These were assembled in twenty-four hours, and at once started for Arcot, where they arrived after a two days' march.

They there learned that Tippoo had appeared before Trichinopoly, and after pillaging and laying waste the sacred island of Seringham, had marched north.
Day after day, news arrived of the devastation he was committing on his march.

At Thiagur, however, he met with a serious repulse.

Great numbers of the inhabitants from the surrounding country had crowded into the town with their valuables, and Tippoo, expecting a rich booty, attacked the town; but although its fortifications were insignificant, the little garrison was commanded by Captain Flint, the officer who had so bravely defended Wandiwash in the previous war, and two assaults were repulsed with serious loss.
At Trinalee, thirty-five miles farther north, he was more successful, capturing the town, and putting the inhabitants to the sword.

Here Tippoo changed his course, and marched for Pondicherry, capturing Permacoil by the way.
The news that Tippoo had changed his course, to the southeast, was received with great joy at Arcot.