kets had been loaded in readiness, which were delivered by those behind to the front rank as fast as they could discharge them. Every shot did execution, while three field-pieces, loaded with grape and canister shot, contributed effectually to thin the number of the assailants. After a few minutes' struggle they fell back; but the attempt was only suspended, not abandoned: another and another party followed, and were driven off as triumphantly as those who had preceded them.
To approach the south-west breach, the enemy embarked seventy men on a raft to cross the ditch; and they had almost gained their object when Clive, observing that his gunners fired with a bad aim, took the management of one of the field-pieces himself. This he worked with such precision and effect that a few discharges threw the advancing party into confusion; the raft was upset, and those on board thrown into the water, where many were drowned, the remainder saving themselves by swimming. These various attacks occupied about an hour, and cost the enemy four hundred men in killed and wounded.
After an interval employed by the assailants in trying to carry off their dead, the firing upon the fort was renewed, both with cannon and musketry. This was again discontinued; a formal demand of leave to bury the dead was complied with, and a truce of two hours agreed upon. At the expiration of the prescribed time the firing once more recommenced, and lasted until two o'clock on the following morning, when it ceased, never to be renewed. At daybreak, the gallant defenders of the fort learned that their besiegers had precipitately abandoned the town. The garrison immediately marched into the enemy's quarters, where they found several pieces of artillery and a large quantity of ammunition, which spoils were forthwith transferred to the fort.
Thus ended a siege of fifty days, and military history records few more remarkable events. Its conduct at once placed Clive in the foremost rank of distinguished com-
