Had the Sikhs retreated across the Sutlej after the skirmish at Buddewal, carrying off their booty unmolested, the result of Sir Harry Smith's expedition would have been far from satisfactory; but, fortunately for that gallant officer, the enemy had been inspired with so much confidence, that they not only remained on the left bank, but actually came out of theirentrenched camp, and gave him battle on the very day and hour he desired to bring on the engagement.
To so high a pitch had Sikh confidence risen since the operations of the 21st of January, that there appears every reason to suppose that their movement on the morning of the 28th was intended as much to intercept us from the main column, as to threaten the siege train advancing from Delhi. Had the Sikhs been in earnest in this manœuvre, and gained Jugraon by a forced march, the character of the subsequent operations must have undergone a material change, the fort of that town being of solid masonry, and capable of standing a siege; and there is little doubt that they would have gained an acquisition of force when in the protected Sikh states, by so bold an advance. But such a movement must ultimately have proved fatal to their interest, when cut off from the river, and placed between the two British columns.
It was reserved for the issue of the battle of Aliwal to teach our enemies how rapid a defeatthe best of their troops must suffer when opposed in the open plain to a well organized British army, directed by an experienced, brave, and intelligent leader.
In manning the position they had assumed, much had been neglected on the part of the Sikhs. The fortified village of Aliwal, which covered their left flank, and would have insured a most galling fire on our advancing line, if resolutely defended by an effective garrison, was occupied by an insufficient body of irregular troops, and defended only by two or three pieces of ordnance, which were carried with little resistance. Such an oversight must be attributed to surprise; for, if the enemy were actually on their march towards Jugraon on the morning of the 28th, they certainly had not time to throw a sufficient force, with heavy guns, into the village (which held an advanced position) before Sir Harry Smith was upon them.
When Aliwal was once carried, the only resource left was that which was readily adopted by Runjoor Singh, namely, changingfront left back, thus endeavouring to throw his left into the entrenched camp on the Sutlej, whilst his right rested on Boondree. But even this manœuvre was almost desperate, for the extent of front along this new position was so great, that ere the movement could be effected, his flanks were doubled up and his line pierced in several places, nor were the Sikhs a sufficiently disciplined army to manœuvre steadily under fire. When driven at every point from their well chosen position, the Aeen battalions fell doggedly back, but never condescended to fly, though plied with musketry and shrapnel. They retreated, maintaining the character they had earned, and facing about at intervals to check their pursuers by a retreating fire. Those troops, the pupils of Avitabile, did credit that day to themselves and their master; and, however we may abhor their treachery and thirst of blood, displayed in the revolutionary annals of the Punjaub since the death of the old Lion of Lahore, we must at least bear witness to their resolute courage and soldierlike bearing.
The Goorcheras and Irregular Infantry (as we were subsequently informed) had not the same heart in the cause as the Aeen battalions, of whom war was the profession and livelihood, and plunder and assassination the pastime.
It has been asserted that Sir Harry Smith might, without difficulty, have crossed the Sutlej with his victorious army after the battle of Aliwal, and seized on or destroyed the fortress of Philoor, which had been the harbour of assemblage for the Sikhs whilst threatening Loodiana; but it must be taken into consideration that the British general's directions were only to clear the left bank of the enemy, and that our forces were not equipped for an incursion into the Sikh territories. Had such a measure been deemed prudent, it would have called for extensive commissariat arrangements. To have crossed merely to destroy the innocent fort of Philoor, and then to retire, would have been useless and undignified.
But there were stronger reasons even than these. Sir Harry Smith had no authority to cross the Sutlej. The Sikhs were playing ourgame so industriously on our own side of the river, in crossing and occupying in force their most inexplicable position near Hureeka, that the final act of the tragedy was at hand, for which it was necessary to concentrate the whole British strength.
RETURN OF KILLED AND WOUNDED AT THE BATTLE OF ALIWAL, JAN. 28TH, 1846.
Nominal Roll of Officers Killed and Wounded at the Battle of Aliwal, 28th Jan. 1846.
