This medal was distributed to officers and soldiers—European and
Native—on one side of it is represented the storming of the breach of
Seringapatam, from an actual drawing on the spot, with the meridian sun,
denoting the time of the storm, and the following inscription in Persian
underneath:—“The Fort of Seringapatam, the gift of God, the 4th. May,
1799.” On the reverse side is the British Lion subduing the Tiger, the
emblem of the late Tippoo Sultan’s Government, with the period when it
was effected, and the following words in Arabic on the banner:—“ASSUD
OTTA-UL GHAULIB,” signifying the Lion of God is the Conqueror, or the
Conquering Lion of God.
Of these medals gold ones were struck for His Majesty, the Right
Honourable Lord Melville, the Governor-General of India at the time, the
Marquis Cornwallis, the Nizam and his two ministers, the Peishwah and
his minister, the Nabobs of Arcot and Oude, and the Rajahs of Tanjore,
Travancore, Mysore, Coorga, and Berar, Dowlut Rao Scindiah, the
Commander-in-Chief, general officers on the staff employed in the
Service, and for the Oriental Museum.
Silver-gilt medals were struck for the members of council at the three
Presidencies, the Residents of Hydrabad and Poonah, the field officers,
and the general staff on the service. Silver for the captains and
subalterns, copper-bronzed for the non-commissioned officers, and pure
grain tin for the privates.
The European officers of the Company’s service received permission in
August, 1815, to wear the Seringapatam Medal. On the 16th. of that month
the following representation was made to the Right Honourable the Earl
of Buckinghamshire:—
“MY LORD,
“Medals having been struck by the Court of
Directors, with the approbation and concurrence of His Majesty’s
Ministers, in commemoration of the storming of Seringapatam, and of
the other splendid successes of the British Army in Mysore, in 1799;
to be executed by an eminent artist, and distributed to the officers
and soldiers, both of His Majesty’s, and of the Company’s troops, who
served in that brilliant and decisive campaign.
“The European officers of the Company’s Service have represented to us
that highly as they have been gratified with the receipt of those
honourable bestowments, they experienced considerable mortification in
not feeling themselves at liberty to wear them on great public
occasions, such as being presented at Court, and at the Military
Levees of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief.
“This sentiment necessarily strikes them with peculiar force at the
present period, when all the officers of Europe, who have
distinguished themselves in the service of their several Sovereigns,
appear upon all public occasions, decorated with the honourable badges
of their services and glory.
“We therefore intreat your Lordship to transmit these circumstances to
His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent, and to solicit his gracious
permission, that the medals granted by the East India Company, upon
the occasion of the capture of Seringapatam by storm on the 4th. of
May, 1799, and the other splendid successes of the British Army in
Mysore in that year, may be worn by the officers, who have received
them, in such manner, and at such times as to His Highness may appear
proper.
“We have etc.,
“CHARLES GRANT.
“THOMAS READ.”
This request was complied with in a letter, dated Whitehall, 29th.
August, 1815, of which the accompanying is an extract:—
“Gentlemen,
“His Royal Highness has been pleased to grant
his gracious permission that such officers may wear their medals in
any part of His Majesty’s dominions.
“To the Chairman and (Signed) BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.”
Deputy-Chairman.”
STORM OF ALLIGHUR.
4TH. SEPTEMBER, 1803.
This service occurred during the Mahratta war. The empire of the
Mahrattas, of which Sevajee was the founder, had become a confederacy of
five chieftains, the Peishwah, Scindiah, Holkar, the Rajah of Berar, and
the Guicowar; each of whom, although acknowledging a kind of fealty to
the descendant of Sevajee, was independent of the other. The Peishwah,
who was regarded as the nominal head of the confederation, was
considered only as an instrument in the hands of the strongest. Dowlut
Rao Scindiah, who ruled over Malwa and Candeish, had acquired an
absolute control in the councils of Bajee Rao, the Peishwah, and was
regarded with great jealousy by his rival Holkar. Both these chieftains
had armies officered by Europeans, principally Frenchmen. Holkar
suddenly crossed the Nerbudda, marched on Poonah, and having defeated
the united troops of Scindiah and the Peishwah, the latter placed
himself under the protection of the British, and after his restoration
in May, 1803, it was ascertained that Scindiah was in négociation with
Holkar and the Berar Rajah, with a view to subvert the British alliance
with the Peishwah. After the evasions and procrastinations inseparable
from oriental diplomacy, hostilities commenced, Major-General the
Honourable Arthur Wellesley being appointed to the chief command of the
British and allied troops in the territories of the Peishwah, of the
Nizam, and of any Mahratta state; subject alone to the orders of General
Stuart and General Lake, the Commander-in-Chief in India.
