The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

The Cajneron Hiohlanders. 43
our march, say N.W., and any tidings wc got of ofificcrs and
men wounded came from that direction.
Several companies of the 79th (which must have been
left in front that day) were engaged either as skirmishers
or in support of skirmishers or of the two heavy guns.
I think there can be no doubt, from Col. Pcrcival's
description, that Ross-Grove with his company of the 42nd,
and Cafe with his men of the 4th Punjaub Rifles, were sent
against the south (or south-east) side of the fort, and that
on this side Brigadier Adrian Hope and so many officers
and men were killed. Early in the day, General Walpole
sent several companies of the 79th to the left, or west, of
the fort, in support of his two heavy guns, which opened
fire opposite to its furthest angle on that side. Upon this
Col. Percival, then Captain of No. 4 Compan}', saw two
cows make their way out of the north or north-west side,
and remarked to one of the artillery officers, " That is the
side to attack ; we can get in where a cow can come out."
Soon afterwards the heavy guns were moved nearer our
main body, opposite to the southern or south-west angle,
two companies, including No. 4, remaining with them, and
the others joining our reserve. Ensign Kerr, of No. 6 Coy.,
though on the sick list, joined No. 4 Coy. He confirms the
above, mentioning that the two heavy guns were moved to
the left of the attack early in the da)-, that several companies
were sent in support, and adds that, on the guns
opening fire, the elephants became almost unmanageable.
The cavalry were sent round to our right, i.e., to the
north or north-east of the fort. Possibly some other guns
may have opened fire, the shot from which may have passed
over the fort, and lighted among the 42nd skirmishers,
when looking for a gate as described.
The two heavy guns, after firing a few rounds from their
second position, were withdrawn, and with the two com-
panies 79th rejoined the reserve or main body. Some of
the other companies were then in advance, but the ground
between the main body and the fort was to a considerable
extent thick jungle.