With this support, Hartley beat off every attack.

At ten o'clock he received orders from Colonel Cockburn to retreat, but the officer who carried the message returned, begging that he would allow Captain Hartley to await a more favourable opportunity.

Cockburn agreed to this, but sent Major Frederick to take command of the rear, with orders to retire on the main body.
This movement he effected without serious loss, and joined the rest of the force at the village of Wurgaom.
It was already crowded with camp followers, and the wildest confusion reigned.

The enemy's horse took advantage of this and charged through the baggage, and the troops were unable to act with effect, being mixed up with the crowd of fugitives.

However, they soon extricated themselves, drove off the enemy, and placed the guns in commanding positions round the village.