HINDOOSTAN. 81 



As it appeared important to ascertain the fate of the sultan, imme= 

 diate search was made for his body, which, after much difficulty, was 

 found, late in the evening, in one of the gates, under a heap of slain. 

 He had been shot through the head, and bayonetted in three parts of 

 his body, as he attempted to make his escape. The corpse was the 

 next day recognized by the family, and interred with the honours due 

 to his rank in the mausoleum of his father. 



The treasure found in the palace was immense ; a prodigious quan- 

 tity of grain, and military stores of all kinds, were likewise taken. 



Thus ended the power and life of, perhaps, the most inveterate and 

 formidable enemy the British government ever had in Hindoostan. 

 His death has given a security to their possessions in that country, 

 which they never could have had during his life. His territories 

 have been divided between the British, the Nizam, and the Peishwa 

 of the Mahrattas, except certain districts of Mysore, which have been 

 assigned to a descendant of the ancient rajahs of Mysore, who is to pay 

 an annual subsidy to the British government of seven lacks of pagodas 

 (or seventy thousand pounds sterling) for the defence of his country. 

 The British possess the fortress, city, and island of Seringapatam. 



Tippoo Sultan was, when he fell, about fifty years of age. He was 

 about five feet nine inches high ; his face was round, with large full 

 eyes, and his countenance full of fire and animation. In his disposi- 

 tion he was naturally cruel, passionate, and revengeful. It is proba- 

 ble that his abilities have been overrated, and that he was neither sa 

 wise a statesman, nor so able a general, as he has been represented. 

 Though he possessed a considerable share of prudence, and was not s 

 in general, wanting either in promptitude or judgment, he at last fell 

 a victim to ill-concerted schemes, dictated by his ambition and thirst 

 of revenge. 



Vol, II. M 



