ithin the space of little more than an hour, the two columns of the British army had fought their way round the ramparts to converge on Tipu's palace. Baird requested Major Allan to enter, carrying the flag of truce, and accompanied by a battalion of sepoys and men of the 12th Regiment. The 33rd were already drawn up before the gate. Within the palace Allan recognised one of the hostage sons of 1792 and eventually persuaded his brothers to open the palace gate. Baird awaited their surrender and, according to Major Allan's account, the General was 'sensibly affected by the sight of the princes; and his gallantry, on the assault, was not more conspicuous, than the moderation and humanity which he displayed on this occasion. He received the princes with every mark of regard, repeatedly assured them that no violence or insult should be offered to them, and he gave them in charge to Lieutenant-colonel Agnew, and Captain Marriott, by whom they were conducted to head-quarters in camp, escorted by the light company of the 33d regiment. As they passed, the troops were ordered to pay them the compliment of presented arms.' On 19th June, the princes were transferred to Vellore and eventually, after disturbances there in 1806, the family was transferred to the capital, Calcutta. Beatson's narrative of the Fourth Mysore War includes in the Appendix a full transcription of 'Major Allan's Account of his Interview with the Princes in the Palace of Seringapatam, and of finding the Body of the late Tippoo Sultaun.' | 
No comments:
Post a Comment