1 102 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS.
2 put them in possession of the manner in which the
3 Resion for this British were advancing, and it may have so hap-
4 pened that the longer side looking towards Feeroz-
5 pore had been previously less strongly defended,
6 until the Sikhs became aware that it was destined
7 to be the point of attack. In fact, the Sikhs were
8 thoroughly acquainted with the country, and know-
9 Sikba prepar- ing by what roads the enemy could advance, were
10 tack on either prepared for their reception. So that it mattered
11 ie little whether the approach was made on the longer
12 or shorter side, though the preparations on that
13 fronting Feerozpore showed that it was considered
14 by the Sikhs as the proper front of their position.
15 How the British were led to believe the contrary is
16 a question only solved by supposing that the infor-
17 mation given on native authority must have misled
18 them.
19 “ The ground in front, like that at Moodkee,
20 was jungley; the three divisions of the British,
21 under the command of Major-General Gilbert, Sir
22 The British John Littler, and Brigadier Wallace, deployed into
23 fie? "ine, with the whole of their artillery in their centre,
24 home gcallere except three troops of horse artillery, one on either
25 The reserve flank, and one in support. The reserve was under
26 line. Sir Harry Smith, and the cavalry, small in number,
27 formed the second line with the brigade in reserve
28 to cover each wing.”* The artillery were ordered
29 to the front, and the infantry wheeled into line.
30 After a reasonable time had been allowed for the
31 Ch gf ee Be Poe a Oe, ee