TITACHWELIIS SECOND SIECH WAR. * THE author of this " narrative

" is a son of the General Thack- well who held a distinguished command in the last Sikh war; and he served throughout as aide-de-camp to his father. He was therefore well placed for acquiring a knowledge of the events of the. campaign, as well as of the reasons for any particular line of action determined on, at least by General Thackwell. His nor?; relive, however, is scarcely equal to his apparent opportunities. His story is not well planned or, connected, though he contrives at last to leave upon the mind a, distinct idea of the lead- ing. movements 1. The skirmishlike affair at Ramnugger- in which the Sikhs had not the worst of it; 2. The move-

• Narrative of the Second Seikb War, in l848-'4% With a detailed Account of the

• Battles of Mummer, the Passage of the Chenab, Chilltanwallah, Goojerat, ace. By Edward Joseph Thackwellr Esq., late Aide-de-Camp to' General Thackwell. Published by Bentley.

ment to cross the Chenab under the command o

the Sikh army, without intrenchments --was notlegual, to contend with'the' Anglo-Indian, and had -to reiire, but lity cleverly as to leave their retreat doubtful ; 3. The terribly ;contested battle of Chillianwallah, with its enormous losses ; 4. The crowning -victor/ of Goojerat, and the pursuit which an Unconditioual_etw- render of the Sikh leaders. These- principal events are not, how, ever, very broadly or graphically: described ; the narrative being tontinnaliy interrupted by • individual anecdotes, camp rumours, and the author's reflections. The hOok is neither a general his- tory nor a personal narrative, but somethingmf_both ; the particular incidents and the parts of which Mr. ThaekAellWds an eye-witness being the most'interesting. 'These convey a goodidea of a battle so far as individuals, aropT4Oerned;-tlrey.fueiden:tally exhibit the horrors of the 6.„iece; they place in a et6thie,.. light the courage of the Sikhs and the skill of their leaders, only beaten at last by superior science in the Medhenies of war, and the bull-dog perti- nacity of Britons 'high loW. The outspoken orders of Sir Charles Napier, various courts- martial, and the onslits of the Indian news, have led to the no- tion that the Indian army is not in the hight,est state as respects morality or discipline. The same opinion: will Be . derived from a perusal of the present volume, as regards -a sense -of duty either in reference to service in the field or of what- it due from inferior to superior officers. In Mr.-Thackwell's passing. descriptions we seem to trace a want of mental endurance of monotony or pri- vation ;_ the officers want the excitement of action, or the Opportunity of distinction which a battle offers. If these are not to be had at their wish; they seem to be sick of their mode of life, and tong to get back to the enjoyment of qUarters. To wait, to watch; to do their duty thoroughly and uncomplainingly what- ever it may be, and through `gtiod and evil report," seems to forin no article m the creed of the Anglo-Indian soldier as occasionally indicated in these pages.. There-is also apparent a spirit of practi- cal insubordination, such as is 'said to characterize the youth of America towarda their elders, and seems in-civil and political mat- ters to prevail amongst Frenchmen. , It is not that Mr. Thackveell canvasses the measnres of his commander-in-chief and the con- duct and character of his officers : to do that, and freely, is the duty of the historian. The bulk of our author's remarks refer to somebody'S"promotion, to seine other perion'eliet or non-notice in despatches,While personalanotiyes are as the springs pf public conduct ; and this is done in the spirit' of a clique and the style of camp gossip. To prevent misoeneeption, however, it should be observed that General Thaekwdll does not seem to be infected by this spirit. His son states in his preface, 11- that Sir JoSephneyer passed a -criticism on any, act of his superiors, in the

hearing of the writer of this narrative." -

The same -habitual want of thorough audehing obedieace, though on a matter where disobedience is more general and more generally pardoned—forwardness against the enemy, led to Colonel Havelock's death, and the apparent failtire against the Sikhs at Elm:nigger. .

getically and effectually did Havelock and his troopers ply their swords, that the bank was swept in a few minutes of all its swarthy occupants, who rim- ning hastily down the bank across the sand, threw away their standards in their flight. Not Contented with having driven the enemy from this post, tion, Havelock, animated by that fiery-spirit which glowed -within him, in- stantly resolved to exceed the limits of his mission and renew the offensive, contrary to the real wiehee of the Commander-hi-chief, by continuing the charge on the discomfited enemy, and driving thein back across the river. YieldirigAo-his insatiable love 'of glory, he brandished his -sword above his head; and Calling on the squadron of the Fourteenth, in reserve tendertenant-Colonel King, to come and support Min,- dashed down the steep deelWity: int'? the tract of sand, an which it will be remembered the gun had been immoveably fixed, and over which Captain Ouvry had charged. The British cevalrybecomingtow fully exposed-to view, the Seikh batteries opened-a rapid and destructive fire upon them. The Khalsa infantry allot summoning fresh courage; began to stand and open a matchlock fire on their pursuers. The honks of the dragoons soon became exhausted in this difficult ground, their feet every moment sinking into deep sand or mud. "Our cavalry were:not only exposed to the fire of the batteries across the river,. but some guns Which hadbeen dragged to the biftliank had taken up a position near the green island above alluded to, and the presence of this artillery inspired the enemy with fresh courage. 'The deportment of Have- lock was more that of a mortal confiding in the protection of the aegis of sonic divinity than that of an ordinary human being.: In the last charge, always in advance, he suddenly _disappeared; and the latest glimpse of that daring soldier disclosed him in th'imidat of the savage enemy, his left arm half Severed from his body, and dealing frantic blows-with his sword, so soon doomed to drop-from his trusty right hand. -His last words were Follow me ' Sonic days after the action, a mutilated corpse was discovered, which the Chaplain of the Army, Mr. Whiting, recognized. by the hair on the body

