The whole force
consisted of two thousand four hundred Europeans, and sixteen hundred
Sepoys. The Mahrattas, three thousand strong, remained in their own
camp, and did not advance to the assistance of their allies.
The English army consisted of nineteen hundred Europeans, of whom
eighty were cavalry, two thousand one hundred Sepoys, twelve hundred
and fifty irregular horse, and twenty-six field guns. The Sepoys were
on the flanks, the Company's two battalions in the centre, with
Coote's regiment on their right and Draper's on their left. The four
grenadier companies of the white regiments were withdrawn from the
fighting line; and, with two hundred Sepoys on each flank, were held
as a reserve. Ten field pieces were in line with the troops; two, with
two companies of Sepoys, were posted a little on the left; the rest
were in reserve. The English line was placed somewhat obliquely across
that of the French, their left being the nearest to the enemy.
As the English took up their position, Lally led out his cavalry, made
a wide sweep round the plain, and then advanced against the English
horse, who were drawn up some little distance behind the reserve. Upon
seeing their approach, the whole of the irregular horse fled at once,
leaving only Charlie's troop remaining.
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