POLYGARS. 
367 
continued to pay their tribute quietly, till the British Government 
instituted some inquiries into the right by which they held the 
country. It was at the moment of their alarm on this account that 
the Panjalamcourchy Rajah arrived, of whose abilities they had a 
very high opinion. The Chiefs of Shevagunga could bring into the 
field an army of twenty thousand men, armed with muskets, match- 
locks, or spears ; they therefore determined on war, and applied to 
Tondiman to join them, threatening that, in case of refusal, they 
would immediately enter his country, and totally destroy it; a 
threat which they might have carried into execution, as the British 
were by no means in a state to afford him protection. He however 
steadily refused. 
Colonel Agnew hearing of their proceedings, attempted to enter 
their country, but failed, and was obliged to retire to Ramnad. The 
Murdoos now pressed Tondiman to remain at least neuter, while 
Captain Blackburn, the Resident at Tanjore, called upon him to 
bring his forces to the assistance of the British. Tondiman was 
then preparing to marry the daughter of his predecessor, which 
would have secured to him the country ; yet he, without hesita- 
tion, put off his nuptials, and so exerted himself that in four days 
he joined Colonel Innes at Nattam with three thousand men, and 
at the same time gave up Teroomiam, his only strong fort, as a 
military depot. He also rendered a very important service, by 
securing in one night the families of a great number of the fol- 
lowers of the Murdoos, who had concealed themselves in his jungle ; 
in consequence of which every male belonging to those families im- 
mediately deserted their cause, and became quiet subjects. 
The united Rajahs defended themselves with great valour, and 
