It was a strong place, and the works had been
added to by Hyder, who had placed there a garrison of seven hundred
men. The detachment would not have been sent against it, had not news
been obtained, on the way, that the garrison had fallen back to
Chingleput.
"Our troop of cavalry went with the detachment, as my father knew the
country well. To the surprise of Captain Davis, who was in command, we
found the garrison on the walls.
"'What do you think, Rajah?' Captain Davis, who was riding by his
side, asked. 'My orders were that I was to take possession of the
place, but it was supposed that I should find it empty.'
"'I should say that you had better try, with or without orders,' my
father replied. 'The annihilation of Baillie's force, and the
miserable retreat of Munro, have made a terribly bad impression
through the country, and a success is sorely needed to raise the
spirits of our friends.'
"'We will do it,' Captain Davis said, and called up a few English
engineers, and a company of white troops he had with him, and ordered
them to blow in the gate.
"My father volunteered to follow close behind them, with his
dismounted cavalry, and, when the word was given, forward we went.
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