Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/579

Book XI But the French troops, having expected to land at Masulipatam, were not provided with equipments for long marches, which it required much time to prepare at Ganjam. They were in the detachment 43 English soldiers, who had been taken prisoners, and had entered into the French service, on condition of being only employed on this expedition. Thirty of these men together made their escape soon after they landed, and, through many hardships, found their way to Cuttack in Orixa in the middle of May, where they were relieved by the English resident, Mr. Grey, who sent them to Balasore, from whence they were conveyed to Calcutta. Seven more arrived at Cuttack in June, and afterwards came in several other deserters of other nations. It was the beginning of July before Mr. Moracin was ready to march; by which time, he had expended all his ready money, and the subsistence of the detachment depended on the sale of some trumpery commodities, and the precarious faith of Narraindeu; who, however, accompanied them with his troops. After three or four marches, they were distressed to extremity for provisions, which neither the army of Narraindeu, nor the inhabitants of his towns, would supply without money. At Burrampoor, a town in the hills, six miles before you arrive at Mogherry, the French soldiers entered the houses to get victuals; a fray ensued, and blood was shed on both sides. Narraindeu, with all the troops, immediately left them; and summoned the assistance of the neighbouring chiefs. The French detachment, having no alternative, marched back towards Ganjam. Narraindeu, and his allies, met them in the way, and stood what they called a battle; but the European arms, as usual, easily dispersed them; and the detachment took post in Munsurcottah, a town situated eight miles from Ganjam, in a country abounding in flocks and grain, where they collected provisions, although surrounded by the enemy; with whom they commenced a negotiation, of which Narraindeu seemed to be as desirous as themselves. To conclude it, one of the French officers, named Darveu, went to Narrainder in his camp, but accompanied by 40 Europeans, and the same number of Sepoys. On their return, they were attacked by the whole force they had visited,