Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/257

Book VIII. off the cattle and other booty to Dindigul. On the approach of Mahomed Issoof, he took post with a part of his army near the issue of the pass of Nattam, in order to intercept his march. Mahomed Issoof without hesitation attacked, and, with the advantage of superior discipline, and the execution of his fieldpieces, obliged the Mysoreans to give way: who, decamping the ensuing night, crossed the country to Chevelpetore. By this time, the mischief they had done having left nothing more to get worth the expence of remaining in the country, Hyderally collected his detachments, and returned to Dindigul. Mahomed Issoof, on his arrival at Madura, enlisted 400, the best of Berkatoolah's cavalry; the whole of which were remaining encamped 15 miles from the town, waiting for the second payment of the agreement, having as neutrals, neither given molestation to the Mysoreans, or received any from them. He, at the same time, sent invitations to those with Maphuze Khan, and whatsoever other bodies were acting as independent plunderers in the Tinivelly country. As soon as the Mysoreans were gone, he began his march to Tinivelly, with a very considerable force. Passing along the districts of Etiaporum, the Polygar redeemed his hostages, which were in the camp, paying 18,700 rupees, the balance of his fine. The army arrived at the town of Tinivelly about the middle of November, from whence Maphuze Khan on their approach had retired to Nellitangaville. He had, during his residence there, made various attempts to get possession of the fort of Palamcotah, but had taken Calacad, and given it to the king of Travancore. Mahomed Issoof, with a part of the army, marched immediately against this place, which the Travancores abandoned without resistance, and, being followed by him, retired behind their walls in the passes of the mountains, at the foot of the promontory. At the same time, the appearance of other detachments drove away the guards which Maphuze Khan had placed in Papancolam, Alvarcourchy, and Bermadats; and those stationed by the Polygar of Vadagherry, in Tirancourchy. All these places lie to the M. w. of Tinivelly, about Nellitangaville; and parties of Sepoys were left to maintain them. Mahomed Issoof had returned