in conformity to the orders of the Presidency, wished to lead him towards Pondicherry. This difference of opinion kept them some days at Volcondah, and as a reconciliation, by which some service might be obtained from the Nabob's troops, Captain Smith consented to march against Thiagar, which would bring them nearer Arcot, without being removed farther from Pondicherry. But the Presidency, at the same time that they sent orders to Captain Smith to march away with his detachment to Karical, enjoined the Nabob to keep with his own troops in the country to the s. of Gingee, between Volcondah and Chillambarum, and to employ them in reducing these districts, and especially in preventing any supplies of provisions from being conveyed out of them to Pondicherry from whence he would have nothing to fear, as the English army would be advanced and lying between.
The number of manned Massoolas at Madrass, which are the only boats that can ply the surf, were not sufficient to carry off the ammunition and stores intended for the siege as fast as the men of war could have taken them in; and during this delay, the Falmouth of 60 guns was sent forward to take in Major Monson's party at Alamparvah, whilst the other ships were lading at Madrass: and on the 15th Colonel Coote, continuing much disordered with his wound, came in from the camp to adjust with the Presidency the prizemoney accruing to the army from their late successes.
The Falmouth, standing into the road of Alamparvah on the 16th in the morning, discovered a ship at anchor close in shore, about two leagues to the northward of Pondicherry, and bore down to her with an easy sail, under French colours; but the stranger cut her cable, and ran ashore into the surf, which being boisterous, she immediately bilged, and all but three of the crew got ashore. The boats of the Falmouth, finding it impossible to get the ship off, set fire to her. She was the Harlem, which had been dispatched by Mr. Moracin from Ganjam to Mergui in the month of June, and was returning with rice and other provisions for Pondicherry, and had likewise tutenague and other merchandize on board, none of
