Camp, Moodkee, 19th December, 1845.
Sir,
In forwarding the accompanying return of the casualties which occurred in the Cavalry Division under my command in the Action of yesterday, I have the honour to state, for the information of His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, that the whole of the regiments engaged performed their duty to my entire satisfaction; but, consequent on the nature of the ground and the numerous bodies of both Cavalry and Infantry that were opposed to them, I regret to say the loss has been very heavy, more particularly in Her Majesty's 3rd Light Dragoons, who bore the brunt of the Action.
I further beg to bring to the notice of His Excellency, that Captain Tritton of Her Majesty's 3rd Light Dragoons, my Assistant Adjutant-General, captured one of the enemy's Standards with his own hands, which he has delivered over to me as Commanding the Cavalry Division.
It has also been reported to me by Lieutenant and Adjutant Sullivan of Her Majesty's 3rd Light Dragoons, that Serjeant Hinds, and a party of six or seven men of the regiment, succeeded in capturing two of the enemy's Guns, after cutting down the whole of the armed party who were with them. The Guns were marked by order of Lieutenant Sullivan, who can identify them.
I have in conclusion to add, that the undermentioned Officers afforded me every assistance, and conducted themselves throughout the Action to my entire satisfaction, and I beg to bring them to His Excellency's favourable notice:—
- Brigadier Gough, C.B., Her Majesty's 3rd Light Dragoons.
- Brigadier Mactier, 4th Native Cavalry (Lancers).
- Major Balders, Commanding 3rd Light Dragoons.
- Captain Dawkins, Commanding Governor-General's Body-Guard.
- Major Alexander, Commanding 5th Light Cavalry.
- Captain Nash, Commanding 4th Light Cavalry.
- Captain Christie, Commanding 4th Irregular Cavalry.
- Captain Tritton, Assistant Adjutant-General of Cavalry.
- Captain Quin, Deputy Quarter Master-General of Cavalry.
- Lieutenant Fisher, Brigade-Major.
- Captain Harrington, Brigade Major.
- Captain Wyld, Brigade Major.
I trust I may also be permitted to name Lieutenant and Adjutant Sullivan, Her Majesty's 3rd Light Dragoons, who rendered me most essential service, independent of his regimental duties, throughout the action.
I have, &c.,
M. White,
Lieut.-Col. 3rd Light Dragoons,
Brigadier Commanding Cavalry Division,
Army of the Sutlej.
Copy of a Despatch from Brigadier M. White, C.B., Commanding the Cavalry Division, to the Adjutant-General of the Army in India.
Camp, Ferozeshah, 25th December, 1845.
Sir,