Beatson, Alexander: A view of the origin and conducts of the war with Tippoo Sultaun: comprising a narrative of the operations of the army under the command of Lieutenant George Harris, and of the Siege of Seringapatam (London, 1800)

3 VIEW OF THE ORIGIN AND CONDUCT
our military establishments, and preparations, and with the distri-
bution of our force.
The baneful effects of this perpetual state of uncertainty and
solicitude, have been felt not only in the decay of agriculture, and
of the arts of peaceful industry on the coast of Coromandel, and in
the rebellious spirit of certain descriptions of the natives on that
coast, and on the coast of Malabar, but occasionally throughout
all India, in the diminution of the British influence and consider-
ation at foreign courts ; in the rising hopes of the turbulent and
disaffected ; and in the decline of public and private credit, shaken
by repeated rumours of war, and by the constant necessity of
guarding against surprise from the sudden aggression of an
enemy whom no clemency nor moderation could conciliate, and
no faith could bind.
The reduction of Tippoo Sultaun's power and resources,
effected by the treaty of Seringapatam in had weakened,
but not extinguished, the cause of these complicated evils. Soon
after the conclusion of peace, this cause and its effects appear to
have recovered a considerable degree of strength. In the year
the intrigues and military movements of Tippoo Sultaun
compelled the Government-general to assemble the army on the
coast of Coromandel; and in the autumn of 1797, such apprehen-
sions were entertained of his designs and power, as induced Lord
Hobart, Governor of Fort St. George, to take upon himself the
high responsibility of relinquishing an expedition, ably planned;
and even after the requisite preparations, which had been carried
on with uncommon zeal, vigor, and activity, had been com-
pleted.