In short, on hearing these joyous tidings, the fortunate Nawaub immediately despatched search­ing spies and able intelligencers on this business with orders to collect correct information respecting the government of Nuggur; the abilities of those who conducted it; the amount of the revenue, the number of the troops; and to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with these matters, and write a full and distinct account of them. He then marched with a strong force towards Chitul Droog, and, from policy, and to make an impression, he gave orders to take, plunder, and destroy, the dependencies of that place. His fearless Kuzzaks, in consequence, immediately spread themselves over the whole of its Talookas or districts, to the Ghaut of the Droog, and levelled every town and village to the ground. The Nawaub, however, marched straight to the Droog, where the Poligar of that place took the head of submission out of the veil of rebellion, and entered the circle of obedience; and agreeably to the directions of the Nawaub, paid two Lakhs* of Rupees, in lieu of Paishkush, and one Lakh of Rupees as a present, and was allowed his life and property, and he and his troops accom­panied the army. In the meantime, the spies and intelligencers had proceeded with the greatest speed to Nuggur, and had examined closely the state of that country, and they described the whole in detail to the Nawaub. About this time, also, the person* who was ambitious of obtaining the government of Bednore, and who, as has been already stated, desired an opportunity to establish his claim, had sought refuge in Chitul Droog, and, under the aus­picious star of his good fortune, was introduced to the Nawaub. This person promised and engaged, through the medium of the Chief of Chitul Droog, to gird his loins in the service of the Nawaub; and stated that he considered the service of that victori­ous Chief as an honour to his house; and that he entreated the Nawaub to proceed quickly to the punishment of the Rani, whose government was a display of caprice, and who, like a man, galloped over the field of licence, and extinguish the torch of her immodesty* with the water* of the sword, and give to the world, (the people of which had their lives on their lips from her oppression, and tyranny,) comfort, consolation, and a new life. Seeing that the appearance of things was conformable to his hopes and wishes; the Nawaub Bahadúr agreed to the prayer of this man; and, having arrayed the right and left wings* of his army, the main body,* and advanced and rear guards,* he gave the com­mand of each to brave experienced officers, and, the next morning but one, he marched towards Nuggur, his worthy son of victorious presage acompanying him. At every station and encampment on the march, Hydur, by his affability and presents, raised great hopes among the inhabitants of that country, and, to stimulate the cultivation and prosperity of the land, he gave them every assurance* of safety. In every town or fort, also, where his army encamped, he sent for the whole of the poor, and persons without employment, of all classes, and by favours and gifts gained their hearts, and enrolled them among his own servants. Those, however, who left the circle of obedience to his commands, and did not attend to his advice and instructions, but prepared to oppose him, those he endeavoured by all means to make prisoners or destroy. From this cause, fear and trembling came over the people of the country, and the mass of peasantry, civil officers, commandants of forts, &c. throught the medium of Hydur’s son, (Tippoo,) submitted and offered their obedi­ence, and obtained encouragement in proportion to their merits. When Hydur’s troops arrived and encamped two stages on this side Nuggur, the spies, who had been before secretly ordered there, pre­sented themselves, and stated that the Rani was much alarmed and grieved, that she took no rest day or night, and was immersed in deep reflection:— that she had given over all regulation of the affairs of government, and had determined to die; but that she still hoped, by management and deceit, the payment of the Paishkush, and by presenting valuable presents, that she might turn Hydur from his purpose; and, indeed, just at this time, accord­ing to the statement of the spies, the Rani did send confidential embassadors with presents, and a sup­plicatory letter. These Vakeels, after paying their respects to Hydur, presented the articles and rarities intended for gifts, and stated that the Rani would pay a yearly sum of 100,000 Hoons or Pagodas,* besides a tribute of other valuable articles, such as Foful.* Dates, Sandal wood, Kakul, (a particular kind of wood), black pepper, &c., and that, as long as she lived, she would be submissive to his orders, and pay tribute; and that she hoped the country would be restored to her charge, as a gift from him, so that, under the shade of his pro­tection, she might be safe from all enemies. To this, Hydur returned for answer, that if she desired or hoped for safety, present comfort, tranquillity of mind, and the preservation of her honour, she must come without hesitation to the army; and that, then, she might proceed with every comfort to the fort of Seringaputtun, the asylum and stronghold of modesty and virtue, where she might reside, and receive from him an allowance proportioned in every respect to her wants.

The Vakeels returned to the Rani with this mes­sage, and reported to her the commands of the Nawaub. The Rani, free from restraint, proudly rejected the terms of this proposal; and right or wrong, foolishly prepared to defend herself; with this intent, she intrigued with Abdul Hukeem, Khan of Shanoor, sending a large sum of money to him, and entreating his assistance. Abdul Hukeem agreed to her request, and immediately despatched two thousand horse and four thousand foot, to assist her; and himself with a large force and artillery, advanced and encamped on the river Bala. The troops sent in aid entered, meanwhile, the fort of Nuggur, from the hills and forests sur­rounding the fort.