Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/318

310 thickets and rocky ground. The French had flung up an intrenchment in front of their own quarters, and intended to have continued it along the left flank, facing the west; but on this side had only finished a small part, separated about 300 yards from the western extremity of their intrenchment in front, which interval was left open without defences: the Morattoes had likewise flung up an intrenchment in their front to the east of the sugarloaf: at the golden rock, which commanded the left flank and the front of the ground on which the Mysoreans were encamped, the French had stationed an advanced guard of 100 Europeans, two companies of Topasses, and 600 Sepoys, with two pieces of cannon, under the command of a partizan of some reputation. Major Lawrence being apprized of these dispositions, projected his attack to take the utmost advantage of them. At the hour appointed the army quitted the Facquire's Tope, and marched in profound silence towards the golden rock: the battalion consisting of 600 men formed the van in three equal divisions; the first was composed of the grenadier company of 100 men commanded by captain Kilpatrick, the picket of 40, by captain Calliaud, and two platoons, each of 30 men, under the command of captain Charles Campbell: the artillery, six field pieces, with 100 artillery men, were divided on the flanks of each division: 2000 Sepoys, in two lines, followed the Europeans: the Tanjorine cavalry were ordered to extend to the eastward, and to march even with the last line of Sepoys. The moon had hitherto been very bright; but a sudden cloud now obscured it so much, that the first division of the battalion came within pistol shot of the golden rock before they were discovered; and giving a very smart fire, mounted it in three places at once, whilst the enemy, who had barely time to snatch up their arms, hurried down after making one irregular discharge, and ran away to the camp with such precipitation, that they left their two field pieces, ready loaded with grape, undischarged. Animated by this success, the men called out with one voice to be led on to the grand camp, and the Major availing himself of their alacrity, remained no longer at the rock than was necessary to break the carriages of the enemy's guns, and to form his troops again. Their disposition was now changed, the three divisions of Europeans were ordered to march, as near as they