The van of the expedition, consisting of the EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiment, one hundred and eighty rank and file of the Sixth Madras Native Infantry, a small detachment of artillery, and fifty pioneers, under Lieut.-Colonel Fraser, of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, with difficulty effected a landing at Grand Chaloupe, about one o’clock on the 7th of July. On gaining the shore, the light company of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, under Lieutenant Archibald McLean, supported by the grenadiers under Captain Lanphier, dashed forward to drive back parties of the enemy’s riflemen, who kept up a harassing fire, and to secure possession of the heights; which service was performed with great gallantry. The other part of the regiment having landed, pressed forward to the heights above _St. Denis_, and, as the sun was setting, approached to within range of the enemy’s batteries. The violence of the surf had become so great that the other divisions could not land, and the EIGHTY-SIXTH, in consequence, fell back to the heights, where they were joined during the night, by the Sepoys, pioneers, and artillery, with one 4½ inch howitzer. At four o’clock on the morning of the 8th of July, the EIGHTY-SIXTH commenced descending the mountain, leaving the Sepoys on the summit to defend the rear; their advance-guard was soon discovered by the enemy’s post, and at day-light the regiment was assailed by a heavy fire of cannon, mortars, and musketry; at the same time some of the enemy’s riflemen attempted to gain the road on its right. The light company, supported by the grenadiers, and followed by the regiment, descended the mountain at a running pace. Two columns of the enemy, having each a field-piece, and being supported by the heavy guns of the redoubt, opened a sharp fire of grape and musketry; but, as the EIGHTY-SIXTH arrived on the plain, they closed on their adversaries with the bayonet. This spirited conduct decided the contest; the opposing ranks, unable to withstand the shock of steel, faced about and fled. Their commandant, M. de St. Luzanne, escaped with difficulty, and their second in command was wounded and taken prisoner by Captain Lanphier.