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

refer their Lordships to it for flrther explanation. At
Ferozepore a junction was forned for the purpose of
uniting the forces, and when united they took the
enemy's entrenched camp. The effect of that junction
was apparent on the morning )f the 2 ist, and the po-
sition which we then occulted (whirl was about
half-past one) was, as far as he could
make out by the clispatcies, an oblong, and
which enabled us to entremh the enemy's camp.
It being still within three or four hours of daylight, it
was deemed advisable to make s Further attack when day
should appear; a wise and nco e proceeding, although
there may be, and I believe Pim are some, who con-
sidered it was rash to do so. The attack, in spite of all
difficulties, in spite of the great number of the enemy,
was determined on and made with vigour, and after a
severe conflict, a portion of the camp of the enemy was
taken, and his hopes of effectual resistance abandoned.
The darkness of the night rendered any further attack at
the instant impossible, but the work was only begun; it
was necessary to press forward, and it was determined in
the morning, as soon as day broke, that an attack should
be made. I need hardly say that the night was passed
in considerable anxiety, but they determined to maintain
their position, and follow up the success which they had
gained. During this bivouack the enemy made
an attack, but they were the first, and
immediately driven back. This was one of
the most gallant portions of the proceedings,
and it seemed to have paralysed the enemy, who con-
tented himself for the remainder of the night with a
distant cannonade. In the morning the troops at day-
break were again put in motion, and in half an hour
swept the whole line of the enemy's entrenchments, and
captured many of their guns. It was immense success,
particularly when you consider what their position was.
It was taken up, with regular'entrenchments formed and
the cannon fixed, some of which were so heavy that
the enemy considered themselves perfectly safe when
they got into the rear of them.' To recapture these
guns they made three several attempts, and they were
at length obliged to abandon the position, and left us in
possession of the field. They retreated to a village in
the rear of their entrenchments, but here they had no
position in a country perfectly fiat, from which they
were obliged to retreat across the Sutlej. Now, my
Lords, I believe that is a brief account of the transac-
tion, and I feel how truly inadequate I am to describe
the merits of those engaged in that great battle, for I
believe there never was an occasion in which British
valour and military skill was more remarkable.
In these desperate and hardly-fought engagements,
there were of course moments of t,t 41.01 luaptirtmum
when all the resources of a general are called for to
meet the emergency of the occasion, but of course there
were moments when the skill and the energy of the ge-
neral are most called upon, and when the general shows
himself worthy of the country and the man. My Lords,
there are some things personal with respect to the Go-
vernor-General, which, although he does not mention, I
believe it necessary to mention, as they not only concern
him, but because they happen to show the peculiar cha-
racter of the proceedings of that day, and because more-
over they indicate at the same time the invincible reso-
lution and untiring energy of the general and his men.
My Lords, the Governor-General was placed in a most
critical and dangerous position, during tke night of the
21st. When darkness had completely closed in, he had
ordered the four European regiments to lay down upon
the field, and in order to show them an example of the
advantage of cool self-possession and intrepidity, he went
with his companions in arms to lay for the night amongst
them. What, my Lords, must have been his feelings
when taking that position, and what must have
been the feelings of the men on this occasion,
whom he commanded, when they discovered
that their commander, and he found that his
men, were comrades in arms in the Peninsula. It was,
happily, unnecessary to rouse their courage in the com-
bat on the following day ; but still the influence must
have been considerable. In order to show the great
danger to which he was exposed, 1 have only to state
that during the succeeding day that every officer on his
staff was killed or wounded, with the exception of one.
The Governor-General, my Lords, had five officers in his
staff killed, the only exception was one from whom he
had received great assistance during that day ; this was
an aide-de-camp, a little boy only sixteen years of age,
his own son, who had only recently joined the army, and
was entirely ignorant of warlike movements, but who
was actuated by the noble intrepidity and excellent
example of his father, and was employed during the
whole of the day in conveying orders to different parts
of the field. I would not use any words on this topic,
for his father does not mention the circumstance, but I
thought it but right that this statement should be made
in justice to the boy, who may some day emulate the
high qualities of him by whom he was commanded.—
(Loud cheers.) The Governor-General had, at the same
time, the assistance of another son, who, although he
was not a military man, yet continued to render his
assistance throughout the engagement. He had
been originally intended for the army, but, in
consequence of a severe accident in his youth, he
was obliged to suffer an amputation of the foot,
and was, consequently, obliged to adopt some other
profession. That young man continued with his father
throughout the whole of the day, but the Governor-
General conceiving that he might distract his attention,
with a fatherly anxiety, and much against the young
man's inclination, had compelled him to retire.—(Loud
chgprs.) This, my Lords, is but a small portion of all
that the Governor-General had to go through, but it is
sufficient to give you an idea of the perils and anxieties
he had to endure. But, my Lords, we cannot too
highly estimate the vast advantages to our country by
