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248 For some time before the attack Tippoo had inhabited an apartment in one of the gateways, called Cullaly-Didy, on the northern rampart, in order to be near the scene of action; and on the morning of the 4th of May, having carefully inspected the breach, he could not avoid perceiving that his situation was now become very critical. He did not, however, betray any symptoms of fear; but issued his orders to Meer Ghofar, who commanded the troops in the vicinity of the breach, with his usual coolness and precision.

Tippoo, as we before said, was taking his repast at noon, when information was brought to him that Lynd Ghofar, to whom he had just given his last orders, was killed at the breach by a cannon-ball. He was much agitated at this intelligence, and exclaimed, "Lynd Ghofar was a brave man, and feared not death: he has obtained the crown of martyrdom." He had scarcely uttered these words, when a roar of cannon and musketry gave notice that the attack had commenced; he washed his hands with great coolness, ordered his fusees to be loaded, and, followed by a number of his officers and servants, hastened along the northern rampart towards the scene of action.

On his way to the breach, Tippoo met a number of his troops flying before the storming-party, which had now mounted the walls. He rallied the fugitives, and made head against the assailants, several of whom were shot by his own hand. At length, however, finding himself almost deserted, he was obliged to retire to the traverses of the north ramparts, which he defended, one after another, with the bravest of his men and officers, till a party of the 12th King's regiment having taken him in flank, he was unwillingly compelled to retreat.

Fatigued, suffering from the intense heat, and pained by an old wound, Tippoo mounted his horse, and retired slowly along the northern rampart. The British were momentarily gaining ground, the garrison flying in every direction, while a spattering fusilade, and occasionally a