Page:Historical Record of the Fifty-Sixth, Or the West Essex Regiment of Foot.djvu/28

 guards, and captured the batteries in gallant style; the defenders of the works flying in dismay, and communicating the panic to the troops in their rear. The wooden batteries were soon prepared for fire; the flames spread with astonishing rapidity, and a column of fire and smoke arose from the works, illuminating the surrounding objects, and shedding a fiery lustre upon this unparalleled scene. In an hour the object of the sortie was effected; trains were laid to the enemy’s magazines, and the soldiers withdrew: as they entered the fortress tremendous explosions shook the ground, and rising columns of smoke, flame, and burning timber, proclaimed the destruction of the enemy’s immense stores of gunpowder to be completed. General Eliott declared in orders,—“The bearing and conduct of the whole detachment,—officers, seamen, and soldiers,—on this glorious occasion, surpass my utmost acknowledgments.”

The Spaniards appeared astounded at this disgrace; they made no attempt to extinguish the flames; but appeared at a loss how to proceed. Early in December they began to arouse themselves, and to restore the batteries; but were retarded by the fire of the garrison. While the besiegers were using diligence in repairing the old works, and constructing new ones, the gallant defenders of the fortress were equally indefatigable,—every Serjeant, drummer, musician, officer’s servant, and private soldier was required to use the musket, shovel, and pickaxe, as his services were necessary.

All ordinary means of attack appearing to be unavailing against the resolute garrison of Gibraltar, stupendous preparations were made on a new principle, and floating batteries were constructed with great art and labour, and were accounted the most perfect contrivance of the kind ever seen. The combined power of France and Spain was directed against the fortress; the Duke of Crillon took the command of the besieging