During the nine months that had elapsed since the retreat from before Seringapatam, Dick had been occupied in following out the main object of his presence in Mysore.

Finding that Purseram Bhow's army was the first that would be engaged in active service, he asked permission from the general to join it.

This was at once granted, and Lord Cornwallis introduced him to the officer in command of the Bombay troops attached to that army, informing him of the object that he had in view.
"He will not be of much use as an interpreter," he said, "for as the country in which you are going to operate formed, until lately, a part of the Mahratta dominions, Mahratti will be principally spoken.

He will, therefore, go simply as an officer of my staff, attached for the present to your command.

He has asked me to allow him to take with him twenty men, belonging to the troop of his uncle, the Rajah of Tripataly.