172 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
the evening of the 15 th of September was fixed on to 
put the plan into execution — for there was no time to 
be lost,, and the enemy were still labouring under the 
depression caused by their late defeat ; while his 
small but well-disciplined force were excited in an 
equal proportion by the recollection of their late suc- 
cess. 
In pursuance of the plan laid down at the sugges- 
tion of his native ally. Major Popham divided his 
little army into two equal parts, placing one division 
under the command of Major Crabb for the attack of 
the pass, while with the other he determined to march 
to Pateeta. Major Crabb commenced his march at 
about eleven o’clock at night, and Major Popham at 
three on the following morning, as the object of 
Major Crabb’ s attack was at a much greater distance 
than that of Major Popham. When the latter ar- 
rived at Pateeta, he found the works considerably 
stronger than he had calculated. He attempted to 
make a breach with two battering cannon, but 
without effect, and fearing that any prolonged delay 
might frustrate the success of Major Crabb’s attack, 
by giving the enemy time to send succours, he de- 
termined to storm at once. This was done on the 
20th September, and the fortress won with very little 
opposition. The siege lasted six days ; of the be- 
sieging party eleven only were killed and ten wound- 
ed. The besieged suffered a much more severe loss, 
though still upon the whole the carnage was incon- 
siderable. 
Major Crabb was equally successful on his part. 
Pie arrived without molestation at a small village 
