“An Army, composed of the most warlike tribes of Asia, trained to arms by European officers, long accustomed to victory under the sway of an able and ambitious prince, assuming, on the death of Runjeet Singh, the power of absolute control over its feeble government, resolved to invade the British provinces; which, protected by a disciplined army, ruled by a wise and paternal government, had long prospered in peace, and acquired a degree of wealth too well calculated to tempt the rapacity of such lawless bands.
“To avoid every appearance of hostility, and preserve peace to the last, the British authorities had kept their forces at a distance from the frontier; and the enemy thus emboldened by forbearance, which was probably taken for timidity, crossed the Sutlej, and attacked our possessions without even a declaration of war. In this difficulty it was only by extraordinary exertion on the part of the troops, by toil and fortitude never surpassed, if ever equalled, that your comrades posted along the frontier could be saved from ruin, and an unprincipled foe checked in time to avert the greatest calamities.
“The march from Umballa must ever be memorable in the annals of war. Under the burning sun of India, you supported, at duty’s call, an excess of toil and fatigue, which would have tried the hardiest and the best, even in the bracing atmosphere of our northern climate; and your victory of Moodkee was actually achieved over bold, numerous, and well-prepared foes, after a march of twenty miles, performed under the rays of a vertical sun, through a waste and parched country, not affording even a drop of water to allay the scorching thirst occasioned by the clouds of dust raised from the burning soil; fought, and won in fact, after an excess of toil that would have overcome all but the first and foremost soldiers of their time.
“A single defeat was not, however, to daunt the fierce and numerous foes with whom you had to contend; and hardly had you recovered from the fatigues of your long march and first victory, when you were called upon to storm an entrenched camp, defended by vastly superior numbers, and by a train of heavy and well-served artillery such as the East had never beheld. To assail works, under such circumstances, is one of the most trying and difficult operations of war; and when the strength of the position, and the fierce resolution with which it was defended, are considered, your victory may safely be termed an action of unsurpassed boldness, energy, and perseverance.
“Never will your country’s banner suffer a stain, so long as its soldiers shall equal those who stormed the Sikh camp of Ferozeshah: greater fortitude and gallantry than those of which you had given proof in these actions could not possibly be displayed. But every species of high soldiership was to be called for during the course of this brief campaign, and it was your fortune to be present in the different actions, all fought under different circumstances.
“At Aliwal you had to execute on an open and level plain, and under a heavy fire of artillery, the skilful movements which ensured the success of that brilliant day; and at Sobraon you were again called upon to force entrenchments, constructed with European science, and defended with all the fierce resolution of Asiatic despair. But neither savage valour, nor European art, could withstand your efforts,—could compete with high and matchless gallantry, regulated by discipline, and fired to noble exertion by the consciousness of what was due to your country’s name and fame!—The Battle of Sobraon, which crushed the power of unprincipled adversaries, terminated your exploits in the East, saved the British provinces from devastation, and secured to our youthful and beloved Sovereign the peaceful and happy possession of India! Never indeed were nobler objects attained by nobler conduct!
“It is needless for me to tell you how greatly all ranks of your countrymen sympathised with your fortunes during these trying times; how much they felt for your sufferings; how deeply they mourned for the heavy losses you sustained; and how highly they exulted in the gallantry you displayed. The admiration your behaviour excited, must have reached you even on the distant shores of India; and I feel confident that every step you take on British ground will show how justly your conduct is appreciated by all those whose good opinion can be of value. It only remains for me, therefore, again to offer you my most sincere congratulations on your return to your native land, to wish you every success and happiness in your future progress, and to assure you, that as far as my sphere of action extends, no effort shall be wanting to give effect to the sentiments I feel such high satisfaction in now expressing.
“Believe me,
“My dear Colonel, ever yours sincerely,
“Colin Halkett,
“General, and Colonel Thirty-first Regt.
“Lieut.-Colonel Spence, C.B.,
“Commanding Thirty-first Regiment.”
As an additional testimony of the consideration of the services of the officers and men of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment who had returned from India, His Grace the Commander-in-Chief was pleased to authorize the following letter to be addressed to the officer commanding, dated Horse Guards, 21st of December, 1846:—