General Lake was instructed to conquer the whole of Scindiah’s territory
between the Jumna and the Ganges, to seize upon Delhi and Agra, and to
destroy the army commanded by General Perron, a French officer. On the
7th. of August, 1803, the troops advanced from Cawnpore, and entered the
Mahratta territory on the morning of the 29th. of that month. Perron
occupied a strong position, with about fifteen thousand men, in the
vicinity of Coel. General Lake resolved to turn his left flank, against
which he advanced, but the enemy retired after firing a few rounds,
without venturing a regular engagement; the rapidity of his flight
rendering the several attempts made to charge him quite ineffectual.
After this affair, Perron took up a position between the town of Coel
and the fortress of Allighur, and every effort to induce the governor to
surrender proving unsuccessful, the necessary arrangements were made for
the assault of the fort.
Allighur was a place of considerable strength, the country being
levelled around and open to its fire in every direction. It was provided
with a broad ditch and a fine glacis, and had only one entrance, which
was very intricate, and over a narrow causeway. On the 4th. of
September, a storming party, consisting of four companies of the 76th.,
with two battalions and four companies of native infantry, was placed
under the orders of the Honourable Lieutenant-Colonel Monson. At
half-past four o’clock in the morning it had advanced within a few
hundred yards of the place before being discovered; when, a tremendous
fire being opened, the colonel rushed forward with the flank companies
of the regiment, in the hope of being able to enter the main gateway
with a fugitive guard which had been stationed in a breastwork outside
the place. In this he was disappointed, and, as the enemy’s cross fire
was very severe, Major Macleod, and two grenadiers of the regiment,
endeavoured to scale the wall, but encountered such a powerful phalanx
of pikemen that they were compelled to fall back. A gun was with some
difficulty placed opposite to the gate, which, after a few discharges,
was blown open. During these operations the party for twenty minutes was
exposed to a raking fire of grape, wall pieces, and matchlocks. Colonel
Monson was severely wounded by a pike discharged from a gun, and the
adjutant and four officers of grenadiers were killed.
After clearing the first gate, a long and intricate passage conducted
the troops, in the midst of a heavy cross fire, through a second and
third gateway, which were easily forced, to a fourth, that led
immediately into the body of the place. With great difficulty the gun
was brought up, but the gate could not be blown open. At last the
grenadiers, with Major Macleod at their head, succeeded in pushing
through the wicket, and mounted the ramparts, after which but little
opposition was offered by the Mahrattas, who for the space of an hour
had made a most vigorous defence. They lost about two thousand men,
while the casualties of the assailants were likewise severe.
As Allighur was the chief residence and principal depôt of General
Perron, a large quantity of ordnance and military stores were captured,
and several carriages were found laden with treasure, which the victors
divided amongst themselves on the spot. A few days after the fall of
this fortress, General Perron withdrew from the Mahratta service; his
popularity amongst the natives had excited the jealousy of Scindiah,
whose conduct would have palliated a severe retaliation; but the
high-minded Frenchman, disdaining an unworthy action, resigned the
command under circumstances most honourable to his personal character.
The 76th. may feel proud of the praise which was bestowed upon the
regiment and its officers by the Governor-General for their
gallantry.[11]
BATTLE OF DELHI.
11TH. SEPTEMBER, 1803.
Although General Perron had been permitted to enter the British
territories, the troops which he had commanded still remained under
other officers. Having left a sufficient force at Allighur, the British
proceeded towards Delhi on the 7th. of September. After a fatiguing
march of eighteen miles, and when, on the 11th. of that month, they had
arrived within two leagues of the city, information was received that M.
Louis Bourquin, another French officer in command of Scindiah’s army,
had crossed the Jumna with a numerous force, in order to attack General
Lake. This intelligence was quickly confirmed by an attack upon the
outlying pickets which had just been posted.
