Part 2

After marching two hours over a hard sandy country, Captain Cuyler, Lieutenant Morse, and Lieutenant Goodfellow, were taken so ill as to be unable to proceed. At eleven the troops halted for two hours, then resumed the march until seven in the morning, when they again halted, having performed twenty-six miles of the journey. The day became so intolerably hot, that Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd ordered the tents to be pitched to shelter the men from the sun; but at ten o’clock the guides stated it was necessary to march, as the camels would be so debilitated by the heat, if they rested on the sand, as to require water before they could move again; but if kept in motion they would not be affected in so fatal a degree; adding, if the soldiers slept, the camel drivers might steal the water, which they feared would be found scarcely sufficient. The guides being responsible for the safety of the detachment, Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd acceded to their wishes; the tents were struck at eleven, and the march resumed; the thermometer being at 109. Captain Cuyler soon fainted again, and fell from his horse, and a camel and two men were left to attend him and bring him forward. The men beginning to drop fast in the rear, Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd halted about one o’clock, cut his own baggage from the camels, which example was followed by all the officers, as many men as could be carried were then mounted on the camels, and the whole proceeded. At two o’clock a camseen, or south wind began to blow, the thermometer rose to 116, and afterwards much higher; the officers and soldiers were seized with dreadful sensations:--some were affected with giddiness and loss of sight, and others fell down gasping for breath, and calling for drink. At four o’clock, Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd was forced to halt. The skins had been cracked by the sun, and the water had become of a thick consistence; the men who drank it were seized with vomiting and violent pains. The officers had brought with them some Madeira wine, which they divided among the soldiers; a proportion of spirits were mixed with the remaining water, which was issued to the men, accompanied with the warning, that every drop was in their own possession, half the journey had not been performed, and on their own prudence, in reserving a portion in their canteens, must depend whether or not they should be enabled to accomplish the remainder of the distance.

Between six and seven o’clock the wind ceased; as the sun declined, the air became more temperate, and the detachment being a little refreshed, though still a languor pervaded the whole, the order for marching was given at seven o’clock. Seventeen men, unable to travel, were left on the ground, and camels were left to bring them forward as soon as they could be moved.

During the march several officers and soldiers experienced an extraordinary sensation of seeing horses, camels, and all kinds of animals, moving with rapid transition before them, which false perception their judgment could not correct. At eleven the detachment halted; the night was excessively dark, and the officers and soldiers were so exhausted, that unconquerable sleep seized upon all.

At four o’clock the guides awoke Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd, and the soldiers formed in order of march with difficulty, a heavy dew having fallen upon them, and their limbs being benumbed with cold. The march was, however, resumed; the south wind began to blow at the same hour as on the preceding day, but the men were not affected in the same severe degree; and by strenuous exertions the detachment arrived at the springs of Elhanka, between four and five o’clock in the evening of the same day, when the joy experienced by every one was very great. By eight o’clock all the camels had come up, and the men, who, from giddiness had fallen from their backs, joined during the night. Eight of the seventeen men left behind, joined on the 9th of June, and the other nine perished in the Desert.

No man had partaken of food after quitting Suez, as it would have increased the thirst, and the rations of salt pork were thrown away on the first morning. On arriving at the springs, the soldiers partook of the water with caution; but two officers’ horses having broke loose drank till they died on the spot. During the march of seventy miles, no vegetation, bird, or beast, had been seen.

After halting at the springs of Elhanka until the evening of the 9th of June, the detachment commenced its march in the dark, to prevent being discovered by the enemy, and at eleven o’clock on the following day, it joined the Turkish army, encamped at Chobra, under the Grand Vizier; the British, under Lieut.-General Hutchinson, being encamped on the other side of the river Nile. The EIGHTY-SIXTH pitched their tents with Colonel Stuart’s division, which was with the Vizier’s army; the soldiers had suffered the loss of their uniforms, which had been burnt in consequence of the plague, and they had been forced to abandon their knapsacks on the march; being very fine men, their appearance excited great interest. On the 16th, the three officers left behind on the march, joined; they had returned to Suez, and afterwards passed the Desert with a caravan.

