Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/215

Book VIII. frightened by the attack, and agreed to pay 40,000 rupees, but took some days to produce the money. In the mean time, Captain Calliaud, whilst regulating the affairs of the renter at Tinivelly, acquired intelligence, that the confederates were treating with the Mysoreans at Dindigul for aid against the English and their adherents, the Pulitaver offering to pay down 500,000 rupees, and the Jemautdars of Maphuze Khan to give up the districts of Sholavanden, in which are comprized a strong pass, and the only road, between Madura and Dindigul. Nevertheless it was not intended that the country, when conquered, should be given either to the Mysorean or Maphuze Khan: it was to be restored to a descendant of the ancient kings, who lived in concealment in the country of the greater Moravar: and Maphuze Khan was to have a suitable establishment in Mysore.

This news encreased the necessity of attacking Madura as soon as possible; but the arrangements at Tinivelly were not finished until the 10th of April, on which day, Captain Calliaud began his march from thence, with 180 Europeans, 2,500 Sepoys, six fieldpieces, and 500 horse: Mahmood Issoof commanded the Sepoys, and MoodSee what horse were levied by himself. Six companies of Sepoys were left for the defence of Tinivelly, and the same number in the fort of Palamcotah. On the same day, Berkatoolah and Nabey Cawn Catteck set off from Nellitangavile, with 500 horse, leaving Maphuze Khan with the Pulitaver. Skirting along the hills, they halted one evening near the fort of the Polygar Vaniah, of Shevagherry, which stood 60 miles s. w. of Madura, and 20 below Chevelpetore. The Polygar, having been attached by Mahomed Issoof, sent out his Colleries, who, in the middle of the night, fell upon this body of cavalry, and with their screams and fireworks dispersed the whole, and took 40 of their horses. fugitives re-assembled in the morning, and arrived at Madura on the 17th; from whence Nabey Cawn Catteck immediately went to the greater Moravar, in order to prepare supplies of provisions for the city. On the 20th, the English army arrived at Secundermally, and lodged themselves in the pagoda; from whence Mahomed Issoof, with a party of Sepoys,