uted with great resolution,
while the English in front entered the entrenchments with their bayonets
fixed; and, though very little tinctured with discipline, displayed the
spirit and activity of hardy veterans. This double attack disconcerted
the enemy in such a manner, that they soon desisted from all opposition.
A considerable carnage ensued; yet the greater part of the enemy, both
horse and foot, saved themselves by flight, under cover of the darkness.
The French, to a man, threw down their arms, and surrendered themselves
prisoners of war; and all the cannon and baggage fell into the hands of
the victor.

MR. CLIVE REDUCES THREE FORTS, &c.

The province of Arcot being thus cleared of the enemy, Mr. Clive with
his forces returned to Fort St. David's, where he found major Laurence
just arrived from England,* to take upon him the command of the troops
in the company's service.

* Major Laurence had sailed for England in the year 1750.

On the eighteenth day of March, this officer, accompanied by Mr. Clive,
took the field, and was joined by captain de Gingins at Tiruchirapalli.
From hence he detached Mr. Clive with four hundred European soldiers, a
few Mahratta horse, and a body of sepoys, to cut off the enemy's retreat
to Pondicherry. In the course of this expedition he dislodged a strong
body of the foe posted at Samiaveram, and obliged Chunda Saib to throw a
body of troops into a strong fortified temple, or pagoda, upon the river
Koleroon, which was immediately invested. The commanding officer,
in attempting to escape, was slain with some others, and the rest
surrendered at discretion. They were still in possession of another
fortified temple, which he also besieged in form, and reduced by
capitulation. Having subdued these forts, he marched directly to
Volconda, whither he understood the French commander d'Anteuil had
retired. He found that officer intrenched in a village, from whence
he drove him with precipitation, and made himself master of the French
cannon. The enemy attempted to save themselves in a neighbouring
fort; but the gates being shut against them by the governor, who was
apprehensive that they would be followed pell-mell by the English, Mr.
Clive attacked them with great fury, and made a considerable slaughter;
but his humanity being shocked at this carnage, he sent a flag of
truce to the vanquished, with terms of capitulation, which they readily
embraced. These articles imported, that