eleven o'clock
It was evident , however , that he had determined to give battle in order to save the fort , and the English general therefore determined to storm the place that very night , the 21st of March . The preparations were made secretly , lest the news should be taken to Tippoo by one of the natives in the town , and it was not until late in the evening that orders were issued to the troops which were to take part in the assault . The column was to be composed of the grenadier and light companies of all the European regiments , and these were to be followed and supported by several battalions of Sepoys . The force , commanded by Colonel Maxwell , at eleven o'clock issued from the town and advanced through the trenches . The besieged were vigilant , and the instant the leading company sprang from the trenches and , in the bright moonlight , ran forward to the breach , a number of blue lights were lighted all along the ramparts , and a heavy musketry fire was opened . The scene was eagerly watched by the troops in the camp , every feature being distinctly visible . The storming party could be seen , rushing up the breach and mounting , by ladders , over the gateway , which was the central object of attack .