The United Service Magazine (Volume 1857) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1839. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... own right towards Prince of Wales's Bastion, which forms a sort of little citadel, being inclosed in rear, and also towards Amherst Redoubt, both of which were occupied by the defenders, who retired in excellent order, keeping up a fire of musketry against the assailants, who attacked them with great vigour, and at one time pressed them very hard, until they themselves were checked, and forced to take shelter behind various buildings and ground affording cover, from a heavy fire of six guns in the bastion suddenly opening upon them, which were manned with great activity by the Hon. East India Company's Artillery, under Captain and Adjutant Brown. After this temporary pause, Colonel Sir William Warre ordered the attack to be renewed by the 90th and 4th Depfit and Provisional Battalion, whilst the 15th Hussars, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Walter Scott, and the Sappers and Miners under the command of Captain Sandham, advanced with two lines of ladders, supported by the 35th as a firing party, and stormed Amherst Redoubt, from whence, as well as from Prince of Wales's Bastion, the defenders then retreated. These manoeuvres, directed throughout by the Commandant in person, were very interesting. The firing on both sides was kept up from first to last with great spirit and steadiness, and with the same good humour and coolness remarked in the operations of the 24th, without any collision or excitement. The advance of the first escalading party, descending into the ditch and mounting the ramparts with arms and accoutrements complete, had a very picturesque and novel effect. The skirmishing of the 90th afterwards was particularly striking; and in the second escalade, the Huasars, armed only with sabres (their carbines having been given up preparatory to embarkat...