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Rh futurity. He had recourse, in his despair, even to the hated and persecuted Brahmins; whom he desired to practise, though at immense cost, their wild and mystic incantations. All the astrologers, whether from hostile feelings to his highness, or from seeing that their credit could not be otherwise supported, announced the most imminent danger; prescribing, however, some absurd ceremonies and oblations by which it might possibly be averted. Under their directions, he went through a solemn ablution, offered a pompous sacrifice, and steadily contemplated his face reflected in a jar of oil. Somewhat re-assured by these sage precautions, and persuading himself that no attempt would be made during that day, he sat down about noon to his usual repast, under a pandal or shed, on the northern face of the works, with an appearance, at least, of the most undoubting confidence.

But destiny pursued its onward course. One o'clock came – the city at that hour was perfectly quiet, and the trenches, to all appearance, contained nothing but their ordinary guards. Suddenly this profound tranquillity was broken: Baird mounted the parapet of the trench, and stood in full view of both armies, in an heroic attitude, heightened by his noble and commanding figure. Waving his sword, he exclaimed, "Come, my brave fellows, follow me, and prove yourselves worthy the name of British soldiers!"

Instantly at the word, the forlorn-hope sprang forward, closely followed by the columns of Sherbrooke and Dunlop – both plunging into the river, under a tremendous fire of rockets and musketry. In less than seven minutes the foremost assailants had crossed the river, and both the attacking-parties mounted the fausse-braye and the breaches together. On the slope of the breach the forlorn-hope was encountered by a body of the enemy, and the greater portion of those engaged fell in the struggle. But the assailants pressed on, led by a sergeant named Graham, who gallantly mounted to the summit, and with three cheers cried out, "Success to Lieutenant Graham!" but