the result of the battle. These advantages, however,
were not gained without very heavy loss: One of the
most distinguished men in that or any other field fell
nobly in the cause of his country. Who, my Lords,
does not know the character of Sir Robert Sale ? His
name is on the tongues of all, and who is it that did
not glory in the honours which were showered upon him
by a grateful country ? It is not only necessary that we
should take notice of his great actions, but it is our duty
to keep his fame imperishable in the annals of his
country. I may say of that distinguished man what
Lord Hutchinson said of Sir Ralph Abercrombie, that
the memory of his glory should be as a living mouu-
ment in the history of his country. There is another,
my Lords, who has fallen, and we must not forget how
highly he had been spoken of by Sir Hugh Gough. I
allude, my Lords, to our political agent, who fell
bravely in the field. He performed many actions
in his political capacity, with great service
to the Government of India. He was well acquainted
with the whole country and the feelings of the people,
and therefore he was most admirably qualified for the
c
position he had filled. But while performing his poli-
tical duties, he did not forget the duties oefohilsmilitsaariy•
Ifrtehevrreeert f in
forward whichwoas aonnyntehxiino
in the face of danger, even with this officer, it
was anythinggn
cbha h
y trahtec
at
wayet r.
h of g
e was ever
where his services were not called into action. Let us
look to the objects of the enemy, for it is by looking to
the objects of the parties that we shall be able to judge
rorthuranvitnhgegtialinnieddfrom possession of the
their allegi
of the important results. The object of the Seikhs was
to overrun the whole country, from the Sutlej to the
J country,um n a; andto attemptthen, afance, and in acquiescence with their plans, to coerce those
who might have felt it their duty to remain with us, and
eventually drive us with disgrace from our territories.
All these objects had failed. The objects of the British
troops had been to force them back, to beat them out of
the city of Ferozepore, to compel the doubtful to adhere
to their allegiance, to support and confirm those who
were friendly to them, and to show the enemy that they
would not be insulted and invaded with impunity. All
the objects of the Seikhs had failed—all their objects
had entirely succeeded. When they considered that in
the short space of three weeks their objects
had been attained when they considered the
combination of courage and exertion that
was necessary to gain these great bsetles—battles which
the Seikhs would-not be likely soon to forget, he thought
that these thanks were well claimed at their hands.
The Seikhs were a warlike people, but he (Lord Ripon)
entertained considerable doubts whether they were not
greatly averse to personal conflict ; but he thought at all
events they had received a lesson which they would not
easily forget; and they, in that country, had a right to
suppose that these victories had given that security to
the I'unjaub which it was of so much importance should
be maintained. He (Lord Ripon) hid been led to speak
personally and particularly of the Governor-General.
He had been led to do so, perhaps, from his intimate
' knowledge and he would add, his affectionate regard for
him ; and he might, perhaps, have, in consequnce,
passed over the gallant deeds of others. But he would
beer his willing testimony to the admirable spirit and
gallantry of that experienced and tried officer,
the Commander-in-Chief—(Hear, and loud cheers)—of
a man who had served his country under the great man
who sat next to him (Lord Ripon), who had fought the
best years of his life, he believed seventy, for his country,
who had served in most of the quarters of the world
with undoubted credit and high renown, and who do..
served well the honours with which her Majesty had
been pleased to reward his exertions. It was the duty
of Government, with all the means in its power, now that
the war was brought upon them—forced upon them—
it was the duty of the Government ,by every exertion
which they could make, to contribute to the success of
these operations. The Governor of Bombay, with infi-
nite activity, forwarded a considerable reinforcement of
British troops and artillery. He also held in reserve
two more regiments of cavalry, who were ready to serve
if required. Troops had been ordered from Poonah to join
the army upon the Sutlej,and every exertion had been made
by Sir J. Macmahon to give effect to these movements.
soldier'suntb,r the
ocnoifmormma,n command of r
When he moved the troops to Kurrachee they were
collected all the means at his disposal for the purpose
of bringing them to bear upon the point where they could
be most efficiently applied, and any one who knew Sir
Charles Napier must know what his military talents
were, and above all what was his talent of inspiring
Charles gallant
an
Napier.—(Cheers.) a
pihen as ever wore a
(Cheers.) He
unlimited confidence among those whom hp com-
manded, and should it he ;vie fate to take part in the
operations of the war, they wopld find the glories of
Meanee and Hyderabad revived in his person, and they
would again be called upon to return him their thanks
for his services. Evemything, continued the Noble Earl,
has been done, at least I hope so—everything that was
possible with the view of facilitating any niteripy opera-
tion. 13ut yen may dspend 141304.14 y `Lords, that
that which are propbseto you to do—to tender to these
gallant men your thanks—is not among the least efficient
modes of exciting their to future deeds of valour, and of
leading them to renew on other occasions those heroic
actions which have g ven impel-41)4We renown to our
arms. t is therofoA -with "these reelini4—conscious
how little worthy lan to' state questions of • this kind,
and to make militars operations intelligible to your
Lordshini—it is with these feelings, which I am sure
you will' respect, that I beg to mop the thanks of this
hone to those who hove been concerned in these great
battles' in 'the fell confidence that I shall have your
unanimous support ; and all those who are concerned,

