o move forward in support. We had not proceeded
beyond two miles, when we found the enemy in position. They were said
to consist of from 15,000 to 20,000 infantry, about the same force of
cavalry, and forty guns. They had evidently either just taken up this
position, or were advancing in order of battle against us. To resist
their attack, and to cover the formation of the infantry, I advanced
the cavalry, under Brigadiers White, Gough, and Martier, rapidly to
the front, in columns of squadrons, and occupied the plain. They were
speedily followed by the five troops of horse-artillery, under Brigadier
Brooke, who took up a forward position, having the valley then on his
flanks. The country is a dead flat, covered, at short intervals, with
a low, but in some places, a thick low jungle, and dotted with sandy
hillocks. The enemy screened their infantry and artillery behind this
jungle, and such undulations as the ground afforded; and whilst our
twelve battalions formed from echellon of brigade into line, opened a
very severe cannonade upon our advancing troops, which was vigorously
replied to by the battery of horse artillery under Brigadier Brooke,
which was soon joined by the two light field-batteries. The rapid and
well-directed fire of our artillery appeared soon to paralyse that of
the enemy. And as it was necessary to complete our infantry dispositions
without advancing the artillery too near the jungle, I directed the
cavalry, under Brigadiers White and Gough, to make a flank movement on
the enemy's left, with a view of threatening and turning that flank, if
possible. With praiseworthy gallantry, the 3rd light-dragoons, with
the 2nd brigade of cavalry, consisting of the body-guard and 5th
light-cavalry, with a portion of the 4th lancers, turned the left of the
Sikh army, and, sweeping along the whole rear of its infantry and
guns, silenced for a time the latter, and put their numerous cavalry
to flight. Whilst this movement was taking place on the enemy's left,
I directed the remainder of the 4th lancers, the 9th irregular cavalry,
under Brigadier Martier, with a light field-battery, to threaten their
right. This manouvre was also successful. Had not the infantry and guns
of the enemy been screened by the jungle, these brilliant charges would
have been productive of greater effect. When the infantry advanced to
the attack, Brigadier Brooke rapidly pushed on his horse-artillery close
to the jungle, and the cannonade was