cknow, and Benares, with all other
places where Hastings could put in a claim, whether real or fictitious,
were called upon for their contributions. But money would have been
of little service in this war without active measures on the part
of Hastings. This he saw, and he immediately concluded a peace
with Scindia, recalled Popham from the Jumna, and adjusted amicable
arrangements with the other Mahratta powers, under the guarantee of
the Rajah of Berar He also recalled the inept Governor of Madras, and
invited Sir Eyre Coote to take the command of Fort St. George, and the
entire management cf the war with Hyder Ali. Sir Eyre Coote had recently
returned to India, as commander-in-chief of the Bengal forces, and a
member of the supreme council; and although he did not always agree with
Hastings at the council-table, he readily fell hi with his plans, and
undertook the command. Coote set sail with five hundred choice British
troops, and six hundred Lascars, with between forty and fifty gentlemen
volunteers; and soon after his arrival at Madras, he commenced
operations, with 1700 Europeans, and about 5000 native troops, by
marching to recover Wandewash, the scene of his great exploit in a
previous year. Wandewash was recaptured, and Hyder Ali, terrified at
his name, abandoned other sieges, and seemed inclined to fly from, or
to treat with the conqueror. At this juncture, however, a French fleet
appeared off the coast; and encouraged by it, and also by a repulse
which Coote shortly after sustained at the fortified pagoda of
Chillambram, he intrenched his army in a strong position, near
Cuddalore, where he determined to risk a battle rather than permit the
British commander to advance upon Trinchinopoly and Tanjore. His post
was exceedingly strong; but Sir Eyre Coote, who had recently been
reinforced by some sepoys, sent by Hastings, under the command of
Colonel Pearse, advanced from Porto Novo, attacked him in his lines,
and completely defeated him. It is said that Hyder Ali now bitterly
regretted having allowed himself to be drawn into war by French
counsels, and that he as bitterly complained of having been amused by
the promises of the assistance of a great French force from Europe.
Notwithstanding he risked another battle for the defence of Arcot, on
the very spot where Colonel Baillie had suffered his defeat, but where
he was this time defeated. Hyder retreated to, and took up his position
at, Sholingur; and though Sir