The Sun.
London, England, 1849-01-04 00:00:00

Tme,o SUN,

under Major Wheeler, with Anderson's troop of
horse artillery, the whole under Brigadier Mark-
ham. it was resolved that they should move out
en hour before daylight to the eastern side of the

ili that flanks th-e allied camp, and making a
circuit, take the encamped position in flank, Major
Edwardes's force at the came time making a cor-
responding advance down the nullah (Wolle Maho-
med's Canal) on its western side, manning the ad-
vanced post. To leave the British at liberty for, the
flank movement and defence of their own camp, it
was arranged that the heavy guns and the guard
should be withdrawn, except two H. A. guns that re-
mained in the redoubt corner of the position—Lieut.
Pollock being sent to occupy it with the Kutter-
mukhee regiment of Cortlandt's force, 1,000 of
Lieutenant Lake's men, and 500 of Major Ed-
vvarties's irregulars. About eleven P.M. (6th), this
detachment took up their ground, but had not long
been there when six companies of Cortlandt's regi-
ment; in fact, all the Poorbeeas of the corps went over
in small detachments to the enemy, leaving Lieute
nants Pollock, Patton (of the Engineers), and Bunny
(of the Artillery), to congratulate themselves on not
having been attacked before they went over, or been
carried over as prisoners to Moolraj. The desertion
of course encouraged the enemy, who came on shout-
ing to the rest of the men to follow the example of their
brethren. Lieutenant Bunny, who was in charge of
the two guns, immediately sent up to camp for his
horses and reinforcements. The outlying and inlying
pickets of the right brigade (two companies of Euro-
pean and four companies of native infantry) went down
to the post, the British officers (Lieuts. Pollock, Patton,
and Bunny) remaining firm at their posts notwith-
standing their critical position. The desertion of one
out of three regular regiments, on which the allies
depended as their principal support, coupled with the
depressing effect that the absence of all reinforcements
from Sinde and Ferozepore must have had on Gene-
ral WThish's force, certainly placed him in a critical
position that morning, as he could no longer depend
on the co-operation of the allied force, and had not 1
men enough for offensive operations on two sides ;1
while it became, at the same time, evident that
something must be done to lower the spirits of the
enemy, and raise those of the British and allied
troops. To mend the matter, news had on that day
been received of the defection of the Peshawur
troops. Day broke in this position of affairs, and
there was no longer any chance of surprise. An order
was therefore given to the men to cook and make alight
meal, and be ready at half-past nine, A.M. They
had hardly commenced when news arrived that
Major Edwardes's camp was attacked in force by the
enemy, who had outflanked his batteries. They
were, however, eventually driven back with great
loss, after a long hand to hand fight, by the regular
regiments (those that remained staunch), who behaved
very well. In the midst of this melee the British
columns moved to the rescue, and were in time to
confirm the allied force in the spirits they had gained
by their successful encounter. They waited on the
eastern side of the canal to form their columns,
made a detour to the right, and went in at the
enemy, cavalry and infantry emulating one another.
Battery after battery was taken with trifling loss,
and all the enemy's guns were taken possession of.
It is a satisfaction to know that the enemy had suf-
fered severely in the attacks. The leader of the re-
cusant regiment that went over in the night was
amongst the slain, and Hurree Singh, the commander
of cavalry who deserted Vans Agnew was mortally
wounded. It is hoped the battle of Soorujkooud will
last the enemy till reinforcements arrive. No officers
