Chapter M: White,

_Lieut.-Col. 3rd Light Dragoons,
Brigadier Commanding Cavalry Division,
Army of the Sutlej_.

_Extracts from Minutes of Proceedings of the House of Lords.--2nd March, 1846._

"Order of the day read, _Moved_ to resolve,--That the Thanks of this House be given to the Right Honourable Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Hardinge, Governor-General of India, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, for the energy and ability with which he directed the military means at his disposal, to the repelling of the unprovoked invasion by the Sikh Army, of the dominions of the British Government, and of the Protected States upon the left bank of the Sutlej; and also for the firmness and gallantry with which he directed the operations of that portion of the Army under his immediate command, in the afternoon and night of December 21st, 1845, and on the morning of the 22nd, upon which occasion the enemy's defences were carried by storm, the greater part of their Artillery captured, and their subsequent attempts to regain what they had lost repeatedly defeated.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_, _Nemine dissentiente_."

"Then it was _moved_ to resolve,--That the Thanks of this House be given to General Sir Hugh Gough, Baronet, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in the East Indies, for the distinguished valour with which he directed and led the several attacks upon the enemy, and for the eminent services rendered by him in the Battles of the 18th, 21st, and 22nd of December, 1845; displaying, as he did, in conjunction with the Governor-General, a brilliant example to the Troops of perseverance and courage in critical circumstances, and of irresistible ardour in the several attacks made upon the enemy.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_, _Nemine dissentiente_."

"Then it was _moved_ to resolve,--That the Thanks of this House be given to Major-General Sir Henry George Smith, Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, to Major-General Walter Raleigh Gilbert, and to Major-General Sir John Hunter Littler, Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, and to the several Officers, European and Native, under their command, for the eminent services rendered by them in the recent arduous and successful operations.

"On Question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_, _Nemine dissentiente_."

"Then it was _moved_ to resolve,--That the Thanks of this House be given to the Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Soldiers, European and Native, for the perseverance and fortitude maintained by them at Moodkee, on the 18th December, 1845, and for the daring valour with which they forced the enemy's entrenchments at Ferozeshah on the 21st and 22nd of December, captured most of his guns, and finally compelled the Sikh Army, of greatly superior numbers, to retire within their own frontier; and that this Resolution be signified to them by the Commanders of the several Corps.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_, _Nemine dissentiente_."

"Then it was _moved_,--That the said Resolutions be transmitted by the Lord Chancellor to the Governor-General of India, and that he be requested to communicate the same to the several Officers referred to therein.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_."

_Extracts from Minutes of Proceedings of the House of Lords.--2nd April, 1846._

"Order of the Day read, _moved_ to resolve,--That the Thanks of this House be given to Major-General Sir Henry George Smith, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, for his skilful and meritorious conduct, when in command of the British Troops employed against a large portion of the Sikh Army, of greatly superior numbers; and for the signal valour and judgment displayed by him in the battle of the 28th of January, 1846, when the enemy's force was totally defeated, and a new lustre added to the reputation of the British Arms.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_, _Nemine dissentiente_."

"Then it was _moved_ to resolve,--That the Thanks of this House be given to the several Officers, European and Native, under the command of Sir Henry Smith, for the distinguished services rendered by them at the battle of Aliwal.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_, _Nemine dissentiente_."

"Then it was _moved_ to resolve,--That this House doth highly approve of and commend the intrepidity and exemplary discipline displayed by the Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Soldiers, European and Native, on the 28th of January 1846, in their attack on the enemy's position, by which the Sikhs were completely routed and driven in confusion across the Sutlej, with the loss of all their Artillery and Military Equipment; and that the same be signified to them by the Commanders of the several Corps, who are desired to thank them for their gallant behaviour.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_, _Nemine dissentiente_."

"Then it was _moved_ to resolve,--That in requesting the Governor-General of India to communicate these Resolutions to the several Officers referred to therein, this House desires to acknowledge the zeal and judgment evinced by the Right Honourable Lieut.-General Sir Henry Hardinge, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, Governor-General of India, and also by General Sir Hugh Gough, Baronet, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in India, in supplying Major-General Sir Henry Smith with such reinforcements and military means as enabled him, under Divine Providence, to overcome all the obstacles thrown in his way by a brave and determined enemy.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_, _Nemine dissentiente_."

