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126 than the Bhonsla's army fired upon this position with such effect during the night of the 26th-27th November, that severe loss was incurred. A slight intermission in the attack now took place, but early the following morning the position was assailed in earnest by nearly 20,000 men, and defended by a mere handful of some 1,400 troops, who had no means or opportunity to strengthen the heights they held. The Maráthá army contained some 4,000 Arabs who fought with great ardour; they soon carried one of the hills, and, turning their guns upon the main part of the British defences, they endeavoured to take it by storm, while the remainder of the enemy's forces were advancing to their support. The fortunes of the day seemed desperate, and the battle was all but lost, when three troops of Bengal cavalry, under Captain Fitzgerald, were seen to charge upon the Maráthá horse, and, quickly dispersing them in every direction, they captured some guns, and spread terror and confusion among the enemy's ranks: at this moment, too, the British sepoys, elated at the daring exploit, and seizing the opportunity when panic had disorganised the Arabs, charged with new-born enthusiasm, and retook the post which they had previously lost. These successes ended the battle, for the Maráthás, now losing all their former courage, yielded at all points, and were driven back with disgrace; at noon the day was won, and the danger over.

The losses of the contending armies were about the same, but the proportion of those of the enemy could