The Sun.
London, England, 1846-03-31 00:00:00

THE PUNJAUB,

OPERATIONS SUBSEQUENT TO THE IST FsaallAßT.—The siege train
was now drawing near to its destination. From Busseau to 3loodkee
it was escorted by a detachment of the 38th Native Infantry, under
Major Scott. It approached Hurreeke on the sth, when twelve
howitzers were detached by the Commander-in-Chief instead of
pushing on, as was expected, to the Governor-General at Ferozepore.
Colonel Wheeler's brigade took up a position near the village of Sun-
nait, six miles from Loodianah. He had under his command a power-
ful force, consisting of the Ist Light, and 4th Irregular Cavalry,
H.M. 50th, the 24th, 30th, 36th, and 48th N. 1., the whole Sheka-
watts brigade, with four home artillery guns—in all probably about
8,000 men. On the 3i, tour days afttr the battle of Aliwal, the force
under General Sir Harry Smith marched from Boondrie towards
Durrumkote, and made arrangements to rejoin the head-quarters of
the Commander-in-Chief at Hurreeke Ghat. Here the enemy co, ued
to maintain themselves in force. Their principal position was right in
front of us, on our side of the river; it was strongly fortified, armed
with 70 pieces of artillery, and defended by above 30,000 well-discip-
lined troops. A large body of men lay encamped on the opposite side—a
well-constructed bridge of boats maintaining the communication be-
twixt them. Sir Harry Smith joined the Commander-iu-Chief on
the Bth, and arrangements were immediately made tor an attack on
the enemy. So obstinately were the Suns defended, and so apt to be
made use of if recovered for a moment, that two men of each com-
pany, exempted from all ether duty, were detached from the
European regiments, and provided with spikes to tam into the vents.
The pontoon bridge at Khoonda Ghat, Ferozepore, was in readiness
to be used at a moment's warning, when our troops were prepared
to cross.

Let us now turn to the state of matters at Lahore, where, amidst
cruelty, perfidy, and falsehood, a stern and courageous determina-
tion not to yield to force of arms continued to manifest itself. The
Queen-Mother maintained a restless and eneasy potation, unable to
see her way, or to control her vassal chiefs. She had learned that a
conspiracy had been matured by Goolab Singh to depose her and the
infant Maharaja Dhulieep single, and throw them into prison. This
was to be carried into execution on the return of the army from
Ferozepore, where success against us was considered certain. The
descendants of Shere Singh were to be placed upon the throne —the
mountain chief exercising all substantial power, and entrusting with
authority such Sirdars as might be subservient to his will. To
counteract this scheme the Queen invited Goolab Singh on his arrival
to occupy the residence of the late Divan Singh ; she intended to
have him and the sons of Sbere Siugh murdered. The Raja de-
clined ; the other persons became aware of their danger, aid escaped.
Goole) Singh is understoed about this time to have salt messengers
with a view to negotiatfou with the Governor-General—hopiug
to cover his designs, or, in case of a reverse, obtain separate
terms for himself. Ile declined to have the customary salute fired
on his arrival at the capital. On the 30th—tile day of the battle of
Aliwal—he appsared at Court, and stated that be was ready to un-
dertake any duty her Majesty might assign him. He wits offered
money and ammunition, and recommennded to proceed to camp ;
but replied that he had brought: abundance of both with him, which
would be at the disposal of Government. He wished to fight the
British with his own hill men, and declined being mixed up with
the Seikhs, on whose courage no reliance could be placed. His
own troops anti personal attendants numbered about twelve
thousand, with ten pieces of artillery. The conference ended in
nothing. The same evening tidings reached of the victory of
Sir Harry Smith, and strong detachments were immediately ordered
from Lahore to succour their defeated brethren, and reiniarce the
comp at Hurreeke. The following day the Queen in her helpless.
