98 



and shells at length drove off the whole confederate array, and we 

 remained masters of the field. The brigade major with a com- 

 pany of grenadiers had previously retaken the field-piece; the 

 tumbril of ammunition was lost in the explosion. 



The engagement lasted near four hours. Situated as we were 

 in respect to Europeans, the victory was dearly purchased: out of 

 fifteen British officers in the advanced division, seven were killed 

 and four wounded, besides a great many native officers and two 

 hundred sepoys; we also had to lament eighty Europeans killed 

 and missing, mostly grenadiers. The officers at that unfortunate 

 crisis separated from the line, and, deserted by their soldiers, 

 bravely fell in the bed of honour. I had been conversing with 

 most of them during the morning march, and in the evening was 

 called to bury them in a large pit with their unfortunate comrades. 

 A field of battle is indeed a scene of horror ! 



" For then does Death line his dead chaps with steel, 

 " The swords of soldiers are his teeth, his fangs ; 

 " And now he feasts, mouthing the flesh of men, 

 " In undetermin'd differences of kings!" Shakespeake. 



During the retreat of our advanced division a Mahratta 

 officer of cavalry came upon ensign Tureen, a gallant youth of 

 sixteen, who lay upon the ground severely wounded: he ordered 

 him to mount behind on horseback immediately; the young officer 

 declared it to be impossible, from loss of blood, and the nature of 

 his wounds; the Mahratta then ordered him to deliver his sash 

 as a token to his commanding officer that he had done his duty; 

 which having complied with, he was instantly ran over by a 



