A History of the Mahrattas v2.c42.37.3

v2.c42.37.3

and as the fire opened, he directed two companies to advance on the enemy's right and two other companies to attack their left, whilst the rest were engaged with the centre. Every attempt to penetrate into the jungle was warmly opposed, but the enemy's right seemed the point most assailable, though defended with obstinacy. Two companies were sent to reinforce the two engaged on the right; but Lieutenants Doolan and Bethune, who led them, were wounded successively. The grenadier company under Lieutenant Moor¹ was sent to their support; that officer also fell disabled. Six companies of the 11th battalion were then brought forward, and Brigadier-Major Ross, who directed them, was killed. The Sepoys repeatedly penetrated a short distance into the jungle; but most of their European officers being wounded, they could not keep their ground. The Mahratta infantry on every advance rushed forward tumultuously, but were driven back in disorderly flight, which only added to the general slaughter and contributed to the confusion of the regular infantry; but Captain Little, watching the opportunities when his men’s minds required support, with that admirable judgement and gallantry which have on so many occasions distinguished the officers of British Sepoys, rallied, cheered, and reanimated them; sent on parts of the reserve, and continued the apparently unequal struggle with steady resolution. At last the whole reserve was ordered up;