Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/264

256 followed, the next day went nearer to Pondicherry, and encamped between the bound hedge and Villanore, from whence the commanding officer sent a letter protesting against the English, for not respecting the territory of the French company. Major Lawrence being instructed by the presidency not to enter their antient limits, the bound hedge, unless they should set the example, contented himself with attacking their advanced post at Villanore, which they immediately abandoned, and their whole army retreated under the walls of the town

They shewed so little inclination to quit this situation, that major Lawrence, imagining nothing would intice them out of it but a persuasion that the English were become as unwilling as themselves to venture a general engagement, retreated precipitately to Bahoor. The stratagem took effect, not with the commanding officer Mr. Kirjean, but with his uncle Mr. Dupleix, who ordered him to follow the English, and take advantage of their supposed fears. The remonstrances of his nephew only produced a more peremptory order, in obedience to which Mr. Kirjean marched, and encamped within two miles of Bahoor, where major Lawrence immediately made the necessary dispositions for attacking him.

The troops began to march at three the next morning: the Sepoys formed the first line, the battalion the second, and the artillery were divided on the flanks; the Nabob's cavalry were stationed to the right on the other side of a high bank, which ran from the English to the enemy's camp: the attack began a little before the dawn of day. The Sepoys were challenged by the advanced posts, and not answering, received their fire, which they returned, and still marching on came to an engagement with the enemy's Sepoys, which lasted till day-light, when the French battalion were discovered drawn up; their right defended by the bank, and their left by a large pond. The English battalion halted to form their front equal to that of the enemy, who, during this operation, kept up a brisk fire from eight pieces of connon, and continued it until the small arms began. The action now became warm, the English firing as they advanced, and the French standing their ground until the bayonets met.