t at this
critical juncture everything else was forgotten in the enthusiasm of the
moment, except the contemplation of the honourable post confided to me.
"What!" thought I, "I, a youth, at the head of an Indian army!" I began
to think it presumption, when so many more experienced soldiers filled
the ranks behind. I thought that every eye was upon me, and I did not
regret the pitchy darkness of the night, which hid my blushing
countenance. All was still as the grave, when I distinctly heard
somebody call, "Sergeant Shipp!" This was Lieutenant-Colonel Salkeld,
adjutant-general of the army, who brought with him a golundauze, who had
deserted from the fort, and who, for filthy lucre, was willing to betray
his countrymen. This man was handed over to me, he having undertaken to
lead me to the breach. If he attempted to deceive me, or to run from me,
I had positive orders to shoot him; consequently, I kept a sharp
look-out on him. We then, in solemn silence, marched down to the
trenches, and remained there about half an hour, when we marched to the
attack in open columns of sections, the two flank companies of the 22nd
leading, supported by the 75th and 76th European regiments, and other
native infantry. I took the precaution of tying a rope round the wrist
of my guide, that he might not escape; for, firing at him at that moment
would have alarmed the fort. Not a word was to be heard; but the
cannon's rattling drowned many a deep-drawn sigh, from many as brave a
heart.

I was well supported, having my own two companies behind me. Colonel
Maitland, of his majesty's 76th regiment, commanded this storming-party,
and brave little Major Archibald Campbell his corps. The former officer
came in front to me, and pointed out the road to glory; but, observing
the native whom I had in charge, he asked who he was; and, on being
informed, said, "We can find the way without him; let him go about his
business." I remonstrated, and repeated to him the instructions I had
received; but his answer was, "I don't care; if you don't obey my
orders, I will send you to the rear." I did obey, and on we moved to the
attack. Immediately behind me were pioneers, carrying gabions and
fascines to fill up any cavities we might meet with. The enemy did not
discover our approach till within fifty paces of the ditch, when a
tremendous cannonade and peals of musketry commenced: rockets were
flying in all directions; blue lights were hoisted; and the fort seeme