nd cavalry on the flank of the face fronting the
original line of march, the front and flanks of the oblong facing
outwards; the baggage and followers being in the centre. When thus
formed, the troops lay down, waiting for daylight in perfect silence,
and showing no fire or light of any kind. Sir James Outram met with a
severe accident while carrying out these admirable arrangements; but
they were well concluded by Colonel Lugard, the chief of his staff.

Scarcely was the formation completed, than the enemy brought five heavy
guns to bear; and iron shot plunging into the 64th Regiment, knocked
down six men, and killed one of them. Another shot, first taking off a
foot from Lieutenant Greentree, severely wounded Captain Mockler of that
regiment. Several of the camp followers and baggage animals in the
centre were killed but the orderly conduct of the troops saved them from
many casualties, and as no musketry fire was allowed after the guns
opened, the enemy had no opportunity of improving his original range.

As the morning approached, the enemy's fire slackened, and it was
believed that he had retreated; but as the mist cleared off, the
Persians were seen drawn up in line, their right resting on the walled
village of Khoosh-Aub and a date-grove, their left on a hamlet with a
round fortalice tower. Two rising mounds were in front of their centre,
which served as redoubts, and where they had their guns; and they had
some deep nullahs on their right front and flank thickly lined with
skirmishers. Their cavalry, in considerable bodies, were on both
flanks. Soojah-ul-Moolk, the best officer in the Persian army, was at
their head. The British army was drawn up in two general lines. The
front line consisted of the 78th Highlanders, and a party of sappers on
the right; then the 26th Regiment of Native Infantry, the 2nd European
Light Infantry, and the 4th Rifle Regiment on the left of all.

The second line had Her Majesty's 64th Regiment on its right, then the
20th Regiment Native Infantry, and the Beloochee battalion on its left.
The light companies of battalions faced the enemy's skirmishers in the
nullahs, and covered both flanks and rear of their own army. A
detachment of the 3rd Cavalry assisted in this duty; and as the enemy
showed some bodies of horse, threatening a dash on the baggage or
wounded men, they were of considerable service.

The lines advanced directly the regiments had deployed, and so rapidly
a