HISTORY OF EUROPE. 
the strongest and most active bul- 
jocks produced in the country, the 
elephants being only intended for 
occasional assistance; to which is 
added the unremitted exertions of 
excellent drivers, 
*¢ The Nabob’s artillery are both 
larger and longer than ours, which 
enables him to commence a can- 
monade either on our baggage or 
line, before our guns can be used 
with effect, and when it would 
only be an unnecessary expence of 
ammunition to return his fire. In 
eases of disorder, or when advan- 
tage on his side occurs, his cavalry 
are very ready to seize the oppor- 
tunity. 
** The velocity with which his 
large bodies of cavalry change their 
situation, and the general rapidity 
with which his wholemovementsare 
executed from one place to an- 
other, operate strongly in his fa- 
vour. Unable to ascertain his posi- 
tion, it is dangerous for us to de- 
tach from the main body. His prin- 
cipal object is to attack us in de- 
tail, whether in conveying provi- 
sions or stores, or foraging in the 
neighbourhood of our encamp- 
ment; and in this huzzar mode of 
warfare he generally succeeds. 
_ “In his artillery he places his 
greatest confidence and depend- 
ence: that corps is the best ap- 
pointed in his service, and very far 
superior to those of any other native 
power in India. - 
“ His intelligence is an object of 
particular consideration : he spares 
no expence to accomplish his end; 
and the most cruel and exemplary 
punishments are immediately in- 
flicted, should false information at 
any time be delivered. He does 
not depend on’the word of a sin- 
gle individual, but employs several 
[195 
on the same occasion; examines 
them apart, and whether they 
agree or differ in the tale, they are 
all detained close prisoners till the 
truth is disclosed ; and to the man 
who is found in an error, no Jenity 
is shewn. The families of the 
spies are in the possession of the 
Nabob; and he attaches them to 
him by the most liberal rewards: 
by this means he finds his way into 
our camps, and perhaps, by dint of 
money, and the collusion of the 
native servants of officers of rank, 
he obtains the knowledge of our 
secret resolutions. 
‘* Hisbildaurs are thestoutest and 
oest working men in his countrys. 
a certain proportion are attached 
to every gun; and it is astonishing, 
from the number that compose 
that corps, with what celerity roads 
are cut through the thickest jungle, 
or the most rugged country. 
“The elephants belonging to 
Tippoo, to the amount of near 400, 
perform wonders in dragging his 
cannon along heavy roads, in cross- 
ing rivers, and in carrying his 
camp-equipage and stores. 
«The rocket-boys are daring, 
especially when intoxicated with 
bang: they advance near to our 
line of march, covered by the ca- 
valry, and attempt to throw our 
troops into confusion. The rocket 
discharged horizontally is more 
dangerous than those fired perpen- 
dicularly; and in open and level 
ground they are, although uncer- 
tain in their direction, very de- 
structive and galling to our men.’” 
It was impossible that the English 
East India Company could hear of 
the preparations of Tippoo with in- 
difference ; or that the British go- 
vernment should neglect to take 
measures for guarding against his 
{O] 2 en- 
