THE PRISONERS OF WAR. 31 chiefs, the principal being Meer Bohur Khan, the Commander-in-Chief, and his son, Morad Khan, who were initiated into camel equitation by being sent at once prisoners, under my charge, to Sukkur head-quarters. The only rest I had was during the time the despatches were being written by Colonel Marshall. When ready, off I started, with an injured hip, on the right side; returning to, and arriving at head-quarters (one hundred and fifty miles) at the same pace as that at which I went out, seriously injuring the antipodes of Meer Bohur Khan and his son, Morad Khan, who, during their camel trip, frequently begged of me to put them to death like soldiers, rather than shake their insides out on camels. On reaching the Residency at two in the morning, and General Brooks being informed I had arrived, he rose and greeted me. He could scarcely believe I had been there. His im pression was that I had been compelled to abandon the undertaking, and return. I was so exhausted that I requested him to read the despatches which were in my sabretache, and which I could not even take out. He did so. His surprise and joy were excessive. I met with the kindest reception from him and Mr. Ross Bell, the Resident, and experienced every care and attention. for a fortnight for my sins, weak, bruised, wearied, and fevered. But I had a capital I was confined to my bed febrifuge and consolation in the orders issued on the occasion by the Governor-General of India. Nusseer Khan, the Khan of Khelat, escaped before Major Teasdale's flanking-party came up, but all his baggage, tents, camels, ammunition, &c., fell into our hands, even to the very bed he slept on. The hilly nature of the country rendered pursuit by our nearly worn out troops worse than useless. The result of the action, however, left Nusseer Khan helpless, and he and his young mother, Bibi Gunga, soon surrendered themselves to the British authorities, after some political flirting on both sides. The Beloochees never met us again on their hills after the lesson of Colonel Marshall, but were induced to make their last COMPLIMENTARY ORDERS. 33 attempt in hordes at Meanee and Hyderabad three years subsequently, when the gallant Napier gave the coup de grace to their power, by extinguishing the authority of the Ameers, and adding Scinde to the British Indian pos sessions. I am enabled to add to this rough narrative, the gratifying orders of the Governor-General referred to above. They are at once confirmatory of my tale, and complimentary to the parties engaged in the campaign. Government Gazettes, and Records of Services, of Captain T. Smith, Assistant Political-Resident at Nepaul, during the Years 1840 and 1841. My Lord, I. Sukkur, November 2nd, 1840. I did myself the honour yesterday of reporting my arrival at Sukkur. Among other papers which I found awaiting my arrival, was a General Order from his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, instructing me to remand Lieutenant Smith, of the 15th Regiment Bengal N.I., to his regiment. The circumstances under which this officer was appointed extra aide-de-camp by me were peculiar, and as I am most anxious to retain his services, which I find of great value, I consulted Mr. Bell this morning as to whether I could with propriety delay giving effect to his Excellency's order, pending a reference to your Lordship on the subject. Mr. Bell stated his opinion, that, aware as he was of your Lordship's desire that every aid should be afforded to us in this country, he had no hesitation in recommending me to retain Lieutenant Smith's services for the present, and lay before your Lordship my earnest application to be permitted to appoint him my second aide-de-camp. At the time Lieutenant Smith was appointed by me at Mhow, to proceed to Sukkur on my staff, I omitted in the hurry of preparation to observe the necessary formality of applying to the Supreme Government for the services of an officer belonging to the Bengal Presidency. But I am in hopes your Lordship will forgive this omission, and take the application which I have now the honour to submit into your favourable consideration. I have the honour to be, With the greatest respect, Your Lordship's most obedient Servant, Major-General, Commanding Field Army, Upper Scinde. COMPLIMENTARY ORDERS. 35 Sir, Head Quarters, Field Army, Sukkur, 28th November, 1840. II. (SECRET.) The Political Agent in Upper Scinde having placed your services at the disposal of the Major-General commanding Field Army for temporary duty, I am directed to acquaint you that you are required to carry a secret dispatch of importance to Lieutenant-Colonel' Marshall, or Officer commanding at Kotree. 2. Three running camels from my department are placed at your disposal, to enable you to convey this dispatch with the least possible delay. 3. You will place yourself under the orders of Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall, and afford him every assistance in your power. As you are in the entire confidence of the Major-General and Political Agent, you will request Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall to communicate the contents of the dispatch, and to consult with you on the plan of operations, and to attend to such suggestions as your knowledge of the General's sentiments may enable you to make. 4. You will be pleased further to request LieutenantColonel Marshall to place the cavalry of his force under your immediate command during the operations. So soon as these operations are ended, you will return to head-quarters with all possible expedition, bearing |