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effect his retreat. The latter speedily penetrated into the 

 Deyra Dhoon, one of the finest valleys which diversify the 

 Himnialeh, and the main channel of communication be- 

 tween the eastern and western districts. Somewhat unex- 

 pectedly he found this passage commanded by the fortress 

 of Kalunga, or Nalapanee, rendered formidable, not by ar- 

 tificial bulwarks, but by its position on the top of a hill, 

 where it could only be approached through a thick and en- 

 tangled jungle. That gallant officer, however, perceiving 

 that this post formed the key of the territory, hesitated not 

 to attack it. He divided his army into four detachments, 

 who, advancing from different points, were to meet at the 

 summit, and engage in a common assault. Such a plan is 

 at first view imposing ; yet it appears founded on false prin- 

 ciples, and in practice is likely to prove extremely perilous. 

 The chances are many that the different corps will not all 

 reach their destination at the same moment ; and if one ar- 

 rive before the others, it will have to encounter the undi- 

 vided attack of the enemy's force. Such was the case now ; 

 one division, making their way through every difficulty, ar- 

 rived in front of Kalunga before they could be supported by 

 the rest of the army. The general then came up, and see- 

 ing his troops thus exposed to the whole fire of the be- 

 sieged, led them at once to the assault, hoping, with this 

 corps alone, to carry the place. They accordingly dis- 

 lodged 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. Gil- 

 lespie, however, determining to carry the fort or die, placed 

 himself at the head of the storming party, and cheered 

 them on, waving his hat, and pointing with his sword to 

 the gate. At this moment a ball pierced his heart, — he 

 fell ; and all hopes of success were at once abandoned. 

 The arrival of another division served merely to cover the 

 retreat of the former. Colonel Mawbey, however, who 

 succeeded to the command, felt deeply the importance that 

 this first and great military operation should not be finally 

 abortive. But he was obliged to delay his meditated attack 

 on that obstinate stronghold till a battering-train was pro- 

 cured from Delhi. Three days afterward a breach was ef- 

 fected, and an assault commenced, under the command of 

 Major Ingleby ; but the resolute defence and formidable 



