obstinate resistance; and the soldiers, to the number of 2,500, immediately transferred their services to the victors. The Mahratta leaders, meanwhile, resolved to propose a treaty of surrender; but as the time for its ratification approached they suddenly recommenced firing. The trenches were forthwith opened; and a breach being effected on the 17th of October, 1803, the enemy capitulated the same evening, stipulating only for the safety of their persons and private property. The treasure found here, amounting to no less than £280,000, was divided among the troops as prize-money. The fort also contained 176 guns, which, with twenty-six captured beyond the walls, made a total of 202.[1]
It is here proper to notice the occupation of Cuttack, which was completed during the month of October. This service was effected by Colonel Harcourt, who, having occupied that great seat of Hindoo superstition, Juggernauth, proceeded to reduce the fort of Barabuttee, situate about a mile from the town of Cuttack. The fort was built of stone, and was surrounded by a ditch twenty feet deep, and varying in breadth, according to the situation of the bastions, from thirty-five to a hundred and thirty-five feet. A battery was completed on the night of the 13th of October, and on the morning of the 14th opened its fire. By eleven o'clock most of the defences in that part of the fort against which the fire was directed were taken off, the enemy's guns were silenced, and Colonel Harcourt judged that the time for attempting to gain possession had arrived.
Over the ditch was a narrow bridge leading to the gate, and by this communication the assailants were to endeavour to effect an entrance. The storming-party, which consisted of both Europeans and Sepoys, was led
- ↑ Among the ordnance taken at Agra was a gun of enormous magnitude, called "the great gun of Agra." It was said to be composed of various metals, including even the precious: and this was possibly true, as the shroffs, or money-changers, of the city offered the English commander a lac of rupees (10,000l.) for the gun merely to melt down. The calibre of this extraordinary instrument of destruction was twenty-three inches; its length fourteen feet two inches; its weight 96,000 lbs., and it took a ball of 1,500 lbs. weight.