and whom we are about to thank, will feel that they
are serving not an ungrateful country. The
Noble Earl then moved the resolutions, which
will be found in another column.

The Marquis of LANSDOWNE said, it must be the
opinion of their Lordships that such resolutions as
those proposed by the Noble Lord the President of the
Council, and such events as those resolutions were
founded on, ought not to pass without some observations
!rem other quarters. Although he (the Marquis of
Lansdowne) felt that the Noble Lord had done full
justice to the subject, it was grateful to his feelings to
state, that after perusing with the greatest attention the
documents which herMajesty'sGovernment had laid before
their Lordships, and also after examining the particular
terms of the resolutions founded thereon, and proposed
by the Noble Earl, he must give, in the sincerest manner,
his testimony in favour of the troops that had been
engaged. And he hoped that their Lordships would not
merely give their acquiescence to the resolutions, but
their sincere support.—(Cheers.) Those resolutions
went to prove the expression of their grateful admira-
tion at the valour, zeal, and devotion to thepublic service
evinced by the whole army ; and also to express their
satisfaction of that distinguished officer who filled the
situation of Governor-General, and whose energy and
ability had been employed and placed at their disposal,
to repel the invasion of the Seikh army.—(flettr,
hear.) To both these objects, he (the Marquis of
Lansdowne) gave his most cordial support. From the
particular tactics and the particular course of
military operations that had been pursued during the
conflict, which lasted four or five days, and also from
those papers which had been laid before their Lord-
ships, he would venture to say that there was ample
evidence that the zeal of the British army during that
conflict had known no bounds, and had never been ex-
ceeded in any country.—(Cheers.) It was impossible to
peruse those papers without observing that every con-
currence of circumstances—all of which were incri-
table, and most unfortunate—were attended with
those glorious results of which their Lordships
had heard. The armies, in the course of great
movements, were compelled to submit to privation and
disadvantages,to fatigues, and occasionally to disc ;urage-
ment—(Hear, hear)—and it was necessary to display
their valour in the face of a superior enemy; and in the
course of one week every one of those unfortunate cir-
cumstances was brought to bear in the most unfavour-
able manner upon the situation in which those troops
were placed, and yet by the combination of all those cir-
cumstances a result was produced—the glory of which
he would not say was unparalleled, bet was one which
he would venture to say would add the most brilliant

lustre to the British armies. And it was to the zeal and
devotion displayed by that army that we owed the addi-

tional lesson which had been afforded to the nations of
Asia—(Cheers)—and that the military and the not-
military of that country had been made to see that the
star of British power had shone on this occasion, not with
diminished but with increasing lustre, and had added to
those claims of gratitude and confidence which should
be shown towards us by those nations which he
trusted it would ever be :our fortune to defend.