Advancing towards the metropolis of modern Egypt, the army made preparations for investing that extensive fortress; but on the 22nd of June a flag of truce arrived from the French Commandant, General Belliard, who agreed to surrender _Cairo_, on condition of himself and garrison being sent back to France.

On the surrender of Cairo, the three companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH marched into the citadel, which the French had evacuated a few hours previously. On the same day they took possession of Fort Ibrahim.

In the mean time, the other three companies of the regiment which had returned from Ceylon to join the expedition, had been delayed by the difficult navigation of the Red Sea, and had landed at Cosseir, from whence a march of above one hundred and twenty miles had to be performed across the Desert to Kenna on the Nile. This distance was divided into stages, stores were formed at several points, relays of camels were placed to convey water, wells were found, and others digged, and the march was performed by the army with much less suffering than was experienced by the three companies under Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd, in the passage of the Desert from Suez to the springs of Elhanka. At the third stage, called Moilah, some soldiers of the EIGHTY-SIXTH dug a well at the foot of a hill, under the direction of Captain Middlemore, and found an excellent spring, for which they received the thanks of the commander of the forces.

Arriving on the banks of the Nile, the troops embarked in boats and proceeded down the river to the island of Rhonda, where they encamped, while the forces from Europe were engaged in the siege of _Alexandria_. At Rhonda the six companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH were united; four companies remaining in India.

In the beginning of September, Alexandria surrendered; Egypt was thus delivered from the power of the French “ARMY OF THE EAST,” and Europe saw the dawn of liberty in the horizon. The EIGHTY-SIXTH received, in common with the other corps which served in this enterprise, the approbation of their Sovereign, the thanks of Parliament, and the royal authority to bear on their colours the SPHYNX, with the word “EGYPT,” to commemorate the share taken by the regiment in this splendid achievement.

To perpetuate the remembrance of the services rendered to the Ottoman Empire, the Grand Seignor established an order of knighthood, which he named the order of the CRESCENT, of which the superior officers of the army and navy were constituted members. The officers of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, and other corps, had gold medals presented to them by the Grand Seignor, which they were permitted by King George III., to accept and wear.

The object of the expedition having been accomplished, the EIGHTY-SIXTH sailed up the Nile in boats, in order to return to India; they arrived at El Hamed on the 14th of October, and on the 30th proceeded to Gheeza, where they remained several months.

In April of this year, one of the four companies left in India, proceeded from Bombay to Surat, a town situate on the south bank of the river Taptee, in the province of Guzerat; and in November, two companies sailed for Dieu in the same province.

[Sidenote: 1802]

The two companies at Dieu returned to Bombay in February, 1802, and in March they sailed to Cambay, under the command of Captain Richardson, and joined the company from Surat, which had arrived there a short time previously. They encamped at Cambay, with part of the Seventy-fifth, five companies of the Eighty-fourth, a battalion of native infantry, and some artillery, under Colonel Sir William Clarke.

The jealousy of the native chiefs at the accession of territory acquired by the British in India, often produced hostilities, and circumstances occurred which occasioned a detachment of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, under Lieutenant William Purcell Creagh, to take part in an attempt to surprise the hostile fortress of _Kareah_, one hundred and twenty miles from Cambay, on the night of the 17th of March. The soldiers were advancing to storm the place with the greatest gallantry, when their progress was arrested by a deep ditch, cut through the rock a short time previously, and the Arabs in garrison being numerous and prepared, opened a heavy fire. Lieutenant Creagh was killed by a cannon ball, while in the act of leading the soldiers to the attack; Lieutenant Lovell was also killed, and many officers and soldiers were wounded; soon after day-break the troops were obliged to retire.

