the town two of the twelve-pounders they had captured in Dalton's Battery, and to shout Vive le Roi. The result was to arouse the garrison. To such purpose indeed did the noise rouse them, that when the French, guided by the English deserter, dashed round the traverses, they were met by a heavy musketry fire from the hurriedly-assembled garrison. The first fire killed the deserter, the only one of the party who know the exact locality of the town gate. His death caused delay whilst men were searching for the gate, and meanwhile the English fire became more and more deadly. It was dark, and the numbers on both sides could not be seen. But the English knew perfectly where they were, whilst the French were at a great disadvantage from want of that knowledge. It was not, however, until their ladders had shattered that they thought of retreating. But they were in an impasse. There was no means of escape open to them except by leaping from the battery. This some few attempted, but, when the day broke, the majority, noting that they were quite at the mercy of their enemies, asked for quarter. This was granted to them. 'They lost in this affair,' wrote Lawrence, '364 Europeans taken prisoners, 65 of whom were wounded; 8 officers also taken, most of them wounded, and 1 officer killed, and they acknowledged themselves that many more were wounded or lamed who were carried off to the island.' Lawrence adds: 'The scheme was well laid, and had not French petulance made them too soon
