Page:Our Indian Army.djvu/583

Rh But this did not paralyse the energies of either officers or men. The shocks had scarcely ceased when the whole garrison was told off into working-parties, and the numerous breaches repaired with such rapidity that Akbar Khan, in stupid amazement, ascribed the whole to English witchcraft. Various skirmishes took place from time to time between the besiegers and the besieged, and repeated sorties were made with spirit, gallantry, and military skill; which were finally crowned by a decisive and brilliant attack on the camp of the Sirdar on the 7th of April.

At daybreak on that morning the British troops issued from the Cabul and Peshawur gates, and found the whole force of the enemy, amounting to about six thousand, formed in order of battle, their right resting on a fort, and their left on the Cabul river. Sir Robert Sale formed his troops in three columns: the centre, consisting of the larger part of her Majesty's 13th regiment, mustering five hundred bayonets, under Lieutenant-Colonel Dennie; the left, of the chief part of the 35th Native Infantry, also five hundred strong, under Lieutenant-Colonel Monteith; and the right, of one company of the 13th, one of the 35th, with a detachment of Sappers, the whole amounting to three hundred and sixty, and under the command of Captain Havelock. The columns were to be supported by the fire of the guns, and by the small cavalry, force at Jellalabad.

The attack was led by the skirmishers and column under Captain Havelock, who soon drove in the enemy's advance, while the central column attacked a strong fort which covered that part of Akbar's line, when the gallant Colonel Dennie was mortally wounded while leading his column to the assault. The rear of this work having been gained with some difficulty, orders were given for a combined attack on the enemy's line, the artillery advancing at the gallop, and the three columns of infantry rushing on in concert. The enemy gave way instantly at all points, his left being dislodged from his