Page:Viscount Hardinge and the Advance of the British Dominions into the Punjab.djvu/114

110 from Jagráon on Ludhiána, and chose to beard the Sikh army by passing close to the Fort at Badhowál where they had entrenched themselves. Godby's brigade, only six miles off, not being aware of Smith's march, although Smith had written to him, did not move out to his assistance, so that after a sharp cannonade Smith's baggage was completely cut off. Nothing makes people in India so angry as losing their comforts. "Disaster," "defeat," and every harsh word was used. I rode down to the Commander-in-Chief's camp early in the morning of the 27th; and after agreeing as to the great importance of the movement, we ordered Brigadier Taylor to move from Dharmkot to Jagráon, while an order was sent to Smith to attack. The next morning we heard the firing, and another order was sent to Smith to the same effect, which was conveyed to him by Major Lawrence, my Political Agent. On that morning Smith moved out, found the enemy — who had been reinforced by 4000 infantry and 12 guns — advancing against him, attacked and gained a brilliant victory.

'Gough was then so extremely anxious to storm the entrenched camp at Sobráon, with 80 or 90 guns and a force varying from 40,000 to 50,000 men, that I went back to camp rather than give way to his request. To cripple the British force without a reasonable prospect of capturing 60 or 70 guns would not be justifiable. I have never considered the Commander-in-Chief's position disadvantageous, for the enemy dare not venture out; and until our ammunition