Page:Item 10 1862.pdf/142

was a large number of spectators of all grades, and the corps constituting the 1st Administrative Battalion of Cinque Ports Rifles mustered also in strong force. The ground was kept by the Cinque Ports Artillery, assisted by the Borough Police, whilst the Castle slopes and other parts of the hill where a sight could be obtained, were thickly occupied by the sight-seers. The review - or in more precise terms, the "Inspection" commenced in the afternoon. The Hastings corps mustered at the depot at half-past two, and from that time until three the several other corps continued to arrive. The battalion was formed of the 1st Cinque Ports (Hastings and Rye), Second Sussex (Cuckfield), 4th Sussex (Lewes), 16th Sussex (Battle), 17th Sussex (Etchingham) and 19th Sussex (Eastbourne). The muster for Hastings was 86, and were commanded by Capt. Rock with whom were Lieut. Cooper, Lieut. Field (paymaster), Lieut. Cole; Ensigns Savery and Langham, Hon. Surgeon Savery and Hon. Chaplain J. Parkin. The Rye sub-division under Lieut. Frewen and Ensign Crowhurst, numbered 30 thus making the 1st Cinque Ports, including the band, 116. The Cuckfield Rifles were as many as 161, including officers and band. The other numbers were Lewes 67, Battle 62, Etchingham 42 and Eastbourne 38. The total number was about 500, which force as a whole was commanded by Col. Hon. H. Gage, assisted by Capt-Adjutant Mackenzie. The battalion formed into eight companies and marched from the depot to the hill, the band of the Lewes corps taking the lead. On their arrival the battalion took up position opposite the mills, where the ground had been marked out for the purpose. Each company having been put through a few evolutions, the whole wheeled into line, and after taking ground to the left by fours, they again appeared in open line. This position was continued until the arrival of Col Luard, the inspecting officer, when the men presented arms, and the fife and drum band of the Cuckfield corp commenced playing. The Colonel, with the commanding officer, then rode along the line for the inspection, after which a series of evolutions in battalion took place. All the men displayed great precision therein. Platoon exercise followed, both in slow and quick time, the men receiving orders from Capt. Coombe. The next move of the battalion was to advance in line, return by fours and form squares to receive cavalry. After re-forming column, they advanced and halted for file firing, which being well done, was followed by volley firing in companies. The battalion next advanced in line, formed quarter distance column and prepared for skirmishing. It was now seen that an action was intended and that an attack was to be made on the Castle or on the precincts of that ancient but ruined fortress. The whole force having marched down the hill, some were placed for skirmishing, some for support and others held in reserve. The skirmishing party descended the valley and commenced firing, but were compelled to retreat, which they did under cover of their supports. Another advance was ordered, and the skirmishers having crossed the valley, ascended the mount from which they opened a supposed successful fire on the enemy. They again retired under cover of supports as before; but there being an attack on the left wing, and the cavalry of the enemy approaching, -