A group of contemporary newspapers relating to Tipu Sultan and the Siege of Seringapatam

London and Northampton, 1799 and 1800

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Footnotes

The three editions of The Northampton Mercury are dated September 14th, 1799, 21st September of the same year, and 1st February 1800.

In the edition of 14th September, the news of the siege, is placed in a section called 'Postscript', though it is in fact one of the longer articles (entitled Death of Tippoo Saib, and the Capture of Seringapatam, the Capital of his Empire).

This morning arrived at the India-House from Plymouth, the Purser of the Barwell East-Indiaman; by which ship we have the important Intelligence, that on the 4th of May the British Forces under General Stuart, took SERINGAPATAM, Tippoo's Capital, by Assault, with a very trifling Loss on the part of the British Troops. The Body of TIPPOO was found among the slain upon the ramparts of the place, and his two SONS were taken in his Palace.
By the Death of this restless Tyrant, and the overthrow of his Empire, the lawful King of Mysore will be restored to his Throne, the English power in India effectually secured, and the hopes of the French in that quarter completely destroyed.
Private Letters mention that immense Treasure has been taken in Seringapatam.
There follows a copy of a letter from the Madras Gazette, from Lt. Gen. Harris to the Governor-General, recounting the assault in great detail, and ending with the death of Tipu and the surrender of Seringapatam.

The edition of the 21st September 1799 has a short piece based on a despatch from General Harris, describing the results of the victory: 'The successful termination of the war in India secures to us the sovereignty of that country' [...] 'the treasure found in Seringapatam has been variously stated: some accounts estimate it at three, others at thirteen millions. During a long series of years, Tippoo and his father plundered the East, and here were their riches deposited' [...] 'the resources which will flow into the Company's Treasury are at present incalculable'.

The edition of February 1st, 1800, contains further details which had been learned of the final assault and death of Tipu, including the well-known story of his death when already badly wounded: 'A servant, who has survived, relates, that one of the soldiers seized the Sultaun's sword-belt (which was very rich) and attempted to pull it off; that the Sultaun, who still held his sword in his hand, made a cut at him with all his remaining strength, and wounded him about the knee, on which he put his piece to his shoulder, and shot the Sultaun through the temple, when he instantly expired'.

In The Sun, dated 19 July 1800, there is a report of the celebratory Entertainment given at Cumberland House where fronting the water were erected eight tents, taken from Tippoo Sultaun, made of fine calico, painted red and white, the sides formed of curious lattice; the largest tent being open on each side, was appropriated for the company to dine.