The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1846-04-07 00:00:00

HOUSE OF COMMONS.-THURSDAY.

The Blackburn, Clitheroe, and North Western Junc-
ion Railway Bill, the Blackburn, Darken, and Bolton
Railway Bill, the Huddersfield and Sheffield Junction
Railway (Darfield Branch) Bill, and Kinross Junction
Railway Bill, were read a second time.

The following bills were read a second time, and or-
dered to be committed :—Plymouth Great Western Docks
Bill, Kinross Junction Railway (No. 1) Bill, Blackburn,
Darwen, and Bolton Railway Bill, Huddersfield and
Sheffield Junction Railway (Darwen Branch) Bill, Black-
burn, Clitheroe, and North Western Junction Railway
Bill.

The following bills were severally reported, and ordered
to be engrossed :—Harwich and Eastern Counties Junc-
tion Railway and Pier, Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ar-
drossan Railway, Bright on and Chichester Railway (Bog-
nor and Littlehampton branches) (to be considered), Mid-
land Railway, Syston and Peterborough Railway (devia-
tions and branches), Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and
Ayr Railway Amendment and branches (No. 3).
Sir R. PEEL moved a vote of thanks to Sir Harry
Smith, and to the officers and men who were in the ac-
tion at Aliwal ; and another vote to Sir Hugh Gough,
Sir Henry Hardinge, and to the officers and men who
were in the engagement at Sobraon. They were, of
course, carried nem. con. The right hon. baronet, in the
course of his speech, related several anecdotes illustra-
tive of the heroism and intrepidity of our troops, the
most interesting of which will be found in another part of
this day's Standard.

Mr. MACKINNON then obtained leave to bring in a bill
for. preventing interments in the metropolis and large
towns.

A discussion ensued upon a motion by Mr. T. bun-
combe for a committee to inquire into a charge of illegal
treatment and imprisonment of six factory girls, pre-
ferred against certain magistrates at Dundee. The mo-
tion was resisted by the Lord Advocate and Sir J. Gra-
barn, and supported by Mr. Aglionby and Mr, Duncan.
It was negatived on a division, 38 voting for and 63
against the motion.

-The subject of the Spy System in Ireland was referred
to in the course of a conversation which took place upon
a motion byson
Mr. Mr. GRATTAN affirm-
ing that police emissaries were so numerous, and their
disguises so perfect, that it had got to be a constant in-
quiry in many Irish districts, " Are you a policeman ?"
—Sir J. GRAHAM denied all knowledge of these circum-
but promised to institute inquiries upon the

