The Sun.
London, England, 1846-03-26 00:00:00

tion has been rebuked by a splendid victory obtained over
him. He has not only been repulsed by the Major-General,
but his camp at Aliwal carried by storm, the whole of his
cu.an6u:, and of NV 4r captured, and his army driven
headlong across the Sutlej, even on the right bank of which
fsiinid no refuge from the fire of our artillery.
I have the honour now to forward the Major-General's
report, which has just reached me. It is so ample and lumi-
nous that I might perhaps have spared some of the details
into which admiration of the Major-General's conduct, and
of the brave army confided to him, in these operations, has
led me.
It now remains for me only to congratulate you, Right
Hon. Sir, and the Government of India, on the brilliant suc-
cess which, under Divine Providence, the Major-General has
achieved, and to record my opinion, that, throughout these
arduous and important operations, le has displayed all the
qualities of an able commander. Most strongly, and most
earnestly at the same time, I beg to bring to your notice, and
to that of his Grace the Duke of Wellington, and the Hon.
the Court of Directors, the officers and corps on whom he
has so justly bestowed his coinmendations.

_ _
--------
TO THE ADJUTANV-GENERAL OF THE ARMY.
Camp, Field of the Battle cf Aliwal, Jan. 30, 1846.
Sir,-11.1y dispatch to his Excellency the Goinmender-in-
Chief of the 23d instant will have put his Excellency in pos-
session of the position of the force under my command after
having formed a junction with the troops at Loodianah,
hemmed in by a formidable body of the Seikh army under
Runjoor Singh, and the Raja of Ladwa. The enemy
strongly entrenched himself around the little fort of Bud-
dawnl by breastworks and " abattis," which he precipitately
abandoned on the night of the 22d instant (retiring. as it
were, upon the ford of Tulwun), having ordered all the boats
which were opposite Philour to that Ghat. This movement
he effected during the night, end, by making a considerable
detour, placed himself at a distance of ten miles, and con-
sequently out of my reach. I could, therefore, only push for-
ward my cavalry so soon as I hsd ascertained he had marched
during the night, and I occupied immediately his vacated
position. It appeared subsequently he had. no intention of
re-crossing the Sutlej, but moved down to the Ghat of
Tulwun (being cut off from that of Philour by the position
my force occupied after its relief of Loodianah), for the pur-
pose of protecting the passage of a very considerable re-
inforcement of twelve guns and 4,000 of the Regular or
Aieen Troops, called Avitabile's Battalion, entrenching him-
self strongly in a semicircle, his flanks resting on the river,
his position covered with from 40 to 50 guns (generally of
large calibre), howitzers and mortars. 'I he reinforcehient
crossed during the night of the 27th instant, and encamped
- _

to the right of the main
Meanwhile his Excellency the Comminder-in-Chief, with
that foresight and judgment which marks the able . general,
had reinforced me by a cons'derable addition to my cavalry,
some guns, and the 2d Brigade of my own division under
Brigadier Wheeler, C.B. This reinforcement reached me on
the 26th, and I had intended the next morning to move upon
the enemy in his entrenchments, but the troops required one
day's rest after the long marches Brigadier Wheeler

hail made.
I have now the honour to lay before you the operations of
my united forces on the morning of the eventful 28th Jan•
nary, for his Excellency's information. The body of troops
under my command having been increased, it became neces-
sary so to organize and brigade them as to render them man-
ageable in action. The cavalry under the command of Bri-
gadier Curetcn, and horse artillery ender Major Lawrenson,
were put into two brigades; the one under Brigadier Mac-
dowel, C. 8., and the other under Brigadier Stedman. The
Ist division as it stood, two brigades; her Majesty's 53d
and 30th Native Infantry, under Brigadier Wilson of the
latter corps ; the 36th Native Infantry and Nusseree Bat-
talion, under Brigadier Godby •, and the Shekawattee
Brigade, under Major Forster. The Sirmoor Battalion I at-
tached to Brigadier Wheeler's brigade of the Ist division,
the 42d Native Infantry having been left at head-

quarters.
At daylight on the 23th my order of advance was, the
cavalry in front, in contiguous columns of squadrons of regi-
ments; two troops of Horse Artillery in the interval of bri-
gades; the , infantry in contiguous columns of brigades,
at intervals of deploying distance; artillery in the intervals,
followed by two eight-inch howitzers on travelling carriages
brought into the field .from the fort of Loodianah by the in-
defatigable exertions of Lieutenant-Colonel Lane, Horse
Artillery ; Brigadier Godby's brigade, which I. had marched
out from Loodianah the previous evening, on the right, the
Shekawattee Infantry on the left, the 4th Irregular Cavalry
and the Shekawattee Cavalry considerably to the right, for
the purpose of sweeping the banks of the. wet mullah on my
right, and preventing any of the enemy's horse attempting
au inroad towards Loodianah, or any attempt upon the bag-
gage aesembled round the fort of Buddawul.
