The Sun.
London, England, 1849-03-21 00:00:00

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OVER LAND MAIL
INDIA AND CHINA.
We have received in anticipation of the Overland
Mail intelligence from the army of the Punjaub up
to the 3d, from Lahore and Moultan to the 4th, from
Calcutta to the 7th, and from Bombay to the 13th of
February.
Since the departure of the mail conveying to Eng-
land the news of the fall of Moultan, and giving some
account of the disastrous affair of the 13th of January
at Chillian walla, on the left bank of the Jhelum, little
of moment had taken place as regards the army of
the Punjaub.
Our letters come down to the 3d of February, at
which period Lord Gough was busily occupied in
fortifying his camp. Shere Singh's army was about
four miles' distance from the Commander-in-Chief's
camp. It was generally supposed in Lord Gough's
camp that nothing would be done in the way of
offensive operations till the arrival of reinforcements
from Moultan and Lahore.
The conduct of the 14th Dragoons had been very
freely commented upon. The papers of the north-
west teem with letters on this painful subject; both
sides are advocated, but as great a mystery hangs
over the whole affair now as at the time of its occur-
rence ; nothing short of a most searching inquiry into
this business will satisfy the public mind, to say
nothing of the wish on the part of the gallant officers
concerned to have all doubts cleared up as to the
cause of this alleged disgraceful movement.
Lieutenant Bowie, who had been taken in Pesha-
wur, arrived in Lord Gough's camp on his parole on
the 27th of January, being the bearer of. some pro-
posals from Shere Singh, but nothing had transpired
as to their nature. It was understood, however, that
Lord Gough would hear of nothing but " uncondi-
tional surrender."
Little was known, with any degree of certainty,
regarding the movement of Dost Mahommed, or his
intentions. Rumour said that Shere Singh has been
joined by large bodies of Affghans, but this requires
confirmation ; another version was, that the Affghans
are still on the right bank of the Indus.
It is reported that the detachment of Affghans said
to be in Shere Singh's camp is commanded by three
Europeans, formerly privates of her Majesty's 44th
Regiment, who remained in Caubul, and became Ma-
hometans.
Major Lawrence had been allowed to join Mrs.
Lawrence, and they are said to be treated with great
kindness by Chuttur Singh. The surrender of
Moolraj and his garrison has placed a considerable
force at the disposal of Lord Gough, and no time was
lost after the Dewan's surrender in making prepara-
tions for the onward march. It was said that General
Whish's force would have to take a fort called Chu-
neout, on its way up, where Narain Singh was hold-
ing out. It was, however, expected to reach Lord
Gough's camp on the 17th ult.
Additional details had been received from Moultan.
The bodies of Agnew and Anderson were found near
the place where they had fallen, and where they were
buried at the time by Affghan merchants, according
to the rites of their country.
A portion of the Bombay column moved on the 2d
of February in progress to join Lord Gough's camp.
This consists of her Majesty's 60th Rifles, Bombay
European Regiment (Fusiliers), the 3d and 19th
Regiments of Native Infantry, Major Blood's troop
of Horse Artillery, and 500 of the Sinde Horse.
Moolraj accompanies this force as far as Ramnuggur,
whence he will be sent to Lahore. Lieutenant
Henry, of the 19th Regiment, and formerly aide-
de-eanip to Lord Falkland, has charge of the Dewan.
We subjoin copious extracts from the papers.
(From the Bombay Telegraph and Courier of the 17th ult.)
Little or no news of interest has been received from
the army of the Punjaub since that sent home by the
last overland mail. Lieutenant Herbert came into the
British camp on the 27th of January, and Lieutenant
Bowie on the following day. The latter officer, it ap-
pears, was the bearer of some proposals from Shere Singh
but their nature did not transpire, though it was under-
Stood Lord Gough would hear of nothing but " uncon-
ditional surrender." These two officers, as well as other
prisoners in the hands of the Seikhs, seem to have re-
ceived kind and considerate treatment. On the 31st of
January, working parties were formed, and a redoubt
began to be thrown up in advance of the right face of the
camp. By the last accounts several guns had been
wieunted on this field work. A number of the
enemy's cavalry, on the look out for our camels
at graze, came in contact on the 30th with a
Party of Christie's Irregular Horse, under Lieutenant
Chamberlain, who attacked them and put them to flight,
killing sixteen and taking several prisoners. Lieu-
tenant Christie himself was wounded, as well as some
of his men. " On the Ist," says a letter published by
our daily contemporary, " two squadrons of the Bth
Lancers, two of the 14th Dragoons, a regiment of Light
Cavalry, and four of Warner's guns, proceeded in the
direction of Goojerat, to bring in a convoy of some
2,500 camel loads of provisions, and taking with them
The 12 Seikh guns captured on the 13th ult., to be depo-
sited at Ramnuggur. This detachment marched as far
as Bogrewalla, where they intended to have bivouacked,
having taken no tents with them; but at that place
Col. King, who was in command of the party, received
