The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1782-11-16 00:00:00, page 2

'From th> "EnoTir Cdifr of Augufi^
The following is an authentic copy of a letter sent By
fir Eyre Coote to the I onourable Charles Smith, pre
ffdenr, and the members of the fele& committee, da
ted at his camp near Cuddalore, 6th July 1781.=-
As the publication of this paper must give the pub
lic a very circumstantial and authentic detail of In
dia affairs, previous, as well as subsequent to the bat
tle on the rf< of July, ^ take the earliest opportu
nity of laying it before the public.
Tothe henocrabh Charles Smith, president, and mem
bers of the fele& committee.
Gentlemen,
^'^HE hurry of business con sequent to the engage
A meat with the enemy on the ah instant, has hi
therto prevented me from transmitting to you a cir
cumßantial account of the occurrences of that day. I
therefore take this opportunity of informing you of f ch
matter as seems to me material from date the 29th ult.
Owing to unavoidable delays in landing the necessa
ry provisions from the vessels at Porto Nova, I found
it impracticable to move the army till the 30th ult.
The necessary orders were civen for marching at three
o'clock that morning, but a heavy fall of rain on the
night preceding hindered me from commencing my
march as proposed. Our field equipage was rendered
(pheavy by the ra^n, that our mifrable bullocks were
not able to carry ?beir loads ; this occasioned a fur
ther delay of another day. One extraordinary piece
was landed, and the march at length commenced on
the Ift infant,at five in the morning From every infor
mation received,it was cl ar,that the enemy had united
their whole force (Tippoo Saib's detachment except?
ed) and from the portion taken up between us and Cud
dalore, meant to try the issue of a general engagement.
The grounds they occupied, naturally flrong and com
manding, were rendered much more formidable 'by
most of the spots that would admit of it to advantage,
being strengthened with front and flanking batteries e
refted with judgment and dispatch, 'y Hyder Ally's
corps, appropriated for such services. Large bodies
of cavalry, who had from our arrival at Porto Nova,
hovered round our camp, rendered it impracticable for
even a single hicarrah to return with any intelligence
that might be depended on, of either the strength or
pofitipn of the enemy's batteries. Our grand guard,
and ot er out ports were abfo|utely t e boundary nd
limited extent of our knowledge refpeaing the enemy.
The proteaion of our baggage and numerous follow
ers require' every considerable portion of our small
army to prevent or repel any insult during our march
in that quarter ; and re forming this most necessary
detachment considerably we kened our force in the line
which could ill afford a single man, from the grand ob
jed of engaging and forcin the numerous army of Hy
der Ally. Situated as described, however, two regi
ments of cavalry, and a battalion of fepoys, with 3
fix and 4 three pounders ; the baggage-guard, confift
i"g of about 150 fepoys ; the few Potigars we have,
and our small Mabaratta corps, were ordered for their
proteaion Their road lay on our right batween the
army and the sea By seven in the mo.ning the line
had drawn out of our line of encampment near Porto
Nova, marching from the right The country soon
opened an extenflve plain, and as the enemy's cavalry
appeared there in force, I formed imtwo lines, and pro
ceeded on my march i order of batte.
We had not advanced above 0^ mile, before the e
riemy's bakeries were clearly discovered• as to pofiti
on, they lay ex^ftly on our intended road of march
I halted the army for near an hour • it was necessary
to explore, if possible, the ground on our right, in
hopes of its admitting to advance from that point, by
which we (hou d avoid the enemy' direst fire from their
' batteries, and have a chance, by gaining the left of
their port, to turn, or qtherwif to command them.