stances
subject

The works of the Sikhs had been repeatedly surveyed.
They consisted of formidable entrenchments, defended by
not fewer than 30,000 men and 70 pieces of artillery. The
fortifications had been most skilfully constructed under
Colonel Don Hurbon de Alcantara, a Spanish engineer.
There was a double line of batteries, arranged in a semi-
circular 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. Immediately within, they were, as
in the camp of Ferozeshah, pierced with loaded mines,
and every thing arranged which skill could plan or perse-
verance carry out during the four weeks they had occu-
pied their position. 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 Com-
mander-in-Chief, and met his hearty approval. Two
picquets in front of the Kodeewallah and the little So-
braor., occupied by the enemy in force during the day
only, were ordered to be taken possession of on the night
of the 9th, and, though some misconception and delay oc-
curred, by daylight in the morning of the 10th they were
in our hands. The battering and field artillery were placed
in a semicircle, embracing within its fire the position of
the Sikhs. The cannonade, which was meant to have
commenced at daybreak, was delayed until the rays of the
sun had dispelled the heavy mist, which, hanging over the
river and the plain, rendered distant objects obscure. Two
brigades, under Sir R. Dick, meanwhile waited on the
margin of the Sutlej, to commence the attack on the
enemy's right. The 7th or Stacy's brigade, comprising
H.M.'s 50th and 53d, led on, supported at a distance of
two hundred yards by the 6th, under Colonel Wilkin-
son ; the sth, under Colonel Ashburnham, forming the
reserve, was to advance from the entrenched village of
Koodewallah, leaving one regiment behind if necessary
for its defence. General Gilbert's division, constituting
the centre, was deployed for support or attack, its right
resting on the village of the little Sabr aon, which it partly
occupied. On the left, near the village of Guttah, with
its right thrown out towards the river, was General Sir
Harry Smith's division. The cavalry under Col. Cureton
feigned an attack on the ford at Hurrekee, threatening the
Sikh horse on the other side. In the rear, between Gen.
Gilbert's right and Sir Henry Smith's left, Brigadier
Campbell occupied a position capable of protecting both.
Sir Joseph Thackwell, with Brigadier Scott, held the re-
mainder of the cavalry in reserve on the left, ready to act
as circumstances might demand.
At three a.m. on the 10th February, the troops ad-
vanced to their respective stations as just described. At
daybreak the light field batteries and a brigade of howit-
zers opened. By half-Fast six the whole fire of our ar-
tillery was developed. Round shot, shells, and rockets
followed each other with fearful celerity, and the frequent
explosions of ammunition waggons in the enemy's camp,
showed with what precision they were aimed. At first a
few horsemen showed themselves reconnoitring and di-
recting the removal of the baggage across the river by the
bridge. Our infantry lay facing the works within cannon
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 sur-
rounded. In an instant 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
Sikh position was so formidable, and their cannon so nu-
merous, that it was feared that by cannonade alone it was
vain to hope to carry the day in any reasonable time, and
it was determined to bring the issue to the arbitrement of
musket and bayonet. The attack, in conformity to this
determination, was commenced at nine o'clock ; when
Colonel Stacy's brigade, supported by Colonel Lane's
horse artillery and Captains Horsford's and Fordyce's
foot batteries, advanced steadily in line towards the ene-
my's works. The infantry under Stacy, supported by
Wilkinson's brigade, moved on steadily and coolly, halt-
ing when necessary to correct any imperfections in their
Fne. Above 1,200 yards of deep sand bad to be traversed.
The artillery went on at a gallop, taking up a succession
of positions, until within 300 yards of the enemy. The
simultaneous roar of 120 pieces of ordnance now resounded
along the Sutlej : the slaughter was terrible : and so hot
was the fire of musketry, camel swivels, and cannon, that
it seemed for a moment impossible that the intrench-
ments should be won. On our seddiers went, under a
storm of grape and musketry now opening on them from
the opposite side and focus of the intrenched position. A