11 letter from Capt. Biddulph, who was in charge of the
Convoy of camels, telling him that he wished fur imme-
diate support, as the enemy were stated to have collected
a large force of cavalry in his neighbourhood for the
Purpose of intercepting him. To this letter Col. King
responded by an immediate advance, and he has, I am
glad to say, now returned bringing in the convoy in
Perfect safety. This gives us an abundant and most
timely supply of provisions, which will last us until
General Whish's force join us about the 18th. Our new
friend Elahee Bux is exerting himself much in obtaining
supplies for our camp, thus proving the sincerity of his
Intentions towards us. Chuttur Singh paid a visit to his
°°a's camp soon after the action of the 13th, but it seems
,_
did not long remain there. The Delhi paper represents
him as " incapacitated by personal infirmity from taking
an active part in the military operations," and says
that in consequence, he has " placed himself in
,ebarge of the civil duties connected with the rebel-
lion." Mahomed Akram Khan, a son of Dost Mahomed
°f Caubul, is reported to have been, for a considerable
time, in the Seikh camp. There have also been rumours
of Shere Singh having been joined by large bodies of
Affghans; but although we have reason to believe that
considerable number of troops from Caubul have made
their appearance in the hill country beyond the Jhelum,
We do not think authentic information has been received
r bankortion of them having as yet crossed over to the
eft of that river. The next fight with the Seikhs
Will effectually test the willingness of their Affghan
friends to join and co-operate with them. The Delhi
Gazette says:—
"It is mentioned in one of our letters, but as we see
do confirmation of it in any other we give the report
91tantent valeat, that this detachment of Affghans is
Commanded by three Europeans, formerly privates of her
u , ajesty's 44th Foot, who remained in Caubul at the
444
"rae of the evacuation, and became Mahometans. It is
singular that in our frequent correspondence with Caubul,
and especially during the visit of Colonel Lawrence's
envoy to that capital for the purpose of bringing away
V of those who might have remained, this fact should
sot have transpired long since, especially as Mr. Camp-
Dell's name has been frequently mentioned in connexion
:ith the army of the Ameer. As it is added circum-
„Rtntially, however, in the letter before us that these
'''lree individuals had actually visited Lieutenant Bowie,
and we presume this statement comes from him, we
Cannot reject its probability on the mere ground that
these
men have not hitherto been mentioned, especially
iPen we consider that by abandoning Christianity for
ilt_ahometanism they became virtually identified with
people whom they joined, and so disappeared among
the mass."
This story wears an aspect of improbability ; but
lv,e place it on record, and our readers can bestow on
'4 What amount of credence they choose.
_ By the last advices the weather at Chilianwalla
:AS very favourable ; the wounded were doing well ;
the troops generally were healthy, and the army
lyas regaining its spirits after the disastrous triumph
for which royal salutes were fired all over India.
In the last number of the Delhi Gazette we find
the following:—
" Reports have also been received that the Seikh
leader was bent on sending, or had actually e nt
Strong detachment of his troops down the righstbel a
bank
1 ! the Jhelum to meet the advancing Moultan force.
i hese accounts may prove correct, and their probability
Countenanced by the fact, mentioned in several army
letters, that the Seikh camp had, to all appearance, un-
:None a sensible diminution. At one time it was sup.
troops
this was owing to the detachment of a body of
11,?°P8 to attack Colonel Steinbach at Meerpoor; but the
presence of a large body near Goojerat may explain the
41"ter at once."
"e think it scarcely probable that Shere Singh
tkolltdd weaken the force opposed to Lord Gough on
C Jhelum in the hope of overthrowing the advancing
, I.7,!tinans under General Whish and Brigadier Dundas.
-4.1,3 only chance appears to have been rapidly to
r'
, her reinforcements, and strike another blow
illtiost the British force before General Whish could
",le'll the main army. From all accounts this chance
~7ros likely to be thrown away. Lord Gough, when
qnfo
reed will be strong enough to re-enact on the
Jhelum the sanguinary scene of the Sobraon, the
haters of which stream were crowded with fugitive
,
tri beaten Seikbs, while its waves for the time ran
Pson with their blood.
Intelligence has been received to the effect that
hi .lor Lawrence, having been permitted to rejoin
poret,
family, had proceeded for that purpose to the
t of Sukkoo, where Mrs. Lawrence and her chil-
•
ma, were confined. The party, it is gratifying to
tj,„ continued to be treated with " much considera-
:" and kindness."
l'reops have been ordered from Lahore to reinforce
ord
Gough. Our Delhi contemporary says—
fro S,ix companies of her Majesty's 53d Foot marched
th Lahore on the Ist of February for the camp of the
%na
1)441_ ander-in-Chief, and on the same day the two corn-
(flit " of her Majesty's 98th Foot that have been doing
f)? with the escort of the Governor General marched
Itl4oo,_erozepore in progress to Lahore. Orders wet e
"a tied to the 17th Irregular Cavalry (Liptrott's) to

