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108 deliberately chosen the method which would require a period extending over months, and it was always possible that during those months events might occur to disturb his calculations. So it happened on this occasion. There had accompanied the English force to Volkondá, in the capacity of Commissary, a young writer of the English Company who had already, as a volunteer, given some proofs of conduct. This writer had been greatly disgusted with the leadership of De Gingen on the occasion of his attack on Volkondá. He had his own ideas as to the way war should be conducted. Regarding failure as certain, if the system then followed should be persevered with, he had quitted the force before it reached the Kolrun, and proceeded to Fort St. David to lay his plans before Mr. Saunders. The name of this officer was Robert Clive.