"Then it was _moved_ to resolve,--That the Thanks of this House be given to the Right Honourable Lieut.-General Sir Henry Hardinge, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, Governor-General of India, for the judgment, energy, and ability with which the resources of the British Empire in India have been applied in repelling the unjust and unprovoked invasion of the British Territory by the Sikh Nation; and for the valour and indefatigable exertions which he displayed on the 10th of February, 1846, at the battle of Sobraon, when, by the blessing of Almighty God, which we desire most humbly to acknowledge, this hostile and treacherous invasion was successfully defeated.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_, _Nemine dissentiente_."

"Then it was _moved_ to resolve,--That the thanks of this House be given to General Sir Hugh Gough, Baronet, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in India, for the signal ability and valour with which, upon the 10th of February, 1846, he directed and led the attack, when the enemy's entrenchments were stormed, their Artillery captured, their Army defeated and scattered, and the Punjaub laid open to the advance of our victorious troops.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_, _Nemine dissentiente_."

"Then it was _moved_ to resolve,--That the Thanks of this House be given to Major-General Sir Henry George Smith, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath; Major-General Walter Raleigh Gilbert; and Major-General Sir Joseph Thackwell, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath; and to the other Officers, European and Native, for the distinguished services rendered by them in the eminently successful operations at the Battle of Sobraon.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_, _Nemine dissentiente_."

"Then it was _moved_ to resolve,--That this House doth highly approve of and commend the invincible intrepidity, perseverance, and steady discipline displayed by the Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Soldiers, European and Native, on the 10th of February, 1846, by which the glory of the British Arms has been successfully maintained against a determined and greatly superior force: and that the same be signified to them by the Commanders of the several Corps, who are desired to thank them for their gallant behaviour.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_."

"Then it was _moved_,--That the said Resolutions be transmitted by the Lord Chancellor to the Governor-General of India, and that he be requested to communicate the same to the several Officers referred to therein.

"On question, _Resolved_ in the _Affirmative_."

_Extracts from the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.--2nd March, 1846._

MILITARY OPERATIONS ON THE SUTLEJ.

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That the Thanks of this House be given to the Right Honourable Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Hardinge, Governor-General of India, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, for the energy and ability with which he directed the military means at his disposal, to the repelling of the unprovoked invasion by the Sikh Army of the dominions of the British Government, and of the Protected States upon the left bank of the Sutlej; and also for the firmness and gallantry with which he directed the operations of that portion of the army under his immediate command, in the afternoon and night of 21st December, 1845, and on the morning of the 22nd, upon which occasion the enemy's defences were carried by storm, the greater part of their artillery captured, and their subsequent attempts to regain what they had lost, repeatedly defeated."

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That the Thanks of this House be given to General Sir Hugh Gough, Baronet, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in the East Indies, for the distinguished valour with which he directed and led the several attacks upon the enemy, and for the eminent services rendered by him in the battles of the 18th, 21st, and 22nd of December, 1845, displaying, as he did, in conjunction with the Governor-General, a brilliant example to the Troops of perseverance and courage in critical circumstances, and of irresistible ardour in the several attacks made upon the enemy."

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That the Thanks of this House be given to Major-General Sir Henry George Smith, Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, to Major-General Walter Raleigh Gilbert, and to Major-General Sir John Hunter Littler, Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, and to the several Officers, European and Native, under their command, for the eminent services rendered by them in the recent arduous and successful operations."

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That the Thanks of this House be given to the Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Soldiers, European and Native, for the perseverance and fortitude maintained by them at Moodkee, on the 18th of December, 1845, and for the daring valour with which they forced the enemy's entrenchments at Ferozeshah on the 21st and 22nd of December, captured most of his guns, and finally compelled the Sikh Army, of greatly superior numbers, to retire within their own frontier."

