64 
A JOURNEY FROM MADRAS THROUGH 
CHAPTER traverses, and these were defended by the Sultan in person. The 
loss of men here was considerable ; but the English troops gra- 
May 20, &c. dually advanced, and the Sultan retired slowly, defending his 
ground with obstinacy. 
The enfilading fire from the Bombay army, on the north side of 
the river, had been so strong, that the defendants had been en- 
tirely driven from the ramparts on the right of the breach, and 
had been prevented from raising any traverses. Our people who 
went in that direction did not meet with the smallest opposition ; 
and the flank companies of the 12th regiment, having found a 
passage across the inner ditch, passed through the town to attack 
the rear of the enemy, who were still opposing the Europeans on the 
Death of left. The Sultan had now been driven back to the eastward of the 
Tipp°o. palace, and is said to have had his horse shot under him. Fie might 
certainly have gone out at a gate leading to the north branch of 
the river, and nothing could have prevented him from crossing 
that, and joining his cavalry, which, under the command of his son 
Futty Hyder , and of Purnea , were hovering round the Bombay army. 
Fortunately, he decided upon going into the inner fort, by a nar- 
row sally-port ; and, as he was attempting to do so, he was met by 
the crowd flying from the flank companies of the 12th regiment; 
while the troops, coming up behind, cut off all means of retreat. 
Both parties seem to have fired into the gateway, and some of the 
Europeans must have passed through with the bayonet ; as a wound, 
evidently inflicted by that weapon, was discovered in the arm of 
the Sultan. His object in going into this gateway, is disputed. 
The Hindus universally think, that, finding the place taken, lie was 
going to the palace to put all his family to death, and then to seek 
for his own destruction in the midst cf his enemies. But, although 
such is considered by the Hindus as the proper conduct for a prince 
in his situation, we have no reason to think that a Mussulman 
would conduct himself in this manner; nor was Tippoo ever accused 
of want of affection for his family. I think it more probable, that 