He was sure the Noble Earl opposite (Earl Aberdeen)
would pardon him for adverting to the papers that had
been laid hefore their Lordships, but he would say that
they showed that not merely did our European forces.
but that of the Sepoy—(Loud cheers)—employed on the
occasion, had acted in a manner which, whenever it was
exhibited tended to strengthen and to cement the ties
that ought to etist between the two nations. Their con-
duct was worthy of the greatest praise.—(Cheers.) In
this day, when they were giving thanks for public ser-
vices, he hoped that the public services and the peculiar
services which had been rendered to the country by the
Indian army would not be forgotten. With respect to
the distinguished Commander-in-Chief, it was not to be
doubted that in the position in which he was placed
during a week or fortnight previous to the invasion of
the Seikh army, his conduct was that both of &civilian
and a military man. His position was most peculiar,
he may venture to say most unusually so, but, neverthe-
less, that distinguished military man did not only do his
duty as a civilian, but when he found it necessary to
draw his sword, as a soldier; and, what was even more
valuable, added to the glory of the day by the
example which he set in inciting to deeds ot.
valour. Ile, therefore, thought that on that particular
occasion he eminently deserved the approbation of the
country. He would not, for the same reason that the
Noble Earl had assigned, attempt to dwell on the merits
and great abilities of Sir Hugh Gough and the other
commanders who had exhibited such prowess ou that
occasion. Their Lordships, he was sure, would feel that
they were all entitled to share in the approbation of the
country, and on that subject he was sure they would be
all unanimous. He would not follow his Noble Friend
into the political allusions which he had made, but he
was sure, if it should be necessary to make any inquiry
into the circumstances which had preceded the events
in question, they would come to the conclusion that the
policy would prove deserving of their warmest approba-
tion, being of a pacific nature. He was sure their Lord-
ships would feel that every effort was made to avoid all
unnecessary war, but at the same time, to go beyond
that, would not be consistent with the duty which they
owe themselves and the country they govern. It was
palpable to all 'the world, that if ever they acted the
part of aggressors in India, it was not on the present
occasion; but that was a consideration into which he did
not wish to enter, or pronounce any opinion upon,
although if he were, it would be of a favourable nature.
The Duke of WELLINGTON rose and said, I
should be particularly cautious, and not say one word,
if I was of a different opinion on the question now
before the House relating to the military operations in
India. But, my Lords, I could not omit an occasion of
this kind without adding to what had bean stated by the
two Noble Lerds my own unqualified approbation of the
conduct of the troops, and of the officers who commanded
them, particularly of my Noble Friend the Governor-
General ; who, after having made all the arrangement
appertaining to his duty as Governor- General, in order
to collect all the resources of the country for the pur-
pose of fighting the great contest—having collected
all the troops, and made all the arrangements that
were possible, he gave his assistance to the officers in
command, in order to secure the public approbation of
the country. My Lords, it is seldom that an officer is
placed in a situation to take that course—there is, per-
haps, no similar instance of a man giving such an example
—an example, my Lords, which I hope will be always fol-
lowed. When he found his services would be useful in
the field, his situation as Governor-General did not pre-
vent him acting there, and overlooking every military
operation, and volunteering his services in that great
contest. My Lords, the Noble Marquis said truly that
the army did all in their power to obtain great results.
My Lords, it may not be generally known, but the coun-
try ought to know that the position of the enemy was
completely closed in by entrenchments, and that it was
more a fortress than simply a fortified position. Not-
withstanding the disadvantages which the troops in
India laboured under, they performed their duty to their
entire approbation ; notwithstanding their singular dis-
advantage, being without water for twenty-four hours;
because the villages were distant, and those whose duty
it was to supply them could not do so, and they were in
consequence for twenty-four hours without refreshment.
They carried the position of the enemy certainly with
very great honour, and he hoped the affair had not left
them in a state to be inefficient, if their services should
be called into action on any future occasion. My
Lords, I have not for a length of time known any occa-
sion that has given such full and entire satisfaction as
this affair. But there is one matter connected with it
which I regret. It is said that a panic was felt
in one regiment, which I hope was not the case.
I see, my Lords, that by a comparison between Eng-
land and France that the general to whom that officer
has referred lost five-twelfths of his number within en
hour after he entered the action; and I learn by this
report, that in the course of this attack that within the
first quarter of an hour one-third of the officers fell. I
find, upon inquiry, that there are several inaccuracies in
the report of this general officer in the number of killed
and wounded, which in his report, have been greatly exag-
gerated. In that report it is said, that as they were
moving on to the attack the men and the officers were
actually mowed down with the severity of fire to which
they were exposed. Now, I find, my Lords, that the
regiment to which this reference has been made had
been serving, without intermission, for sixteen years in
the East Indies; that during the forty years which it
had servei, it had :served thirty-three years abroad,
leaving only seven years for duty within the bounds of
the United Kingdom. I find moreover, upon inquiry,
my Lords, that during its service in the East Indies,
that during that time, it has served in all parts of India,
and that during that time, of the men who were engaged
at the moment of this attack, nearly three-fourths had
been only seven years in the service. My Lords, I have
felt it my duty to examine into the allegations respect-
ing this regiment. I find agt eat many inaccuracies in
the report of this general officer. I only wish he had
written a much more deteiled report of the action, but I
will read a paragraph to show the real conduct of that
regiment, with which I think you will be satisfied.—
(The Noble Duke searched among his papers but was
unable to find the one he wanted.) I can't find it, my
Lords. I can assure you, my Lords, that it spoke in
the most unqualified approbation of the devoted bravery
-of that regiment. I should, indeed, my Lords, have
great pleasure in reading this report to you, and I
deeply regret not having it.—(Hear, hear.) The fact
of two-thirds of the men having been mowed down
speaks highly of their conduct, and calls for our most
unqualified praise.—(Cheers.)
The Marquis of LONDONDERRY felt that after the
speech of the Noble Earl who had first addressed their Lord-
ships, and more especially after the speech of the Noble Duke
who had just sat down, he could not say much in addition to
the question before their Lordships. There was one point,
however, which he thought had not been sufficiently adverted
to, and that was the most extraordinary devotion of the gene-
ral officers who had been engaged. in this most sanguinary en-
gagement. The conduct of the officers who had fought was
above all praise, for they forgot anything like personal feeling,
and mingled in the fight. It was well known that the per-
sonal bravery of our officers had a great effect upon our man.
If the soldiers were to see our general officers backward in per.
sonal bravery, it would cause them to relax in their devotion.
The point which he considered to be overlooked in the despatch.
was that of the morning after the engagement. When the
morning dawned, after a night spent as deacribed, the Governor-
General, in passing from onp regiment to another, exhausted as
he was with ht ring the.cries of the wounded on the one hand,
4nd the savage cries of the Seikhs on the other—when the
morning dawned, true to his saying that he would diQ on the
field rather than relinquish thgeterritaoril
of lie possessed, he
ne Bank placed himself on the
the line,
and the Commander- 11-Pllief on the other, at least
thirty yerds in front of the whole line—fearing lest the troops
should rashly rush upon the intrenchments, he placed himselfros
thus in front to keep the men steady in their position; he
marched them forward, reserving their fire until close to the
enemy. when the intrenchments were talon at the point of the
bayonet. He thought there never was a battle in which any
movement was attended with more success than this. It was
impossible that a victory like this should not be attended with
great and corresponding loss. When they saw Sir Hugh Gough,
one of the bravest men in the army, thus incurring the charge
of rashness by placing himself in the front of the battle, they
might be sure that it was tw ordinary. cireneastanoe that cons-

