THE humble address sent by you has been received, and the particulars of the occupation of the fort of Kittoor, by a garrison of our troops, are comprehended.

You must place guards, composed of trust-worthy men, at different points, which must be most carefully watched, in order that a single blade of grass may neither be dispersed nor pillaged. Let not the property be plundered, as, owing to the want of suitable precautions,* was the case at Nergûnd. On this head you must issue and enforce the strictest orders, as otherwise you will be held responsible for the consequence.