he crevices of
which was a mass of spears jobbing diagonally, which seemed to move by
mechanism. Such was the footing we had, that it was utterly impossible
to approach these formidable weapons; meantime, small spears or darts
were hurled at us; and stones, lumps of wood, stink-pots, and bundles of
lighted straw, thrown upon us. In the midst of this tumult, I got one of
my legs through a hole, so that I could see into the interior of the
fort. The people were like a swarm of bees. In a moment I felt something
seize my foot; I pulled with all my might, and at last succeeded in
disengaging my leg, but leaving my boot behind me. Our establishing
ourselves on this breach in sufficient force to dislodge this mass of
spearsmen, was physically impossible. Our poor fellows were mowed down
like corn-fields, without the slightest hope of success. The rear of the
column suffered much, as they were within range of the enemy's shot. A
retreat was ordered, and we were again obliged to take to the water; and
many a poor wounded soldier lost his life in this attempt. Not one of
our officers escaped without being wounded, and Lieutenant Creswell was
almost cut to pieces. We, as may be supposed, returned almost
broken-hearted at this our first failure in India. Our loss was a
melancholy one; and the conviction that the poor wounded fellows we were
compelled to leave behind would be barbarously massacred, incited our
brave boys to beg a second attempt. This was denied: had it been
granted, it must infallibly have proved abortive; for there was,
literally, no breach. The disastrous issue of our attack caused the
enemy to exult exceedingly; and the shouting and roaring that followed
our retreat, were daggers in the souls of our wounded and disappointed
soldiers, who were with difficulty restrained from again rushing to the
breach. I found that I had received a spear-wound in the right finger,
and several little scratches from the combustibles they fired at us.
Pieces of copper coin, as well as of iron, stone, and glass, were
extracted from the wounds of those who were fortunate enough to escape.
We were, in the course of the night, relieved, and went to our lines to
brood over our misfortunes.

I found, the next morning, to add to my feelings of distress, that the
old wound in my head had opened afresh; the wound on my shoulder, having
injured the bone, was also extremely painful; but that on my finger,
being a flesh-wound, did not trouble