Ise this order the troops moved forward towards the
enemy, a distance of six miles, the advance conducted
by Captain Waugh, 16th Lancers, the Deputy-Assistant
Quartermaster of Cavalry ; Major Bradford, of the let Ca-
valry ; and Lieutenant Strachey, of the Engineers, who had
been jointly employed in the conduct of patrols up to the
enemy's position, and for the purpose of reporting upon the
facility and points of approach. Previously to the march
of the troops it had been intimated to me be, Major Macke-
son that the information by spies led to the belief the enemy
would move somewhere-at day-light, either on Jugraon, rrty
position of Buddawul, or Loodianah. On a near approach to
his outposts this ruieour was confirmed by a spy, who had
just left his camp, saying the Seikh army was actually in
march towards Jugraon. My advance was steady, my troops'
well in hand, and if ho had anticipated me on the augraon
road, I could have fallen upon his centre with advantage.
From the tops of the houses of the village of Poorein I had
a distant view of the enemy. He was in motion, and ap-
peared directly opposite my front on a ridge, of which the
village of Aliwal may be regarded as the centre. His left ap-
peared still to occupy its ground in the circular entrenchment;
his right was brought forward andoccupied the ridge. I imme-
diately deployed the cavalry into line, and moved on. As I
neared the enemy, the ground became most favourable for
the troops to manoeuvre, being open and hard grass land.
I ordered the cavalry to take ground to the right and
left by brigades, thus displaying the heads of the infantry
columns, and as they reached the hard ground I directed them
to deploy into line. Brigadier Godby's brigade was in
direct echellon to the rear of the right, the Sheka-
wattee Infantry in like manner to the rear of my left,
the cavalry in direct echellon on, and well to the rear
of ;both flanks of the infantry. The artillery massed on
the right, the centre, and left. After deployment I ob-
served the enemy's b. ft to outflank me, I therefore broke
into open columns and took ground to my right : when I
had gained sufficient ground, the troops wheeled into line,
there was no dust, the sun shone so brightly. The manoeuvres
were performed with the celerity and precision of the
Most correct field day. The glistening of the bayonets and
swords of this order of battle was most imposing, and the
line advanced. Scarcely had it moved forwards 150 yards,
when at 10 o'clock the enemy opened a fierce cannonade
from his whole line. At first his balls fell short, but quickly
reached us. Thus upon him, and capable of better ascer-
taining his position, I was compelled to halt the line, though
under fire, for a few momenta, until I ascertained that by
bringing up my right and carrying the village of Aliwal I
could with great effect precipitate myself upen his left and
centre. I therefore quickly brought up Brigadier Godby's
brigade, and with it and the Ist brigade under Brigadier
Hicks, made a rapid and noble charge, carried the village and
two guns of large calibre. The line I ordered to advance—
her Majesty's 31st Foot and the native regiments
The contendibadng
for the front, and the battle became general. enemy
a numerous body of cavalry on the heights to his left, and I
ordered Brigadier Cureton to bring up the right brigade of
cavalry, who, in the most gallant manner, dashed in among
them, and drove them back upon their infantry. Meanwhile
a second gallant charge to my right was made by the Light
Cavalry and the Body Guard. The Sbekawattee Brigade
was moved well to the right, in support of Brigadier Cure-
ton. When I observed the enemy's encampment, and saw it
was full of infantry, I immediately brought upon it Briga-
dier Godby's brigade, by changing front, and taking the
enemy's infantry en reverse. They drove them before them,
and took some guns without a check.
While these operations were going on upon the right, and
the enemy's left flank was thus driven back, I occasionally
observed the brigade under Brigadier Wheeler, an officer in
whom I had the greatest confidence, charging and carrying
guns and everything before it, again connecting his line and
moving on in a manner which ably displayed the
coolness of the brigadier and the gallantry of his irresistible
brigade—her Majesty's 50th Foot, the 48th Native Infantry,
and the Sirmoor Battalion, although the loss was, I regret to
say, severe in the 50th. Upon the left, Brigadier Wilson,
with her Majesty's 53d and 30th Native Infantry, equalled
in celerity and regularity their comrades on the right, and
this brigade was opposed to the " Aieen" troops, called Avi-
tabilcs, when the fight was fiercely raging.