The principal force of their army was Pawn up in the
rear of their works, extending further on the plain than
either the eye or horizon, and command, with large
bodies of cavalry, in every direction, and their rock
ets were thrown in numbers to impede and harrafs our
movements. During this interval of unavoidable
inaction, thoroughly to examine their position, we
were oblig d to fuffer a w^rm cannonade: their guns
were well served and dihx°cu ion. We could not as
ford to throw aw y many (hot to answer them, hay
ing occafi >n for every round we had for m>re decisive
fervi e I determined on the movement to the right,
and pr>cee led about nine o'clock, lie two lines march
ing parallel to each ot er in that direction, confe
qu ntly it only required their facing to the front to re
affume, at any time, their original order, Two bat
t lions, wita eight field pieces, were ordered to form a
third face, the flanks of the corps joining both lines on
the left to keep some batteries in check from that
quarter, which opened while we were preparing that
mo ement. A practical road was found on the right,
m de by Hyder, meant for otuer purposes than our
ar, roach * to it, we proceeded towards his field; his
guns which were under cover, and his artillery un
covered in line, galled us coofideraby as weadvanced,
but a quick and forward movement seemed absolutely
necessary. On passing the road mentioned, I was
obliged to file off and reduce my front; but as soon as
the ground permitted, formed in order as before. A
thick ca'dera hedg covering my right, some land hills
contiguous to the pass lay luckily situated were un
occupied, and contributed materially to favour my
plan of operations. The minu'e was critical, I had
gained the flank of the enemy's batteries, wa ted with
impatience a neavy fire oi cannon, till I had ascertain
ed that tle heights in my rear were poffeffd by the 2d
line; then inrtantly moved on with the set, as faft as
order and advancing fire of artillery on our fide would
permit.
I have the plea f nre if acquainting you, that the
position promptly rrfo ved onfucceeded, for there was
no time for ougu but decided dispatch; hesitating in
the situation of our affairs, would have been little bet-
* Tie road alluded to was made by Hyder for the
purpose of driving his guns to a large redoubt, about
half a mile distant from the sea ; the work was far ad
voiced, and required but another day to complete it.
You will receive enclosed the return of the killed and
wounded. lam happy to remark that our loss has
been inconsiderable, when compared to the business of
the day. I also enclose copies of letters received from
colonel Brathwait Nixon, and regret that by them you
will be informed of unfortunate events near Tanjore
and Trinchinopoly.
From the best information possible to receive of the
enemy's loss, it amounts to about 3000 men. Meer
Saib, second in command, died soon after the aftion of
the wounds he received, and a numb r of their leading
men are reported to be killed and wounded. My move
ment to Chillumbrum and Porto Nova has been also
attended with the following material advantages. The
Tanjore, Trinchinopoly, and other southern countries
are freed from the enemy's depredations and Trinchi
nopoly from an immediate siege, which Hyder had de
cided to undertake. Provided money is found by go
vernment to pay our troops and they are enabled to
move properly relieved from those absolute dated
wants already recited, it may by degrees be possible to
ter than a defeat, having no resource but four days
provisions carried on the soldiers backs. The guns in
their batteries were soon drawn off, and retired to their
line, where ogr attack was very warmly disputed till
four o'clock. The bravery of our troops at length
carried the point, and the firft line forced the ene
my's infantry, artillery and their cavalry, to give
way, obliging them to seek for fafety by a retreat.
Just as they went off, their principal force ofinfantry,
who were, from the situation of the ground, under
tolerable cover, gave one general difeharge of mus
quetry but too distant to do considerable execution.
The second line ohftinately disputed, and with success,
an attack made on my rear by many battalions of in
fantry with their guns, and a very large body of cav
alry. The different efforts made to charge and force
the rear corps of the second line, were all repulsed.
The heights disputed, carried and kept possession of,
by which the advancing corps were left at liberty to
push the enemy in front advantageously. The posses
sing the'heights also kept the enemy from proceeding
towards the sea, to attempt our baggage; it was from
thence carried in perfect security and unmo'efted. I was
joined by the corps in my rear at midnight. It took
some time to bury our dead on the enemy's ground of
encampment. Every possible at ention was paid also on
the field to four wounded men. That night the army
pursued the road; the enemy had retired by crossing
the strong pass or nulla of Puravenaur, without any
moleftatioD, and took up our ground on the N. W.
fide of it, near to the village of Moo<ypo|lum, thereby
securing a material point towards completing my
march towards Cuddalpre.