Return of Ordnance captured from the Enemy in action at Aliwal, by the 1st Division of the Army of the Sutlej, under the personal command of Major-General Sir Harry Smith, K.C.B., on the 28th Jan. 1846.
Return of Ordnance captured from the Enemy in action at Aliwal, by the 1st Division of the Army of the Sutlej, under the personal command of Major-General Sir Harry Smith, K.C.B., on the 28th Jan. 1846.
Camp, Aliwal, 30th Jan.
13 Howitzers:
8 inch, brass, 2ft. 9in., serviceable.24 pounder, 3ft. 11in., do.13 pounder, copper, 3ft. 9in., do.12 pounder, brass, 4ft. 9in., do.12 pounder, do. do. do.7 pounder, do., 3ft. 5-1/2in., unserviceable.12 pounder, copper, 3ft. 9in., serviceable.12 pounder, do. do. do.12 pounder, do. do. do.12 pounder, brass, 3ft. 9in., highly ornamented, serviceable.9 pounder, copper, 3ft. 11in., do. do.9 pounder, do., 2ft. 9-1/2in., do.12 pounder, do., 3ft. 4-1/2in., do.
4 Mortars:
10 inch, brass, 2ft. 3in., mounted, and field carriage, serviceable.8½ inch, copper, 1ft. 9in., do. do.6 inch, brass, 1ft. 4-1/2in., a curious old piece, with highly carved and ornamented carriage, do.4½ inch, brass, 1ft. 4-1/2in., do. do.
52 Guns:
1. 8 pounder, brass, 10ft. 2in., ornamented with dolphinand rings, apparently a French batteringgun, heavy metal, serviceable.2. 8 pounder, copper, 4ft. 11-3/4in., do.3. 8 pounder, brass, 4ft. 11in., do.4. 8 pounder, brass, 5ft. 1in., do.5. 7 pounder, do., 4ft. 11in., heavy metal, do.6. 7 pounder, do., 4ft. 3-1/2in., do. do.7. 6½ pounder, copper, 5ft. 1in., do.8. 6 pounder, brass, 5ft., do.9. 6 pounder, do., 4ft. 1in., do.10. 6 pounder, copper, 5ft. 3-1/2in., do.11. 6 pounder, brass, 5ft. 5-1/2in., heavy metal, unserviceable.12. 6 pounder, do., 4ft. 11in., do., serviceable.13. 6 pounder, do., 4ft. 10in., inscription in Englishcharacters—Owner, King Runjeet Sing; Commander,Meg Sing Kakur; Maker, Rai Sing;Lahore, 1833, No. 1, serviceable.14. 6 pounder, do., 4ft. 8in., do.15. 6 pounder, do., 4ft. 11-1/4in., highly ornamented carriage, do.16. 6 pounder, do., 4ft. 11in., do., same as No. 13, do.17. 6 pounder, 4ft. 8in., Persian inscription, do.18. 6 pounder, do., 5ft., do.19. 6 pounder, copper, do. do.20. 6 pounder, brass, 4ft. 10-1/2in., do.21. 6 pounder, do. do. do.22. 6 pounder, copper, 4ft. 11in., highly ornamentedcarriage, inlaid with brass and steel, do.23. 6 pounder, do. do. do. do.24. 6 pounder, brass, do. do. do.25. 6 pounder, 4ft. 9-1/2in., do. do.26. 6 pounder, copper, 4ft. 10-3/4in., do. do.27. 6 pounder, gun metal, 4ft. 10-1/2in., apparently acapital gun, do.28. 5¾ pounder, brass, 5ft. 7in., Persian inscription, do.29. 5¾ pounder, 5ft. 9in., heavy metal, would ream outto a 9 pounder, do.30. 4 pounder, 4ft. 7in., heavy metal, do.31. 3 pounder, copper, 3ft., Persian inscription, do.32. 3½ pounder, brass, 4ft. 7in., heavy metal, do.33. Unknown, sunk in the Sutlej.34. Do. do.35. Do. do.36. Do. do.37. Do., spiked on opposite bank.38. Do. do.39. 6 pounder, brass, do., taken possession of in the fort of Gungrana.40. 9 pounder, do., do., do.41. 6 pounder, 4ft. 11½ in., serviceable.42 to 52. Unknown, sunk in the Sutlej, or since brought in.
