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220 There was nothing, therefore, but the general uncertainty of human things, which could leave a doubt on the mind of Tippoo as to his approaching downfall. He accordingly determined to seek peace on almost any conditions; and for this purpose sent Lieutenants Chalmers and Nash, whom he had basely imprisoned for their noble defence of Coimbatore, to Lord Cornwallis, to convey to that commander the Sultan's earnest wish for peace, and the proposal to send an envoy to treat for it.

Coincident with this pacific mission to the English camp, another was preparing of a very different character. Its object was the death of the English Commander-in-Chief; and on an expedition directed to this purpose, a select body of horse moved on the same day on which the two British officers were released, and crossed the river at Arikery. The movement was observed, but no particular importance was attached to it. The following day was employed by the detached party of the enemy in collecting information. On the third day their advanced guard interposed itself between the camp of Nizam Ali and that of the English; not unobserved, but without exciting suspicion, the intruders being mistaken for a party of Nizam Ali's horse. So similar were they to that body in appearance that they were allowed, without interruption, to advance to the British park of artillery; and when arrived there, they carelessly asked of some natives in attendance on the guns which was the tent of the Burrah Sahib, the principal commander.

Even yet no suspicion was excited, but the question was misapprehended; and being supposed to apply to the tent of Colonel Duff, the commandant of artillery, it was, without hesitation, pointed out to them. The horsemen then suddenly drew their swords, and galloped towards the tent which they supposed to be that of Lord Cornwallis, cutting down the few persons whom they met on their way; but before they reached the tent towards which they were furiously riding, their ardour received a check. On the alarm of their approach, a small body