Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c58.s7.1

v4.c58.s7.1

It was Wellesley himself, leading the British left, who turned the tide of the battle. At a quarter to three P.M. the word was given to advance and the 78th Buffs and two sepoy battalions marched in quick time upon the enemy, without firing a shot. On coming within 150 yards of the enemy's line, they stopped for a moment to prepare for charging. The campoo opposite them fired a volley, "and about the same time some European officers in the enemy's service were observed to mount their horses and ride off. The 78th instantly redoubled its pace, and the enemy's infantry, deserted by its officers, broke and ran. The 78th overtook and bayoneted a few individuals. The gunners, however, held firm to their guns, many being killed in the act of loading...... and none quitted their posts until the bayonets were at their breasts."†