The enemy, well driven back on his left and centre, endea-
voured to bold his right to cover the passage of the river,
and he strongly occupied the village of Bhoondee. I directed
a squadron of the 16th Lancers, under Major Smith and
Captain Pearson, to charge a body to the right of the village,
etich they did in the mo-it gallant and determined style,
bearing everything before them, as a squadron, under
Captain Bere, had previously done, going right through
a square of infantry, wheeling about and re-entering the
square in the most intrepid manner with the deadly lance.
This charge was accompanied by the 3d Light Cav They
,
under Major Angelo, and as gallantly sustained.
largest gun upon the field and seven others were then cap-
tured, while the 53d Regiment carried the village by the
bayonet, and the 30th N. I. wheeled round to the rear in a
most spirited manner. Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander's and
Captain Turton's troops of horse artillery, under Major
Laverenson dashed almost among the flying infantry, com-
mitting great havoc, until about 800 or 1,000 men rallied
under the high bank of a Nullah and, orened a heavy but in-
effectual fire from below the bank. immediately directed
the 30th Native Infantry to charge them, which they were
able to do upon their left flank, while in a line in rear of the
village. This native corps nobly obeyed my orders, and
rushed among the Avitabile troops, driving them from under
the bank, and exposing them once more to the deadly fire of
12 guns within 300 yards. The destruction was very great,
as may be supposed by guns served as these were. Her Ma-
jesty's 53d Regiment moved forward in support
of the 30th Native Infantry by the right of the
village. The battle was won, our troops advancing
with the most perfect order to the common focus, the pas-
sage of the river. The enemy, completely hemmed in, were
flying from our fire, and precipitating themselves in disor-
dered masses into the ford and boats, in the utmost confusion
and consternation. Our 8-inch howitzers soon began to play
upon their boats, when the debris of the Seikh army ap
peared upon the opposite and high bank of the river, flying
in every direction, although a sort of line was attempted to
countenance their retreat, until all our guns commenced a
furious cannonade, when they quickly receded. Nine guns
were
ee
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rebtlehehoreueenpdregiovotnueofi reo
quicksands;
iosry)
vaeannetlhrdvseita,;.hnef
the ford.
ctgewo.
These, appears b
ea
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ot
out. Two
were
Twodothersra dragged
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morewere
the opposite bank and abandoned. These, and the one in the
middle of the river, were gallantly spiked by Lieutenant
Holmes, of the 11th Irregular Cavalry, and Gunner Scott, of
the 14 troop 2d brigade Horse Artillery, who rode into the
stream. and crossed for the purpose, covered by our guns and
Light Infitery.
Thus ended the battle of Aliwal, one of the most glorious
victories ever achieved in India. By the united efforts of her
Majesty's and the Hon. Company% troops, every gun the
enemy had fell into our hands, as I infer from his never open-
ing one upon us from the opposite bank of the river, which
is high, and favourable for the purpose. Fifty- two guns are
now in the Ordnance Park, two sank in the bed of the Sutlej,
awl two were spiked on the opposite bank—making a total
of 56 pieces of cannon captured or destroyed.* Many Jir.-
jails which were attached to Avitabile's corps, and which
aided in the defence of the village of Bhoondee, have also
been taken. The whole army of the enemy has been driven
headlong over the difficult ford of' a broad river , his camp,
baggAge, stores of ammunition and of grain—his all, in fact—
wrested from him by the repeated charges of cavalry and
infantry, aided by the guns of Alexander, Turton, Lane, Mill,
Boileau, and of the Shekawa.ttee Brigade, and by the 8-inch
howitzers—our gns u literally being constantly ahead of
everything. The determined bravery of all was as con-
spicuous as noble. I am unwont to praise when praise is not
merited, and I here most avowedly express my firin opinion and
conviction that no troops in any battle on record ever behaved
more nobly. British and Native (no distinction) Cavalry all

Eleven guns since ascertainen to be sunk in the river, total 137 ;
39 odd JinjaUs fell Into our bands.

vying with her Majesty's 16th Lancers, and striving to
head in the repeated charges. Our guns and gunners, officers
and men, may he equalled, but cannot be excelled, by any
artillery in the world. Throughout the day no hesitation, a
bold and intrepid advance; and thus it is that our loss is com-
paratively small, though I deeply regret to say severe. The
enemy fought with much resolution ; they maintained
frequent rencontres with our cavalry hand to hand. In one
clearge of infantry upon her Majesty's 16th Lancere, they
threw away their muskets, and came on with their swords and
targets against the lance.