The British commander immediately proceeded with the whole of his
cavalry to reconnoitre the enemy, and found them drawn up in order of
battle on a rising ground, their flanks resting on a morass, while the
front was defended by a line of entrenchments and a formidable
artillery. As it was considered impossible to make any impression upon
so excellent a position by a direct attack, stratagem was employed to
induce them to quit it. The cavalry, which had proceeded considerably in
advance, were directed to fall back before the Mahrattas, and afterwards
to form behind the right wing of the infantry. This manœuvre was
completely successful; the cavalry retired, while the infantry were
quickly formed, and advanced in line, under a tremendous cannonade of
round, grape, and chain shot. Nothing could exceed the steadiness of the
troops; no man took his musket from his shoulder until arrived within a
proper distance of the enemy. A volley was fired, and General Lake,
placing himself at the head of the 76th. the whole line rushed forward
to the charge with an impetuosity which it was impossible to withstand.
Thrown into confusion, the Mahrattas fled in the utmost consternation,
while the cavalry, dashing forward, completed the work which their
irresistible companions had so well commenced. Bourquin was the first
man to leave the field, and he surrendered, with five other foreign
officers, three days after to his conqueror.
By this splendid victory, sixty-eight pieces of cannon, two tumbrils
laden with treasure, and thirty-seven with ammunition, fell into the
hands of the conquerors. The loss of the enemy was estimated at three
thousand men out of thirteen thousand infantry (nearly all regular
troops), and six thousand cavalry, which had been brought into the
field. Of the British, who had four thousand engaged, four hundred and
eighty-five were killed, wounded, and missing. The 76th., the only
King’s regiment at Allighur, Delhi, or at the subsequent battle at
Laswarree, had two sergeants and thirty-one rank and file killed;
Lieutenant Alexander Macdonald, one sergeant, and ninety-six rank and
file were wounded.
Delhi was entered without opposition, and the venerable and blind
emperor, Shah Aulum, the nominal sovereign of Hindostan, who had been
for years in the hands of the Mahrattas, was restored to his throne.
In testimony of the gallantry of the troops under General Lake, the
Governor-General in council ordered honorary colours, with a suitable
device, commemorative of the reduction of Allighur and the battle of
Delhi, to be presented to all. Those granted[12] to the 27th. Dragoons
(since disbanded) and the 76th. Regiment, were to be used by these corps
while they continued in India, or until His Majesty’s pleasure should be
signified.
BATTLE OF ASSAYE.
23RD. SEPTEMBER, 1803.
This was the battle which gained a name for the illustrious Duke of
Wellington, and it is commemorated on the colours of the 74th. and 78th.
regiments. On the 21st. of September, Major-General the Honourable
Arthur Wellesley had a conference with Colonel Stevenson, and a plan was
concerted to attack the enemy’s army with the divisions under their
command on the 24th. This intention was not carried out, as
circumstances occurred which determined the former to attack without
waiting for the junction of the troops.
On the 23rd. of September, while on the march, it was discovered that
the enemy was much nearer than was imagined; whereupon Major-General
Wellesley immediately determined to move in advance to reconnoitre them,
and if convenient bring them to action. He ordered the cavalry to mount,
and went on with them for this purpose; the infantry, except the rear
battalion (1st. of the 2nd. Native Infantry), received directions to
follow by the right. The second of the 12th. to join the left brigade to
equalize the two; the first of the second to cover the baggage on the
ground marked for the camp, and to be joined by the rear-guard on its
arrival, and four brass light twelve-pounders to be sent to the heads of
the line.
These dispositions did not occasion ten minutes’ halt to the column of
infantry, but the cavalry moving in front with the Major-General, came
first in sight of the enemy’s position, from a rising ground to the left
of the road, and within cannon-shot of the right of their encampment,
which lay along one of the banks of the River Kaitna, a stream of no
magnitude, but with steep sides and a very deep channel, so as not to be
passable except in particular places, mostly near villages. Along their
rear ran a similar stream (the Jooee Nullah), which fell into the Kaitna
half a mile beyond their left. Scindiah’s irregular cavalry formed their
right, and the Berar troops their left. These were composed of seventeen
battalions, amounting to about ten thousand five hundred men, formed
into three brigades, each of which had a corps of cavalry of a better
kind than the rest, and a body of skilled marksmen; and the artillery
amounted to about one hundred and two pieces, or perhaps a few more.
