Four
days' rice was landed from the fleet, and with this scanty supply in
their knapsacks, the troops marched out to attack Hyder. We formed
part of the baggage guard and had, therefore, an excellent opportunity
of seeing the fight. The march was by the sea. The infantry moved in
order of battle, in two lines. After going for some distance, we could
see the enemy's position plainly. It was a very strong one. On its
right was high ground, on which were numerous batteries, which would
take us in flank as we advanced, and their line extended from these
heights to the sand hills by the shore.
"They had thrown up several batteries, and might, for aught we knew,
have many guns hidden on the high ground on either flank. An hour was
spent in reconnoitring the enemy's position, during which they kept up
an incessant cannonade, to which the English field guns attempted no
reply. To me, and the officers of this troop, it seemed impossible
that any force could advance to the attack of Hyder's position without
being literally swept away by the crossfire that would be opened upon
it; but when I expressed my fears, my father said:
"'No; you will see no repetition of that terrible affair with
Baillie's column.
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