State of the missions for some years after the death of Swartz— Labours and success of Messrs. Jaticke and Gerické in the South of the Peninsula-Death and Character of those mis- sinaries-The Rev. Mr. Hirst-Ordination of four Cate- chists-Exertions and writings of Dr. Buchanan for the promotion of Christianity in It ha-Ecclesiastical Establish- ment for British India-Beneficial effects of it-Bill for the ad lition of two Suffragan Bishops, and for rendering Christian converts eligible to all situations and employments-Pro- gress of the Gospel in Tinnevelly-Testimonies of Bishops Middleton and Heber, and of the Rev. Mr. Hough-Reflec- tions on the numbers of the converts to Christianity, and on MEMOIRS OF THE REV. C. F. SWARTZ. CHAPTER XIII. Death of Hyder Ali-Continuation of the war by Tippoo Sultan-Return to Madras, and death, of Sir Eyre Coote-Successes of Colonel Fullarton in Southern India-Negotiation for peace-Lord Macartney requests Mr. Swartz to join the Commissioners at Seringapatam-He consents, and sets out on the journey-Letters to Mr. Sullivan--Meets Colonel Fullarton and his army-He is stopped by Tippoo's officers, at Sattimungalum-Returns to Tanjore-Declines attempting a second journey-Peace concluded with Tippoo-Letters to several friends on the preceding events-Journey with Mr. Sullivan to Ramanad-Plan of the provincial schools-Journey, on account of his health, to the coast-Letters to Mr. Sullivan, and Mr. Duffin. XIII. Ar the close of the year 1782, Hyder Ali, the CHAP. most powerful and able opponent of the British dominion in India, who had hitherto appeared, VOL. II. B 1783. CHAP died at an advanced age at Chittore. He was Mucceeded in the empire, to which his civil and military talents had raised him, by his son Tippoo; who, though not equal to his father in general ability, was not deficient either in bravery or military skill, and inherited both his ambition and his implacable enmity to the English authority. The war continued, therefore, to be prosecuted with vigour, and, on the part of the Mahomedan Sultan, for such was the title which he assumed on the death of Hyder, with unrelenting severity. The dissensions which at this time unhappily prevailed between the civil and military authorities at Madras, prevented them from availing themselves of the advantage which so important an event had thrown into their hands. Sir Eyre Coote was, in consequence, again sent to take the command in the Carnatic; but that gallant veteran, worn out with former toils, sunk under the return of complaints from which he had previously suffered, and expired early in 1783, two days after his arrival at Madras, and a few months only after the decease of Hyder Ali, whose career he had so successfully checked. Tippoo, considering the western coast of India as having become the principal seat of the war, withdrew his troops from the Carnatic. The English, in consequence, attacked Cuddalore, which was XIII. 1783. then in the possession of the French; but before CHAP. they could reduce it, news having arrived of peace in Europe between the two nations, the French commander suspended offensive operations, and withdrew his countrymen from the service of Tippoo. In the mean time, the English became decidedly superior on the western coast, and in the south the brilliant campaign of Colonel Fullarton was rapidly restoring the British ascendancy. Caroor and Dindegal, and afterwards Palgaut and Coimbetore were reduced, and he was even preparing to ascend the Ghauts, and anticipating the conquest of Mysore, when he was suddenly arrested in his triumphant progress, and directed to restore all his recent conquests. Tippoo had applied for two English commissioners to proceed to his camp, and enter into negotiations for a treaty of peace; and the Madras government, alarmed at the failure of their resources for the continuance of the war, with doubtful policy, complied with his request. From his well known integrity and ability, and from his superior acquaintance with the native languages, of which the commissioners were ignorant, Swartz was requested by the governor of Madras to join them, as their interpreter, with the sultan of Mysore. The following is Lord Macartney's letter to him upon this subject. CHAP. 1783. "SIR, My knowledge of your excellent character, and of the cheerfulness with which, on several occasions, you have lent your assistance to the public service, encourage me to request it, on behalf of the Company, in one of very great importance, which now presents itself. will "You doubtless know that commissioners from this government are now on the road to Tippoo Sultaun, to complete the pacification settled by the treaty in Europe. The commission now consists of Anthony Sadlier, George Leonard Staunton, and John Hudleston, Esqs.; and the request I have to make to you, is, that join them on the road, and act as their interpreter, with Tippoo Sultaun. By complying with this request, you will render essential service to the public, and confer an obligation on the Company, as well as on him, who is, with much esteem, "Sir, you "Your most obedient, humble servant, "MACARTNEY. "Fort St. George, December 3rd, 1783." The reply to a request, expressed in terms so honourable to the excellent missionary, was communicated through Mr. Sullivan,' then the Resident at Tanjore. With this able and estimable servant of the Company, whose energy and address 1 The present Right Honourable John Sullivan. |