He therefore sent a messenger to Law, to acquaint him with his plans, in order that he might aid him by making a diversion.
Clive, in the meantime, had been at work.

On the day after his arrival at Samieaveram, he attacked and captured the temple of Mansurpet, halfway between the village and the island.

The temple was lofty, and stood on rising ground, and commanded a range of the country for many miles round.
On its top, Clive established a signal station.

Upon the following day he carried the mud fort of Lalgudi, which was situated on the north bank of the river, two miles to the east of Paichandah, which now remained Law's only place of exit from the island.
D'Auteuil, after sending word to Law of his intentions, marched from Utatua, where he was lying, by a road to the west which would enable him to move round Samieaveram to Paichandah.

Clive captured one of the messengers, and set off with his force to intercept him.