troops returned to Coimbatore. They were there joined by Colonel Stuart's division, which had captured Pálghát. The main object of this enterprise – that is, the invasion of Mysore by the Gajalhátti Pass – had, however, been successfully frustrated by Tipú. Relieved of any immediate apprehension about his capital, he now marched rapidly southwards, taking Erode, Dhárápuram, and other places; then hearing of the invasion of the Báramahál district, he proceeded thither with the greater part of his army. During this inroad, the British troops in vain pursued him, being baffled by the rapidity of his movements, while his cavalry, always hovering about, gave him precise information whenever the British marched, and at the same time intercepted and seized all persons sent out by the English general to obtain intelligence.
While General Medows was attempting to carry out his project of forcing the Gajalhátti Pass, his second corps d'armée, amounting to 9,500 men and partly composed of native troops sent from Bengal, proceeded, in accordance with instructions, to reduce the Báramaháls. It was commanded by Colonel Maxwell, Colonel Kelly having died before active operations were commenced. On November 1 Maxwell reconnoitred the stronghold of Krishnagiri, the capital of the district. Distrusting his ability to besiege it with success, he retired on Káveripatam, but his intention of surprising Krishnagiri was foiled by the rapid movements of Tipú. The latter,