Abstract of Captured Ordnance:
Serviceable, 12 howitzers, 4 mortars, 33 guns.Unserviceable, 1 howitzer, 2 guns.Sunk and spiked, 13 guns.Since brought in, 2 guns.
Grand total, 67 guns.
Forty swivel camel guns also captured, which have since been destroyed.
(Signed)W. Barr,Lt. and Bt. Capt. II. Artillery,Adjt. Artillery Division.(Signed)G. Lawrenson,Major 2nd Brigade H.A.,Commanding Artillery 1st Divn.Army of the Sutlej.
N.B.—The quantity of ammunition captured with the artillery, and found in the camp of the enemy, is beyond accurate calculation, consisting of shot, shell, grape, and small-arm ammunition of every description, and for every calibre. The powder found in the limbers and wagons of the guns, and in the magazines of the entrenched camp, has been destroyed, to prevent accidents. Six large hackery loads have also been appropriated to the destruction of forts in the neighbourhood. As many of the shot and shell as time would admit of being collected, have been brought into the park. The shells, being useless, have been thrown into the river. The shot will be appropriated to the public service.
(Signed)G. Lawrenson,Major 2nd Brigade H.A.,Commanding Artillery 1st Divn.Army of the Sutlej.(Signed)W. Barr,1st Lieut. and Bt. Capt. Adjt.Artillery Division.
FOOTNOTES:[40]Cavalry—1st Brigade H.M. 16th Lancers." 3rd Native Cavalry." 4th Irregulars.2nd Brigade Body-Guard." 1st Native Cavalry." 5th ditto." Shekawattee Horse.Infantry—1st Brigade H.M. 31st Regt." 24th Native Infantry." 47th ditto.2nd Brigade H.M. 50th Regt." Sirmoor battalion." 48th Native Infantry.3rd Brigade H.M. 53rd Regt." 30th Native Infantry.4th Brigade 36th Native Infantry." Nusseeree Battalion." Shekawattee Infantry." Sappers.[41]I have particularized this case, because there were few instances of the Sikh cavalry emulating the example of their comrades on foot during the whole campaign.[42]These Aeen troops were Avitabile's battalions, formed and drilled by him at Peshawur. Their uniforms were scarlet with green facings; their arms were a musket and sword. The Sikh irregular infantry were usually dressed in white, and armed with a matchlock, sword, and shield—the latter slung on the back.[43]In this charge Major Smyth was severely wounded; but, regardless of personal injury, he continued to direct the operations of his regiment until the Sikhs finally abandoned their position.[44]It was here that the Shekawattee brigade and body guard earned theirundying renown. This was the last chance for them, as, during the day, they had not come into collision with the enemy.[45]These swivel guns were fired from camels' backs, and usually carried balls of about one pound weight.[46]At Moodkee.[47]This imitative propensity of the Sikhs had often amused us. If a new picket were ever posted in any out of the way place, the Sikhs invariably posted a party of similar strength within a few hours. If the videttes or sentries were doubled, their shadows forthwith appeared on the opposite bank.[48]Some men of influence and property in the neighbourhood of Patna tampered with the native officers of a sepoy regiment quartered there, but the plot was divulged and crushed in its infancy.
FOOTNOTES:
[40]Cavalry—1st Brigade H.M. 16th Lancers." 3rd Native Cavalry." 4th Irregulars.2nd Brigade Body-Guard." 1st Native Cavalry." 5th ditto." Shekawattee Horse.Infantry—1st Brigade H.M. 31st Regt." 24th Native Infantry." 47th ditto.2nd Brigade H.M. 50th Regt." Sirmoor battalion." 48th Native Infantry.3rd Brigade H.M. 53rd Regt." 30th Native Infantry.4th Brigade 36th Native Infantry." Nusseeree Battalion." Shekawattee Infantry." Sappers.