proceed in the same direction, in consequence of Captain
Quin'.ietr.-ps (the 14t !) having been directed !o march
to,rards the head-quarters camp. Her -Alaj:sty's 98th
IVA had been halted near Loodianah on account of its
d.:unicd advisable to . commit treasure to their
care."

The last mail conveyed to England the gratifying
intelligence of the unconditional surrender by Dewan
Moolraj of the long and bravely defended citadel of
Ploultan.

Arrangements having been made for the depar-
ture of General Whish's force to join Lord Gough,
the second brigade (Bengal), with the 11th Light
Cavalry, and some guns, moved towards Sirdarpore
on the 27th of January, en route to Raninuggur
—the route being via Jhung and Chenout. This
brigade reached Ameerghur on the 28th, and
had arrived on the 31st at a place called Kumbheera,
within six marches of Jhung. General Whish was
with it. On the 30th the Ist brigade of the Bengal
column marched for Ramnuggur, leaving the 49th
Native Infantry and Wheeler's Horse behind, to
form part of the garrison. Soon afterwards the fol-
lowing Bombay troops left for Ramnuggur under
command of Brigadier (now Brigadier-General)
Dundas and Brigadier Capon :-3d troop, Horse
Artillery ; 2d company, Ist battalion, Artillery, with
No. 7 light field battery attached ; 2d Sinde Horse ;
Ist company Sappers and Miners; her Majesty's
60th Rifles; the Ist Fusiliers; and the 3d and 19th
Native Infantry. The troops which remain at
Moultan are, the 4th company, 2d battalion, Artil-
lery ; Ist and 2d companies, 4th battalion Golun-
dauze ; No. 5 light field battery ; the Ist Lancers ;
the 4th company Sappers and Miners ; the 4th and
9th Native Infantry, and a division of the baggage
corps.
It is said that General Whish's force was to take
on its way up a fort called Chuneout, where Narain
Singh was holding out. Up to last night, however,
no intelligence had been received of the advancing
column having come in collision with the enemy.
The wounded and sick officers and men belonging
to the Bombay force left Moultan on the 27th ult. ;
and at the time of their departure consisted (accord.
ing to the Bombay Times) of the following :
Wounded.—Captain T. Tapp, Captain R. D. H. Leith,
and Lieutenant W. Gray, Ist Fusiliers; Lieutenants J.
Hill and J. A. Fuller, Engineers ; and Lieutenant W.
N. Dyett, 3d Native Infantry.
Sick.—Brevet Captain J. B. Woosnam and Lieutenant
D. M‘Dougall, Artillery; and Ensign F. G. Steuart, 9th
Native Infantry.

