164 



shamefully deserted his colours during the distressing siege. 

 Mirza answered he was a villain, or he never would have left his 

 comrades at such a moment. But if it afforded the smallest grati- 

 fication to his injured countrymen, he could assure them the igno- 

 minious culprit was then in irons for misconduct recently com- 

 mitted in camp, and confined within a few yards of the spot where 

 they were then sitting. 



On the 22d Mirza and the rajah of Zeremullee, attended by 

 Mr. Cruso and an officer, went on board the Hawke Indiaman, 

 which presented to them a scene of perfect novelty and sur- 

 prise. They were much pleased with the exterior of the ship, but 

 appeared in astonishment at the arrangements and accommoda- 

 tions within; which they minutely examined, and expressed the 

 highest satisfaction. On going on board, and departing from the 

 Hawke, they were saluted; and in every instance treated by cap- 

 tain Scott with the politest attention. At night Mirza prepared 

 another supper, and entertained his guests with music and dancing 

 girls till day-break. 



On the 24th, seven bullocks, thirty sheep, a supply of dholl, 

 ghee, tobacco, and jaggree were shipped for the use of the troops ; 

 but from a want of boats, and the dilatoriness of the sultaun's 

 people, the embarkation went on slowly; nor could either remon- 

 strances or persuasion accelerate it. Several small guards from 

 Tippoo's troops being observed in different parts of the outworks, 

 on which innovation the commandant had not been consulted, 

 he sent a complaint to Mirza, with an inquiry why they were thus 

 posted. He apologized for their having been posted without a pro- 

 per representation, which was the fault of the messenger, but said 



