LETTER CCXCIII.
To ABDÛL KUREEM, SIPAHDÂR of the JYHSE KUCHURRY, stationed with
URSHUD BAIG KHÂN; dated 10th JAAFURY. (13th June.)

YOU write, “that the villain Goorkul, being wounded, had thrown “himself, together with his wife and children, into a fire [kindled for “the purpose] which had consumed them [all].” You add, “that the “Mâpilahs have all taken to flight.”

It is known. You must assemble and keep your men together, and, exercising them regularly, hold them always in readiness [for service].

OBSERVATIONS.

It would appear by this letter that the unfortunate Goorkul had eluded the endeavours of Tippoo’s commanders to secure his person; but that, despairing of ultimate success, and knowing the fate that awaited himself and family, if they fell into the hands of their tyrant, he had resorted to the final remedy and refuge from dishonour, so usual among the Hindoos. The studied indifference, as it appears to be, with which the Sultan mentioned this dreadful catastrophe, will not have escaped the reader’s notice.