n were to form in the rear.

The orders were that they should push forward in spite of the enemy's
fire, leap into the ditch, drive the garrison before them, and if
possible enter the works with them; but, if not, to obtain at least
a firm footing on the outer defenses. The second party, similar in
strength and formation, under the command of the Hon. Colonel Southwell,
were to attack an unfinished demibastion on the extreme western point
of the fort and furthermost from the town. The remainder of the little
force, under a Dutch colonel, were to be held in reserve, and to assist
wherever they might be most useful. They occupied a position somewhat
in rear of and halfway between the two parties who were to make the
assault.

Soon after daylight Peterborough gave the order to advance, and in the
highest spirits, and in excellent order, the soldiers pushed up the
hill toward the fort. Some irregular Spanish troops were the first to
perceive them. These fired a hasty volley at the British troops as they
ascended the crest and then retreated into the fort. Seizing their arms
the garrison rushed to the ramparts and manned them in time to receive
the assailants with a sharp fire. The grenadiers who formed the leading
party did not hesitate for a moment, but leaped into the unfinished
ditch, clambered up the outer rampart, and with pike and bayonet
attacked the defenders.

The captain's detachment speedily joined them. The defenders gave way,
broke, and fled, and in wild confusion both parties rushed into the
bastion. Peterborough and the prince with their two hundred men followed
them quickly and in perfect order, and were soon masters of the bastion.
The earl at once set his men to work to throw up a breastwork to cover
them from the guns of the inner works; and as there was plenty of
materials collected just at this spot for the carrying out of some
extensive repairs, they were able to put themselves under cover before
the enemy opened fire upon them.

The attention of the garrison was wholly occupied by this sudden and
unexpected attack, and the Prince della Torrella, a Neapolitan officer
in temporary command of the fort, ordered all his force to oppose the
assailants. This was what Peterborough had expected. He at once sent
orders to Colonel Southwell to commence his attack upon the now almost
undefended west bastion. The order was promptly obeyed. At the first
rush the ditch was passed, the rampart gained, the outer w