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138 nominated Murtizá Alí, a relation of the deceased Chandá Sáhib, to be Nuwáb of the Karnátik. In his name, whilst Lawrence was chained to Trichinopoli, he would recover that territory. He sent then positive instructions to Maissin to storm Tiruvádí. Maissin attacked (May 3), and was repulsed; attacked again a few days later, and was again driven back. On the second occasion, however, the English garrison, not content with repulsing their enemy, followed him into the field. There they were surrounded by the Maráthá horsemen, and cut to pieces to a man. Tiruvádí then surrendered; Chilambaram followed suit; then Murtizá Alí started with a considerable native force and fifty French soldiers to recover the strong places in North and South Arcot. To a very large extent he succeeded, defeating the supporters of Muhammad Alí in a pitched battle, and clearing the provinces, except in the vicinity of Trichinopoli, of active enemies.

Lawrence, meanwhile, marching rapidly, had entered Trichinopoli the 6th of May. But sickness and desertions had greatly reduced his force. When he mustered his troops after his arrival he found he could put into the field, including the soldiers which the garrison could spare, only 500 Europeans, 80 artillery-men, 2000 sipáhis, and 3000 of rabble cavalry in the service of Muhammad Alí. With this force he marched to drive the French from Srirangam. But the reinforcements despatched by Dupleix had reached that island the day after Lawrence had arrived