Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/479

Book X. and as soon as it was dark a hot fire of musketry from the north face of the defences was kept up on the enemy's works, which they returned with equal alacrity. At ten at night the ships, directed by lights held out in the fort, anchored in the road. The firing on shore still continued, and at two in the morning that from the enemy, in their lodgment, on the crest of the glacis, and in their posts and sap opposite to the N. E. bastion and fascine battery, although very strong before, grew stronger than ever, but their shot flew too high: it began to slacken soon after, when the blaze of fires was perceived in their trenches; at three all their annoyances ceased entirely, after which no motions of men were any longer distinguished; but several large piles of wood in the rear of Lally's battery were seen in flames. The casualties since the preceding morning to this time, were three Europeans and one Sepoy wounded, and one Sepoy killed.

At day-break the whole army were discovered in full march from the west side of the black town towards the Choultry Plain, and the greatest part had already crossed the northern river. They had previously undermined the redoubt and powder-mill at Egmore; and at nine o'clock a party left for the purpose made the explosion, which entirely ruined both; these works had cost the Company 30,000 pounds, and could not be restored in a twelvemonth. The enemy were then perceived marching on to the Mount. The hurry of their retreat saved the black town from the resolution which Mr. Lally had taken of reducing it to ashes, if compelled to raise the siege. By noon the troops in the ships were all landed: they were, including officers, 600 men.

Joy and curiosity carried out every one to view and contemplate the works from which they had received so much molestation, for the enemy's fire had continued 42 days. Thirty-three pieces of cannon, 18 or 24 pounders, were found in their posts and works, of which 26 were disabled; but seven were in their carriages, and both in good condition. Some spare carriages were likewise left, and many cannon shot, but no mortars, although several beds; and many military stores, with quantities of powder in casks and flannel bags,