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the British detachment with great impetuosity: they were re- 

 pulsed and fled. At this time another large body of cavalry, with 

 several war elephants, penetrated between our advanced party and 

 the British line, who declaring themselves Ragobah's partizans, 

 were permitted to approach unmolested; especially as their 

 assertions were confirmed by Hurra Punt, an officer of rank in his 

 army. Here we were fatally deceived, and Hurra Punt proved a 

 traitor! Several among; our allies overheard this infamous man 

 calling on the enemy to seize the opportunity of striking a decisive 

 blow, by cutting off the advanced division; inconsequence they 

 commenced a vigorous attack, and nearly surrounded them b} r 

 their elephants and cavalry. Our brave fellows repulsed them 

 gallantly in front and rear; many were cut to pieces, among them 

 captains Myers and Serle: when by some unaccountable mistake 

 of the officer who then took the command, the grenadiers facing 

 to the right about, to change their ground, commenced a retreat; 

 the other Europeans and sepoys followed their example. Unfor- 

 tunately at this time a tumbril of shells belonging to the howitzer, 

 pierced by a rocket, blew up, and added to the general confusion. 

 Although our men retired with precipitation, they preserved some 

 order until they reached an impenetrable hedge of the thorny 

 milk-bush ; here they entirely broke their ranks, and leaving a field- 

 piece in the hands of the enemy, endeavoured to push through 

 the formidable barrier, though repeatedly ordered by the surviving 

 officers to form. Another body now advanced against this devoted 

 detachment; their officers in vain endeavoured to rally them, and 

 fell a sacrifice. The enemy pursued the fugitives to the advancing 

 British line, which now recommenced a brisk fire; our grape-shot 



VOL. II. o 



