ndered, and the gallant general,
fortunately, still lives in the bosom of domestic bliss in his native
land. I say "fortunately," because, after the surrender of this strong
and impregnable fortress, it was deemed, by one and all, that it was
beyond the power of mortal ascent, and our beloved general must
infallibly have fallen a victim to his zeal. Many deeds of high daring
had marked the long and glorious career of this respected officer. He
had been in one corps (the 14th regiment) as subaltern and commander,
for the long period of three-and-thirty or four-and-thirty years,
without being a day absent from his duty; and he was universally beloved
for his urbanity and affability of manners. I should justly be accused
of ingratitude did I not take this opportunity of returning him my most
heartfelt thanks for his uniform generosity and disinterested friendship
to me, displayed on numberless occasions.

After shelling almost incessantly for several days, a great number of
the men in the fort were killed in going for water, which was about a
hundred yards from their hiding-places, and these became so offensive
that the garrison persuaded the keeledar to give up the fort as a
hopeless business. To this the keeledar, who was a most dastardly
coward, readily consented; for which purpose he dispatched a messenger
to say, that if he would cease shelling he would come to some amicable
arrangement. Our officers, foreseeing the total impossibility of our
success, complied in some slight degree, stipulating that they would
cease firing for a few hours. This was calculated to impress the
garrison with a conviction, that a further resistance on their part in
withholding the fort, would be only seeking their own destruction, and
imbruing their hands in their own blood; and that, as the English were
now inclined to be merciful, under the supposition that the garrison had
been seduced to disaffection by some artful rebel, it would be better
for them at once to surrender. The message returned by our commander was
that if they were sincere in their wish to give up the fort
unconditionally, firing for the present, from the shelling-batteries
only, would cease; and that, if the terms were not accepted, they would
re-commence with redoubled force. It was further agreed that one more
parley would be attended to. The messenger departed, and orders were
dispatched to the shelling-batteries to cease till further orders.

Natives, speaking of t