he hour at which he had been directed to have them ready, not one
was made.[39] Eventually an insufficient number were got together, but
"the 44th, which was appointed to carry them, had either misunderstood
or neglected their orders, and now headed the column of attack, without
any means being provided for crossing the enemy's ditch, or scaling his
ramparts."

"The indignation of our brave leader on this occasion may be imagined,
but cannot be described. Galloping towards Colonel Mullens, who led the
44th, he commanded him instantly to return for the fascines and ladders,
but the opportunity of planting them was lost; and, though they were
brought up, it was only to be scattered over the field by the frightened
bearers, for our troops were by this time visible to the enemy. A
dreadful fire was accordingly opened upon them, and they were mowed down
by hundreds while they stood waiting for orders."

The word being given to advance, the other regiments rushed on to the
assault. On reaching the first ditch a horrible scene of carnage ensued;
the few fascines that were thrown down floated away; there were no
ladders, and the men, crowding to the edge of the ditch in the hope of
closing with the enemy, fell in heaps. Many threw themselves into the
water, and endeavoured to struggle across, but were shot down, or
drowned. On the right, Major-General Keane's column had, though reduced
to half its strength, succeeded in passing the ditches near their
junction with the marsh, and pushed on desperately to the palisade. But
to scale this obstacle without ladders was no easy matter. Some few,
indeed, by climbing upon their comrades' shoulders succeeded in entering
the works, but only to be at once shot down; while those who remained
outside were exposed to a flanking fire that swept them down by scores.
The two West India regiments distinguished themselves by their desperate
valour, so much so, indeed, as to win encomiums from the American
general, Jackson.

On the left there had been a slight success, the 21st Regiment having
stormed and taken a three-gun battery; but they were not supported, and
the enemy, forcing their way into the work, retook it with great
slaughter. In vain was the most obstinate courage displayed, the British
were beaten off at all points.

"Sir Edward saw how things were going, and did all that a general could
do to rally his broken troops. Riding towards the 44th, which had
returned to the ground, but