[40]
Cavalry—1st Brigade H.M. 16th Lancers." 3rd Native Cavalry." 4th Irregulars.
2nd Brigade Body-Guard." 1st Native Cavalry." 5th ditto." Shekawattee Horse.
Infantry—1st Brigade H.M. 31st Regt." 24th Native Infantry." 47th ditto.
2nd Brigade H.M. 50th Regt." Sirmoor battalion." 48th Native Infantry.
3rd Brigade H.M. 53rd Regt." 30th Native Infantry.
4th Brigade 36th Native Infantry." Nusseeree Battalion." Shekawattee Infantry." Sappers.
[41]I have particularized this case, because there were few instances of the Sikh cavalry emulating the example of their comrades on foot during the whole campaign.
[41]I have particularized this case, because there were few instances of the Sikh cavalry emulating the example of their comrades on foot during the whole campaign.
[42]These Aeen troops were Avitabile's battalions, formed and drilled by him at Peshawur. Their uniforms were scarlet with green facings; their arms were a musket and sword. The Sikh irregular infantry were usually dressed in white, and armed with a matchlock, sword, and shield—the latter slung on the back.
[42]These Aeen troops were Avitabile's battalions, formed and drilled by him at Peshawur. Their uniforms were scarlet with green facings; their arms were a musket and sword. The Sikh irregular infantry were usually dressed in white, and armed with a matchlock, sword, and shield—the latter slung on the back.
[43]In this charge Major Smyth was severely wounded; but, regardless of personal injury, he continued to direct the operations of his regiment until the Sikhs finally abandoned their position.
[43]In this charge Major Smyth was severely wounded; but, regardless of personal injury, he continued to direct the operations of his regiment until the Sikhs finally abandoned their position.
[44]It was here that the Shekawattee brigade and body guard earned theirundying renown. This was the last chance for them, as, during the day, they had not come into collision with the enemy.
[44]It was here that the Shekawattee brigade and body guard earned theirundying renown. This was the last chance for them, as, during the day, they had not come into collision with the enemy.
[45]These swivel guns were fired from camels' backs, and usually carried balls of about one pound weight.
[45]These swivel guns were fired from camels' backs, and usually carried balls of about one pound weight.
[46]At Moodkee.
[46]At Moodkee.
[47]This imitative propensity of the Sikhs had often amused us. If a new picket were ever posted in any out of the way place, the Sikhs invariably posted a party of similar strength within a few hours. If the videttes or sentries were doubled, their shadows forthwith appeared on the opposite bank.
[47]This imitative propensity of the Sikhs had often amused us. If a new picket were ever posted in any out of the way place, the Sikhs invariably posted a party of similar strength within a few hours. If the videttes or sentries were doubled, their shadows forthwith appeared on the opposite bank.
[48]Some men of influence and property in the neighbourhood of Patna tampered with the native officers of a sepoy regiment quartered there, but the plot was divulged and crushed in its infancy.
[48]Some men of influence and property in the neighbourhood of Patna tampered with the native officers of a sepoy regiment quartered there, but the plot was divulged and crushed in its infancy.
CHAPTER VIII.
SIR HARRY SMITH'S DIVISION MARCH TO REJOIN THE HEAD-QUARTERS OF THE ARMY—PREPARATIONS TO EJECT THE ENEMY FROM THEIR POSITION ON THE BRITISH SIDE OF THE RIVER.
SIR HARRY SMITH'S DIVISION MARCH TO REJOIN THE HEAD-QUARTERS OF THE ARMY—PREPARATIONS TO EJECT THE ENEMY FROM THEIR POSITION ON THE BRITISH SIDE OF THE RIVER.
Sir Harry Smith'sforces, with the exception of details of native troops, left for the protection of Loodiana, having been recalled to head-quarters, commenced their march on the morning of the 3rd of February, taking the direct road near the banks of the Sutlej.
