The Nizam and Mahrattis were not to be depended upon in the slightest degree, and might at any moment change sides.

The French revolution had broken out, and all Europe was alarmed, and many of the English regiments might, at any moment, be ordered to return home.

Therefore, anything like a thorough conquest of Mysore was impossible, and there was only time to march to Seringapatam, to capture Tippoo's capital, and to dictate terms to him.
Immense exertions were made to restore the efficiency of the baggage train, and on the 3rd of May, the army marched from Bangalore.
Tippoo, devoured alike by rage and fear, had taken no efficient steps to meet the coming storm.

His first thought was to prevent the English from discovering the brutal cruelty with which his white captives had been treated.

He had, over and over again, given the most solemn assurances that he had no white prisoners in his hands; and he now endeavoured to prevent their obtaining evidence of his falsehood and cruelty, by murdering the whole of those who remained in his hands at Seringapatam.