i8o 
TRAVELS IN 
this intelligence, with that prudence, promptitude, and fpirit, 
for which the charader of the noble Marquis is fo eminently 
diftinguifhed. The obje£l of Tippoo was to gain time in order 
that he might ftrengthen his pofition and augment his forces. 
But the rapid movement of our troops towards his capital, as 
foon as his hoftile views were confirmed, fruftrated his plans, 
and effeded the total fubverfion of his country. Both the mo- 
ment of attack and the reinforcement from the Cape were ac- 
knowledged to be important ; in either of which a failure might 
have proved fatal to the campaign, and would, at all events, have 
poftponed the day of vidory. 
The almoft incredible celerity, with v>^hich twelve hundred 
eifedive men joined the Egyptian army in high health and fpi- 
rits from the Cape of Good Hope, is another inftance that muft 
force convidion of its vaft importance as a military ftation. 
Nor are the advantages afforded by its geographical pofition of 
acquiring and conveying intelligence with refped to the affairs 
of neighbouring nations, or of embarking troops, precarious or 
depending on chance ; there being fcarcely a week in the year 
in which Engliih whalers or merchantmen, or fhips of neutral 
powers, do not touch at the Cape, efpecially on their outward- 
bound voyage. And moil of thefe are willing to engage as 
tranfports. 
It appears from the books of the Cuftom-houfe, and the re- 
turns of the Captain of the port, that there failed from the 
Cape 
In 
