march. This activity of the enemy, and the misfortunes of the British army, were attributed to the dissensions which had long divided the council of Madras. The officers of the army were discontented. The natives no longer evinced any confidence in the British, and a languid inactivity re tarded every operation. In this extremity, governor-general Hastings requested Sir Eyre Coote to take upon himself the conduct of the war. When this gentleman took the supreme command, he restored to all parties a confidence which had long been wanting. Hyder, who had taken by storm Arcot, the capital of a nabob who had long favoured the British, and who had invested many other places, immediately thought it necessary to change his mode of military operations. On the approach of the British troops every siege was abandoned; while he himself, with the main body, retired before them to a considerable distance. Perceiving that it would be difficult to force Hyder to a general engagement, the British turned their arms to the reduction of Pondicherry, the inhabitants of which had revolted. They were easily disarmed, and their magazines were seized. It soon appeared that this precaution was not unnecessary. squadron approached the harbour, but finding that the place was again in the power of the British, it was obliged to put to sea.

A French

Hyder, in the meantime, had been constantly employed in drawing large reinforcements from different parts of his dominions. At length his army amounted to 200,000 men; of whom 40,000 were cavalry, and 15,000 sepoys well disciplined. He resolved to venture a pitched battle, but was willing to engage with every possible advantage. He chose a favourable position, and waited the arrival of the British army. Coote, instead of hesitating to advance, eagerly embraced an opportunity, for which he had long vainly wished. The battle took place on the 1st of July, 1781, and lasted seven hours with uncommon obstinacy. But Hyder's superiority of numbers, and his imitations of European discipline, were vainly opposed to the resolute courage of European troops completely instructed in the art of European tactics. The Indians retreated; but the want of cavalry prevented the British from pursuing their advantage. Hyder's army had not been so far reduced by this conflict, nor the resolution of its leader so much weakened, but that he soon after ventured another general engagement with the British army. This battle was fought on the 27th of the following August, near the place where colonel Baillie had been defeated. The Indian, as usual, had chosen for his troops an excellent position, and had planted his cannon in such situations, as to do great execution. But, though his troops fought with an obstinacy seldom seen in an Indian army, and though they maintained their ground from eight in the morning till evening, they were at length forced to give way. In this engagement the

2 An account of the celebrated trial of this gentleman in Westminster Hall for abuses in his government, which trial, after being protracted through eight years, ter minated, in 1795, in the honourable acquittal of the accused, does not come within the scope of this article. But the reader is referred, for an acute analysis of the whole proceedings, to Mr Mill's History of British India. "It is admitted," says Sir John Malcolm, "that, during a time of unexampled public embarrassment, and at a moment when he had to contend against those from whom he should have derived support, Mr Hastings showed all the active energy of a great statesman; and, by his spirited and extraordinary exertions, saved the interests of his country from the ruin in which they would have undoubtedly been involved, had a man of less resolution, fortitude, and genius, held the reins of government. This is his praise. But his most strenuous advocates are forced to acknowledge, that the whole system of the government over which he presided was corrupt and full of abuses. There can be no doubt, therefore, that the promoters of these inquiries, however mixed their motives may have been, became entitled to the gratitude of their country."

British lost many of their troops, and, among the rest, a considerable number of officers.

This defeat, instead of producing upon Hyder the expected effect, rather elevated than depressed his courage. His troops were evidently making daily improvement in discipline; they daily fought with more courage and obstinacy; and, though they were forced ultimately to give way, the impression made on the British was evidently greater: and he hoped soon to be able successfully to contend with his formidable adversaries. After a few weeks, therefore, he led his men to a third battle, in which his loss was greater, in proportion as the attack was more furious, and perhaps conducted with less caution. No defeat, however, could taine the courage or activity of Hyder. Instead of permitting his troops to enjoy any repose, after their fatigues and repeated disasters, he immediately conducted them to the siege of Vellore. This siege was carried on with considerable vigour; but was far from occupying the whole of his attention. He was convinced that the British would attempt to relieve the place, and he took possession of a pass, through which, when advancing for that purpose, it was necessary they should march. When the British general arrived at this place, he found that his way lay through a marsh: and that the higher grounds on each side were occupied by strong detachments of the Indian army. Through this pass he forced his way, succeeded in carrying relief into Vellore, and returned by the same road, through greater opposition than had been made when he advanced.

These repeated defeats convinced Hyder, that, to lead his army so frequently to battle, was to exhaust his force, without gaining any adequate advantage. He did not, therefore, for some time, evince the same ardour to engage in active hostilities. This interval was made use of by the British for the purpose of attacking the Dutch settlements at Negapatam. The conduct of the expedition was committed to Sir Hector Munro, who, in a short time, made himself master of the place. To the capture of Negapatam succeeded that of Trincomalee. In this expedition admiral Hughes co-oporated with general Munro. The resistance was considerable, and about 60 of the British fell: few of the Dutch were killed. The garrison, amounting to 400 Europeans,, were made prisoners of war; and two Indiamen, with several small trading vessels, were found in the harbour.

