Page:History of the French in India.djvu/308

 286 THE STKUGGLES OF DUPLE1X WITH ADVERSITY. chap, cept Chanda Sahib and the French, of whom he had VIL last heard as marching on Volkondah, abont thirty-eight 175! miles to the north-north-east of Trichinapalli, and on the high road to that place. Volkondah was a considerable place, strong in its natural position, and, for a native town, very fairly fortified. The governor held it for the Nawwab of the Karnatik, but as the rival forces approached it from different quarters, he was apparently undecided as to whether Chanda Sahib or Muhammad Ali had the better claim to that title. It was evident that a battle was imminent, and uncertain as to its results, he feared the consequences which a premature declaration in favour possibly of the faction that might be vanquished, might have on the party that should prove victorious. He therefore judiciously declared that the cession of the place would depend upon the issue of the impending contest, whilst at the same time he lent an attentive ear to the offers that were made him by both parties. The march of Chanda Sahib had been so slow that the English had had time to take up a position to the south-west of Volkondah, before he had advanced beyond that place on his road to Trichinapalli. It had now become indispensable for him to occupy Volkondah, and to drive the English from the neighbourhood. To gain over the governor he spared neither persuasion nor promises. Whether these would, under other circum- stances, have brought about the desired result may be doubtful, but this at least is certain, that the shifty con- duct of the governor so wearied the English commander, — who had likewise tried him his on persuasive powers, — that after a fortnight's useless negotiation, he resolved to compel that which the other would not willing yield. On the evening of July 19, therefore, without apparently acquainting the governor with his intention, Captain Gingens marched a great portion of his force against the place, with the intention of taking possession of it.