f the British government, and those
who possess estates on both sides of the river Sutlej, who by their
faithful adherence to the British government, may be liable to sustain
loss, shall be indemnified and secured in all their just rights and
privileges. On the other hand, all subjects of the British government,
who shall continue in the service of the Lahore state, and who disobey
this proclamation, by not immediately returning to their allegiance,
will be liable to have their property on this side of the Sutlej
confiscated, and declared to be aliens and enemies of the British
government." On crossing the Sutlej, the Sikh army, under the command
of Sirdar Tej Sing, invested Ferozepore on one side, and took up an
intrenched position at the village of Ferozeshah, about ten miles
in advance of Ferozepore, and nearly the same distance from Moodkee.
Ferozepore was garrisoned with about 5000 troops, with twenty-one guns,
under the command of Major-general Sir John Littler. The great object
of the governor-general was to effect a junction between the separated
portions of the Anglo-Indian army before an attack could be made
upon them by the Sikhs. For this purpose orders were issued by the
governor-general, while on his route, to the force at Umballah, with
Sir Hugh Gough at their head, to move up towards Ferozepore by rapid
marches. On the 18th those troops reached the village of Moodkee, and
on that day a battle was fought, which will be best told in Sir Hugh
Gough's own words. In his dispatch he writes:--"Soon after mid-day, the
division under Major-general Sir Harry Smith, a brigade of that under
Major-general Sir J. M'Caskill, and another of that under Major-general
Gilbert, with five troops of horse-artillery, and two light
field-batteries, under Lieutenant-colonel Brooke, of the
horse-artillery, and the cavalry division, consisting of her majesty's
3rd light-dragoons, the body-guard, 4th and 5th light-cavalry, and 9th
irregular cavalry, took up their encamping ground in front of Moodkee.
The troops were in a state of great exhaustion, principally from the
want of water, which was not procurable on the road, when, about three
p. m., information was received that the Sikh army was advancing;
and the troops had scarcely time to get under arms and move to their
positions, when the fact was ascertained. I immediately pushed forward
the horse-artillery and cavalry, directing the infantry, accompanied by
the field-batteries, t