Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c56.s23.7

v4.c56.s23.7

The Third Cavalry Brigade (under Col. Macan) which was next in the marching column was sent to turn the enemy’s extreme right, in front of the village of Laswari. “Macan crossed the ravine with his two regiments (one British and one Bengal cavalry) under a heavy cannonade, wheeled into line in the face of a still heavier fire, and galloped down upon the guns as if he had been at a review. Nothing could be seen through the long grass; and the Maratha gunners, holding their fire until the horses were within 20 yards, poured upon them a storm of grape and chain shot. Yet still the squadrons galloped on, passed through the batteries, although the cannon were fastened by chains from axle-tree to axle-tree, and rallied on the other side. But already the Maratha gunners, who had crept under their guns when the cavalry came upon them, were serving them again; while the infantry entrenched behind their waggons and carts, showered on the assembling squadrons a hail of bullets. Nothing daunted, Macan charged back through the line with the same irresistible gallantry and the same result; repeated the charge a third time,—after which he was recalled by Lake’s order, and withdrawn out of range. [Fortescue, History of the British Army, v. 60.] The Second Brigade forming the rear of the column on the march, arrived too late to share in this part of the struggle.