Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/195

Book III side of the fort. The square interval between these three streets and the northern wall of the fort was filled with buildings and inclosures. Captain Clive intending to place the enemy between two fires, ordered a platoon under the command of ensign Glass to march up the street on the eastern side of the fort, which led up to the palace, and advanced himself with the main body along the street leading from the north-west gate. The French troops, with four field pieces, were drawn up at the end of the cross street in front of the palace. Captain Clive's party no sooner came in sight of them than a hot cannonade ensued in the cross street, at the distance of only 30 yards. The French in a few minutes were driven from their guns, and ran into the palace; but by this time the troops of Raja-saheb had taken possession of all the houses in the street; and secure under this cover, kept up a continual fire from their musketry with such good aim, that 14 men, who pushed to bring away the French guns, were all either killed or wounded. There was on one side of the street a large Choultry: these are buildings intended for the reception of travellers, covered and inclosed on three sides with walls, but open in front, where, instead of a wall, the roof is supported by pillars. Captain Clive to preserve his men, relinquished the intention of bringing off the enemy's cannon, and ordered them to enter the Choultry; from hence the artillery men stepping out and retreating into it immediately after they had performed the services allotted to each of them, continued to load and fire their field pieces until they had recoiled into the north street. The troops then quitting the Choultry, joined their guns and proceeded to the fort without meeting any farther molestation. Ensign Glass's platoon returned at the same time: these had encountered and put to flight 3 or 400 of the enemy's Sepoys, whom they found posted as an advanced guard in an inclosure adjoining to the street through which they intended to pass to the palace; where, by this interruption, they were prevented from arriving in time to render the service expected from them. The garrison suffered this day the loss of 15 Europeans, who were either killed on the spot, or died afterwards of their wounds; amongst them was Lieutenant Trenwith, who perceiving a Sepoy from a window taking aim at captain Clive, pulled him on one side,