thirty pieces of heavy cannon; when, falling back a little way,
we united ourselves to the remainder of the infantry, and lay
down behind some rushes, in readiness to act, as soon as we
should be wanted.

In the erection of these batteries, a circumstance occurred
worthy of notice, on account of its singularity. I have already
stated that the whole of this district was covered with the
stubble of sugar-cane; and I might have added, that every
storehouse and barn, attached to the different mansions scattered
over it, was filled with barrels of sugar. In throwing up these
works, the sugar was used instead of earth. Rolling the
hogsheads towards the front, they were placed upright in the
parapets of batteries; and it was computed that sugar to the
value of many thousand pounds sterling was thus disposed of.

CHAPTER XXII.

PREPARATIONS--ATTACK.

THE infantry having retired, and the gunners taken their station,
dawn was anxiously expected. But the morning of the 1st of January
chanced to be peculiarly gloomy. A thick haze obscured for a
long time the rays of the sun, nor could objects be discerned
with any accuracy till a late hour.

But at length the mist gave way, and the American camp was fully
exposed to view. Being at this time only three hundred yards
distant, we could perceive all that was going forward with great
exactness. The different regiments were upon parade; and being
dressed in holiday suits, presented really a fine appearance.
Mounted officers were riding backwards and forwards through the,
ranks, bands were playing, and colours floating in the air; in a
word, all seemed jollity and gala; when suddenly our batteries
opened, and the face of affairs was instantly changed. The ranks
were broken; the different corps dispersing, fled in all
directions, whilst the utmost terror and disorder appeared to
prevail. Instead of nicely-dressed lines, nothing but confused
crowds could now be observed; nor was it without much difficulty
that order was finally restored. Oh, that we had charged at that
instant!

RETREAT--PAUSE.

Whilst this consternation prevailed among the infantry, their
artillery remained silent; but as soon as the former rallied,
they also recovered confidence, and answered our salute with
great rapidity and precision. A heavy cannonade quickly commenced
on both sides, and continued during the whole of the day; till,
towards evening, our ammunition began to fail, and our fire i