‘What time?’ Arthur paused to stretch his back muscles. ‘Why, we shall attack the place at once.’

Chapter 67

Chapter 67

‘There’s nothing complicated about it, gentlemen,’ Arthur explained.‘We haven’t got time for a textbook siege of the town. I want it taken at the first attempt, understand?’

The officers nodded.

‘It is vital that as much of the garrison is destroyed as possible. Our cavalry pickets will cover the perimeter of the town to prevent any attempt to reach the fortress. Now, remember, although I want your men to go in hard and fast, they are to respect the townspeople. Any man caught looting or raping will be hanged.’

‘Sir?’ One of the Company officers spoke up.

‘What is it, Captain Vesey?’

‘My lads are from Madras, as are most of the sepoys. There’s plenty of bad blood between them and the Mahrattas. It’ll be hard to stop them taking their revenge.’

‘I don’t care about that,’ Arthur replied firmly. ‘Those are my orders, and you will carry them out, to the letter.’

‘Yes, sir.’

He paused to make sure the officers were certain of his sincerity. Arthur had seen enough of the suffering of the poorest natives during his time in India to know that if they were only treated humanely they would openly welcome British rule. However, he did not expect many of his officers and men to share his long-term vision for India, and discipline would have to be enforced pitilessly if British forces were to win the favour of the natives of these vast tracts of land. He glanced round at his officers and continued the briefing.

‘Colonel Wallace will be attacking the main gate of the pettah. The other two columns will scale the walls on either side. If either of those attempts succeeds in crossing the walls they are to make for the gates and open them, if Colonel Wallace hasn’t already managed to. To work then, gentlemen.’

The three columns moved into position to begin the attack. Colonel Harness was commanding the left-hand column and, as Arthur looked on, Harness began advancing before the other columns were ready. In front of the column the men from one of the light companies kept up a steady fire on the defenders in the bastions on either side of the targeted length of wall. As yet there was no sign of the enemy on the rampart and Arthur felt a vague twinge of anxiety.

Beside him, Fitzroy grumbled, ‘Bloody Harness is bolting towards the wall like a March hare. The other columns aren’t even ready yet. The attack will go in piecemeal.’

‘It doesn’t much matter,’ Arthur replied. ‘It will unsettle the enemy as much as us, so do calm yourself, man.’

Fitzroy stirred guiltily. ‘Yes, sir.’