tabe.that of this gallant Mit ill-fated sabreur." •

Timekivell has some judicious-looking remarks on the im- policy; Of employing natives as regular light cavalry, since they dislike -both the form of our sword- and the fashion of our seat. He attributes this formation of regular instead of irregular cavalry. to a love of patronage on the part of the Company; though it would seem as traceable to John Bull's love of forcing his own modes upon. everybody.

"It was incontrovertibly proved at this and other subsequent actions, that the troopers of the light cavalry-have no confidence in their swords as effec- tive weapons of defence. It would have been difficult to paint; out • half a dezew-men -whohad made use of their swordsf On approaching the enemy, they have immediate recourse to, theatnatobc. theloadingiarid firingof which form their sole occupation. That such want of confidence must veryseri- ously Repair the efficiency of regular cavalry; maybe easily.imagined.- The and ,tart Sikh arrUf 4anki G9uelifithrlfeff them *. front.—a plan 41.0,114 Pgez4ttiiC movingiUut Of his cam- and . meeting . thoug

'So impetuous was the onset of these determined warriors, and so ewer-

chief uty o ear y is to penetrate d put into disc er o mfantry ; and when cavalry once come into-clostr.totIlston-witli an enemy, c--731,cra

and titifthvdtilliskt,maustebstreuistattiptivdThe troblier couplet •ataled 9 'tion efeinfal/Mblantlarblettdifitandlle putolsi .4114el*litirrays

e) v4.1-rImfitEri'fini911411211MtiotRamVkfiff *lfwgglmq rare—mm in ... i ... ., _ . . . "Veff *IP 4s-Wal'itAttotrica3h4tleti 4 0 45itit poseur'. ss bi lof the „ur&petiii d .,,, ft- 'The usual, iteat of the naki short, .andiluvbimso am-46.00*k mit olniost - break the torso's -jag. trite native bow lefft■Pk!ictRaC41.*1 intoetable ,Idast la - strong..,hit lir, abillutelg r°9-uisi4-t° >tliVIR4ftl-ci-f!914AMieliir AfrK.•tlfAIPPePOid4 j-PX eersera,Pi- lkiVnIr=aVitlikai- atrilitEel ditbotiti . Pidti -toil litelf,d 'MI OPAL &UN Afro4fullialii* onwards willi a most uildantrollible.hersejMitha, GeomburtfilahUltht lorsou man, - after - silov.plii • .iitron to.,Tigeps: turningi.autelrig.r6und.1441011,1kita convert a uatiVe trooper t.opi..bctief tin c on, pew-.. the British dragoon is aS ' effectite ' as the ifittlir or broa an ugly wound on the, aelgstnthe.lic4liaeiMiltitg ilfF fi!7

c tinetsliteiii Alle' battle 'Of 'Chillititivallah will give a raise ' 61.1fi

- ' : -_!-Io... ,,f Fr jig ol

Weeprei of India."

L 'Bravery in . an erfeinv 'Usually' inalii.PCS' respect ; bilt? fit attending thegallairtry4IfIlifiikEerthe"war was earrie rot' great- feroeity on Thtifirl'irde$ i'yriettlifie ' 1- 'giving qu FT the • only f apo.rolvjdWefoktkiliitIVetri ' d'-iiiilized andmth baritifilielitethift ttkoldttier'htifiked the loodiefl:- The foliti*Iii ' s:e picture of yhe war.

,.