EUROPEANS.
Commissariat Conductor ... 1
Artillery and Sappers and Miners ... 11
Her Majesty's 60th Rifles ... 56
Ist Fusiliers
Total ... ... ... —ll3
NATIVES.

Artillery ... ... 9
Sappers and Miners
31 Native Infantry
4th Native Infantry (Rifles) ... 23
9th Native Infantry
19th Native Infantry
Total ... 68

Grand Total ...

One of the most solemn and interesting occur-
rences at Moultan, subsequent to the surrender, was
the reinterment of the bodies of Messrs. Agnew and
Anderson, whose murder, it may be remembered,
signalized the commencement of the insurrection.
The following account is from the pen of an officer
with the force :

" On the evening of the 26th, I joined in a very pleas-
ing, though melancholy ceremony. The burial place
of Mr. Agnew and Lieutenant Anderson had been
discovered, and it was determined to exhume the bo-
dies, and move them to the fort. The grave was
opened under the superintendence of one of their
most intimate friends, and the bodies were found to
be in a sufficient state of preservation to be identi-
fied. A carrying and funeral party, with the band of
Fusiliers, to which regiment Lieutenant Anderson for-
merly belonged, attended, with a large portion of the
officers in camp, and moved off from the Fedgah near
which the bodies had been found, at five o'clock, and
entering the fort by the breach, the coffins were depo-
sited in a grave which had been prepared in the highest
part of the fort. The chaplain was in attendance, and
read the funeral service in a most impressive manner.
The otlicers of the Fusiliers are anxious to show their
respect for their brother officer by the erection of a mo-
nument to his memory; and so are the assistants to the
Lahore Residency, by whom subscriptions have long
been made for the purpose; I suppose it will be done
conjointly. They appear to have been two men very
highly respected and esteemed."
Government have ordered an immediate report as
to how many European regiments the garrison of
Lahore can accommodate, as the army will have to
fall back in the hot weather on the capital. Brigadier
General Wheeler has also been ordered by Govern-
ment to proceed, via Deenanuggur, to the Com-
mander-in-Chief's camp, I hear, and he is to report
on the site of Deenanuggur for a cantonment.
It is said to be extremely unhealthy, from the over-
flowing of the great canal from April to October.
The Delhi Gazette states, on the authority of recent
communications, that Lieutenant Pearse, of the
Madras Artillery, had reached the Payloo-pass, with
1,500 men and six guns, in support of Lieutenant R.
Taylor, who was still at Lukkee, while Lieutenant
Pollock, with 2,000 men and five guns, had made six
marches to join him. Lieutenant J. Young, of the
Engineers, was to proceed to join the Bunnoo forces
on the Ist of February.
The annexed intelligence relative to the trans-
ference of certain Madras Regiments to this (the
Bombay) Presidency, in compliance with a requisi-
tion from our local Government, reached us on Thurs-
day, in an Athenmum Extra :
" We understand that in consequence of a requisition
from the Bombay Government for troops from this Pre-
sidency, the following regiments will be transferred.
" Tee 6th Native Infantry from Bellary to Kulladghee
or Dharwar, us may be decided on by the Bombay au-
thorities.

" Her Majesty's 94th from Cannanore to Sinde or
elsewhere at discretion.

