A History of the Mahrattas v2.c34.25.1

v2.c34.25.1

(May 18.)—On the morning of the 18th May, when marching in this order towards the Myhie, about a mile and a half from Nappar, a smart cannonade from six guns suddenly opened on their rear from behind a grove on the left side of the road, where a large body of the enemy were advancing. Colonel Keating immediately halted the line, rode back, found Captain Myers, who commanded a division of grenadiers, moving according to the instructions, and having ordered down another gun and a howitzer, soon silenced the artillery of the enemy and drove back the advancing body. Two of the enemy’s cannon were not withdrawn with the rest, and Captain Myers, with some of the other officers, proposed ‘having a dash at their guns’; to which Colonel Keating assented, and sent for the other company of grenadiers. The object of attack was in an enclosed field, the road to which was of the same kind as that already described, between two high milk-bush hedges. As soon as both companies of grenadiers were formed with the rearguard, they were directed to advance with order and regularity, an injunction which Colonel Keating found it necessary to repeat; Captain Myers, however, again quickened his pace until he got near the guns. He then halted, and had just formed for the attack when a body of the enemy’s horse charged him; but being supported by the artillery which Colonel Keating directed in person, they were driven back with great slaughter.