'O'Nofiring'botild exceed the ferocity of the enemy : they showed-tan quai, ter„; :and.Were . se, deterinittect ant inffintimeldeath that theyoftew gave Iwnn* blowearith3 their sharp_tnlieurs. to one imuiL,,i The-senior Maier Pa -start shatPirongh the lungs,llhat his horsei • A4p. put of ,laager. # or

ca'erl Thirrisidso fell. His horse was killed .in at the action,

pore on'-filie-Ifir'd Decenilie'er .A young '4" ' elWall) receive wound Aiiiiisleg, and viinilifhave fallen hit& ' handShf the' sit he not/seized adoese horse , which soon, placed . n distance .between hihoutd his Purseessi-?Optain Willianni,T s.ymoitaean: of [robust constitutiopudelit womidedla-musket-sliet. Ille.,eneam,„csmanyarrdRhnlicted m: wounds- on ua,liacked his .fitalfoliP4s and .le s, were mily Ire ,rrn from abed sly ely-krilling hiefilailtlit untenistthieb of h shavini feig,n d Some' filifireoPhliiaverlingi Vie' !fieTd= diateodeied,isignS ol'H fife; a'n'd CM-Kid him: to . the hoipital. .--.Hohaveince-iikieoverediato the surprise of everyaafilq and tginew*Xitgland.w9PP Ohis)lanatwIts,1"ivad qtr'' . fl:iI:R. `‘ It may be: here Aar :,51) Iii Itha $y) diminutive piecta4. MI called the infantry IT la en+sw „Itself* .to the ga t

The powerful tulwai.ai Stikli hive ha/kV:dna with a Moir: „

answer the purpose of t1.661.;litieitia, dent a a means of Pro

The cook's spit is far prefe " 46 this influder spit. . . • : at IIIIG

"T110, scePe•cf,ti*'xetrelitivir.the NiventrAandli PkesdntedAv ly spectacle on the morrow. The pallid, ghastl coloun L437-reR744,141) XI lish soldi.emforiaed a strange. emat . t erdark . o ,ef natipres, ey appeared Meddled. The 'd.ttiltikke o Wit • Mi..' Artifietlaig bq seen lying at arconsidernMediStanceliefeilflibiidy,," - &it by theiivrcl or rounds:Mit:7 7 Many Mett :arreetect_Ittentiealiene,:afrith-;-their arms ditweted upwatdaenaPear.ed taitire.:Iteeliciwithevinotinfs. Nrarding off the.blona Obese enemy with their muskets when the vitalspark deserted them. Prine441.1bert gre0.alaindance ; they affOrded. 4i.lcidi ,booty- to the needy' camp-felloWer#, r hats and military shops might be .seen,iii. directions, strewing the grow in The Twenty-fourth lost its colours add _,,ii.iai ammunition. The cainP.iie.$ day was overspread with funereal gloom. -Funeral parties were bringing into camp the bodies of the different officers as they were discovered.. "The bodies of the gallant Pennycuielia,father and son, were convkad, in one dooly '(a kind of litter). They irke.aeilly disfigured. The rematita Of all the officers were recovered. Cepailiwaraftent out to convey,. thebadieS of the private soldiers to the reginiental:Raspnal. Dead nteN one, after another, were piled on a camel and fastened with ropes. Ileintliwas presented to the spectator is its most appalling features. It-Us:goat- one of the oelours.of this corps ,was recovered,. being found wrapped reund the

.. ...

b ody. one of the ensigns. ' . . . Thstofficers, arc always dissatisfied with the -matter& despatches has long been known ; the Indian army reqUire -writers to set forth their deeds. Next, mayhap, they will demand

.- 14 -mule- And what young Ammon wish' d, but wisli'd'in vain "'• ' ,.

1.: ofiep .1141.

a poet. :.-_,,-,

"The Y.Oluill;a101.1e earrOsp004011ce connected with the Punjeub campaign reveal§ the melancholy fact, that the most spirited and attractive descrip- tions of:the various Kenos in the- battles have emanated from men lament- ably ignorant °finest material Aids ; whilst those men whose exalted mok constitotedthem,the chief agents in those transactions, and who are,conver- mut with, every. detail, .have given to the public the most lame and impotent accounts width could have been written.

"The victor of M.:Kilian, General Which, may be instnucedas a man whose deficiency in the art of description has been productive of considerable in- jury torserae gallant:soldiers. No man possesses a greater; desire,:: without the ability; to give merit its due, than he. Colonels Markhamand Franks achieved Abe mast brilliant feats; under the walls 0 Moelten,_, . T former he form earned:a/title to tbe greatest renown at the action of tSeortijtiKpondovinue he captured several gene, vanquishing a . large body-of the enemaft f4-,f Or William Winsti possessed half the illustrative genius of Sir Harrylami* fib. fame of those gallant soldiers would, hare been. duly recorded. Sir Williaati despatch in connexion with Goojcrat afforded seine amusement to theoprniss ofIndia. At the conclusion-of it, be ereVelyinforres Lord Gough; UAW his Adjutant-Oeneral, his-own son, mounted' alteatnel, his own horseifinfilig wounded.---` a tolerable substitute for a horse.' .- In one of dais despatcbmjmip Mooltaii, he thanks Captain Kennedy and Lieutenant Need, his slides-tier camp, for their unremitting exertions 'to promote the service,itaildraildt he cannot describe ' the grateful feeling their conduct has ifdPreeSeglanAtiVP; "What Richelieu wanted Louis scarce could rain, "0 Ite.male