ness was induced, notwithstanding all that hed occurred, to nomi-
nate Goolae Singh Vuzzcer, or Prime Minister. On the 2(1 February
a report was circulated that the Seikhs had retrieved the disaster
of the 30th, beaten the British, and recovered a portion of their
guns, and as the man by whom the tidings was brought
was handsomely rewarded for his pains, other bearers
of intelligence equally flattering and fallacious made
their appearance in &bundle ce. In two days more an
intimation from the defeated General Rugnoor Singh re-
vealed the full amount of their daasters two thousand men out of
24,000 who had been engaged, was all he had been able to collect
or keep together, and these were without money, arms, ammu-
nition, or food—their whole artillery were in the hands of the
victors. Information soon after arrived, that so disheartened
was the grand army under Tej Singh by the disaster expe-
rienced by their brethren that it would be difficult to get
them to, fight unless Goolab Singh showed himself in
camp. Evil tidings had arrived from the Indus ; a rebellious
chief, at the head of 3,000 men, was ravaging the Dhejarat, and
troops were ordered from the remote province of Cashmere to assist
the forces of Government likely to be overcome. It soon after ap-
peared that the rebels had taken six guns from the Khalsa forces, for
which they were far more than a match. On the 4th of February it
was agreed that the nritish Government should be openly and formally
applied to—that it should be intimated that the troops repented them
of what theyhad done, and were most anxious for an amicable arrange-
ment of differences. To induce the Governor-General to treat with
them by a formidable display of streng t h still remaining,every effort was
made to get mere troops sent to camp, and to draw on the far north-
west, on Attock and Peshawur, for reinforcements to guard Lahore.
The Wuzeer continued to wait with anxiety the return of his am-
bassadors. Urged to proceed to camp, he persisted in continuing
at Lahore, pleading that his departure would be a signal for a
rising in the capital. The Governor-General is understood to
have declined all separate arrangements, and spurned the idea
of cessation of hostilities. Tidings reached about this time of
the assemblage of a large force under Sir Charles Napier on
the lower Sutiej ; and the di fection of the Moolte.n Chief
who offered at once to submit and hold his dominions on the same
terms under the British as he had done under the Selkh Government.
This must have crowned the gloomy foreboding at the capital About
the Bth February every effort was being made for the fortification
and defence of Lahore.
Raving given a short outline of the state of affairs in the Balkh
capital up to the Bth February we must once more revert to the
operations of the British army, brought down to the junction of Sir
Harry Smith on the day just indicated, and ready to give battle to
the enemy.
The works had been repeatedly surveyed. They consisted of
formidable entrenchments defended by not fewer than 30,000 men
and seventy pieces of artillery. The fortifications had been most
ski fully constructed under Colonel Don Hurbon de Alcantara, a
Spanish engineer. There was a double line of batteries srraaged in
a semacirculstr form, high ramparts, and deep and wide ditches with
holes and banks ; a triple line of defences of earth and plank, such
as a rifle ball could hardly enter, with fascines, redoubts and
epaulements, appeared to defy the efforts of our troops. Imme-
diately within they were, as in the comp at Ferozeshah, plercati
with loaded mines, and everything arranged which skill could
plan or perseverance carry out during the four weeks they had
occupied their pesition. A considerable force remained on the other
side, with guns so placed as to command and flank the position on
this. The arrangements in contemplation had been submitted to the
Governor-General by the Commander-in-Chies, and met his hearty
approval. Two picquets in front of Kodeewallah and the little
Sobraon, occupied by the enemy in force during the day only,
were ordered to be taken possession uf en the night of the 9.11,
and, though pine misconception and delay occurred, by daylight
in the menthe; of the loth they were in our hands. The
batterine, and fleet artillery were placed In a semicircle, em-
bracing within its fire the position of the Seikhs. The cannonade
which was incest to have commenced at daybreak was delayed till
the rays of the sun bad Mimetic-4 t!le- heavy miut which,Jaanginicovor
the river and the plain, rendered distant ()ejects obscure. Two bri-
gades under Sir It. Dick meanwhile waited on the margin of the
Sutiej to commence the attack on the enemy's right. The 7th or
istacy'm Brigade, comprising her Majesty's 5001 and 53d, led on,
supported at a distance of two hundred yard!' by the 6th under
Colonel elsilkinsen ; the sth under Colonel A shburnham, forming
the Ecrserve, was to advance from the entrenched village of
Keodewalla, leaving one regiment betel-el, if necessary for its
defence. General (filbert's division, constitutes; the centre,
Was deployed for support or attack. lie right resting on the village of
the little Stobraon, which it partly occupied. On the lett, near the
village of Guttale with its reset thrown out towards the river, was
General Sir Barry Smith's divisisn. The cavalry, ender Colonel
Cureton, feigned an attack on the ford at liurreekeeethreatening the
Seikh horse on the other side. In the rear, between General Gilbert's
right and Sir H. Smith's left, Brigadier Campbell occupied a position
capable of protecting both. Sir Joseph Thackwell, with Brigailler
Scott, belt the remainder of the cavalry in reserve on the left,
ready to act as circumstances might demand. At three
1.. M., the troops advanced to their respective stations, as
just described. At daybreak the light field batteries and a brigade
of howitzers opened. By half-past six the whole fire of our artillery
was developed. Round shot, shells, and rockets followed each other
with fearful celerity, and the frequent explosion of ammunition
waggons in the enemy's camp showed with what precision they
were aimed. At first a few horsemen showed themselves recon-
noitring and directing the removal of the baggage across tbe river by
the bridge. Our infantry lay facing the works within cannot)
range but under cover. The enemy at first scarcely seemed
aware of our position, the columns having taken up their
ground under night, but were quickly seen lining the
whole of their works as they saw themselves surrounded. In an in-
stant every gun was opened upon us from a common centre, and the
fire became tremendous. Our guns were of formidable calibre, were
admirably served, and pointed with the utmost precision ; but the
Seikhs' position was so formidable, and their cannon so numerous,
that it was feared that by cannonade alone it was in vain to hope
to carry the day in any reasonable time ; and it was determined to
bring the issue to the arbitretnent of musket and bayonet.
