his customary repast under a pandal or awning. Having left strict orders with Meer Goffar, a favourite officer, to keep a strict guard, he had scarcely left the spot before he was informed that Meer Goffar was killed by a cannon-ball. "Well,” he replied, "Meer Goffar was never afraid of death ;" and directing his attendants to load his carbines, he instantly ordered the troops under arms. Hastening towards the breach, he met his troops in flight, and saw the van of the assailants scaling the walls. He tried to rally the fugitives, both by his voice and example, repeatedly firing on the troops as they mounted the breach. Almost alone, he retreated to the north ramparts, where, surrounded by numbers of his bravest troops, he continued to dispute the tra verses one after another, assisted by the enfilading fire from the inner walls. The assailants were compelled to halt, until the 12th, crossing the inner ditch, took him in flank; and he retreated, fighting, towards the gate of the inner fort. Here he mounted his horse; and the British pressing on, he made for the gate, followed by his palanquin, and a number of officers and troops. Here he received a musket-ball in the right side, but still kept his seat till he was stopped half-way through the arch, where he was struck by a second ball, close to the other. His horse being also wounded sunk under him, and his turban fell to the ground. He was raised up by his officers, now fast falling around him, and placed in his palanquin, where he lay exhausted; till the Europeans rushing in, one of the soldiers seized the Sultan's sword-belt, which was very rich, and attempted to pull it off. Roused at the indignity, the offended monarch made a cut at the soldier, whom he wounded in the knee, and at the same instant was himself shot through the head. He instantly expired, where he lay, surrounded by

heaps of the dying and the dead.

Major Allan was the first to summon the palace, which surrendered after a brief parley; General Baird was already at its gates. The sons of Tippoo were brought into his presence ;*

* Two youths, from fifteen to seventeen years of age.

terror was impressed upon their features; and they had not yet heard of their father's death. They knew the sufferings which General Baird, when a prisoner, had undergone, and that several Europeans taken during the siege, had been put to death. Yet the just indignation of their conqueror, gave way to milder feelings as he beheld them trembling before him, with their eyes bent in tears upon the ground. He at once soothed their fears, assured them of their safety, and bade them rely on the promises of protection which he had given. General Baird now proceeded to the northern gateway, where he was informed that the Sultan had fallen. When the body was first recognised amidst heaps of slain, the eyes were open and it was so warm, that Colonel Wellesley, who was already on the spot, was doubtful whether he did not still breathe; his countenance was no way disturbed, but wore an appearance of fearless calm. His turban, jacket, and sword-belt were gone; and an officer who was present, with the leave of General Baird, tore off from his right arm the talisman, which contained, sewed up in pieces of fine flowered silk, an amulet, and some magical characters written in Arabic and Persian. The body was placed in the palanquin, and conveyed to the court of the palacewhence he had only that morning issued-still the Sultan of the Mysore.

General Baird having expressed a desire to be relieved, Colonel Wellesley being next upon the roster, was ordered the same night to take command of the fortress. He ordered preparations to be made for the Sultan's funeral, and permitted the principal Cauzee, as was customary, to superintend. He also gave directions that four flank companies of Europeans should attend, and that minute guns should be fired during the interval―intending to show due honour to the remains of a brave soldier. Yet such was the terror at first inspired by the dreadful storm, and the presence of the injured Baird, who it was feared might take vengeance on those who had oppressed him, that the Prince Abdul Khalie was afraid to

accept of these marks of honour, till convinced of the real intent.

We find that the first use made by Colonel Wellesley of his power as commander of Seringapatam, was to conciliate the inhabitants, to administer strict justice, and prevent every kind of excess. He went himself into the houses of the principal inhabitants, and established safeguards; and all classes soon felt a general confidence in his measures. The inhabitants and

the country people, who had fled on all sides, returned into the town, the usual avocations were resumed, the bazaars were again stored, and it was declared by an eyewitness, that three days after the storm the leading streets were so crowded as to be almost impassable, presenting rather the appearance of a fair than of a newly-captured town.

In his correspondence with the commander-in-chief, Colonel Wellesley describes the difficulties with which he had to contend in preserving due order and respect for the laws, and the necessity there was for hanging some of the plunderers by way of example. He also notices the judicious conduct of General Baird, in having, previous to his arrival, given the treasure in charge to the prize agents.* For a few days, the new governor considered it advisable that the officers of the army should suspend the gratification of their curiosity, and that none but those on duty should come into the town. It would increase the confusion and terror of the inhabitants; and, till both subsided, it could not be expected that they would return to their habitations.

Having buried the dead, established peace, and given orders as to the treasure, it became his next consideration to obtain a permanent garrison, so as to permit him to discharge his duties

"There are some tigers here," adds the Colonel in a postscript," which I wish Meer Allum would send for, or else I must give orders to have them shot, as there is no food for them, and nobody to attend to them, and they are getting violent."

as one of the commissioners appointed for the final regulation and the details of the new conquest. The removal of the families of Hyder Ali and Tippoo Sultan, had become indispensable, by the policy of restoring to their throne the children of the former dynasty. In removing the fallen princes from Seringapatam to the Carnatic, Colonel Wellesley, as we shall show, adopted such precautions, as completely to obviate the apprehension of commotion or escape.

CHAPTER III.

(1800 to 1805.)

The Sultan's seraglio and treasury-Delicate questions-Displeasure of the Governor-general-Appointment to command the troops-Letters-Civil duties-Solidity of his views-Active service-Expedition against Dhoondiah-Success of the campaign-Civil government-Exertions of Colonel Wellesley-Visits different places in the Mysore-Correspondence with his friends-Playful turn of mind-Strict attention to orders-Confidence reposed in him by the Governor-general-Projected expedition to BataviaCommand in the Mysore-Correspondence with the Governor-general and with Lord Clive-Suggestions and plans for the new expedition-Ardour in the public service-Acts on his own responsibility-Incurs the displeasure of the Governor-general-General Baird-Colonel Wellesley's vindication -Correspondence with his brothers-His affectionate disposition-His candour and frankness-High sense of honour and justice-Affair of General Baird-Illness of Colonel Wellesley-Return to Mysore-Military chiefs-Anecdotes-Active campaign-Successes-Pursuit of the rebel chiefs Skilful combinations Restoration of the Peshwah Diplomatic skill-Justice and humanity-Active war-Comprehension and vigour of mind-His victories in the Deccan-Assaye-Anecdotes— Army of General Lake-Estimable conduct-Private benefactions-Generosity-Effect of his example on his contemporaries-Powers of observation-Suffers from long field service-Interferes in behalf of the vanquished-Summary of the late wars-Favourable results-Progress through the Deccan-His civil policy-And municipal regulations-Prepares to leave India-Takes leave of the army.

WITH regard to the removal of the young princes of Mysore, the Governor-general was of opinion, that it could not be intrusted to any person more likely to combine every office of humanity, with the prudential precautions required, than Colonel Wellesley. He therefore committed to his discretion and activity, the whole arrangement, subject always to such suggestions as might be offered by the other commissioners. He desired that Colonel Wellesley, in his name, would give the