Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/630

606 plain on all side round the walls was encumbered with large fragments, which might afford shelter to the approach. Colonel Coote immediately followed the guide with the Sepoys, ordering the horse to form, and keep on the left, under cover of the main rocks to the N. E.

The rock on which the fort of Permacoil stands does not extend, even at its base, more than 500 yards in length. In breadth, it is at the northern end about 400 yards, at the southern not more than 200: its height is likewise various, being at the narrow end 300 perpendicular feet, and diminishing by slopes and declivities to 200 at the other. Of these differences in the height, there is one more particularly marked, which crosses in a natural zig-zag of two re-entering angles, about the middle of the mountain, and all the ground to the eastward behind this ridge is 30 feet higher than the other part before it to the westward. This eastern part is the upper, and the only real fort; being inclosed and fortified with high stone walls and towers strongly built. The other inclosure, although called the lower fort, is only surrounded with a wall of loose stones, and was principally intended for the immediate refuge of the cattle and inhabitants on sudden alarm. The rock falls every where so steep, that the area of the fortified surface above is equal to half the base below. The adjacent rocks before and behind are not high enough to carry any detriment to its fortifications. Colonel Coote with the Sepoys, led by the guide, took post behind some rocks opposite to the gateway in the north face of the pettah, which stands nearly in the middle of the rampart. Two large pieces of cannon, mounted on field-carriages, were standing at the entrance of the gateway, which was in the left side of its projection; and some Coffrees and Europeans, with two field-pieces, were on the tower just behind to protect them. This guard, knowing that the cavalry in the rear could not act on the ground where the Sepoys were, ventured to sally. Colonel Coote ordered Ensign Carty to meet them, with one of the companies of Sepoys; which turned out with great alacrity, gave their fire, and advanced to the bayonet. The French party, startled by their resolution, ran back, and were followed so