Page:Viscount Hardinge and the Advance of the British Dominions into the Punjab.djvu/102

98 The enemy appeared behind the camels with a few thousand infantry and then made off. At 3 o'clock another demonstration was made of infantry, artillery, and cavalry. I threw a brigade of Littler's into the village of Firozsháh, where it was not only safe but could give protection to the horse artillery. The remainder of the infantry was in line, in a firm attitude to resist any attack. At this moment the British cavalry were suddenly seen to go off towards Firozpur, followed by the horse artillery. The infantry, with the greatest unconcern, held their ground and advanced when ordered. The enemy again retired, afraid of the infantry, which was actually abandoned by the cavalry and at least thirty pieces of artillery. We slept in the open air in rear of the infantry. The Sikhs were evidently in full retreat.

'The next morning [December 23rd] I rode into Firozpur to collect intelligence. I met the cavalry and artillery returning to the camp, and crowds of men who had either fled or lost their way. I also met the brigadier commanding, who stated that he had received an order from the acting Adjutant-General to save his cavalry and retire upon Firozpur. The other brigadier made a similar explanation. The horse artillery explained that, wanting ammunition, they had followed the cavalry. The officer who gave the order was Captain L——.'

I have given the above extracts from two separate letters, because, although they describe the same