At length it was resolved, in a council of war, that a detachment should pass at a ford a little to the left of the bridge, though the river was deep and rapid, the bottom foul and stony, and the pass guarded by a ravelin, erected for that purpose.
The forlorn hope consisted of sixty grenadiers in armour, headed by captain Sandys and two lieutenants.

They were seconded by another detachment, and this was supported by six battalions of infantry.

Never was a more desperate service, nor was ever exploit performed with more valour and intrepidity.

They passed twenty a-breast in the face of the enemy, through an incessant shower of balls, bullets, and grenades.
Those who followed them took possession of the bridge, and laid planks over the broken arch.

Pontoons were fixed at the same time, that the troops might pass in different places.