The infantry were dressed, armed, and accoutred like the Sepoys; they
were remarkably fine men, and in a high state of discipline. Although
the English officers had left them, there was a number of French and
other European officers both with the infantry and artillery. The guns
were served by Golundaze, exactly like those of the Bengal service,
which had been some time before disbanded, and were probably the same
men. It was soon, however, found that they were extremely well trained,
and that their fire was both as quick and as well-directed as could be
produced by the Company’s artillerymen. What the total number of the
enemy was cannot be ascertained, or even guessed at with any degree of
accuracy, but it is certainly calculated very low at thirty thousand
men, including the light troops who were out on a plundering excursion
(and were those which had marched in the morning), but they returned
towards the close of the action.
The force of Major-General Wellesley’s army in action was nearly four
thousand seven hundred men, of whom about one thousand five hundred were
Europeans, including artillery with twenty-six field pieces, of which
only four twelve and eight six-pounders were fired during the action;
the remainder being the guns of the cavalry and of the second line,
could not be used.
On the Major-General approaching the enemy for the purpose of
reconnoitring, they commenced a cannonade, the first gun of which was
fired at twenty minutes past one p.m., and killed one of his escort. He
then resolved to attack their left, in order to turn it, and ordered the
infantry column to move in that direction, while some of his staff
looked out for a ford, to enable his troops to cross the Kaitna and
execute this movement. All this march being performed considerably
within the reach of the enemy’s cannon, the fire increased fast, and by
the time the head of the column reached the ford, about a short
half-mile beyond their left flank, it was tremendously heavy, and had
already destroyed numbers.
During this movement the first line of the enemy’s infantry changed
their front to the left, and formed with their left on Assaye, a village
on the Jooee, near the left of their second line, which did not change
position, the right of their first line resting on the Kaitna, where the
left had been. They brought up many guns from their reserve, and the
second line to the first.
Being obliged to cross the ford in one column by sections, the British
were long exposed to the cannonade. The first line formed nearly
parallel to that of the enemy, at about five hundred yards distance,
having marched down the alignment to its ground. The second line rather
outflanked the first to the right, as did the third (composed of the
cavalry) the second. The left of the first line was opposite the right
of the enemy’s. During this formation their artillery fired round shot
with great precision and rapidity, the same shot often striking the
three lines. It was answered by the guns of the first line of the
British with great spirit and coolness, but the number of gun bullocks
killed soon put the advance of the artillery (except by men) out of the
question.
The British lines were formed from right to left as follows:—First line;
pickets, four twelve-pounders, one battalion of the 8th. and one of the
10th. Native Infantry, and the 78th. regiment. Second line; 74th.
regiment, and the second battalion of the 12th. and the 1st. of the 4th.
Native Infantry. Third line; 4th. Native Cavalry, 19th. Light Dragoons,
5th. and 7th. Native Cavalry. Major-General the Honourable Arthur
Wellesley named the picket as the battalion of direction, and ordered
that the line should advance as quickly as possible, consistent with
order, and charge with the bayonet, without firing a shot.
At fifteen minutes before three the word was given for the line to
advance, and was received by Europeans and natives with a cheer. Almost
immediately, however, it was discovered that the battalion of direction
was not moving forward as intended, and the first line received the word
to halt. This was a critical moment; the troops had reached the ridge of
a little swell in the ground that had somewhat sheltered them,
particularly on the left, and the enemy, supposing them staggered by the
fire, redoubled their efforts, firing a number of chain shot with great
effect. Dreading the consequences of this check to the ardour of the
troops, the Major-General rode up to one of the native corps of the
first line, and, taking off his hat, cheered them on in their own
language, repeating the words “to march.” Again the soldiers received
the order with loud cheers, and the three left battalions of the first
line, followed by the first battalion of the 4th., advanced in quick
time, and with the greatest coolness, order, and determination upon
their opponents.
On coming within about one hundred and fifty yards, the 78th. withdrew
its advanced centre sergeant, and the men were cautioned to be ready to
charge. Soon after the battalion opposed to them fired a volley, and
about the same time some Europeans were observed to mount their horses
and ride off. The 78th. instantly ported arms, cheered, and redoubled
its pace, when the enemy’s infantry, deserted by their officers, broke
and ran. The 78th. pushed on and fired, the front rank to the charge,
overtaking and bayonetting a few individuals. But Scindiah’s gunners
held firm by their guns; many were bayonetted in the acts of loading,
priming, or pointing, and none quitted them until the bayonet was at
their breast.
