A History of the Mahrattas v2.c42.23.4

v2.c42.23.4

Several fortified towns surrendered without resistance, and Mycondah was besieged by a detachment from his army; but when urged by Captain Little to advance in the direction by which General Abercromby was expected, or send on a part of his troops, he objected to it as unsafe and continued his system of collecting from the surrounding country, until summoned by Hurry Punt to accompany him to Seringapatam.² Whilst Hurry Punt marched south-west, Pureshram Bhow moved south-east. Their armies were united at Nagmungulum on the 24th of May, and on the ensuing day they advanced to Mailgotta. But although thus near the capital, where they knew their allies were encamped, they had not been able to convey any intimation of their approach to Lord Cornwallis, as every letter was intercepted by the admirable activity of Tippoo’s mounted Beruds. This circumstance is considered very discreditable to Hurry Punt and Pureshram Bhow by their own countrymen; and it was matter of most serious regret to Lord Cornwallis that he had remained ignorant of their approach.