were even wounded, and only two Europeans
killed, three or four natives, and about four-
teen of all arms wounded. The irregular cavalry
charged the batteries in their zeal, and entered
them with trifling loss. A troop of the 11th irre-
gular cavalry, under Lieutenant and Adjutant
Matheson, charged a one-gun battery, and took it.
Moolraj himself was in his temple, just con-
chiding the funeral rites of his nephew, who was
killed on the 6th at the advanced post, when he heard
his troops were running in. He called to the sirdars
—" You gave them the guns, eh ? I thought you
promised me that by this the whole camp should be
moves to Soojabad. Go and break your heads with
your devices."-f The enemy's loss on this occasion
was afterwards computed at betwixt 500 and 1,000
in all. Our allies under Edwardes and Cortlandt
behaved most gallantly, and did us yeomen service,
but not without suffering severely in turn. It was
remarked as singular, that on the 7th, the last of the
guns which accompanied Agnew and Anderson were
captured. The action had been loudly and univer-
sally lauded ; we had not on this, as on too many
other occasions, everything left to brute force—the
excellence of our tactics seemed only surpassed by the
conduct of our troops. Brigadier Markham is spoken
of by all in terms of the highest commendation. From
this time forward nothing of the slightest moment oc-
curred in camp; the field works of the enemy were
destroyed, and such arrangements made as to pre-
vent their being replaced. In the intervals of war
the sports of peace were resumed, and on the 14th sky
races began. The first of the Bombay detachments will
probably have arrived by the 26th November, should
they have been allowed to resume their march from
Ooch. The main body cannot be looked for earlier
than the 12th December, if so soon; and it seems
unlikely that operations will be resumed until all have
assembled. Moolraj has of late been strengthened by
a detachment from Bunnoo, and is reported to have
some 10,000 or 12,000 men under his command. It
is not imagined that he will now give in. The
following extract from the letter of a staff officer with
the force gives the impression entertained of him by
the seniors in camp :
" All has been peace and quietness here since I last
wrote you, and our young lads are this morning (14th)
amusing themselves with sky races. Moorej is a plucky
fellow and no mistake; he had a grand parade of his
troops the other day, and roundly abused his men who
did not die at their guns, but considered prudence the
better part of valour. I have no doubt that he himself
is really desirous to strike one more desperate blow for
success. He says it he falls and dies on the field, our
Government will respect his family, but if ho waits the
assembling of an overwhelming force, he and his will be
equally involved in ruin. There is truth and spirit in
these reported sentiments of his. This morning he is said
to have been engaged in a solemn Poojab, and afterwards
he was to give us battle, but the day is quietly passing
away. Our fighting men would like nothing better than
that he would keep his word; but his troops have not the
same stake at issue, and are not likely now to be induced
to play a desperate game. From first to last Moolraj has
been hilly aware of all the late orders and counter-
orders, and has turned this knowledge to good account
on the mieds of our allies. This was the main cause of
the defection of the Hiudoo portion of Cortlandt's troops,
and the present doubtful condition of the remainder. The
early arrival of the first instalment of our reinforcements,
however small, will produce the best effect on our allies.
I sincerely trust you will push on, without a halt, and if
so you will reach this about the same time with Colonel
Nash's detachment, which 4ft Ferozepore about 800 or
900 strong."

