These, deprived of the means upon which they had relied to break in the gates, turned and retreated rapidly.
Scarcely less prolonged was the struggle at the breaches.

At the first breach, a very strong force of the enemy marched resolutely forward.
They were permitted, without a shot being fired at them, to cross the dry ditch, mount the shattered debris of the wall, and pour into the interior of the fort.

Forward they advanced until, without a check, they reached the first trench bristling with spikes.
Then, as they paused for a moment, from the breastwork in front of them, from the ramparts, and every spot which commanded the trench, a storm of musketry was poured on them; while the gunners swept the crowded mass with grape, and bags of bullets.

The effect was tremendous.

Mowed down in heaps, the assailants recoiled; and then, without a moment's hesitation, turned and fled.