The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-04-04


BATTLE in lSpfA.--Ths best description We
have seen Of the battle Of tbs Jhelum IS found in
the London Times. The remarks on the Indian
events are also worthy Of attention. We copy
the greater part of the Times article:
1t is useless to disguise from ourselves that the
Indian news is Of the most disastrous character.
Without wishing TO join in the general shout of
condemnation Of Lord Cough, echoed around ua
from every quarter it cahnot be denied that there
has been an absence of scientific generaship on
the part Of the Commanderin in Chief, which no
mere animal courage can supply and from this
serious deficiency have accrued loss of life, and
disparagement of British prestige in India, which
can only be repaired by some splendid and deci-
sive battle over our warlike enemies the Skhs. By
letters from Bombay to the Sd February, we learn
that the citadel of Moultan surrendered at discre
ton on the 22d January, and the gallant army un-
der Gen. Whish will thus be enabled to join the
grand division on the Jhelum, whose effective re-
Inducements are, we regret to say, but too much
needed.
long interval of inactivity, was made acquainted
with the fall of Atock, and Of the advance Of Chut
tur Singh to join Shere Singh, who was in front Of
Lord Cough on the south bank of Jhelum, with an
army of 10000 to 10000 men, and 81 guns. Being
urged by Major Mackeson, the political agent, to
give the enemy battle, Lord Cough set his troops
in motion and advanced through the jungle on the
18th. He continued his march on the 18th till
later than noon, and at O'Clock had determined
to encamp for the night, when some of the enemy's
round shot reached within the ground marked by
the English flags. Whether this irritated Lord
Cough, or induced him to fear that the Sikhs
would surprise his encampment and force, him to >
battle, his lordship suddenly, without any previous
reconnaissance, resolved to anticipate him. and ac-
cordngly formed his troops in line, and deaf to all
remonstrance, rashly gave the word of command to
advance.
The never.failing pluck of the English troops
to have been the only resource Of Lord Cough
and although it prevailed heretofore, the victory
was achieved at the most disastrous sacrifice of hui
man life. During this fearful encounter, in which
the Sikhs, posted advantageously in well selected
position, poured from their batteries all sides the
most murderous fire, panic seems TO have seized
body Of the 9th lancers, who, instead of charging
the enemy ordered faced about, and rushed pell-
nell through our own artillery, upset the wagons.
and never pulled up till they reached the hospital.
The enemy seeing this disorder, followed up their
advantage, got among our artillery, cut down 70
gunners, and carried off six Of our guns Col. Lane
seems to have poured in his grape and put stop to
the disorder
With this inexplicable exception and some defec-
ton of a regiment of Sepoys, the gallant fellows
seem to have behaved most noby. Feats of hero
ism and OF individual bravery described in every
line of the dispatches and letters. The Skhs were
beaten in on all sides, IL of their guns were cap
tured and the British remaining masters Of the field,
night put an end to the engagement. We have to
deplore the loss of less than 90 officers and about
$500 men. Among the general officers who have
persisted in this indecisive and fruitess battle, we
find the honorable names of Brig. Gen. ]. Penny
Quick, 1t. Col R. Brookes, Brvt. Maj C. Ekins,
Deputy Adj General Brigs. Gen. Pope and c.
Campbell, were also wounded, the first severely,
The nominal roll of killed and woupded will be
found elsewhere, and sadder catalogue England
has not witnessed since the disasters of Caboo In
the oath foot IL officers were killed, and one half
the regiment was either killed wounded While
some Of our colors have fallen into the hands Of lhe
enemy he was active enough to retrieve during the
night six of the guns we had captured, and Lord
Cough says 81 did not feel justified in remaining
| longer out The night was dark knew not
how far had advanced" The loss Of the Sikhs
is not known but they must have suffered severely.
Indeed we perceive symptoms Of their desiring
| TO come to terms. If, however, Chuttur Singh
comes up with his army before Gen. Whish can
reach the Jhelum, the Skhs will probably hazard
another conflict.
Besides the fall of Moulan and this sad battle of
Chillianwallah, which We have reported, an action
has been fought by Wheeler's division, under the
heights of Duah, on the Ravee, in which the posi-
| ton of Ram Singh was attacked and carried with
| considerable loss. The affair was signalized by
great individual bravery, but the inaccessible na-
ture of the place seems to have enabled Ram Singh
not only to make vigorous resistance, but further
to effect his escape with all his band. Here again
our officers suffered severely. These unwelcome
| tidngs created the deepest sensation throughout
England