Page:Victoria, with a description of its principal cities, Melbourne and Geelong.djvu/147

, as the three magistrates to authorize my proceedings.

"In excellent order, and perfect silence, the force arrived in about half an hour in front of the rebel entrenchments, and about three hundred yards from it, and under cover of a rise of the ground. The detachments of the 12th and 40th regiments extended then in skirmishing order, each having its proper support. Part of the mounted force of military and police moved towards the left of their position to threaten its flank and rear; the remainder of the mounted force and foot police were kept in reserve. We then advanced quietly to the entrenchments, where the revolutionary flag was flying; at about one hundred and fifty yards, as we advanced, we were received by rather sharp and well-directed fire from the insurgents, without word or challenge on their part; then, and not till then, I ordered the bugle to sound the 'commence firing;' for about ten minutes a heavy fire was kept up by the troops advancing, which was replied to by our opponents. During this time I brought up the infantry supports and foot police. The entrenchment was then carried and taken by the point of the bayonet; the insurgents retreating, I ordered the firing to cease. All persons found within the entrenchment were taken prisoners, and many of the fugitives were intercepted by the cavalry. I then marched the infantry and a portion of the mounted police, in charge of the prisoners and wounded, to camp, directing the remainder of the