fifty of the late deserters had been incorporated, and called the Free Company, under the command of two French officers, brothers, of the name of Martin: like the French volunteers, they were intended for the services of most fatigue and danger, and were now employed, for the first time. They marched on the 10th, accompanied by 25 Coffrees, two companies of Sepoys, 1000 black horse, and an iron gun with five European gunners, to join Kistnarow at Villaporum; as it was supposed the Mysoreans would attempt to pass either by this place or Trivadi.
Although no regular detachments had marched from Pondicherry, small parties to the amount of 200 Europeans had passed at different times undiscovered to Gingee, and from thence proceeded to Thiagar, before the first division of Mysoreans arrived there; but remained in order to accompany the main body to Pondicherry. Preparing for this important convoy and reinforcement, the garrisons both of Thiagar and Gingee had collected all the cattle, which the inhabitants had not driven out of their reach: but the Mysore horse in three days swept a much greater number; but refused to proceed with them, until fully apprized what interruption they were likely to meet in the way; and the French officers were afraid to tell them that they only ran the risque of more by this delay.
The Martins arrived at Villaporum on the 11th, and heard nothing of Kistnarow; and the commandant of Gingee, thinking he could cope with their detachment, marched from his forts with 100 Europeans, some Sepoys, and black horse. The Martins, as well as the deserters they commanded, behaved with much spirit in their new cause, and repulsed their countrymen, who acted but faintly. Some of the French Sepoys were killed, and two Europeans, a Topaze, and a Coffree, were made prisoners.
Notwithstanding this success and repeated injunctions Kistnarow still kept aloof; and, as it was supposed that the Mysoreans already arrived were the whole body, and would advance, accompanied by the Europeans from Thiagar, to which force that with the Martins, although strong, would in no wise have been equal, another
