4th. Skirmishing at various parts of the lines. Sharp-shooting effective.—Took one of the Duke's porters, and learnt from him the precise state of the enemy—right commanded by Sir Herbert Taylor; left, by Lord Palmerston—Commander-in-Chief, the Duke in person. Fell back with my light troops upon my centre—doubts of success increasing, but thought of my motto “_nil desperandum_,” and former services. 5th. Out-posts attacked by Sir Henry Torrens, and driven in—ordered up a brigade of artillery, and light cavalry—desired effect; kept him in check, and _gained time_. 6th. All quiet. 7th. Threw out my light troops—attacked, and took the lobby, an important post in the enemy's front. Manœuvred on his right, but could not bring Sir Herbert Taylor to action. 8th. All quiet—some auxiliary troops arrive—strong hopes of success. 9th. Under arms at day-break—manœuvred on the enemy's right again—drove in his piquets—sharp skirmishing—Sir Herbert Taylor came out from his entrenchments in great force—moved a column of infantry, and a brigade of artillery, supported by a body of cavalry, to the attack. Cannonaded him briskly, and charged with effect; but Sir Herbert was reinforced, and maintained his ground; so I retired in order. From 9th to 27th. Skirmishing every day—fortified my position—increased my strength by _forced levees_.—Endeavoured to bring the enemy to action without effect—annoyed in my rear, by a body of _disaffected_ tradesmen—things looking worse. 28th. Held a council of war—long faces—military chest light—provisions scarce—supplies cut off from Greenwood and Cox—affairs desperate—resolved on making a decisive effort. 29th. Nearly cut off in reconnoitring, by the _disaffected Sheriff_ of Middlesex, and his Guerilla band, but made good my retreat—saved by a fog. Moved out my light troops, to take an important post from the enemy, and after some sharp work, lodged myself in the waiting room—directed my attention again to Sir Herbert Taylor—after a brisk engagement turned his right, and drove him in; but it was too late to follow up the advantage. 30th. Removed the engagement—directed my whole force to the centre—keeping the left in check—attacked the Duke with desperate energy—drove him from his entrenchments—cannonaded him incessantly from three commanding points—threw him into confusion—poured in my cavalry, and completely routed the enemy. Thus I remained master of the field; and for this victory, was rewarded by His Most Gracious Majesty, with—A COMPANY! MESS-TABLE CHAT. No. II. “A band of gallant souls, who knew The olive wood, the mountain blue, The ration rum, the biscuit black, The long bleak road, the bivouac, The cannon's thunder, and the bays That wave o'er glorious victories, Better than city's midnight dress, Her luxuries, and gaudiness.”