eemed necessary to complete the physical decline
of this remarkable man. It was remarked in Dublin, at the close of the
year, that his voice had so far failed that he could scarcely be heard
in the Repeal Association; indeed, similar complaints had been made in
parliament months before. He walked as if weary; his head drooped, and
he wore a prodigious mass of clothing, especially about his throat and
chest. He might be sometimes seen walking between his sons, leaning on
their arms, his head bowed down, as if to escape the winter's blast,
and his body bent as if unable any longer to walk upright. Sometimes he
might be seen passing to or from the association on a "jaunting car,"
so muffled up that only those conversant with his habits could have
identified him. The public power of O'Connell was evidently drawing to a
close.

AFFAIRS OF INDIA.--BATTLE OF ALIWAL.--TOTAL EXPULSION OF THE SIKHS
FROM THE WEST BANK OF THE SUTLEJ.--SUBMISSION OF THE LAHORE
GOVERNMENT.--INSURRECTION OF THE CASHMERE PEOPLE.

The year 1846 was an eventful one for India and for British interests
there; it opened in the midst of one of the most formidable warlike
straggles ever witnessed since the English first began their conquering
progress under Clive. Although the Sikhs had experienced such defeat at
Mood-kee and Ferozashooshah, they were not yet disheartened, but were
determined to maintain the war. By the close of 1845 they had been
driven from all their posts of importance on the left bank of the
Sutlej, except their strong works at the bridge of Sobraon. Early in
January, 1846, they began operations by crossing the river, so as to
draw supplies from the fertile resources of the territory from which
they had been so recently, and after such hard fighting, expelled.
The Sirdar Runjoor Singh Majeethea crossed over to the bank opposite
Philoor, and occupied Baran Hara. This place was situated between the
old and new courses of the Sutlej, and was favourably situated for
the purpose of cutting off the communications of the British, and of
alarming the garrison of Loodiana, then one of the most important places
in that part of the country. Brigadier-general Godby held command of the
garrison at Loodiana, which consisted of only three regiments of native
infantry; but other troops were rapidly moving up to reinforce it. Some
of those troops had to march from Umballah. While Runjoor Singh was
crossing the Sutlej and taking up a position at Bar