122 CONQUEST or MYSORE. 



detachment from the right, had forced his way over the 

 ditch, seized the inner rampart, and commenced upon the 

 enemy a flanking-fire similar to that with whicli they had 

 so severely annoyed his countrymen. The Mysoreans were 

 accordingly driven to a spot where they beheld in their rear 

 the other column which had advanced from the right. See- 

 ing themselves thus completely hemmed in, they fled tu- 

 multously, escaping by every possible outlet from the for- 

 tress, which was thus left completely in the hands of the 

 besiegers. 



General Baird, meantime, after the triumphant success 

 of the right column, had allowed his troops an interval of 

 rest, when certain officers brought notice that they had dis- 

 covered the palace, and seen, in a species of durbar or court, 

 a number of persons assembled, several of whom appeared 

 to be of high consideration. The commander immediately 

 directed Major Allan, who seems to have been well quali- 

 fied for this delicate, task, to summon them to an immediate 

 surrender, in order to avert the calamities that would be in- 

 evitable were the royal residence to be taken by storm. This 

 officer, on going towards the palace, saw several persons in 

 a sort of balcony, to whom he announced his message. 

 They manifested "the gveatestconstemation, and soon brought 

 the killedar, or governor, who appeared much embarrassed, 

 and endeavoured to gain time ; but the major insisted upon 

 entering, with two other officers, by a broken part of the wall. 

 He found a terrace, on which was a numerous assemblage 

 of armed men, before whom he laid his conditions, and la- 

 boured to tranquillize their minds, not only by presenting a 

 white flag, but by placing his sword in their hands. They 

 appeared*alarmed and irresolute, positively declaring that 

 Tippoo was not in the palace, though his family and two 

 of his sons were ; but, on the major's urging the necessity 

 of speedy decision, they withdrew- as if for consultation. 

 Persons were observed moving hastily backward and for- 

 ward through the palace, in a manner that caused some 

 anxiety; but Major Allan, fearing to excite suspicion or 

 betray any symptom of doubt, declined the advice of his 

 companions to take back his sword. At length, on his ur- 

 gent solicitation, he was admitted to see the princes, whom 

 be found seated on a carpet, surrounded by numerous at- 

 tendants. "The recollection," says Major Allan, "of 



