1 AISRORY OF THE SIKHS. 339
2 possessed upwards of 100 cannons, many of them
3 of battering calibre, the British guns were not a
4 match for them. But there were also, according
5 to the same.writer, two iron 8-inch howitzers, with
6 shrapnel] shelf ammunition filled with 43 oz. balls.
7 It would seem that the British guns did not
8 commence their fire at such long distances as
9 1,200 and 1,000 yards, but they were felt at a
10 distance beyond 600 yards, contrary to the opinion
11 entertained by military men in England. The
12 writer next quotes the report from the artillery in
13 the left wing, commanded by the Governor-general.
14 It runs thus :—“ We opened to cover the line at
15 about 900 or 800 yards, when the line coming up
16 went to 500 yards; and again to about 250 yards,
17 less rather than more ; at this time our grape told
18 so well, that the enemy's fire slackened: here we
19 _ were raked by two of their guns a long way off.”
20 The account continues, “ The artillery of the right
21 wing had the howitzers and rockets in front of the
22 centre; also the 9-pounder batteries in reserve of,
23 but close to the line. The heavies opened at about
24 1000 yards.” In a note the writer here adds:
25 “ The two first shells thrown were the first pieces
26 fired on either side; these were seen to burst just
27 over the nearest line of the entrenchment, sweep-
28 ing clear the space beyond for a considerable way ;
29 the enemy’s fire instantly opened—no more could
30 be seen.” The account of the artillery on the
31 noht continues: & Thew were advanred fram 900 ta