Page:The Marquess of Dalhousie.djvu/85

Rh equalled by his rashness in the field. The bloody cavalry blunder at Rámnagar was followed by the doubtful engagement of Sadullápur on December 3rd.

The troops from the south were now, however, advancing upon Múltán. The arrival of the Bombay contingent before that city on the 26th December, 1848, increased the forces there, under General Whish, to 17,000 men with sixty-four heavy guns. The siege which had been interrupted for three and a half months, since September 15th, was resumed on the 27th December. After a most gallant defence, an English shell fortunately exploded the powder magazine of the besieged. On the 2nd January, 1849, the city was captured; and on the 22nd, after 40,000 shot and shell had been poured into Múltán from seventy British cannon, the citadel surrendered unconditionally, and Múlráj delivered himself up to the English camp.

The strong fortress-warehouse of the middle Indus was fallen. But nine days before its fall a calamity had happened to Lord Gough's grand army. Of the battle of Chilianwála it need here only be said, that it was an evening battle fought by a brave old man in a passion, and mourned for by the whole British nation. On the news of that fatal 13th of January reaching England, Lord Gough was recalled, and Sir Charles Napier was appointed Commander-in-Chief.