A History of the Mahrattas v2.c42.19

v2.c42.19

A.D. 1790.—Every possible exertion was made by Colonel Frederick. Pureshram Bhow’s artillery was manned by Europeans: but the guns were old, clumsy, and nearly unserviceable; so scanty was the supply of ammunition that they were frequently silent for days together, and the garrison on these occasions never failed to make a complete repair in the intended breach. A considerable quantity of powder was at length obtained, but a prospect of its being again wholly expended (Feb. 7.) induced Colonel Frederick to attempt the assault before the breach was entirely practicable. He would probably have succeeded; but at the moment when the troops were to pass the ditch, the fascines, which they had thrown into it, were set on fire and so rapidly consumed, that it became necessary to retire to the trenches. In this attempt the British detachment lost eighty-five men. The chagrin occasioned by failure, followed by a series of harassing delays, operating on an ardent mind and a debilitated constitution, proved fatal to Colonel Frederick, who died on the 13th March, and was succeeded in the command of the detachment by Major Sartorius. (March 13th.)