Early next morning we saw from our masthead a numerous body approaching, with apparently but little order, but in close array.

They approached very fast, and fell furiously on the inhabitants of the town, who seemed to be quite _surprized_, but nevertheless, as soon as they could get together, fought stoutly.

They had some fire-arms, but made very little use of them, as they came directly to close fighting with their spears, lances, and sabres.

Many of the invaders were mounted on small horses; and both parties fought for about half an hour with the fiercest animosity, exerting much more courage and perseverance than I had ever before been witness to amongst them.

The women and children of the town clustered together to the water's edge, running shrieking up and down with terrour, waiting the event of the combat, till their party gave way and took to the water, to endeavour to swim over to the Barbary side.