Page:Dupleix and the Struggle for India by the European Nations.djvu/133

126 of his victory had evaporated, Muhammad Alí found that the only fruit of his victory was the death of his rival. The troops of Tanjore clamoured to be permitted to return to their homes. The Maráthás refused to serve with the troops of Mysore, and the latter declined to be instrumental in pushing further the interests of Muhammad Alí. The disputes became so hot that both the contingents last-named drew off in a huff, making hostile demonstrations against the English. The discords had meanwhile prevented action, and it was not till the 9th of July that Muhammad Alí and the English were able to quit Trichinopoli. Even then, they were forced to leave in that fortress a garrison of 200 Englishmen and 1500 trained sipáhis to protect it against their former allies.

The delay thus caused had been eminently serviceable to Dupleix. During that month the first portion of the annual drafts from France had arrived. They wore few in number, and a very ragged lot, but by replacing the sailors of the vessels by lascars, and enlisting the former, Dupleix was able to dispose of 500 additional men. In another way Fortune came to help him. Major Lawrence and Clive had both been forced by ill-health to proceed to Madras, and the command of the English was left to the not very capable De Gingen. The force was occupying Tiruvádí, a place they had taken from the French, when, contrary to the advice of Lawrence, the English Governor, Saunders, transmitted to De Gingen orders