1 52 His TORY OF THE SIKHS,
2 Confidence of beaten, the Sikhs were satisfied, that with an
3 the Sikhs in 2
4 theirguns. overwhelming number of guns strongly entrenched,
5 they might safely await the attack of the British,
6 who appeared to possess but little strength in this
7 important arm, though one by which our early
8 conquests had been chiefly made, and which ren-
9 dered us the terror of the Native powers. So well
10 aware was Sir David Ochterlony of the immense
11 power of guns, that in the campaign against the
12 Vast import Nepaulese he carried two to Malown and thereby
13 tery. of Arl- completely astonished the Goorkhas. For the first
14 time at Gwalior, the superiority of British artillery
15 was overlooked, and the consequence was, that guns
16 were taken by infantry at the point of the bay-
17 onet. The same took place at Moodkee. There
18 is every reason for believing, that at both places,
19 the enemy was despised, but the results at both
20 showed how mistaken the opinion was, if ever
21 entertained. No blame can be attached to the
22 Commander-in-chicf at Moodkee, for he was
23 obliged to fight with the means at his disposal.
24 The heavy guns and mortars were not available,
25 and his enemy must be beaten. He had no alter-
26 native, and before his artillery could possibly join
27 him, there was every likelihood that he would have
28 to engage the whole Sikh army.
29 No British officer or soldier fell into the hands
30 The Sikhs Of the enemy at Moodkee, but from a Sikh Sirdar
31 resolved ter Who was taken prisoner the disposition on the
32 aa part of the Sikhs to make a further stand was
33 clearly shown. He remarked “ that if a few thou-