the communication with the rear. Four
companies of the Rifle Brigade were accordingly ordered back, and so
actively did they ply their rifles, that in less than an hour the
Ashantees were put to flight. Another attack was, however, made on the
right and rear of Quarman, by one of the principal Ashantee generals,
but the enemy was gallantly held in check by its small garrison until
the arrival of a company of the Rifle Brigade.

In the meantime Amoaful had been taken by a gallant rush of the 42nd
Highlanders, led by Major Cluny Macpherson, and here the major-general
established his headquarters.

The action altogether had lasted twelve hours, extending along two and a
half miles of road. During the greater part of the time the firing was
incessant,--the loss suffered by the 42nd being proof of its severity,
nearly every fourth man having been hit. The enemy must have lost
upwards of 2000 men in killed and wounded.

In the action, besides Captain Buckle, there were two privates of the
42nd and one of Wood's regiment killed. Of wounded, there were 15
military officers, and 147 men; 6 officers of the Naval Brigade, and 26
men. As short a time as possible was spent at Amoaful, when the force
again advanced on the 2nd of February.

The advance guard was under Colonel McLeod, the main body under
Brigadier-General Sir Archibald Alison. The troops carried two days'
rations in their haversacks, a similar quantity being conveyed by the
spare hammock bearers. A fifth day's rations were to be brought forward
to them.

Colonel McLeod, pushing on, found but little opposition. The force was
now concentrated at a place called Aggemmamu, within fifteen miles of
Coomassie.

Sir Garnet now announced his intention of making a dash on Coomassie.
The soldiers were asked whether they would undertake to make their
rations for four days last if necessary for six. The answer was, as may
be supposed, "Most willingly." Leaving their baggage under the care of
such men as were too weakly to march, the army advanced on the morning
of the 3rd.

As usual, Lord Gifford with his scouts went ahead, followed by Russell's
regiment under Colonel McLeod. In a short time the enemy was
encountered. After a sharp and short action, however, he was driven
back, but with some loss on the side of the British. The advance guard
pushed on until within a short distance of Coomassie, when messengers
arrived from the king again entreating for peace