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236 the brigade of Colonel Montresor by an additional battalion of Sepoys, and wait for further intelligence to determine his future course.

At break of day on the 6th, General Hartley, the second in command, advanced from the main body to reconnoitre. He could discern that the whole of the enemy's army was in motion; but the thick jungle which covered the country, and the haziness of the atmosphere, rendered it impossible to ascertain the object of the movement. It was, in fact, the Sultan making his dispositions to attack the advanced body of General Stuart's army. A deep jungle lay between him and his enemy; and at nine o'clock he passed through the brushwood undiscovered, and threw himself furiously on the front and flanks of Montresor's brigade; his advance being conducted with such secrecy and expedition that the junction of the battalion destined to reinforce Montresor could not be effected. But though surprised and assailed under very discouraging circumstances by a force immensely superior in point of numbers, the Sepoys behaved with veteran steadiness, and fought most gallantly. Every effort made by Tippoo to shake their formation failed; and for five hours these native regiments sustained furious and repeated assaults unsupported.

On receiving intelligence of this attack, General Stuart marched with a strong body of Europeans; and, encountering the division of the enemy which was acting on the rear of the English brigade, put them to flight after a smart engagement of half an hour's duration. The attack in the front still continued; and, on reaching it, General Stuart found the men nearly exhausted with fatigue, and almost destitute of ammunition; but the fortune of the day was decided, and the enemy retreated in all directions. The discovery thus made of the unexpected proximity of Tippoo induced General Stuart to change the disposition of his force, and to abandon the post occupied at Ledasseer: this circumstance led the