1815.] and final subjugation of the Southern Poligars. S\ 



This period was also marked by a proceeding that had ?, 

 most beneficial influence on our affairs. The Collector of 

 the Poligar Peshcu^h had with great judgment sought out 

 the Heir to the Pollum, and under the authority of the go- 

 vernment, this personage now received in camp an investiture 

 of his country with great ceremony and publicity. He is,the 

 present Zemindar. He had in his childhood been adopted 

 by the last representative of the proper family of the Pol- 

 lum, but had been compelled to forego his expectations, to 

 fly for his life and remain in deep obscurity, the Murdoo, in 

 his early days being much too powerful a chief to allow him 

 to entertain any hope of restoration. His adherents now 

 however, pressed his claims with much zeal, and the govern- 

 ment with very seasonable justice and consideration deter- 

 mined on their entire recognition of them, and his elevation 

 was hailed by the population in general, with the highest sa- 

 tisfaction. Colonel Agnew about this time made a night 

 movement, with the cavalry and some native details to 

 attack Peramally, which was surprised and taken posses- 

 sion of, without any material occurrence. It was judici- 

 ously chosen, and it had been reported that the garrison was 

 collecting stores for some ulterior object, and its situation 

 also allowed of parties from it, much disturbing our com- 

 munication with Trichinopoly, which led to this visit. The 

 post itself consisted of a handsome Pagoda situated on the 

 brow of a hill, from whence ran a wall enclosing a small vil- 

 lage below. The garrison seeing our movements to turn 

 their rear, escaped by close passages in that direction, leading 

 to jungles on the opposite side of the hill. The resistance 

 it offered was very feeble. 



All preparation having been completed by the 1st October 

 for a general assault, Colonel James was desired with his se- 

 parate corps to force a small barrier opposite his position, 

 whilst the more noted barriers that had presented so much 

 opposition in older days, were to be attacked by Colonel Ag- 

 new himself with his superior force, and with that moved the 



