Page:Our Indian Army.djvu/355

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OUR ANGLO-INDIAN ARMY.
331

and batteries against which his efforts were directed, and, pursuing the fugitives to the walls of the town, nearly succeeded in obtaining entrance; the enemy not being able to close the gate till the head of the column was close upon it. Eleven guns were taken, all of which were safely brought into camp. The third column was less fortunate. Having lost its scaling-ladders, and one of its guns being dismounted by a shot from the town, the attempt on the gate was deemed impracticable, and the column retired.

The movement of Captain Grant's column was to be the signal for the advance of that of Colonel Don to storm. The Europeans forming the head of the column were accordingly ordered to advance, and the native infantry to follow. Fifty men carrying fascines were to precede the former, who, after throwing the fascines into the ditch, were to wheel outwards, and keep up a fire of musketry on the breach, while the rest of the party advanced to the assault. But a hesitation occurred: the assailants were exposed to an enfilading fire; an apprehension prevailed that the enemy, during their occupation of the extremity of the trench, had established a mine. The effect of these discouraging circumstances was aided by the sight of the wounded in the conflict of the morning lying around, and the groans drawn forth by their sufferings; and Colonel Don strove in vain to counteract the impressions thus created. The Europeans in front would not move; but a better spirit was manifested by the remains of the flankers of his Majesty's 22nd regiment, and by the 12th Native Infantry. These followed their gallant commander, and two six-pounders were run out upon the plain to keep up a fire upon the walls and batteries, while the troops attempted an assault.

But the ditch was impassable at the breach, from the depth of the water. The storming-party, therefore, proceeded to another part, where the water was shallow, and where a ragged bastion seemed to offer the means of climbing. Having passed the ditch, several succeeded in