[Sidenote:  Unsuccessful attempt to storm it.]

On the morning of the 9th of October, before day, a heavy cannonade and bombardment were commenced from all the batteries, as preliminary to the assault.  About three thousand five hundred French, and one thousand Americans, of whom between six and seven hundred were regulars, and the residue militia of Charleston, advanced in three columns, led by D’Estaing and Lincoln, aided by the principal officers of both nations, and made a furious assault on the British lines.  Their reception was warmer than had been expected.  The fire from the batteries of the besieged reached every part of the columns of the assailants which had emerged from the swamp, and did great execution.  Yet the allied troops advanced with unabated ardour, passed through the abattis, crossed the ditch, and mounted the parapet.  Both the French and Americans planted their standards on the walls, and were killed in great numbers, while endeavouring to force their way into the works.  For about fifty minutes, the contest was extremely obstinate.  At length, the columns of the assailants began to relax, and a pause was manifested in the assault.

In this critical moment, Major Glaziers, at the head of a body of grenadiers and marines, rushing suddenly from the lines, threw himself on those who had made their way into the redoubts, and drove them over the ditch and abattis into the hollow which they had marched to the attack.  It became apparent that farther perseverance could produce no advantage, and a retreat was ordered.

In this unsuccessful attempt, the French lost in killed and wounded, about seven hundred men.  Among the latter, were the Count D’Estaing himself, Major General De Fontanges, and several other officers of distinction.  The continental troops lost two hundred and thirty-four men, and the Charleston militia, who, though associated with them in danger, were more fortunate, had one captain killed, and six privates wounded.

The loss of the garrison was astonishingly small.  In killed and wounded, it amounted only to fifty-five.  So great was the advantage of the cover afforded by their works.

[Sidenote:  The siege raised.]

[Sidenote:  October 18.]

After this repulse, the Count D’Estaing announced to General Lincoln, his determination to raise the siege.  The remonstrances of that officer were ineffectual; and the removal of the heavy ordnance and stores was commenced.  This being accomplished, both armies moved from their ground on the evening of the 18th of October.  The Americans, recrossing the Savannah at Zubly’s Ferry, again encamped in South Carolina, and the French re-embarked.

Although the issue of this enterprise was the source of severe chagrin and mortification, the prudence of General Lincoln suppressed every appearance of dissatisfaction, and the armies separated with manifestations of reciprocal esteem.