A History of the Mahrattas v2.c57.82.2

v2.c57.82.2

The heaviest loss which the British had hitherto sustained was at the smaller hill. Frequent attempts had been made by the Arabs to carry it, and that post had been, in consequence of the slaughter, repeatedly reinforced. At last, by the accidental explosion of a tumbril, some confusion was created, of which the Arabs took immediate advantage, charged up the hill sword in hand, carried it, and immediately turned the gun against the larger hill, where the casualties became distressingly severe. Emboldened by their success, the enemy’s horse and foot closed in from every direction, and prepared for a general assault. To add to this appalling crisis, the Arabs got into the huts of the British troops, and the shrieks of the women and children reached the ears of the Sepoys. The Residency grounds, where Captain Fitzgerald was posted, were also attacked ; guns were brought up, and bodies of horse threatened to break in. Captain Fitzgerald had repeatedly applied for permission to charge, and was as often prevented by orders from the commanding officer ; but seeing the impending destruction, he made a last attempt to obtain leave. Colonel Scott’s reply was, ‘ Tell him to charge at his peril.’ ‘ At my peril be it,’ said the gallant Fitzgerald on receiving this answer, and immediately gave the word to advance.