who were driving the enemy’s matchlock men before them out of the inclosures in good style.  The first shot struck wide of them, the second kicked up a dust rather too close to be pleasant, and the third went slap in among them, knocking over a horse or two, when these gallant cavaliers cut their sticks, and we saw no more of them.  We soon moved into the valley, and halted for a considerable time at the foot of the hill.  We were here within three-quarters of a mile of the nearest redoubt, and about a mile and half from Kelat itself.  General Willshire now made a reconnaissance, and the men from the different baggage guards came in and joined their respective regiments.  After halting here about an hour, (the guns from the nearest redoubt every now and then pitching a shot rather close to us,) the brigade-major made his appearance with orders for the three regiments to form in quarter distance column of companies, to attack the two redoubts, each leaving one company with the colours to form the reserve.  The 17th were to attack the nearest redoubt, and the 31st Bengal Native Infantry to turn its right, while we were to push on and carry the other, which was the nearest to the fort.  At the same time, our artillery were brought into position, and covered our advance.

The plot now began to thicken, and altogether the whole affair was the most exciting thing I ever experienced, and beat Ghuzni out of the pit.  We moved steadily on, the guns from the redoubts blazing at us as fast as they could load them; but they were very inferior workmen, and only two shots struck near us, one knocking up the dust close to us, and bounding over our heads, and the other whizzing close over our leading company; however, they kept their ground till we arrived at the foot of the hills, when our artillery having unshipped one of their guns, and otherwise deranged their redoubts, they exploded their powder, and retired, some leisurely, but most in the greatest disorder.  Here, again, we had occasion to regret having no cavalry, as a troop or two would have effectually cut off or dispersed them.  On reaching the top of the hill which they had abandoned, we found ourselves within a quarter of a mile of the lower end of the town, with the Beloochees making the best of their way towards the gate, which was open to admit them.  Captain Outram here rode up to us, and cried out, “On men, and take the gate before they can all get in.”  This acted like magic on the men.  All order was lost, and we rushed madly down the hill on the flying enemy, more like hounds with the chase in view than disciplined soldiers.  The consequence was, we were exposed to a most galling fire from the ramparts, by which several of our best men were put hors de combat; the fugitives were too quick for us, and suddenly the cry was raised by our leading men, “The gate is shut.”  All was now the greatest confusion, and shelter was sought for wherever it could be found.  Unluckily a rush was made by the greatest part of