shout, a run, and a fire had no effect; the heaviness of
the ground over which they had passed had fagged the
men. The Sikhs saw their danger, but, confident in the
power of their guns, and impregnability of their position,
stood firm and fought bravely. The enemy's cavalry, or-
dered to the rescue, were 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 moment the line was re-
formed and the troops advancing, but not e. man had as
yet passed the entrenchments. The Sikhs showed signs
of wavering as they saw our column slowly and midis-
-7-a r.;81.0.1 enana, more, and the out-
works were our own. Her Majesty's 10th Foot, under
Colonel Franks, charged without firing a shot until with-
in the entrenchments of the enemy ; the 53rd came next ;
the sepoys of the 43rd and 59th emulated the Europeans
in coolness and determination. The brigade of Col. Ash-
burnham now came to the support of that of Col. Stacy.
Generals Gilbert and Sir H. Smith threw out their light
troops, aided by the artillery to threaten the other porti•
ons of the entrenchments. The Sikhs attempted to throw
the 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 Sikhs strove with indomita-
ble fury to recover sword in hand the positions from
which they had been driven at the bayonet's point; nor
was it till the weight of the three divisions of infantry,
and the fire of every piece of artillery belonging to our
army had been felt, and the cavalry under Sir Joseph
Thackwell had in single file burst through the openings
made by the sappers in the entrenchments, re-formed and
charged on the other side, that the victory was won.
The Third Dragoons overcame every obstacle, galloped
over and cut down the men still standing by their guns,
and the victors pressed closely upon the enemy on every
side. Now their fire first began to slacken and then
ceased. Regiment after regiment moved steadily down,
and fearful volleys of musketry were poured in en the re-
tiring foe. The few parties first retiring were followed by
vast masses making for the bridge.
Thousands betook themselves to the river, which a sud-
den rise had just rendered unfordable. The bridge mean-
while had partially sunk, and was totally inadequate for
the conveyance of the multitudes pressing towards it.
This battle bad begun at six ; it was over at eleven o'clock.
The hand to hand combat commenced at nine, and lasted
scarcely two hours. The river was full of sinking men.
For twa hours volley after volley was poured in upon the
human mass,—the stream being literally red with blood,
and covered with the bodies of the slain. At last, the
musket ammunition becoming exhausted, the infantry fell
to the rear ; the horse artillery plying grape till not a man
was visible within range. No compassion was felt, or
mercy shown ; not only had our own loss been excessively
severe, but the enemy, during the earlier portion of the
day, had mutilated or murdered every wounded man that
fell into their hands. The coolness and order with which
the enemy retired, notwithstanding the havoc being made
amongst their ranks, was remarkable. Their columns
moved out of range of our fire on reaching the further
bank of the river, and pitched their tents—sent across at
an early part of the action. Three or four heavy guns,
which had, in the course of the fight, occasionally played
upon us from time to time, saluted the camp followers en-
gaged in collecting the spoil. The bridge was partly burn-
ed, partly sunk, and latterly destroyed by the engineers.
The camp was in several places set fire to by stragglers,
increasing the horror of the scene of carnage. Of 35,000
men who had that day maintained so stout, hut so un-
availing a fight against us, more than one-half must have
been killed or wounded. Not fewer than 10,000 are be-
lieved to have perished. Sixty-seven guns, with upwards
of 200 formidable camel-swivels, numerous standards, and
munitions of war, fell into our hands. In an engagement
so bloody and obstinate—even though of brief duration—
the loss of the assailants could not but be severe. Our
casualties amounted to 2,383. Of these thirteen European
officers were killed, 101 wounded; 303 rank and file were
killed, and 1,913 wounded. Amongst the slain were the
gallant veterans Major-General Sir R. Dick, and Lieu-
tenant-Colonels C. C. Taylor and Ryan. The Governor-
General throughout seems to have been in the thickest of
the fight; he does not seem to have exercised a separate
command.

