summit and engage in a common assault, while a column of reserve was placed under the orders of Major Ludlow, of the 6th Native Infantry.
Shortly after daylight on the morning of the 30th, batteries which had been erected during the night opened on the fort with ten pieces of cannon. The signal for the columns to move to the assault was to be given from the batteries two hours previously to the moment of attack, and repeated from the camp below. About eight o'clock the signal was fired; but, unfortunately, it was not heard by the officers commanding three of the columns; consequently, only one, under Colonel Carpenter, and the reserve, under Major Ludlow, moved to the assault. These advanced and carried the stockade thrown across the road leading to the fort; they then pushed on close under the walls, which were stockaded all round. Here their progress was stopped the fire of the batteries having been ineffective, a small opening only was visible, and that was defended by stockades within stockades. The two columns were consequently obliged to retire, after sustaining a frightful loss in officers and men.
Soon after these columns had moved, three additional companies had been ordered from the camp; but, by the time they arrived on the table-land, the columns in advance had been forced to fall back. An attack by so small a force had obviously little chance of success; but General Gillespie, apprehensive of the unhappy effects likely to follow a repulse at so early a period of the war, and impelled by his distinguished bravery, led this little band on to the assault in person, assisted by two six-pounders. They accordingly dislodged the outposts, and arrived under the very walls; but were twice driven back by showers of grape-shot, arrows, and destructive missiles peculiar to Indian warfare. Gillespie, however, being determined to carry the fort or die, placed himself for the third time at the head of the storming-party, and cheered them on, waving his hat, and pointing with his sword to the gate, within thirty yards of which a ball