To Brigadier Wheler was entrusted the command of the forces left at Loodiana, (consisting of twelve guns, the 1st Cavalry, 4th Irregulars, and four regiments of Native Infantry.) These troops were intended to act as a moveable column for the protection of the line of country between Loodiana and Dhurrumkote. Matters were thus placed on a more organized footing; a communication being secured with Loodiana, the fords of the Sutlej watched, and the Sikh predatory bands confined to excursions amongst the villages on their own side of the river, which were by this time pretty nearly exhausted.
Most of the regiments returning from Aliwal presented a sadly diminished front; and H.M.'s 31st and 50th, the former of which had been present in every action and skirmish hitherto fought with the Sikhs, scarcely covered the ground of one weak battalion. In the officers' lines, the diminution was equally perceptible; and in the reduced mess-tents of each regiment, wide and melancholy intervals around the once-crowded tables told but too truly of the fatal precision of the enemy's fire, and of the ready and forward breasts which had been presented to their aim.
Wine had become scarce at every table; butthe absence of this incentive to the spirits and conversation of the assemblies did not produce a very depressing effect. The stirring events of the campaign, in which all had been engaged, afforded ample subject for discussion; but the sharp routine of duty, and the daily call to arms at break of day, made early hours universally fashionable and headaches scarce.
The literary characters of the army (not a very numerous class) were perhaps more at a loss than their comrades; for our books had nearly all deserted to the enemy on the 21st of January, and a very scanty sprinkling were recovered when the Sikh camp was captured on the 28th.
Most of the army were utterly at a loss to know what that camp contained; but perhaps the mystery may be solved by the Shekawattee cavalry, or the irregular horse, whose operations were principally confined to that part of the field.
My own share of plunder on that occasion amounted to a bottle of London porter, wrapped carefully in a Sikh blanket, and stowed on acamel's back. A native follower was stalking hastily away with this inestimable treasure, when my groom overtook the delinquent, and I scrupled not to appropriate the booty to my own use.
I never tasted more refreshing beverage than that same bottle contained; and I do not remember ever having found a blanket more acceptable than on the night of the 28th of January, 1846.
On the morning of the 6th of February, Sir Harry Smith's column, bringing as trophies a portion of the Sikh ordnance captured at Aliwal, returned to their former position near Hureeka ford. On arrival, they were met by the gallant commander-in-chief with his staff. Sir Hugh rode along the line, and expressed in the warmest terms his approbation of the services rendered by each regiment; and the emotion with which the kind-hearted veteran spoke, effectually supplied the place of the studied oratory in general use for parade purposes.
Our pickets were again thrown out on the Sutlej, and resumed nearly the same positionwhich had been occupied previous to the late operations; and nothing, apparently, gave evidence of the recent important events, save the diminished strength of the squadrons and companies under arms. The Sikh videttes, at regular intervals, stood, like so many white statues, on their allotted posts, and the patrols sauntered hourly along the high banks between the chain of pickets.
During our excursion to Loodiana, the Sikhs had not remained inactive. Their bridge of boats having been completed and strengthened, the enemy had crossed, and thrown up a large, semicircular entrenchment, embracing the re-entering sinuosity of the river, with a face of about three miles in extent. At first, the Sikhs crossed only in small numbers, sufficient to protect the working-parties in the trenches; but finding these unmolested, they brought their guns across the Sutlej, and established themselves in full strength in their strange position.
Parties of Goorchera horsemen, fording daily above and below the bridge of boats,showed us that the transit of the river near Sobraon might be accomplished with facility by the whole army when it should be deemed requisite. Formerly, the Sikhs had been in the habit of crossing a few thousand by day, and retiring again at nightfall; but now that the works had assumed a more permanent appearance, the enemy seemed to have nearly vacated their camp on the right shore, and to have occupied permanently the entrenchments with battalions of regular infantry. The cavalry spread themselves along the banks, scouring the immediate neighbourhood, and watching for any aggressive movement on our part.