The same evening a portion of our troops crossed at
Ferozepore ; by the 14th the whole army des'ined for the
advance on the capital were over; and by the 24th in all
likelihood Lahore would be in our hands. It is un!ikely
we shall attempt anything more this season ; and it has
been intimated by the Governor-General that it is not our
intention to annex the Punjaub to our dominions, but to
compel them to pay the. expenses of the war, establish a
firm government, and retire. The whole arrangements of
the Scinde army have, since our last, been altered. Sir
C. Napier having received orders to join the Governor-
General without delay, quitted Snkkur on the 10th, leav-
ing the civil government of Scindein the hands of General
Simpson—the command of the army devolving on Gene-
ral Hunter. Instead of proceeding to Alithenkote to take
up their quarters for the hot season, the troops are now
•tered up to within V' por-

_itty miles of Behawulpnre-
tion of them, as is understood, moving on Fcrezepu.
The divisin,-. - and it consists of three

ias been bri,
eight native

Belooch

infantry regiments, with the
Jlion—two regiments of regular, aad one of
ular cavalry—three troops of horse and four batteries
The troops from all parts of India con-
northward—

y gene

cot
We have now on the Sutlej, from"

In the
)1 wound

ut.-Col

,els C. C. '1

army, under the Commander-in-Chief, prepared to march
to Ferozepore, to be united with that commanded by the
Governor-General, ready to enter the Purjaub. The am-
bassadors of Goolaub Singh, immediately after the vic-
tory, were admitted to an interview with the Governor-
General, which before had been denied them. At no time
had much anxiety to treat with him been manifested ; it
was not likely to have been increased by anything that
had occurred. The disconsolate messengers returned on
the 11th 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
wete 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 11th, two brigades
of infantry, and one of cavalry, with a considerable body
of artillery, had crossed. The Governor-General appears
to have immediately pushed on with the leading division ;
he was at Kussoer, twenty miles in advance, and thirty-
two from Lahore. on the 14th. Other troops were fol-
lowing fast across, and by the date just given, every man
intended for the advance on Lahore was within the Sikh
boundary. Goolaub Singh was stated to have intimated
that he was on his way to camp; the Lancers had gone
out to escort him in. Brigadier Wheeler crossed from
Umballah on the 17th, and captured Phullour on the day
following, without resistance, the Sikh army having fled
without fighting. On the 14th, the Governor-General
issued a proclamation to the effect, that " The Sikh army
having been chastised and humbled, is to be 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 established in
Lahore, our troops will continue to occupy the country,
and then be withdrawn. The provinces, hill and plain,
between the Sutlej and Beas, are alone to be appropriated,
their revenues forming a portion of the indemnity re-
quired." The victory was, it is stated, followed by an
agreement, according to which the Sikhs have engaged to
pay, in four yearly instalments, to the company, for the
expenses of the war, £1,500,000 sterling, the payment to
be guaranteed by the military occupation of their country.

F'rom an extra° dinary London Gazette, published on We'd-
neschy evening last, we have authentic information that the war
with the Sikhs in India is at an end, and that a treaty of peace
has been decided upon. This result seems to have been brought
about principally by the influence of Gholah Singh, who, from
the moment of tie arrival at Lahore had been an object of dread
and hostility to the Ranee and the Punchayets. He, on his
part, unreservedly expressed his derision and disapprobation of
their military prowess and their political arrangements. But
after the battle of the 28th of January had dispersed the corps of
Runloor Singh. and disheartened every branch of the army and
the administration, the Ranee seems to have regarded Gnolab
Singh as the only means of obtaining peace on moderate terms.
He was invested with the Kbelat of Wnzeer on the 31st of Jan. ;
and there is no reason to doubt that all his policy was directed
to terminate hostilities so fatal to the native power of Lahore.
He exacted from the Punchayets a written pledge of complete
obedience. He declared that be had thrice s, nt perwunnahs to
prevent the advance of the Sikh army. He directed four British
officers who had been taken at Budhowal on the 21st January to
be treated with marked civility; elephants were sent to convey
them to the capital, and their personal property was restored to
them. Overtures weremade on the 6th and 7th February to the
Governor General, and probably the war might then have ter-
minated ; but the Governor-General refused to treat with the
Sikhs until their main army had sustained a signal and total
overthrow. Whatever may be the favourable disposition and

clear-sighted views of Ghalab Singh, his own authority was ex-
tremely precarious as long as a powerful army existed under the
command of his rivals ; and he had, in reality, no adequate pow-
ers to treat until after the battle had been lost. On the 16th of
February the negociation was resumed. The Governor-General
dictated his terms. On the 17th the treaty of peace was signed,
and on the 18th Dhuleep Singh, the young Prince of Lahore.
and his mother, the Maharanee, were received in the British
camp at Kussoor.

The following particulars of the treaty of peace are from the
official &spa ches of the Governor General, dated in the camp
at Kariba Cuchwa, February 19th, 1845 :
`' On the , rrival at Lahore of the news of the complete viclory
of Sobraon, the Ranee and Durbin. urged Rajah Ghoiab Singh
to proceed immediately to the British camp, to beg pardon in
the name of the Dunbur and Sikh government, for the offence
which had been committed, and to endeavour to negotiate some
arrangement for the preservation of the country from utter ruin.

