These were overtaken and cut to pieces, and not one man, of the force which Law had despatched against Clive returned to the island.
The English loss was heavy.

The greater portion of the occupants of the Small Pagoda were bayoneted by the French, when they entered; and, as fifteen others were killed in the attack, it is probable that at least one-fourth of the English force under Clive were killed.
Clive's own escapes were extraordinary.

In addition to those of being killed by the French Sepoys, among whom he ran by mistake, and of death at the hands of the treacherous deserter, he had one almost as close, when the French fired their volley into the caravansary.

A box at his feet was shattered, and a servant who slept close to him was killed.
Some days passed, after this attack, without any fresh movement on either side.

Major Lawrence then determined to drive back D'Auteuil.
He did not despatch Clive against him, as this would involve the risk that Law might again march out to surprise Samieaveram.