ch in time would be obliged to
abandon the whole coast, should they allow the enemy to proceed in their
conquests. In consequence of these representations, he received another
strong reinforcement, under the command of captain Cope; but nothing
of importance was attempted, and the English auxiliaries retired. Then
Mahommed was attacked by the enemy, who obtained a complete victory over
him. Finding it impossible to maintain his footing by his own strength,
he entered into a close alliance with the English, and ceded to them
some commercial points which had been long in dispute. Then they
detached captain Cope to put Tiruchirapalli in a posture of defence;
while captain de Gingins, a Swiss officer, marched at the head of four
hundred Europeans to the nabob's assistance. The two armies being pretty
equal in strength, lay encamped in sight of each other a whole month;
during which nothing happened but a few skirmishes, which generally
terminated to the advantage of the English auxiliaries. In order to make
a diversion, and divide the French forces, the company resolved to send
a detachment into the province of Arcot; and this was one of the
first occasions upon which the extraordinary talents of Mr. Clive were
displayed. He had entered into the service of the East India company as
a writer, and Avas considered as a person very indifferently qualified
for succeeding in any civil station of life. He now offered his service
in a military capacity, and actually began his march to Arcot, at the
head of two hundred and ten Europeans, with five hundred sepoys.*

* The sepoys are the mercenaries of the country, who are
hired as soldiers occasionally by all parties.

MR. CLIVE TAKES ARCOT.

Such was the resolution, secrecy, and despatch, with which he conducted
this enterprise, that the enemy knew nothing of his motions until he
was in possession of the capital, which he took without opposition. The
inhabitants, expecting to be plundered, offered him a large sum to spare
their city; but they derived their security from the generosity and
discretion of the conqueror. He refused the proffered ransom, and issued
a proclamation, intimating, that those who were willing to remain in
their houses should be protected from insult and injury, and the rest
have leave to retire with all their effects, except provisions, for
which he promised to pay the full value. By this sage conduct he
conciliated the affection of the peopl