117 



horse were perceived; those on ihe hill approached, but were soon 

 dispersed by a few shot from the field-piece. The next morning 

 the enemy appeared in much greater force. 



On the arrival of Lutoph Ally's army, between two and three 

 thousand inhabitants of the town of Onore who had fled from 

 their habitations during the siege by the English, and returned 

 home under the protection of the company's government, once 

 more forsaking their shops and houses, flocked in terror to the 

 out-works of the fortress, and implored protection. There being 

 no alternative between granting their supplications, or abandon- 

 ing them to certain death from a cruel despot, they were instantly 

 permitted to enter. 



The same day a letter was sent to captain Torriano from Lu- 

 toph Ally, informing him the nabob had reconquered Bednore., 

 and represented the impossibility of defending Onore, now that 

 the former important post, with the flower of the British army, had 

 fallen into his master's possession; at the same time observing, that 

 no culpability could attach to the commandant for giving up the 

 fort of Onore, when a large force was marching to besiege it. To 

 this a polite answer was returned. Shortly afterwards a recon- 

 noitring party of the Onore cavalry, commanded by captain Tor- 

 riano, came suddenly upon the enemy's advanced post at the 

 village, consisting of a small detachment of horse and foot, who 

 fled precipitately on the first charge. We took eleven prisoners, 

 two of whom proved to be deserters from our cavalry at Bednore. 

 They confirmed the distressing report of the loss of that place, 

 and the imprisonment of the army commanded by general Ma- 

 thews.. 



