WAR IN MALABAR — HYDER'S DEATH. 69 



siege to Cuddalore, which, having been imperfectly provided 

 with the means of defence, surrendered almost without re- 

 sistance. They then proceeded to besiege the important 

 position of Wandewash ; but General Coote having pre- 

 sented himself, and offered battle for its relief, the combined- 

 army, with all its boasted strength, declined that issue and 

 retreated towards Pondicherry. The British general fol- 

 lowed, and defeated them with considerable loss at Arnee. 

 At the same time he threw supplies into Vellore, and un- 

 dertook an expedition against Cuddalore, which failed only 

 through the want of naval co-operation. Thus, even alter 

 obtaining a powerful reinforcement from France, Hyder 

 remained still unable to face the British army in the open 

 field. 



In the mean time, the latter were employing vigorous 

 efforts to make an impression on the side of Malabar. 

 After the triumphant repulse of the enemy from Telli- 

 cherry, Major Abingdon reduced Calicut ; and Colonel 

 Huniberstone, an able and intelligent officer, landed with 

 an additional force from Bombay, which rendered the Brit- 

 ish completely masters of the field. The nayrs, hailing him 

 as a deliverer, immediately joined their forces to his, and 

 the combined troops marched into the interior. The enemy, 

 having imprudently waited their approach in a disadvan- 

 tageous position, with a river in their rear, were totally de- 

 feated, and a great number drowned in the flight. Yet, on 

 advancing into the country, the conqueror found himself so 

 incumbered by the difficulties of the march, and harassed 

 by parties acting in his rear, that he was obliged to com- 

 mence his retreat. This movement it was soon necessary 

 to make very rapid, as Tippoo and Lally had hastened with 

 a large force to retrieve the Mysorean interests on this 

 coast. The English troops fell back to Paniani, where 

 Colonel Macleod, who arrived to take the command, in- 

 trenched himself so strongly that Tippoo was repulsed 

 with considerable loss. This prince, however, was pre- 

 paring with a superior force to renew the attack, when he 

 was recalled by an event of the most momentous character, to 

 which he very naturally considered every other as secondary. 



Hydcr's health had for some time been in a state of rapid 

 decline, and symptoms now appeared of that severe im- 

 posthame called the rajhora, or royal boil, said to be pecu- 



