Lord Howe
was killed in this engagement.
On the 10th of July the assault was directed to be commenced by the
picquets. {162} The Grenadiers were to follow, supported by the
battalions and reserves. The Highlanders and 55th regiment formed the
reserve.
In vain the troops attempted to force their way through the abbatis,
they themselves being exposed to a heavy artillery and musket fire
from an enemy well under cover. The Highlanders could no longer be
restrained, and rushed forward from the reserve, cutting and carving
their way through trees and other obstacles with their claymores. The
deadly fire still continued from the fort. As no ladders had been
provided for scaling the breastwork, the soldiers climbed on to one
another's shoulders, and made holes for their feet in the face of the
work with their swords and bayonets, but as soon as a man reached the
top he was thrown down. Captain John Campbell and a few men succeeded
at last in forcing their way over the breastworks, but were
immediately cut down.
After a long and desperate struggle, lasting in fact nearly four
hours, General Abercromby gave orders for a retreat.
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