supported by two flank battalions of infantry, and found them at a short distance beyond, in a position strongly defended by an abbatis, occupied by three thousand of their best troops, and four guns, horse artillery. It was promptly attacked by Gillespie, and, after an obstinate resistance, carried at the point of the bayonet.
But the enemy, though vanquished, were still greatly superior in numbers to the invading force, and intrenched themselves in a strong position, between a wide river and a broad and deep canal, neither of which was fordable. Their position was further defended by a deep trench strongly palisaded, seven redoubts, and many batteries; the fort of Meester Corselis being in the centre, and the whole of the works defended by a numerous and well-organised artillery.
This formidable position Gillespie, with his characteristic energy, determined to carry by storm, and at dawn of day on the 26th of August the assault was made.
It was proposed to surprise one of the redoubts constructed by the enemy beyond the canal, to endeavour to cross the bridge over that water with the fugitives, and then to assault the redoubts within the lines. The enemy was under arms, prepared for the combat, and General Jansens was in the advanced redoubt when the attack commenced.
After a long détour through a close and intricate country, Colonel Gillespie came on their advance, which he routed almost instantly; and with extraordinary rapidity proceeded, under a heavy fire of grape and musketry, to the advanced redoubt, of which he was soon in possession. He then, in accordance with the proposed plan, crossed the bridge, and, after an obstinate resistance, carried with the bayonet a second redoubt. The operations of other columns were directed with equal success against different parts of the works; but the explosion, either by accident or design, of the magazine of one of the redoubts destroyed a number of brave men and officers
