[42] These Aeen troops were Avitabile's battalions, formed and drilled by him at Peshawur. Their uniforms were scarlet with green facings; their arms were a musket and sword. The Sikh irregular infantry were usually dressed in white, and armed with a matchlock, sword, and shield—the latter slung on the back.
[43] In this charge Major Smyth was severely wounded; but, regardless of personal injury, he continued to direct the operations of his regiment until the Sikhs finally abandoned their position.
[44] It was here that the Shekawattee brigade and body guard earned their undying renown. This was the last chance for them, as, during the day, they had not come into collision with the enemy.
[45] These swivel guns were fired from camels' backs, and usually carried balls of about one pound weight.
[46] At Moodkee.
[47] This imitative propensity of the Sikhs had often amused us. If a new picket were ever posted in any out of the way place, the Sikhs invariably posted a party of similar strength within a few hours. If the videttes or sentries were doubled, their shadows forthwith appeared on the opposite bank.
[48] Some men of influence and property in the neighbourhood of Patna tampered with the native officers of a sepoy regiment quartered there, but the plot was divulged and crushed in its infancy.