intolerable; while the inconvenience arising from the heat of the weather was increased by a deficiency of water, to a degree that occasioned several deaths amongst men and officers. About noon on the 30th a position was taken up at Moulin-à-Poudre, on a gentle elevation; a wood stretching along its front, and extending, with some intervals, to Port Louis, five miles distant. Here the British were reconnoitred by the French general, De Caen, with a party of cavalry and riflemen, which occasioned a skirmish, and a few men were killed and wounded on both sides.
At five o'clock on the following morning the troops were put in motion, and shortly after encountered a corps of the enemy, who, with several field-pieces, had taken up a strong position. The march of the British troops lay along a narrow road, with a thick wood on each flank. On meeting the enemy, the European flank battalion, which composed the advanced guard, formed with as much regularity as the bad and broken ground would admit, and charged the enemy with such spirit as compelled them to retire with the loss of their guns, and many killed and wounded; but this advantage was obtained, by the fall of Colonel John Campbell, of H.M. 33rd, and Major O'Keefe, of the Royals, two officers of distinguished ability.
The weather still continued oppressive, and the troops were greatly exhausted, which, together with the lateness of the day, rendered a suspension of active operations desirable till morning, when a general attack was determined on. During the night, however, a mistake occurred which was productive of unfortunate results. A party of Marines arrived to join the British force; but being dressed, as customary in India, in white and blue, they were unhappily taken for French soldiers. An alarm was therefore given; several corps stood to their arms, some gave fire, and the consequence was that many were wounded and a few were killed.
On the approach of morning preparations were made
