Page:The Marquess Cornwallis and the Consolidation of British Rule.djvu/29

Rh man. Some territory was ceded to us. A considerable sum was exacted as a fine, and the two eldest sons of Tipú were brought to the tent of the Governor-General and delivered over to him as hostages for the future. A well-known old print of this imposing ceremony is still to be found in country houses in England.

A link with the past history of Mysore was long furnished by the third son of Tipú, Prince Ghulám Muhammad, who, younger than his brothers the hostages, survived down to our own times, — a loyal, hospitable, and peaceful subject, residing in the neighbourhood of Alipur, who on two separate occasions paid a visit to England. Many Englishmen have a pleasant recollection of the old Prince's hospitality: his entertainment of Viceroys at his residence; and his black horse with a long tail that swept the ground, as he took his leisurely morning canter round the race-course of Calcutta.

Some other incidents in the foreign policy of Cornwallis's administration may be briefly noticed. Sindhia was informed, through the Resident, Major Palmer, that the Governor-General would be ready to interpose with his good offices and advice, and to adjust differences between Gwalior and the Vizir of Oudh, But the Maráthá ruler was warned at the same time that any insult offered or injury done to the Vizir or his subjects would be looked on as offered to the subjects of the Company. Though the