The attack in conformity with this determination was com-
menced at nine o'clock ; whets Colonel Stacey's brigade, supported
by Colonel Lane's horse artillery and Captains Hereford's and For-
dyce's foot batteries, advanced steadily in line towards the enemy's
works. The infantry under Stacey, supported by Wilkinson's bilged:,
moved on steadily and coolly, hal dug when necessary to correct any
imperfections in their line. Above twelve hundred yards of deepteand
had to be traversed. The artillery went on at a gallop, taking up a suc-
cession of positions until within 300 yards of the enemy. The simulta-
neous roar of one hundred and twenty pieces of ordnance now resounded
along the sutiej ; the slaughter was terrible ; and so hot was the fire
Of musketry, camel-swivels, and cannon, that it seemed for a mo-
ment impossible that the entrenchments should be won. On our
soldiers went, under a storm of grape and musketry now opening on
them from the opposite side and focus of the entrenched position. A
shout, a tun, and a fire, hail no effect : the heaviness of the ground
Over which they had passed had fagged the men. The Seikhs saw
their danger, but, confident in the power of their guns, and Impreg-
nability of their position, stood firm and fought bravely. The
enemy's cavalry, ordered to the 3 carve, was now seen preparing
for the charge. A square was formed; the gallant sepoys coolly
closed in on their own centre; the enemy's horse took warning and
withdrew. In a momeet the line was reformed and time troops
advancing, but not a man had as yet passed the entrenchments.
The Seikhs showed signs of wuvering, as they yaw our column
slowly and undismayed move on. One frightful effort more and the
outworks were our own. Her Majesty's 10th Foot, under Colonel
Franks. charged without firing a sloe, till within the intrenchments of
the enemy; the 53d came nex ; the Sepoys of the 43d and 59th
emulated the IiUrJPCSITIS in coolness and determination: The btigade
of Colonel Ashburnham now came to the support of that of Colonel
Stacey. Generals Gilbert and Sir H. Smith threw out their light
troupe, aided by the artillery, to threaten the other Wortions of the
intrenchments. The Seikhs attempted to throw t e whole force
within their camp upon the two brigades which had entered, and the
battle raged with terrific fury all along from right to left. Our heavy
guns had first been directed to the right, when their fire required to be
gradually suspended. The Seikhs strove with indomitable fury to
recover, sword In hand, the positions from which they had
been driven at the bayonet's point; tier was it till the weight of the
three divisions of infantry, and the fire of every piece of artillery
belonging to our army, had beets felt, and the cavalry under Sr
Joseph Thackwell had its single file beret through the openings male
by tile sappers its the intren Innents, reformed and charged en the
(eller side, that the victory was won. The 3d Dragoons overcame
every obstacle, galloped over and cut down the men still sending by
their guns, and the victors pressed closely upon the enemy on every
side. Now their fire first began to slacken, and then ceased. Regi-
ment sfter regiment moved steadily down, and tearful collies nf nine-
ketry were poured In on tile retiring Me. The few parties first
retiring were followed by vast masses making for the bride.
