ordered to form on the left of that regiment. It is impossible
to give you an adequate idea of the nature of the ground, which
I can only compare to the sea in a storm. On my getting to the
left of the 79th, I found that its flank was already turned,
and that the ground, which we were to occupy, did not afford
the least shelter: my determination was instantly taken. I had
gone on horseback to view the ground, and on my return to the
regiment, which I met advancing, I found the left actually
engaged with the enemy, who had advanced much beyond our left.
I, however, continued advancing with six companies, and left
Colonel Sheaffe with the other four to cover our left: the
instant I came up to the 79th, I ordered a charge, which I
assure you was executed with the greatest gallantry, though not
in the greatest order, as the nature of the ground admitted of
none. The enemy, however, gave way on every side, and our loss
would have been very trifling had the 79th charged
straightforward; but unfortunately it followed the course the
49th had taken, thereby leaving our right entirely exposed. I
detached Lord Aylmer[11] with the grenadiers, who, after
charging different times, totally cleared our right. The 25th
then advanced, and behaved with the greatest good conduct. The
enemy after this never attempted to make a stand, but continued
to retreat, and their loss on this occasion was very
considerable. Nothing could exceed the gallantry of the 25th,
49th, 79th, and 92d. For my own part, I had every reason to be
satisfied with the conduct of both officers and men, and no
commanding officer could be more handsomely supported than I
was on that day, ever glorious to the 49th. Poor Archer brought
his company to the attack in a most soldierlike manner; and
even after he had received his mortal wound, he animated his