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17. kept the long strip of coast made by the provinces of Kanara*, Malabar, & the whole of the South of Mysore, thus connecting the Karnatik directly with the West Coast. The Marathas foolishly refused the offer of a considerable portion of Northern Mysore, because acceptance involved their promise of leaving unharmed the new kingdom & of permanent opposition to the French. This territory was therefore divided between Haidarabad & the Company.
The results of the conquest of Mysore.
Thus were Tipu's dominions disposed of. In looking back at the Governor General's work in this direction, it seems clear that here was his most lasting, his most effectual accomplishment in India. There is no doubt that Tipu was a danger to the very existence of the Company. Before Mornington had been in Indian eighteen months Tipu & his Empire were alike only memories. The war itself had only lasted two months, & for this, indeed, the credit does [line] * According to at least one Atlas, Kanara remained to Mysore; but this is certainly wrong, as the whole point was to cuttoff the new state from the sea.
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18. not rest entirely on the Governor-General's shoulders. The success of the war must of course have been due very largely to the officers actually in command, General Harris & General Stewart. But short of this Mornington deserves all the praise, for his - to use a worn-out metaphor - was the hand at the wheel. What, then, was the effect of the conquest of Mysore? The Company's territory, its revenue, its commerce, were all substantially increased. But far more important was one other result, for which alone the war was fully justifiable: the French were driven completely out of Southern India - but for their few coast towns - & thenceforward ceased to be a danger to British progress, not only in the South but in the entire peninsula.
Wellesley's honours.
Here at least Mornington's work was appreciated. Madras, Bombay, & Calcutta, all showed their gratitude & admiration by various addresses & ovations. The Indian Army with difficulty persuaded him to accept a magnificent star & badge of the Order of St.Patrick, made from Tipu's jewels. He refused, however, the Court of Director's offer of [pound symbol]100,000.
