SUMATRA. 339 
whim that of the Europeans did not exceed three hundred and fifty, 
many of whom were lick and wounded, and others worn out with 
the fatigue of continual duty ; intelligence^ whereof was fur- 
nished him ; he refolved once more to return to the fiege, and make a 
general affault upon all parts of the fortification at once. Two hours 
before day break he caufed the place to be furrounded with eight thou- 
fand men, who approached in perfed: filencc. The night time was 
preferred by thofe people for making their attacks, as bemg then moft 
fecure from the effed: of fire arms, and they alfo generally chofe a time 
of rain, when the powder would not burn. As foon as they found 
themfelves perceived, they fet up a hideous ihout, and fixing their fcaling 
ladders, made of bamboo and wonderfully light, to the number of fix 
hundred, they attempted to force their way through the embrafures for 
the guns ; but after a flrenuous conteft they were at length repulfed* 
Seven elephants were driven with violence againft the paling of one of 
the baft ions, which gave way before them like a hedge, and over fet all 
the men who were on it. Javelins and pikes thcfe enormous beafts made 
no account of, but upon fetting fire to powder under their trunks, they 
drew back with precipitation, in fpite of all the efforts of their drivers ; 
overthrew their own people; and flying to the dillance of feveral miles, 
could not again be brought into the lines. The Achenefe upon re- 
ceiving this check thought to take revenge, by fetting fire to fome vef- 
fels that were in the dock yard ; but this proved an unfortunate meafure 
to them, for by the light which it occafioned, the garrifon were enabled 
to point their guns, and did abundant execution. 
Henriquez, after beating fome time againft a contrary wind, put back 
to Pafay, and coming on fhore the day after this conflidl, refumed his 
command. A council was foon after held, to determine what mcafures 
were fitceft to be purfued in the prefent fituation of affairs, and taking 
into their confideration that no further affiftance could be expcd:ed from 
the Well of India in lefs than fix months j that the garrifon was fickly, 
and provifions fhort, it was refolvcd, by a majority of votes, to abandon 
the place, and meafures were taken accordingly. In order to conceal 
4 ^ * their 
