74 



the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of heaven 

 and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy." 



We remained two days in this disgusting situation, and crossing 

 the Sabermatty on the third morning, marched six miles, through a 

 delightful country, to the village of Chonwar, where we encamped 

 in a large mango grove on the banks of the Wartruc, or Bakruc; 

 a small river which joins the Sabermatty at a little distance. The 

 enemy appearing on the opposite side, our artillery commenced a 

 brisk fire, and compelled them to retreat towards Kairah, a fortified 

 town belonging to Futty Sihng, one of the confederate chieftains, 

 a few miles to the northward. 



We followed them early the next morning, and fording the 

 Wartruc near the village of Mahler, four miles from our last 

 ground, hailed on the opposite banks, while the artillery and 

 baggage crossed the river: this being effected, we marched to- 

 wards Kairah, when a large body of the enemy suddenly appeared 

 on our right flank, advancing at full charge. Captains Stewart and 

 Torriano, now appointed brigade major, advancing with a small 

 reconnoitering party, were nearly taken prisoners, having only 

 time to unlimber an eight-inch howitzer, which stopped the enemy's 

 career until the line was formed to receive them. A discharge of 

 artillery soon checked their ardour, and turned their attention to 

 the rear of our allies, where Ragobah was stationed on his state 

 elephant: but finding an English detachment, with two field-pieces, 

 posted there for his protection, they made a precipitate re- 

 treat. 



In this action the confederates were reported to have lost 

 twelve hundred men, killed and wounded. Ragobah's halcarras 