Our latest news from General Whish's camp
comes down to the 2Gth ultimo. The thermometer
during the the day stood at 75 degrees, and fell during
the night to 40 degrees; yet, notwithstanding this
great range of temperature, there was scarcely any
sickness amongst the troops. The wounded men were
doing well. On the 13th the enemy had hove in
sight, but had prudently retired without attempting
to molest us. A dispatch has been forwarded to
Lord Gough by, General Whish regarding the stop-
page of the 3d 80. N. I. on their march up by Ge-
neral Auchmuty.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE BOMBAY

MARKETS.
FROM NOV. 16 TO DEC. 2, 1848, INCLUSIVE.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, FIVE O'CLOCK, DEC. 2, 1848.
—We have little change to notice in the state of our
Import Market generally, since the date of our last, as
the supplies that have since come to hand have been
very trifling, only three vessels from England having
arrived in the interval. The goods received have met
with ready sale, and our market has at present a more
healthy appearance, with more prospect of a continu-
ance of such, than has been the case for some seasons
past; many articles of manufactures have improved fur-
ther in value, arid this would doubtless have been the
case to a still greater extent if the short supply of rain
in Marwar had not had the effect of keeping the dealers
from that important district out of the market. We are
glad to say that, as anticipated by us in our last, the panic
caused by the discovery of forged notes of the Bank of
Bombay, has been productive of no evil consequences.
The Bank has lowered the rate of discount one per cent.,
and our Money Market is in an easy state.
Cotton Piece Goods-40 inch grey shirtings of all
qualities are in good demand, and have advanced in
value since our last. 45 inch widths are also in good
demand. Grey Madapollams continue to be much asked
for, and have advanced in value since our last one to two
annas per piece. Grey jacconets are' very scarce and
much wanted.' 24 yard light domestics are also in very
good request, and no stocks exist. T cloths meet with
ready sale as they come to hand. , A better inquiry has
existed during the past fortnight for the fine and heavy
makes of domestics, but it has been chiefly of a specu-
lative nature, the Arab dealers, who ought to make their
appearance about this period, being still absent. Grey
long cloths suited for dyeing. purposes are in good de-
mand.

Bleached Goods—Shirtings'of all descriptions continue
scarce, and much wanted. Madapullams also are in
much request. Jacconets of middling quality are eagerly
sought after at a further advance in prices ; low quali-
ties are in good demand, but in the finer kinds, the con-
sumption being limited, we have no improvement to
notice. Cambrics, satin spots 33-inch 24 yards, satin
stripes, and common jacconet checks and stripes, con-
tinue in good request.—For twills an improved inquiry
exists.

Dyed and Fancy Goods— Turkey red plain cloth,
starched mulls and jacconets are scarce, and in good de-
mand, but twilled cloth is not much inquired for. Tur-
key red chintzes, of good quality and select patterns, are
in fair inquir'y. Lappets, collonade, veined, diced,
and honey comb lappets, are in good request, as also
choice styles of Swiss lapp-ets, but the inferior styles of

1 Delhi Gazette, Nov. 12.

the last named are little sought after, and to effect sales
to any extent a reduction in prices would have to be sub-
mitted to. Subjoined is a list of the sales for the past
fortnight. It will be observed that several sales of goods
to arrive have been made, and this would have been the
case to a large extent had importers Feen disposed to
avail themselves of the willingness displayed by dealers
to anticipate expected arrivals.
Cottbn Yarn—No. 20s Mule Twist have been very
dull, and difficult of sale since our last, and the price has
receded further. No. 40s, on the contrary, have been in
increased inquiry, and stocks being light, an improve-
ment on the value has taken place since our last. Other
Nos. are steady, and we have no change to notice.
Dycd Yarn—Turkey Red continues dull of sale, and
prices are somewhat under our last quotations. Orange
is steady, and in fair request.
Cochineal—The only arrival since our last is to the
extent of 5,0001b5. The stock in the bazaars consists
only of a small quantity of interior quality. hut there has
been little inquiry during the past few days. We, how-
ever, look for some advance ere long, as the supplies for
some time to come must be very small.
Saffrou.—There has been a good inquiry for this
article during the last fortnight, and the price has ad-
vanced to Rs. 14 per lb. Stocks are very light.
Metals—Copper of all kinds has been in good demand,
and prices generally have experienced improvement ;
stocks are moderate. Iron—Swedish Bar is much
wanted, and no stocks exist. British Bar continues in
good demand, and Rs. 32 per candy is readily attainable
for common assortment. Sheet and loop iron have im-
proved in value since our last, as also nail rod. Swedish
steel in tubs continues in good request. Pig lead has
advanced further in value, being scarce, and much
wanted. Lead in sheet has also advanced, and stocks
are moderate. Speller has undergone no change since
our last.

Spirits—Little has been doing in brandy since our last
the extensive sales then reported having fully supplied
the wants of dealers in the meantime. The only sale
reported is of 55 hhds of inferior quality, at rs. 2:6 as.
per gallon. Gin continues in good request.