'Memorandum of General Sir David Baird's Services', written by him at the time and found in a drawer in the attic of the family house at Newbyth, records :

'- on the 4th May, had the honor (sic) of Commanding the Storming part with compleat (sic) success, in consequence was presented by the Army thro' Lieut. General Harris Commander in Chief with Tippoo Sultan's State Sword and a dress sword from the Field officers serving under my immediate command at the assault.'

Baird's moment of glory was swiftly extinguished when his junior office, Arthur Wellesley, was appointed to restore order in Seringapatam, and then to the prominent and lucrative position of Commandant of the city.