Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/528

504 Masulipatam on the 1st of June, and on the 15th began their march back with 200 of the prisoners; but on the 3d day were recalled by Colonel Forde, in consequence of intelligence which threatened their farther progress with danger. The Subah Salabadjing, on his return from Masulipatam, halted within four days of Hyderabad, and commenced a negotiation with his brother Nizamally. An interview ensued, which was followed by a reconciliation, and concluded by the restoration of Nizamally to the same extensive powers in the government of the Decan, which had excited the apprehensions of Mr. Bussy, and the mortal hatred of both to each other, in the beginning of the preceding year. This revolution in the administration deprived Bassaulet Jung, the other brother, of all his power; which had been considerable as Duan, and little controled by the indolence of Salabadjing. He therefore marched away in seeming disgust with his brothers; but with most against the ablest; and took with him the troops which had formed Conflans' army of observation. They were 200 Europeans, and the 2000 Sepoys under the command of Zulfacar Jung: his own were 1500 good horse, and 5000 foot of various sorts, with a train of heavy artillery. They recrossed the Kristna, summoning acknowledgments, and plundering the country; and when Bonjour's detachment, set out from Masulipatam, were arrived at Condavire, within 50 miles of the road of his march. From hence, Bassaulet Jung, and his principal officers, sent forward threatening letters to Nazeabulla at Nelore, and the three greater Polygars, as well as all the lesser ones along the Pennar, ordering them to account for their shares of the tribute with the arrears, due to the throne through the officiality of the Subah of the Decan, by whom Bassaulet Jung, pretended he was commissioned to call them to account; and, as a more effectual terror, gave out, that he should pass through their countries, in order to join the French at Arcot. The style of his letters, and still more his approach, had deterred Nazeabulla, as well as the northern Polygars, from giving any assistance to the English in recovering the mountain of Tripetti; although all applied to Madrass for assistance to defend themselves. This consternation was strong, when the renter was repulsed in the