Having thus done justice, and justice alone, to the gallant
troops his Excellency intrusted to my command, I would
gladly, if the limits of a dispatch (already too much length-
ened I fear,) permitted me, do that justice to individuals
all deserve. This cannot be, therefore must I confine my-
self to mention those officers whose continued services,
experience, and standing, placed them in conspicuous com-
mands. In Brigadier Wheeler, my second in command; I
had a support I could rely on with every confidence, and
molt gallantly did he head his brigade. From Brigadiers
. Wilson, Godby, and Hicke, I had also every support, and
every cause to be graified with their exertions. In Bri-
gadier Cureton, her Majesty has one of those officers rarely
met with—the cool experience of the veteran soldier is come
Weed with youthful activity. His knowledge of outpost duty,
and the able manner he handles his cavalry under the
heaviest fire, rank him among the first cavalry officers of
the age, and I beg td thaw his Excellency's marked atten-
tion to this honest encomium. In Major Lawrenson, con.
minding the artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander, Cap-
tain Turton, and Lieutenant-Colonel Lane, the service has
officers of the very first order ; and 1 am equally satisfied
with Captain Boileau, in command of the 9-pounder battery,
and with Lieutenat Mill, in charge of four light guns. The
two 8-inch howitzers did right good service, organized,
equipped, and brought into the field by the exertions and
determination to overcome all difficulties, of Lieutenant-
Colonel Lane, equally well served and brought forward
always with the infantry by Lieutenant Austin.
To Brigadiers Macdowel and Stedman, commanding their
gallant brigades of cavalry, the fortune of the day is greatly
indebted, and to all commanding officers of cavalry and in-
fantry my warmest thanks are due—to Major Smith, com-
manding her Majesty's 16th Lancers, who was wounded; to
Major Bradford, of the Ist Light. Cavalry; to Major Angelo,
of the 3d Light Cavalry; to Major Alexander, of the sth
Light Cavalry; to Captain Hill, of the 4th Irregular Cavalry ;
to Major Forster, of the Shekawattee Brigade ; and to Capt.
Quin, of the Body Guard; to Lieut.-Colonel Spence, com-
manding her Majesty's 31st Foot; to Major Bird, of the 24th
Native Infantry ; to Captain Corfield, of the 47th Native In-
fantry; to Lieut.-Colonel Ryan, ILK, of her Majesty's 50th
Regiment ; to Captain Troup, f the 48th Native Infantry ;
to Captain Fisher, of the Sirmoor Battalion ; to Lieut.- Colonel
Philips, of her ajesty's 53d Foot ;to Captain Jack, of the
30th Native Infantry ; to Captain Fleming, of the 36th
Native Infantry; and to Brigadier Penny, of the Nusseeree
Battalion.
His Excellency having witnessed the glorious services of
her Majesty's 31st and 50th Regiments, and of the 24th, 47th
and 48th Native Infantry, I have only to report upon her
Majesty's 53d, g young regiment, bat veterans in daring
gallantry and regularity ; and Lieut.-Colonel Phillips's
bravery and coolness attracted the attention of myself and
every staff officer I sent to him. The 30th and 36th Regi-
ments N. I. are an honour to any service, and the intrepid
little Goorkhas of the Nusseree and Sirmoor battalions in
bravery and obedience can be exceeded by none. I much
regretted I had no brigade to give Brigadier Penny, whe is
in orders for one as his Excellency is aware. I can only say,
therefore, that when he gets his brigade, if he leads it as he
did his gallant band of Goorkhas, it will be inferior to none.
Theservices of her Majesty's 16th Lancers his Excel-
lency has witnessed on a former occasion, and the exalted
character of this regiment is equally before him. The Ist
and 3d Light Cavalry and the Bth Irregulars I believe he
has not seen in action, and it is my duty therefore joy-
fully to report the manner they contended for the glorious
prize of victory in the many charges they this day delivered ;
and it will be equally gratifying, when I assure his Excel-
lency the body guard under Captain Quin, and the sth Light
Cavalry, well did their duty. The Shekawattee Brigade, un-
der Major Forster, is steady, obedient, and well appointed;
artillery, horse, and infantry, each arm striving to distinguish
itself' in the field.
Captain Mathias, of her Majesty's 62d, in charge of a de-
tachment of convalescents of her Majesty's service, and Lieut.