From authentic information, the enemy's force was
nearly as follows: artillery, 47 pieces, very well serv
ed ; 620 Europeans ; 1100 Topaffes, and others in Eu
ropean dress; cavalry, 40,000; 23 battalions of Se
poys, flrength 18,000; irregular, footmen, armed
with match-locks, pikes and rockets, 120,000. The
above were in Hyder's own pay, besides Lafcars, pio
peers and artificers, not included. Tnefe bodies were
numerous ; also the fighting men of the nabob of Sa
noor, Raja Redre, Raja Arpanelly, Raja Jerrimerry
and the different Polligars, who have joined Hyder
since be entered the Carnatic. His guns were princi
pally worked by Europeans and native artillery, who
had formerly been in the nabob's service, and it is
reckoned that there was embodied in hi^ service from
two thousand eght hundred to three thousand fepoys,
made prisoners in colonel Bailie's action, and at other
places since -the commencement of the war. These ac
counts are taken from an intelligent Portuguese officer
who came over to us in the beginning of the adion ;
they are also corroborated from other channels of in'
telligence. The behaviour of the whole army on this
most intereftiog day was uniformly Ready, and wor
thy of the highert commendation, I was well feconl
ed by rpajor general Munro, who commanded the firft
line; his spirited and aßive conduct contributed
greatly to our success. Brigadier general Stuart, who
commanded the second line, and had orders to defend
the heights, performed that service much to my fatis
fadion. In short, every individual of our little army
deemed to feel the critical situation of our national con
cerns depend nt on this country. Our falling interefls
required uncommon exertions to support them, and,
to the credit of this army, every nerve was exerted to
the very extent of possibility. The only difficulty was
to retrain the ardour of the troops within prudential
bounds ; eager to advance, it became particularly
necessary to guard against accidental disorder, situated
as we were, with multitudes of cavalry against us on
the watch, to take advantage of hurried and confufed
movements, from the want of a corp of cavalry on
our fide equal in number to the fervi e required, we
were with the vi&ory, decidedly declared, obliged to
halt just beyond the enemy's ground, nor being able
to take advantage of so distinguished a day ; for with
a corp of cavalry, the enemy's guns, Hores, &c.
would to a certainty have fallen into our hands. Their
strong, fine cattle drew their guns off in a trot; nor
was it possible for fatigued infantry to hinder this dis
tressed fight to us. The spirited behaviour of our fe
poy corps did them the greater credit ; no Europeans
could be steadier; they were emulous of being fore
moft in every service it was necessary to undertake.
Considering the trying situation this army is in, derti
tute of most of the common resources for carrying on
service, weak draft, and hardly any carriage cattle,
our guns in the face of the enemy's heavy fire, w re
through deep sand obliged to be drawn a full mile by
the soldiers; no provisions but from day to day, pay
considerably in arrears, the principal part of the Car
natic, and its capital, in possession of the enemy, our
armies in different parts of India having also lately
unfortunately received checks, an enemy of great
force to deal with, whole rapid success has strengthen
ed his cause with toe natives to an alarming degree,
no proper force of cavalry on our fide, and not half
carriages (ufficient for our wounded and lick ; these
things confidereJ, I tiiink 1 may venture to fay, that
fairly to beat Hyder on his fortified ground was.as
much as could be expe&ed.
A Scheme fabmitted to the consideration of the Legis
latures of the different Rates, whereby a sum, not less
than fix millions of Spanish milled dollars, may be
annually railed without diftreffng the objeHs of it,
as appears by the following moderate and impartial
calculation:
WHEREAS many inhabitants of our states com
plain of their being loaded with taxes which
they are unable to bear, and that sojourners and many
itinerant traders, dealers and chapmen, wuo acquire
property not tax ble, ought to contribute their quo
ta towards the current expences of these states And
whereas it is also fuggefled to us, that by virtue of an
eflimate lately made, it is thereby found, that legal
population is much on the decline, to the very great
disadvantage of individuals, the grief of parents, and
the hopeless anguish of our most worthy fair. And
whereas, also it is greatly to be a prehended that ma
ny proselytes may be made by the libertine examples
of those free-booters, who deigning the authority of
all virtuous and religious admonition, riot indiscrimi
nately in all the impious ads of lawiefs gratification,
to the loss of our tr nquility and domestic repose.