•‘ The Rajah first stipulated that the Durbarand the chief cffi.
cers of the army, as well as the members of the Punchayets,
should sign a so!errin declaratio,) that they would abide by such
terms as he might determine on with the British government.
This is said to have been immediately acceded to ; and, on the
Isth, Rajah Gholab Singh, Dewan Deena Nath• and Fakeer
Noorooden, arrived in my camp, at Kussoor, with full creden-
tials from the Maharajah, and empowered to agree, in the name
of the Maharaj9h and the government, to such terms as I might
dictate. The Kajah was accompanied by the Barukzie chief,
Sutton Mahomed Khan, and several of the most influential sir-
dors of the nation.

" I received the Rajah in Durbar as the representative of an
offended government, omitting the forms and ceremonies usu -
ally observed on the occasion of friend y meetings, and refusing
to receive, at that time, the proffered ❑uzzuto and compliment-
ary offerings." _ _

After setting forth the substance of the explanations rendered,
the Governor-General proceeds:—
`• The terms dem .nded and conceded are the surrender , in full
sovereignty, of the territory, hill and plain, lying between the
Sutlej and fleas rivers, and the payment of one and a half crore
of rupees as indemnity for the expenses of the war,—the dis-
bandment of thLt present Sikh army, and its reorganization on
the system and regulations with regard to pay, which it ob.
tained in the time of the late Maharajah Ttunjeet Singh,—the
arrangement for limiting the extent of the force to be hence-
forth employed, to be determined on in communication with the
British government,—the surrender to us of all the guns that
have been pointed against us,—the entire regulation and con-
tro of both banks of the river Sutlej, and such other arrange-
ments for settling tl:e future heundaries of the Sikh state, and
the organization of its administration, as might be determined
en at Lahore.

" It was further arranged that the Maharajah, with Bhaee
Ram Singh, and the other chiefs remaining at Lahore, should
forthwith repair to the camp of the Governor-General, and
place themselves in the hands of the Governor-General, to ac-
company his camp to Lahore.
" On the 18th, the Maharajah, attended by Rajah Gholab
Singh, Dewan Deena Nath, Faker Noorooden, Bhaee Ram
Singh, and ten or twelve other chiefs, had an interview with me
iu my Durbar tent, where tale Commander-in Chief and Staff
had been invited by me to be present and receive them,
" Submission was tendered to the minister and chiefs who
arennmanied the Maharajah. and the nardnn of the British go-
vernment was requested en such conditions as I should dictate,
in the most explicit terms; after which, I stated that the condi-
tions having been distinctly made known to the minister Rajah
Gholab Singh and the chiefs accredited with him, it was unne-
cessary to discuss them in Cat place, and in the presence of the
young Maharajah, who was of too tender an age to take part in
such matters; and, that, as all the requirements of the British
government had been acquiesced in, and their fulfilment pro-
mised in the name of the Maharajah and Durbar, I should con-
sider myself justified in treating the young Maharajah, from
that moment, as a Prince restored to the friendship of the Bri-
tish Government.

" On his taking leave, I caused the customary presents to be
made to the Maharajah; and, on his retiring from my tent, the
usual salute was fired from our twenty-four pounders, drawn
up at the bottom of the street of tents for that purpose.
" In the course of discussion, the Minister asked if the young
Maharajah should now return to the Ranee at Lahore, or if it
was my desire that he should remain at my camp; intimating
that it was for me to dispose of the young chief as I pleased,
and as I might consider best for his highness's interests. I re-
plied, that I thought it advisable that his Highness's camp should
accompany mine, and that I should myself conduct him to his
capital. whicii I purposed reachi, g in two marches, that is, by
to-morrow morning (Feb. 18.)

" The remains of the Sikh army, under Sidar Tej Singh and
Rajal. Lall Singh, on retiring from Sobraon, encamped at Rae-
bam, about 18 miles east or Lahore. They are variously esti-
mated at from 14 800 to 20,t0n horse and foot, with about 30
guns. They have been positively ordered by Rajah Gholab
Singh to remain stationary; and the Mahomedan and Nujeeb
battalions, in the interest of the minister, have been paced in
the citadel, and at the gates of Lahore, with strict orders to per-
mit no armed Sikh soldier to enter the town.
" It was intimated to me, late I,st night, that the inhabitants
of Lahore and Umritsur were in great alarm at the approach of
our army to the capital, and were under apprehension that those
cities might be sacked and plundered by our troops. I there-
fore caused a proclamation to be issued to the inhabitants of
those cities, informing them of the result of my interview with
the Maharajah, and assuring them of protection, in person and
property, it the Durbar acted in good faith, and no further hos-
tile opposition was offered by the army.

