74 AVAR WITH MYSORE. 



experienced a success which there was little room to an- 

 ticipate ; every thing gave way before him, and Bednore 

 itself surrendered without a blow. He is supposed to have 

 found in that city a treasure exceeding 800,000/., and was 

 accused of appropriating to himself a considerable portion ; 

 but, from the events which followed, this charge could 

 never be fully investigated. It would appear from Colonel 

 Wilks, that treason, unknown to himself, had afforded the 

 means of his success. Sheik Ayaz, the governor, had 

 been raised to a high command by Hyder, who was accus- 

 tomed to reproach Tippoo with the superior qualities of 

 this slave as contrasted with his own. Hence the prince 

 conceived the most deadly hatred against the favourite, who, 

 soon after the late monarch's decease, intercepted a letter 

 from the new sultan, ordering him to be put to death. 

 Under this impulse he hastened to the citadel, and effected 

 its delivery to the English. He did not, however, join in 

 active warfare against his cruel master, but on his approach 

 retired to the coast. 



Tippoo was greatly annoyed on learning the fall of this 

 important place, and the near approach of the enemy 

 towards his capital. Mathews was soon informed that 

 successive corps were throwing themselves on his rear, 

 and surrounding him with a force against which he would 

 be unable to cope. He had by this time obtained permis- 

 sion from the Bombay government to act according to his 

 own discretion ; but he was now so elated by his important 

 and easy victory, that he placed blind confidence in fortune, 

 and even, according to Wilks, believed himself aided by 

 some supernatural power. Thus, reposing in full security, 

 he allowed his communications with the coast to be inter- 

 cepted, while his troops were surrounded by Tippoo's whole 

 force, aided by the science of Cossigny, a French engineer. 

 The garrison were driven into the citadel, and, after a brave 

 defence, were reduced to the necessity of capitulating, 

 though on favourable terms, receiving a promise that they 

 should be safely conducted to the coast. When the Indian 

 prince obtained admission into Bednore, he proceeded to the 

 treasury ; but, to his rage and dismay, found it empty. 

 Orders were then given to search the persons of the Eng- 

 lish officers, on which, unhappily, was found a large sum 

 both in money and icwcls, considered always in India as 