The 78th. now halted for an instant to complete the files and restore
exact order, and then moved forward on the enemy’s second line, making a
complete wheel to the right, whose pivot was the right of the army, near
the village of Assaye.
In consequence of the pickets having failed to advance, the 74th. pushed
up, in doing which they were very much cut down by grape, and at length
charged by cavalry headed by Scindiah in person. They suffered severely
(as did the pickets and the second battalion of the 12th. Native
Infantry), and the remains were saved by the memorable charge of the
cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell. This part of the
British line, however, though it broke the enemy’s first line, did not
gain much ground; and the foe still continued in possession of several
guns about the village of Assaye, from which they flanked the British
line when arrived opposite their second.
Several of the enemy also coming up from the beds of the river and other
ways, attacked and killed a large proportion of the artillerymen,
amongst whom were four officers. They also regained possession of many
of the guns of their first line, which had been taken and passed, and
from them opened a fire of grape on the British rear.
It is impossible to praise too highly the behaviour of the infantry at
this critical moment. Deprived of the assistance of their artillery, the
enemy’s second line being untouched and perfectly fresh in their front,
firing steadily upon them, flanked by round shot from the right, grape
pouring on the rear, and cavalry threatening the left. Not a word was
heard or a shot fired, all waiting the orders of the general with the
composure of a field day, amidst a scene of slaughter scarcely to be
equalled. This, however, was not of long duration. The British cavalry
came up and drove off the body that threatened the left, who did not
wait to be charged, when Major-General Wellesley ordered the principal
part of the line to attack the front, while the 78th. and 7th. Native
Cavalry moved to the rear, and charged the guns which were firing from
thence. The enemy’s second line immediately retired; one brigade in
perfect order, so much so that it repulsed a gallant charge of the 19th.
Dragoons, at the head of which Colonel Maxwell was killed.
After being obliged to change front two or three times under the fire of
grape, the 78th. succeeded in clearing the guns in the rear. The enemy’s
light troops, that had been out, now came on the ground, and were
ordered to be attacked by the Mysore Horse, which they did not wait for,
and the firing entirely ceased. About half-past four o’clock the enemy
had set fire to all their tumbrils, which blew up in succession, many of
them some time later; and the corps which had retired in such good order
appear soon to have lost it, for they threw their guns into the river,
four of which were afterwards found, exclusive of ninety-eight left on
the field of battle.
Thus terminated the battle of Assaye, a general’s battle, due even more
to the ability of the commander, than to the valour of his men; the
first victory gained by the Iron Duke in which he commanded in chief,
and one of the most decisive as well as one of the most desperate ever
fought in India. The leader of the English was foremost in the fight,
led two charges in person, and had two horses shot under him; of the two
Rajahs that headed the enemy, one fled at the first onset, and the other
followed the example, on witnessing the defeat of his cavalry. The
British loss was very great; of Europeans, killed and wounded, including
artillery and officers, there were upwards of six hundred, and the
natives were estimated at about nine hundred. “ASSAYE” is borne on the
colours of the 74th. and 78th. regiments.[13]
At sunset the British collected about the village of Assaye, and lay on
their arms all night, except the cavalry, which, after resting some
hours, were sent back to assist in escorting the baggage; and about ten
in the morning of the 24th. the troops were encamped on the left bank of
the Kaitna, on the ground the column had moved over previous to crossing
the ford into the field of battle. That evening at sunset the cavalry
and one battalion of Native Infantry of Colonel Stevenson’s division
arrived, and the next morning (25th.) the remainder of his force, which
a day or two afterwards were ordered to follow the enemy into Candeish,
and to possess themselves of the city of Berhampore and the hill fort of
Asseer Ghur.
SIEGE OF ASSEER GHUR.
21ST. OCTOBER, 1803.
Colonel Stevenson obtained possession of the city of Berhampore without
opposition on the 15th. of October, 1803, and two days afterwards
marched to Asseer Ghur, a strong fort in that vicinity. Having carried
the pettah on the 18th., he opened a battery against the fort on the
20th.; about an hour afterwards a white flag was hoisted, which was the
signal that had been agreed upon in case the terms of surrender, offered
two days previously, should be accepted; hostages were sent down, and it
was arranged that this important fortress should be delivered over on
the following morning. This was the last of the possessions of Dowlut
Rao Scindiah in the Deccan, and the operations of the troops were
subsequently directed towards those of the Rajah of Berar. The
casualties were trifling, and were confined to the native troops.
