Page:The Indian Mutiny of 1857.djvu/375

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Sir Colin attacks the Rebels.
341

Kánhpur, he carefully examined the rebels' position, and concluded that, strong as it was on the left and in the centre, it might be possible to turn the right and roll them up. He had with him, inclusive of recently arrived troops, about 5000 infantry, 600 cavalry, and thirty-five guns. The infantry of this force he divided into four brigades. The third, commanded by Greathed, counted the 8th, the 64th, and the 2d Panjáb Infantry. The fourth, under Adrian Hope, contained the 53d, the 42d, the 93d, and the 4th Panjáb Rifles. The fifth, under Inglis, counted the 23d, the 32d, and the 82d. The sixth, led by Walpole, was formed of the 2d and 3d Battalions Rifle Brigade, and a part of the 38th. The cavalry, commanded by Little, consisted of the 9th Lancers, and details of the 1st, 2d, and 5th Panjáb Cavalry and Hodson's Horse. The artillery counted Peel's Naval brigade, the troops of Blunt and Remmington, the batteries of Bourchier, of Middleton, of Smith, of Longden, and of Bridge, under the chief command of Dupuis. To Windham was consigned the charge of the intrenchment.

With this force Sir Colin attacked the rebels on the morning of the 6th of December. After an artillery fire, which lasted two hours, he directed Greathed to make a false attack on the centre whilst Walpole, Hope, and Inglis should turn the right. Walpole thereupon crossed the canal, and attracted the fire of the rebels, whilst Adrian Hope, supported by Inglis, took a long sweep to the left, and then, wheeling round, charged the unprotected flanks of the rebels' right. In this movement the 4th Panjáb Rifles and the 53d covered themselves with glory. They drove the rebels from mound to mound despite a resistance resolute and often fierce. At length they reached the bridge which the rebels had thrown over the canal. This the enemy had well cared for. Upon it they had