pelled him thus to encourage his troops. It was true that this
was but a lesson from the olden school, for he well knew that
the Noble Duke was ever the first to expose himself at the post
of danger. In residing the discussion which occurred on Fri-
day the impression produced upon his mind was, that an anitnad-
version had been east upon the situation in ehich the two
officers, Sir Henry Hardinge and Sir Hugh Gough, had been
placed. The manner in which these two officers had conducted
themselves in the engagement was most commendable.—
( Cheers. ) There was one point which he wished to allude
to, and that was, the youth of the commanding officers of the
various regiments. Four regiments were commanded by
majors. He did not know whether this arose from economy,
but if it did it was a most unwise economy. It was a great
advantage to go into a general action with a sufficient comple-
ment of field officers, and that the commanding officers, in-
stead of doing general duty should go into the action at the
head of their regiment.. To limit the number of officers, as
had been done, was a most niggardly economy.
The Duke of WELLINGTON said the Noble Lord was
quite mistaken in attributing the economy he spoke of to her
Majesty's Government, the whole army establishment being
paid by the East India Company. It had been the invariable
practice
in India, both at the time he was in it and since, to
require field officers belonging to the regiments of the army to
perform general duty—that is, to command brigades according
to their rank. There were not sufficient general officers to
command the brigades.
The Marquis of LONDONDERRY, in. all humility to the
superior judgment of the Noble Duke, said he did not think he
had answered the question. He (the Marquis-of London-
derry) said the general officers were not sufficient, and that
commanding officers should not perform brigadier duty.
The Duke of RICHMOND said he would not have risen
had not the Noble and Gallant Marquis referred to him, find-
ing fault that he had not given notice of putting the question
he had done to the Noble Earl at the head of the Board of Con-
trol. He (the Duke of Richmond) did that which was more
regular. On the Noble Earl laying the papers in relation is
our Indian affairs on the table, he (the Duke of Richmond)
asked whether any order or instructions had been given respect •
ing the Governor-General officiating as second in command in
the army. He had not, as alleged, made any attack on the Go-
vernor-General, for whom he entertained feelings of the greatest
respect, but notwithstanding those feelings he (the Duke of Rich.
mond) could not pass over this most dangerous precedent. It
was a general principle that there should be only one com-
manding officer in the army. In making that observation he
was far from saying anything against the Governor-General ;
and he now begged to state that he most cordially concurred in
what had fallen from his Noble Friend at the head of the Board
of Control. He most cordially concurred in everything that
had fallen from his Noble Friend that evening, and also that
which had fallen from his Noble Friend, the Gallant Duke, and
the Noble Marquis (who haat then left his pla6e) with respect
to the good conduct and the heroism of those men who had
been engaged in the late splendid battle.—(Cheers.) He had
also seen with the greatest satisfaction that Sir Henry Har-
dinge had intimated to the army by a general order his inten-
tion of awarding to the officer., and eon-cmmissioned officers,
and private soldiers of that army a medal, as a
reward to those brave men who had the good
fortune to participate in the late splendid battle. It
would be a medal which would record their unparalleled bra-
very. He did hope that her Majesty might be advised to
take this opportunity of ordering a favourable answer to be
returned to a memorial most respectably and numerously
signed by the war and veteran officers who served in the Penin-
sula—men who, he could assure their Lordships, feeling not
the slightest jealousy, but, on the contrary, highly approving
that their successors in the very regiments in which they had
served in the Peninsula should receive medals, but all enter-
taining the deepest feeling that there could be no reason why
they who served in times gone past should now be the excep-
tion, and not the general rule, having nothing to show except
indeed their numerous wounds. They stated that they, too,
had often received the thanks of Parliament for the very able,
efficient, and honourable manner in which they had served
their King and their country in a time of the greatest danger.
He hoped and trusted that their prayers would not be rejected,
and he must now request his Noble Friend, the President of
the Board of Control, to consent that the names of the non-
commissioned officers and of the private soldiers should be pub-
lished in this country. They were aware that many soldiers
could not write, and that many others were incapable in an
arduous campaign of becoming correspondents. He believed
he was correct in stating, that whenever there was a naval
engagement the name of every private marine and of every
private soldier was invariably published in the Gazette.—
( Hear, hear.) Such a proceeding might be considered to be
difficult with respect to large armies, where there was a
considerable loss; but he helieved his Noble Friend (the'Duke
of Wellington) would bear him out in saying that the birth-
place of every soldier was registered in the War-office, and
the list of their names were made out and sent to the different
local newspapers for insertion. He was quite sure his Noble
Friend would agree with him, that it was most desirable to re-
lieve the deep anxiety and the agonising suspense which the
parents and relatives of those brave men—( Hear, hear)—many
of them in the humbler situations of life were now suffering
under, to show what was the fate of those whom they loved the
most. From his (the Duke of Richmond's) practical experi-
ence, whilst residing in the country,in mixing with the labourers
in his neighbourhood, he could assure their Lordships that
such a course would give the greatest satisfaction to the hum-
bler, but honest fellow-subjects.—(Cheers.) He had thought
it right to make this suggestion to his Noble Friend, because
lie could not see, since they admitted this principle with regard
to the navy, why they should not also carry it out with respect
to these who served in the army in foreign and distant places.
The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH perfectly concurred in
what had been said by the Noble Marquis opposite (the Mar-
quis of Londonderry). He would not attempt to add anything
to what fallen had from the Noble Duke (Wellington), because
he knew that one word of approbation from him—Cheers)—
was more valued by the soldiers—(Cheers)—than any
complimentary words whfch might possibly fall from any other
person.—(Cheers.) But he hoped their Lordships would forgive
him for not allowing this discussion to close without taking that
public opportunity of expressing the deep gratification with
which he had witnessed the last victory whieh had been
achieved by the army with which he had been so recently con-
nected ; and also of expressing the entire confidence which was
reposed in them on this as well as on every former occasion,
and by their late splendid triumph they had even increased that
confidence. Their success must be satisfactory to all, and par-
ticularly to the troops concerned. But when he said that the
British army had done their duty in the most praiseworthy
manner, he must not forget to add that the native troops had
conducted themselves in a manner quite as satisfactory as that
which had been alluded to by the Noble Duke, with respect to
her M; jesty's 62d Regiment.—( Cheers.) He knew too that
the present Governor-General's confidence in those troops had
been increased by their recent conduct. He (the Earl of
Ellenborough) was extremely satisfied by the manner in which
the Sepoys had conducted themselves on this occasion—they
had endured the most serious privations in the most severe dis-
trict.—( Cheers.) In their long marches they had scarcely
any food or water, and they had to bear the
most destructive fire of the enemy. Their con-
duct was certainly entitled to the greatest praise,
Having had the opportunity of observing the fidelity of those
troops to their colours, he could hear his personal testimony to
the high honour and military fidelity of those troops. They
hid been encamped within forty miles of the Seikh army
during a period of eighteen months, and throughout the whole
of that time, although they had seen successive crimes, followed
by successive donations, until the pay of the Seikh troops had
risen to double the amount of their own, and yet, after those
troops had passed. the Sutlej, not a single man had deserted
from his colours, or shown the slightest inclination to desert
his allegiance to his colours. He rejoiced in this, not only
because it had been productive of great advantages, but also
because it was the presage of future triumphs, and he knew,
not only that they had driven the Seikhs across the Sutlej, but
that they would follow them to Lahore. He was induced to
express his feelings upon this subject, because he had intimate
knowledge of the troops who had fought this gallant action,
and the more so because he felt it was necessary to sustain the
Governor-General in the harassing and anxious position which
he occupied, for he felt that that Gallant Officer required all
the sustenance which moral courage might give by the
vote of that House to-night.—( Cheers. )
The Earl of AUCKLAND had but few observations to ad-
dress to their Lordships, but he felt the debate shobld not close
without expressing his feelings, as he had been intimately
acquainted with many of the officers of the gallant army to
which this discussion referred. He was glad of an opportu-
nity of expressing his perfect concurrence in all that had fallen
from the Noble Earl opposite, and was glad to give his assent
to the vote of thanks to the noble and gallant army who had
just achieved this splendid victory,
The vote was then passed nemine dissentiente.
The County Works (Ireland) Bill was thsn read a third
time and passed,
Several Bills were then advanced a stage, and the House ad-
journed.