In consequence of this repulse, the three companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, with the other detachments encamped at Cambay, were ordered to advance upon _Kareah_. The enemy having formed for battle a short distance from the fort, with a numerous force, were routed by the British on the 30th of April; and immediately afterwards the town was captured, also some out-works, in one of which an explosion took place, killing an officer and twenty-five soldiers.

The siege of the fort was commenced; but when the batteries opened their fire, the garrison surrendered. The chief, Mulhar Rao, was sent a prisoner to Bombay. After placing a garrison in the fort, the troops marched for Surat, (170 miles,) where they arrived on the 12th of June, having captured _Tarrapore_, and other small places, while on the march.

The six companies of the regiment in Egypt remained at Gheeza until May, when they traversed the Desert to Suez, and from thence to “Moses’ Well,” or the “Font of Moses,” on the Arabian side of the Gulf of Suez. While at Gheeza they received two hundred and seven volunteers from the Twentieth, Thirty-fifth, Forty-eighth, and Sixty-third Regiments; Major Henry Torrens joined at that station.

While at Moses’ Well, several soldiers died of the plague, when the men’s clothing, bedding, and tents were burnt, and the six companies embarked for India; no other cases of the plague occurring, the companies landed at Bombay on the 4th of July. In November, the three companies arrived from the province of Guzerat, and the regiment was once more united at Bombay.

The EIGHTY-SIXTH were only permitted to enjoy a short repose at Bombay: the hostile demonstrations of some of the predatory states composing the Mahratta power, rendering it necessary for the British forces to be held in readiness for active operations, and assembled on the verge of the British territory. The Mahratta states were united by a sentiment of interest founded upon their common origin, civil and religious usages, and habits of conquest and depredation; the chiefs acted as independent sovereigns, but nominally acknowledged the supreme authority of the Peishwah. They, however, viewed with jealousy the treaties between the British and the Peishwah, as tending to restrain their predatory habits, and prevent their acquisition of power; and this acknowledged head of the Mahratta states found his independence controlled, and the existence of his government menaced by the violence and ambition of his feudatory chieftains; at the same time he was unable to fulfil his engagements with the British, the safety of whose possessions was endangered. In consequence of these events, connected with other causes, the EIGHTY-SIXTH left Bombay in the middle of November, for the province of Guzerat, and landed at Cambay, from whence they marched towards the hostile fortress of _Baroda_, in the vicinity of which place they encamped, with several other corps, on the 3rd of December. An enemy’s force was assembled to protect the fortress, and on the 18th of December the British advanced, leaving their tents standing, and engaged their opponents. During the fight the garrison made a sally; but the English proved victorious, routing their adversaries with great slaughter, and capturing a pair of Arab colours and many prisoners.

During the night the erection of batteries commenced; on the 21st of December the fire of the artillery was opened, and the flank companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH stormed an outwork, defended by Arabs, who refused quarter, and were nearly all destroyed, very few escaping. In four days the breach was practicable, and the storming parties were ready; but the garrison surrendered. The EIGHTY-SIXTH had seven men killed, and twenty-three wounded in these services. Captain John Grant distinguished himself during the siege, and at the storming of the outwork.

Towards the end of this year, the usurpations of Jeswunt Rao Holkar, one of the Mahratta chiefs, forced the Peishwah to abandon his capital, and to seek British aid, when a treaty was concluded with him; and the refractory chiefs persisting in aggression, hostilities were commenced to reinstate the deposed chieftain.

[Sidenote: 1803]

On the third of February, 1803, three companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, under Captain James Richardson, were detached, with other forces, the whole commanded by Major Holmes, of the Bombay army, in pursuit of the Mahratta chieftain, _Canojee Rao Guickwar_, who had taken the field with a considerable force.

While in quest of the enemy, the advance-guard of the Seventy-fifth Regiment was suddenly attacked, when emerging from a defile, on the 6th of February, and overpowered, with a loss of many men and a gun. The three companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, being at the head of the column of march, moved forward, encountered the enemy, and, by a determined charge, routed the hostile forces, chasing them across the bed of a river into the jungle, where they dispersed, leaving their tents, baggage, camels, horses, and the captured gun behind. The regiment lost very few men in this gallant exploit.

