Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/533

Book XI. Bassaulet Jung; with his army, had, in this while, continued his march from Condavire to the south, and, having passed Ongole, attacked the fort of Pollore, about 30 miles to the north of Nelore and the river Pennar, which, although out of the country of Damerla-Venkytapah-naigue, was of his dependance. This success encreased the fright of all the three polygars, and of Nazeabulla in Nelore; and all renewed their applications to Madrass for immediate assistance, and the Tripetti renter was fully persuaded, that Bassaulet Jung intended to get possession of the pagoda, before the great feast, which begins in the middle of September, and generally produces 20,000£.; and it was known that Bassaulet Jung was in strict correspondence with Pondicherry.

To these alarms on the north of the province, were added others in the south. The detachment with Fumel which had taken, Thiagar had advanced as far as Volcondah, where, after many threats and messages, they had frightened the Kellidar out of 60,000 rupees; and, during the negociation, their horse plundered as far as the straights of Utatoor. It was then reported, that Fumel intended to advance with the whole, and take possession of the island of Seringham, which would give them all the country between Thiagar and Tritchinopoly. This detachment could not be opposed in time from Madrass because the interjacent country was under the enemy's garrisons; and whatsoever troops might be sent from hence, proceeding half way by sea against the monsoon, and then through the country of Tanjore, would not enter into action in less than six weeks, and then, if successful, would be out of the reach of recall. Tritchinopoly was the nearest station to make head against them; but the whole garrison would not, in the field, have been equal to the force with Fumel. Fortunatety, in this concurrence of perplexities, the distresses and discontent of the French army had continued as urgent as ever, even after the expence of the campaign was diminished by their retreat into quarters. In the beginning of August, the whole of Lally's regiment, excepting the Serjeants and corporals, and 50 of the soldiers, mutinied, and marched out of the fort of Chittapet, declaring, that they would not return to their colours, until they had