Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/746

722 be furnished to prevent disorders." "And all these conditions were to be executed with good faith."

Colonel Coote, in answer to Mr. Lally's memorial, said, that "the particulars of the capture of Chandernagore were before his Britannic Majesty, which precluded any discussion on this subject, neither had it any relation to the surrender of Pondicherry." "That the dispute concerning the cartel remaining undecided, precluded his consent that the troops in Pondicherry should be deemed prisoners on the terms of that cartel; but that they must surrender prisoners of war, to be treated at his discretion, which should not be deficient in humanity." "That the gates of the town and citadel should be taken, possession of by the English troops at the hours proposed by Mr. Lally." That the mother and sisters of Rajahsaheb should be escorted to Madrass, where proper care should be taken for their safety, and that they should not on any account be delivered into the hands of the Nabob Mahomedally." To the other deputies Colonel Coote only said, that their propositions were answered In his answer to Mr. Lally: they returned into the town at midnight.

The next morning, it was the 16th of January, the grenadiers of Coote's regiment marched from the camp, and took possession of the Villenore gate. Colonel Coote dined with Mr. Lally; who, apprehensive of tumult or disorders, consented that the citadel should be delivered up in the evening, that the soldiers might be put under confinement before night. Accordingly more troops marched in from the camp; and in the afternoon the garrison drew up under arms on the parade before the citadel, and the English troops facing them; Colonel Coote then reviewed the line, which, exclusive of commissioned officers, invalids, and others who had hid themselves, amounted to 1100, all wearing the face of famine, fatigue, or disease. The grenadiers of Lorrain and Lally, once the ablest bodied men in the army, appeared the most impaired, having constantly put themselves forward to every service; and it was recollected, that from their first