duct an attack the following day; and his proposal being acceded to by Captain Miller, a landing was accordingly effected at noon, about 6 miles from the fortification; the Pultusk having previously towed the boats, containing about 90 officers and men, within musket shot of the shore.
The difficulties Captain Elliot and his brave followers surmounted in finding their way through an almost impenetrable wood, over a high hill, without any path or guide, afford another instance of the perseverance and intrepidity of British seamen and marines. While on their march, most of the officers and men lost their shoes, canteens, &c.; and when only half-way through the wood they heard a detachment of French soldiers on their right, proceeding towards the spot where they had disembarked. This rendered it necessary to halt for a few minutes, and it was nearly 6 o’clock before they arrived near the fort. Having no time to lose, as it was probable that the above mentioned troops would soon return, Captain Elliot then formed his party close to the edge of the wood, and proceeded singly to ascertain where the entrance of the fort was situated. After making one turn to his left by a hedge, he discovered the drawbridge, partly drawn up, and a centinel, who advanced and challenged him. Receiving no answer, the Frenchman turned suddenly round, walked back about 20 yards, and, screening himself behind the corner of a wall, fired at, but missed his pursuer, whom he afterwards attempted to bayonet: in this design, however, he was fortunately prevented by Captain Elliot, who shot him with his left hand pistol, at the moment they were coming into close contact.
The Frenchman, although he instantly fell, was still capable of doing mischief, for on Captain Elliot turning round to order the storming party forward, he managed to get up unperceived, and aimed a tremendous blow at him with his musket, the butt-end of which inflicted a severe contusion on the chest, whilst the cock of the lock, as the piece descended, was literally driven into the knee of our gallant and unsuspecting countryman. Both parties now came together to the ground, but not before Captain Elliot had used his cutlass so effectually as to seal the fate of his antagonist.
