bay, for the purpose of raking the intermediate country. The
principal difficulties, however, in approaching the enemy's works, did
not so much arise from the strength of the defences, as from the height
of the mountains and rugged rocky surface of the country it was
necessary to penetrate; and so considerable were these obstacles,
against the usual mode of attack, that it was judged expedient to adopt
rapid and forward movements, instead of regular approaches.

In conformity to this plan of proceeding, the seamen and soldiers were
laboriously employed in making roads; dragging guns to the tops of the
mountains; and collecting military stores, for the purpose of erecting
two mortar and four separate gun batteries, on the same night. One of
these was intended against the Mollinochesco; the second, to be
constructed on rocks, to cover the principal one, of six guns; which, by
a sudden march, and the exertions of the whole army, was to be erected
within seven hundred and fifty yards of the Mozello.

Owing to some mistake, the proposed battery against the Mollinochesco
was built and opened two days earlier than the time appointed.
Observing, however, that though this fort was considerably damaged, it
seemed evidently the intention of the enemy to repair rather than
evacuate it, on the evening of the 6th of July, the Royal Irish regiment
was ordered to move towards their left, exposing the men to the fire of
their artillery. At sun set, and during the greatest part of the night,
this diversion was seconded by a feigned attack of the Corsicans: which
so effectually deceived the enemy, that they withdrew a considerable
piquet from the spot where the principal battery was to be constructed,
in order to support the Mollinochesco; and, directing the whole of their
fire to that point, enabled the troops to complete their work.

This important position established, the enemy was compelled to evacuate
the Mollinochesco, and to withdraw the shipping under the protection of
the town.

A heavy firing immediately commenced on both sides; which continued,
with little intermission, till the 18th of that month: when, observing
that their batteries were considerably damaged, and a breach appearing
practicable on the west side of the Mozello, a disposition was made for
a general attack on the outworks, under cover of two batteries ordered
to be erected that night; which would, from their position, in the event
of a check, appear the princ