The British commandant was Colonel Dow, who Raja knew well from the Siege of Thalassery. Raja thought that this old friend might help him mediate with the British government. Raja offered to give up the struggle provided he was pardoned and his treasure and house restored. The Colonel and Raja being old soldiers hated needless bloodshed, so he forwarded Raja's request to the Commissioners, who though they were bitterly opposed to Raja's independent style, agreed to the Colonel's request as there was a risk that Raja might ally with Tipu.