Page:Viscount Hardinge and the Advance of the British Dominions into the Punjab.djvu/105

Rh The official records soon gave to sorrowing friends the melancholy death-roll which throws a gloom over every victory. I can add but little to what Major W. Broadfoot has published with regard to his gallant brother. But I can say this, from personal knowledge, that no officer fell on the 21st who was more sincerely mourned by the Chief he had served so well. No one was held in more affectionate remembrance, and no one has ever better justified the high expectations which from the first were formed of his diplomatic and military abilities. It was my privilege to attend the gallant Somerset (Lord Raglan's son) in his last moments. A finer spirit was never called away from a short but active career. Munro and Hore, both aides-de-camp of the Governor-General and excellent officers, were also dead. The long list of wounded included Saunders Abbott; Lake, of the Engineers; Mills, who on that occasion took command of his old troop of Horse Artillery; and Becher, of the Quarter-Master- General's Department. These were all 'Politicals' except Becher, and had done good service in the Cis-Sutlej States. The remains of those that fell lie in the little church at Firozpur, but their memories live in the hearts of their comrades.

On the 24th of December, the Governor-General's camp was pitched at Firozpur. The impedimenta had arrived, and we at once settled down to our usual camp-life. The Commander-in-Chief remained with the main body near Firozsháh, until arrangements had been made for a forward movement. On