A History of the Mahrattas v2.c34.25.3

v2.c34.25.3

this retrograde movement, as was afterwards discovered by a court of inquiry, was partly the fault of their officer, whose word of command to face to the right, for the purpose of retiring, was mistaken for ‘right about face.’ Without orders from Colonel Keating the retreat was at all events inexcusable; and, as might have been expected, was attended with disastrous consequences. The Sepoys immediately fancied themselves defeated, they also turned, and the rest of the Europeans followed their example. Some order was preserved until they gained the milk-bush hedges, when, in spite of all the exertions of their officers, they broke their ranks and ran towards the line in the greatest confusion, whilst the enemy came amongst them, sword in hand, and made a great slaughter. Colonel Keating in vain attempted to rally the grenadiers: those men, who had a few minutes before fought with all the ardour and constancy of British troops, now fled disgracefully; but the support of the line and the fire of the whole artillery, within forty yards, again drove back the Mahrattas, who finally sustained a severe defeat. Such was the battle of Arass; and notwithstanding the circumstances attending it, which are related principally from the candid narrative of Colonel Keating, it is a victory recorded by the best of testimony, the enemy, in terms highly creditable.¹ But it was dearly purchased. The loss on the part of Colonel Keating's detachment amounted to two hundred and twenty-two men;