HOUSE OF COMMONS, March 2.
The SPEAlalt took the Chair at a few minutes before
.Four o'clock.

NEW MEMBER.
Mr. ITILDYARD took the oaths and seat for South
Nottinghamshire, in the room of the Earl of Lincoln,
who has accep•ed the office of Secretary for Ireland.
The Hon. AL.mber was received with loud cheers on his
entrance from the protectionist benches.

SECOND READINGS.
The following Bills were read a second time, and
ordered to be committed, viz.:—
Colchester, Stour Valley, Sudbury, and Halstead Rail-
way.
Burnley Improvement and Waterworks.
Newcastle and Darlington Junction Railway and Tyne
Dock.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Carlisle Branch Railway.
Kennington-lai 0, &c., Lighting, &e.
Mitcham and South-Western Railway.
Derby, Gainsborough, and Great Grimsby Railway.
Shrewsbury, Oswestry, and Chester Junction Railway
(Crickheath and Wein Lines).
Shrewsbury, Oswestry, and Chester Junction Railways
(Extensions and Deviations).
North Wales Mineral Railway (Deviation and Branches).
Monkiand Canal.
Great North of Scotland Railway.
Bromsgrove Improvement and Small Tenements.
Rochester Bridge.
Electric Telegraph Company. •
Salford Hundred Court.
City of London Coal Market and Improvement.
Billingsgate Market.
Sheffield, Ashton-under-Lyne, and Manchester Rail-
way (Peak. Forest and Macclesfield Canal Purchases).
Huddersfield and Manchester Railway and Canal (Old-
ham Branch).
Huddersfield and Manchester Railway and Canal (Hud-
dersfield Diversion and Cooper Bridge Branch).
Wishaw and Coltness Railway (Greenhill Branch).
Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock Railway (Harbour
Branch),
Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock Railway (Polloc and
Govan Branch).
Scottish Midland Junction Railway (South Inch of
Perth Branch).
Scottiqi Midland Junction Railway Branches.
Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ardrossan Railway.
Aston Rates.
Eastern Union and Harwich Railway and Pier.
London, Newbury, and Bath Direct Railway.
Great Western and Uxbridge Railway.
East Lancashire Railway (Deviations and Branches).
Great Western and Wycombe Railway.
THE CASE OF LIEUTENANT WYBERG.

Dr. BOWUING presented a petition from the sisters
of Lieutenant Wyberg, praying the attention of the
llouse to the circumstances attending his captivity
in Bukhara, and praying the Government to take
some measures, with the view of ascertaining
whether he is alive or dead ; and if the former,
of demanding his Ifteration from the Ameer of Bokhara.
The facts of the case seemed to be that Lieutenant
Wyberg was, in the year 1835, sent by the East India
Company on a mission to Khtva, but in proceed-
ing through Bukhara, he was detained by the
Ameer, and, it was believed, thrown into prison.
Some inquiries were instituted by his family, and

dispatches had been received from Lieut. Shiel, giv„ittg
reaon to believe that he was then in prison. ur'
Wolff, who had recently left that country, had, ..105"
ever, heard that this unfortunate officer had been mini:
manly murdered. So many incongruities existed,
t
no dependence could be placed upon this inforinati°,o
1/'
and the petitioners therefore intreated the House t°
take measures to ascertain the fate of Lieutenant Wybero.g
He should to-morrow put a question, founded on the
petition, to the First Lord of the Treasury.

TIIE TEN HOURS' BILL.
Mr. WILSON PATTEN presented a petition in faour
of a restriction on factory labour to ten hours a day.