For remedy whereof, and in order to lessen the taxes
so much complained o' by the good people of these
Rates; let it be enafted by the legislatures of the thir
teen united states, " That every man, on his attaining
“ the age of twenty.one years, shall be obliged to
“ register his name with the fheriff of the county
" wherein he resides, and then and there upon oath,
'' to make a full and particular difeovery of bis estate,
" both real and personal; and for each and every
“ hundred pounds value thereof, that the said fheriff
'' shall be entitled, at the expiration of one year from
“ the giving in and regifterary aforefaid, to ask, de
" mand, sue fr, recover and receive of and from all
“ and every such person or perfoos, the sum of one
" Spanish milled dollar, and foin proportion for any
" greater or less sum than tool, by the year, for
" and until the said person or persons shall conform to
<c our said ancient cu flom, and I ecome members of the
" holy Rate of matrimony. And al'h that all such
" itinerant traders, dealers and chapmen, or by vohat
" ever description of profeffion, myrtery, trade,
" occupation or employ they may or can be reputed,
“ known or called (the military of these Rates, for
" mao.y good causes and considerations, being always
" excepted) shall give in a true and perfeß inventory
“ or fcledule of their personal estate, and of the year
“ ly income arising from their said several and refpec
« tive avocations, &c. &c. and for every hundred
" p onds thereby reported to be their refpe&ive grow
•' ing or annual income, to be in proportion thereof
" fubjed and liable to pay as their quota of celiacy
“ tax, one milled dollar as aforefaid: and the laid
'* fheriff to be diredid to give acknowledgments in
“ writing to such persons, fpecifying their due com
“ pliance with adand singular tl.e necessary requifiti
“ ons prescribed by this aft. And whereas, also as a
" furtl er and more eff dual means of extirpating the
" feeds of lawless commerce and fedudion; and for
“ the better prevention of evil habits, subversive of
“ that harmony so essential to the honour and inteteft
“ of the connubial Rate ; and in order more felly to fe
" cure happiness to tht female members thereof, who,
“ by labouring under some bodily infirmities, or be
" ing otherwise advanced towards the decline of life,
“ may be less capable of answering with their usual
" and accuflomed ardour, the moR sanguine expefta
“ tions, and thereby become fubjed to flights and in
“ attentions highly criminal in all religious and well
“ governed Rates, and to the evil example of all other
“ good fubjeßs in like manner offending. For pre
“ vention thereof, be it also enafted as aforefaid, that
" upon complaint being made to the chief justice of all
“ or any of the refpediye states, for the time being, and
" producing such falls, or other circumstantial evi
“ deuce, as may in his wisdom seem a proof of the
“ charge so to be exhibited by such flighted, ill-used
“ and negleHed consort ; then, and in every such case,
“ the person or persons so offending, shall forfeit and
''pay to the fheriff, as aforefaid, the sum often dol
“ lars for the firft offence, increasing and doubling in
emerge from our present difficulties ; but without the
greatest exertions from government to obviate the
unsurmountable distresses this army laboured under,
no decisive military measures for recovering the coun
try can be carried into execution; nor can any secure
blow, or check the enemy may receive, be followed to
advantage. It must be evident to every one, that if
Hyder Ally, buoyed up with former success, had not
borne down to seek us, I could not have moved the ar
my to follow him ; and this is a situation so trying to
the responsible military commander, that an officer of
character shudders at the idea of being placed in such
a predicament. I halted the army the 2d and 3d in
stant near Mootopollum, and on the 4th, as my four
days provisions would have been expended, marched
to this place,
Notwithflanding the great force Hyder has with him,
Tippo Saib invested Waudewafh on the 30th ult. tak
ing possession of the Pettah. The enemy's troops be
fore the place are five rofeillas of infantry, 10,000 ca
valry, as many more irregularly armed, in all full
thirty thousand men, with thirteen pieces of battering
cannon. I have accounts, but such as cannot absolute
ly be depended on, that in confluence of the action of
the firft, Hydtr has given ordersto withdraw the attack.
I have been preparing, since my arrival here, in the best
manner I am able, to move to its relief, if necessary.
Advice is just now received, that the admiral failed
this day from Porto Nova for the so uthward.
Permit me to request you will be pleased to forward
copies of these dispatches to the supreme council for
their information.
I have the honour to be, gentlemen,
1 Your most obedient humble fervanf,
Camp, near Cuddalore; EYRE COOTE.
July 6,1781.
P. S. By the last information refpeding the situa
tion of the enemy's encampment, rheir army lay on the
northern banks of the river Vitel, about seven cofs from
hence.