Parallel with the road on the left ran a deep watercourse,
now empty, and in this the rest of the infantry were stationed, at a
point near the town of Kavaripak, and about a quarter of a mile
further back than the grove. On either side of this watercourse the
enemy had placed his powerful cavalry force.
For a moment, when the guns opened, there was confusion and panic
among the British troops. Clive, however, ever cool and confident in
danger, and well seconded by his officers, rallied them at once. The
position was one of extreme danger. It was possible, indeed, to
retreat, but in the face of an enemy superior in infantry and guns,
and possessing so powerful a body of cavalry, the operation would have
been a very dangerous one. Even if accomplished, it would entail an
immense loss of morale and prestige to his troops. Hitherto, under his
leading, they had been always successful; and a belief in his own
superiority adds immensely to the fighting power of a soldier. Even
should the remnant of the force fight its way back to Madras, the
campaign would have been a lost one, and all hope of saving
Trichinopoli would have been at an end.
"Steady, lads, steady," he shouted.
Pages:
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163