The attention of admiral Hughes was soon forced from co-operation with the land forces against the Dutch, to a more formidable adversary. Admiral Suffrein, with 11 sail of French ships, and several frigates, arrived upon the coast. Hughes had been joined by three ships of the line. A fourth had been captured by the French upon the voyage. The French admiral, imagining that the British had not been joined by the re-inforcement, proceeded in search of them to Madras. He no sooner perceived that the re-inforcement had actually arrived, than he was no less eager to escape than he had formerly been to pursue. Admiral Hughes retook five British prizes, with a French transport, which, besides having on board 300 soldiers, and several officers of the army, was laden with gunpowder, and other military stores. These captures incited the French admiral to an engagement. He directed his principal efforts against the rear division, which he perceived to be unable to keep up with the rest of the fleet. At length the wind became more favourable for the British. The French, dreading to await the attack of the whole fleet, drew off their ships. In this engagement the British had 130 men killed and wounded. The loss of the French was 250. Hughes sailed immediately to Madras,

and thence proceeded to Trincomalee, to secure that place from the attacks of the French, as well as to protect a convoy of stores and re-inforcements which was expected from Britain. Suffrein had received intelligence of this convoy, and was actually in search of it when the British fleet came in sight. An engagement immediately commenced. The British admiral had been re-inforced by two ships of the line, and was more able to contend with the French, than he had been in the late action. The battle continued till night with much obstinacy; and so much had both fleets suffered, that neither party was next day able or willing to renew the contest. By these engagements the fleets had disabled each other, without gaining any decisive advantage. The greatest benefit derived from them, by the British, was the preventing of Hyder from receiving the re-inforce ments which he had expected from the French; a disappointment, which, to Hyder, was of the most serious consequence. At the same time, he had been obliged to raise the siege of Tellicherry. His forces in that quarter were obliged to retire, and an opening was thus made into that part of the country on which Hyder had the greatest dependence.

The advantage of having delayed Hyder's French re-inforcements, and of having forced him to raise the siege of Tellichery, was in some measure overbalanced by the defeat and capture of a part of the British army. Colonel Braithwaite, with 100 Europeans, 1500 native troops, and 300 cavalry, had been detached from the army of Sir Eyre Coote, and lay encamped on the banks of the Coleroon. Tippoo had been informed of the situation of this party, and had resolved to attack it by surprise. He marched with 15,000 cavalry, and 5,000 infantry, accompanied by a par ty of French troops; and proceeded with a celerity which prevented the British from receiving any information of his approach till they were actu ally surrounded. Braithwaite formed his men into a square, placing the cavalry in the centre, and his artillery upon the front. In this manner he, for three days, sustained the utmost efforts of the surrounding army. was frequently attacked, but as frequently repelled the enemy. These numerous attacks, however, were not sustained without the loss of a great number of the British forces. At length, Lally, provoked that so small a body of troops should so long baffle the efforts of a numerous army, with the French troops furiously attacked one side of the square, while the other sides were attacked by Tippoo. The British, diminished in number, and worn out by fatigue, reluctantly gave way. Many of them were killed, and probably the whole might have been sacrificed to the fury of the Indians, had not Lally interposed in their favour. All that survived were made prisoners. Only one of the officers remained unwounded, and by far the greater part fell in the combat.

He

The reinforcements from France, which Hyder had expected with se much anxiety, at length arrived. They were landed under M. Duchemin. They were soon joined by Hyder, and immediately proceeded to lay siege to Wandewash, a place of considerable importance. Coote hastened to its relief, and Hyder, though supported by the French, durst not risk an engagement. He drew off his men to an advantageous position, and the British proceeded to lay siege to Arnee, where Hyder had a magazine of warlike stores. He was thus obliged to quit his advantageous position, in order to relieve the place. His motions, however, were accompanied with such secrecy and despatch, that he approached the British army before they knew of his march. Having planted his artillery upon the surrounding eminences, his cavalry attacked the British, who were to march through

the low grounds. Notwithstanding the number of the enemy, and the disadvantages of their situation, the British engaged with ardour, and forced Hyder to retreat. The want of cavalry always prevented the British from pursuing the victories which their valour had acquired. Hyder's troops, though vanquished, retreated with comparatively little loss. This on no occasion was more evident than on the present: for, notwithstanding his defeat, Hyder, within five days, cut off an advanced body of the British army, and harassed Coote so much, that he was obliged to abandon his attempt against Arnee, and to retreat towards Madras. Madras was at this time suffering under an accumulation of evils. The ravages of Hyder had driven crowds of the inhabitants from all parts of the country to seek refuge in the capital, where multitudes were daily perishing of want. Fortunately for the British, the French had no knowledge of the unprotected and starving condition of the town, or they would certainly have taken advantage of it.

