where he had defeated Lally
and Bussy twenty-two years before. Bussy and Tippoo retreated before
Coote, and-he then threatened the strong fort of Arnee, where Hyder
had deposited plunder and provisions. Hyder advanced in person for
the defence of this place, and while he engaged in a loose, irregular
battle, Tippoo succeeded in carrying off his stores from Arnee. Bussy
now retreated towards Cuddalore and Pondicherry; Hyder put himself
in quarters near the coast; and Tippoo, with some strong French
detachments, hastened to Calicut, to quell a rebellion which had
manifested itself among his father's oppressed subjects--the Nairs, or
Hindu chiefs of the Malabar coast. At the same time Sir Eyre Coote threw
supplies into Vellore, and undertook an expedition against Cuddalore,
which failed for want of co-operation.

About this time Hyder Ali was thrown into dismay by learning that
Hastings had concluded a treaty with the Mahrattas. He expected that
the Mahratta confederacy would invade the country of Mysore, and he
intimated his intention of returning for its defence. Bussy, however,
persuaded him that the war in the Carnatic was not altogether hopeless,
and that means might be found to counteract the negociations of the
Governor-general of Bengal, and to win back the Mahrattas, not merely to
a neutrality, but to a close alliance. Accordingly he resolved to remain
in the Carnatic, and he prepared to co-operate with Bussy in an attack
upon Negapatam; at the same time amusing-Sir Eyre Coote, with an
intimation that he might become a party to the treaty with the
Mahrattas, by which Coote was rendered inactive.

During this summer Madras suffered under accumulated evils. The ravages
of Hyder Ali had driven crowds from all quarters to seek refuge in the
capital, and multitudes daily perished for want. Ships of rice were sent
in October for their sustenance while in this condition; but the monsoon
arose, and the whole were lost. An absolute famine now ensued, and it is
said that ten thousand perished before any relief could be afforded from
Bengal and other parts. The roads that led to the town, and the streets
of the town itself, were strewed with the dead and the dying; and
nothing-was heard but cries, and moans, and unavailing prayers for
assistance.

In the meantime success attended the British arms on the Malabar coast.
Colonel Mackenzie, who was aided by the Nairs, or Hindu chiefs,
was preparing for the siege of Palagatche