Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/678

654 convoy could not avoid without much circuit and trouble. The detachment was immediately joined by another from the camp, when the whole amounted to 200 European foot, 50 Coffrees, 500 Sepoys, 50 European horse, hussars, and 500 black horse; they were commanded by Captain Preston.

The 500 Mysoreans which had returned to Pondicherry were afraid to venture out again in a body, but in every of the succeeding nights sent off small parties, which passed undiscovered. To stop those which remained, two companies of Sepoys, with 100 of the black horse, where detached with Ensign Meredith, and took post at Rangapillah's choultry. Another detachment of Sepoys marched the same day from the camp in quest of a party of Europeans which had marched the night before from Pondicherry for Gingee, but only brought back four, whom they had picked up lagging on the road with fatigue. Early the next morning, a strong detachment from the bounds attacked the post at Rangapillah's choultry, and obliged the party there to retreat. On the first notice, two companies of Sepoys, and all the grand guard of cavalry, marched to sustain them, and the enemy retired on their appearance. In two or three nights more, all the Mysoreans who had returned to Pondicherry were gone, and all their parties had escaped without interruption. News was received at this time that their main body which had assembled at Thiagar, were marched from thence to attack Trinomaly; it was therefore concluded, that they would make no farther efforts of consequence to succour Pondicherry with provisions; and in this persuasion, the Presidency rosumed the intention of blockading Pondicherry by sea and land; and the Governor Mr. Pigot came from Madrass to confer with Admiral Stevens and Colonel Coote on the means.

The ground between Villenore and Perimbé was the best on which the English army could continue, whilst the Mysoreans remained with the French; for it presented a narrow front, was of hazardous approach, afforded several strong posts, and was centrically situated for the expedition of detachments to interrupt any which might be sent from, or coming to the enemy's camp. But this situation did