.

The city of Hyderabad is situated 60 miles north from the Kristna. It is enclosed by a wall 20 feet high, defended by small round towers. The river Moussi coming from the westward, runs near the northern part of the walls, from which it is separated by a strand, which it sometimes overflows in the rains. The city extends along the course of the river only one mile, but recedes from it three. There is a stone