49
and joined those in the posts behind; the same operations continued through the whole path, which was five miles in length, and with the same success, although not without loss. When in sight of the fort, Mr. Bussy divided his troops into four divisions, allotting one, with the field-piece, to the attack of each of the towers. Ranga Row was here, with all his parentage, 250*[1] men bearing arms, and nearly twice this number of women and children.
"The attack commenced at daybreak, on the 24th of January, with the field-pieces against the four towers; and the defenders, lest fire might catch the thatch of the rampart, had pulled it down. By nine o'clock, several of the battlements were broken, when all
- ↑ * This number is evidently not correct. In the other histories it is said there were 4,000 men and 1,000 Velamas. If the duration of the battle, which lasted from the early morning till the evening, be considered, it would appear impossible for a small force of 250 men to have defended tin-tort torso long a time against the large combined army which attacked it.
