rce of each was about equal. Edwardes was, however, joined
by a body of irregular cavalry, and a party of Beloochees, which brought
up the British force more nearly to an equality of numbers. The Sikhs in
British pay happily showed no disposition to fraternise with the Mooltan
army, although the calculations of Moolraj were based upon such an
expectation.

The enemy suffered a signal defeat and great slaughter. The Beloochees
behaved remarkably well. The skill of the British officers turned the
balance in favour of the native army under their command.

After this engagement, Edwardes, acting upon the authority which he
possessed as a civil officer of the company, demanded a reinforcement
from the Khan of Bhawulpore, and in the meantime recruited his force by
Sikhs, Beloochees, Affghans, and men from the hills of various tribes.
The faculty of organisation, the ceaseless activity, and the courage of
this young officer were surprising. Colonel Courtlandt was also equal to
the part assigned him; but, although senior to his colleague in military
rank, the civil functions of the latter gave him an especial, and, in
some respects, superior authority. The Khan of Bhawulpore responded to
the demands of assistance, and a plan was laid for a junction of the
troops. In pursuance of this, Edwardes and Courtlandt crossed the Indus
on the 10th and 11th of June. Moolraj was informed by his spies of every
movement, and the intelligence was conveyed to him with astonishing
rapidity. He accordingly marched a large force to intercept either army,
and beat both in detail. On the 14th he crossed the Chenab, leaving a
considerable force on the other bank. This detachment marched to Khan
Ghur, but on the following day crossed the river, being surprised at
that place by the advance of Edwardes's irregulars. The Mooltanese had
barely time to cross the Chenab, when the scouts of Edwardes galloped
into Khan Ghur. The Sikhs, instead of giving battle at that place, and
practically attempting the scheme proposed by Moolraj, encamped on the
opposite side of the river, in observation of the British officer and
his little army. This delay and timidity was fatal; for Edwardes
was soon joined by the infantry and a portion of the artillery of
Courtlandt, whose cavalry were scouring the country. The situation of
affairs became now interesting and important, for the Bhawulpore forces
had arrived on the enemy's side of the Chenab, within twelve miles.
Edwar