184-1.] and final subjugation of the Southern Pohyars. 19 



The Government having now had ample conviction of the 

 dangerous power, the treacherous disposition, and the licen- 

 tious habits of this formidable body of men, found it indis- 

 pensable for the peace and welfare of the country, to enter 

 upon a complete reform of their character and condition. 

 After the settlement of affairs in Mysore, a considerable force 

 was despatched to Tinnevelly to effect this important object, 

 and the command of it confided to Major Bannerman, an offi- 

 cer of high reputation, and of long service in the southern 

 provinces. 



Major Bannerman surrounded the fort of Panjahlumcoor- 

 chey by a prompt movement early in September 1799. His 

 detachment, the morning he appeared before the place, con- 

 sisted of I think, eight or ten companies of two native corps 

 that had moved the preceding night from Kytaur, under 

 Captain O'Reilly of the 3d regiment N. I. and some de- 

 tails of a provincial corps (raised by Lieuteant Knowles) 

 which had marched in one night from Palamcottah under the 

 Major's own command, and further, a squadron of cavalry 

 under Lieutenant Dallas, that had made* a forced march from 

 Sauttoor. It was the object of these simultaneous and quick 

 movements, to surprise the Poligar in his fort before he might 

 have time to retire, since some apprehensions were entertain- 

 ed that he and all the malcontents of the country, might re- 

 pair to the much stronger position of Shivagherry, all Pun- 

 jahlumcoorckey being a very open plain. Under this impres- 

 sion, the assault of the place was resolved on immediately, al- 

 though other native details and His Majesty's 19th regiment 

 of foot appointed to the service, had not yet come up. 



The Poligar having refused all unconditional surrender, 

 and indeed showing no signs whatever of submission, and 

 having exceeded the time allowed him to determine, the as- 

 sault commenced by Captain O'Reilly, being directed with his 

 column to blow open the principal gate (aided by a small par- 

 ty of Bengal artillery brought over from Ceylon) and to en- 

 ter the place at that pointy and Captain C. D. Bruce was 



