n
command of his troop, and finding that he was able and energetic,
requested Charlie to send orders to him to join either the force under
Captain Preston, at Chingalpatt, or that of a native leader, Mahomed
Issoof, both of whom were ravaging and destroying the country about
Conjeveram, whence the French besieging Madras drew most of their
provisions. Charlie himself was requested to remain in the fort, where
his experience in sieges would render him of great value.

At daybreak on the 2nd of January, the Lorraine and Lally Batteries
opened fire. The English guns, however, proved superior in weight and
number, dismounted two of the cannon, and silenced the others. The
French mortars continued to throw heavy shell into the fort, and that
night most of the European women and children were sent away, in
native boats. The French batteries, finding the superiority of the
English fire, ceased firing until the 6th, when seven guns and six
large mortars from Lally's Battery, and eight guns and two mortars
from the Lorraine Battery, opened upon the town.

The cannonade now continued without intermission, but the enemy gained
but little advantage. Every day, however, added to their strength, as
fresh vessels with artillery continued to arrive from Pondicherry.
They were now pushing their approaches from Lally's Battery towards
the demi-bastion. The losses on the part of the besieged were
considerable, many being killed and wounded each day. This continued
to the end of the month, in spite of many gallant sorties by parties
of the besiegers, who repeatedly killed and drove out the working
parties in the head of the French trenches. These progressed steadily,
and reached to the outworks of the demi-bastion.

On the 25th the Shaftesbury, one of the Company's trading vessels,
commanded by Captain Inglis, was seen approaching. The five French
ships hoisted English colours. A catamaran was sent out to warn her,
and at nine o'clock in the evening she came to anchor. She had on
board only some invalids, but brought the welcome news that three
other ships, with troops, would soon be up. She had on board, too,
thirty-seven chests of silver, and many military stores, among them
hand grenades and large shell, which were most welcome to the
garrison, who had nearly expended their supply. The native boats went
off from the fort, and brought on shore the ammunition and stores.

In the afternoon the Shaftesbury was attacked by the two French