mustered more than nine hundred men, and were totally destitute of cavalry; while the enemy, strong in this arm, enveloped our flanks in the form of a crescent. When lying on the ground, I observed the Madras Fusiliers, commanded by their gallant leader, Major Stephenson, advancing in close column, unaware of impending destruction, which I comprehended at a glance. I sprung to my feet from the narrow ridge of earth on which I had been lying with the Highlanders, and rushing across the plain, warned him of the danger which the waning light concealed from him, as his noble regiment advanced in this formation, to which either a round shot or discharge of grape would have proved of deadly effect. On receiving my warning, he quickly deployed into line, and lay down with us. upon the ground. With increasing darkness, shadows lengthened, which added to the imposing effect of the rebel line, seeming yet more dense and numerous; drums and trumpets insolently sounding the advance in quick repetition. General Havelock, who had just had his horse shot under him, now appeared, boldly riding a hack, the only man who dared raise his head-so close and thick was the fire that rained upon us. He instantly, with clear and firm tone, gave the order, "The line will advance." Hardly were the words spoken, when a feeling of confidence inspired every breast, and displaced the overwhelming weight of uncertainty and doubt engendered by inaction. Up sprung our thinned line, not amounting to nine hundred strong; their quick pace ac celerated by the double, they bounded onward. At the word "Forward," the space between the hostile lines was SO inconsiderable, that a general melée seemed inevitable, the odds being fearfully against us. But to this act of intrepidity in our General his troops worthily responded. Their ardour and enthusiastic daring had mounted to that height almost resembling frenzy; acknowledging no obstacle, and overleaping every barrier, their impetuosity was irresistible. Hurrah! Well done, brave 64th, the very gun from which we suffered so severely is captured! Away! away! across the plain, like the shifting figures in a panorama, the cowardly rebels disappeared; our troops following in hot pursuit till we reached the verge of the cantonment. Here we halted in view of the artillery barracks, which lay in our front. tents, rations, nor grog. We had neither But we had the commendation of our General, and the glowing terms in which he addressed us proved how truly he appreciated our ardour. Like all lofty natures superior to egotism, he seemed to forget the greatness of his own example while recognizing our Well is such a leader calculated prowess. to inspire confidence, secure esteem, and lead us on to victory; or, if need be, to death! He it was who had led this most determined onslaught, in which darkness shrouded our reduced numbers, the Highlanders in the centre (their usual |