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Rh On the 5th of April, 1799, the Anglo-Indian Army took their station opposite the western front of the fortress, at the distance of about two miles. The position was strong; their right resting on elevated ground, and their left upon the river Cauvery; while several topes, or groves of trees, which they successively captured, afforded ample materials for the construction of the works. The enemy still occupied a defensive line behind an aqueduct, on which Colonels Wellesley and Shawe made a night attack and were repulsed; but, being reinforced, they carried it in open day.

Meanwhile General Floyd was detached, with a considerable body of infantry and cavalry, and twenty field-pieces, to meet and escort General Stuart and the Bombay army. Tippoo made a large detachment to intercept them; but all attempts failed, and the united bodies joined General Harris in safety on the 14th. Before their arrival Tippoo had addressed a letter to the Commander-in-Chief, declaring that the writer had adhered firmly to treaties, and asking the meaning of the advance of the English armies, and the cause of hostilities. General Harris replied, by directing the Sultan's attention to the letters of the Governor-General for explanation.

Deliberations were now held as to the point whence the town might be most advantageously attacked. There was a south-western angle, by assailing which the besiegers could have obtained a lodgment on the island, and been thereby secured from the expected swelling of the Cauvery; while at the extreme west, the walls extending along the