Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/521

Book XI. camped the next day at Balchitty's choultry, seven miles to the west of Conjeveram. The situation they chose was strong, and the country being quite level, the advanced guards of the two armies were in sight of each other. An exchange of prisoners had been some time before agreed on, and 100 of those taken at Fort St. David arrived at Chinglapet from Pondicherry on the 6th, which enabled the Presidency of Madrass to reinforce their army with that number, although of other Europeans: but the French could not immediately receive an equal advantage, because their prisoners were released from Tritchinopoly, and had to march from thence to Pondicherry. Colonel Brereton fell at this time dangerously ill, and with much regret was obliged to be earned into Madrass, when the command devolved to Colonel Monson, the next officer in the king's regiment, who immediately made preparation, and on three successive days, from the 12th to the 15th, drew the army out of the lines, offering the enemy battle in the plain; but the ground of their encampment was too strong to be attacked by an equal force. By this time, the resources of money and provisions which Mr. Lally had lately procured were nearly exhausted, and the soldiery renewed their complaints, which most of the officers, from personal hatred to himself, were little solicitous to repress. Knowing their discontent, he would not venture the battle he otherwise wished, (for he was always brave and impetuous, and had 2000 Europeans in the field,) before he had tried how far their prejudices might influence their duty: and made several motions, tending to no great consequence, which convinced him, that, in their present mood, they would not fight with ardour under his command. The English army, ignorant of the motives, were much surprized to see the whole of the French quitting their encampment on the 15th, and in march towards Trivatore. From hence they were disposed into different cantonments. Parties were sent to Arcot, Covrepauk, and Carangoly, 200 Europeans to Chittapet, 400 with the field artillery to Vandiwash; 1200, with 100 European horse, marched to Pondicherry, whither Mr. Lally likewise went,