210 p£lissier's conqukst C II A P. VII. Brilliant attack by the French on the Sousdal Counter- guard, and capture of the Work mence Pelisaier brought his Chief to consent that the attack should be made, and orders were given accordingly.* At halt-past ten o'clock on the night of the 1st of May, a strong body of French infantry com- manded by General Motterouge advanced against the Work in three columns, of which those on the right and left Hanks were respectively under the orders of General de Salles and General Bazaine, whilst General Motterouge in person led forward the two battalions which formed his centre column.! Either in or about the Work, the enemy at this time was present with no less than four bat- talions; but devoting his care to the task of repairing havoc done in the daytime by French artillery, he is said to have been off his guard, and to have been taken in part by surprise.^ Without firing a shot, the assailants made good their advance to the edge of the Work, and the centre column at once broke over its parapet intent on the use of the bayonet. Some lively fighting ensued, but did not last long. The centre column prevailing soon drove out the Kussians, pursued them some way in their flight, and was master of the counter-approach including its nine little mortars. Then with admirable valour and skill Colonel
- Niel, pp. 239, 240 ; Rousset, vol. ii. p. 1G6.
+ Niel, p. 240 et seq. I am unable to give the numerical strength of the columns ; but they comprised, it seems, altogether two entire battalions, with besides twenty -seven companies.— Ibid. + Todleben, vol. ii. p. 198.