Hebbert, of the Hon. Company's Sappers and Miners, readily
performed the duty assigned them in the protecting the
8-inch howitzers,
To Captain Lugard, the Assistant Adjutant-General of this
force, I am deeply indebted, and the service still more so; a
more cool, intrepid, and trustworthy officer cannot be brought
forward; and I may say the same with great sincerity of
Lieut. Galloway, the Deputy-Assistant Quarter-Master-
General of the Ist Division. Captain Waugh, of the 16th
Lancers, Deputy-Assistant Quarter-Master General to the
Cavalry, is an officer of no ordinary abilities, and the manner
in which he and Major Bradford, of the first Light Cavalry,
daily patrolled, reconnoitred, and made themselves acquaint-
ed with the position of the enemy, mainly contributed to the
glorious result.
The Brigadiers all speak in high terms of their Majors of
Brigade—Captain °Manion, of the Ist Brigade, who was
wounded in the action, and replaced by Captain Palmer, of
the 48th Native Infantry; Captain Garnock, of her Majesty's
31st Foot, of the 2d brigade; Captain Loftie, 30th Native In-
fantry, of the 3d brigade; Lieutenant Vanrenan, of the 4th
brigade; Lieutenant Pattinson, of her Majesty's 16th Lan-
cers, of the Ist brigade of Cavalry; and Captre!re Campbell,
of the Ist Light Cavalry, of the 2d brigade.
Of the services of Lieutenant A. W. C. Plowden, 3d Light
Cavalry, Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General, and my Aide-
de-Camp Lieutenant Holdich, and of Lieutenant Tombs of
the Artillery, my Acting Aide-de-Camp, I am fully sensible,
and with the manner which they aided me in carrying orders
lam much satisfied. Lieutenant Strachey and Baird Smith,
of the Engineers, greatly contributed to the completion of
my plans and arrangements, and were ever ready to act in
any capacity ; they are two most promising and gallant
officers.
I have every reason to be satisfied with the commissariat
arrangements under Captains Mainwaring and Williamson.
Owing to thejudicious arrangements of Dr. Murray, Field-
Surgeon, every wounded officer and soldier was placed under
cover, and piovided for soon after dark ; and to the zeal dis-
played by this able and persevering medical officer, and to
the several regimental surgeons, are the wotinded and our
country deeply indebted. The whole of the 'wounded were
moved yesterday to Lo odianah, for the sake of accommoda-
tion and comforts which could not be given them in the field.
If not irregular, I beg you would lay before the Com-
mander-in-Chief, for submission to the Right Hon the Go-
vernor-General, my just sense of the valuable services of the
political officers associated with me—Major Mackeson,
Captain J. D. Cunningham. and Lieutenant Lake. For
the assistance I have received from them in their political
capacity, I feel most grateful. On the morning of the battle
each offered to aid me in his military capacity; fre-
quently did I employ them to carry orders to the thickest of
the fight; and frequently did they gallantly accompany
charges of cavalry.
The reports of the several brigadiers I inclose ; a return of
the officers cemmanding and second in command of regi-
ments; also a return of killed and wounded, a return of
ordnance captured and of ordnance stores; likewise a return
of commissariat stores, grain, &c.; and a rough sketch of the
field of battle of Aliwal.
The fort of Goongrana has, subsequently to the battle. been
evacuated, and I yesterday evening blew up the fort of
Buddawul. I shall now blow up that of Norpoor. A por-
tion of the peasantry, viz., the Seikhs, appear less friendly to
us, while the Musselmen rejoice in being under our govern-
ment.—l have, &c.,
(Signed) H. G. SMITH,
Major-General Commanding.
Camp, Field Battle of Aliwal, 30th January, 1846.
True copy. (Signed) P. GRANT, Major,
Deputy Adjutant-General of the Army.

Nominal Roll of Officers killed and wounded 21st January.
IST BRIGADE OF CAVALRY.
Her Majesty's 16th Lancers—Killed : Lieutenant H.
Swetenham and Cornet G. B. Williams. Wounded: Major
J. R. S:T4thl(severely), Lieutenants W. K. Orme (severely),
T. Pattle, and. M. Morriss.
4th Irregular Cavalry—Killed: Lieutenant and Adjutant
S mallp age.
2D BRIGADE OF CAVALRY.
Ist Regiment Light Cavalry—Wounded : Cornet W. J.
Beateon (slightly), and Cornet F. G. Farquhnr (mortally).
IST BRIGADE OF INFANTRY.
Her Majesty's 31st Foot—Wounded: Lieutenant Atty
(slightly).
24th 'Regiment Native Infantry—Wounded: Lieutenant
Scott.