The gallant little garrison had surrendered at last, on the condition that they should be allowed to march freely away.

This condition had been violated by Tippoo, and the garrison had been marched, as prisoners, to Seringapatam.

The two officers had been kept in the fort, but most of the soldiers, and twenty-seven other European captives who had lately been brought in from the hill forts, were lodged in the village that Colonel Knox had first occupied, on crossing the river, and had all been released by him.

Some of these had been in Tippoo's hands for many years, and their joy at their unexpected release was unspeakable.
Preparations were now made for the siege.

General Abercrombie was ordered up, with a force of six thousand men, but before his arrival, Lieutenant Chalmers was sent in with a letter from Tippoo, asking for terms of capitulation.