already practicable, was to be mounted by the brigade of General Nicolls, headed by his Majesty's 59th regiment; the breach on the right was to be mounted by General Reynell's brigade, headed by his Majesty's 14th regiment; and the explosion of the mine under the north-east bastion was to be the signal for the attack. This took place at eight o'clock with terrible effect: the explosion was sublime; the whole of the salient angle and part of the stone cavalier behind it were hurled into the air, which for a time became as dark as midnight, while all the garrison who were stationed there were blown to the winds, or buried amidst the ruins. The result was an enormous breach; but, owing to the defective construction of the mine, many of the ejected stones and masses of earth fell upon the head of our column of attack, killing a number of men and severely wounding three officers. The stones fell so thickly about Lord Combermere himself that Brigadier-General Mac Combe was knocked down by his side, and two Sepoys were killed within a few feet of his lordship.
The troops, however, rushed on to the assault with admirable spirit and in excellent order; ascended the breaches, and cleared them in the teeth of a very determined resistance. On the left where the ascent was steep and difficult, our Grenadiers moved up slowly and resolutely, without stopping to pull a trigger, in return for the volleys of round shot, grape, and musketry which were fired upon them. Within two hours all the ramparts of the town were in possession of the besiegers, and they had the command of the gates of the citadel, which surrendered early in the afternoon. Brigadier-General Sleigh, who commanded the cavalry, had taken excellent measures outside, to prevent the escape of Doorjun Saul; and when that chief, with 160 chosen horse, attempted to force a passage, he was made prisoner by the 8th Light Dragoons; one of his wives and two of his sons were taken with him. They were all sent prisoners to Allahabad, to be supported by the Company. Our entire loss, during
