broad and deep ditch, a measure of
precaution which had been very serviceable in 1805, when the British had
vainly attacked the place. In the present instance, however, our troops
arrived in time to repair the breach before the water had flowed into
the fosse sufficiently to render it impassable. After this a few-days
were spent in reconnoitring the works, and fixing on the best points of
attack, until the whole battering train with its appurtenances should
arrive. In the meantime, from a desire to save the women and children
from the effects of the terrible bombardment about to take place, Lord
Combermere addressed a letter to Doorjun Sal, requesting him to send
them out to him, and promising them safe conduct. This request, however,
was barbarously refused; and on the 23rd of December the besiegers
commenced their first parallel, under a heavy fire, about eight hundred
yards from the north-east angle of the works. On the following morning
three batteries opened on the town, and continued, with several others
afterwards erected, so vigorous a fire that scarcely a roof in the town
was left uninjured. The mud walls, however, still stood erect, so that,
on the 3rd of January, it was deemed expedient to employ miners. Several
attempts failed; but on the 16th two mines were blown up under one of
the bastions; and, with the aid of a day's cannonade, effected such a
breach that the result of the enterprise appeared no longer doubtful.
The final assault was made on the 18th. Troops destined to rush into the
city established themselves in the advanced trenches unperceived by the
enemy; and the explosion of a mine, loaded with 12,000 pounds of powder,
was to be the signal of attack. At eight o'clock this mine was fired,
and the effect was terrific; the ground trembled as if agitated by an
earthquake, and after it had heaved up with several convulsive throes,
the volcanoes burst forth. The whole of the salient angle and the stone
cavalier in its rear were lifted into the air, and, after the smoke and
clouds of dust had passed away, the bastion with three hundred men were
seen precipitated below. The two grand divisions of the army now rushed
up to the breaches, and the foremost of the opposing foe were soon
laid low by the British bayonets, and the rest were chased along the
ramparts; in two hours the whole of the rampart was in our possession,
and early in the afternoon the citadel surrendered. Doorjun Sal, who
attempted to escape