Thousands betook themselves to tile river, which a sudden rise had
just rendered unleidable. The bridge, meanwhile, had partiatly
sunk, and was totally inadequate for the conveyance of the multi,
tudos pressing towards it. This battle had begust at six, it was over
at eleven o'clock; the baud to hand comiett coleus:l-steed at nine, fine
lasted scarcely two hour,. The river was full of sluicing teem For
two hours volley after volley was poured in upon the liftmen mese
the stream beteg literally red with blows, and covered with the
bodies of the shin. At last the musket areuitinition ite-
m:sing exbaustal, the infantry fell to the rear; the horse
artillery plying grape till net a man was visible within
range. No compassion was felt, or mercy shown; not only
had our own loss :seen excessively severe, but ti e enemy,
during the earlier portion of time day, had mutilated or mur-
deress every wounded man that fell into their !lanes. The ee Ott
and order with winch the enemy retired, notwithstanding the svoc
beta! made aeuingst their rinks, was remarkable. Their columns
moved out of range of our fire on reaching the turther heists of the
river, and pitched their tents--sent acres at an early part of the ac-
tion. Three or four heavy gulls which had, in the courses of the fight,
occasionally played upon us from thee to time, saluted the camp
fol-
lowers engaged in collecting the spoil. The bridge was partly,
partly sunk, end latterle destroyed by the engineers; the tamp was
in several places set tire to by stragelers, increasing the horror of the
ao had that slat- useintainal
scene of carnage. GI 11,000 men "
se Kota but so itnavailing a tight agairet us, more than one
half must have been killed or wounded ; nu fewer than ten thousand
are believed to have perished. „Siete -seven guns, with upwards of
two hundred formidable camel-swivels, numerous standards and
munitions of war, fell into our hands. In an engagement so bloody
and obstinate—even though of brief daratifiA—the loss of the assail-
ants could not but be severe. Our total casualties =tainted to
2,383. Of these 13 European officers were killed-101 wounded ;
303 rank and file were killed, aid 1,913 wounded. Amongst the
slain were_ the gallant veneran eiajor-General Sir R. leek end
Lieut.-Cols. C. C. Tayler and Ryan. The Governor-General through-
out seem, to have been in tee thickest of the fight; he does not
seem to have exercised a separate command.
After so much of repose as the fatigues of such an eegagemeet de-
manded, the victorious army, undo r the Commander-in-Chief, pre-
pared to march towards Ferozepore, to be united with that command
by tile Governor-General, ready to enter the Punjaub. The funbas-
sacio:s of Goolab Singh, immediately after the victory, were ad-
mitted to an interview with the Governor-General, which before
had been denied them. At no time had so much anxiety to treat
with him been manifested--it was not likely to have been mere .sed
by anything that had occurred. This disconsolate messengers re-
turned on the Ilth to their master, to tell him that a British force
was now on the Lahore side of the Sutlej, ready, without delay, to
move upon the capital. The moment tidings were received of the
victory at Sobraon, preparations for crossing the river without
delay were completed. On the night of the 10th and morning of the
Pith two brigades of infantry and one of cavalry, with a considerable
body of artillery, bail crossed. The Governor General appears to
have immedlatelypushed on with the leading division : he was at
Kussoor, twenty mites in advance, and thirty-two from Lahere, on
the 14th. Other troops wore renewing feet (WPM 444 17 tla date

just given every man intended for the advance to Lahore was within
the selkh boundary. G olab e,ingh was stated to have intimated
that he was on his way to camp: the Lancers had gone
out to escort him in. Brigadier Wheeler cr. seed from
Umballa on the 17th, and captured rhallour on th- day
following without resistance- the Seikh army having fled without
fighting. This is the latest intelligence, thought not the most Im-
portant, we have receirei. On the 14th the Governor-General
published on•: of the most 'important procis.mations for half a cen-
tury issued by any ruler in India- not so much as intimating a
fact as indicating a principle—that the operation of " the law
of expansion and force of circumstances," under whose ima
glued influence we have, in indulging the lust of territorial
aggrandisement, so often committed grievious wrong, was no
longer recognised. The Seikh army having been chastised
and humbled, is to bo deprived of all power of annoyance ; the
expenses of the war must be met by those who have provoked
it ; till this is seen to, and a strong and suitable Government be es-
tablished at Lahore, our troops will continue to occupy the country,
and then be withdrawn The provinces, bill and plain, betwixt the
Butlej and Bees, s alone to be appropriated, their revenues forming
a portion of the indemnity required. A line of policy so strikingly
contrasted with that we have for ten years pursued-so novel and
so unexpected, is likely to be keenly canvassed at home. The ve-
teran who now rules over us has shown that a ruler may in India
dare to be peacelul and just, and fear not. His measures have fully
exemplified the advice of the Great Duke, to avoid a' little war ' "