Hobart, Rainier, and Stewart build a campaign

Hobart recognized the opportunity created by the Kew Letters and brought Rainier and Major General James Stewart into a coordinated expedition. As Governor of Madras, Hobart could supply political authority and mobilize resources across a region where distant communications forced officials to act independently. Rainier insisted on enough troops to prevent a repeat of the 1782 failure, while Stewart brought experience from the Mysore wars and several major sieges. Logistics, reconnaissance, intelligence, speed, and accurate execution marked their planning. East India Company ships and infrastructure sustained the force, helping the campaign finish with only 16 British dead and 60 wounded.