BATTLE OF LASWARREE.
1ST. NOVEMBER, 1803.
On the 27th. of October, the British advanced against a division of the
enemy, formed of two battalions which had escaped from the wreck at
Delhi, and fifteen, which had been detached from the main army of
Scindiah to support General Perron in the early part of the campaign.
These troops amounting to nine thousand infantry and four thousand
cavalry, and provided with a train of seventy-two pieces of cannon, had
been directed to recover possession of Delhi. After great exertions the
British cavalry came up with them about seven o’clock in the morning of
the 1st. of November; they were discovered in an excellent position;
their right resting on a rivulet, their left on the village of
Laswarree, or Leswarree, and their whole front amply furnished with a
powerful artillery. Being anxious to prevent their escape, General Lake
immediately attacked them with the cavalry alone. The first brigade,
under Colonel Thomas Pakenham Vandeleur,[14] of the 8th. Dragoons, who
fell mortally wounded, charged their lines, and dashed into the village;
but finding that their attacks on the masses of infantry could make no
sensible impression, the cavalry were withdrawn out of the range of the
destructive fire of artillery which it had encountered, in order to wait
the arrival of the infantry and artillery. About eleven o’clock in the
forenoon, the Anglo-Indian infantry arrived, but after so long a march,
it was absolutely necessary to allow the men to refresh themselves, and
during this interval Scindiah’s forces offered to surrender their guns
if certain terms were conceded.
After a fruitless negotiation, the infantry, which had been formed in
two columns, were ordered to advance to the attack. The first of these
headed by the 76th. regiment, under Major Macleod, was to turn the
enemy’s right, which since the morning had been thrown back from the
rivulet, and to attack the village of Mohaulpoor, situated between his
two lines; while the second and a brigade of cavalry were to support
them in the execution of this movement. Having encountered several
impediments, the rear divisions were so retarded in their march, that a
considerable interval was occasioned between them and the 76th., which
had arrived within a hundred yards of the foe. In this situation the
regiment was exposed to such a dreadful fire, and was losing so many
men, that the Commander-in-Chief placing himself at its head, led it
forward to the attack, supported by only one battalion and six companies
of Sepoys, namely, the second battalion of the 12th., and six companies
of the second battalion of the 16th. Bengal Native Infantry.
“As soon as this handful of heroes,” wrote General Lake, “were arrived
within reach of the enemy’s canister shot, a most tremendous fire was
opened upon them.” Their loss was so severe, that the enemy’s cavalry
advanced to the charge, but were gallantly repulsed by this steady and
invincible band. Rallying, however, at a short distance, they assumed so
menacing a posture, that the General directed an attack by the British
cavalry. In superintending the attack, the horse of the General was shot
under him, and his son who had dismounted and offered his father his
horse, was severely wounded. The cavalry charged with admirable
intrepidity, while the infantry fell upon the Mahratta line, which at
length gave way, though disputing every inch of ground, and fighting
till it was driven from every position and had lost every gun. By four
o’clock in the afternoon the work of destruction had ceased.
The loss of the enemy was most severe; his numerous French-officered
battalions of infantry—the boasted “Deccan Invincibles”—were
annihilated; his cavalry dispersed; and the baggage and camp equipage,
elephants, camels, and bullocks, with forty-four stand of colours,
seventy-two guns, sixty-four tumbrils of ammunition, three laden with
treasure, and two thousand prisoners, remained in the hands of the
victors; five thousand stand of arms were collected in the field.
By this victory, which was mainly gained by the gallantry of the 76th.,
that regiment acquired great honour, and its “heroic bravery” was borne
testimony to in the official despatches. During this campaign the
regiment acquired a gurrah, or Indian gong of great value, which was
afterwards carried about by the corps; being usually planted opposite
the guard room, and a sergeant regularly striking the hours on it.
This decisive action terminated the campaign of 1803 and the war with
Scindiah, a treaty of peace highly advantageous to the East India
Company being concluded on the 30th. of December.
