30 E A S T E R iV H I N D O O S T A N. 



nfter his voyage from Europe (before night clofed), he began 

 to execute the firit part of his orders *, that of the fiege of St. 

 David's. A thoufand Europeans, and as many Seapoys, were 

 for that purpofe on their march, under the command of the 

 intrepid, but perfidious WEJIaigne. Lally fent his troops even 

 without i^rovifiotis, fo that they muft have been llarved at the 

 firft onfet, had it not been for their burglaries and felonies. The 

 fiege was commenced ; and on June the firft the garrifon, with 

 its commander Major Polier, furrendered prifoners of war ; the 

 confequence of want of ammunition on our fide, and the fupe- 

 riority of fire on that of the enemy. 

 Commodore DURING this ficge, a gallant but unavailing attempt was 



made by Commodore James, to relieve the place. He was fent 

 from Bombay with troops and money for that purpofe. He 

 pafTed the road to Fondicherry, where the French fleet lay, they 

 difcovered him, and a fignal was made for a general chace f 

 their headmoft fhip was within gun fliot, but notwithftanding, 

 he contrived to put the troops and money into the boats, which 

 came off from fort St. David''s, and covered the landing, fo 

 that they all got fafe to the garrifon in fight of the whole 

 French fleet ; and Sir William, when the night came on, got 

 clear off, and returned again to Bombay t. 



The fortifications were totally deflroyed; but on the peace, 

 the place was reflored to us, and quickly recovered not only 

 its former profperity, but flouriflied with double vigour. 



• Ormc, ii, p. 303. •{■ M.S. Life of Sir W. James. 



Four 



