1 Depéts for
2 wounded
3 useful,
4 Soldiers
5 readily con-
6 sent to early
7 amputation,
8 The field-
9 surgeon.
10 188 . HISTORY OF THE SIKHS.
11 and Jatterly to the Ist European light infantry,
12 who, with many others, deserve the highest praise
13 for their unremitting attention to the wounded.
14 Such depéts are, no doubt, useful, but the rule
15 already inculeated should be strictly adhered to,
16 and as many amputations as possible performed
17 before the men are sent to them. Immediately
18 after receiving a wound, no soldier offers an objec-
19 tion to lose a limb if he have confidence in the
20 regimental surgeon: we ourselves incurred the
21 high displeasure of a poor fellow, because, tired
22 with numerous amputations after the battle of
23 Sobraon, we wished to delay his until a future day!
24 In order, however, to secure every advantage to
25 wounded men, the selection of a skilful surgeon,
26 who has had experience with European soldiers,
27 should be made at an early period, with strict
28 reference to his capacity, and a_field-hospital
29 immediately formed, supplied with all requisite
30 instruments. The selection of a field-surgeon is
31 always made from the medical officers belonging to
32 the Honourable Company’s service, and it must not
33 be supposed, that though they may be of old
34 standing, they are necessarily best calculated for
35 performing operations. Many such persons never
36 did take offa limb in their lives, and are constantly
37 at a loss when they find themselves appointed
38 Responsibility field-surgeon! To refuse the post would be paying
39 of the situ-
40 ation,
41 but a bad compliment to those who selected them ;
42 but the responsibility is a fearful one, if they know