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That this Resolution be signified to them by the Commanders of the several Corps."

"_Ordered_,--That the said Resolutions be transmitted by Mr. Speaker to the Governor-General of India, and that he be requested to communicate the same to the several Officers referred to therein."

_Extracts from the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.--2nd April, 1846._

BATTLE OF ALIWAL.

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That the Thanks of this House be given to Major-General Sir Henry George Smith, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, for his skilful and meritorious conduct when in command of the British Troops employed against a large portion of the Sikh Army, of greatly superior numbers; and for the signal valour and judgment displayed by him in the battle of Aliwal, on the 28th of January, 1846, when the enemy's force was totally defeated, and new lustre added to the reputation of the British Arms."

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That the Thanks of this House be given to the several Officers, European and Native, under the command of Sir Henry Smith, for the distinguished services rendered by them at the battle of Aliwal."

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That this House doth highly approve of, and commend, the intrepidity and exemplary discipline displayed by the Non-commissioned Officers and Private Soldiers, European and Native, in the battle of Aliwal, on the 28th of January, 1846, in their attack on the enemy's position, by which the Sikhs were completely routed, and driven in confusion across the Sutlej; with the loss of all their Artillery, and Military Equipment; and that the same be signified to them by the Commanders of the several Corps, who are desired to thank them for their gallant behaviour."

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That, in requesting the Governor-General of India to communicate these Resolutions to the several Officers referred to therein, this House desires to acknowledge the zeal and judgment evinced by the Right Honourable Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Hardinge Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, Governor-General of India; and also by General Sir Hugh Gough, Baronet, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in India, in supplying Major-General Sir Henry Smith with such reinforcements and military means as enabled him, under Divine Providence, to overcome all the obstacles thrown in his way by a brave and determined enemy."

"_Ordered_,--That the said Resolutions be transmitted by Mr. Speaker to the Governor-General of India, and that he be requested to communicate the same to the several Officers referred to therein."--(_Sir Robert Peel._)

BATTLE OF SOBRAON.

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That the Thanks of this House be given to the Right Honourable Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Hardinge, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, Governor-General of India, for the judgment, energy, and ability, with which the resources of the British Empire in India have been applied, in repelling the unjust and unprovoked invasion of the British Territory by the Sikh Nation; and for the valour and indefatigable exertions which he displayed on the 10th of February, 1846, at the battle of Sobraon, when, by the blessing of Almighty God, which we desire most humbly to acknowledge, this hostile and treacherous invasion was successfully defeated."

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That the Thanks of this House be given to General Sir Hugh Gough, Baronet, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in India, for the signal ability and valour with which, in the battle of Sobraon, upon the 10th of February, 1846, he directed and led the attack, when the enemy's entrenchments were stormed, their artillery captured, their army defeated and scattered, and the Punjaub laid open to the advance of our victorious Troops."

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That the Thanks of this House be given to Major-General Sir Henry George Smith, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, Major-General Walter Raleigh Gilbert, and Major-General Sir Joseph Thackwell, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath; and to the other Officers, European and Native, for the distinguished services rendered by them in the eminently successful operations at the battle of Sobraon."

"_Resolved_, _Nemine contradicente_,--That this House doth highly approve of, and commend, the invincible intrepidity, perseverance, and steady discipline displayed by the Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Soldiers, European and Native, in the battle of Sobraon, on the 10th of February, 1846, by which the glory of the British Arms has been successfully maintained against a determined and greatly superior force; and that the same be signified to them by the Commanders of the several Corps, who are desired to thank them for their gallant behaviour."

"_Ordered_,--That the said Resolutions be transmitted by Mr. Speaker to the Governor-General of India, and that he be requested to communicate the same to the several Officers referred to therein."--(_Sir Robert Peel._)

London:--Printed by WILLIAM CLOWES and SONS, Stamford Street,
For Her Majesty's Stationery Office.

LONDON:--PRINTED BY W. CLOWES & SONS, STAMFORD STREET,
FOR HER MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE.

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES

Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical
errors.

Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed.

Enclosed italics font in _underscores_.