A descendant of the old Rajah of
Mysore was placed upon the throne. His rule was, however, but a
nominal one. A very large amount of territory was annexed. The island
of Seringapatam was permanently occupied as a British possession. The
new rajah was bound to receive, and pay, a large military force for
the defence of his territories; not to admit any European foreigners
into his dominions; to allow the Company to garrison any fort in
Mysore that might seem advisable to them; and to pay, at all times,
attention to such advice as might be given him as to the
administration of his affairs. He was, in fact, to be but a puppet,
the British becoming the absolute rulers of Mysore.
The family of Tippoo, and the ladies of the harem, were removed to
Vellore, where they were to receive a palace suitable to their former
rank and expectations, and allowances amounting to 160,000 pounds a
year.
Thus Mysore, one of the most ancient and powerful of the kingdoms of
India, fell into the hands of the English, owing to the ambition,
bigotry, and besotted cruelty of the son of a usurper.
Dick's part in all these operations had been a busy, although not a
very dangerous one. The only share he had taken in the active fighting
had been in the battle at Malavilly, where, having been sent with a
message to Colonel Floyd, just before he led the cavalry to the
assault of the column that had attacked the 33rd, he took his place by
the side of the Rajah and his cousins, whose troop formed part of
Floyd's command, and joined in the charge on the enemy.
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