This mortar-piece was like some mighty dragon of old, causing great
terror in the minds of the soldiers, who knew not how to escape, but
were in continual fear and watchfulness, dreading the assaults of this
terrible monster. To allay their apprehensions, and to show their own
indifference, the captains lodged in the uppermost rooms, behind clay
walls, when not upon duty; and many other devices were resorted to for
the purpose of encouraging their troops. One circumstance, however,
seemed to renew their courage; a gunner opposite, as he was mounting the
ramparts to see the success of his shot, was slain by a marksman from
one of the towers. The next day one of their cannoneers was slain
through the porthole by a skilful hand, which made the enemy more
cautious than formerly. Yet did they not slacken their endeavours, but
fired almost incessantly. On the Saturday afternoon they played their
mortar-piece five times; and in the night twice with stones, and once
with a grenado, which by the turning of the gunner fell short of the
house.
On Easter Monday and Tuesday Colonel Rigby must needs gratify the
country people with some pastime.
Pages:
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661
662
663
664
665