Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/347

Book IX. could aggravate his mortifications; not even cowardice itself, although the supposition arose only from the stun which he received in the onset of the Tanjorine horsemen. Being naturally suspicious, and equally inquisitive, he did not remain ignorant of these reports and opinions; but for the present stifled his resentment, in hopes of tracing them to principals worthy of notice, whom he suspected to be the first in the government, from their adherence to Mr. Bussy. These reproaches, however, stimulated his activity to enter immediately into action; and, on his arrival at Pondicherry, whilst arranging with Mr. D'Aché, he ordered Saubinet to march with the 600 Europeans who had encamped with Soupire's, and were fresh men, and retake Trinomalee. But before we open this new campaign, it is necessary to review the events of Mr. Bussy in the Decan; and continue the affairs of Bengal to this period; as each were at this time approaching to an immediate relation with the operations of both nations in the Carnatic.

The force with which Mr. Bussy marched from Rajahmundrum in the beginning of the year, to rejoin Salabadjing at Aurengabad, consisted of 500 Europeans, infantry and artillery, 200 Europeans mounted as Hussars and dragoons, 5000 Sepoys, and 10 field-pieces. They struck directly across the country, passing through Elore, and proceeded in a high road, which had never before been marched by a body of European troops. The distance by the perambulator is nearly 400 miles; which it is said they accomplished in 21 days. On their arrival at Aurengabad, they encamped on the western side of the city, and in the midst of four armies: Nizamally's from Berar; the army of the Subahship, of which Nizamally had likewise assumed the command; of Bassaulet Jung from Adoni; and the Morattoes, now commanded by Balagerow in person, who had come as usual to take advantage of the confusions in the government, but had suspended hostilities. The approach of Mr. Bussy and his force, which was equal in efficacy to any of the armies, suspended all intrigues in attention to his conduct. He immediately visited Salabadjing with much ceremony, and treated him with every mark of respect and allegiance;