Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/262

254 not far distant from the pass through which the English had marched; upon which major Kineer, who upon a view of Gingee despaired of reducing it even with battering cannon, immediately repassed the mountains, and being reinforced by the rest of the Nabob's cavalry, and some other troops from Trivadi, marched on the 26th of July, with 300 Europeans, 500 Sepoys, a company of Caffrees, and 2000 horse, to give the enemy battle.

They were posted in a strong situation. The greatest part of the town was encircled by a rivulet, which serving as a ditch, was defended by a parapet, formed of the ruins of old houses, and interrupted at proper intervals to give play to the cannon. The outward bank was in many parts as high as the parapet, and that part of the village which the rivulet did not bound might be easily entered; but the English, neglecting to reconnoitre before they began the attack, lost the advantages which they might have taken of these circumstances.

They marched directly to the enemy, who, in order to bring on the engagement in that part where they were strongest, appeared at first drawn up on the outward bank of the rivulet, but as soon as the field pieces began to fire, recrossed it with precipitation, and the appearance of fear. The English, elated with the imagination of their panic, advanced to the bank, and leaving their field pieces behind, began the attack with the fire of their musketry only. The enemy answering it, both from musketry and field pieces, and under shelter, suffered little loss, and did much execution. The company of English Caffres were first flung into disorder by carrying off their wounded as they dropped, and soon after took flight; they were followed by the Sepoys; and major Kineer in this instant receiving a wound which disabled him, the Europeans began to waver likewise. The enemy perceiving the confusion, detached 100 of their best men, amongst which were 50 volunteers, who, crossing the rivulet briskly, advanced to the bank. The vivacity of this unexpected motion increased the panic, and only 14 grenadiers, with two ensigns, stood by the colours: these indeed defended them bravely, until they were rejoined by some of the fugitives, with whom they retreated in order; and the French, satisfied with their success, returned to the village, having, with very