Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/395

Book X. The approach of the stormy monsoon warned the English squadron to quit the coast; and Mr. Pococke, as on all other occasions of consequence, consulted the Presidency on the security of Madrass during his absence. They were of opinion that the enemy, if at all, would not attack the town before the rains had ceased, which generally happens about the end of November, and had no doubt of defending it until reinforcements should arrive, or the squadron return. But as the lateness of the season might deter the ships expected from England from venturing on the coast until the month of January, they requested Mr. Pococke to lend the marines of the squadron; with which he complied without hesitation. One hundred men were landed, and on the 11th the squadron weighed anchor and sailed for Bombay. Mr. Moracin, having purposely waited at Nelore until the end of September, then began his march with the detachment left to his care by Mr. Bussy, and was accompanied by Nazeabulla with the troops of his government: proceeding through the woods and mountains of Bangar Yatcham Naigue, they arrived at the Pagoda of Tripetty on the 5th of October, the day on which the great annual feast began; which lasts 25 days. They were here joined by Abdulwahab Cawn, with his troops from Chandergherry: they gave no disturbance to the pilgrims, but summoned the renter to dismiss his guards and deliver up the avenues, who, not having a force sufficient to make any effectual opposition, made proposals to rent the revenue of this, and the ensuing feasts, from the French, on the same terms as he had hitherto held them from the English government, and tendered a sum in hand, which Moracin accepted, and confirmed him in the employment. Then leaving a part of his detachment to guard this valuable acquisition, he proceeded on the 16th with the rest and the troops of Nazeabulla, to Arcot, through the country of Bomrauze, who, instead of opposing their passage, paid them a visit. But Abdulwahab, much offended that the management of the pagoda, which had so long been the object of his wishes, was not granted to himself, retired with his troops to Chandergherry. Nazeabulla