Page:Viscount Hardinge and the Advance of the British Dominions into the Punjab.djvu/101

Rh down successively with four of the British regiments, to ascertain their temper and give the encouragement required. I found myself again with my old Peninsular friends of the 29th, the 50th, the 31st, and the 9th, all in good heart.

'Towards the morning, the cries of the Sikhs and the tramp of bodies of men showed that they had reinforced that part of their position which we had not attacked. The fire of their guns still continued, as signals to that part of the army which had been worsted that their comrades still held their ground and required support, and everything announced that in the morning we should have a desperate struggle. The brave men in our line were re-formed. The Commander-in-Chief came to me and told me his opinion that we were in a critical and perilous state. I fully agreed, and we were both of one mind that we should attack the enemy's camp and carry it at all hazards.

'Having made every disposition for the morning's work, we waited impatiently for the break of day. Sir Hugh Gough led the right, and I the centre and left. I have in my official report related what passed, to which I refer you. The British infantry quite reminded me of the glorious days of the Peninsula. Depend upon it, the cheapest accession of force will be found to consist of British troops.

'At 11 o'clock a.m. [December 22nd] we were threatened by another attack. Camel-swivels came to our front and fired with some effect upon our infantry.