Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/709

Book XIII named Vizvazypunt, which crossed the Kristna in the month of February, and advancing to the southward stopped frequently to exact contributions from forts and strong holds in the way; several of which, on denial, they took. In the beginning of June they halted and encamped at Chinabalabaram, on the confines of Mysore to the N. E. and not far from the hills to the N.W. of the Carnatic, from whence Vizvazypunt sent letters, signifying expectations of money, but proffering assistance to the Nabob Mahomed Ally; and others to the king of Mysore, demanding with more authority the arrears of the chout, or tribute, to which the Morattoe nation pretends a right from all the countries in the peninsula. At this time Hyder Ally, at Seringapatam, the capital of Mysore, had, as if in disgust, resigned his employments of general and minister: he had some time before concluded his treaty with M. Lally, and sent off the body of 4000 Mysoreans, which came to Pondicherry under the command of his brother-in-law Muctoon Saheb; relying on this alliance, and his own courage, he was so assured of his importance and safety, that he abided at a town within three miles of Seringapatam, with all his family of women, attended only by 300 horsemen, who were of proved fidelity and resolution. Agents accompanied the letters of Vizvazypunt, with whom the king concerted, that their master should move with his army to Seringapatam, as if to hasten by intimidation the levy of a large contribution, which the king had privately consented to pay. Hyder Ally supposed, that their approach would, reinstate him in the command of the king's forces to oppose them, and discovered when near, that the Morattoes had engaged to seize his person; on which he mounted in the dead of night, accompanied by some of his horsemen, and left his whole family behind. Some Morattoes followed them, whom he out-stripped, and the next day arrived at Bangalore, a strong city 60 miles to the north of Seringapatam. Being the bringer of his own errand, he had time, and found means to engage some of the officers, who prevailed on the rest to declare they would abide by his fortunes; and in consequence they shut the gates. From this retreat he immediately sent orders to his brother-in-law, to quit the