fences.

Sir Hugh Gough made his dispositions of battle on the evening of the
9th, according to which, at daybreak on the 10th, the cannonade was to
open. A dense mist, however, covered the sphere of intended operations,
rendering it impossible to open fire until the sun had penetrated the
obscure atmosphere. On the extreme right of the works, close by the
river, Major-general Sir K. Dick, with two brigades of infantry,
awaited the signal to begin. On this point the attack was to be led by
Brigadier-general Stacey, at the head of her majesty's 10th and 53rd
foot, brigaded with two native regiments: the 10th now, for the first
time, came under fire during this war. Brigadier Wilkinson, at the
head of the sixth brigade, was posted within 200 yards in support of
Brigadier Stacey. The reserve was commanded by Brigadier Ashburnham. The
right of the attack was occupied by the division of Major-general Sir
Hany Smith, its extreme right approaching the river. The centre was
commanded by Major-general Gilbert, whose division was posted with
its right resting on the Little Sobraon. Brigadier-general Cureton
threatened the ford at Hurrakee, and remained in observation of the
enemy's horse, posted on the other side. The force under Cureton was
to make a feint of attempting the ford.

The supports were commanded by Brigadier-general Campbell and
Major-general Sir Joseph Thackwell; the former in support of Smith's
left and Gilbert's right, the latter in support of Gilbert's left and
the right of General Dick.

As soon as the mists were dispersed by the morning sun, the Sikhs
appeared behind well-constructed redoubts and breastworks of planks
and fascines. The British field-batteries opened fire, and received a
terrible response.

At nine o'clock, Brigadier Stacey advanced, supported on either flank
by artillery. The movement was orderly and beautiful, the infantry
preserving its line in double quick time, the artillery galloping up
to take possession of every advantage of the ground, until the infantry
again occupied the advanced position; thus mutually supporting, the
artillery and infantry arrived within three hundred yards of the
ponderous batteries of the works. Here a terrible fire opened upon the
advancing force, before which many fell, and few believed, who could
see what was passing, that Stacey and his brigade would ever reach the
intrenchments of the enemy. The troops of Brigadier Wilkinson were
well up in support, and