" On our arrival at this place (Kanha Cuchwa, about sixteen
miles from the city of Lahore, and twelve from the canton-
ments), heavy firing for the best part of an hour was heard.
This proved to be a salute of seven rounds from every gun in
Lahore. h. honour of the Mahrrejah's meeting with roe yester-
day, and in joy at the prospect of the restoration of amicable
relations."

Friday's Gazelle contains a long list of promotions of
officers serving in India, in commemoration of the late

reat victories

A college, it is stated, is being established in Oregon
under the auspices of the Methodist missionaries ; a build-
ing, seventy-five feet long and three stories high, has
been erected.

The Governor-General of India, after the battle of
Ferozeshah, assembled all the officers about his tent—the
one " scarely knowing his fellow, smoke, dust, and hunger
having so changed their faces"—when on tended knee
and with upraised hands, they poured out their heartfelt
praise and thanks to the only Lord of Victory.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN ROME.—The anniversary of
St. Patrick drew together a n ost brilliant muster of Bri-
tish and Irish votaries to the modest church of the Fran-
ciscan friars. His countryman, Cardinal Acton, deli-
vered a rather dull discourse on the occasion ; yet nearly
£lOO aas contributed to the fair collectors of the alms,
viz. Lady Dover, the Countess Fingall, Lady Walpole,
Olivia Taylor, and Hon. Mrs. Smythe.
A GOOD SPECULATION.—On Tuesday, Mr. 11. P. Cun-
ningham, sold a station and sheep, which he had eiehteen
months previously purchased of Captain Cole for £1,230,
to slr. Frank Bryant, for £5,000. The sheep averaged
13s. a head ; and the sale of the wethers and wool alone
during the time he held them, repaid him the original
purchase money. Mr. Cunningham, therefore, clears the
£5,000, less the expenses of management, in a year and a
half.—Port Philip Herald.

A SOLDIER'S -Doc.—Serjeant O'Neill, of the Third
Light Dragoons, writing borne to his friends from Feroze-
pore, on the Bth January, communicates the fall of his
brother in the battle of Moodkee, and adds, he had a
little dog that was with him through the whole charge ;
arid his comrades in C troop came the next day, and asked
the not to remove it from the troop, and they would re-
spect it in remembrance of him, which I, of course, ac-
ceded to, and it accompanied them every foot during the
next two days' fighting, and is again safe and with them."
ALGIERS.—An official dispatch from Algiers, received
by the French government, contains the following intel-
ligence :—" The Djebel-Dina has submitted himself to
Colonel Pelissier. Nearly all the tribes of Zell, from the
province of Medeab, have regained their territory. Those
belonging to the desert are asking permission to do the
same. Djedid and Ben Aouada, the two great chiefs of
the desert of Medeab, are treating for pardon. They have
adopted the Kalifab of Laghoual as their intermediator.
Those who have remained faithful to us have made three
razzias on our enemies, and have fired their cannon to
celebrate our victories of the 7th and 13th
NEW ZEALAND.—News hes been
from Auckland up to the Ist of Septen
and Daphne had sailed to tt e Bay of Islands

received in Sydney
The Hazard
troops.

vord to the G
xck Auckland, if th(

rnor that he would

y and give him battle

,entinels had been s

,t come to

sts at W,

ctuntiu Lanel, UUU Mt:Lulus-Ls
ssistance of the British ; and, in cons(
ovement, one of the most powerful of ti

of Heki, who

to have 3,000 fighting men under his corn-
iouthern settlement was quiet, but the set.