On the same day five companies of the regiment, under Captain Cuyler, marched from Baroda to reinforce Major Holmes’ detachment, leaving two companies behind under Captain Grant.

The Chief Canojee was at the head of a considerable force, but he avoided an engagement, which occasioned many harassing marches in endeavouring to come up with him. On the 25th of February, a party of the EIGHTY-SIXTH was detached against the fort of _Kirrella_, which was captured without experiencing serious opposition.

On the 1st of March, when near _Copperbund_, information was received that Canojee’s force was not far distant; and by extraordinary exertions, the detachment came up with the hostile bands, which were in full retreat. The Mahratta horse, attached to the British detachment, did not act with spirit; but the EIGHTY-SIXTH, though nearly exhausted with the march, made a gallant effort, and encountered the enemy, who was in the act of passing the bed of a river. The adverse bands being nearly all cavalry, and the British nearly all infantry, the enemy escaped with little loss. The EIGHTY-SIXTH had two men killed; Lieutenant Alexander Grant, and a few men wounded.

The forces of Canojee Rao Guickwar having been, in a great measure, dispersed, the EIGHTY-SIXTH were allowed a short period of repose; and these districts were annexed to the British possessions in India.

Operations having commenced for the restoration of the Peishwah, the EIGHTY-SIXTH were stationed a short time in Guzerat, where a force was detained to afford security to that valuable and important province, and also a reserve disposable for active operations. The regiment formed part of the disposable force stationed in front of Brodera, the residence of the Guickwar, and to the northward of the Nerbudda river.

In May, the regiment advanced and pitched its tents before the fortress of _Keira_, belonging to one of Doulat Rao Scindia’s chiefs, where some native infantry and battering guns also arrived; but the garrison surrendered without waiting for a breach having been made in the works.

From Keira the regiment marched to Nerriade, where it was joined by two companies left at Baroda under Captain Grant; but the rains setting in, the operations were suspended.

Information having been received that a body of the enemy was levying contributions about thirty miles from the quarters of the regiment, Captain Grant performed a forced march with four companies and some sepoys, and making a night attack with great success, killed and took prisoners many of the enemy, and captured some horses, &c. Lieutenant Procter and a few men of the regiment were wounded on this occasion.

A body of Canojee’s troops threatening to cross the river about fifteen miles above Baroach, and plunder the country, four hundred rank and file of the regiment, with a battalion of sepoys, and four guns, under Captain James Richardson, advanced, on the 14th of July, during the heavy rains, in search of the enemy. The gun-bullocks failed, and the country being inundated by the rains, the soldiers had to drag the guns, up to their waists in water; but by extraordinary efforts they arrived at the bank of the river on the 16th of July, and attacking a number of Canojee’s troops which had crossed the stream, routed them, and forced them into the water, where many lost their lives, the river being full and rapid.

The river having fallen considerably during the night, the soldiers passed the stream on the following day, under cover of the fire of the guns, and assaulting the breast-works of the main body of Canojee’s legions, carried them at the point of the bayonet, and pursued the routed enemy two miles with great slaughter. A body of Arabs disdaining to seek their safety in flight, fought with great desperation until overpowered.

Captain Richardson and Lieutenant Lanphier distinguished themselves on this occasion; and the enterprise being accomplished with the loss of a few men killed and wounded, the troops returned to Baroda.

In pursuance of the plan suggested to the Governor-General by Major-General Hon. Arthur Wellesley, five hundred men of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, a small detachment of the Sixty-fifth, a proportion of European artillery, and a battalion of Sepoys, advanced, under Lieut.-Colonel Woodington, to besiege the strong fortress of _Baroach_. On the 23rd of August, this small body of troops encamped on the bank of the river within a few miles of the fortress, expecting the arrival of the battering train in boats. The baggage of the regiment was this day attacked by a numerous body of the enemy’s horse, when nearly every soldier and follower was killed or wounded, and the baggage captured and plundered.

