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208 CHAPTER XII.

Lord Cornwallis prepares to march on Seringapatam – Is joined by the Nizam's Contingent – Advance of the Anglo-Indian Army – Arrival at Seringapatam – Formidable Position of Tippoo – Lord Cornwallis resolves on a Night Attack – Commencement of the Battle of Seringapatam – The Carighant Hill carried by Colonel Maxwell – The Enemy's Line broken – British Troops force the Passage of the river – Establish themselves on the Island – Critical Escape of Tippoo – And of his Treasure – Admirable Defence of the Sultan's Redoubt by the English Garrison – Preparations for the Siege – Impotent Rage of Tippoo – The Anglo-Indian Army reinforced – Desperate Attempt to assassinate Lord Cornwallis – Negotiations for Peace – British Ultimatum – Preparations for Storming – Tippoo accedes to the Terms – His two Sons delivered as Hostages – General Interest excited in their favour – Interruption of the Treaty – Peace finally concluded.

While these operations were carrying on, Lord Cornwallis continued encamped in the neighbourhood, with the main body of his army; till, after some abortive attempts at negotiation, having completed his preparations, and brought his army into a state of full equipment, he determined no longer to delay his march upon the capital. On the 25th of January, 1792, he was joined by the troops of the Nizam, under his son Secunder Jah. This army had been hitherto detained by the siege of Gurrumconda; it consisted of a tumultuary host, closely resembling the corps already described, and giving little hope of an effective co-operation.

Purseram Bhow, who, at the head of his numerous Mahrattas, might have performed with great advantage