d been dispatched up the hill, was to protect
the quarter-master-general in the execution of the duties incident to
his department. This party being observed from the fort of Muckwanpore,
which overlooked the ground on which they were reconnoitring, a large
body of the enemy, who had, without orders, vacated the post immediately
in front of our encampment, were dispatched to re-occupy the position
which they had deserted, and in their advance they fell in with our
reconnoitring party, who, as they were not in all above twenty men, were
of course obliged to make a precipitate retreat. In this disastrous
skirmish, poor Lieutenant Turrell was cut to pieces, and several others
of the party killed and wounded. As the party which had been thus
surprised was making the best of their way down the hill, we made the
best of our way up. We were supported by our old friends, the light
company of the 25th native infantry. The ascent was most difficult,
there being only one narrow pathway, by which we were obliged to ascend
almost one by one. When about half way, or three parts up, we came to a
small flat spot, about fifty yards long, and twenty wide. Here our noble
captain sounded the _assemblee_. We could now see the enemy, like ants,
creeping and lurking about, and busily engaged in secreting themselves
behind trees and stones. I presumed to recommend to the captain of the
light company, that our forming in a body would bring on us a
destructive fire, and that we had better fight them on their own system,
which was extending, and every man availing himself of tree or stone,
and a rest for his piece. This was sure to be attended with success;
and, however brave a man may be, he never ought to be above advice. Our
captain readily saw the danger that would attend our forming, and
therefore immediately sounded the extend; then the advance; and the
fighting soon became warm on both sides. The enemy maintained their
ground and fought manfully. I hate a runaway foe; you have no credit for
beating them. Those we were now dealing with were no flinchers; but, on
the contrary, I never saw more steadiness or more bravery exhibited by
any set of men in my life. Run they would not; and of death they seemed
to have no fear, though their comrades were falling thick around them,
for we were so near that every shot told. At last some of their men
began to give way; and, as we were ascending rapidly, their commander,
or one of their principal officers