"Four other re4irnents of Native Infantry, the corps
not yet decided upon, but supposed to be the sth Native
Infantry, 15th Native Infantry, 19th Native Infantry,
and 40th Native Infantry, will be made available for the
occupation of Bombay cantonments."
Should the Governor-General decide on garrison-
ing Moultan, we presume the duty of holding that
fortress will fall on the Bombay troops. On this as-
sumption an increase of our available force will be
essentially necessary.

MOULTAN.
(From the Bombay Times.)
Moultan provides almost the only event of moment
which has occurred since our last. We were then
able merely to state the fact of the garrison having
surrendered—we can now supply particulars. The
counterscarp having been blown in, as for •
merly stated, on the 13th of January, tremen-
dous salvos of artillery continued to be hurled against
the works from a distance of some scores of yards; while
huge howitzers dashed shells bodily right into the walls;
and these bursting after burying themselves deep
amidst the brickwork or mud of which the defences
were composed, acted like so many mines, tearing ofl
vast fragments as they exploded. On the 20th two prac-
ticable breaches had been established, and the storming
parties had been told on. To the Bengalese that on the
southern side was assigned, while the Bombay troops
were to penetrate that on the north. The attack was to
have been made at daybreak on the 21st, but was coun-
termanded. A letter had been received from the Go-
vernor-General, authorising General Whish to assure
Moolraj of his life, and there was naturally every dis-
position to avoid the slaughter on both sides a storm
must have occasioned, however little doubt there might
be as to its results. On the 21st the order was re-issued;
it was to be carried into effect on the following morning,
under the same arrangements as before. On the
evening of that day a messenger was seen issuing
from the gate, and making his way on foot to camp.
He was taken to the General's tent, and after an inter-
view of some duration returned on horseback. The
garrison had agreed to an unconditional surrender.
General Whish probably assuring them that their lives
would be spared, though no pledge to this effect could be
given. The troops were drawn up at daybreak on the
22d; they formed two long lines extending from the
1)owlut-gate. The street betwixt the living walls of
armed men was about 50 feet in breadth. They waited
some hours under heavy rain on their guard, in case of
treachery or surprise; when about 10 o'clock a messen-
ger appeared, intimating that the garrison were at hand.
First appeared about 200 ill-clothed miserable wretches,
who seemed broken and dispirited; then followed about
3,500 hard, trained, stern, and stalwarthy-looking men;
they had defended the fort to the last, and abandoned
it only when no longer tenable. They looked as if
they would have fought to the death in the breaches
if such had been the will of their chief. They
brought camels and horses and large bundles
of things along with them. These, together with
their arms, were placed in charge of the prize
agents as they passed. At last came Moolraj and
his brethren and chiefs—the last, as became him, in the
retirement. He was gorgeously attired in'silks and
splendid arms, and rode a magnificent Arab steed, with
a rich saddle-cloth of scarlet, which bare no marks of
suffering or privation. No small curiosity was expe-
rienced to discover the appearance of one who had main-
tained a defence obstinate and protracted beyond any
related in the annals of modern warfare. He but little
exceeded the middle size; was powerfully but elegantly
formed; his keen, dark, piercing, restless eyes, surveyed
at a glance everything around. He neither wore the
face of defiance or dejection, but moved along under the
general gaze as one conscious of having bravely done
his duty, and aware of being the object of universal re-
gard. lie was taken to the General's tent, where he
gave up his sword; this is said to have been returned
him. lie was now placed in charge of Lieutenant
Henry, of the 19th Bombay Native Infantry, who had
quitted the personal staff of the Governor of Bombay, to
be present with his regiment at the scene of action.
Moolraj seems to have been actually adored by the
people, and no stronger evidence of this attachment and
fidelity can be given than that supplied by the fact
that though for a fortnight his deluxe was known
to be desperate—though hundreds were being slaugh-
tered daily, and no result whatever could be looked for
but death or captivity—no ono ever threatened to aban-
don him, or thought of betraying him. Ete was spoken