Tempo:
CHAP. IX
WAR WITH THE ENGLISH
273
had been swelled by reinforcements to four regiments i845-6. of infantry, three regiments of cavalry, and eighteen guns, marched soon after midnight; and early on the morning of the 21st January it was learnt that the whole Sikh army, estimated at ten thousand men, had moved to Badowal during the preceding day. That place was then distant eight miles from the head of the column, and Sir Harry Smith considered that if he had made a detour to the right, so as to leave the Sikhs about three miles on his other flank, he would be able to effect his junction with the Ludhiana
A
short halt took place to brigade without molestation. enable the baggage to get somewhat afiead, and it was arranged that the long strings of animals should move parallel to the troops and on the right flank, so as to be covered by the column. As Badowal was approached, the Sikhs were seen to be in motion likewise, and apparently to be bent on intercepting the English; but as it was not wished to give them battle, Sir Harry Smith continued his march, inclining however still more to his right, and making occasional halts with the cavalry to enable the infantry to close up, it having fallen behind owing to the heavy nature of the ground. But the Sikhs were resolved on fighting, and they commenced a fire of artillery on the British horse, which obtained a partial cover under sand-banks, while the guns of the detachment opened upon the Sikhs and served to keep their line in check. By the time that the British infantry and small rear-guard of cavalry had closed up, the fire of the Sikhs had begun to tell, and it was thought that a steady charge by the infantry would throw them into disorder, and would allow the baggage to pass on, and give time to the Ludhiana troops to come to the aid of their comrades. A close contest was indeed the prompting of every one's heart at the moment; but as the regiments of foot were being formed into line, it was found that the active Siklis had dragged guns, ijnperceived, behind sand hillocks to the rear of the column or, as matters then stood, that they had turned their enemy's. left flank. These guns threw their enfilading shot with great rapidity and precision, and whole sections of men were seen to fall at a time without an audible groan amid the hissing of the iron storm. The ground was heavy, the men were wearied with a march of nine hours and eighteen miles, and it became evident that a charge might prove fatal to the exhausted victors. The infantry once more resumed its march, and its retirement or retreat upon
—
13
WAR WITH THE ENGLISH
273
had been swelled by reinforcements to four regiments i845-6. of infantry, three regiments of cavalry, and eighteen guns, marched soon after midnight; and early on the morning of the 21st January it was learnt that the whole Sikh army, estimated at ten thousand men, had moved to Badowal during the preceding day. That place was then distant eight miles from the head of the column, and Sir Harry Smith considered that if he had made a detour to the right, so as to leave the Sikhs about three miles on his other flank, he would be able to effect his junction with the Ludhiana
A
short halt took place to brigade without molestation. enable the baggage to get somewhat afiead, and it was arranged that the long strings of animals should move parallel to the troops and on the right flank, so as to be covered by the column. As Badowal was approached, the Sikhs were seen to be in motion likewise, and apparently to be bent on intercepting the English; but as it was not wished to give them battle, Sir Harry Smith continued his march, inclining however still more to his right, and making occasional halts with the cavalry to enable the infantry to close up, it having fallen behind owing to the heavy nature of the ground. But the Sikhs were resolved on fighting, and they commenced a fire of artillery on the British horse, which obtained a partial cover under sand-banks, while the guns of the detachment opened upon the Sikhs and served to keep their line in check. By the time that the British infantry and small rear-guard of cavalry had closed up, the fire of the Sikhs had begun to tell, and it was thought that a steady charge by the infantry would throw them into disorder, and would allow the baggage to pass on, and give time to the Ludhiana troops to come to the aid of their comrades. A close contest was indeed the prompting of every one's heart at the moment; but as the regiments of foot were being formed into line, it was found that the active Siklis had dragged guns, ijnperceived, behind sand hillocks to the rear of the column or, as matters then stood, that they had turned their enemy's. left flank. These guns threw their enfilading shot with great rapidity and precision, and whole sections of men were seen to fall at a time without an audible groan amid the hissing of the iron storm. The ground was heavy, the men were wearied with a march of nine hours and eighteen miles, and it became evident that a charge might prove fatal to the exhausted victors. The infantry once more resumed its march, and its retirement or retreat upon
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13
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