The bulk of the active work, as has been seen, fell upon Sir William Gordon’s squadron. 1859. When, after six months’ hard work, Sir William rejoined the headquarters of the regiment, General Michel sent Colonel Benson the following letter:—
Camp, Mhow, Headquarters, M.D.A.,
1st December 1858.
Sir,—I am directed by the Major-General to state that as the Seventeenth Lancers are again proceeding to take the field, he is desirous to express his strong approbation of the conduct of the squadron commanded by Sir William Gordon, which alone has accompanied the Mhow column through the whole of the late operations in the field.
2. Notwithstanding the most severe service in the worst weather, this squadron, owing to the unremitting attention of Sir W. Gordon, is almost as efficient as on the day when it left Mhow.
3. The Major-General has remarked that this officer’s care was extended to the comfort of his men, the care of baggage animals, and even to the well-being of camp followers.
4. His leading in the field was as gallant as was his unremitting zeal; and in gallantry his officers and men emulated his example.
5. The Major-General, during the short time he has had under his personal observation the headquarters of your corps, has remarked with great pleasure that the general system of the regiment is one which must lead to efficiency; but this squadron has come so repeatedly under his observation in action and otherwise, that he cannot let it depart without specially recording his observation of its merits.
6. The Major-General directs that this letter may be read on parade of your regiment.—I have, &c.,
J. H. Chapman, Capt., A.A.G., Malwa Division.