three companies only,
Russell's to four companies. These regiments took their place in the
line in the rear of the Naval Brigade.

The plan of battle was that the 42nd were to form the main attacking
force, and were to drive the enemy's scouts out of Agamassie, a little
village two miles in front of Amoaful, situate in a dense wood. After
carrying the village, they were to move straight on, extending to the
right and left, and if possible advance in a skirmishing line through
the bush. The right column, consisting of half the Naval Brigade and
Wood's regiment, was to cut a path out to the right, and then turn
parallel with the main road, so that the head of the column should touch
the right of the skirmishing line of the 42nd; the left column,
consisting of the other half of the Naval Brigade, was to proceed after
a similar fashion on the left. The Naval Brigade, it should be said,
was commanded by Commodore Hewett. The company of the 23rd was to go
behind the head-quarter staff, and the Rifle Brigade to remain in
reserve. Thus, could this plan of battle have been carried out, the
whole would have formed a hollow square, the right and left columns
protecting the 42nd from any of those flanking movements of which the
Ashantis were always so fond.

Upon the preceding evening Major Home, advancing from the village of
Quarman, at which the head of the column had halted the night before,
cut a wide path to within 50 yards of the village of Agamassie, and
ascertained that that village was held by a small body only.

The 42nd went on in advance, and with a rush carried the village. For a
minute or two the fire lulled, and then from the circle of woods lying
around it, a tremendous fire broke out upon them. The first shot was
fired a few minutes before eight. The 42nd gradually made their way
forward; but some delay elapsed before the Naval Brigade could take up
the two positions assigned to it, for Agamassie was but a tiny village,
and this was so encumbered by the troops, and with the bearers of the
hammocks and ammunition, that movement was difficult in the extreme.
The noise was prodigious, the Ashantis using very heavy charges of
powder. Close to the village Captain Buckle of the Royal Engineers was
shot dead as he led his men, cutting a path into the forest from which
the Ashanti fire was pouring out.

For an hour but little advance was made, the Ashantis holding their
ground most tenaciously. The two bodie