A schooner and gun-boat having arrived with cannon and ammunition, the troops advanced on the 25th of August, and arriving within two miles of the fortress, discovered a numerous body of hostile cavalry, infantry, and Arabs, in order of battle on the plain. These opponents were speedily routed with the loss of their flag and a number of killed and wounded; and the armament soon afterwards attacked, and carried, the pettah with great gallantry; Ensign D’Aguilar distinguished himself on this occasion.

The siege of the fort was commenced, and a breach was reported practicable; at one o’clock on the 29th of August, the storming parties assembled in the streets under the command of Major Cuyler; the bayonets were firmly fixed by the introduction of a piece of cotton cloth, to prevent the Arab swordsmen disengaging them, and the soldiers proceeded quietly to their post behind the battery. At three the signal to attack was fired, and the forlorn hope, consisting of Serjeant John Moore and twelve soldiers of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, sprang forward; a hundred soldiers of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, and a hundred Sepoy grenadiers, under Captain Richardson, rushed towards the breach, followed by three hundred men under Major Cuyler, and a reserve of two hundred under Captain Bethune.

Passing the ditch knee-deep in mud, and climbing the long steep and difficult ascent to the breach, the soldiers encountered the Arab and Scindian defenders, who made a desperate resistance. Hand to hand the combatants strove for mastery, and amidst the clash of steel and turmoil of deadly contest, many feats of valour were performed. Captain Maclaurin, who evinced great ardour, was wounded and made prisoner, but he was rescued from the Arabs, by Private John Brierly. Captain Richardson and Captain Grant signalized themselves, and Serjeant Bills was conspicuous for the heroic courage with which he fought. At length British valour proved triumphant, and the breach was won, when the EIGHTY-SIXTH crowned the rampart, the Scindian colours were pulled down, and the British standard planted in their place, by Serjeant Moore.

Having overpowered all resistance at the breach, Captain Richardson’s party swept the works to the Cuttoopore gate; Major Cuyler led his detachment at a running pace to the Jaraseer gate, and firing upon the Scindians and Arabs who were escaping by that avenue, wounded one of the elephants in the passage. The Arabs threw down their matchlocks, drew their creeses, and rushing upon their assailants with deadly fury, refused to give or receive quarter. The contest was of short duration; British discipline and prowess were again victorious; two hundred Arab horsemen and foot lay on the ground, and the EIGHTY-SIXTH stood triumphant on the scene of conflict. Among the trophies of the day, were fifteen stand of Scindian and Arab colours, which were sent to head-quarters, excepting two, retained by the EIGHTY-SIXTH regiment, as trophies of the valour displayed by the corps on this occasion.

Thus was captured a fortress of great importance to the commercial interests of Britain, with a territory yielding a considerable revenue, which were added to the British dominions. In his public despatch, Lieut.-Colonel Woodington highly commended the conduct of Major Cuyler and Captain Richardson, and added,--“The whole of the officers and men employed on this service have conducted themselves so much to my satisfaction, that I cannot express myself too strongly in their commendation.”

The Governor-General in Council, also, signified in general orders,--“his particular approbation of the valour and judgment manifested by Major Cuyler, of His Majesty’s EIGHTY-SIXTH regiment, throughout the service at Baroach, and in commanding the storm of the fort, and by Captain Richardson of the same corps, leading the assault. His Excellency in Council, also, observes with particular satisfaction the conduct of Captain Cliffe, of the Engineers of Bombay. To all the officers and troops, European and Native, employed on this honorable occasion, His Excellency in Council signifies his high commendation.”

Serjeant Bills was rewarded with the appointment of serjeant-major; Serjeant Moore received a donation of five hundred rupees from the Government for his gallantry, and Private Brierly was promoted corporal, and afterwards serjeant.