Tippoo Saib.] In the midst of this gloom which overhung the prospects of the British, Hyder Ali died, December 1782, at an age exceeding eighty. About the same time Sir Richard Bickerton arrived from Britain, with five ships of the line, having on board land forces to the amount of 5000 men. Nor were the French backward in re-inforcing their fleet and their army. The former was to be joined by several ships of the line, while the latter was to be augmented by 5000 men, from their settlements on the African islands. To counteract, in some measure, the operations of the Indians and French upon the opposite coast, the presidency of Bombay proposed to make a powerful diversion upon the coast of Malabar. An expedition, for this purpose, had been undertaken in 1781. General Humberstone, with a considerable body of forces, had invaded the Mysore country. Humberstone with ease entered Hyder's territories upon this side, and made himself master of several places of some strength. When proceeding to attack Paligautcherry, however, he was suddenly surrounded by a numerous army; and, after being obliged to leave behind him his baggage and provisions, it was with much difficulty that he led off his troops. But, though Humberstone escaped from this danger, another immediately threatened him. Tippoo followed him with an army of 20,000 infantry, and 10,000 cavalry, attended by Lally and a body of French. Scarcely had he entered Panyany, when the place was invested. Two frigates, which came to its relief, prevented Tippoo from making a forcible impression. The siege went on slowly, till Tippoo, impatient of delay, with fury attacked the British lines. Notwithstanding the vigorous exertions of the Indians, supported by the French, they were obliged to retreat; and such was their loss, that Tippoo raised the siege with precipitation.

To support Humberstone's detachment, general Matthews was despatched with a powerful re-inforcement. Matthews soon effected the intended junction, and, in 1783, proceeded on an expedition into the territory of Canara, that part of Hyder's dominions for which he had evinced the greatest partiality. Hyder no longer existed to check their efforts: but Tippoo, his son and successor, inherited too much of his father's activity, to permit the British, unmolested, to ravage his dominions. In a short time, the British army was invested in Bednore, the capital of Canara, by an Indian army consisting of 150,000 men. They were soon obliged to capitulate. They were to be permitted to retire to the British settlements, on condition that all public property should remain in the fort. Tippoo, however, accused the garrison of embezzling the property which they had

engaged to deliver. The general and many of his principal officers were made prisoners; an, after enduring many hardships, were at length poisoned at Seringapatam.

The war in India was prosecuted, by the British and French, during the greater part of 1783, long after peace had been re-established between the mother-countries in Europe. It had been resolved by the council of Bengal, to afford such assistance to the presidency of Madras, as should enable it to make a powerful impression on the force of Tippoo. For this purpose a sum of money was despatched, along with Sir Eyre Coote, who was to have conducted the operations of the war, but who died two days after he arrived at Madras. In the meantime, colonel Fullarton, who had been despatched for that purpose by general Stuart, invaded the territory of Coimbetoor, taking several forts. At length, however, he was recalled, to co-operate with Stuart in the siege of Cuddalore, an undertaking which proved so difficult, that the execution of it was interrupted by the general pacification. After the British had been driven from Bednore, sometimes called Hydernagur, the only places subject to their arms in Canara, were Mangalore, Onore, and Carwar. All these places were besieged at the same time. The attacks were vigorous, but the defence was no less obstinate; and the treaty of peace entered into with Tippoo in March, 1784, put a stop to hostilities.

The peace which had been concluded in India, was not of long duration. Tippoo was without doubt the most powerful of all the Indian princes. His dominions were equal in extent to Great Britain; his revenue was computed at four millions sterling; and his military establishment consisted of about 150,000 men. It was not therefore to be supposed, that a person, possessed of the ambitious and restless disposition which characterized Tippoo, would long remain at peace with such an immense force at his disposal, or that he would find any difficulty in raising pretences for commencing hostilities. Accordingly, in 1789, he approached the country of Travancore with the avowed purpose of recovering two places which the rajah of that district had purchased from the Dutch, but which Tippoo alleged were dependent upon him. As this rajah had put himself under the protection of the British, and was acknowledged to be so by the treaty with Tippoo in 1784, war between the latter and the British seemed unavoidable. Lord Cornwallis at this time was governor-general of India. His first object was to conclude a treaty with the Nizam of the Deccan and the Paishwah of the Mahrattas, while preparations were made to assist the rajah. The army of the Carnatic was assembled in the southern provinces. No less was projected, than to reduce the province of Coimbetoor, with the adjacent territory; and by the pass of Gujelhatty, to advance to the siege of Seringapatam. The army appointed for the execution of this design was put under the command of general Meadows. Abercrombie, with the army of Bombay, was to attempt the reduction of the country situated to the W. of that ridge commonly called the Ghauts; and, after having effected this purpose, he was to co-operate with the main body. The Poona Mahrattas and the Nizam were to invade the territories of Tippoo from their respective frontiers: Seringapatam was the point at which they were to meet. While major Kelly, occupying a position on the line between Madras and the passes leading to My-ore, commanded what, from its situation, was called the centre army, and was appointed to secure the Carnatic.

General Meadows, with 14,000 men, on the 24th of May, 1799, a l