south of the gháts which had been wrested from him by the English, and marched eastward towards Madras, a movement which so alarmed the Government there that they despatched Captain Brooke to offer terms of peace.
In the interview which ensued Haidar showed a desire to arrange matters, seeing clearly that the friendship of the British would be more advantageous to him than their hostility. But he resolutely set his face against any concessions to the treacherous and selfish Nawáb of Arcot, who had oppressed and plundered his subjects, and whose exclusion from any arrangement he firmly demanded. As, however, the influence of the Nawáb was predominant in the counsels of the Madras Government, the negotiation was fruitless and hostilities were resumed[1]. Haidar, with that indomitable energy which characterized him, then resorted to an expedient to terrify the authorities at Madras. Sending off the main body of his army with orders to retire westward through the Ahtúr Pass, he himself proceeded eastward, accompanied by 6,000 chosen horse and a very few infantry, and by a forced march of 130 miles reached St. Thomas' Mount, five miles from Madras, in three days and a half.
Here he was practically able to dictate his own terms to the English, and at his suggestion Mr. Du Prè was
- ↑ Haidar is alleged to have spoken to the envoy as follows: 'I am coming to the gates of Madras, and I will there listen to the propositions the Governor and Council may have to make.'
