nfantry. I accompanied
this party, and we commenced our march in the afternoon, working our way
through rivers, jungles, and over immense hills. A little after dark, on
passing a small hill a little on our left flank, two shots were fired at
us. The general dispatched a company of infantry to reconnoitre the spot
from whence the shots had proceeded. On examination, it proved to be a
small look-out of the enemy. We found several small cots or bedsteads
here, and their fires were still burning; but, after firing their two
shots, they must have immediately fled; and we were extremely obliged to
them for their hint, which reminded us of the necessity for caution.

We had gained information from our spies, that our road lay over a high
ghaut, on which the enemy had a strong piquet; that, when we had
surmounted that ghaut, the road to the fort of Gurrah Mundellah was over
lowlands interspersed with water; and that we should have to cross the
Nerbuddah, where we might expect to be opposed, as that river was wide,
deep, and stony. Acting upon this information, our brave brigadier
accompanied a small party, for the purpose of dislodging this piquet,
without giving them a shot at the whole division. We were a long time
ascending; so that, by the time we got up, the residue of the army were
at the bottom. The enemy heard them by the neighing of the horses and
the confounded clatter of our dragoons' swords, which may be heard for
miles. It would be much more musical if they would tie bells round the
horses' necks, than to tolerate this abominable noise. The moment the
piquet heard them, they fired, their long ginjalls, which kill a mile
off. The first shot wounded a poor grass-cutter of the 8th Native
Cavalry through the leg. At this time our detachment, which was stealing
up the side of the hill, was so close upon the enemy, that they had not
time to fire many more shots. They then ran off, leaving eight or ten of
their ginjalls suspended from branches of trees. At this place were ten
or twelve fires, and about twenty cots. Some of their rice was cooking;
but, for fear they might have poisoned it, we broke the utensils. The
ginjalls we also broke, not being able to carry them with us. We then
descended the hill; when the moon rose, and diffused her bright rays
over the distant plain. The sight was enchanting, in comparison with
prowling about in the pitchy darkness of the night, not knowing the
moment we might be saluted with a pou