Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/113

Book VI. unshaken, the Jemautdars of the cavalry seized the commanders of the three companies, and having confined them, disarmed the common men, and turned them out of the town; but the next day released the officers, on recollection that no advantage could be derived from their detention, and that they might, by continuing in the city, learn what it was not wished they should know. As soon as they were gone, the brother of Myana came into the city from the woods of Nattam with 2000 Colleries, a considerable stock of provisions, and some money; in return for which service, the Jemautdars gave him the town of Tirambore and the pagoda of Coilguddy, in which they had some troops. The suddenness and facility with which these operations passed, sufficiently shewed that measures had been previously concerted for the success of the rebellion. The possession of Madura, the principal object of the conspiracy, being secured, it was not thought necessary to dissemble any longer. Invitations were sent to every Polygar in the country to join. A man mounted on an elephant was received in ceremony at Madura, bringing a patent as from the Nabob, appointing Maphuze Cawn to the government: and parties sent into the neighbouring districts, pulled and tore down with derision the Company's flags, which had been planted by the orders of Moodilee, according to the custom of the country, on the lands appropriated to cultivation. The Sepoys which had been turned out of Madura, sent messengers with an account of what had happened to Mahomed Issoof, who had not entertained a surmise, when he received intelligence, of the revolt. He instantly dispatched orders to the detachment marching to Madura, to halt, which they had already done; and to seize Meir Jaffier and his effects. He appointed Jemaul Saheb to remain with 1000 Sepoys at Tinivelly, and proceeding himself with the rest, about 700, joined on the road the detachment he had sent forward, which the Sepoys coming from Madura had joined before. On the 10th of August he encamped at Secunder-maly, a strong post three miles to the south of Madura: his whole force consisted of 1500 Sepoys and six field-pieces; but, not having a piece of battering cannon since he had deprived himself of the 18 pounder, he wisely