Indeed, his army of partially disciplined men was more than a match for the whole force of Scindia.
At a short distance from Coel was the fortress of Alighur, which was considered to be almost impregnable.

It was defended by a triple line of walls and fortifications, so that an enemy entering it would have to advance by a devious route from one gate to another, exposed all the time to a terrible artillery fire.

It was almost surrounded by a swamp, and the only approach was along a narrow strip of firm ground, leading to the gate.
Early on the morning of the 29th, the British troops advanced to attack Perron's force; but it at once drew off, although the infantry were supported by twenty thousand horse.

Believing that Alighur was impregnable, Perron left a strong force there under one of his officers, named Pedron, and marched with his army towards Agra.
On the 4th of September a storming party, commanded by Colonel Monson, left the British camp; and was accompanied by two batteries, each consisting of four eighteen-pounders.

A portion of the defenders was posted on the strip of dry ground, outside the gate, where a battery with three guns had been mounted.