Between ourselves, I long to hear of the fall of Trichinopoli.

Everyone says it is certain to take place before long, and the sooner it does, the sooner we shall be out of this frightful place." After dinner they again went down to the beach, and were joined by Doctor Rae, who chatted with them as to the ships, which were now just anchoring.

These had already signalled that they were from Saint David's, and that they had on board Mr.Saunders, the governor, and a detachment of troops.

Already the soldiers from the Lizzie Anderson, aided by a number of natives, were at work pitching tents in the fort for the reception of the newcomers, and conjecture was busy on shore, among the civilians, as to the object of bringing troops from Saint David's to Madras, that is, directly away from the scene of action.
"It is one of two things," Doctor Rae said: "Either Trichinopoli has surrendered and they are evacuating Fort Saint David, or they have news that the nawab is marching to attack us here.

I should think it to be the latter, for Fort Saint David is a great deal stronger than this place, though the French did strengthen it during their stay here.