duct of an illustrious nobleman, Count Ravensburg, who, with the officers of his suite, Count Greuben and Count Oriola, accompanied me in the field. These Prussian officers nobly sustained the reputation of their countrymen.

22.-The Prince's surgeon was struck to the ground by a ball. I saw his Royal Highness instantly spring from his horse to his assistance. The Prince's humanity was unavailing,—death had already closed the surgeon's career.

23.—I

23.-I am aware of the respectful regard which your Excellency entertains for this illustrious nobleman and his companions, travellers in the East; and I know that this brief record of their actions will be gratifying to your Excellency.

I have, &c.

H. HARDINGE,

From Major-General Sir John Littler to the Adjutant-General

of the Army.

Ferozepore, December 25, 1845.

SIR, In pursuance of instructions received from the Right Honourable the Governor-General, under date the 20th instant, I moved out of my position at Ferozepore at eight A.M. on the 21st instant, with the corps as per margin*, leaving the defence of the cantonments to the 63rd Regiment Native Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Wilkinson, and that of the town to the 27th Regiment Native Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Carnegy, together with detachments of sappers, and half a field battery in the town, and 2nd company (reserve) of artillery in the entrenchment.

I effected a junction with the troops under the personal com

* 2 Troops Horse Artillery; 13 Light Field Battery; 8th Light Cavalry; 3rd Irregular Cavalry; H. M. 62nd Foot, 1st brigade; 12th Native Infantry, 1st brigade; 14th ditto, 1st brigade; 33rd ditto, 2nd brigade; 44th ditto, 2nd brigade; 54th ditto, 2nd brigade; detachment of Sappers.

F

mand of his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, and, agreeably to his instructions moved into position, or order of battle, on the same evening about four P.M. The first advance in line was very steady, and the approach to the enemy's works made under a most galling and destructive fire. The casualties in the ranks were awful. The troops, however, still moved on with great firmness and resolution, and approached the enemy's battery to within about 150 yards, when I considered the prize to be within their grasp.

Brigadier T. Reed gave the order to charge, supported by the left, or Brigadier the Honourable T. Ashburnham's, brigade. This charge was commenced with such determined gallantry and spirit that the result seemed certain. The enemy, however, having great confidence in their guns, continued to serve them with extraordinary activity, and to make such havoc in our ranks, as to cause an immediate panic and hesitation in Her Majesty's 62nd Foot, which of course had a similar effect on the native regiments on the flanks, notwithstanding all our exertions to induce them to advance by cheering and encouraging them, pointing at the same time to the short distance which they had to proceed, when the day would be their own. It was all in vain, and they retired out of gunshot, to where Her Majesty's 9th Foot and 26th Regiment Native Infantry were drawn up in reserve. A part of the 14th Regiment Native Infantry, with their colours, accompanied these two regiments, and entered the enemy's batteries.

At this period it was nearly dark, and, as I had heard that the divisions on the right had also been unable to obtain an entrance, I bivouacked for the night in the vicinity.

On the following morning, I obtained information of the right division having been directed to renew the attack, and I moved to co-operate, as might be necessary. I then received orders to wait until further instructions, and was moved up to the town, and directed to hold it. The result of this attack was most glorious to the British army, and I heartily congratulate his Excellency

and the Governor-General on the happy termination of probably one of the most sanguinary engagements that ever took place in India.

With the conduct of the troops in general, under me, I was much gratified; their patience and perseverance in marching through the day, exposed to the sun and want of water, must have, no doubt, in some measure weakened their energies, but they notwithstanding evinced great firmness and resolution in advancing to the attack, until borne down by the furious and irresistible fire from all arms that man could be exposed to; the loss of many of their officers must have tended to relax their efforts and check their ardour, and under such circumstances only could the disappointment to Her Majesty's 62nd Regiment themselves, and to their country, have been for a moment conceived.

The native troops, under the numerous temptations to which they have been exposed for several months past by Sikh emissaries, have evinced their loyalty to the British Government in a most remarkable manner, not a single desertion having taken place, since the enemy crossed the Sutlej, that has come to my know ledge. They have maintained the character of the Bengal army in displaying courage and bravery under a heavy fire.

I have much pleasure in bringing to the favourable notice of his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief the services of those zealous and indefatigable officers, Brigadiers T. Reed, the Honourable T. Ashburnham, D. Harriott, commanding cavalry; and E. Huthwaite, commanding artillery; whose cool courage during the attack was conspicuous. To the several commanding officers of regiments and divisions, Lieutenant-Colonel Gairdner, commanding 14th Regiment Native Infantry; Lieutenant-Colonel Bruce, commanding 12th Regiment Native Infantry, who lost his arm in the action; Major Wake, commanding 44th Regiment Native Infantry; Major Shortt, commanding Her Majesty's 62nd Foot; Major Osborn, commanding 54th Regiment Native Infantry; and Captain Sandeman, commanding 33rd Regiment Native Infantry; I feel much indebted for the spirited and

gallant manner in which they brought up their respective regiments during the advance.

It is with sincere regret that I have to report for his Excellency's information the death of my Aide-de-Camp, Lieutenant Harvey, of Her Majesty's 39th Foot, a very promising and intelligent young officer, and devoted to his profession. He was shot during the advance, in the act of cheering on the men, when within about 250 yards of the enemy's works. His death will be a loss to the public service, and deplored by his friends and relations.

Of Captain Egerton, my Assistant Quarter-Master-General, whose activity and zeal were conspicuous, I cannot speak too highly; he was severely wounded on the morning of the 22nd.

It is with much gratification that I also submit for his Excellency's consideration, and acknowledge the obligation to Major P. Innes, my Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General, and Captain Burnett, Major of the Brigade, for their indefatigable exertions throughout the affair, as well as for their able assistance on all occasions.

Lieutenant Goodwyn, of the Engineers, has proved himself a most zealous and indefatigable officer during the whole time that the Sikh army has been opposite Ferozepore, as well as on the evening of the 21st, during the engagement, and whom I beg to recommend to his Excellency's notice.

To Captain W. B. Thomson, Commissariat Department, who accompanied me, and to Lieutenant W. Fullerton, superintending the Sudder Bazaar, who volunteered his services as my Aide-deCamp, and was particularly useful to me in the field, I feel indebted.

Captain Nicolson, late Assistant Governor-General's agent, and Colonel Van Courland, late of the Sikh service, who were placed at my disposal by the late Major Broadfoot, C.B., afforded me every assistance in their power during the engagement and previously, when the Sikhs first crossed the Sutlej.- -I have, &c. J. H. LITTLER, Major-General, Commanding Infantry Division.