The Third Anglo-Mysore War: Campaign & Retreat

Between December 1790 and May 1791, Macquarie's journal recorded the daily challenges and ordeals as the Bombay Army began its eastward march from the Malabar Coast over the Western Ghauts towards Tipu Sultan's capital at Seringapatam in Mysore. It was an arduous journey through dense jungle terrain and steep mountain passes, hauling heavy battering cannons and supplies for use in the assault on the citadel. Despite regular harrassment by Tipu's troops, the British forces finally reached the plains of Mysore in mid-May. However, the onset of the monsoon rains, and major logistical problems within the Grand Army, marching from Madras, forced the abandonment of the campaign. An immediate retreat was ordered — to the bewilderment and disbelief of the soldiers of the Bombay Army.

Macquarie's journal documents clearly the panic, confusion and disarray experienced in the hasty retreat to the coast: stores and equipment abandoned without thought or preparation, sickness rife, and troops struggling through torrential rain and deep mud as they tried to traverse the steep mountain tracks. Macquarie was forced to abandon all his equipment and belongings, and despite falling ill was one of those fortunate enough to reach the coast safely — though many others succumbed to disease and accident. In the months that followed Macquarie slowly recovered his health though his journal makes clear his disapproval of the campaign leadership and planning.

By early December the campaign against Tipu had recommenced and Macquarie's journal describes again the rigours and discomforts of the march up the Ghauts.