Page:Viscount Hardinge and the Advance of the British Dominions into the Punjab.djvu/115

Rh arrives, which it will on the 6th, it is impossible for them to undertake any important operation. To illustrate the dangers, I must observe that Smith at the close of the last action had no ammunition left.'

Ranjúr Singh is described by Sir Hugh Gough in his despatch as taking up an entrenched position at Badhowál, supporting himself on his fort. Threatened on either flank by Smith and Wheeler, he finally moved down to the Sutlej. Smith, being now reinforced by Wheeler, and having effected his junction with Godby's brigade from Ludhiána, marched out a distance of six miles to meet the enemy. The despatches recording the battle of Alíwál are matter of history: how after deploying into line Smith took ground to the right, and carrying the village of Alíwál, precipitated himself on the left and centre; how the enemy was driven back, while a squadron of the 16th Lancers under Major Smyth and Captain Pearson carried everything before them — charging through a Sikh square of infantry, a feat seldom accomplished even against Asiatic troops; how the 53rd carried the village at the point of the bayonet, while the Horse Artillery under Major Laurenson dashed among the flying infantry, committing the greatest havoc. The battle was won; every gun the enemy had fell into our hands, to the number of 52. All the Sikh forts were then blown up; and the force under Sir Harry Smith soon proceeded to join the Commander-in-Chief before Sobráon.

The battle of Alíwál had the effect of damping the