HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
557 
a kind of gateway, leading to a bridge across the ditch: there, in a place about four 
feet wide and twelve feet long, were upwards of seventy dead bodies, and Tippoo’s 
palanquin appeared in the midst of them. Immediate search was then made for his 
body, but so numerous were the slain, that it was a full hour before he was disco¬ 
vered. The unfortunate Tippoo had received a shot in his arm at the time of the 
storm, for he was himself on the ramparts: after this, in endeavouring to make his 
escape, he was met by a party of Europeans, who wounded him in the side with a 
bayonet; he had also received a shot in the temple, which put an end to his exist¬ 
ence. The body was recognised by his relatives, and some of the palanquin-boys, 
and was still warm when discovered. He had his sabre clenched fast in his hand. 
The Nizam’s troops discovered great pleasure, indeed savage satisfaction, when 
the body was exposed to view; but the English observed the utmost order and de¬ 
corum. Such a speedy termination to the war not being expected, the former cried 
with exulting voices, “ Seringapatam is taken—the tyrant is dead—his sons and 
family are prisoners, and all his treasure is at our disposal.” General Harris issued 
orders to suppress their impetuosity. 
The surrender of this strong fort, at such a critical time, was particularly fortunate; 
for the army had only three days grain remaining. When the news was announced 
at Madras, it was celebrated by a general and brilliant illumination. 
Two days prior to the capture of Seringapatam, Tippoo held a durbar (or council^, 
attended by all his chiefs, who advised him to cede more territory to his besiegers, 
and the payment of a large sum of money; but Tippoo seeing that his adversaries 
had already one half of his dominions, strenuously opposed the measure, and dis¬ 
missed the council. 
Tippoo Sultaun was rather above the middle size, stout, corpulent, and well 
made. He dressed rather plain, and his head was shaved close. He was in his 51st 
year when killed, and was interred, agreeable to the supplication of his family, on 
the left side of his father, in Laul Baug, with all the ceremonies and honours of 
the place. 
His will, and the treaty concluded between him and the French Directory, were 
found in the palace: the latter was inclosed in an elegant little box, which was very 
remarkable, as it discovered the sanguine hopes entertained by the deceased chief 
of his hostile plans against the British government. 
