Arthur quickly discovered that the Military Board of Madras, the body in charge of co-ordinating the presidency’s armed forces, had done nothing to assemble and supply the siege train needed to reduce Seringapatam. At once he descended on their offices and requested a meeting with the secretary of the Board, Josiah Webbe.

Webbe’s office was large but felt cramped due to the proliferation of records, reports and correspondence crammed into cubbyholes that lined three of the walls.The fourth was taken up by a shuttered window that stood open to admit the faint breeze blowing in from the sea. Even though all his documents were weighted down the corners of the paperwork occasionally lifted and fluttered as they were stirred by wafts of air. Arthur discovered that Webbe was a man of his own age, neatly dressed, slim and healthy in appearance. He lowered his pen and rose to shake Arthur’s hand, smiling warmly.

‘Ah, the colonel of the newly arrived 33rd, I presume. Good morning to you, sir. What can I do for you?’

‘Good morning, Mr Webbe. Please excuse me if I pass over any pleasantries and get down to business.’

A look of irritation flitted over Webbe’s expression before he replied.‘Indeed. I am a busy man too, as you can see.’ He gestured to the paperwork that surrounded him.

‘Then I’ll be brief. I have been charged with forming and equipping the siege train. This was the responsibility of the Military Board, until now.’

‘Until now? I was not aware that the situation had changed, Colonel.’

‘It has.’ Arthur pulled a document out of his jacket and placed it on the table.‘This is my authority to assume control of the task, signed by Lord Clive and General Harris. I am empowered to do all that is required to organise the siege train.’

‘Really?’ Webbe raised his eyebrows. Then he leaned forward and picked up the document, opened it and began to read. At length he set it down and looked at Arthur. ‘It seems that I am to co-operate with you as fully as is possible in accordance with the guidelines of the Military Board’s responsibilities.’

‘That is what the document says.’

‘I feel it only fair to point out to you that, in principle, ratification of decisions by the Board is required from the directors of the Company.’

Arthur struggled to contain his irritation at the man’s obstructive attitude. Instead he nodded. ‘So I understand. But what you must understand is that by the time you receive any response from the directors in London,Tipoo may have rendered any reply rather academic. Wouldn’t you agree?’

‘Sir, I am only stating that I am bound by certain rules.’