Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/101

Book VI. of Mr. Law, the same officer who capitulated at Seringham in 1752; but when arrived at Bezoara, about 40 miles inland, excessive rains detained them here several days. In the interval the Favorite arrived at Masulipatam with the troops from Pondicherry, of which, all in condition, marched immediately; but were so much retarded by the rains, and the inundations of the Kristna, that they did not arrive at Bezoara until the 3d of August, when the whole, now 480 Europeans, 1100 Sepoys, and 11 field-pieces, proceeded, and arrived on the 10th within fifteen leagues of Hydrabad.

The ministry of Salabadjing determined to intercept this reinforcement: all the Morratoes, 12000, other smaller bodies amounting to 4000, in all 16000 cavalry, with infantry of various denominations and commands, to the number of 10000 were ordered on this service. Mr. Bussy, as usual, received information what troops were appointed; he was personally acquainted with all the commanders, had been of use to several of them, and had lately received some marks of good-will from Janogi and Ramchundur, who commanded 6000 of the Morattoes. He therefore proposed a conference, which was accepted by several of these chiefs, who repaired in the night to a tent pitched on the other side of the river near Gauchmaul, where he met them unattended and alone. Wanting positive knowledge of what passed in this interview, we conjecture that he wrought upon them by promises of greater advantages, if he should be restored to his former influence in the government of Salabadjing, than they could expect either from the gratitude of Shanavaze Khan, or the friendship of the English, who, it was believed, were to take the place of the French, in the army and councils of the Decan. They promised not to act against the reinforcement with any efficacy, and only as much as might be necessary to save appearances, confirmed these assurances by their oaths, and gave Mr. Bussy the distinctions and colours of their respective banners, of which he immediately despatched information to Mr. Law, as ensigns from which he would have nothing to fear.

The reinforcement continued their march on the 11th, and had now to pass a tract of mountainous country covered with rocks and