When his force arrived within two miles of the
scene of conflict, the cessation of fire showed that it was too late,
and that Baillie's force was well-nigh annihilated. Munro retired to
Conjeveram, and at three o'clock the next morning retreated, with the
loss of all his heavy guns and stores, to Madras.
"The campaign only lasted twenty-one days, and was marked by almost
incredible stupidity and incapacity on the part of the two English
commanders. We remained at Madras. My father determined that he would
take no more share in the fighting until some English general,
possessing the courage and ability that had always before
distinguished them, took the command. In the meantime, Hyder
surrounded and captured Arcot, after six weeks' delay, and then laid
siege to Amboor, Chingleput, and Wandiwash.
"In November Sir Eyre Coote arrived from England and took the command.
Confidence was at once restored, for he was a fine old soldier, and
had been engaged in every struggle in India from the time of Clive;
but with the whole country in the hands of Hyder, it was impossible to
obtain draft animals or carts, and it was not until the middle of
January that he was able to move. On the 19th he reached Chingleput,
and on the 20th sent off a thousand men to obtain possession of the
fort of Carangooly.
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