“HINDOOSTAN” inscribed around the elephant on the colours of the 76th.,
keeps in remembrance the services of the regiment in the East at this
period. “LESWARREE” was, however, authorized for the guidons and
appointments of the 8th. Hussars, which is the only corps that bears the
word. General Lake gained a peerage, being created Baron Lake of Delhi,
Leswarree, and Aston Clinton. Several Indian titles were also conferred
upon him, which being translated from the Persian, signified Saviour of
the State, the hero of the land, the lord of the age, and the victorious
in war.
BATTLE OF ARGAUM.
29TH NOVEMBER, 1803.
A series of active movements in pursuit of the Rajah of Berar were
re-commenced on the 25th. of October, 1803; and on the 29th. of
November, Major-General Wellesley, having been joined by the subsidiary
force under Colonel Stevenson, encountered the united armies of
Scindiah, and the Rajah of Berar, on the plains of Argaum. Although late
in the day, the Major-General resolved to attack; he formed his army in
two lines, the infantry in the first, the cavalry in the second, and
supporting the right; and the Mogul and Mysore cavalry the left, nearly
parallel to that of the enemy, with the right rather advanced, in order
to press upon his left. When formed, the whole advanced in the greatest
order; the 74th. and 78th. Highlanders were attacked by a large body,
supposed to be Persians, who were all destroyed. “These two regiments,”
wrote the British general, “had a particular opportunity of
distinguishing themselves, and have deserved and received my thanks.”
The enemy’s line retired in disorder, leaving thirty-eight pieces of
cannon and all their ammunition; whereupon the British cavalry pursued
them for several miles, destroying great numbers, and capturing several
elephants and camels, with a considerable quantity of baggage. One hour
more of daylight, and not a man would have escaped.
In the orders thanking the army for its exertions on this day, the 74th.
and 78th. were particularly mentioned; Colonel Harness being very ill,
Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, of the 78th., commanded the right brigade in
the action, and Major Scott being in charge of the pickets as field
officer of the day, the command of the regiment fell to Captain Fraser.
In this battle, as at Assaye, a scarcity of officers occasioned the
colours of the 78th. to be carried by sergeants, and it is somewhat
extraordinary that not a shot penetrated either colour in the two
actions; at the latter it was probably owing to the high wind, in
consequence of which they were carried rolled close round the poles. The
names of the non-commissioned officers who carried them on these
memorable occasions were at Assaye Sergeant Leavock, paymaster’s clerk,
afterwards quarter-master, and Sergeant John McKenzie, senior sergeant,
and immediately afterwards quartermaster-sergeant. At Argaum, Sergeants
Leavock and Grant; the latter was regimental clerk, and was subsequently
promoted to a commission in the 78th. Highlanders.
The regiments of the crown engaged were the 19th. Light Dragoons, and
the 74th., 78th., and 94th. regiments.
SIEGE AND STORM OF GAWILGHUR.
15TH. DECEMBER, 1803.
After the victory of Argaum, Major-General Wellesley, resolved to lose
no time in commencing the siege of Gawilghur, a strong fort situated on
a range of mountains between the sources of the rivers Poorna and
Taptee; he accordingly marched on, and arrived with both divisions at
Ellichpoor on the 5th. of December, whence, after establishing an
hospital for the men wounded at Argaum, both divisions advanced upon
Gawilghur, on the 7th. of that month. The heavy ordnance and stores were
dragged by hand over mountains and through ravines, for nearly the whole
distance, by roads which the troops had to make for themselves. The
batteries were opened against the place on the morning of the 13th., and
the breach of the outer fort being reported practicable on the following
night, the storm took place on the 15th. of December. All the troops
advanced about ten in the morning, and an entrance was effected without
difficulty. The wall in the inner fort, in which no breach had been
made, had then to be carried; when Captain Campbell with the light
infantry of the old 94th. escaladed the wall; opened the gates for the
stormers, and the fort was shortly in their possession. This service was
effected with slight loss, but vast numbers of the enemy were killed,
especially at the different gates. The garrison was numerous, comprising
a great portion of the infantry which had escaped after the battle of
Argaum, and were all armed with the Company’s new muskets and bayonets.
This led to a treaty with the Rajah of Berar on the 17th. of December,
and on the 30th. of the same month, peace was signed with Scindiah.
DEFENCE OF DELHI.
OCTOBER, 1804.
This defence of Delhi by Native troops, under British superintendence,
presents a striking contrast to that made by them during the Indian
Mutiny, against their former instructors in the art of war, and
deservedly met with a different result.
