Wandiwash had
been nobly defended by a young lieutenant named Flint, who had made
his way in through the enemy's lines, a few hours before the
treacherous native officer in command had arranged with Hyder to
surrender it, and, taking command, had repulsed every attack, and had
even made a sortie.
"There was now a long pause. Having no commissariat train, Sir Eyre
Coote was forced to make for the seashore, and, though hotly followed
by Hyder, reached Cuddalore. A French fleet off the coast, however,
prevented provisions being sent to him, and, even after the French had
retired, the Madras government were so dilatory in forwarding supplies
that the army was reduced to the verge of starvation.
"It was not until the middle of June that a movement was possible,
owing to the want of carriage. The country inland had been swept bare
by Hyder, and, on leaving Cuddalore, Sir Eyre Coote was obliged to
follow the seacoast. When he arrived at Porto Novo, the army was
delighted to find a British fleet there, and scarcely less pleased to
hear that Lord Macartney had arrived as governor of Madras.
"Hyder's army had taken up a strong position, between the camp and
Cuddalore, and Sir Eyre Coote determined to give him battle.
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