THE CHARTIST CONVICTS. ,;(,•0
Mr. SHARMAN CRAWFORD presented a pet'"- f
from a place in Lancashire, praying for the liberation °
Frost, Williams, and Jones.
RECLAIMING OF WASTE LANDS. ,
Mr. O'CONNELL presented a petition frail.,
place in the county of Galway respecting the proprien,
of reclaiming the waste lands of that county as a Weil
of employing the people.
THE GOVERMENT MEASURES. n„r
Mr. WALKER presented several petitions in Isv"„"
of the 'commercial 'measures proposed by the G°Ye,.
went.

ENROLMENT OF THE MILITIA. ff,.00
An HON. MEMBER presented a petition from S,
Walden against the enrolment of the militia.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE presented a petiti6n from
Edinburgh to the same effect; also one in favourtohet
total and immediate repeal of the corn-laws; and an„°,*
from Hertfordshire in favour of the Ten Hours' MA`" by
Lord J. RUSSELL presented a petition, sig:'
the shipowners of the city of London, the peutioeseed
stating that they did not concur in the views OEl'llOl
in a petition of the shipowners of the north of En,
against against any alteration of the timber duties. TheY,t 00
fore prayed the House to reduce the present daw,`")ol
timber. The Noble Lord moved that the petition solo
be printed with the v;Ltes.—Ordered to lie on the

