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

MOULTAN.

At the date of our last there had been some severe
skirmishing around Moultan betwixt the Ist and 3d
of November. Of this we were hardly able to give
a notice—we had not then been furnished with par-
ticulars. The insurgents having about the begin-
ning of the month established a battery in a
deep watercourse within the range of the
camp of Etivvardes and Cortlandt, opened a fire
on our allies, which, though distant, was annoy-
ing to them; and General Whish accordingly deter-
mined to construct a battery a mile or so in front,
commanding the flank of the enemy. This was armed
with two 18-pounders, two howitzers, and four mor-
tars, which played on the insurgents at the distance
of nine hundred yards with considerable effect. Cap-
tain Maitland and some of the men of the 32d were
cut down by falling in with some of the enemy, who
pretended to be our allies. At daybreak on the sth the
working party returned to camp, when a heavy tire,
which continued all day, was opened from the trenches.
As usual, the superiority of the matchlock over
the musket was obvious, and the enemy were able
t o pick off our men at distances at which our shot
never reached them ; yet they had no bullets, but
rough slugs of lead for their guns. Instead of
bombshells they fired pewter canisters from their
mortars. The cannonade was resumed on the
morning of the 6th, and the guards at the advanced
post had some severe skirmishing with the enemy,
who came in front and dared them to advance.
Under such an insult as this the men were not to
be restrained—thrice they threw themselves on the
enemy, and thrice they drove them back in disorder.
In these encounters ten Sepoys were killed, and
fifteen Europeans killed or wounded. This state of
matters could not long be suffered to endure, and on
the evening of the 6th, accordingly, two bri,ades* of
infantry were directed to prepare next morning for
F attack. These consisted of 1,400 each, one under
Lieutenant-Colonel Franks commanding her Majesty's
10th Fuot, the under Lieutenant- Colonel Brooke,
her 11,1 •
-est Y's 32d Foot, and 600 cavalry

•
"Camp before Illoultan, Nov. 7, 1848.—Division Orders.
"After orders of
daysterclay.—The operations against the
enemy the last three'not having had the desired effect,
their position will be attacked
to-morrow, when the following
details will he in readiness at half-past fuur A.M., to proc3ed
under the officers named :
Cavalry and Horse Artillery, Bri
2d ..rids. and 11th L. C., g. Salter commanding.
2d Do. I lth Ir. Do. complete to 160 Rank and File.
:).
220
Po.
Do.
2d Do. 7th Ir. Do. 2
4th Troop 3d Brig. Horse Artillery.
Infantry under Brigadier Markham.
Under Lieut.
6 Co's. H.M. 10th Foot complete to 4O
8 „ Bth N.J.
Col. Br(L)oiuet.
,12 c 01. FrankQ,
, 52d do. 512
1"i 10 h '
6 Co's. H.M. 32d Foot complete to
35250(: Under t .
8 „ 48th N. I.
8 „ 5Ist do.
"The 72d, and all details not included in the above, to re-
main in camp, under Brigadier Harvey, who will direct two-
thirds of the disposable Cavalry to parole the front of camp,
troop
at halt a mile distant, with four guns from the 4th
I stbrig. H. A.

" 1:‘,70 guns 4th troop Ist brigade H.A., and 60 Suwars
t h Irr. Cal% to attend the Major-General.
_" Forty pioneers to accompany the 4th troop 3d brigade
sl,:s

under Major Wheeler, with Anderson's troop of
horse artillery, the whole under Brigadier Mark-
ham. I.t was resolved that they should move out
an hour before daylight to the eastern side of the
nullah that flanks the allied camp, and making a
circuit, take the encamped position in flank, Major
Edwardes's force at the same time making a cor-
responding advance down the nullah ( \Voile 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-
wardes's irregulars. About eleven F.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 butly ing 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 Whish'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
men enough for offensive operations on two sides ;
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, aad 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-
cluding 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
moved to Soojabad. Go and break your heads with
your devices. 't 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 lied 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. Moorsj is a plucky
fellow and no miaake; 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 if he tells and. dies on the field, our
Government will respect his family, but if he 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 Puojah, 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 1:ot likely now to be induced
_ _

to play a desperate game. From firsi to last Moolraj has
been fully aware of all the late orders and counter-
orders, and has turned this knowledge to good account
on the minds of our allies. This was the main cause of
the defection of the Hindoo portion of Cortlaudt's troops,
and the present doubtful conoition 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 left Ferozepore about 800 or
900 strong."

Our latest news from General Whish's camp
comes down to the 20th 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 List. 45 inch widths are also in good
demand. Grey 11Iadapollams continue to be much asked
for, and have advanced in value since our last one to two
urines per piece. Grey jacconets arc 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 line and heavy
makes of domestics, but it has been chiefly of a specu-
lative nature, the [krill) 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. - _ _ _

Blenched Goorls—Skirtings of all descriptions continue
scarce, sad much wanted. Madapollaras also are in
mush request. Jaceonets of middling quality are eagerly
/sought after at a further advance in prices ; low quali-
ties are in good demand, nu:: 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.—Fur un improved inquiry

exists.
Dyed and Fancy Goods— Turkey red plain cloth,
etarched mulls and jacconets are scatce, and in good de-
mand, but twilled cloth is not much inquired. for. Tur-
key red chintzts, of good quality and select patterns, are
in fair inquiry. Lappets, collonude, veined, diced,
and honey comb lappets, are in good request, as also
choice styles of Swiss lappets, but the interior styles of

AIM Gazette, Ncyr.

the last named are little st.ught after, and to effect sales
to any extent a retaurtion in prices wt mid have to ne sub-
mitted to. Subj-ined is a list of the sales for the past
fortnight. It will be observed that several sales of goods
to arrive hove bean Friade, and this would have been the
case to a large extent had importers teen disposed to
avail themselves of the willingness displayed by dealers
to anticipte expected arrivaba
Cotton Yarn—No. 20s Mule Twist have been very
dull, and difficult of ssle 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
No:. are steady, and we have no change to notice.
Dyed 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 stuck in the bazaars consists
only of a small quantity of interior quality, but 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.
Saffron.—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 improvemer:t ;
stocks are moderate. Iron—Swedish Bar is much
anted, and no stocks exist. British Bar continues in
good demand, and R.. 32 per candy is readily attainable
for common assortment. Sheet and hoop 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 sheets has also advanced, and stocks
are moderate. Spelter 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.
EXPORTS.

Cotton Wool—During the early part of the last fort-
night transactions to some extent were entered into by
shippere, in anticipation of favourable advises from
China. The steamer, however, brought news that the
staple had declined somewhat in value, and consequent
upon this intelligence the market for several days past
has been very languid, and prices hare a tendency to
further fall. _ _

Opium—The market for this drug has been ♦ery firm
since the date of our last, and we quote the price of the
day as Rs. 1,225 to Rs. 1,240 per chest, with a tendency
to further advance. The following notification respecting
this drug has appeared in the Government Gazette :
" NOTIFICATION.—TERRITORIAL DEPARTMENT,