As General Lord Lake advanced upon Muttra, Holkar secretly despatched
his infantry and artillery for the purpose of surprising Delhi, leaving
his cavalry to engage the attention of the British Commander. From its
great extent and unprotected state, Holkar expected an easy conquest;
his troops arrived before the city on the morning of the 8th. of
October. Colonel Ochterlony, the resident, at once made the most
judicious preparations for its defence; his garrison amounted to nearly
two thousand two hundred men, and consisted entirely of Native troops.
Lieutenant-Colonel Burn, as senior officer, commanded, and the
resident’s time was fully taken up in preserving peace within the city,
with the Mahomedan population of Delhi. Lieutenant Bose, with two
hundred of the 14th. native infantry, one hundred and fifty irregulars,
and a reserve of fifty men and a six-pounder, made a sortie during the
evening of the 10th., and succeeded in storming the enemy’s battery, of
which he gained possession, and having spiked the guns, withdrew, with
trifling loss. At daybreak on the 14th. of October, under cover of a
heavy cannonade, the enemy assaulted the Lahore gate, but were repulsed,
leaving the ladders behind, which were drawn up over the walls by the
Sepoys. After this defeat Holkar’s troops became dispirited, and before
the following morning, his whole force had retired from the place. This
successful defence by so small a force, was highly applauded, and it is
a circumstance worthy of record, that as the men could not be frequently
relieved, the resident caused provisions and sweetmeats, of which the
natives are specially partial, to be distributed to them.
BATTLE OF DEIG.
13TH. NOVEMBER, 1804.
The British army which had marched from Muttra on the 12th. of October,
arrived at Delhi on the 18th., and encamped under its walls. On the 5th.
of November the main body of the infantry, of which the 76th. was the
only King’s regiment, with some corps of native cavalry, and the park of
artillery, proceeded under the command of Major-General Frazer towards
Deig, on the right bank of the Jumna, where the enemy’s infantry and
guns were assembled. Although numerically the foe was superior, it was
determined to attack him, and about daybreak on the 13th. of November,
the action commenced. Major-General Frazer received a dangerous wound
from a cannon-shot, which carried away his right foot and part of the
leg, and resulted in his death eleven days after; whereupon the
Honourable Colonel Monson assumed the command. According to the most
reliable statements the opposing force consisted of twenty-four
battalions, from five to seven hundred men each, a numerous body of
cavalry, and one hundred and sixty guns. In this battle the 76th.
acquired additional renown; its “undaunted bravery and steadiness” being
specially adverted to in the despatches. About two thousand of the enemy
were killed and drowned in attempting to escape. Eighty-seven pieces of
cannon were captured, including some which Colonel Monson had previously
lost.
CAPTURE OF DEIG.
23RD. DECEMBER, 1804.
When the troops of Holkar fled before the British in the action of the
13th. of November, the guns of the garrison of Deig, which belonged to
the Rajar of Bhurtpore, were opened upon the pursuers, and the fugitives
were sheltered within the fort. Accordingly an order was issued for the
annexation of all his strongholds and territories, to the dominions of
the Company; and the army encamped within ten miles of the strong
fortress of Deig, on the 3rd. of December. The siege commenced on the
14th. of that month. A fortification had been erected by the foe on an
eminence named Shah Bourj, or King’s redoubt, which commanded the town
and forts; and the besieged had also entrenched themselves in its front,
throwing up batteries in the best situations. The possession of this
eminence being deemed essential, at half-past eleven o’clock in the
night of the 23rd. of December, the flank companies of His Majesty’s
22nd. and 76th. Foot, and those of the 1st. European regiment, and the
first battalion of the 8th. Native Infantry, were ordered to storm it.
In an hour the gallantry of this heroic party had surmounted every
obstacle, and completely succeeded in the enterprise. The two other
columns were equally fortunate, notwithstanding that the enemy’s gunners
offered a strenuous resistance; fighting desperately with their tulwars,
and being mostly bayoneted at their posts. About half-past twelve the
moon arose, and enabled the assailants to secure the guns they had so
nobly captured. An attempt was now organized for the assault of the
citadel, but during the night of the 24th. it was evacuated; and on
Christmas morning the British flag was hoisted on the fortress.
Considering the nature of the operations the loss was small. One hundred
guns, sixteen of which were brass, became the trophies of the victors.
The flank companies of the 22nd., and 76th. Foot, represented the King’s
troops on this service.