portunity to retire to a
position where they might receive cavalry advantageously; but still
acting upon their flank, and keeping them in the open plain, he again
and again charged, each time cutting them down as the mower cuts the
ripe hay. They were offered quarter, but with great bravery stood to
their arms, until not one-fourth of their original number remained; they
then laid down their weapons. Of the whole body, except the few horsemen
who became fugitives after the first charge, not one escaped destruction
or captivity. Lieutenant Merewether lost very few men; he himself
had miraculous escapes, for he was foremost in every charge, exposing
himself with the utmost audacity. This gallant little action drew
upon the young soldier 'the attention and commendation not only of
his superiors in authority, but of the army of India. The exploit was
recorded in the papers at home, and was the theme of every news-room and
club. The English people are always more quick to appreciate and reward
valour than their government.

Sir Charles Napier, after conquering Scinde by the highest military
daring and skill, ruled it with a rare political sagacity. His attempts
at military reform brought upon him the ill-will of the Indian military
authorities, and the directors at home. The reforms introduced by the
gallant general bore the impress of his genius and his indomitable will.
His prophetic predictions concerning the evils that would certainly
result from the state of discipline in which he found the Sepoy armies,
were, unfortunately, all fulfilled. In the memoir of this gallant
general, written by his brother, Lieutenant-general Sir William Napier,
the merits of the case are amply, although it must be admitted, not
dispassionately discussed. The material is, however, afforded for a
just judgment upon the controversy. It can hardly be doubted the gallant
general was insubordinate; that he assumed authority to which he was not
entitled, and ruled with a glorious and intellectual tyranny, which was
not the less a tyranny because of the genius by which it was directed.
The general's faults were, however, overlooked by his country, which was
served by him through an eventful life, with much honour to himself; it
is sad to say that his services as well as his errors were overlooked by
the government.

The public appreciation of him was just; they regarded him as a hero,
and a bold and skilful governor. His brother justly described th