and
Rajamundry. On the seventh, before day-break, he began his march,
leaving the rajah's forces on their ground; but the enemy beginning to
cannonade the Indian forces, he, at the request of the rajah, returned
and took them under his protection. Then they marched together to the
village of Colapool, and halted on a small plain about three miles from
their encampment. About nine he formed the line of battle. About ten the
enemy were drawn up, and began the cannonade. The firing on both sides
having continued about forty minutes, the enemy's line advanced to the
charge with great resolution; and were so warmly received, that, after
several spirited efforts, at eleven they gave way, and retreated in
disorder towards Rajamundry. During this conflict the rajah's forces
stood as idle spectators, nor could their horse be prevailed upon to
pursue the fugitives. The victory cost the English forty-four Europeans
killed and wounded, including two captains and three lieutenants. The
French lost above three times the number, together with their whole
camp-baggage, thirty-two pieces of cannon, and all their ammunition. A
great number of black forces fell on both sides. The marquis de Conflans
did not remain at Rajamundry, but proceeded to Masulipatam; while
captain Knox, with a detachment from the English army, took possession
of the fort of Rajamundry, which is the barrier and key to the country
of Vizagapatam. This was delivered to the rajah on his paying the
expense of the expedition; and captain Knox being detached with a
battalion of sepoys, took possession of the French factory at Narsipore.
This was also the fate of a small fort at Coucate, which surrendered
to captain Maclean, after having made an obstinate defence. In the
meantime, however, the French army of observation made shift to retake
Rajamundry, where they found a considerable quantity of money, baggage
and effects, belonging to English officers.

Colonel Forde advancing to the neighbourhood of Masulipatam, the marquis
de Conflans with his forces retired within the place, which on the
seventh day of March was invested. By the seventh day of April the
ammunition of the besiegers being almost expended, colonel Forde
determined to give the assault, as two breaches were already made, and
made his disposition accordingly. The attack was begun in the night,
and the assailants arrived at the ditch before they were discovered. But
here they underwent a terrible discharge