Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/309

Book IV. the rock, drove the enemy down, and planted their colours on the top, which they accomplished before the enemy's party of infantry, marching from the sugar loaf rock, had got half way: who seeing the post they were sent to reinforce lost, had not the heart to make a push to recover it; but halted, and taking shelter behind a bank, began to cannonade the grenadiers and Sepoys at the golden rock with four field pieces. By this time Mr. Brenier, with the rest of the French troops, had proceeded a little way from the sugar loaf rock, to support his advanced party; but seeing them halt, he halted likewise. So that the main body of the English troops continued their march, and secured the possession of the golden rock without interruption: the Tanjorines soon after came up with the baggage, and were ordered to remain with it in the rear. The English artillery were now warmly employed against the cannon of the enemy's advanced party, of whom none but the artillery men were exposed, for the rest kept close behind the bank. The English battalion was drawn up in the open plain without shelter, and in this situation suffered considerably, whilst their artillery did little mischief to the enemy; however the shot that flew over the bank went amongst a large body of horse who were drawn up in the rear of the advanced party, and flung them into confusion; which captain Dalton observing, he sallied from the city with two field pieces, and the cavalry finding themselves between two fires, hurried out of reach, some to the east, and others to the west. In the mean time several of the English battalion were struck down, and major Lawrence observing that the enemy's main body made no motion to join the advanced party, determined to make a push, and drive these troops from the advantageous ground of which they had taken possession. The grenadiers, with 200 more Europeans, and 300 Sepoys, were ordered to march and attack them, whilst major Lawrence remained at the golden rock with the rest ready to support them if repulsed, or if successful, to join and pursue the advantage by driving the beaten party on the enemy's main body. The success of this attempt depending in a great measure on making the attack before the enemy's main body could move up to the succour of their party, the English for more expedition marched without any field pieces; but the artillery was notwithstanding not idle,