A better system also prevailed at the outposts: no firing at each other, or useless waste of human life, took place; and on more than one occasion, Sikh officers visited and returned from the British camp.
The redoubtable Ghoolab Singh had arrived in Lahore from his mountain principality of Jamoo, and the Sikh soldiery gained much confidence from this supposed acquisition of strength, which they hourly expected to reinforce their camp. It was reported that Ghoolab Singh had brought with him his whole army, amounting to thirty pieces of artillery, and upwards of thirty thousand men; but this account afterwards proved to be incorrect; his forces did not exceed, in all, ten thousand troops.
However, Ghoolab and his army seemed to have taken root at Lahore; and no entreaties of his countrymen prevailed with that cunning chief to commit himself by joining the Khalsa army in front of Sobraon. Nor is it matter of surprise, that so cunning a diplomatist as the aforesaid rajah proved himself, should have wished to see the result of the struggle which was now impending, before he openly joined an army which had already experienced three defeats. The chances of a British alliance were too favourable a reserve to be sacrificed, so long as a double game could be played with any chance of success.
On the 8th of February, a portion of the long-desired siege train, consisting of twelve ten-inch howitzers, and a large quantity ofammunition, arrived in camp, after a laborious march from Delhi, with an escort of one regiment of native cavalry and small details of native infantry; and Sir Hugh Gough at length found himself prepared with materials for recommencing active operations when such should be deemed advisable.
The main body of the British army was now encamped in line nearly parallel with the Sutlej, and about three miles distant from the bridge of boats at Sobraon. One brigade of infantry occupied the fortified post at Rhodawallah, on the left, whence a good view was obtained of the Sikh camp and proceedings. The enemy's advanced posts were thrown forward into a small fortified position, within musket-shot of Rhodawallah, and a chain of pickets environed the whole front of his works.
Sir Harry Smith's division, at an interval of about three miles on the extreme right of the army, continued to watch the fords of Hureeka. Sir John Grey's division, consisting entirely of native troops, were with the Governor-general at Ferozepore, about sixteen miles distant;and the engineers were busily occupied in preparing, on the river near that town, a pontoon train, by which it had been resolved that the British army should cross when the position at Sobraon had been stormed, and the theatre of war transferred to the Sikh territories in the Punjaub.
We were, of course, all aware that the day of action could not be far distant, as the long-expected siege-train had now poured the greater part of its materials for destruction into camp; but the precise time of operations had not as yet been announced.
On the evening of the 9th of February, as I rode along the river, in company with some brother-officers, we perceived that the enemy had just brought six guns into a village on the high bank above Hureeka. These were probably planted to defend the ford, in case the British cavalry should attempt to cross the river at the same time that the entrenchments were attacked.
About sunset, we observed the enemy's patrols taking their usual excursion along thebanks; and so proud were the troops in the village of the new playthings which they had got, that they could not resist the temptation of showing us they were all kept in good order, by firing two or three rounds from each gun.
European nations are not much in the habit of wasting ammunition in that playful manner, and when a battery opens, it generally means something; but this is by no means the case amongst the Asiatics. The Sikhs especially delight in noise, and neglect no opportunity of indulging the propensity. Indeed, it was a matter of surprise to us, how they could ever rest with such a perpetual clatter of cannon and musketry going on in their camp.
With the above-named exception, the Sikh pickets did not appear more on the alert than usual; nor were they strengthened at any point; so that there is no reason to suppose the enemy anticipated the attack which was to ensue in a few hours.
That night, when assembled in our mess-tent, we indulged in a discussion as to themeans available for repelling the Sikhs from the insolent position they had assumed on our territories; but many were of opinion that the day of aggression was yet far distant; and some thought—nay, decided—that Sir Henry Hardinge would not feel himself prepared to cross the Sutlej before the ensuing autumn. The argument, when at its height, was interrupted by the hasty arrival of a staff-officer, with orders for the brigadier. Those orders were for the preparation of the mighty machinery which was to be brought into operation ere the morning sun had lit the rival camps, and which was destined to hurl the boasting invaders from the segment of land they occupied, headlong into the pitiless waters of the Sutlej.
