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298 ants was again stopped. The attempt to blow open this gate failed; but Major McLeod succeeded in forcing his way through the wicket and ascending the ramparts. Resistance now became feeble, and the fortress of Aleeghur passed into the hands of the British, the reward of about an hour's vigorous efforts. The loss of the English was severe, and among the wounded were Colonel Monson and Major McLeod. The loss of the enemy was, however, much greater; and as the French had made the fort their principal depôt for the Dooab, a vast quantity of military stores was transferred with it to the British, besides two hundred and eighty-one pieces of cannon.

The terror inspired by the fall of Aleeghur caused the immediate evacuation of some minor forts, the governors being unwilling to await the arrival of the victors. The event was also followed by another, scarcely less important and desirable. This was the surrender of Perrou, who applied for permission to enter the British territories, which was promptly complied with, and one great object of the war was thus achieved almost without an effort. He afterwards stated that his desertion of Scindia was occasioned by the appointment of another officer to supersede him in the command.

The retreat of Perrou was the virtual dissolution of the French state which he had formed on the Jumna; but the force which he had commanded still remained embodied under other leaders, and determined to make a stand against the main body of the English under Lord Lake. The hostile armies met on the 11th of September, about six miles from the imperial city of Delhi; and although the British had performed a march of eighteen miles, and were only 4,500 men against 19,000, Lord Lake resolved to give battle without delay. His lordship, on reconnoitring, found the enemy drawn up on rising ground in complete order of battle. Their position was well defended, each flank being covered by a swamp, beyond which cavalry were stationed, while artillery guarded the front, which derived further protection from