TILE ANDOVER UNION. the
An HON. MEMBEit presented a petition frellika 1
medical officer of the Andover union, Mr. I'V,lhim
complaining. that the guardians are about to discos° oi
for having exposed abuses existing in the uniee'stlee
praying the House to institute an inquiry into there
THE CORN-LAWS.
..,joa
Mr. M. GIBSON presented a petition from IP°""
favour of the Government measure. teeer
Mr. COBDEN presented a petition from •-•°11,,
signed by 2,500 persons, praying for an immechie'
peal of the corn-laws.
NOTICE OF MOTION. future
Mr. EWART gave notice of his intention, on $ ro•
day, to move for a reduction of the duty on the inlP-
n
tion of foreign books.
SIGNATURES TO PETITIONS. et•
Mr. BERKELEY said that he wished to call the
tention of the House to some circumstances CO
with a petition which was presented on FridaYheeif
He understood that the petition came from Chelten
Oro!
but he had ascertained that it did not e.tje
from Cheltenham, but from Manchester. He 011- fie
that to be a breach of' the privileges of the Houseld b°
was quite ready to adopt any suggestion that all bit
made by the House. He had letters in et
pocket to prove that a great number soi,
the signatures to that petition were forgeriese4bee
many of the names would never have been subsritio
to the prayer contained in that petition. (Indere-01i
circumstances he left it to the House, whether it it
think proper to carry the business any further'f
fbe
was a subject worthy of the attention ett the:
House, as it was a very general complaint °:;" cor
petitions of the people did not command saki ,
sideration in Parliament, and, indeed, be "0.1e0114,,
wonder at it, considering the means used ibAon
signatures. He therefore moved that this Pew- sir
referred to a Select Committee, before whom
natures should be examined. , to b°l.
Mr. NEWDEGATE said' that he was Oat spo,
that opportunity of making a few remarks with s,
to the practice of forging signatures to petitleerreil
would call the attention of the House to the pr h
of the agents of the Anti-Corn-law League!,e/ii"nahe°l)
to the petitions that had been presented—(M,e,t-ther;
—as forgeries to a great extent had been prove°.; re..%
—(Hear, hear.) The privileges of that House '',,eitan
fringed when petitions falsely representing the
seas
of the people were presented, and when wholeswoe
was adopted to misrepresent the feelings of
rithcl„iteitth;
had a right to vote. He was anxious that a L'ealee..ar
should be appointed to inquire into the subject „"ja
fore the House, and that the inquiry sbe-intil„,
be confined to that alone, but should do
.4P.
into the far more serious question of 1111 neeFi_.;
terference with the registration laws of the T",
The Hon. Gentleman then proceeded to decal is
la
where 30,000 notices of objection were poste('
OP A
night in Manchester. be
Mr. HUME rose to order. He would rer,
happy to hear any statement connected with the etaAr
tration of voters, but he submitted that tu
ments of the Honourable Member had use. go(
whatever to c:o with the question before the
the Honourable Gentleman would make any ripciosilf'd
an inquiry, he would support him, but at the Pre 7; 1070
it was surely the more proper course to abide by eto,-
of the House. He had no wish to prevent the q
from being brought forward at the proper ticae• bide
Mr. NEWDEGATE replied that he would lore
i 4
the decision of the Speaker. He only brougba
his statement in corroboration of the facts sidle
I,ll,veioTtsntheb.ereFderotionepfimdno.e
SPEAKER decided that, unless Mr. e•- be <,
-NTeWa
ve amnsealmfe
tondtmbeenetxuscpton the m. otireior,
question
House. bbd
Mr. NEWDEGATE begged to give notieethe(&
would move that it be a further instruction to
of er
mittee to make particular inquiry into the ease tod
particular name attached to the petitions. e °Pot
Mr. BRIGHT said that on a former night ("Or hi, is
to second a motion fbr a Committee, if move ° for
to
Hon. Member for Cheltenham; but, having re sell
explanation, he thought it might be
tion
submit it to the House before the 10°his
disposed of. He held a letter in cet
from the secretary of the Anti-Corn-law Leagil"ts dg,
chester, in which it was stated that several sbie etoge.hoil
petition were sent to Manchester not paste° 041?
and the clerk, or party there, found the first she es tboi
signatures, and accordingly transferred five nand boal
to. The Member for Cheltenham was reP°rlesippe,
said that a Mr. Barry, a miller, whose newer-10V
attached to a petition, had never signed it, Ile se
ever authorised any person to attach his A ioj
thereto, but Mr. Berkeley was rectorte:
Morning Herald to have said that ueig itO
letter from his agent, in which ~et
stated that he (the agent) was Pre- clue•;s
Mr. Barry did sign the petition „ esi°
The individual who had transferred the five
01:0
another sheet of the petition, did it in or deresee
petition might be such as it should be whoa the or
the House. That individual had acknowledged
,000. fro
and although it was not one of the most
.1.)...vet
regular things to do--(Protectionist cheers) roil,
could be no doubt wb atever that it might bay,e, tlied
without the slightest intention of infringiuhe g Vglio
of the House, or presenting names to dined both'
which were not genuine, and had not been tistbet,
petition. He (Mr. Bright) had just to Inettia 000'
servation by way of explanation, and be sbeieithAter
hope that the House might be satisfied the liirther
explanation—(Cries of ‘‘ No, no." from vy• iwtie
titmists)—and not feel itself bound to take $5,.00
,td
steps. If it did, he should be most happy t° ii-stte`ser°
proposition for a Committee to go into tbe eitenor
the most rigid manner possible, for be vrtsisee P.-, if
that neither petitions nor anything else COtil 010
tisfactorily unless the petitions were the ge Feb
pressions of those who sent them. her tbercea
A :d
to
Mr. HINDLEY wished to know wbet'h Th sllo'ela
any other flaw in the petition that had bet- ee 11001/"
Mr. BRIGHT said that the letter whieua no it
111;
his hand did not refer to any; but be tb° ;e °-
whatever from the heading of the petition, boailloieli
the original petition sent from Cheltenham' filer
wording of it was different from that in the e 000
had been issued by the Anti-Corn-law Le here
l
lieved it to be a genuine petition, and thatfrred t_e," fen
irregularity in it except what had been re,`it iette'„h :83
Mr. FERRAND said he had received iswbi
Sheffield in corroboration of the stritemeu, get° the
had made the other night in that lieu,;ieer,,,,in
also an extract from the Leeds Irate" w'fror'era
let and
re
same effect. He had also a oti ro
ped
gentleman who resided in London, 4.0,, aP_l;ere
him to the engraving which had la..vfo•citii 00,101
in the Plu,trated London News, as a Pe'itnti-Ce /100
present ation of the manner in which tie
Leaguers procured signatures, to theirr.'.ed to "•isToblt
yet the petition, which had been refer „ the .
last named paper, had been presented „.°./ se
Ito VOO ;
Lord, the Member for London (Lord I'
asigefroo
whoh'i lod be
was in fact signed by mere children, lie a
~ or
natnes two or three times over. floe,
letter which was only a thee time of thee If l'ajjst
would therefore trespass upon the
tfollow° in .:
while he read it. That letter was as you
st 2 t° OPP °
further information will be of any u ( re ,
gue' leas Al,l
opposition to the Anti-Corn-law Lei°
relit P g-
cheers and laughter —I should feel
_F ho is eat 0004
forwarding to you the name of a man w%fieturte
pttetiLtieouagufreo,
mend
thathas abffioxdeyd. ab,gterlo4. ,aoroeo.,stlavvion3:oorseetr;
tion by one party before he left the r doubt t"
asiumoilictrlycaesem,pinloywebdi.o-b (51-o.ooundsmlaeusgohteleglor9rhoeintiaffibeinsbed,rvoiihtusiacthi:o:r;i;
virom,t'aehrre(eir:wi,nrslittiateenn(c.eiro(.l;aetuhrgerhasntaedmr).)ecoknlienliicivadirreeriaihissinoebrisecirioveatotbd
stating that he would move, as, an,onerallY_ in 0..5
a Committee be appointed to inquire Leagliel loco
method adapted by the Anti-Cocter
ouse ?--(i.vde fief°
tainingsiematures to petitions to t a few, Wriatirh
Lord MANNERS wished tosayatioe fo
rosy
re.pet to the remarks of the Ilene- 'l_llvking cloowforitt
bIE
(Mr. Bright). He happened to bwA ,L r
eloonkoirn-gp tacke
etrb,
se;
bootyh
sad g,own eollrhisleun_liipcso-nri7Swori_3
old boy, have you signed the
as bejieve„
tion ? I have signed it three
etair.st hen.„o
laughter.) This was an isolated of siga7oo;
that parties were in the constant habit
cued to PasVroteif
petitions as often as they -iar, exhibitet<ooso
the streets in which they were oci to Pa r'
tionist cheers.) Parties were alloow
Per' lid nded
t`
names as often as they thought. Pliw Ferra ~„opo be
The SPEAKER inquired
to w°L-
btoadincsulubdmeitthteedctoasetbliee ;
Committee d
investigated by the same
eeferre- • DO
tion
:Arrf.roFmE
iCuhieLliteNnph art);
911'eouttrat°rtne:Ytiv:utIrPaleill:
Mr. C. BERKELEY was anxious boo
p_„b
on the subject before the 'House:
suidspio73. t,
.5 001
that he viewed with very great sacheste. .400
ado ursrifit; e do
rctl.°e r itniaeoll)et-i-
-from Cheltenham whicPhhijaecdadmibileelrem guid.?”
represented Cheltenham fnr 14 ="