1 Brigadier
2 Stacey.
3 Brigadicr
4 Orchard, C. Bi
5 182 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS.
6 “Commander-in-chief brings Brigadier Stacey to the
7 notice of the Governor-general in the following
8 terms— On him devolved the arduous duty of
9 leading the first column in the attack, turning the
10 enemy’s right, encountering his fire before his num-
11 bers had been thinned or his spirit broken, and, to
12 use a phrase which a soldier like your Excellency
13 will comprehend, taking off the rough edge of the
14 Sikhs in the fight. How ably, how gallantly, how
15 successfully, this was done, I have before endea-
16 voured to relate. I feel certain that Brigadier
17 Stacy and his noble troops will hold their due place
18 in your Qxcellency’s estimation, and that his merits
19 will meet with fit reward.”
20 The officer next brought to the notice of the
21 Governor-general, was one of those brave men who
22 love the profession of arms for its own sate, and by
23 whom dangers are relished as rich rewards for their
24 labour. He had gone on leave before the Sikh
25 war commenced, and, like many others, thought
26 the Sikhs would never dare to cross the Sutlej.
27 But though thus absent, the first rumour of warlike
28 operations roused his spirit, and raised his desire to
29 join in the coming strife. At a distance of fifteen
30 hundred miles, the accomplishment of his wishes
31 was no easy task, but he resolved to brave all dif-
32 ficulties, in the hope of sharing in the dangers and
33 glories of his favourite profession. By great exer-
34 tion he reached Kurmaul, and there he found his
35 rapid progress arrested. Disappointed and cha-
36 grined at this delay, he was obliged to march with
37 RS CT Ee Oe, te ER by oer Demy eRe rreteee, RO ere 7