A few weeks ago, the eve of a battle, suddenly announced, would have sent half the party at table to make their wills, or to prepare for the coming event as well as a few hours' notice would permit; but now, most of these preparations had already been made;—(and as few were sanguine enough to suppose they could last much longer, as fully half their comrades had been killed or crippled, and the enemy appeared fresher than ever,)—the approaching struggle excited perhaps a trifle more of interest than would have been bestowed on a hurdle-race or steeple-chase, to come off next morning.
We were ordered to be under arms and moving about two hours before daybreak; and therefore an early retreat was advisable, in order to be in proper condition for the labours which the coming day threatened to entail on some, and to terminate for ever with others.
However lightly the subject may be treated, with lively companions and flashing lights around you, yet, when the scene is changed to the dusky canvas walls of a solitary tent, and the subsiding hubbub of the camp leaves one to court sleep or reflection, I confess, for my own part, that the eve of a battle has never been the calmest of my nightly rests. The probability that ere to-morrow's sun has set we may be one of that loathsome class for whom the "hiatus maxime deflendus"—"to be filled up by spade and mattock"—is awaiting, usually causes a retrospect which, unless with a man possessing the philosophy or vanity of a Cicero,[49]must be somewhat perplexing. When the deeds of a life are hurriedly compressed into a few hours' consideration, I have always found the dark side inevitably gaining the ascendance, and no effort of will would cause the imaginary sphere to revolve and present a luminous surface to view. That austere judge, whom the ancients described as inflicting punishment on the hapless shades who, though guiltless of heinous crimes, had yet neglected numerous opportunities of benefiting mankind, appeared to me to discharge his duty so rationally, that I could not impugn the decision.
Although our actions may be matter of very light reflection whilst time floats gaily onwards, yet a life of uselessness does not afford a very satisfactory retrospect, especially when it appears likely to come to an abrupt conclusion.Seeking earnestly for some familiar spirit to avert the unpromising theme, the demon Ambition rises, and points, with beckoning gestures, to worldly distinctions, success, and military renown. The fascinating vision then appears entitled to be treated with some respect, and away flies Mammon with his unresisting victim. Cruel seducer! As in the case of a rustic caught by the recruiting serjeant with a bunch of coloured ribbons and an Eldorado in the distance, sad experience alone unmasks the sombre reality, and the disappointed aspirant to a shadow, finds that rank and honours are reserved for the soldier's declining years; but youth and glory are rarely companions.[50]Perhaps it may be good policy to keep the phantom hovering in sight, when possession destroys the mistaken pursuit, or at all events, discovers its true value. Notwithstanding these trite complaints, the subordinate regimental ranks have ever provedfaithful to their duty, and the English soldier has continued "to conquer under the cold shade of aristocracy."[51]
In the midst of reflections of this useless nature, I was roused by the mild voice of a native attendant whispering, as softly as if he feared the enemy might overhear him, that the camp was stirring, and that the appointed hour had arrived. To my surprise, I found that the hands of my watch confirmed the Hindoo's assertion; and my night of intended repose had slipped away in a less profitable employment.
Hastily buckling on my equipments, and having seen that my saddle was equally prepared for the emergencies of the day, I rode on to where the dark array of troops were gathering on their alarm posts in the dim star-light. Each brigadier had received, overnight, his instructions for the position to be occupied on this momentous occasion; and the movement of the forces was conducted with thatsilence and regularity which complete discipline, and an intimate knowledge amongst those in command of their respective duties in the field, can always ensure. Each word of command, though softly uttered, was effectually obeyed, and the column proceeded to take up their position on the extensive curve assumed by the investing army.
The atmosphere, laden with heavy vapours, spread a darkening veil between the rival hosts, and thousands of eyes watched earnestly for the rising of the curtain and the beginning of the tragedy.